Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Lady Patience Kendall crossed the sea to marry, but her intended died before she arrived. Penniless and stranded, she found only one way to get home: charge four hapless American Colonials to find them titled husbands in London. At the ship, she realized their mothers expected each to wed the Marquess of Andover, but how hard could it be to seek an introduction? Meanwhile, Captain Grant St. Benedict was anything but friendly. Why? Because her girls set fire to the rigging? Grant had never met a woman more irritating, or more desirable, than the Lady Patience Kendall. But however dangerous his interest, he couldn't resist teaching the delicious distraction that independence was nothing to passion.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Annette Blair

42 books1,011 followers
Annette Blair's romantic comedies owe their beginnings to a root canal and a reluctant trip to Salem Massachusetts. Though she had once proclaimed she'd never write a contemporary, she stumbled into the serendipitous role of Accidental Witch Writer on that trip. Funny how she managed to eat her words even with an aching jaw. Magic or destiny; Annette's Bewitching Romantic Comedies became her first National Bestsellers.

Her August '07 release, SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH, the first in her Triplet Witch Trilogy, hit the #1 bestselling spot for contemporary romance-humorous on Barnes & Noble. It also hit B & N's overall bestseller lists for mass market and fiction mass market and #7 for romance mass market, topping Nielsen BookScan and Borders Bestseller lists as well.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
965 (34%)
4 stars
998 (35%)
3 stars
610 (21%)
2 stars
175 (6%)
1 star
80 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy T..
1,020 reviews21 followers
February 20, 2015
What a great story! Love a pirate regency romance with a little bit of romp in it. I really liked the heroine, Patience, she was fantastic! Smart, very funny, witty and strong. Not a crybaby simpering heroine here. The hero, Grant was amazing! Hot, strong, sexy, smart. They had some fantastic chemistry together, great sexual tension and a couple great sex scenes! Several LOL moments throughout the book along with lots of fantastic dialogue.

The story line and plot were great! A very enjoyable read. I totally recommend this book. A very fun read!

This was zero dollars, on amazon so yes a great deal for sure! Worth the time.
Profile Image for Gilgamesha.
469 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2015
I have read a few of her books...and let me say she has a talent for leaving the reader unsatisfied. I don't know where to begin my complaints except that I invested hours into this story that dragged on and on and on only to experience the most unsatisfactory ending on a novel this long. The only reason I am giving it 3 stars is because I was immersed in the story until the end.
Profile Image for Don.
59 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2013
A very delicious romance!
If you love heroines, like I do, that are intelligent, resourceful, plucky & and multi-talented, you will thoroughly enjoy Lady Patience Kendall, and the story about her trip on a ship from America to London and her adventures on the trip and in London, you will greatly enjoy reading this story titled: Sea Scoundrel. You will discover many intriguing happenings, both good and bad along the way. Not the least of which is the fascination of Patience and her 4 Angels with the mysterious Marquess of Andover. If you know anything of the superstitions of those early Sailors regarding having women on board and how it was considered bad luck, you will love how this author started out with these Sailors being no different at the beginning, but she intricately wove the many incidents along the way, so that in the end they thanked their lucky stars that they had them on their ship. But the main story, and the delicious part, was the growing romance between Patience and Captain Grant St. Benedict, who at times couldn't decide if they loved or hated the other one! And how their each individuals storied past had construed false impressions of the marriage state, so they both hated the thought of being tied down in marriage. From about the middle of the book I was cheering them on, hoping each encounter would finally be the one to push them over that hurdle....into marriage. But, you will have to read it yourself to discover the outcome, which I would highly recommend that you do!
Profile Image for Linda Hays-Gibbs.
Author 18 books18 followers
July 20, 2013
Sea Scoundrel Review 03/01/13
Review of Sea Scoundrel, Knave of Hearts by Linda Hays-Gibbs
Author:Annette Blair
Patience has everything but patience. Her red hair for her hot temper and her small perfect figure and features made Captain Grant insane for her at first sight. She has her hands full with her four charges Sophia, Grace, Angel and Rose. Patience is charged to take them to England from America and find them aristocratic husbands.
They set sail on the trip to America and a great many things happen. Not the least is the sprouting friendship between the Captain and Patience. Patience finds the Captain fascinating and very lustful.
By the time they reach England neither wants to say goodbye but they do. The other girls are pursuing other gentlemen but all want to be presented in London.
Their first ball is a fiasco and Patience has to find a way to restore their good name. She must get her aunt Harriet to come to London and vouch for them.
Grant falls more in love but will not acknowledge it.
The story is a hilarious and romantic sexy tale. I loved the rapid pace and the interesting plot.
Both of the stars had to forgive people from their pasts so they could find love.
It was exciting and powerful. I enjoyed the characters personalities. The Captain seemed to have three personalities but I think Patience loved them all.
It was different and I zipped through it though it was long, I wished there was more. I give it Five stars out of Five. I can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for Dianne.
863 reviews
April 7, 2013
I found this book free on iBooks and it immediately caught my eye. I hadn't read any books by Annette Blair before Sea Scoundrel and am always on the lookout for new authors. I thank my lucky stars that I did find this book because I absolutely loved it! I was drawn into this story from page one - Ms Blair has a gift of writing extremely good and witty dialogue. I loved her writing style and am excited because when I look at her booklist I know I have hours of reading pleasure ahead of me.
Profile Image for Andria Potter.
Author 2 books82 followers
February 6, 2020
DNF'D @ 35 percent.

