Book Description
To escape her brutal grandfather, Prudence stages a plan involving a phony engagement--and the man she approaches is so taken with Pru that he willingly joins her game.
Customer Reviews:
blah blah blah.......2007-06-27
This was way to sappy, I couldn't even finish it. It started out to be a good book,and towards the middle it fizzled. blah blah blah. How could anyone give this anything over 3 stars.
Great read.......2007-05-30
This is my first book by Anne Gracie, and I stayed up all night to finish it. It had just the right amount of humor, passion and a very good storyline. If you like historical romances, you'll like this book.
What a hero............2007-05-25
Gideon, Lord Carradice is a wonderful hero. He makes this entire book. Witty, dashing, brave and deeply in love. The heroine was brave and determined and very noble (although that nobility gets a little old as she resists the hero all throughout the middle of the book.) The secondary characters were all great as well (except of course the two villians of the book who were everything despicable in the male of the species!) I had never read anything by Ms. Gracie before, but this will certainly not be the last I read. She has a very fresh "voice" and I really appreciated that our hero and heroine treat each other with love and respect instead of insults and fights, as so many less creative authors seem to think insults, degradation and fights are a way to show "love." I really enjoyed this book and am off now to order some more by this author.
could have used better editing.......2007-01-31
Some parts were fun, but some dragged and there were loose ends (this is where good editing could have helped saved some trees). The heroine was supposed to be smart, but yet was stupid in many ways. The hero was not developed; have no idea why he was attractive to her aside from their physical attraction. The beatings were too sadistic, it went on and on... 'thwacks' and more 'thwacks'...if I wanted horror, I could have watched prime time.
Perils of Prudence.......2006-12-24
Well, to be sure, this book could easily be sub-titled the Perils of Pauline. er, make that Perils of Prudence. It sometimes seems that any event that could possibly happen in a historical novel takes place in The Perfect Rake. But yet, it's not at all overdone. Chapter Thirteen - the encounter with the highwaymen - is worth the cost of the book all by itself. I've not laughed so hard (or so happily) in a long time.
Prudence Merridew is the oldest of five orphaned sisters, consigned to living with their elderly, simgle-minded grandfather. Single-minded in his belief that all women are evil, that is. He certainly isn't anyone's idea of a pleasant old man. Nearing her twenty-first birthday and freedom, Prudence takes her sisters, a maid and a footman, and sets off for a great-uncle in London.
Almost immediately, the fun begins as she creates an imaginary fiancee for herself, and then discovers the supposed hermit she's chosen has come to London for the season. Oh, dear. When she decides to ask his cooperation in her plan - only for a month or so - she instead meets his cousin Gideon, Lord Carradice, who's only too happy to agree with most anything she proposes. Madness and mayhem soon take over everything else in all their lives.
This is a wonderful romp as well as a marvelously well-told story of life and love in the big city during a time when women were not usually regarded as much more than chattel. I fully plan to read it again very soon, but only when I can devote the time to it that it deserves. I put it off for some time, as I knew I'd not be able to put it down once I started it, and I was so right! This one is a real page-turner that will hold you in its spell until the very last page!
Amazon.com
To this second book of her Bar Cynster series, Stephanie Laurens brings a thorough command of Regency style, as well as graphic, uninhibited love scenes. Elegant, commanding Vane Cynster graciously bows to fate when he seeks shelter from a storm and meets the woman he realizes he's destined to marry--Patience Debbington, the spinster niece of Vane's kindhearted godmother. Although her attraction to Vane is immediate and electrifying, Patience distrusts "elegant gentlemen" like her father, who broke her mother's heart by failing to return her love. To pursue Patience, Vane settles into his godmother's household, which consists of various poor relatives and assorted hangers-on, and is caught up in the search for a petty thief and occasional "Spectre" who is harassing them. It requires all of Vane's investigative abilities to catch the criminal, and all of his considerable powers of persuasion--as well as many ardent couplings with Patience--to convince her that family, loyalty, and love come first for him. Laurens is especially skillful at capturing Regency males, aristocrats whose refined restraint barely masks their powerful underlying urges. Appearances by others of the extended, devoted Cynster family ensures that readers will become increasing attached to this ongoing series. --Ellen Edwards
Book Description
He vowed he'd never marry.
To Vane Cynster, Bellamy Hall seems like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London's husband hunters. But when he encounters irresistible Patience Debbington, Vane realises he's met his match ...
She vowed no man would catch her.
Patience isn't about to succumb to Vane's sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses leave her dizzy and his caresses made her melt; but Patience has promised herself she'll never become vulnerable to a broken heart. Is this one vow that was meant to be broken?
Customer Reviews:
Stephanie Laurens delivers again!.......2007-03-08
Once again, Stephanie Laurens serves up a delicious tale about the Cynster men. I love the characters and the subplot of mystery and danger, but as always, her love story takes the cake. An EXCELLENT read!!!
Not so good!.......2006-12-27
After a few Stephanie Laurens' books, I almost gave up but someone told me about her first Cynster book - Devil's Bride. When I saw a good deal on the Devil's Bride/A Rake's Vow combo, I bought it.
Devil's Bride did not disappoint me but A Rake's Vow did.
How many times can Vane "arrogantly raised his brows", or "coolly arrogant, raised a brow", or "quirked a brow", or "a brow arogantly quirked"? I counted, in one instance, 5 in 2 pages. I attempted to say: "Stop raising your eyebrows or you will stick with a surprised expression forever" - just like my mother always said.
