Rake with a Frozen Heart

Jul 02, 2012 Kinga rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sexy-and-lovely

I was reading ‘The Origins of Sex’ by Faramerz Dabhoiwala and the chapter that especially caught my attention was the chapter about the birth of the Cult of Seduction. Dabhoiwala claims that there was a significant change in the way women’s sexuality was viewed and it happened around 17th century. To simplify it: before, women were considered sexual creatures who led men astray and after the switch it was men who seduced women and women generally had no sexuality of their own until it was brough...more I was reading ‘The Origins of Sex’ by Faramerz Dabhoiwala and the chapter that especially caught my attention was the chapter about the birth of the Cult of Seduction. Dabhoiwala claims that there was a significant change in the way women’s sexuality was viewed and it happened around 17th century. To simplify it: before, women were considered sexual creatures who led men astray and after the switch it was men who seduced women and women generally had no sexuality of their own until it was brought to life by a man. This gave a rise to a common paranoia about lusty males who are out to get every innocent and chaste woman in sight. There were hundreds of books, pamphlets, paintings whose main goal was to warn women against rakes, or, gasp, libertines! Reading examples of all these sad stories made me really want to read a romance with a ‘rake’ in the title. Basically I wanted exactly the same story as those quoted in the ‘Cult of Seduction’ chapter but with a happy ending.

Luck had it, I saw this for 1.40 in Kindle Store and it’s a Mills&Boon. Mills&Boon is a brand you can (usually) trust. They have been doing it for years and they can deliver, so I bought without hesitation.

‘Rake with a Frozen Heart’ is essentially a story about a sweet, innocent, chaste girl and a rich, handsome rake. Our heroine, Henrietta, has been repeatedly warned by her mother to stay clear of rakes. And what does Henrietta do? Falls for the first rake she meets. Of course, this is a romance novel, so our rake is given some redeeming qualities. He might be a rake but all the women he sleeps with are experienced and they know it’s only sex. Well, at least that’s what Rafe St Alban says.

But I would like to call him out on this. He eventually does sleep with Henrietta, who is neither experienced nor aware it’s only sex. She is quite obviously in love with him. And at that point, he has no idea he is starring in a Mills&Boon so he doesn’t know they will get married and live happily ever after. At that point he still thinks he is in 19th century pamphlet warning young maidens against rakes and libertines, because he has no intention of making an honest woman out of her. Henrietta is bloody lucky it’s a Mills&Boons because that’s the only way this story can have a happy ending and her reckless behaviour does not lead to her ruin. Now, if Rafe failed to notice he was corrupting an innocent girl this time, how can I believe all his previous conquests were as honourable as he claims? You know what they say, never trust a rake!

Another interesting point is the sexuality of the heroine. It is in perfect accordance with the 18th century idea of asexuality of women (unless of course instilled in them by men). And here we have it, Henrietta was completely free of any sexual desire and has never felt as much as a tingle between her legs in all her twenty odd years of life. Yet, when a notorious rake sticks his tongue in her mouth, well, there you have it. She is all about sex from now. A woman who has never even masturbated will go down and suck this rake’s cock just a few chapters later. Yes, ladies, beware of rakes. Only let yourself loose if you are sure you are in a Mills&Boon and you are the heroine (and not some disposable secondary character). In this case, by all means, go for it.
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Jun 28, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky to be given a copy to review by the lovely Marguerite herself.

First impressions? The cover is just wonderful and so elegant.

Now for the story. Stolen Emeralds. An Aristocrat with emotions and a sparky heroine who is true to herself.
The book is such a great read. I fell into Regency England from the first page. Loved the opening pages and the story itself flowed like a river. Twists and turns, ups and downs. It was just great.

Marguerite gives the Regency romance a break from the norm...more

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Oct 18, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency-england, historical-romance

RAKE WITH A FROZEN HEART by Marguerite Kaye is a delightful Regency Romance. What a wonderful and usual historical romance filled with guilt,betrayal,love,romance, passion,letting on of guilt,innocence,healing,and forgiveness of oneself. Follow, Rafe St. Alban, the notorious and dangerous Earl of Pentland and Henrietta Markham,and innocent and naive country miss on an incredible journey to love and forgiveness. With the Earl's dark secrets and Miss Markham being marked as a thief,they set out to...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Julie Bonello rated it 4 of 5 stars

The talented Marguerite Kaye has outdone herself once again with Rake with a Frozen Heart, a seductively readable tale of blazing sensuality, nail-biting intrigue and dangerous desire that will hold readers spellbound from beginning to end!

When Henrietta Markham had gone chasing after her mistress’ mischievous pug, the vivacious governess never imagined that she would find herself attacked by a ruthless housebreaker – or that she would wake up the next morning in the Earl of Pentland’s bed! Plai...more The talented Marguerite Kaye has outdone herself once again with Rake with a Frozen Heart, a seductively readable tale of blazing sensuality, nail-biting intrigue and dangerous desire that will hold readers spellbound from beginning to end!

When Henrietta Markham had gone chasing after her mistress’ mischievous pug, the vivacious governess never imagined that she would find herself attacked by a ruthless housebreaker – or that she would wake up the next morning in the Earl of Pentland’s bed! Plain-looking governesses who are more interested in charity work and other people’s welfare than in beautiful gowns and making an advantageous match don’t usually attract the attentions of lascivious scoundrels like Rafe St. Alban. But when the rakish earl had come across the spirited Miss Markham, unconscious in a ditch on his property, he had no other choice but to offer her sanctuary until she recovers. Henrietta had been absolutely flabbergasted when she realized that she had been attacked by a perfidious burglar and that Rafe St. Alban had given her shelter in his magnificent house – but she was positively bowled over when she realized how devastatingly attractive society’s most scandalous rake was in the flesh…

After the abysmal failure of his first marriage, Rafe St.Alban had vowed to steer clear of relationships and matters of the heart and to only indulge in transient relationships with women who are well aware that although he’s more than allowing to share his body with them, he will never allow them to breach the impenetrable defenses which he’d erected around his heart. Rafe is perfectly aware that society perceives him to be a debauched scoundrel, but after his late wife had smashed his heart to a million tiny pieces, he had vowed never to let another woman get close to him ever again. Used to seducing experienced women of the world, Rafe is surprised when he finds himself attracted to the virginal Miss Markham – and absolutely shocked when he finds himself unable to stop himself from thinking about a future with the spirited young girl who had turned his perfectly structured life upside down!

Rafe’s breathtaking masculinity and tempting kisses have awakened feelings deep within Henrietta which she’s never experienced before, but when she finds herself accused of a crime she didn’t commit, romance is the last thing on her mind! With her freedom in jeopardy and her life hanging in the balance, Henrietta unexpectedly finds herself turning to the only man who could clear her name: Rafe.

Thrown together by destiny, Rafe and Henrietta soon find themselves falling in love with one another, but with an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and a ghost from the past that refuses to be vanquished, will their love manage to triumph against all these adversities?

Marguerite Kaye continues to affirm her place as one of historical romance’s most talented and most innovative writers with Rake with a Frozen Heart! Superbly written, beautifully rendered and full of red-hot passion, evocative atmosphere and pulse-racing danger, Rake with a Frozen Heart features a wickedly handsome rakish hero readers will fall madly in love with and one of the most delightful heroines I’ve ever come across in a historical romance. Henrietta is smart, witty and so lovely that I couldn’t help but admire her.

A captivating Regency romance that ticks all the right boxes, Rake with a Frozen Heart is sure to enthrall, entertain and enchant historical romance readers the world over!
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May 09, 2012 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, arc

This was a surprise! Best of all this book was written by an author from the UK about the Historical UK. The english spelling was such & terminology was great! Obviously not an american describing something they aren't really familiar with!

This was a great short story. Not a Novella.

Henrietta is a governess accused if stealing heirloom jewels from her employer. After whitnessing the break in & being knocked unconscious by the housebreaker & left for dead in a ditch, she is rescued...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Cynthia (aka Artemis) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Cynthia by: Laurie (Bitten by Paranormal Romance)

Shelves: arc-review-net-galley, historical-romance, regency

Reviewed at Bitten By Paranormal Romance

Rafe is haunted by his past. The guilt he harbors from decisions made long ago has turned his heart to ice. He feels he no longer deserves to love or be loved. He is truly a tormented hero. Henrietta is a wide-eyed, trusting innocent who blurts out whatever is on her mind – what a breath of fresh air.

This is your typical H/h from different sides of the tracks making for a wonderful “opposites attract”. The fire is lit from their first conversation when He...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Doris O'Connor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Marguerite Kaye reminded me why I love reading historicals with this passionate tale. All the usual traits were there - innocent governess being seduced by the handsome rake - or was it?

Henrietta may be the virginal governess and Rafe may give the impression of the typical regency rake, but that's were the similarities end. Henrietta is no simpering virgin, far from it, she is outspoken and her innocence is charming. I liked her straight away, as she comes to terms with this strange attraction s...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Jules rated it 5 of 5 stars

Author: Marguerite Kaye
Courtesy of NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for sharing this Regency novel with me. It was a great read and with endearing characters. I had completed the novel in 2 settings only because one needs to go to work.

Plot: Henrietta Markham wakes up and finds herself in Rafe St. Alban's bed. Henrietta was knocked out due to witnessing an attempted burglary at her employer's property and left to die, although it was more of a bump on the head. This is where the story begins. He's a...more Author: Marguerite Kaye
Courtesy of NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for sharing this Regency novel with me. It was a great read and with endearing characters. I had completed the novel in 2 settings only because one needs to go to work.

Plot: Henrietta Markham wakes up and finds herself in Rafe St. Alban's bed. Henrietta was knocked out due to witnessing an attempted burglary at her employer's property and left to die, although it was more of a bump on the head. This is where the story begins. He's a rake who finds her very amusing and feels very protective on her. While in hiding to sort out the man behind the burglary due to her employer's accusation that she was in on the robbery, Henrietta and Rafe got to know one another as he shows her around town, her blunt questions about his past, his curiosities about her past, and their increased proximity. Did I mention that they have to share a room together in the inn and one bed?

Characters: Henrietta is such a lovable heroine. She's blunt, has often spoken her thoughts out loud which is so cute, and gets Rafe in the habit of doing it too because of their closeness. Henrietta is true to herself and wouldn't accept anything less than being loved by someone she loves. Rafe has a rake's personality although he doesn't mistreat Henrietta. He loves to amuse himself by shocking Henrietta.

Overall: I’ll going to miss Henrietta and Rafe. They journey to love was a sweet adventure although there weren’t any adventures with regards to finding the person behind the robbery as it was fairly easy to tell from the beginning as to who was behind it and it was solved fairly quickly. No complaints on my end as it leave more room in the story for us to see the interaction between Henrietta and Rafe. It was heart felting to see Rafe finally realizing that he deserved to be loved and to acknowledge Henrietta’s love. The epilogue was very welcoming as it wrapped the entire story in a nice box. We get to see a happily ever after for Henrietta and Rafe.(less)

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Apr 11, 2012 Colleen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Goodness knows why this has over a four point rating. I found it a chore to complete.
Henrietta was a pathetic excuse for a character. It seemed the only purpose of her 'speaking her mind' was to advance the plot because the author had no imagination and couldn't think of any other way to achieve the same amount of knowledge being shared.
The continuity was horrendous at times, with Rafe (suspiciously like rake, might I add of his name) standing after having never sat down and letting go of her ha...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Jenna Anderson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

A Fine Escape

Ahhh… that’s just what I was hoping for. Every once in a while a person needs a good, rouge-meets-damsel-in-distress story. Rake With a Frozen Heart is a shining example of this type of storyline.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin for the review copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it was one of the better Harlequin titles I’ve read.

Henrietta is an innocent, talkative heroine with quirky beauty. Some of these characters can be overdone by writers, but I found...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rake With a Frozen Heart by Marguerite Kaye
Rafe St Alban, Earl of Pentland had been married once and he would never marry again. He no longer cared about an heir to carry on his many titles, he didn't seem to care about much at all. His life took a sudden turn one morning when he found a woman in his ditch, on the edge of death. And later the same day he found her stowing away in the back of carriage. What could he do but help her prove she was innocent of a crime she was being accused of. He fo...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Michelle Hughes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rake with a Frozen Heart - Marguerite Kaye
Harlequin

Captivating Story of Romance

Author Marguerite Kaye delighted me with her romance and I found myself completely entranced in the story she so artfully weaved.
Henrietta Markham wakes to find herself in the bed of the notorious rake, Rafe St Alban, Earl of Pentland. After being charged with the crime of theft, she is forced to accept his help in clearing her name or find herself imprisoned. Her job as governess is terminated as her employer blames...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Farrah rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review also appears on my blog at http://thegoldenruleof666.blogspot.com

Rake with a Frozen Heart is an adorable love story with shocking twists and turns. There's never a dull moment as Henrietta and Rafe fall in love while proving Henrietta's innocence.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Henrietta has been working as a governess and finds herself in a stranger's bed one morning. The stranger happens to be an Earl, but we'll know him as Rafe (love that name!). Henrietta finds out that she had...more This review also appears on my blog at http://thegoldenruleof666.blogspot.com

Rake with a Frozen Heart is an adorable love story with shocking twists and turns. There's never a dull moment as Henrietta and Rafe fall in love while proving Henrietta's innocence.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Henrietta has been working as a governess and finds herself in a stranger's bed one morning. The stranger happens to be an Earl, but we'll know him as Rafe (love that name!). Henrietta finds out that she had been left in a ditch by a thief who robbed her employer's house. When Henrietta is accused of stealing the jewels, Rafe promises to help clear her name...and so the adventure begins.

Henrietta is a refreshing character. She's blunt and speaks whatever is on her mind...sometimes to a great disadvantage as she tends to think out loud. Despite her situation, she remains brave and determined and not too happy with accepting help. She loves Rafe, but she refuses to settle in their relationship. And in the end, her stubborn determination gets her a happily ever after.

Rafe is a delightful love interest...in many ways ;) Not only is he sinfully handsome, adorably sweet and intriguingly tortured but he's also a truly interesting character to read about. His past has ruled his life ever since his first marriage fell apart in the most painful way possible. His agony over those happenings and his guilt about what he could have done differently come through clearly, making you feel for him. Though his actions weren't always the most honorable, when you find out why, you can't even blame him.

Their relationship is very sweet. It's a bit of a whirlwind romance, as the book occurs in about a week or so of time. But with everything happening around them, it made sense for them to fall in love so quickly.

There are so many plot twists and unexpected revelations, it's incredible that the author managed to keep the story as smooth as she did. When you think you've figured out what's going on, the plot takes an unexpected turn. In other words, I found it awesome :)The ending was sweet, the perfect ending to this whirlwind book. I loved everything about it.

5/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!(less)

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May 08, 2012 Dottie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A delightful story! The following is taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

RAKE WITH A FROZEN HEART, the latest book by author Marguerite Kaye, is a sweet historical romance. Unlike most historical romance novels, the difference in the social standing between Rafe, an earl, and Henrietta, a governess, never came into question. However, although she spoke about her parents a great deal, their identity was never fully explained, but the way she spoke of them might lead one to surmise that the...more

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May 04, 2012 Heather Book Savvy Babe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley, reading-romances-challenge-2012, review-on-blog, romance

Review first published to Book Savvy Babe Blog

Rafe St Alban is an Earl, he is reclusive, cold, and a rake. When Rafe comes across a young woman injured and unconscious on his property, he is unprepared for his world to be tilted on its axis. The young woman in question is Henrietta Markham, a governess who has been caught up in a robbery. As Henrietta's situation becomes more complicated, Rafe becomes more determined to help the woman. As the pair go about trying to clear Henrietta's name and di...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Charlotte Mcfall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was given a copy of this book by Marguerite Kaye to review on the condition I write an honest review. This was the first Regency book I have read for over six months, what this book showed me was how much I had missed reading Regency after all it is my favorite history period.

