Always a Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch Published by Harper Collins on April 28th 2009
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Never a gentleman . . . until now.Lord Bramwell Johns, the second son of a duke, is an unrepentant scoundrel. Now that his two closest friends are disgustingly ensconced in domestic bliss, Bram is feeling strangely restless. And not even relieving London's least deserving artistocrats of their ill-gotten jewels is enough—until the night he overhears an argument. It seems that Lady Rosamund Davies is about to be forced into marriage with a rogue even worse than himself.Rose is well aware of Bram's scandalous reputation, so any reason for his sudden interest in her is suspect; more so since he's close friends with the man about to ruin her family! She has her own plan though, and Bram may be just what she requires—as long as she remembers that he is only looking out for himself. As long as she remembers that his kisses and caresses don't mean anything. As long as she can keep from wondering whether she can trust a scoundrel . . . with her heart.
Its been a few months since I have read anything from Suzanne Enoch, and I always get spiraled into her stories and utterly drawn in. The same is true to Always A Scoundrel and I have fallen in love with Rose and Bram. Lord Bramwell is your typical English Rogue who drinks, and cavorts with endless amounts of women-most particularly married women. He is the last of his trio of friends that is still unattached and unmarried. Bram finds himself feeling ever most grateful for the circumstance, since he has no desire for marriage or settling down. Bram goes about as the ‘Black Cat’ sneaking into nobleman’s homes and stealing artifacts or ill gotten jewels. One night he hears a argument, and it seems that Lady Rosamund is to be forced into a marriage with a man that is a monster, and will eventually destroy her spirit and even her. Knowing she could never survive such a marriage with Lord Cosgrove. Apparently Rose’s younger brother John gambled too much and lost Ten Thousand Pounds to Lord Cosgrove and is insisting that instead of funds he will accept a marriage to his sister. Rose is well aware of her duty to her family, even though they are willing to sell her to a blackguard, who will destroy her. Rose’s family has never cared much for her, wanting to get her off their hands. Bram then becomes her friend and closest ally, in trying to convince her to fight back to Cosgrove, or run away to Scotland or the countryside and find a job as a governess or companion. However she insists that she can’t leave her family out on the streets, so she is insisting on her duty and obligation to her family. However after sharing some passionate moments with Bram and realizing that such pleasure can be attained, she finds herself confused at what she really feels she needs to do. Cosgrove keeps up his lustful and disgusting advances, so much so that she knows her life with him will be ‘Hell on Earth’ in the literal sense. But Rose doesn’t know if she can trust Bram with her heart!
This was truly a wondrous story, that fills the reader with love and a tender passion that develops between Rose and Bram. I also thoroughly loved the sub characters such as John (Rose’s Brother) and Brams two other friends and their wives. There were many moments in the book that made my laugh and smile and I felt so drawn to the characters that I felt I was there within the story, it came alive. Suzanne Enoch has such a talent, at least for me, that draws the reader in and I couldn’t put this down, I read into under a couple of hours, I was so captivated by the plot, the characters, and the connection and passion that is between the main characters. I also fell in love with Rose and Bram. Rose is a genuine heroine, who even though her family could care less about her (except for her brother) she is willing to sacrifice everything for her family. Rose is a caring and loving woman, who has a passionate nature that is released upon meeting Bram. Bram is your above average rogue, who finds himself enticed toward Rose, and is never bored with her. Instead he is thoroughly captivated by her spirit and is never bored whenever she is in the same room with him. I am sure those of you who have never read this book will enjoy it as much as I have.
About Suzanne Enoch
Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
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