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Escape with a Scoundrel #2
Her Scoundrel Earl
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00TBOL4UQ
He's secretly a highwayman. So is the lady who's about to steal his heart...
A fallen-from-grace earl with a nefarious reputation, Marcus Worthington wants vengeance against the man who ruined his family. There's just one obstacle in his path: the lovely Lady Elizabeth Barnes-Finchley, a daring young widow who's pursuing the same goal--with the help of a surprising secret identity. When a pistol shot on a moonlit heath brings them together, the rival outlaws reluctantly agree to join forces against their mutual enemy. But their seductive partnership puts both their lives in danger...and falling in love was never part of the plan.
Originally published as Midnight Raider
He's secretly a highwayman. So is the lady who's about to steal his heart...
A fallen-from-grace earl with a nefarious reputation, Marcus Worthington wants vengeance against the man who ruined his family. There's just one obstacle in his path: the lovely Lady Elizabeth Barnes-Finchley, a daring young widow who's pursuing the same goal--with the help of a surprising secret identity. When a pistol shot on a moonlit heath brings them together, the rival outlaws reluctantly agree to join forces against their mutual enemy. But their seductive partnership puts both their lives in danger...and falling in love was never part of the plan.
Originally published as Midnight Raider
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
About the author
Shelly Thacker
17 books298 followersUSA Today bestselling author Shelly Thacker has earned lavish praise from Publishers Weekly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Detroit Free Press and The Oakland Press, who have called her historical romance novels “innovative,” “addictive,” “steamy” and “powerful.”
A two-time RWA RITA Award finalist, Shelly has won numerous other honors for her novels, including a National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times Certificates of Excellence, and five straight KISS Awards for her outstanding heroes. The Detroit Free Press has twice placed her romances on their annual list of the year's best.
When she’s not at the computer, you’ll find Shelly reading with her kids, knitting in local cafes, or kickboxing at the gym. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two daughters. For the latest news and sneak previews of upcoming books, visit her at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorShellyT... or http://www.shellythacker.com
A two-time RWA RITA Award finalist, Shelly has won numerous other honors for her novels, including a National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times Certificates of Excellence, and five straight KISS Awards for her outstanding heroes. The Detroit Free Press has twice placed her romances on their annual list of the year's best.
When she’s not at the computer, you’ll find Shelly reading with her kids, knitting in local cafes, or kickboxing at the gym. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two daughters. For the latest news and sneak previews of upcoming books, visit her at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorShellyT... or http://www.shellythacker.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 26, 2010
Usually, I love Shelly Thacker's characters. In fact, I find that her greatest strength is in creating honorable people that, while they have their human flaws, are basically good people that the reader can cheer for. And while the heroine in this book was a person I could cheer for, the hero wasn't.
Where to start? Well, for one, I didn't like the way he almost immediately decides to seduce the heroine, whom he believes is married. She's actually a widow, but he doesn't know that. His reasoning? She must not really love the guy, since he's away all the time, supposedly travelling. So cheating is okay if the marriage is loveless? Not in my book. He believes that the heroine is married, yet the thought of committing adultery with her doesn't even register as a blip on his moral radar. That was a big turn-off.
But what really sealed his doom was when he tries to force himself on the heroine. He only stops when she screams that what he's doing is rape. Okay, okay, he does stop then, but still, that he would actually get to such a state is disgusting! I can't have any respect for a man who would ever even THINK of trying to force himself on a woman, let alone almost do it.
Also, I couldn't really understand why the hero and heroine couldn't just team up to destroy the villain. Since they both hated the guy and wanted to see him suffer for his crimes, why not work together to achieve that mutual goal? After all, as the saying goes "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". The story would have made more sense that way, rather than having the hero and heroine fight amongst themselves.
I cannot believe that this book was written by the same author who wrote the wonderful HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH, A STRANGER'S KISS or the very enjoyable INTO THE SUNSET. Try those books for a true test of what this author is capable of.