It is extremely well written and as usual has Marguerite's high standard stamp attached, as is the case with all her books.

Henrietta Markham a governess for the horrid Lady Ipswich finds herself in a strange bed with the...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Amyra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

Sussex, 1824

Henrietta Markham si risveglia in un letto sconosciuto, per poi incontrare subito dopo l’uomo più affascinate e seducente che abbia mai visto. L’ultima cosa che ricorda è di essere stata assalita da uno scassinatore, ma essere salvata dal Conte di Pentlan è molto più pericoloso!

Dopo il disastroso fallimento del proprio matrimonio, a Rafe St. Alban non scorre altro che ghiaccio nelle vene, ma l’incontro con l’impetuosa governante Henrietta gli fa bollire il sangue. Quando la ragazza v...more Sussex, 1824

Henrietta Markham si risveglia in un letto sconosciuto, per poi incontrare subito dopo l’uomo più affascinate e seducente che abbia mai visto. L’ultima cosa che ricorda è di essere stata assalita da uno scassinatore, ma essere salvata dal Conte di Pentlan è molto più pericoloso!

Dopo il disastroso fallimento del proprio matrimonio, a Rafe St. Alban non scorre altro che ghiaccio nelle vene, ma l’incontro con l’impetuosa governante Henrietta gli fa bollire il sangue. Quando la ragazza viene accusata del furto, Rafe si ritrova ad offrirle di aiutarla. Ma potrà l’innocenza di Henrietta mettere in ginocchio questo famoso libertino?

Ayliss: Dubito a priopri che si possa dimenticare di aver trascorso la notte con Rafe St. Alban. Ho adorato sin dall’inizio del libro lo stile fresco e frizzante, grazie al quale la scrittrice ha reso molto divertente la situazione ambigua in cui si è ritrovata Henrietta. Un personaggio femminile meraviglioso; con la sua sincerità, schiettezza e assoluta mancanza di filtri, tra ciò che pensa e quello che dice, è stato spassoso leggere le prima pagine del libro, che non è un capolavoro di originalità, ma è molto piacevole da leggere.

Amyra: Condivido, un libro frizzante e leggero, anche se ho trovato i primi capitoli un po’ lenti, ma successivamente ingrana alla grande e mi sono divertita molto a vedere la disfatta del grande conte. Il momento preferito in assoluto: quando suddetto caprone, dopo averle fatto la famosa "proposta indecente", non solo si vede rifiutato, ma la vede fare il suo ingresso in società. H-E-N-R-I-E-T-T-A!

Ayliss: Il titolo del libro è tutto improntato sul nostro bel tenebroso, ma la vera protagonista è lei. Ha uno spirito, una forza di volontà e una capacità di compassione da essere degna di una delle eroine più famose della letteratura inglese: in alcuni frangenti mi ha ricordato Jane Eyre, esagero? Rafe senz’altro ha fatto una terribile gaffe con la sua "proposta indecente", ma il suo vissuto e il suo affetto e amore per Henrietta è sincero e toccante, il suo personaggio credo non potesse essere sviluppato in modo migliore e ci è stato rivelato in modo graduale.

Amyra: Mah, sicuramente Rafe ha i suoi lati buoni (He’s HOT!) e proprio in extremis si salva rendendosi conto di amare Henrietta (cosa che, ahimé, era evidente in tutto il libro), ma per il resto mi è sembrato un personaggio di un ottuso allucinante; perso nelle sue fisime mentali e nelle sue colpe immaginarie, ogni tanto volevo entrare nel libro e scuoterlo un po’. Per fortuna c’è Henrietta, almeno i loro figli avranno un po’ di QI.

Ayliss: QI e risposta pronta oserei dire... In effetti il caro "Earl di St. Alban" era un po’ assorbito in un certo trip mentale, per non dire qualcosa di peggio... Comunque il mio giudizio è positivo, tenendo conto anche del fatto che l’ho letto in una serata. Ogni tanto queste letture leggere sono piacevoli e sono un’ottima alternativa ai programmi TV allucinanti. Voto: 3 1/2!

Amyra: Giudizio positivo anche per me, un bel romance, certo un po’ banale (alla fine le trame son sempre quelle) ma di ottimo godimento. E poi vale la pena leggerlo anche solo per vedere Henrietta in azione. Peccato che non ci sia il seguito, voto: 3 1/2!

Si ringrazia NetGalley e Harlequin per le gentili preview!(less)

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May 07, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Things are going from bad to worse for poor Henrietta. First, the young governess accidentally intercepts a thief breaking into her employer's home; then she gets knocked over the head and left for dead. For a moment, her situation looks up as her dashing neighbor rescues her from a ditch. But the diversion is short lived. As soon as she returns home, she is accused of colluding with the thief to steal the family's jewels. Henrietta panics and runs, stowing away on a carriage bound for London. A...more

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May 03, 2012 Lynelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rafe St. Alban, Earl of Pentland, is a rake and he’s not afraid of his reputation, but he isn’t the typical rake because he has standards. He’s quite a mystery and due to experiences in his past, he has closed himself off to others emotionally. One day on his way back to his country home, he comes across an unconscious woman on his property. Even when unconscious, there’s something about her that he’s drawn to.

Henrietta Markham is such an innocent young woman. She believes greatly in the ideals...more

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Apr 10, 2012 Yaritza rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It was with great pleasure to have received this book from Marguerite for review. I just fell in love with the book cover. I just couldn't put the book down. I love that the book started with Rafe finding a young lady passed out in his estate. She woke up too find such a hunk but to later find out that he was a rake with no feelings at all. The plot about the stolen emeralds from her boss Lady Ipswich was an excellent way to have Henrietta and Rafe fall utterly in love with each other. I loved...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Rie_dominique rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-novel, ada-di-rak-gw, cinta-satu-malam, europe, ebook, family, historical-romance, fiksi, love-the-cover, netgalley, romance

Rafe St.Alban, Earl of Pentland, sedang berkuda dipagi hari saat menemukan sesosok tubuh dikubangan. sosok tersebut ternyata adalah Henrietta Markham, governess di kediaman lady Ipswich (kalo ga salah).

saat tahu dirinya diselamatkan oleh Rafe yang terkenal sebagai rake, Henrietta-pun histeris. dan mulutnya yang ga bisa dikontrol langsung melontarkan kata-kata yang menyinggung perasaan sang Earl. tapi keterusterangan Henrietta ini juga menarik perhatian Rafe.

setelah diselidik, ternyata malam sebe...more

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Apr 03, 2012 _yay_ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, historical-romance, tortured-hero

This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publish date: May 1st, 2012 Fiction – Adult: Romance: Historical, 288 pages
Harlequin (Harlequin Historical)

Henrietta Markham is an honest soul, not capable of lying. When she’s accused of having committed a crime, waiting for the Bow Street Runner to arrive doesn’t seem like such a good idea. Determined to find the real culprit and clear her name she sets out for London.
How the Earl of Pentland ended up aiding a damsel in distre...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Marybeth (Manhattan Reader) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Honestly, I love historical romance novels. I think they are just the best romance in the world, and I don't know why, I just do. And I tend to be picky about which books I read and which authors I read. I had never heard of Kaye before, but I decided to give this book a shot and so I requested it. And I was heavily disappointed.

When Henrietta wakes up she finds herself in the bed of a rake, better known as Rafe. Unknowing how she got there, Henrietta finds instant attraction to the rake, but wh...more

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May 08, 2012 willaful rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, fertility-or-reproduction-issues, o-reformer-do-gooder-charity, same-old-same-old, pos-the-world-revolves-around-hero

Rafe St Alban, the Earl of Pentland, is startled when he finds an unconscious young woman in a ditch near his home. He's even more startled when the woman, Henrietta, turns up as a stowaway in his carriage several days later, running away from an employer who accused her of stealing jewelry. Against his better judgment, Rafe agrees to help her track down the real culprit and prove her innocence, but the more time he spends with the outspoken and compassionate Henrietta, the less he wants to let...more Rafe St Alban, the Earl of Pentland, is startled when he finds an unconscious young woman in a ditch near his home. He's even more startled when the woman, Henrietta, turns up as a stowaway in his carriage several days later, running away from an employer who accused her of stealing jewelry. Against his better judgment, Rafe agrees to help her track down the real culprit and prove her innocence, but the more time he spends with the outspoken and compassionate Henrietta, the less he wants to let her go.

I wound up liking this much more than I initially expected to. A slow start, an obvious mystery, an unoriginal match-up of a young, naive, idealistic heroine with a brooding rake, and an inconsistent historical tone did not bode well. Having finished it, I still can't recommend it to anyone who reads historicals primarily to feel transported to another era, because the plot pretty much ignores any period details that would be inconvenient. Henrietta is left alone with Rafe in his bedroom; she shares a room and a bed (and eventually her body) at an inn with him; he grabs her at a public ball and drags her away to a private area, in full view of all the guests... and none of this has any repercussions, or causes any concern. For me, ignoring the tension caused by society's constraints is a waste of a historical setting.

But despite its flaws, once past the beginning I found Rake With a Frozen Heart engaging. It was fast-paced and straightforward, with passionate love scenes and dialogue that establishes intimacy between the characters. It was the dialogue, especially Rafe's, that really grabbed me. The bitter man with a tragic secret is a romance staple and Rafe's tragic secret was nothing new, but I was struck by how he talks about it to Henrietta, the quality of his self-expression and insights. It made him seem very real.

Overall, this was a pleasant change of pace from many more bloated and meandering historical romances.

(Reviewed from e-arc provided by netGalley.)(less)

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Apr 06, 2012 Rae M. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: net-galley, arcs, released-2012, historical-fiction, historical-romance, favorites-2012, erotica, regency-romance, imperfect-heroine, 04-stars, read-in-2012, ebook, review-or-comment, rakes-antiheroes-and-bad-boys, tortured-hero

Thanks to netgalley for giving me a copy!

This is one of my favorite "recent" regency romances. Usually they're a guilty pleasure for me because not only is the writing a bit sub-par but the plots aren't that fantastic either and it's really just shameless erotica and romance. But Marguerite Kaye did a really good job with this book. Not only is she a good writer, the plot was cute, even if it is a "damsel-in-distress" storyline (everyone needs saving sometimes, okay.)

Plus, Henrietta isn't a "pe...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Karyn Gerrard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorites

This story appealed on so many levels. I can't resist the hero who has locked his heart away. The title of this book says it all.

Rafe St. Alban, the Earl of Pentland is the rake with a frozen heart. As with all historicals, this concept of the hardened, brooding rake and the sweet, virginal governess has been done to death. Also the heroine 'speaking her mind' annoys me to no end. Here in this story however, Henrietta does it in such a guileless and charming way I didn't find her grating at all....more This story appealed on so many levels. I can't resist the hero who has locked his heart away. The title of this book says it all.

Rafe St. Alban, the Earl of Pentland is the rake with a frozen heart. As with all historicals, this concept of the hardened, brooding rake and the sweet, virginal governess has been done to death. Also the heroine 'speaking her mind' annoys me to no end. Here in this story however, Henrietta does it in such a guileless and charming way I didn't find her grating at all. Deftly done.

Rafe finds Henrietta unconscious in a ditch on his property and being at heart a gentleman, takes the young lady back to his estate. The damsel-in-distress has been done many times as well, but seriously, who cares? This is why I read historicals. Rafe, despite his standoffish ways, cannot help but be sucked into Henrietta's drama. Considering Rafe is a stunning specimen of male virility and handsome beyond measure, again, it was refreshing to have a cute and slightly plump young lady rattle his defenses. Thrown together while they try and solve the mystery of Henrietta being accused of stealing her employer's jewels, the attraction grows. The sparks between this couple sizzle, the love scenes entirely sensuous and hot.

Henrietta manages to peel back the emotional layers and chip away at the ice that encases Rafe's heart. Underneath is a man who feels things deeply and a man emotionally damaged at an early age. I also like a book that stays closely focused on the hero and heroine. While the mystery plot was resolved earlier than I thought it would, the ending was more than satisfying.

