The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

The Soldier's Scoundrel

by Cat Sebastian

A scoundrel who lives in the shadows. Jack Turner grew up in the darkness of London's slums, born into a life of crime and willing to do anything to keep his belly full and his siblings safe. Now he uses the tricks and schemes of the underworld to help those who need the kind of assistance only a scoundrel can provide. His distrust of the nobility runs deep and his services do not extend to the gorgeous high-born soldier who personifies everything Jack will never be. A soldier untarnished by vice. After the chaos of war, Oliver Rivington craves the safe predictability of a gentleman's life--one that doesn't include sparring with a ne'er-do-well who flouts the law at every turn. But Jack tempts Oliver like no other man has before. Soon his yearning for the unapologetic criminal is only matched by Jack's pleasure in watching his genteel polish crumble every time they're together.--page 4 of cover.

Reviewed by Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

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4.5 stars

I don't pick up historical romances as often as I should even though I enjoy reading them a great deal. I've read contemporary M/M romances before but The Soldier's Scoundrel is the first M/M Regency and this is a début novel by the author.

Jack Turner has a knack of making his own fortune. A good attribute because his abusive upbringing taught him to seize any opportunity at any time. He's like a chameleon, blending into any situation to 'help' solve problems for his discerning clients. When a distinguished young gentleman seeks him out at his office, he says, he's making inquiries for his sister. Whilst that may be true, it is obvious to Jack that Captain 'Oliver' Rivington isn't the gentleman he pretends to be.

Oliver Rivington is back in England after selling the military commission his father paid for when he was only seventeen years old. Now in London, he's trying to find a purpose in his life and looking into the affairs of his sister is a start. When he visits an office to query an account, he comes face to face with a man who is far more complex than the services he offers.

I didn't know what to expect when I dived in, but my inability to put this book down became quickly apparent; a hugely positive sign. I love the fact the protagonists' attraction is taboo with the obstacles they have to overcome to be together. A welcome surprise was the mystery element to the plot as Jack, with Oliver's assistance turn detectives. The whole plot is fun and aided with an entertaining cast of secondary characters. When I read the ending I felt that the author's expectations didn't match the feelings of the time (Regency) with regards to homosexuality...then I reminded myself that this is a fictional story of two men falling in love and there's absolutely nothing wrong with wishing them a happy ending.

The writing flows in this sexy tale of forbidden love. Both protagonists compliment each other perfectly despite their vastly differing social backgrounds. Jack is compassionate and incredibly perceptive whilst Oliver is romantic; believing they can find a way to be together permanently.

This is a wonderful first novel by Cat Sebastian and I can't wait to read more from her.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Impulse via Edelweiss+***

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  • Started reading
  • 9 September, 2016: Finished reading
  • 9 September, 2016: Reviewed