Vane was my favorite of all Devil's cousins and Ms. Laurens did not do him justice in this book. Why did he feel that Patience is "The One"? There was no indication or explanation for the way he felt - just that it was "fate".
I think I am done with Ms. Laurens. Her style of writing is not to my liking. I like Mary Balogh or Jo Beverley better. Their books are not trenched with sex scenes and you know why the couples fall in love.
Not to Bad.......2006-03-26
This is the second in the Cynster Series after Devil's Bride. This is cousin Vane's story. He meets Patience at his godmother's estate and instantly knows she's fated to be his bride. The problem with that, is you never really know why. Towards the end of the book he decides he loves her but earlier in the book you never really know why she is the special one to him. I did like that the whodunit Ms. Laurens likes to put in each of her Cynster novels is more of a challenge this time. But that kind of fizzles out in the end too. However, this is still a satisfying story and anyone interested in the series should read it.
A Real Drag.......2005-06-27
Okay, for those of you who are Bar Cynster fans, here me out, not that I need to defend my opinion in anyway.
I believe Stephanie Laurens has exceptional writing skills, especially when it comes to her love scenes. I really believe that in that particular case, she's at the top of her class in this area.
But what I find typical of her stories is that her love scenes usual sizzles while her surrounding story/mystery-line fizzles.
The characers and mainly the plot surrounding the love story appears either uninspired, half-hearted and lagging. In fact, the only sure-fire thing you can look foward to (and never be disappointed in)is the love scenes themselves.
Unfortunately, I find it to be the very case with "A Rake's Vow". For one, she tries to convince us that Vane is this alpha-male, ladies' man that does as he pleases. He, just like all the Cynster males, vow that they shall never marry.
I don't know if its just me, but I truly would like know why they were so against the martial state in the first place. This was never made clear, so you never knew the real motives behind the "Bar Cynster" get-togeter to begin with....
Anyway, Vane then suddenly meets his match -all of a sudden- when he meets this 26 year old spinster who has nothing to claim to her name but an annoying younger brother and a cat.
For all we hear of how dashing these Cynster males are, Vane's love interest, with the way she was described as this spinster who never really got out much, doesn't really suit his tastes, in my opinion. I just feel that Patience (the herione's name)could have had a lot more going on for her than was described in her side of the story. Compared to all the other heriones in the Bar Cynster series, she's the most boring!
Besides the characters not being overly consistent with their viewpoints, the mystery just plain as hell, sucked. After reading 4 of her books, I am convinced more than ever that S. Laurens lacks the talent to write a decent plot/mystery line to hold together the romance that helps build her characters and push the story along.
I find that it is not so much the characters that lack depth so much, but the plot itself and with this book - like most of her books- I get bored easily after reading only 10 pages or less, despite the well-detailed, page-scorching sex scenes.
I am one of those people who appreciate a well-thought out, engaging mystery, if there is to BE one, along with the tittilating sex..... But if I had to choose ONE aspect over another, I'd choose a good plot/mystery over steamy love scenes all the time.
A "Rake's Vow" could do no justice for me, I am sorry to say...
great.......2005-03-27
well this book is really great i thought. i haven't read devil's bride so i was unprejudiced that way though, although this wasn't my first step. laurens novel and by faaar not the first romance i've read!
I'll admit the mystery could have been done a bit better...I had figured out who the culprits are, but not why they were and exactly what they were doing...so there was a bit of suspense.
The romance was very well worked out...The chemistry between Vane and Patience was very believable (and YES the sex scenes are also believable...even though the regency era was officially 'prude' doesn't mean that people were!) Laurens is the master of the steamy, emotional love scenes, and while there were plenty of them in this book, there weren't too many.
Yes you could get annoyed at Patience for her constant refusal of his marraige proposal, but once the author explains her reason, you can understand.
I also thought it was a bit odd how quickly Vane changed his mind not to get married...almost as if by that time in the book the author decided not to continue on that point.
wonderful book, i look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Book Description
Mary Jo Putney has delighted millions of loyal readers with tales of captivating romance and high adventure. Now, Signet is proud to present The Rake, her latest and most compelling novel to date!
Fate has given a disgraced rake one final chance to redeem himselfby taking his place as the rightful master of an ancestral estate. But nothing prepares him for his shocking encounter with a beautiful lady who has fled a world filled with betrayal. Now he will awaken in her a passion more powerful than anything she has ever known--a passion that can doom or save them both if they dare to believe.
* 2.5 million copies of Mary Jo Putney's books in print
* Fivetime nominee Mary Jo Putney won the 1995 RWA Award for Dancing on the Wind in the Best Long Historical Category
* Mary Jo Putney has also won four RWA Golden Leaf Awards for Best Historical Novel, and the Romantic Times Award, for Best Regency Author
* Mary Jo Putney is also the author of the national bestselling Topaz romances River of Fire, Shattered Rainbows, Angel Rogue, and Dancing on the Wind
Customer Reviews:
a MUST read!!!!!.......2007-09-13
After being an avid romance reader for the past 15 years, this is the first book I've ever reviewed. I felt compelled to review this book because it is quite simply the best that I've ever read,...(and I've read a lot!).
Reggie Davenport is the quintessential rake. He is a womanizer, gambler, fighter, and an alcoholic. He is, in essence, on a spiral downward and is basically drinking himself to death. That's Reggie on the outside. On the inside Reggie is a kind, considerate, unselfish, humorous, and complex hero that defies explanation.
Alys Weston is the quintessential strong woman. She is an independent, intelligent, accomplished steward, and is a responsible guardian of 3 children. That's Alys on the outside. On the inside Alys is a woman with a painful past and deep insecurities that debilitate her.
When these two individuals who are both "not as they seem" collide..sparks fly!!!
The thing that separates this book from the rest is that these two individuals are not only attracted to one another, they genuinely like and respect one another. They are friends before lovers and are great companions. I also appreciate that Alys didn't play the role of Reggie's savior. Reggie chooses to get sober for himself and his own convictions. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, dealing with painful wounds, and most important... of 2nd chances. It made me laugh, cry, mad, happy, and all the emotions in between. Mostly though, this book made me believe and hope for the idea that there are happy endings for even the most "lost" of people. Do not look any further, anything you're looking for can be found right here.
One of the books I love.......2007-08-26
I just finished rereading The Rake. I'd lent it to a cousin and had just gotten it back. I feel that I have to say this for Ms Putney. She is just great in character development. I may sound like a girl-fan raving but I must say that even though I have read hundreds of books after this one ( and hopefully get to read hundreds more ), even some that as whole books I found to be better than the Rake, I have yet to read about a character that has touched me more than Reggie and his tribulations. So in all honesty I would like to recommend this book to any one who is looking for a bit more than just fluff in their romances.
5 Stars? Are You Kidding?.......2007-06-01
I'm not a reader of romance books. In fact, this was the first I ever read and I simply don't understand why there are so many glowing customer reviews here. All the characters are basic archetypes, the dramatic action is slow and horribly contrived, and every plot "twist" is so telegraphed you can see it coming from a mile away. And in the end it doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know.
Let's break it down further: The characters are all so basic and bland that they just come out of central casting. Alys is the strong-willed female, Reggie is the debonair male, and everyone else has minor roles to help the plot. As for the plot, it's all so contrived. Reggie decides to stop drinking, then decides to start again at just the wrong time, and then decides to stop. Alys realizes she loves Reggie then realizes he doesn't love her. He realizes he loves her and then realizes he should let her go. They make up and change their minds as the plot call for it. Each "twist" is telegraphed because Putney jumps into the head of the "villain"--who occupies 20 pages at most--to outline his entire plan, thus sucking any hope for drama because we already know what's coming. And if you don't see the end coming from about Page 1 then you must have never heard any fairy tales or watched any Disney movies.
I don't mind books for entertainment, but come on! Can't we hold authors to a slightly higher standard? This was such a dull, plodding, cliched read there's no way I could find it entertaining on any level. I don't think I'll make the mistake of reading another romance novel again even if I was on a deserted island and that was all there was at hand.
That is all.
P.S. - The only place where real people fall madly in love and decide to get married within 3 days of meeting each other is Las Vegas.
A wonderful regency romance!.......2007-01-01
This book has an original twist which I didn't get until it becomes explicit, but it made all the differnce. I suffered with the hero, Reggie, all the way. He was so charming and lovable. The heroine had a small chip on her shoulder, and I usually like strong female characters, but it didn't ruin the book for me. I liked how they become best friends. I would have liked it better if they became intimate sooner. I think there was a moment the author missed, but then she made up for it with a very beautiful love scene. This book is not steamy but it is very well written and enjoyable. I was sorry when it ended.
Nothing wrong with this Rake.......2006-11-22
Great story. Very entertaining. This one does get a bit deep into the struggle of alcoholism. Tender and moving read. The cover says that Alys masquerades as a man to keep her job. This is not really true. She does wear men's clothing a lot but she's 100% female and does not imitate a man. I have no idea why the cover says that.
Average customer rating:
- Reforming a Reader
- I loved it!!!!!!
- Maybe 3 & 1/2 -- Lucien's great; best as part of series
- Fun, witty and deep, but little heat!
- Actually, 1 1/2 stars. l gave it 2 for Lucien.
|
Reforming a Rake: With This Ring (With This Ring, 1)
Suzanne Enoch
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Enoch, Suzanne | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Regency | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
-
Meet Me at Midnight (With This Ring, 2)
-
A Matter of Scandal (With This Ring)
-
The Rake: Lessons in Love
-
Taming Rafe
-
England's Perfect Hero
ASIN: 0380809168 |
Amazon.com
Setting: Regency England
Sensuality Rating: 8
Lucien Balfour, the sixth earl of Kilcairn Abbey, is compelled by his father's last will and testament to launch his cousin into society. A confirmed bachelor and acknowledged rake, Lucien can barely tolerate his country cousin (let alone her obnoxious mother); determined to marry her off as soon as possible, he advertises for a finishing governess.
Alexandra Beatrice Gallant is a highborn lady who has been forced to earn her keep as a governess and desperately needs employment. Nevertheless, when she realizes that the handsome man interviewing her is the notorious earl, she has grave misgivings about accepting his job offer. Indeed, it soon becomes apparent that Lucien is not only committed to polishing his cousin's social skills, he's also dead set on bedding the lovely Alexandra. Unfortunately for Lucien, Alexandra is as strong willed and levelheaded as she is beautiful, and although Lucien doesn't believe in love, he finds himself wanting to slay dragons for the gorgeous governess. For her part, Alexandra has increasing difficulty refusing the earl's kisses. Still, despite scandal and interfering dowagers, the biggest barrier to a happy conclusion is Alexandra's own self-doubt, and winning her hand will test Lucien's determination to the limit.
Author Suzanne Enoch doesn't miss a beat in this charming Regency tale. The dialogue snaps with wit, the plot possesses interesting twists and turns, and the secondary characters are unforgettable, especially the horrid aunt. The heroine is intelligent and well educated, sensible as well as warmhearted, and is the perfect foil for the hero's cynicism and intellect. Reforming a Rake is sure to delight. --Lois Faye Dyer
Book Description
A governess must never be alone with a man. Her reputation mustn't have even a hint of scandal. She must never reveal personal emotions. No matter how strong the provocation by her employer. A governess never questions her employer's commands. Even when he's tempting her to forsake respectability for desire? She must never, ever, fall in love with someone above her station. Especially a rake—no matter how devastating his kisses may be . . .
Alexandra Gallant is a governess extraordinaire—and if it weren't for that unfortunate incident at her last position, she wouldn't now be forced into the employ of Lucien Balfour, the most notorious rake in London. Though the sinfully attractive earl hired her to teach his young cousin, his seductive whispers and toe-curling kisses suggest he has something far less respectable in mind . . . And that will never happen. For although Lucien seems determined to teach her about pleasure, she has a few lessons to teach him about love!
Customer Reviews:
Reforming a Reader.......2007-01-09
First of all, let me just say that I have only been reading historical romances for about 5 months. I would always make fun of my friend for reading them, until she finally convinced me to try "just one." "Reforming a Rake" is the first book she loaned me. It took me about 6 hours to read it and I immediately called her. I couldn't stop talking about Lucien and Alexandra and how amazing these characters were. I couldn't believe that a romance novel could have characters with such depth, witty banter, hilarious encounters (there were moments where I was actually laughing out loud) and just enough drama to make me cry. But this one does. And I for one am glad it was my first!
I loved it!!!!!!.......2004-07-28
I bought this book many months ago and I loved it! Lucien is to die for and Alexandra is so stubborn, but perfect for the Earl. The dialogue was extremely funny. Lucien is the best hero you could ever find. I loved the way he did everything for Alexandra and she was still stubborn till the very end. I've read this book many times over and I know I'll read it many more times in the future. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes romances.
Maybe 3 & 1/2 -- Lucien's great; best as part of series.......2004-04-28
Lucien IS wickedly witty and an impressive seducer. It's refreshing for the man to realize he wants a permanent commitment first; Lucien keeps after Alexandra until she finally acquieses. How on earth could she resist so long? Her refusals did get old and seemed to be based on flimsy reasoning. She's okay as a heroine, but not nearly as strong a character as Lucien. Frankly, she deserved being kidnapped.
Aunt Fiona is a woman worth getting angry with, but Rose is generally annoying. What Lucien's best friend sees in her is still beyond me. Characters who show up in later novels, like Emma Grenville, are a welcome addition. FYI, "With This Ring" nad "Lessons in Love" series reference the same characters.
Fun, witty and deep, but little heat!.......2003-10-30
There was so much I loved about this book. The best thing was that both characters were strong and intelligent. The dialogue was excellent -- Lucien's and Alex's verbal battles were so sharp and hilarious. Also, I loved the fact that both characters showed such emotional depth. By far, Lucien is one of the best romance hero ever written in an historical romance.
My only criticism is the lovemaking scenes -- they were so tame they almost put me to sleep!! I realize that not every romance author is comfortable writing graphic sex scenes, but lovemaking scenes are included in romance stories for a reason. If written well, these scenes can explore and explain the characters' growing attraction, as well as give the reader glimpses into their hearts. That didn't happen here at all. One of the lovemaking scenes was a mere three sentences long!! Talk about "wham-bam-thank-you-mam"!!! The way it was described, I don't see how the lovemaking was at all satisfying to Alexandra. And that's part of what romance is all about. Thre has to be some sizzle between the characters in order to make their physical attraction credible. This book clearly lacked that. Aside from this rather glaring shortcoming, this book had the romance, fun, wit and depth to make it a very enjoyable read.
Actually, 1 1/2 stars. l gave it 2 for Lucien........2003-09-24
This is the 3rd book I read from this author, and 2 of them have had the same problem, at least for me.
The book started out fine, I was caught up and having a lot of fun. Lucien was so charmingly rude, (if such a thing exist) that had me laughing all the time. I loved the way he makes fun of his aunt and cousin, and the way he always says exactly what he thinks, no matter who might get offended. Alexandra seemed like an intelligent, sensible and likeable person, at least until about half of the book.
When did things start to go completely wrong? When Lucien proposes marriage and she starts rejecting him for reasons that I didn't find valid at all. I totally agree with another reviewer (Fani) who said that she is the most ungrateful, selfish female ever. He does everything he can to prove his love for her, actually, half of what he did should have been prove enough for any sensible woman, and melt her heart in the process, but she keeps stubbornly rejecting him. All because when her parents died, an uncle that she had never met before, refused to love and protect her and she had to make her way on the world by herself, therefore, she is now incapable of accepting anyone's love or protection. Doesn't it sound stupid?
This ruined the entire second half of the book for me, which is a shame, because I had started liking it a lot.
Some other reviewers have mentioned mistakes regarding the time period and the use of french, however nobody has mentioned what I think is the most glaring mistake of this book. Apparently, Lucien has to marry and produce an heir, or otherwise his cousin Rose's future child will inherit his title and estates. Wait a minute! Rose is his cousin on his mother's side. She is the daughter of his mother's half brother. I admit I'm not an expert in the matter, but I am an avid reader of Regency romance novels and it is my understanding that in England titles are passed only through the paternal line. If he doesn't produce an heir, and there are no other male relatives on his father's side of the family, then at his death, his title and estates will revert to the crown, but Rose's family would never be in line to inherit. Even if he had had a sister, daughter of his father, the previous Earl, such sister offspring would never inherit either, unless there was a very rare clause on the title that would allow a female [direct descendant] to assume the title in case there was not a male child. I have never heard of the title going to the in-laws, which is what Rose's father became to the previous Earl by way of his sister's marriage. In short, if it is not a male with the same last name as the Earls, it is not in line for the title.
This mistake is so noticeable, that I'm amazed it got pass the editor, and that none of the other readers mentioned it either. I could have ignored it, if the plot had stayed interesting and amusing, but this, together with a heroine so exasperating that I felt like shaking her, and a story totally lacking in originality made me want to trow the book across the room and growl in frustration.
Now the question is, should I give Suzanne Enoch another chance? I like her heroes a lot, but so far, have disliked 2 out of 3 heroines. I like the first half of her books, but have completely disliked the second half of 2 out of 3 books. That is the problem, if it were all bad, I wouldn't have any doubts about ever buying another of her books. But since she has managed to catch my attention in some ocassions, I keep thinking she has the talent to write a good book that I would enjoy in its entirety.
Book Description
A Regency romp about a young lady who vows revenge on the rakish lord who loved and left her, only to find herself unexpectedly caught in Cupid's net along with the handsome viscount when her plan to love and leave him backfires.
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF THE BEST.......2007-07-29
I think this is the best book I've read by Enoch. The story was captivating with good character development. I felt strongly for the characters and found myself engrossed in the book. It's a great read and worth the time...highly recommend.
I love this book. Don't care what anyone says..........2006-12-31
I read this book in one sitting and immediately started it all over again. Why did it have to be so short?!?
So maybe the prologue is silly, but every word in this book is a treat. Tristan Carroway will always be one of my favorite romance heroes. He is delicious. And Georgiana is wonderful. She is strong, clever, witty, believable, even when she throws a tantrum!
This book is definitely a keeper!
You can't beat seasoned a writer! .......2006-09-12
The Rake: Lessons in Love by Suzanne Enoch is a perfect example a great historical romance novel. The characters are so real and fun that don't want the story to ever end. Georgiana and Dare has a history and fight all the time about what -- you will have read the book. Georgiana desides that he should be a taught a lesson and she will make him fall in love with her and dump him... Everything goes wrong.... Check out all the series Lessons in Love: The Rake ,London's Perfect Scoundrel and England's Perfect Hero
Charming and Fun!.......2005-01-13
I really enjoyed this book. I am giving it 4 stars only because I thought it lagged a little in the middle, while we were waiting for Tristan and Georgianna to finally admit that they cared for each other, and because I would have liked an epilogue to this book. Otherwise, I thought the characters were charming and likeable and it was fun to be along for the ride as their relationship grew! I also highly recommend the next installment in this series, "London's Perfect Scoundrel." I can't wait to read the next one!
The Bore.......2004-06-17
Lady Georgiana Halley was once seduced and ruined by Viscount Dare because of a wager that he could charm her out of both a kiss and a stocking. Heartbroken after finding out about the wager, she and Lord Dare have been in a fierce battle (fought quietly in the ballrooms of London) for six years. When Dare seems to be seriously courting another woman, Georgiana decides to intercede to "teach him a lesson" so that he doesn't hurt this woman as he hurt her.
Viscount Dare inherited a financial mess when his father died four years before, so for the sake of the aunts and brothers he loves he's decided to marry rich to repair the family fortunes. He's just begun to court a rich young woman when Georgiana steals his attention, placing herself firmly back into his life by moving in with him under the guise of playing companion to his elderly aunts. Dare never ruined Georgiana as he could have, keeping the stocking for himself and losing the wager. (Something Georgiana seems to lack the intelligence to realize.) He enjoyed seducing her, and even underneath their thinly veiled war of words (and sometimes fans) he still feels a small attraction and if she's willing, he'll pick things up where they left off six years ago.
With a bevy of secondary characters (useless except for the fact that they're obvious advertisements for future books), "The Rake" is mostly Georgiana's attempt to teach Dare a lesson. The first 100 pages were difficult for me to get through, only my determination not to have wasted $6 kept me going. After the first bit, the reading became easier, mainly because the comedy-type situations had thinned out and there was some real emotion coming through. At the end, though, one scene with stupid actions on the part of both the hero and heroine left me cold.
I don't like the fact that Dare seduced Georgiana and never offered to marry her, as a man's honor at that time could be measured by that very action; it's also made clear that Dare would have no interest in Georgiana if she didn't have money, and that fact is played off as something we simply ought to be grateful for. I'm thrown off later when Dare seems likeable in other ways after his behavior to both Georgiana and the other woman he's courting. It just doesn't seem consistent with his character that he could have been so totally careless in his actions. Toward the middle of the book, I don't really believe that he's capable of the behavior he's guilty of; I think bad characterization is to blame.
Georgiana is a moron. There really isn't much more to say. I think she was silly for being so easily seduced all of those years ago, and her ideas for revenge are totally irrational. At the moment I'm at a loss to name one likeable thing about her.
"The Rake" is more a comedy of manners type Regency than a true historical romance (except maybe for the love scenes). Between the lousy characterization and the slight change in the tone of the book, I find it hard to believe that the fans of either type of book would be truly happy with it as a whole. "The Rake" gets two stars from me only because I could stand to finish it--my one star ratings are reserved for books I can't get through.
Book Description
When a politician tries to blackmail her, Jacelyn decides to kidnap his nephew. But she abducts the wrong rake, the dashing Lord Leigh Claibourne, whose honor she will soon put to the test in Rake's Ransom.
In A Loyal Companion, country girl Sonia, out of place in the London Season, befriends Darius, whose wartime heroism hasn't erased his scandalous past. But she's still determined to undo the shackles of his heart.
Customer Reviews:
Regency Romance At It's Best.......2006-08-18
I always enjoy reading Barbara Metzger. Both of these stories are fun reading. The characters are delightful.
Two fun regencies in one book.......2006-04-17
RAKE'S RANSOM and A LOYAL COMPANION by Barbara Metzger
April 16, 2006
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I enjoyed reading this two-in-one novel by Barbara Metzger. Two older novels were reprinted and published in one binding, RAKE'S RANSOM and A LOYAL COMPANION. Both actually have similar plots, but were slightly different.
RAKE'S RANSOM featured a young woman whom most people assumed would never find a husband, due to her tomboyish ways. Along comes a man she thinks is her childhood friend Arthur, but instead he turns out to be the Lord Clairborne, whom she kidnaps as a joke and then falls under his spell. He is known to be a rake, and she has been found in an uncompromising position with him. To rectify things, he offers to marry her.
In A LOYAL COMPANION, we again have a young woman that seems to be not very good marriage material, but she finds herself attached to a man who is nearly an outcast to society, thus almost making her an outcast. In this novel however, the book is partly narrated by A DOG, which I found was done very humorously and had me laughing at all the right places.
Both books were fun, as Barbara Metzger's novels tend to be. I highly recommend these to the romance fan that has yet to read a regency. She definitely is the queen of the regency romance, and I hope to read more by her.
Book Description
From USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle comes the first book in a fun, new series, The Bachelor Chronicles, revolving around the lovely matchmaking girls of Miss Emery's Establishment for the Education of Genteel Ladies.
Lord John 'Jack' Tremont never set out to ruin Miss Miranda Mabberly, but when he mistakenly kissed the young lady thinking she was his current mistress, his devil–may–care life changed irreparably. That passionate moment, a kiss forever embellished in his memory, not only ruined the lady's reputation – her fiancé the Earl of Oxley called off their engagement – but Jack was buried in a hailstorm of scandal and cut off without a farthing by his brother, the Duke of Parkerton.
But in a stroke of fate, they meet again years later when Jack has to collect his disgraced niece from Miss Emery's Establishment for the Education of Genteel Ladies, where Miranda is now teaching. Though Jack doesn't recognise her and she wants nothing to do with the scoundrel who caused her ruin, the students are all atwitter at the attraction that crackles between them. In a scheme worthy of Napoleon, the girls come up with a plan to get their teacher and Lord John together, and Miranda and Jack don't stand a chance ...
Download Description
Scandal, outrage, ruin, rapture ... Who knows where one kiss can lead?
Customer Reviews:
A Cute Read but too Ho-Hum (C+ Grade).......2007-08-10
Poor Miranda. She is yet another heroine who is considered ruined because she was caught kissing a rake when she should have been listening to the opera. Well, Jack the rake thought she was his mistress and it was dark, so why not grab her and give her the kissing of her life!
They were caught and Miranda was sent to the outreaches of the wilderness, JUST FOR KISSING!! Ugh.
But what impressed me about this heroine, is that she said to heck with mom and dad and went out on her own to teach and save money. But she stil dreams about that one kiss! Aww to be innocent again.
Years later, Miranda changed her name and became Jane- a spinster teacher. But Jack comes into the picture again and for some reason he is so attractive to this uptight spinster with the gorgeous red hair. Jack is the poor hero who was cut off because of his dasterdly kissing and lives in an empty mansion with no money. But through a comedy of errors, Mirana aka plain Jane and three of her students invade his privacy.
Boyle has written a cute little read, with some comedy and lustful glances from the hero and heroine. Will Jack figure out who Jane is? And what about those pirates that just pop up?(Probably to add something to the plot at least!)
This is not her best and the passion you expect is a little boring for my tastes. If you know what "Avonization" means,a then this book is the perfect example. This is the second book in the Bachelor Chronicles.
Simply a ho-hum read.
Katiebabs
Stealing the Bride (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Love Letters From a Duke
Why did I buy this book?.......2007-04-15
I had previously read only one short story by Elizabeth Boyle in the anthology titled HERO, COME BACK. I wrote a review for that book and stated that I loved all the stories except.....yep, EB's. So, why did I buy this book? I obviously did not read my notes before placing the order.
This one (even though it is a full length story) will fare no better with me. I did not like it. If you don't want to find out what happens in the book I would recommend you stop reading now.
I was not enjoying the book, the plot, nor the characters but I had decided to read on because surely at some point Jack would come to realize he shared an historical event with Jane (Miranda) and everything could move on from there. Well! This author asked me to swallow a series of events which do not make logical sense to me. Miranda (Jane) was "ruined" by Mad Jack at the opera when he kissed her. I'm O.K. so far. Her parents (both parents, mind you, mother and father) were so title mad that they saw her ruination as the end of their plans for the future. They banished her to live with relatives but that is not all they did. Now it gets really stupid. They told everyone she had died and even had a funeral for her!!! She (Miranda) did not know this. She lived with one set of relatives until they both died. After moving to live with the second set of relations Miranda rebelled and decided to go teach at the school where she had been a student. Miss Emery made her living teaching and training young ladies from well-to-do families. She would have kept up with how her former students were doing. She read all the papers from London. Are we supposed to believe that she knew nothing of Miranda's disgrace? Are we supposed to think that she did not read in the papers that Miranda had died? How could she not have known, even if it had just been through gossip from her students and their parents? Four years after her banishment Miranda learned that her mother had died through the newspaper. People read those things with a vengeance because it was their most obvious source of news. For Miranda (now Jane) to never know that she had been killed off by her parents was just too much for me to swallow. And to have her hear it from Jack (even though at this point he still thought she was Jane) added a dimension which made me cringe. Her parents were so awful they would prefer to have her dead rather than married to him? Her father thought Jack would just spend all the dowry money so "let's tell everyone Miranda died" instead of accepting his offer of marriage? Yet when her father died he bequeathed his entire fortune to "Jane Porter". The whole book lost me right there.
I read it all. I didn't like it when I started and I didn't like it when I finished, but I was curious about what the author was going to do with all those characters. This book is a part of The Bachelor Chronicles and we met several characters who were obviously in previous books during the telling of this tale. I would imagine that some or all of the girls in this story go on to books of their own. Luckily for me, I don't have to worry about them any more. They can all go do all the improbable things this author can dream up but I will not be participating in the train wreck.
Mad Jack and Miranda Rock.......2006-08-11
It is character that always pushes a book from "nice read" to "memorable" for me and This Rake of Mine has characters in spades. Mad Jack and Miranda are a terrific couple and the supporting cast is interesting and well used to advance the main story. I loved the initial set up of how the fact that the hero and heroine's pasts crossed created both of their present conditions. I will be looking forward to Elizabeth Boyle's next book.
"Proper has its time and place...".......2006-06-02
I was up till mid-night finished this book. It was pure historical romance with splash of mystery. Miranda's is 'ruined' by a rake and is sent to the country. Jack the Rake is also sent to the country because his brother the Duke has had enough of his embarressements. The book starts nine years after the kiss/ruin. The truth comes out over time and Miranda and Jack must face the truth. If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon.
Well written...but over ambitious *Spoliers*.......2006-05-15
Where to begin? This story had me shaking my head from page three. Nothing in the *story* is believable. From the mistaken identity to the so-called esponiage storyline. Personally, I couldn't beleive the leap frog conclusions these characters jumped to from moment to moment. (See, Lord John's musings once a man's button fell from Jane/Miranda's sewing basket.) I didn't understand at all how or why Aunt Josephine faked her death. If Lord John and his staff where secret agents, then what's with the musings of selling his unexpected guest. Why wasn't the King, paying for the release of his agents instead of a broke and banished ton member? And who bought Miss Porter decorum act? If getting caught kissing a rake could ruin a woman, what did it say about the four of them sleeping under a single man's roof---for several days? I don't buy a vast land only has one exit from the property--cut across the grass. The romance was comletely lacking. Where was the meeting of minds, becoming friends. Everything was based off a kiss--a drunken kiss at that. What happened to Bruno? He started off as an interesting character and disappeared completely from the book. I think the book would have been better with out the esponiage story. There were too many coincidences. For a while there I thought the ghost of Josphine was also playing matchmaker, too, until you find out she's alive. Then, I was wondering who was whispering all those *remember* in the character's ears. Bottomline, I never connected to any of the characters and found myself just trying to get through it because of the $5.99 price tag. I mean, c'mon, that's almost the cost of two gallons of gas.
Average customer rating:
|
My Benton County Hero
Jim Rakes
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Military | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425945686 |
Book Description
The Korean Police Action caused the 936th Field Artillery Battalion, Arkansas National Guard, to join the meat-grinder of war. Led by Captain Douglas E. Morrow, my hero, a bunch of raw Arkansas kids became known as the "shootin'est non-salutin'est group of misfits in Korea. Left to our own devices, we would have been butchered by the armies of the North Koreans and Chinese, squabbling amongst ourselves over our small town rivalries and the lingering memories of high school insults while the enemy roared in. Doug Morrow, however, a WW II veteran, trained us to fight and taught us how to be men. The author exchanged 425 letters with his future wife, and the story of that burgeoning relationship captures what motivated the men to fight bravely when hell rained down. The only thing we had to keep ourselves going was the promise that some day we would have peaceful lives with the women we loved, that some day we would sink into the tranquility of Arkansas and dream of something other than the carnage of shrapnel. We fiercely fought for that dream even after an explosion robbed Doug Morrow of his own, because he had taught us to cherish what we had left behind in Benton County, and because he taught us that warriors do not run, even when it feels that God and country have abandoned them. I have finished My Benton County Hero and I thank you for writing it. It is an excellent running history of our miserable time in Korea. I think it is accurate. There were lots of events that I either didn't remember or never knew about. And I am sure that would be true of every man in A Battery from Bentonville, Arkansas, who will read the book. We all have our own experiences, and no one knows every thing that happened to any one else over there, but you have sure as hell captured a lot of my memories and experience. I know that it took a lot of research and just plain dam hard work to set it to paper. I don't have the patience for that. You have told your story and you have done a good job of it. It must be very therapeutic for you. Not many people attempt it, or want to. Or even have a story. You are Jim Rakes and you did as you pleased. The only way any one ever has freedom is to self impose strict discipline on themselves. Thanks for the work. All of A Battery who read it will be grateful to you, as I am. Thank you for the hard work you did for me while we were over in Korea. Never for a minute did I have to be concerned about you running your section in a professional military manner. You were a good soldier. I know Master Sergeant material when I see it. You were young, eager, smart, and had a go for it attitude. That is why you were picked for the job of Master Sergeant. I really wasn't looking out for you as much as I was for my self and the Outfit. You justified my judgment. I have always known that I made a good decision when I chose you for the jobs that I needed you to perform. You served our country, the Outfit, and me in an outstanding manner. From an old Master Sergeant who knew. BDH
Customer Reviews:
Word Study Old Testament.......2007-02-12
GREAT study helps! If you are studying the Old Testament you want this in your library!
Great study tool.......2006-02-25
This book is a big help in looking deeper into the meaning behind the words and phrases in the Old Testament.
A great resource!.......2005-01-19
This book has an easy to read print and gives helpful detailed (in layman's terms) explanations of words that many other books lack. It has two parts, a dictionary and a concordance which are both coded to the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (KJV) system.
That may sound complicated, but it is SO WORTH the digging.
If you get this book, you still need the Strong's and a KJV Bible to refer to... the shovels needed to get to the gold.
P.S.No trouble with highlighting the pages from 2003 edition.
Great, Just One Annoying Defect (1994 edition).......2004-09-14
This work has been a great help to me and I am very thankful for it. It is very easy to use.
The publisher seems to have done an excellent job as far as appearance. The clarity of type, etc., is excellent. However, if you use an Accent style bible highlighter, it smears and smudges really bad, especially in areas where the type is bolder or closer together (like in some of the back reference sections). This may be the case (likely is considering the general smudginess of the print) for other highlighters as well but I haven't tried them.
It's like the ink never fully dries. Even if you just rub it with a slighly moist (pretty much like normal if you're holding a pen or moving around at all) finger, it smudges very easily.
So although this is an incredibly helpful and excellent work overall, this one defect is frustrating to me. Perhaps other editions don't have this defect but you might want to give it a little smudge-test in the store before buying it anywhere.
INFINITE REVELATION.......2003-05-22
You cannot imagine how understanding the Hebrew has changed my life, and empowered me to know what, and how supreme Life is. Combined with the New Testament Word Study, this will enable you to see into the Spiritual domain, and enthrall endlessly at the genius and pre-meditation of YHVH's relished Infinite meaning(s) of His name(s), passions and intense paradigms; making His own self-Existent and Eternal Expression personal to you.
Book Description
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Cynsters! When I embarked on the stories of the Cynster clan, I knew they fascinated me, but I had no idea how much they would appeal to readers. This volume contains the books that first introduced readers to the glittering, glamorous, passionate, and sometimes dangerous lives of the Cynster cousins and their ducal dynasty.
In
Devil's Bride, the head of the dynasty, Devil Cynster, 6th Duke of St. Ives, is caught in a compromising position with a governess. He astonishingly offers marriage, but Honoria Anstruther-Wetherby has no interest. Devil is convinced, yet someone is not so enthused, and accidents start to occur. Can Devil convince Honoria that marrying him will be a more exciting adventure than anything she's dreamed? And if he succeeds, will they both survive?
In
A Rake's Vow, Vane Cynster, Devil's cousin and closest friend, determined to avoid Cupid's dart, takes refuge at his godmother's country house, where fate throws Patience Debbington literally into his arms. Vane is impressed; Patience is not. But as both become embroiled in a mystery involving ghosts, thefts, and ultimately attempted murder, Patience learns that she can place her trust in this rake's vow, because it's one that comes from the heart.
I hope you enjoy your first exciting taste of the Cynster world -- let the romance, adventure, mystery, and sheer passion sweep you away!
WARNING: The Cynsters are addictive.
Stephanie Laurens
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Stories Begin What Promises To Be An Excellent Series!.......2006-08-14
These first-two-books-in-one begin the Cynster series and an excellent beginning it is! Since DEVIL'S BRIDE and A RAKE'S VOW are the first two books, I suggest you look under each title for the individual reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed them both! I'm looking forward to reading more of her novels and continuing the Cynster series!
Books:
- The Red Hat Society Cookbook
- Thick Face, Black Heart: The Warrior Philosophy for Conquering the Challenges of Business and Life
- Ultrasound of the Eye and Orbit
- Until Forever
- Where We Lived: Discovering the Places We Once Called Home
- Why a Son Needs a Mom: 100 Reasons
- Wonderland: King of Diamonds (Wonderland)
- You Don't Have to Take it Anymore: Turn Your Resentful, Angry, or Emotionally Abusive Relationship into a Compassionate, Loving One
- Your Heart's Desire: Instructions for Creating the Life You Really Want
- 13 fatal errors managers make and how you can avoid them
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Heart Revolution: The Extraordinary Discovery That Finally Laid the Cholesterol Myth to Rest
- Navigating the Dark Side of Wealth: A Life Guide for Inheritors
- Analytical Ultracentrifugation of Polymers and Nanoparticles
- Conversations with the Fat Girl
- Escher on Escher: Exploring the Infinite
- Jamberry
- Duveen: The Story of the Most Spectacular Art Dealer of All Time
- Colors: Tibor Kalman, Issues 1-13
- Authentic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls
- Deadly Winter: The Life of Sir John Franklin
The Perfect Waltz (Berkley Sensation)
The Perfect Stranger (Berkley Sensation)
The Perfect Kiss (Berkley Sensation)
The Raven Prince (Warner Forever)
Scandal in Spring (Wallflower Quartet, Bk. 4)
