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Danger and Desire #1
Ravished by the Rake
Vivacious lady Perdita Brooke prides herself on her social poise…except when faced with devastatingly dashing Alistair Lyndon. The dreamy young man Dita once knew is now a hardened rake, who clearly does not remember their passionate night together…however much it's emblazoned on her memory!Now Dita has the perfect opportunity to remind Alistair of their sizzling chemistry. But soon she is in over her head. Provoking him is supposed to be a deliciously wicked game, with her holding all the cards—until Alistair reveals the ace up his sleeve!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
25 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
423 books330 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 20, 2024
3 stelline e mezzo
Questa serie di Louis Allen si caratterizza per offrirci trame senza dubbio originali e con un pizzico di avventura.
Nel primo volume Lady Perdita, inviata in India dopo uno scandalo, è finalmente pronta a tornare in Inghilterra e a rientrare in società.
Tuttavia, il lungo viaggio in mare di almeno tre mesi riserva una serie di sorprese, tra cui il nascere di grandi amicizie e un ritorno di fiamma con un giovane nobile amato nell’adolescenza.
Mi è piaciuta la parte ambientata a Calcutta, così come ho apprezzato la vita a bordo del mercantile. Perdita è molto vivace e ha uno spirito ribelle ideale per suscitare critiche e disapprovazione, tanto che persino Alistair, il protagonista maschile, ci impiega un po’ ad accettare il suo carattere.
Non uno dei suoi migliori migliori, con alcuni passaggi forzati, ma gradevole.
Questa serie di Louis Allen si caratterizza per offrirci trame senza dubbio originali e con un pizzico di avventura.
Nel primo volume Lady Perdita, inviata in India dopo uno scandalo, è finalmente pronta a tornare in Inghilterra e a rientrare in società.
Tuttavia, il lungo viaggio in mare di almeno tre mesi riserva una serie di sorprese, tra cui il nascere di grandi amicizie e un ritorno di fiamma con un giovane nobile amato nell’adolescenza.
Mi è piaciuta la parte ambientata a Calcutta, così come ho apprezzato la vita a bordo del mercantile. Perdita è molto vivace e ha uno spirito ribelle ideale per suscitare critiche e disapprovazione, tanto che persino Alistair, il protagonista maschile, ci impiega un po’ ad accettare il suo carattere.
Non uno dei suoi migliori migliori, con alcuni passaggi forzati, ma gradevole.
October 3, 2018
Senza infamia e senza lode. Il fascino dell'India coloniale della prima parte non arriva al lettore. Niente di particolarmente originale, ma non scritto male (se si eccettuano alcuni refusi di traduzione...si passa dal tu al voi in modo abbastanza disinvolto, una volta anche all'interno della stessa frase).
Il protagonista maschile sembra particolarmente idiota, dall'inizio alla fine. Tutti quei tira e molla (io lo amo ma lui non mi ama, perciò non gli do soddisfazione - lei non mi ama e devo lasciarla a qualcuno che la ami, ma sono geloso come una scimmia), portati all'esasperazione per allungare di 2-3 capitoli, stancano. Ma almeno, il romanzo si chiude senza gravidanze di rito.
Solo una scena mi ha fatto quasi chiudere il kindle per l'assurdità:
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PICCOLO SPOILER
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I nostri eroi sono su una nave che li porterà dall'India all'Inghilterra ormai DA SETTIMANE, con condizioni igieniche quanto meno precarie (non ci sono nemmeno vere e proprie cabine, figuriamoci vasche e acqua da sprecare) e, mentre sono da soli sul ponte, lui ha la brillante idea di stuzzicare lei togliendole una calza e mettendosi a succhiarle LE DITA DEI PIEDI. Non aggiungo ulteriori commenti.
Il protagonista maschile sembra particolarmente idiota, dall'inizio alla fine. Tutti quei tira e molla (io lo amo ma lui non mi ama, perciò non gli do soddisfazione - lei non mi ama e devo lasciarla a qualcuno che la ami, ma sono geloso come una scimmia), portati all'esasperazione per allungare di 2-3 capitoli, stancano. Ma almeno, il romanzo si chiude senza gravidanze di rito.
Solo una scena mi ha fatto quasi chiudere il kindle per l'assurdità:
---
PICCOLO SPOILER
---
I nostri eroi sono su una nave che li porterà dall'India all'Inghilterra ormai DA SETTIMANE, con condizioni igieniche quanto meno precarie (non ci sono nemmeno vere e proprie cabine, figuriamoci vasche e acqua da sprecare) e, mentre sono da soli sul ponte, lui ha la brillante idea di stuzzicare lei togliendole una calza e mettendosi a succhiarle LE DITA DEI PIEDI. Non aggiungo ulteriori commenti.
January 31, 2012
I love Louise Allen's historical romances; she writes such strong female leads, and this book is no exception. 'Ravished by the Rake' is the first book in the 'Danger & Desire' trilogy. It starts in India when various characters from the mini-series are about to board a ship for a three-month voyage to England. A large proportion of the book is set on and around the ship 'Bengal Queen'. This book gets the trilogy off to an excellent start, and I look forward to reading the next two books.
May 17, 2022
I bought this as it was on sale, and I've enjoyed books by Louise Allen in the past. I didn't read the synopsis.
I found it to be a bit annoying.
The push and pull of attraction etc between the heroine and hero during the sailing began to get very repetitive and boring, and the constant indiscretions.
There's part of me that resents the "rake" trope, where he's more often than not, just a man who avails himself of the usual sexual liaisons readily available to a wealthy man in these societies. Perversly, I was annoyed by this rake's sexual pursuit of an unmarried lady with a tarnished reputation. Perhaps "rake" books just aren't for me?
I'll still give books by this author a try, given my enjoyment of others in the past, but this one really wasn't for me, and I'm not sure how much I'm going to enjoy the rest of this series (I bought all three at once).
I found it to be a bit annoying.
The push and pull of attraction etc between the heroine and hero during the sailing began to get very repetitive and boring, and the constant indiscretions.
There's part of me that resents the "rake" trope, where he's more often than not, just a man who avails himself of the usual sexual liaisons readily available to a wealthy man in these societies. Perversly, I was annoyed by this rake's sexual pursuit of an unmarried lady with a tarnished reputation. Perhaps "rake" books just aren't for me?
I'll still give books by this author a try, given my enjoyment of others in the past, but this one really wasn't for me, and I'm not sure how much I'm going to enjoy the rest of this series (I bought all three at once).
May 5, 2019
Ravished By The Rake is book one of the Danger and Desire Shipwreck series of historical romances.
It opens in India where passengers are preparing for a three month long boat trip to England. Perdita Brooke is returning to her family after a period away from society gossips after a acandalous elopement attempt. Alistair Lyndon is returning because if father is gravely ill.
Childhood friends Perdita and Alistair have not seen each other for several years, but Perdita can't help her feelings for him bubbling to the surface once more. Will Alistair still see her as a family friend or will he finally see her for the attractive woman she has now become?
Much of this story takes place aboard the ship and I was as glad as the passengers to reach English soil; chapters on board began to drag. I enjoyed the story but preferred the last third of the book best.
It opens in India where passengers are preparing for a three month long boat trip to England. Perdita Brooke is returning to her family after a period away from society gossips after a acandalous elopement attempt. Alistair Lyndon is returning because if father is gravely ill.
Childhood friends Perdita and Alistair have not seen each other for several years, but Perdita can't help her feelings for him bubbling to the surface once more. Will Alistair still see her as a family friend or will he finally see her for the attractive woman she has now become?
Much of this story takes place aboard the ship and I was as glad as the passengers to reach English soil; chapters on board began to drag. I enjoyed the story but preferred the last third of the book best.
December 13, 2017
Lento y sin chispa. Venga a dar vueltas sobre lo mismo. Mala traduccion
August 12, 2018
Nunca um nome de mocinha teve tanto a ver...
Mais um livro delicioso da Louise Allen.
Após uma tentativa de fuga com o homem errado, Lady Perdita (ou seria perdida?), é enviada para a Índia como forma de ser afastada do escândalo.
Depois de cumprir sua “pena” por alguns anos é chegada a hora de voltar.
Uma semana antes ela descobre que seu vizinho, companheiro e amor frustrado de infância, estará no mesmo navio que ela e que irão conviver no espaço confinado em alto mar por mais de 3 meses.
