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Avon Books, May 2010 (ISBN: 978-0-06-168932-1)
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Like an irresistible siren, the veiled dancer with the bewitching green eyes lures dukes and earls down into London's underworld to see her dance-and succumb to her spell. Some say she's a princess, but only one man knows her darkest secret.
She is Amy Peel, an orphan from the city's rookeries, and she believes the bold rogue who unmasks her to be nothing but a scoundrel-albeit a dangerously handsome one. He may have rescued her from an attempted kidnapping, but she will not give in to his sensual seduction or to the wicked desire she begins to feel . . .
He is Edmund Hawkins, swashbuckling pirate turned reluctant gentleman, and he will not let the lovely Amy slip through his grasp, especially when he learns she's in greater peril than she could possibly know. He will do everything in his power to protect her-for this notorious scoundrel has truly, unbelievably, lost his heart . . .
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The idea for THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL first came to me while I was doing research for another book. I was looking up information about female pioneers in various industries and I came across an article about Elizabeth Wilkinson, the first woman pugilist to enter the boxing ring in England (1722). I was fascinated by the original concept of a female boxer fighting in the rookeries to survive ... and all the while she had a secret identity.
However, I quickly discovered there was a reason female pugilists didn't star as heroines in historical romances: most romance readers don't want to read about women fighting onstage. With that thought in mind, I re-worked the initial idea, keeping all the major plot points, but tweaking the heroine's profession so she progressed from white-knuckled pugilist to exotic belly dancer.
Don't miss the next instalment in The Hawkins Brothers series, THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL. If you'd like to read the other books in the series, the order is:
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"The sexy, dashing Hawkins brothers return, lifting readers' hearts and temperatures. Benedict employs intense emotions, a keen awareness of human nature and sensuality to enhance stories filled with action and adventure, unforgettable characters and unique plotlines."
-Kathe Robin, Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 4.5 stars TOP PICK!
"Ms. Benedict's tale captured me from the beginning and being an avid reader of historical romance for many years, that's saying a lot. With impressive talent, the author penned a tale filled with original action scenes that moved the story along at just the right pace and emotionally-charged romantic scenes that steal the reader's heart. The characters were fully realized, the dialogue spot on, and the background well researched to immerse the reader into Amy and Edmund's world without being obtrusive. I enjoyed this story so much that I found it difficult to put down. Filled with hidden dangers and irresistible romance, THE NOTROIOUS SCOUNDREL is an unforgettable read and Ms. Benedict is an amazing talent to watch. Get this book today!"
-Roxanne, The Romance Studio, 5 hearts!
"This is my first foray into the world of the Hawkins Brothers... It won't be my last... There were twists I didn't expect to see, which kept me turning the pages. Now I'm eagerly awaiting [the next] stories and searching the shelves for the original tale. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this tale of love, lust and betrayal. THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL weaves a spell around its readers, encouraging them to devour every word."
-Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed
"THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL takes readers on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, fast clipped turns and slow deceitful climbs only to plummet into action, intrigue and conspiracy... The clever Ms. Benedict had a few devious surprises for this reader and had me nodding with appreciation... Quite a good bit of writing. THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL is a well written historical romance filled with intrigue, drama, and a love that defies all obstacles and perseveres against varied foes. When this readers turned the last page, I was left with the warm feeling that happiness and a bright future await Amy and Edmund. I enjoyed the journey and would recommend it to others."
-Xeranthemum, Long and Short Reviews
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