Helpful Score: 7
One of the greatest challenges a romance author faces is taking damaged, jaded souls and weaving an story not drowning in melodrama. Never Romance a Rake pulls off the impossible with empathy and compassion. Best of all, there's no nasty cruelness that so often manifests itself in most stories of this tone.
I'm not normally drawn to stories featuring proud, lonely women and guilt-ridden, self-flagellating men, but this caught and held my attention from the first page. There are many layers to dig through and the revelations keep the pages turning. I read this in one sitting.
The only complaint I might lodge is that after being drawn into an emotional investment in this couple, things were wrapped up too quickly at the end. There wasn't much of a struggle to turn the corner into the light, and once there ... poof! An easy recovery. Rather negates the intense build-up of the entire story.
Still, a satisfying read and much better than the norm. :)
I'm not normally drawn to stories featuring proud, lonely women and guilt-ridden, self-flagellating men, but this caught and held my attention from the first page. There are many layers to dig through and the revelations keep the pages turning. I read this in one sitting.
The only complaint I might lodge is that after being drawn into an emotional investment in this couple, things were wrapped up too quickly at the end. There wasn't much of a struggle to turn the corner into the light, and once there ... poof! An easy recovery. Rather negates the intense build-up of the entire story.
Still, a satisfying read and much better than the norm. :)
Kristin C. (klokanek) reviewed Never Romance a Rake (The Neville Family, Bk 3) on + 64 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A compelling story with complicated characters that I could not help but root for. Recommend.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Never Romance a Rake (The Neville Family, Bk 3) on + 1726 more book reviews
Great book, makes you want to be friends with the Neville family. Lots of fun and adventure in this book. A great book.
Good story with wonderfully drawn characters. But, again, I feel like Ms. Carlyle could make this story more compelling by moving along the plot a better pace. The center of the story is the same conversation over and over again...then a huge plot piece is given a couple of pages at the end rather than giving the reader the chance to figure out with clues the story point. Oh well, still and enjoyable read, especially the male lead.
Kimberly M. (kmourey) reviewed Never Romance a Rake (The Neville Family, Bk 3) on + 2 more book reviews
After reading Never Lie to Lady and Never Deceive a Duke, curiosity had me impatiently waiting for Kieran's story. I was not disappointed.
From the back of the book:
In this sizzling third book in New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle's compelling historical trilogy, a cynical rake joins a sinister game of cards with dangerously seductive stakes.
If he wins this hand...
Shunning the glittering elite of high society Kieran, Baron Rothewell, prefers the dangerous pursuits of London's demimonde. Hardened by a tormented past, he cares little for anyone or anything. So how can he resist the wager proposed by the dissolute Comte de Valigny? A hand of cards for the possession of the comte's exquisite daughter.
Will he win her heart?
Abandoned by her highborn father -- until he decides to use her -- Mademoiselle Camille Marchand puts no trust in an aristocrat's honor, especially that of the notorious baron. She too is gambling -- for her life -- and Rothwell is just one more card to be used. But whatever dark desires run through his veins call to her own, and the heart plays its own game -- winner take all!
From the back of the book:
In this sizzling third book in New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle's compelling historical trilogy, a cynical rake joins a sinister game of cards with dangerously seductive stakes.
If he wins this hand...
Shunning the glittering elite of high society Kieran, Baron Rothewell, prefers the dangerous pursuits of London's demimonde. Hardened by a tormented past, he cares little for anyone or anything. So how can he resist the wager proposed by the dissolute Comte de Valigny? A hand of cards for the possession of the comte's exquisite daughter.
Will he win her heart?
Abandoned by her highborn father -- until he decides to use her -- Mademoiselle Camille Marchand puts no trust in an aristocrat's honor, especially that of the notorious baron. She too is gambling -- for her life -- and Rothwell is just one more card to be used. But whatever dark desires run through his veins call to her own, and the heart plays its own game -- winner take all!