Where to start? Well, for one, I didn't like the way he almost immediately decides to seduce the heroine, whom he believes is married. She's actually a widow, but he doesn't know that. His reasoning? She must not really love the guy, since he's away all the time, supposedly travelling. So cheating is okay if the marriage is loveless? Not in my book. He believes that the heroine is married, yet the thought of committing adultery with her doesn't even register as a blip on his moral radar. That was a big turn-off.
But what really sealed his doom was when he tries to force himself on the heroine. He only stops when she screams that what he's doing is rape. Okay, okay, he does stop then, but still, that he would actually get to such a state is disgusting! I can't have any respect for a man who would ever even THINK of trying to force himself on a woman, let alone almost do it.
Also, I couldn't really understand why the hero and heroine couldn't just team up to destroy the villain. Since they both hated the guy and wanted to see him suffer for his crimes, why not work together to achieve that mutual goal? After all, as the saying goes "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". The story would have made more sense that way, rather than having the hero and heroine fight amongst themselves.
I cannot believe that this book was written by the same author who wrote the wonderful HIS FORBIDDEN TOUCH, A STRANGER'S KISS or the very enjoyable INTO THE SUNSET. Try those books for a true test of what this author is capable of.
February 6, 2020
3 - 3.5 the writing was good but for some reason not a page turner for me. I liked the romance between the H/h yet it didn’t really grab me and have me wanting to read on turning pages to see what happens next. To be fair maybe I wasn’t really in the mood to read during some of the weeks it took me to finish this. I will try another of her books because she does write well and I have several others on my kindle that were free. This one may not be among her best.
September 26, 2021
Elizabeth is willfully naive and stupid in her quest for “vengeance” and I just can’t get behind a protagonist who isn’t clever or cunning. It was simply too annoying.
November 7, 2021
Even though I stopped reading at about 60%, I will give this book 4-stars. I stopped reading because the storyline just had way too much vengeance, nasty bad guys, and violence for me. I tend to gravitate towards fluffier books that I can relax with :)
With that being said, the writing and story telling were not bad at all, the characters were well-written... which reminds me. I just saw a 2-star review with someone alluding to the hero being despicable and borderline raping the heroine. I did not see that at all! From their first encounter, the hero immediately became very protective of the heroine and at the point that I stopped reading, they had already just had their first sexual encounter and it was instigated by the heroine, the hero sat back and let the heroine have her way with him and he in no way pushed her for anything. He even several times asked her, "are you sure?" So I got no rape'y vibes at all!
With that being said, the writing and story telling were not bad at all, the characters were well-written... which reminds me. I just saw a 2-star review with someone alluding to the hero being despicable and borderline raping the heroine. I did not see that at all! From their first encounter, the hero immediately became very protective of the heroine and at the point that I stopped reading, they had already just had their first sexual encounter and it was instigated by the heroine, the hero sat back and let the heroine have her way with him and he in no way pushed her for anything. He even several times asked her, "are you sure?" So I got no rape'y vibes at all!
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April 19, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2021)! 🎁
February 22, 2020
Not quite as good as the first one, in my opinion, but still very good.
January 15, 2018
Ok
This book was o k,there was to much stressful situations so I started fast forwarding. Too much thinking and not enough talking.
This book was o k,there was to much stressful situations so I started fast forwarding. Too much thinking and not enough talking.
August 7, 2024
Shelly Thacker does it again! 5 stars after 5 stars of writing. This is my third book of hers that’ve finished in this series and oh boy, I’ve enjoyed each one of them. When I thought one book could never top off the previous one.
This story was emotionally-driven, action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled, all in one! FMC, Elizabeth, was a widow who was left behind by her husband, all pregnant and jailed by a man named Montaigne due to his mounting debts. It was for merely SEVEN SHILLINGS! She lost her baby in the jail due to unbearable stress. Her demise was her main drive towards getting her revenge against Montaigne. MMC, Marcus, was a former duke disguised as a highwayman to reclaim his peerage and family fortune by Montaigne too. Both Marcus and Elizabeth (who was also disguised as a highwayman at the time) stumbled upon one other during their raid, thus starting their journey of revenge together which then turned into the most harrowing tale of love. This plot reminds me a lot of another favourite book of mine called Tempest by Catherine Hart, where the FMC, who was pregnant, was sexually assaulted until she lost her baby and the husband got killed in the process. She went hunting for the perpetrators by hiring a bounty hunter, who was also hunting for one of the men.
My only minor complaints, I wish there were dates on some of the pages to establish the timeline. Because I found it confusing when I flipped to the next page, the characters were already weeks away from their last meeting.
This story was emotionally-driven, action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled, all in one! FMC, Elizabeth, was a widow who was left behind by her husband, all pregnant and jailed by a man named Montaigne due to his mounting debts. It was for merely SEVEN SHILLINGS! She lost her baby in the jail due to unbearable stress. Her demise was her main drive towards getting her revenge against Montaigne. MMC, Marcus, was a former duke disguised as a highwayman to reclaim his peerage and family fortune by Montaigne too. Both Marcus and Elizabeth (who was also disguised as a highwayman at the time) stumbled upon one other during their raid, thus starting their journey of revenge together which then turned into the most harrowing tale of love. This plot reminds me a lot of another favourite book of mine called Tempest by Catherine Hart, where the FMC, who was pregnant, was sexually assaulted until she lost her baby and the husband got killed in the process. She went hunting for the perpetrators by hiring a bounty hunter, who was also hunting for one of the men.
My only minor complaints, I wish there were dates on some of the pages to establish the timeline. Because I found it confusing when I flipped to the next page, the characters were already weeks away from their last meeting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
Enjoyed the novel. It's hard to imagine in this day and age that people would commit people to prison because they couldn't pay a debt. It seems people of money and power were able to do this very thing with the barest of charges. England was famous for their Debtors Prison.
The main characters, Elizabeth Thornhill and Marcus Worthington have been put into situations in life beyond their control. They each vow to themselves that from now on the person who affected their life will be punished. Both are out for revenge and both start robbing the coaches of the person who affected their life. Neither knows each other until they show up to rob the same coach! Things happen.... Marcus is shot, He finds out that this highwayman is a girl, and she ends up getting away with the silver! Marcus vows this isn't the end between them. Happy reading!
The main characters, Elizabeth Thornhill and Marcus Worthington have been put into situations in life beyond their control. They each vow to themselves that from now on the person who affected their life will be punished. Both are out for revenge and both start robbing the coaches of the person who affected their life. Neither knows each other until they show up to rob the same coach! Things happen.... Marcus is shot, He finds out that this highwayman is a girl, and she ends up getting away with the silver! Marcus vows this isn't the end between them. Happy reading!
March 25, 2017
Elizabeth has a few identities to help her with her plans now and the life she had before she was thrown in prison because she could not pay 7 shillings from her dead husband's debts. She has lost her baby in giving birth while there. She has much to be revengeful about and has taken to the life of a highwayman to meet her goals.
Marcus Worthington has much to be resentful about and has taken the same course to get back at the same man for taking his family's wealth and causing his father's death. But it was made to look like Marcus was at fault so he must clear his name.
They meet on the highway one night with the same goal can they work together to meet the same end? Will love get in the way?
Marcus Worthington has much to be resentful about and has taken the same course to get back at the same man for taking his family's wealth and causing his father's death. But it was made to look like Marcus was at fault so he must clear his name.
They meet on the highway one night with the same goal can they work together to meet the same end? Will love get in the way?
April 25, 2021
This was an amazing, compelling read. The detail and depth of the main characters had me feeling as if I’d known them for years. The plot was magnificent, lots of scrapes (usually Elizabeth) twists and turns and heart stopping moments. I loved the stubborn Elizabeth and the banter between her and Marcus was hilarious at times.
A great read, one I would highly recommend.
A great read, one I would highly recommend.
May 11, 2021
HER SCOUNDREL EARL : is a very good read. The story is complex. Our Earl, MARCUS, as a child was impoverished by an evil man . That man MONTAIGNE, forced our heroine, ELIZABETH , into prison where she lost her unborn child. Together they plot to get all of their losses returned. Some excellent twists in this one.
May 11...Still thinking about this book, that doesn’t happen often !
May 11...Still thinking about this book, that doesn’t happen often !
June 4, 2021
Sizzling adventure
I enjoyed the characters, the thoughtful reasonable development and growth of said characters, and the adventures they had. I could have done without the details of their sexual encounters. That belongs behind closed doors. The epilogue was a sweet way to end the book.
I enjoyed the characters, the thoughtful reasonable development and growth of said characters, and the adventures they had. I could have done without the details of their sexual encounters. That belongs behind closed doors. The epilogue was a sweet way to end the book.
October 10, 2017
Apparently this is a redo on a 90s novel, which was noticeable due to some sections having excessive purple prose and others not. Needed edited down some more - middle section really dragged. H/h were both often stupid/irritating. Interesting story, however.
November 29, 2021
Her Scoundrel Earl
Elizabeth and Marcus both want Montaigne to suffer as he did them. They both turned to outlaw to steal from Montaigne. Elizabeth was caught and is to hang. This author has a ending that you wouldn’t believe.
Elizabeth and Marcus both want Montaigne to suffer as he did them. They both turned to outlaw to steal from Montaigne. Elizabeth was caught and is to hang. This author has a ending that you wouldn’t believe.
June 29, 2017
A nice twist on the Highwayman aristocrat seeking revenge. The book clearly earned it's RWA RITA award status. Would definitely recommend. A 4.5 Star read.
July 3, 2020
Lots of action
April 25, 2021
Since I got this book free on Amazon, I was dubious but it was enjoyable. The last third was the best part of the book and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
April 25, 2021
Brilliant, couldn't put it down!!
April 26, 2021
Easy to follow. Interesting characters. Enjoyed the play between them.
May 3, 2021
Fantastic story.
Fell in love with Elizabeth and her Earl. To meet him as a highway man as she was doing herself was so exciting .
Fell in love with Elizabeth and her Earl. To meet him as a highway man as she was doing herself was so exciting .
January 25, 2023
Interesting and entertaining despite a plot that frequently strains credibility. :)
March 13, 2017
Escape with a scoundrel no 2
A must read. first in historical romance i love reading couldn't put it down had to finish. the plot and storyline from beginning to end was written with a twist and humorist style writing that left you wanting to read more of this style of writing from this author
A must read. first in historical romance i love reading couldn't put it down had to finish. the plot and storyline from beginning to end was written with a twist and humorist style writing that left you wanting to read more of this style of writing from this author
March 9, 2017
Good story
Was a really good read. Loved the characters. I would read the authors books again. I highly recommend it. Thanks
Was a really good read. Loved the characters. I would read the authors books again. I highly recommend it. Thanks
August 4, 2015
Loved it!
I read the first book in the Escape with a Scoundrel series and I was hooked. I really didn't think Ms. Thacker could write a better book than Run Wild - but she did - Midnight Raider is fantastic!
While reading this book, I experienced almost every emotion - I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I fanned myself, I felt anger, heartache, despair, hopelessness, joy and finally contentment. I really don't know what more a reader could want.
Elizabeth and Marcus were perfect leads - I loved them. Marcus is bent on vengeance and so is Elizabeth. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. I had absolutely no idea how they were going to succeed with their plans for vengeance and still be together - it didn't seem possible. But Ms. Thacker is a very talented writer and wove an amazing tale - full of action, suspense, friendship, heartache, joy and love.
The secondary characters in this book were also great. Georgina, Nell and Quinn were all vital to the story - but never stole the spotlight from Elizabeth and Marcus. Even the villain as vile and disgusting as he was, never outshone the leads.
I sincerely hope Ms. Thacker writes more books for this series - I would love to read Emma's story :)
I would highly recommend this book - especially if you read the previous 1992 version. The author totally revamped the book. And even though this is the second book in the series - it really has no connection to Run Wild and so you won't feel like you are missing anything by not reading that book first (But you should read it - it is almost as good as this one).
I read the first book in the Escape with a Scoundrel series and I was hooked. I really didn't think Ms. Thacker could write a better book than Run Wild - but she did - Midnight Raider is fantastic!
While reading this book, I experienced almost every emotion - I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I fanned myself, I felt anger, heartache, despair, hopelessness, joy and finally contentment. I really don't know what more a reader could want.
Elizabeth and Marcus were perfect leads - I loved them. Marcus is bent on vengeance and so is Elizabeth. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. I had absolutely no idea how they were going to succeed with their plans for vengeance and still be together - it didn't seem possible. But Ms. Thacker is a very talented writer and wove an amazing tale - full of action, suspense, friendship, heartache, joy and love.
The secondary characters in this book were also great. Georgina, Nell and Quinn were all vital to the story - but never stole the spotlight from Elizabeth and Marcus. Even the villain as vile and disgusting as he was, never outshone the leads.
I sincerely hope Ms. Thacker writes more books for this series - I would love to read Emma's story :)
I would highly recommend this book - especially if you read the previous 1992 version. The author totally revamped the book. And even though this is the second book in the series - it really has no connection to Run Wild and so you won't feel like you are missing anything by not reading that book first (But you should read it - it is almost as good as this one).
February 21, 2015
The revised version is done, and I waited for a long time for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait.
The heroine is smart, brave and doesn't back down from what she wants. This is my type of heroine.
The hero is dark and handsome, also very smart, rescues the heroine, and from there would be spoilers.
They both have been through a lot in life, and the hero is mislabeled as a scoundrel for something that happened long ago, something he is blamed for but is not responsible for. The heroine also suffers greatly due to things that were out of her control. Together, they become unstoppable in their seek for vengeance.
This book was AMAZING. It had excitement, adventure, great romance and just as another reviewer said, secondary characters that could hold their own.
I don't post many 5 star reviews on books, because in my opinion, they should be reserved for those that are the best of the best, and truly move me and stay with me for a long time. They also need to be masterfully written, with little to no typos. That being said, rest assured that I gave this book 5 stars easily. I would give it more if I could.
Shelly Thacker and her brilliance have done it again. Buy this book and you will definitely be glad you did! The new, revised version is on Kindle, and I believe iBooks, as well.
The heroine is smart, brave and doesn't back down from what she wants. This is my type of heroine.
The hero is dark and handsome, also very smart, rescues the heroine, and from there would be spoilers.
They both have been through a lot in life, and the hero is mislabeled as a scoundrel for something that happened long ago, something he is blamed for but is not responsible for. The heroine also suffers greatly due to things that were out of her control. Together, they become unstoppable in their seek for vengeance.
This book was AMAZING. It had excitement, adventure, great romance and just as another reviewer said, secondary characters that could hold their own.
I don't post many 5 star reviews on books, because in my opinion, they should be reserved for those that are the best of the best, and truly move me and stay with me for a long time. They also need to be masterfully written, with little to no typos. That being said, rest assured that I gave this book 5 stars easily. I would give it more if I could.
Shelly Thacker and her brilliance have done it again. Buy this book and you will definitely be glad you did! The new, revised version is on Kindle, and I believe iBooks, as well.
March 16, 2016
First off I have to say that I much prefer the cover of the first edition of this novel (the one pictured with this review)....they were perfect for the characters. The second edition cover was not to my liking at all. OK, having gotten that off my chest, I did love this book. There were so many wonderful moments....some heart-wrenching, some humorous, many filled with passion and love. There was a little bit of everything. There was also a good amount of suspense. I found this book thoroughly engrossing and I was eager to get back to it whenever I could. The characters were very well written and I felt caught up in whatever they were going through. The relationships between all the different characters felt emotional and real. I would highly recommend this novel and look forward to more from Shelly Thacker.
January 21, 2016
I enjoyed the overall idea of this one, but the ending didn't hold up for me. I really, really didn't like that .
The book was pretty good apart from that, but I prefer heroines who play a bigger, more successful role in reaching their happily ever afters.
The book was pretty good apart from that, but I prefer heroines who play a bigger, more successful role in reaching their happily ever afters.
April 20, 2016
Enjoyed it!
The story kept me interested from the very first page. One of the best books I've read in awhile. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this.
I do hope there will be a sequel about Elizabeth's sister Emma.
The story kept me interested from the very first page. One of the best books I've read in awhile. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this.
I do hope there will be a sequel about Elizabeth's sister Emma.
April 21, 2014
Good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews