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Rhymes With Love #2
And the Miss Ran Away With the Rake
Daphne Dale never could have imagined that when she answered an advertisement in the newspaper that she would find true love. Now she has the opportunity to meet her unknown suitor, but it means traveling to Tabitha’s wedding, and into the heart of her family’s sworn enemies. Everyone knows the Seldons are terrible rakes and bounders, but Daphne will risk anything to gain the happiness she is certain is right around the corner.
Lord Henry Seldon is aghast at the latest addition to the house party guest list—one would think after the unforgettable scandal Daphne Dale caused at the duke’s engagement ball, she wouldn’t dare show her face at the duke’s wedding. But here she is, poking her nose where she shouldn’t and driving Henry mad . . . with an unforgettable passion that will turn enemies into lovers.
Lord Henry Seldon is aghast at the latest addition to the house party guest list—one would think after the unforgettable scandal Daphne Dale caused at the duke’s engagement ball, she wouldn’t dare show her face at the duke’s wedding. But here she is, poking her nose where she shouldn’t and driving Henry mad . . . with an unforgettable passion that will turn enemies into lovers.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
156 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
85 books2,061 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
August 30, 2018
And Miss Ran Away With the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle is an April 2013 Avon publication.
Henry Seldon and Daphne Dale have become pen pals- nothing extraordinary about that, really, except perhaps for the fact that the Seldon's and the Dale's have been feuding for centuries.
When Daphne arrives at her best friend's engagement party, she is in enemy territory. But, she will endure for Tabitha's sake. Besides, the main thing on her mind is that she is finally going to meet her pen pal face to face. Instead she finds herself dancing with her sworn enemy, Henry Seldon.
Henry and Daphne agree to keep their distance from one another, but keep finding themselves thrown together somehow, and trying to fight off their increasing and forbidden attraction to one another. In the meantime, each of them continues to attempt a face to face meeting their elusive pen pal.
What a delightful story! Screwball comedy, mistaken identity, feuding families, passion, romance and true love!
The first half of the story is laugh out loud out loud funny. The middle of the story did lag just a bit, but rights itself as the pace becomes almost frantic as Henry and Daphne become desperate to find their pen pals.
When a book can take you away from your immediate day to day troubles, and give you a few laughs and a wonderful love story, what more can you ask for?
I chuckled all the way through this book and found it delightfully entertaining from beginning to end. Highly recommend, especially to fans of this author, but also to anyone who loves a romantic comedy or historical romance with a lighter tone.
4.5 stars
Henry Seldon and Daphne Dale have become pen pals- nothing extraordinary about that, really, except perhaps for the fact that the Seldon's and the Dale's have been feuding for centuries.
When Daphne arrives at her best friend's engagement party, she is in enemy territory. But, she will endure for Tabitha's sake. Besides, the main thing on her mind is that she is finally going to meet her pen pal face to face. Instead she finds herself dancing with her sworn enemy, Henry Seldon.
Henry and Daphne agree to keep their distance from one another, but keep finding themselves thrown together somehow, and trying to fight off their increasing and forbidden attraction to one another. In the meantime, each of them continues to attempt a face to face meeting their elusive pen pal.
What a delightful story! Screwball comedy, mistaken identity, feuding families, passion, romance and true love!
The first half of the story is laugh out loud out loud funny. The middle of the story did lag just a bit, but rights itself as the pace becomes almost frantic as Henry and Daphne become desperate to find their pen pals.
When a book can take you away from your immediate day to day troubles, and give you a few laughs and a wonderful love story, what more can you ask for?
I chuckled all the way through this book and found it delightfully entertaining from beginning to end. Highly recommend, especially to fans of this author, but also to anyone who loves a romantic comedy or historical romance with a lighter tone.
4.5 stars
April 23, 2021
No, no hay caso, esta autora no es para mí. Hace tiempo leí el primer libro de esta serie, La llegada del duque, y ni siquiera se acercó a mis expectativas. Quise darle otra oportunidad y si bien Seducida por un canalla me gustó un poquito más, se queda en un argumento simplón, casi tonto, que alarga hasta el final un conflicto de identidades que no se sostiene.
La caracterización de los personajes principales me gustó, pero como pareja les faltó chispa. Los diálogos tampoco me parecieron especialmente buenos, que es por donde este tipo de novelas suele ganar puntos, a excepción de las ocasiones en que Daphne imaginaba los diálogos de personas que conversaban lejos de ella.
Habiendo tantas autoras de romance histórico que me gustan, creo que no voy a seguir insistiendo con Elizabeth Boyle.
La caracterización de los personajes principales me gustó, pero como pareja les faltó chispa. Los diálogos tampoco me parecieron especialmente buenos, que es por donde este tipo de novelas suele ganar puntos, a excepción de las ocasiones en que Daphne imaginaba los diálogos de personas que conversaban lejos de ella.
Habiendo tantas autoras de romance histórico que me gustan, creo que no voy a seguir insistiendo con Elizabeth Boyle.
July 9, 2014
Lo recomiendo, sencillo pero tiene un no sé qué que me ha gustado mucho, la verdad.
Los personajes no paran de liar y liar y liar el tema hasta que incluso el final me ha sorprendido. Y su enamoramiento es pausado, como me gusta. Es como una comedia de enredo, llena de despropósitos, en la que lo que abundan son los diálogos entre ellos y, lo cierto, es que me he pasado todo el rato con una sonrisa en la boca.... tonta de mí jajajaja
Ahora deseando la historia de Harriet que promete muuucho
Los personajes no paran de liar y liar y liar el tema hasta que incluso el final me ha sorprendido. Y su enamoramiento es pausado, como me gusta. Es como una comedia de enredo, llena de despropósitos, en la que lo que abundan son los diálogos entre ellos y, lo cierto, es que me he pasado todo el rato con una sonrisa en la boca.... tonta de mí jajajaja
Ahora deseando la historia de Harriet que promete muuucho
August 17, 2020
My first Elizabeth Boyle book and while it was fun and angsty because of a misunderstanding involving secret pen pals, a romeo and juliet starcrossed lover storyline, and two people who just don't communicate properly... I was left kind of frustrated because it seemed to drag on a bit at times.
May 14, 2016
No conozco mucho de romance histórico pero me gusta lo que hace esta autora
March 16, 2013
I love when a title fits a book perfectly and that is just the case with the newest from Elizabeth Boyle. Daphne Dale answered an advertisement in a newspaper on a whim and it has grown into so much more and she is determined to meet the mysterious Mr. Dishforth. When they agree through their corresponding to meet at her friends betrothal ball, she is elated to meet the man she has fallen for yet one look at Lord Henry Seldon, sworn adversaries of the Dale's, leaves her confused. She thinks Henry is the same man yet can not be sure and the family feud leaves her even more indecisive. Henry, for his part, can not fathom falling in love with a Dale yet he also can not deny the attraction between himself and Daphne and he too questions if she is his mysterious Miss Spooner. A house party, a rainstorm and a lot of determination during an attempt to run away add up to a fun romance.
