Title: The Soldier’s Scoundrel
Author: Cat Sebastian
First published September 20, 2016
352 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780062642486
Rating: 4.01
Overview
In The Soldier’s Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian, Jack Turner is a man of the shadows who uses his street smarts and cunning to help those in need. Despite his life of crime, Jack has a code of honor and will do anything to keep his loved ones safe.
His distrust of the upper class runs deep, making him wary of the handsome and privileged Sir Henry Carroway. After serving in the military, Henry longs for a quiet life of luxury, free from danger and excitement.
But when he seeks Jack’s help in solving a mystery, he finds himself drawn to the roguish scoundrel in ways he never expected. As they work together, their attraction grows, and Henry begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
But with danger lurking around every corner, can their love survive, or will it be their downfall?
About the Author
Cat Sebastian, an author of sixteen queer historical romances, has received critical acclaim from reputable publications including Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Prior to becoming an author, Cat held various jobs as a lawyer and a teacher, among others, that did not bring her as much joy as writing happy endings for queer individuals.
Born in New Jersey, Cat has lived in New York and Arizona before settling in a swampy region in the south. In her free time, Cat enjoys reading, having conversations with her dog, and doing crossword puzzles.
To stay up-to-date with Cat’s latest projects, subscribing to her would be the best way.
Editoral Review
The Soldier’s Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian is a historical romance novel that was first published on September 20, 2016. The author, Cat Sebastian, is no stranger to writing in this genre, having published several other works in the same vein.
The novel is set against the backdrop of early 19th-century London and explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption. The plot of The Soldier’s Scoundrel follows the story of Jack and Oliver, two men from vastly different backgrounds who fall in love despite their differences.
Jack is a former soldier turned thief, while Oliver is a gentleman who spends his days enjoying the company of London’s social elite. When Jack is accused of a crime he did not commit, Oliver comes to his rescue and helps him clear his name.
Along the way, they become close and their relationship becomes more than just a partnership. Cat Sebastian does an excellent job of capturing the setting and mood of early 19th-century London.
The attention to detail in the descriptions of the city’s bustling streets and lower-class neighborhoods is impressive, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Through her writing, Sebastian effectively conveys the social and economic disparities of the time, making this novel much more than just a love story.
One of the strengths of The Soldier’s Scoundrel is the relationship between the two main characters, Jack and Oliver. Their love story is not a typical one, as they come from vastly different worlds and face many obstacles along the way.
However, Sebastian does an excellent job of making their connection seem natural, and the way their relationship develops over the course of the novel is both heartwarming and realistic. Another strength of the novel is the pacing.
The plot moves along at a steady pace, never feeling rushed or slow, and the tension between the characters is palpable. There are several twists and turns throughout the novel that keep the reader engaged, and the resolution of the central conflict is satisfying.
While the novel is well-written and thoroughly enjoyable, there are a few flaws that are worth mentioning. The secondary characters are not as fleshed out as the main ones, and they sometimes feel like caricatures rather than real people.
Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel a bit stilted at times, detracting from the overall realism of the story. Despite these flaws, The Soldier’s Scoundrel is an excellent historical romance novel that is well worth the read.
Fans of the genre will appreciate the attention to detail and well-crafted characters, while those looking for a well-written love story set against an interesting historical backdrop will not be disappointed. Overall, I highly recommend The Soldier’s Scoundrel to anyone looking for a well-written historical romance novel.
The characters are engaging, the plot is well-thought-out, and the writing is top-notch. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.
I give it a solid four out of five stars.