The writing was good but I'm just not invested. I *might* try again in the future but for now I'm done.
Profile Image for Sonia189.
1,048 reviews30 followers
June 26, 2022
This story certainly has interesting scenes, some cute passages....
However, despite knowing this was originally written in 1999 and has been edited for recent re-editions, I just could not go past the writing style, which was overall unappealing to me. I feel the story was not well told.
Profile Image for Ember Shane.
Author 3 books94 followers
February 1, 2016
*Historical Romance*

Lady Patience books passage for herself and her four charges to England because she has been tasked with ensnaring titled husbands for them. Before boarding, she meets Captain Grant St. Benedict. Cue the romance.

This was my introduction to Annette Blair, and I wasn't disappointed. Charming story and characters and the further along I read, the more I enjoyed it. Even though I totally called the surprise concerning the Marquess way early in the book, that fact did not damper my satisfaction in reading it play out. I appreciated the side story plot of Patience's aunt and Rose's daughter, Amy. The sexual scenes were a little mild, but enjoyable. I wish there had been an additional scene of the couple's actual first time together after so many mini scenes leading up to it. But even without it, I was engrossed in the story. Four stars!
Profile Image for PepsiGirl.
478 reviews
November 15, 2013
I loved this story. It was wonderfully written and it had so much going for it. The lust story, the instant attraction that was vehemently beaten down, later the slow realization of love, the snippy bantering between Patience and Captain aka Grant was just hilarious. Not to mention all the unfortunate shenanigans going on under Patience nose (and she was suppose to be the chaperone.)The Captain Grant St. Benedict was quite the rake and he had other secrets too, met his match with Patience. She confounded him with her innocence which only made him crazy when she trusted him inexplicably with everything. Made him a better man in the process. Very entertaining read. I loved it.
Profile Image for puppitypup.
658 reviews40 followers
September 2, 2015
Historic Romance This is my second book by Ms. Blair, and I loved both of them. Although romance used to be my favorite genre, I've gotten to the point where most of them just bore me. Not Ms. Blair's though. The dialogue is really wonderful, making me laugh out loud throughout the book. But best of all, the characters are likeable, especially the heroines, and they like each other. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Chris.
162 reviews
August 7, 2015
This was so miserable, I couldn't finish it. Poor story line, terrible Hero, fairly lousy primary female character. I only made it 9% of the way through, I kept telling myself to give it another chance, but really, it was so bad that I gave up, and I honestly don't do that often. I'd give it a half star if I could.
Profile Image for Kath.
721 reviews
September 1, 2015
What a wonderful story, the girls and their antics had me laughing out loud. Annette Blair immediately draws you in and keeps your interest with lots of action, passion and humour. I would highly recommend Annette Blair and her stories.
Profile Image for Kem.
1,141 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2015
What a fun read. Fast paced, fun antics, fun characters, and a happy ending. What more could I need. Reading a light fun book is great sometimes.
Profile Image for Wendy.
124 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2016
I have NEVER liked historical fiction/romance (well I did when I was a teenager) but avoided them as an adult...This is the first one I've read in a long time...and I enjoyed it very much!
Profile Image for T.L. Gray.
Author 6 books52 followers
February 24, 2013
*As published in West Georgia Living Magazine March/April 2013 Edition

I’m not much of romance reader, preferring most often the heart-felt coming of age young adult stories, the mystery and magic of historical fiction, or getting lost among the adventure often spread over a series in an epic fantasy. Not since I was a teenager have I delved into a good, old-fashioned romance. What is a good, old-fashioned romance? I’m not sure, but it sounded virtuous to declare it as such. My idea of romance is Jane Austen’s Price and Prejudice, and for many years believed that the historical beauty simply set the bar too high, and no other romance would be able to compare, so why bother reading them. I’m glad I reconsidered after all this time to give a romance novel a chance, or at least a little glance. I’m so glad I did, and have since filled my Kindle full of Annette Blair’s lovely stories.

In the mood for a sea adventure, working on my own epic fantasy based upon the rolling waters of the open sea, I came across a copy of Sea Scoundrel by Annette Blair. It sat unopened, unconsidered and very much neglected in my eReader for a few weeks, mostly due to my romance bias. But, one Saturday, with a free afternoon, and a sense to do something out of my comfortable box, I scrolled across the title and opened my mind, and heart, into the world of Lady Patience Kindall and Captain Grant St. Benedict.

From the moment when the young, vibrant, determined Lady Patience tripped and found herself sprawled out in an un-ladylike fashion on the docks for the entire world to see her in her humiliation, I was baited. Then, when the hand of a gruff sailor reached out to help her, I saw the writing on the wall. My heart instantly latched onto the seaman and never let go for one moment throughout the rest of the story. I fell hard very rapidly, so quickly, in fact, I questioned whether I carried enough objectivity to read and give an unbiased review. I smile when I say, with all confidence I am, and tout my quick affections to the effective, powerful and excellent writing of the author Annette Blair.

I spent the afternoon lost among witty banter, embarrassing situations, and lots of moments of passionate outbursts, prejudices, and pride built from steel. Though not quite as epic as Austen’s ingenuity, it held its own and sailed right into my heart. The quest: Lady Patience is to escort a handful of rich young American ladies to the English gentry in an effort to secure them a wealthy and connected family. Of course, no journey ever ends as was intended, and each of our characters, especially the young Lady Patience and the dashing Captain St. Benedict, discover who they truly are, what their personal strengths and weaknesses may be, and then making the choice to be what makes them happy. I’m all for a Happily Ever After. In our fast-paced world, a little character development is much needed. This is a clean read, not filled with sex and violence, and one I found that really pulls on the heartstrings.

However, this tale doesn’t stand alone on its own, but is part of a Knave of Hearts, a band of unruly boys from the Zebulon Fishkill Academy in 1805, who make a bond, to swear an oath, to be there for one another, to call on each other in times of trouble, whatever life hands them. Knowing about this pact from these young boys, who all grew up and become dashing romantic men, always stayed in the back of my mind as I read this adventure. And so compelling of a writer was Annette Blair, I found myself instantly downloading and jumping right into the next story, the next part of the Knave of Hearts and haven’t even given a glance backwards.

So, am I now a hopeless romantic? Perhaps I’ve always been a romantic, but I’ve found a work of art that has the power to sweep me away for a few hours and allow me to go on an adventure that is not only romantic, but filled with intrigue, humor and witty banter.

I highly recommend this series, or any book or series from Annette Blair (having now devoured most of her publication list) for any reader who wants to take a light-hearted adventure.

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Profile Image for Mary Bernsen.
Author 5 books81 followers
February 22, 2018
This was such a fun historical romance! The constant squabbling between Grant and Patience was hysterical and totally added to the tension when things switched from heated to HOT. Their similarly haunted pasts created a believable bond between them that truly made this romance one worth rooting for. They both had their own ambitions, and neither of them wanted what they couldn't fight against - love. I will say I think the innocence bit was taken a little far. It was very awkward to read the Captain explaining exactly where his not-so-little thing was supposed to go during... relations. When he changed from hunky Grant to creepy biology teacher I literally squirmed until it was over. Also, as mentioned on other reviews, some clean up is needed proofreading wise. Still, I loved this book!
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,227 reviews34 followers
January 11, 2014
I know everybody has the right to their own opinion, but I was shocked to read some of the reviews of this book where people said it was badly written, or akin to a Mills and Boon book. First of all, I used to love Mills and Boon books but went off them because of the similarity in the books. So I can honestly say that this book is nothing like one of those books. I was enthralled with the story from beginning to end, and I loved all of the characters in it. I especially loved reading about the journey by sea from America to the UK, in that one journey there was such sadness, then happiness, love, laughter, it was just so great to read. Then when they arrived in the UK reading about how Patience had to have help from the Captain to find her girls decent husbands, and then the twist in the book as well. I just can't fault it.
Profile Image for Peggy N.
119 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2013
This is my second book to read by Annette Blair. This book begins in 1822 in New Port, Rhode Island. It begins with the meeting of Lady Patience Kendell and Captain Grant St. Benedict. It was Grant's ship that would take Lady Patience and her "girls" back to England with the hopes of finding titled husbands for the four of them. This was no easy task as the four young ladies in question as well as Patience herself were all naive in the rules of polite society and especially the rules governing social interactions with "the ton". Grant's younger b rother Shane immediately falls in love with Rose, one of the more outspoken of the young ladies that Patience had taken has her charge. Yhe book is full of humor, adventure, romance, and surprises.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,164 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2014
This one made me chuckle out loud! If you like Georgette Heyer and that old movie with Cary Grant and those nurses on his pink submarine....you will like this one.
A young lady stranded in America pays her way back to London by chaperoning 4 young promising "colonial" ladies to make a match, preferrably a titled one, in England. The chapters covering the sea travel with that good looking, rakish, but rude Captain would be worth it, with all the accidents those 5 women incur or cause on board. But their antics in Regency London - priceless.
The story is well written, reminded me a bit of Georgette Heyer with just a blunter language. It's funny, fun to read, and I would recommend it without hesitation.
Profile Image for J.C. Cauthon.
Author 62 books96 followers
June 29, 2016
Oh, what a wonderful story! I love regency romances that have pirates and a lot of action in them.

Patience is a wonderful heroine. No simpering or crying for her. She is strong, brilliant, and full of fire, and she is a perfect match for Grant from the very beginning.

And Grant is an amazing counterpart to Patience. The man drivers her insane, and it creates so much chemistry between them.

I purchased this book during a free promotion deal, but I would have gladly paid for it. It would have been well worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves regency romances and strong heroines.
Profile Image for Megan Mc .
456 reviews
July 30, 2023
Free Nook Book

Uh thank goodness I didn't pay for this. I wasn't sure I could even make it to the end. They surpassed my suspension of belief limits, which is pretty hard, I read a good amount of fantasy. The plot just took random silly turns. And it wasn't smooth, many seemed abrupt and came out of no where. The whole I'm just going to randomly put some cabin boy outfit on one day? I don't care how sheltered she was, she would never had done that. And only her and the captain can steer the ship? She was really their best option?
Profile Image for Paige.
490 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2015
I had to give this novel three stars because while I liked it, there was just way too much going on and too many historical inaccuracies. There is only so much calamity that can occur before it skips over the line from dramatic to ridiculous. Women where not granted as much freedom as is indicated in the book and would have ended up ruining all of their reputations at least four times over.

However, despite all of that I still enjoyed the book and I still grew to like the characters and I fully intend to look into getting other books from the series.
498 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2015
Book one is a keeper - to be kept by you bed

This is a two part book. Sabrina goes to America to marry only to find her groom has died. Her mother-in-law to be cooks up a scheme that send her back to England with 4 rich colonial girls bent on marriage to titled men. The captain and crew had hands full with 5 young ladies, a kitten, puppy, and a pig. The Captain and Sabrina do not want to get married. Now the fun begins and you just have to sit back enjoy. Well-written and well-developed characterization. Adult readers due to sexual content.
Profile Image for Sharon  Farrell.
8 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2015
A Greatt Read

This was so much fun to read. I loved the interactions between the girls and the sailors. "Vimen" is now one of my new favourite words. This story has it all. Storms, fire, romance, angst, dysfunctional families. This and so much more. I thought I'd fall off my chair laughing during the discussion about personal items. Very much looking forward to reading about the rest of the Scoundrels
Profile Image for Crystal.
680 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2015
I really liked this book. It has a lot of characters and their interwoven storied add depth to the plot. Interesting story with a few good laughs. Great HEA. The prolog was a little confusing switching over names and titles for the scoundrel club. Plus, their little club wasn't really carried through the book aside from when they showed up near the end. If it wasn't for more books in the series that I imagine will include the scoundrels then the prologue could almost be cut out completely.
1 review
September 14, 2018
A true adventure from first to last page

Wonderful characters to fall in love with. Danger, challenges, strength, honor, humor, curiosity, love, pain and romance all superbly written into a story you will love to read again and again and even again! One story you will never tire of guaranteed. So buy or borrow this book and enjoy. Then read the next book in the series, I am as soon as i post this review!!
Profile Image for Shari B.
6 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2012
Surprisingly good. I picked this up as a free iBook, and found myself immersed in Grant and Patience's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.