Daphne Foliot has always known she’ll be married off to a man who, like her, descended from one of King Arthur’s fabled knights. That doesn’t mean she wants to be, even if it is her beloved father’s wish. Raised without a mother, she owes everything to the man who encouraged and funded her education and supports her dream of becoming the first female member of the Order of the Round Table. But … when she suspects her chosen husband is a traitor to the Order, she plans to expose his treachery, regardless of their extraordinary mutual attraction.
Heir to the thirteen treasures of Britain, Gideon Kersey vows to do anything to protect his family’s legacy from a secret society bent on exploiting the items for personal gain, including marry a woman he doesn’t love. Except she ignites a passion he was certain died with his first wife, and when the truth behind the Order’s objectives threatens everything Daphne knows, Gideon must fight to save her—and any future they hope to share.
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What an end to the series!
I’ll admit it took me a bit to get into the book at first–I’d been a while since I’d read book 3 ( Lord of Fortune –confession time, it’s the only other series book I’ve read so far, but that will change soon!) and I felt like I was playing catch up for a bit there, trying to remember what the deal was with the Order and Camelot and why people were so annoyed with Gideon. Once those series details were re-established in my brain, though, the story grabbed me and didn’t want to let go!
Ms. Burke did a fantastic job of keeping us on the edge of our seats with this one–there were honestly times I wasn’t 100% sure who could really be trusted, who believed what, and what choices the characters were really making. I knew what I wanted to be true, of course, but wasn’t entirely sure that was what was going on–she had both this reader and Gideon pretty darn upset for at least a little while there!
And then…phew! she brings Gideon and Daphne back together, and all looks hopeful for our heroes (who are so gosh darn good together and of course deserve all the good things!)
But just when you think things are going well and the end of their quest is in sight–boom! Ms. Burke hits you with another plot twist (and a series character reunion, to soften the blow…at least a little 😉 ) From that point on, you might as well not even pretend you’re able to put the book down and get something else done. Once I hit 80-something% I was pretty much good for nothing until I got to their HEA–and OMG, it was such a ride. I’m sorry to see the series end, but it was a heck of a way to go!
Though I’ll admit it is possible to just read this book and (eventually) figure out what you need to know about the series up to that point, the overarching series plot lines and changes that the characters go through along the way make this series an excellent choice for a binge read week (or weekend!) Those who have read some–or even better, all–of the other books before this one will get a lot more out of it. I know I’ll be going back ASAP to read the first two, and appreciate them all the more already knowing the very happy ending they’re all going to see in book four.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a great story. I am so sad this series is ending. This story revolves around Gideon and Daphne’s road to love. Gideon is an Earl looking for historical treasure to sooth his tortured soul. Daphne is trying to prove she belongs in the boy’s club. I thought this book summed up the whole series nicely.
Captivating the Scoundrel by Darcy Burke is the fourth book in her Legendary Rogues series and is another great historical romance to add to your reading list. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Amazing conclusion to the series and I think Darcy’s best book ever! The plotting and pacing of this story was complex and spot on!!! Excellent story for this King Arthur Legend. I am so impressed with all the research and knowledge that went into the crafting of this series. It was a page turner from start to finish!
Gideon Kersey is not such a bad guy after all. Turns out he’s a descendant of Gareth, one of the Knights of the Round Table that the treasures respond to. This story redeems him and gives him the label “The Worthy”! He now sees Timothy Foliot for the evil controlling and manipulative man he is but has to pretend allegiance to him to get two of the thirteen treasures back from him. Foliot tells him he must marry his daughter Daphne to prove his loyalty. Foliot wants her married to a descendant as he’s obsessed with the 13 treasures and their power. Gideon doesn’t want to be married again but pretends to agree to gain access to the treasures Foliot already has. Daphne is an expert in all things about Arthur and is obsessed with Morgana searching for evidence Morgan le Fay was not evil but in fact a healer. She’s always assumed she’d be married to a descendant.
The questing adventure that follows is amazing in it’s twists and turns and complex nature. We get quite a story and satisfying conclusion to a fabulous journey to collect the remaining treasures and return them to Galen to be kept safe from those who would use them to gain power. Thank you Darcy for giving me an opportunity to review this story for you…sorry it’s a bit late.
Darcy knows how to end a series with a bang! I’ve loved the whole series, but this was favorite. The story of finding the cloak all the info surrounding Gideon being the heir to all of will have King Arthur lovers like me bouncing off the walls. Daphne and Gideon are a mix of enemies and allies turned lovers that will have you on the edge of your seat at every turn. From a rushed wedding to a great fight scene, I couldn’t put it down for a second.
Daphne is my favorite heroine. She is smart enough not to completely believe anything without proof and she listens to her heart. I loved her right away because of determined she was to find what she wanted. She was nothing like her father.
Gideon just wants to do what’s right. He was a bit of a villain in the previous books, but I knew there was more to him and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved how determined he was to keep the treasures safe. He knew he lost his heart to Daphne quickly.
The ending was exactly how I wished it happened even with Daphne doing the one thing I hoped she would do but didn’t expect her to do! So many things come out in this book that about different things that it’s a favorite. I’m sad to see the series end, but it ends on a great note.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
Well written, but I felt the book dragged on forever before getting to the meat of the story. I was easily distracted from the book (not usual for me and certainly not with Darcy Burke’s books).
This book closes all the character arcs and finishes the Legendary Rogues series. Gideon Kersey is the Earl of Stratton (maybe, because he’s actually illegitimate and the second son) and Daphne Foliot work together to find one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Britain—the Cloak of Invisibility (very Harry Potter). Daphne’s father (Timothy Foliot, grand master of the Camelot faction of The Order; all-around evil villain, even though Daphne hasn’t seen that side of him) blackmails Gideon into an arranged marriage with Daphne. Although Gideon and Daphne initially agree to not marry, but when they do, they agree to a “white” marriage, but then being together sparks lust and they consummate their marriage, they still are planning on going their separate ways, then they realize that they are meant for each other. Whew! I was more intrigued by the story line at Brue Cottage and really want to learn more about the women who live there.
I have read some books by Darcy Burke, all from The Untouchables series, so this book showed a different side of her talent.
Even if it is the last in a series, it can be read as a standalone story, over time, all the characters from the previous books were introduced.
This was the tale of a quest, a man who wants to right the wrongs he has done by restoring something grander and protecting those who could be harmed in the process. And the tale of the woman who wants to help him to prove she can be worthy too.
It was a long journey I followed with pleasure, at the beginning I felt a little lost by the amount of details and protagonists but soon, everything and everyone took its right place. Plus the romance was no insta-lust nor insta-Love, Daphné and Gideon had a great chemistry from their first encounter but they will have a long way before being able to trust another and then see it for who it is. They get to learn about each other, they come to appreciate the other, it will be only after, that their feelings might be able to evolve to something deeper than physical attraction.
I loved the magical elements added to the plot, it gave the story an enchanted atmosphere.
CAPTIVATING THE SCOUNDREL by Darcy Burke is book Four in the Legendary Rogues Series. This is the story of Gideon Kersey and Daphne Foliot. I have read the previous book, but feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to make it one. Daphne was raised by her father and she knew from the start she would have a marriage of convenience and not one of love. Gideon is out to right a wrong and return treasures to their proper home. In doing this he has taken chances and is settled into even possible marry over it. But what he doesn’t count on is how much he is drawn to Daphne. Daphne is looking for one of the treasures she thinks it will lead her to be the first female member of the Order. Gideon and Daphen team up to go forward with their goals but their feelings are making turning into the treasures they really want.
Loved this book.
Captivating the Scoundrel by Darcy Burke
Legendary Rogues #4
This is one book I believe would have benefited by my having read the first three books in the series. It was okay without having read them but the references to previous stories, the people in them and the treasures found would have provided more backstory and depth for me while reading this book had I read the others first. That said, this book does tie up the quest to find the thirteen treasures, deals with a secret society and an evil offshoot within the society, has some magic and romance and action aplenty. The romance between the couple is rather pushed by Daphne’s father and she is willing though Gideon is not interested at all…for the most part. There is a happily ever after ending and the bad guy gets his comeuppance with the myth and quest all tied up with a bow. Again, I would recommend reading all of the books in order if you can but this book does give you the gist of the preceding books so you can follow this story fairly well.
Thank you to the author for t he ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Through the years I have read and enjoyed historical romances, but they have not been my norm. This year I told myself I would try and read more of them and I have to say, I truly enjoyed reading Captivating the Scoundrel by Darcy Burke. It was both a historical novel and suspenseful.
Daphne Foliot is destined to marry a man chosen for her, even if that is not what she wants, it is what is expected. Her true passion lies in the Order of the Round Table and being the first woman accepted into its membership. But when she believes the man she must marry may be a traitor, she is determined to expose him, chemistry between them be damned!
Gideon Kersey is determined to protect his legacy and though marriage may be the last thing he wants, something about Daphne calls to him. His past was not an easy one, even so, he was caring, strong and determined. He does not trust the order and is determined to learn more, but what will be the cost?