The only thing that threw me was the constant changes between POV's between the characters, but I soon fell into the groove of the narrative. I also agree with a few reviewers there were some repetitive points throughout. The characters and the story all come together to form a great example of well done historical romance storytelling. I also defy you not to fall for Rafe, he is glorious.

4.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up to 5)(less)

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Apr 29, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, historical-fiction-romance, romance, series-romance

Good book. Rafe made an incredibly tortured hero. He did a great job of rescuing Henrietta the first time, even though he didn't want to. Then he stepped up to clear her name of the charges of theft. He had a terrible habit of going back and forth between cold and kind. I really liked Henrietta. She was a bit on the naive side, but she was a good person. She could see that Rafe had his issues, but she came to see that he was a good person under that rake-like exterior. I loved the way that she s...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, net_galley, regency-victorian, crappiest-cover-award

I haven't read any other books by this author, and after reading this one, provided by netgalley, I have to wander what exactly I've been doing with my life.

Yes, I really, really enjoyed this one. It hits so many perfect notes for me, that it's almost hard to explain. The writing flows so well that I really wish more authors could write like this. It's not particularly grammatically correct, but she writes in the same style as her protagonists inner monologues, which is rather a clever way of us...more I haven't read any other books by this author, and after reading this one, provided by netgalley, I have to wander what exactly I've been doing with my life.

Yes, I really, really enjoyed this one. It hits so many perfect notes for me, that it's almost hard to explain. The writing flows so well that I really wish more authors could write like this. It's not particularly grammatically correct, but she writes in the same style as her protagonists inner monologues, which is rather a clever way of using third person POV, but giving first person insight of both hero and heroine. The book switches often between the hero and heroine POV, but not once did I feel lost. It just felt totally natural, and for some reason, I found that the style meant I felt I was really there - I could not only see the bluebells but smell them, and I could not only see the River Thames, but I could feel the grass on the banks next to it, and hear the ducks quacking. I don't get that feeling very often, unfortunately.

The story concentrates 90% on the hero and heroine, but that's not to say that secondary characters don't get a look in, and in fact, their backstories, for the purposes of moving the story along, are told concisely but completely, and, best of all, they all feel real, not the usual one-dimensional, insipid, tea-swilling "friends" that overpopulate HRs. I very rarely read a HR where the story and characterization is strong enough that I (almost) forget what the hero and heroine actually look like. This was one of those.

I do have one minor complaint. Well, it's not really a complaint really, but it did bother me an eensy-weensy little bit. Despite being sexually innocent, the heroine seems quite uninhibited after only a couple of rounds with the hero in the sack, in a way I found difficult to believe. Although, to be fair, the heroine could be clearly an "enthusiastic amateur", and I did actually appreciate the author's not falling into the "heavy breasts" and "wet in her secret place" -type descriptions, which I hate.

So, the heroine is fabulous - a completely refreshing change. She is stridently honest, a breath of fresh air, and says what she thinks. The hero is a sad, tragic case, but not in an irritating "poor me" way.

So, loved it. 5 stars. A keeper, and I'm now going to raid this author's backlist!(less)

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May 09, 2012 Tia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-kindle, 1-netgalley, romance

Henrietta Markham is a young woman of twenty and three with high morals and integrity. Working as a governess, she is accused of being an accomplice in the disappearance of heirloom emeralds by her employer, Lady Helen Ipshaw. With little money, Henrietta leaves to investigate matters, on her own, and clear her name. In her search she meets a handsome and charming rake by the name of Rafe St. Alban/Lord Pentland. Rafe becomes her protector and assist in doing everything in his power to clear Hen...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok, Rafe's guilt was WAY too over-wrought for me. I realize this was one of the primary plot points, but it was just completely overplayed. That said, I really enjoyed this book. Rafe was compellingly likeable--probably because you wanted to reassure him of his worth!! Henrietta was, of course, delightful with her naivety and complete honesty. The ending was also a little too abrupt to be believable. Rafe had spent years carrying this guilt around, then he spends one night considering Hentrietta...more

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title link	preview: Rake with a Frozen Heart
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