Alistair Lyndon, futuro Marquês de Iwerne, após uma desilusão amorosa e uma furiosa discussão com seu pai, vai embora da Inglaterra atrás de aventuras, mas agora, anos depois, recebe a notícia de que seu pai está gravemente doente e tem que voltar.
Quando revê Lady Perdita, a menina que o perseguia para todo o lado na infância e que agora se tornou extremamente atraente, fica fascinado.
O problema é que não se lembra de que, na noite em que discutiu com seu pai e bebeu mais do que poderia aguentar, ele tivera uma noite de amor apaixonada com ela, tomando assim sua virgindade.
Uma aventura deliciosa com direito a lutas de espadas e tudo mais.
Mais um que recomendo.
Mais um livro delicioso da Louise Allen.
Após uma tentativa de fuga com o homem errado, Lady Perdita (ou seria perdida?), é enviada para a Índia como forma de ser afastada do escândalo.
Depois de cumprir sua “pena” por alguns anos é chegada a hora de voltar.
Uma semana antes ela descobre que seu vizinho, companheiro e amor frustrado de infância, estará no mesmo navio que ela e que irão conviver no espaço confinado em alto mar por mais de 3 meses.
Alistair Lyndon, futuro Marquês de Iwerne, após uma desilusão amorosa e uma furiosa discussão com seu pai, vai embora da Inglaterra atrás de aventuras, mas agora, anos depois, recebe a notícia de que seu pai está gravemente doente e tem que voltar.
Quando revê Lady Perdita, a menina que o perseguia para todo o lado na infância e que agora se tornou extremamente atraente, fica fascinado.
O problema é que não se lembra de que, na noite em que discutiu com seu pai e bebeu mais do que poderia aguentar, ele tivera uma noite de amor apaixonada com ela, tomando assim sua virgindade.
Uma aventura deliciosa com direito a lutas de espadas e tudo mais.
Mais um que recomendo.
November 11, 2017
Hero and heroine knew each other growing up. Now they're both in India, getting ready to go back to England. She was sent out for a year to allow her scandal to die down; he left after a big fight with his dad. There's still a huge attraction between them, although he doesn't remember what happened the night he left. She believes in love. He doesn't-- thinking love equals betrayal. But she is still very susceptible to him, and he thinks she's a worldly, sophisticated woman. One he somehow feels very protective toward. There's lots of complicated, fully understandable emotions between these two. They both believe they are bad for each other, but they just can't stay away. It's a delicious, angst-filled read. I liked it a lot.
February 11, 2023
A solid 4. I really enjoyed this book. Dita was a strong woman to stand up for what she felt was right. She didn't want to marry someone who didn't love her. He on the other hand didn't recognise what love entailed. He was satisfied with the physical. The storyline was very good. I have never read Louise Allen books before and glad I did.
March 23, 2019
DNF couldn't keep reading
this was more about the journey from India, and was all about the 2 characters and little else
this was more about the journey from India, and was all about the 2 characters and little else
June 20, 2019
A veces confusa pero bonita
August 6, 2022
A good read
January 28, 2024
3.5 stars.
It was fun reading an old school historical romance.
It was fun reading an old school historical romance.
December 20, 2017
Ok, let me start off that it has been a crazy month and I just need a quick read to get through this time. I have to say that Harliquien novels are for that. I saw that Louise Allen came out with a new series. It's not really new since it has been publish in England before here. Who cares, right?
I guess I should get to the nitty gritty of this book and not focus on when it was originally published.
Allen's current series is called Danger and Desire. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? There is a lot a danger in this series that is for sure.
The stories starts us off in India. Where we meet most of the important characters in the series. Which you have Lord Alistar Lyndon, Lady Perdita Brooke, Miss Averil Heydon, and the twin brothers Daniel and Callum Chatterton. However, being in India by itself is dangerous, but is not where the danger lies. The danger lies somewhere off the coast of England. For the most part there journey is hunky dory until they are just a couple hours away from England when a might tempest comes and destroy there vessel. The following people's course is alter forever.
The first book focuses on Alistar and Dita. They have know each other year, since childhood to be exact. There past comes creeping back after the storm and truths come out. However, each is unwilling to except what the other wants or offers. One wants the happily ever after, while the other just wants to live life of convience. Why bother with love when it's a farce?
The question that lies is can Alistar melt his heart of stone that he has forge for eight years to give Dita the happily ever after she's looking for? Or will he let his inner cynic win?
A great read for the danger that starts on the high seas. So go and enjoy Ravished By the Rake. I plan to continue reading to see what happens to the others.
I guess I should get to the nitty gritty of this book and not focus on when it was originally published.
Allen's current series is called Danger and Desire. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? There is a lot a danger in this series that is for sure.
The stories starts us off in India. Where we meet most of the important characters in the series. Which you have Lord Alistar Lyndon, Lady Perdita Brooke, Miss Averil Heydon, and the twin brothers Daniel and Callum Chatterton. However, being in India by itself is dangerous, but is not where the danger lies. The danger lies somewhere off the coast of England. For the most part there journey is hunky dory until they are just a couple hours away from England when a might tempest comes and destroy there vessel. The following people's course is alter forever.
The first book focuses on Alistar and Dita. They have know each other year, since childhood to be exact. There past comes creeping back after the storm and truths come out. However, each is unwilling to except what the other wants or offers. One wants the happily ever after, while the other just wants to live life of convience. Why bother with love when it's a farce?
The question that lies is can Alistar melt his heart of stone that he has forge for eight years to give Dita the happily ever after she's looking for? Or will he let his inner cynic win?
A great read for the danger that starts on the high seas. So go and enjoy Ravished By the Rake. I plan to continue reading to see what happens to the others.
February 3, 2015
I loved Perdita. Her passion and her strength made her a marvellous heroine. I loved how she took on the ton and her detractors head on - how she made a weakness a strength and ensured she wasn't seen as a victim. Alistair was masterful and I enjoyed seeing him fall in love and come to realise how much she meant to him.
Re-read 01/02/2015 - I reread this and must say I enjoyed it even better the second time around. I enjoyed Dita. She has so much personality, her ability to make the best of her physical attributes really touched me this time around. Alistair is a bit less easy to understand but when one learns about what his step-mother-to-be did to him, it all falls into place. I liked seeing him change, realise and come to peace with his past with his reaction to Evelyn and Morgan. Nice touch that.
Re-read 01/02/2015 - I reread this and must say I enjoyed it even better the second time around. I enjoyed Dita. She has so much personality, her ability to make the best of her physical attributes really touched me this time around. Alistair is a bit less easy to understand but when one learns about what his step-mother-to-be did to him, it all falls into place. I liked seeing him change, realise and come to peace with his past with his reaction to Evelyn and Morgan. Nice touch that.
July 2, 2012
Dita is a hellion of a woman and I absolutely love her! She refuses to believe she can't do something simply because she's a woman. She's hopelessly in love with Alistair, frequently remembering their time together in her youth. Alistair on the other hand is completely cynical towards love for reasons you find out late in the book and has no recollection of their time together. The journey the two take in learning about each other's pasts as well as how they fit into each other's futures is an endearing one not without its trials and tribulations.
Final Thoughts: Read it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-15y
Final Thoughts: Read it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-15y
February 16, 2013
First in a series, that I yet again managed to read in completely the wrong order. Knowing what would happen to everyone overall failed to spoil the fun, however. A delightful pair of protagonists here, and lots of enchanting secondary characters, more of whom deserved their own books than actually got to have their stories told. A lovely link into the next book of the set at the end too.
April 11, 2012
Have you ever read a book so poorly written you thought, well shit I could have written that!? Yes, I read the whole thing and enjoyed parts but the plot was at best convenient at times and at worst just ridiculous.
October 7, 2012
I wasn't certain that I would enjoy this book as it takes the Regency heroine and places her in Calcutta, but I should have known that Louise Allen is not to be faulted. She is an excellent storyteller.
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: Danger & Desire
April 9, 2016
libro soso y aburrido que no dice nada...los personajes sin matices y la historia cumple con su papel de historia romantica sin mas pretensiones...
July 27, 2024
Donated July 27, 2024
Read
March 1, 2012Miniseries: Danger & Desire
April 4, 2012
This is the worst book I have ever read!
July 14, 2015
Me sirvio para confirmar que me gusta como escribe la autora. La recomiendo.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews