The Beloved Scoundrel (ISBN 0553590383)

Couldn't Put it Down!!!!!:
I couldn't understand why some reviewers gave such low comments on this book. I LOVE Beloved Scoundrel, I've read it a millions times, and it's just as interesting as if it were the first time I read it. This book made me an Iris Johansen fan, and now I'm looking for some of her other works. It's not in anyway boring, I couldn't put this book down. Her characters were so believable, I loved Jordan his determination to avoid the heroine, but yet he's helpless but to fall in love with her, and I loved Marianna's determination and strength. She goes to all lengths to keep her family's greatest secret, even though she knows that it very well may destroy the bond she's built with Jordan. The thing I liked the most was, that despite succumbing to Jordan seduction, she never took her eye of what was important, keeping the Jedelar's secret, and keeping Alex, her only relative left safe. Jordan though a serious womanizer, and uses his experience to intimidate Marianna, he still lives by a certain code of honor. And I think it was believable the 3 year long wait, Johansen paints that image perfectly, and doesn't drag out the 3 years so you don't even notice it really except that the fact that Jordan can no longer deny his feelings for her because he can't hide behind the fact that she was too young and balancing between half-woman/half-child. Excellent twists and turns, some shockers I didn't seem coming. And it was interesting to get inside Jordan's head, and see who was the man behind all that cynicism. I'm very picky when it comes to the books, I read or buy, and I have little patience for stupid or boring books, and this is NOT one! I have all my friends read this book, I would highly recommend to anyone who likes romance, and strong complex characters who have depth.

A Disappointment:
I've read a few of Iris Johansen's books, and they were very good. However, I know during that day and age men were marrying and courting younger girls, but I just could not get pass her age she was a child. Gregor and Jordan kept saying that to each other. Even though she was not your average sisteen year old, she possessed a lot of strength and wisdom. Besides the age the book is downright boring. I will continue to buy her books, maybe the next one will be better.

Terrible!:
I read romance novels from time to time, and I would have to say this is the worst one I have ever read. The first chapter was alright but then nothing happened. I kept reading thinking that things would have to turn around, but by the time I read around page 215 I gave up on this book and went to bed. As of that page, there is no charisma between the two main characters and there aren't any love seens. Not only that, but I just could not connect to the main character. I hardly care about her glass making and her little brother, the latter of which I found rather distracting in the story. Furthermore, the main character spends more of her time with Gregor, the Duke's friend than she does with him. I really didn't care to read a bunch of small talk. Most of what I read was noise. I rarely ever skip pages in romance novels, because they are usually so exciting, but with this book, I found myself quickly skimming through pages to find something worth while going on. I hope Barnes and Noble will take this book back, because it wasn't worth it. Save your money and buy something better that what I could write, and I don't write.

Just made me feel icky.:
I know women wed earlier in the 1800s, but 16 is still stretching it, and Johansen is writing for a modern audience. I'm not sure what the problem was for me - I've read plenty of romances with young heroines & significantly older men. This one just made me uncomfortable & I had to put it down.

I love this book!:
This is my favorite book she ever wrote. I like the characters that she created for this book and she portrayed them. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance novels.