~ Liz
Through the years I have read and enjoyed historical romances, but they have not been my norm. This year I told myself I would try and read more of them and I have to say, I truly enjoyed reading Captivating the Scoundrel by Darcy Burke. It was both a historical novel and suspenseful.
Daphne Foliot is destined to marry a man chosen for her, even if that is not what she wants, it is what is expected. Her true passion lies in the Order of the Round Table and being the first woman accepted into its membership. But when she believes the man she must marry may be a traitor, she is determined to expose him, chemistry between them be damned!
Gideon Kersey is determined to protect his legacy and though marriage may be the last thing he wants, something about Daphne calls to him. His past was not an easy one, even so, he was caring, strong and determined. He does not trust the order and is determined to learn more, but what will be the cost?
I enjoyed reading Captivating the Scoundrel, though I must say there were times I felt like I may have been missing some things. I will definitely go back and read the previous books in the series. But overall this book was a great read with characters and story I liked!
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
This brings this 4-book series to a very fitting close. No loose ties, logical ending with a wee bit of supernatural power.
As with the other heroines, Daphne is an intelligent young woman, although she is resigned to her father’s matchmaking. Gideon has a lot on his plate; expecting a writ of summons at any moment while possibly losing the earldom to Penn, he still concentrates on outwitting Foliot and his Camelot group and needs to find the cloak to fulfill his plans.
As with the other installments, the reader is taken on a treasure hunt. The story is fast paced and in parts suspenseful with some surprises.
I received a free advance copy and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
I really enjoyed this story – I love the history (some true, some embellished, all interesting) and although it is a stand alone novel; I suggest reading the series in publication order – the characters are all so worth getting to know.
Gideon Kersey, is finally getting is chance for redemption and escaping his deceased debauched father & his mother’s abandoning him at a 9 years old. I enjoyed Gideon in earlier books and he just needs someone to love and care for him.
Daphne Foliot grew up with similar relationships with her parents – her mother went away and never returned and her doting father has two sides to his personality. The one thing she has always known, is she would marry someone who was descended from King Arthur’s trusted Knights..
Gideon is one the descendants and Daphne’s father insist they marry – all the adventures start here. There are lies, murders, thievery, deceit, wonderful family relations, love, trust, honor and a HEA. It was such fun seeing many of the past characters from previous books, i.e. Rhys, Margery, Amelia, Penn, Elijah, Cate and they all add to this story.
I was gifted this ARC and I am so glad I can recommend this book and the series to all historical romance readers – you won’t be disappointed!
It is sad when a series ends, but what a way to end the Legendary Rogues. The characters are ones we are invested in (especially Gideon who was the bad boy in some of the previous books but don’t most bad boys turn out to be great heroes?!?). The story captivates you from the beginning. Treasures, villains, marriages of convenience, and Morgan Le Fay…it has it all and the story surrounding the adventures of Gideon and Daphne is a page turner. A little giddy over Gideon, definitely! The journey to love and trust for Daphne and Gideon is sometimes heartbreaking but also wonderful. This series is for anyone who wants an adventure.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Camelot the Rogue portion of the Order has finally been destroyed. Gideon has fulfilled his destiny and found his heart and love in his enemies daughter, Daphne. This book, like the other in the series, is not to be missed. Gideon satisfies all the qualities of a hero and a Prince Charming. Daphne is determination personified. Together they make an indomitable couple. The plot is fraught with danger and many surprises. There are moments of joy and sadness. I am looking forward to reading this a second time with as much enthusiasm as I’ve just read it the first time.
Daphne Foliot has always known she’ll be married off to a man who, like her, descended from one of King Arthur’s fabled knights. That doesn’t mean she wants to be, even if it is her beloved father’s wish. Her mother left years ago & she owes everything to the man who encouraged and funded her education and supports her dream of becoming the first female member of the Order of the Round Table. Heir to the thirteen treasures of Britain, Gideon Kersey vows to do anything to protect his family’s legacy from a secret society bent on exploiting the items for personal gain, including marry a woman he doesn’t love.
Sadly this is the final book in his brilliant series. A captivating, engrossing read that drew me in from page one & didn’t let go until the end. A very well paced book which accelerated to the climax. The characters were well fleshed & throughout the series I’ve felt I’ve really come to know them. I‘d wanted Gideon to have his HEA & this story certainly did him justice. I do love anything relating to Arthurian legend & this aspect of the book had me enthralled & to have it linked to the Regency period has been the icing on the cake. This book could be read on its own but I’d recommend reading the whole series to fully appreciate it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read