While I really enjoyed this Regency take on You've Got Mail, I didn't love it and I really can not pinpoint why. I wish we had seen a bit more of Daphne and Henry's relationship grow through the letters instead of just a chapter or two about it but at the same time they had to meet face to face to have that connection. I loved the instant attraction that they both tried so hard to deny, especially after they found out who they were in relation to the family feud. As to the family feud, the reason behind it was a bit silly and I do wish it had been something a bit more dramatic so it added a bit more to the storyline. Daphne and Henry make a cute, fun couple and are ones you just can't help but cheer on. I really enjoyed the ending and how Daphne took matters into her own hands (finally) and thought it was very well done. Overall, a fun, light hearted, witty romance that will leave a smile on your face. 3 1/2 stars
eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss
While I really enjoyed this Regency take on You've Got Mail, I didn't love it and I really can not pinpoint why. I wish we had seen a bit more of Daphne and Henry's relationship grow through the letters instead of just a chapter or two about it but at the same time they had to meet face to face to have that connection. I loved the instant attraction that they both tried so hard to deny, especially after they found out who they were in relation to the family feud. As to the family feud, the reason behind it was a bit silly and I do wish it had been something a bit more dramatic so it added a bit more to the storyline. Daphne and Henry make a cute, fun couple and are ones you just can't help but cheer on. I really enjoyed the ending and how Daphne took matters into her own hands (finally) and thought it was very well done. Overall, a fun, light hearted, witty romance that will leave a smile on your face. 3 1/2 stars
eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss
July 21, 2016
I gave this a B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars
This is the second in Elizabeth Boyle’s Rhymes with Love series, in which the titles are ‘riffs’ on well-known nursery-rhymes. As with the previous book in the series (Along Came a Duke) the heroine is a resident in the village of Kempton in which the unmarried ladies labor under a terrible curse – that they are doomed to spinsterhood.
Daphne Dale is the best friend of Tabitha Timmons, heroine of book one and soon-to-be Duchess of Preston. As the best friend of the bride, Daphne has been invited to attend the betrothal ball and a house-party which are taking place prior to the wedding, but there is a snag. The duke is the head of the Sheldon family – and the Sheldons and the Dales have been at each other’s throats for generations.
Preston’s uncle, Lord Henry Sheldon, is rather the black sheep of the family, but not for the usual reasons. The Sheldons have a reputation for licentiousness and scandal, but Henry is sensible and dependable with nary a scandal to his name.
Until, that is, he meets Daphne Dale.
The story starts out in such a way as to remind me of The Shop Around the Corner, which is one of my favorite films, so I was rather pleased when the book started out with two people corresponding incognito.
After a few months however, Mr DISHforth and Miss SPOONer decide they should meet. Both are halfway to being in love and anxiously anticipate their meeting, but of course complications ensure that ensure they are left unaware of the other’s true identity. Despite feeling an intense attraction to each other, once they discover that they are Sheldon and Dale, they commence hostilities immediately.
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake is an entertaining, if frothy, read. The central couple is attractive and well-matched and the sexual tension between them fizzes from the outset. There is a good supporting cast featuring the fearsome (and somewhat barking!) Aunt Zillah Seldon and the aforementioned Preston and Tabitha; and I have to give special mention to Tabitha’s dog Mr. Muggins for his persistence in pursuit of sausages and… other things.
While the pacing of the story is generally good, I can’t help thinking that it was stretched out rather too much towards the end. Henry has realized who his Miss Spooner is, and, we realize in the next chapter, Daphne has discovered the identity of her Mr Dishforth. She is waiting for him to confess; he is confused by her continual references to Dishforth and how wonderful she thinks he is and there came a point I felt I just wanted to bang their heads together and tell them to “sort it!”
With so much time spent on the repeatedly foiled attempts of Dishforth and Spooner to unmask each other, the ending felt rather rushed and there was what I thought was a rather unnecessary epilogue set fifteen years later, complete with what seems now to be the obligatory brood of children
My biggest peeve with the book, however, was that Daphne is continually referring to and thinking of Henry as a rake – which we have been emphatically told that he is not. True, Daphne has turned his head so that he is less than his usual, sensible self when around her, but that’s still not enough to account him a rake. It does feel rather trite – almost as though the author had decided on a title for the book and then had to make the characters fit.
My second biggest was that we never discovered the oh-so-terrible reason for the feud between the Seldons and the Dales; or rather, there was a reference to it being about dogs, but that was it. On the one hand, I found that rather unsatisfactory, but on the other, I suppose it made an odd sort of sense and was in keeping with the overall light tone of the book that it would be due to such a stupid and insignificant reason.
But with those provisos, I did enjoy the book, and would certainly recommend it if you’re looking for a fun, angst-free and light-hearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
This is the second in Elizabeth Boyle’s Rhymes with Love series, in which the titles are ‘riffs’ on well-known nursery-rhymes. As with the previous book in the series (Along Came a Duke) the heroine is a resident in the village of Kempton in which the unmarried ladies labor under a terrible curse – that they are doomed to spinsterhood.
Daphne Dale is the best friend of Tabitha Timmons, heroine of book one and soon-to-be Duchess of Preston. As the best friend of the bride, Daphne has been invited to attend the betrothal ball and a house-party which are taking place prior to the wedding, but there is a snag. The duke is the head of the Sheldon family – and the Sheldons and the Dales have been at each other’s throats for generations.
Preston’s uncle, Lord Henry Sheldon, is rather the black sheep of the family, but not for the usual reasons. The Sheldons have a reputation for licentiousness and scandal, but Henry is sensible and dependable with nary a scandal to his name.
Until, that is, he meets Daphne Dale.
The story starts out in such a way as to remind me of The Shop Around the Corner, which is one of my favorite films, so I was rather pleased when the book started out with two people corresponding incognito.
After a few months however, Mr DISHforth and Miss SPOONer decide they should meet. Both are halfway to being in love and anxiously anticipate their meeting, but of course complications ensure that ensure they are left unaware of the other’s true identity. Despite feeling an intense attraction to each other, once they discover that they are Sheldon and Dale, they commence hostilities immediately.
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake is an entertaining, if frothy, read. The central couple is attractive and well-matched and the sexual tension between them fizzes from the outset. There is a good supporting cast featuring the fearsome (and somewhat barking!) Aunt Zillah Seldon and the aforementioned Preston and Tabitha; and I have to give special mention to Tabitha’s dog Mr. Muggins for his persistence in pursuit of sausages and… other things.
While the pacing of the story is generally good, I can’t help thinking that it was stretched out rather too much towards the end. Henry has realized who his Miss Spooner is, and, we realize in the next chapter, Daphne has discovered the identity of her Mr Dishforth. She is waiting for him to confess; he is confused by her continual references to Dishforth and how wonderful she thinks he is and there came a point I felt I just wanted to bang their heads together and tell them to “sort it!”
With so much time spent on the repeatedly foiled attempts of Dishforth and Spooner to unmask each other, the ending felt rather rushed and there was what I thought was a rather unnecessary epilogue set fifteen years later, complete with what seems now to be the obligatory brood of children
My biggest peeve with the book, however, was that Daphne is continually referring to and thinking of Henry as a rake – which we have been emphatically told that he is not. True, Daphne has turned his head so that he is less than his usual, sensible self when around her, but that’s still not enough to account him a rake. It does feel rather trite – almost as though the author had decided on a title for the book and then had to make the characters fit.
My second biggest was that we never discovered the oh-so-terrible reason for the feud between the Seldons and the Dales; or rather, there was a reference to it being about dogs, but that was it. On the one hand, I found that rather unsatisfactory, but on the other, I suppose it made an odd sort of sense and was in keeping with the overall light tone of the book that it would be due to such a stupid and insignificant reason.
But with those provisos, I did enjoy the book, and would certainly recommend it if you’re looking for a fun, angst-free and light-hearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
June 11, 2013
I giggled, I laughed, I snickered, almost continuously. The comedy was subtle at times and predictable at other times but was always enjoyable. Sometimes I didn't realize I was laughing until I felt wetness at the edge of my eyes.
Daphne and Henry have just the right amount of stubbornness and pride. I never felt uncomfortable with them.
Daphne and Henry have just the right amount of stubbornness and pride. I never felt uncomfortable with them.
March 19, 2016
Daphne Dale would never--never!--consider marrying a Seldon. They're rascals and they hump things. Lord Henry Seldon would never--never!!--consider marrying a Dale. They're flirts and they beguile things. Except Daphne responds to a advertisement looking for a wife and ends up starting a correspondence with the sensible Mr. Dishforth who is YOU GUESSED IT LORD SELDON OH SNAP. Soon their boners are OUT OF CONTROLLLL.
1. Not enough correspondence. I wanted flirting and sassiness and a burgeoning sense of wonder. Not awkward ~recollections of the month of letters they'd shared. It didn't really create any sense of true romance between the two of them: by the near-end (when Seldon is frantically trying to convince Daphne to admit she's not ~into Mr. Dishforth) I questioned the entire find-a-wife-by-writing plot. WHY? If the whole point of it is that she doesn't fall in love because of it: why is it the "frame" for the book?
2. The "feud" between the two families was ridiculous.
3. The ending was ridiculous. THE ELOPEMENT IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE!!!
4. I did, however, buy into the attraction between Henry and Daphne--that first dance was engaging and interesting, and I really looked forward to watching them split their attraction between their pen pal and their arch-nemesis. Except that never really happened??? The arch-nemesis plot was pretty much it: the pen pal was used only to goad along the former.
1. Not enough correspondence. I wanted flirting and sassiness and a burgeoning sense of wonder. Not awkward ~recollections of the month of letters they'd shared. It didn't really create any sense of true romance between the two of them: by the near-end (when Seldon is frantically trying to convince Daphne to admit she's not ~into Mr. Dishforth) I questioned the entire find-a-wife-by-writing plot. WHY? If the whole point of it is that she doesn't fall in love because of it: why is it the "frame" for the book?
2. The "feud" between the two families was ridiculous.
3. The ending was ridiculous. THE ELOPEMENT IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE!!!
4. I did, however, buy into the attraction between Henry and Daphne--that first dance was engaging and interesting, and I really looked forward to watching them split their attraction between their pen pal and their arch-nemesis. Except that never really happened??? The arch-nemesis plot was pretty much it: the pen pal was used only to goad along the former.
June 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐ This was better than the first book. Of course, the failure to easily identify each other much sooner was ridiculous and had to be contrived to work. It was a fun and lighthearted read though.
August 17, 2017
Petite romance historique légère et sans prétention.
J'avais été attirée par la couverture et le titre. Je m'attendais à un roman épistolaire (je suis fan de ce genre littéraire), mais malheureusement il n'y avait pratiquement pas de lettres, juste des extraits.
Le livre se lit facilement. Certains passages m'ont fait sourire, et d'autres m'ont ennuyée.
Ce n'est pas un chef-d’œuvre, mais il m'a aidée à me vider la tête et à me détendre.
J'avais été attirée par la couverture et le titre. Je m'attendais à un roman épistolaire (je suis fan de ce genre littéraire), mais malheureusement il n'y avait pratiquement pas de lettres, juste des extraits.
Le livre se lit facilement. Certains passages m'ont fait sourire, et d'autres m'ont ennuyée.
Ce n'est pas un chef-d’œuvre, mais il m'a aidée à me vider la tête et à me détendre.
August 1, 2019
This is a bit of a Romeo and Juliet tale, as well, with two factions hating each other for all of the wrong reasons and a pair of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle.
I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud many times. A good, more light hearted romance. Worth the time.
I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud many times. A good, more light hearted romance. Worth the time.
May 20, 2013
I give this book 2 stars because I finished it, but it was really closer to a one for me. My criticisms start with the title (what were they thinking?) and continue from there. Henry and Daphne are 2 supposedly intelligent and sensible people who fall in love through letters using nom de plumes. After making plans to meet at a ball, we know that their love has a long road to HEA because the Seldons and Dales do NOT mix. Ever. Here was my biggest source of disgruntlement with the tale.
Where Boyle could have allowed the characters to recognize the truth of who they were at the ball and have the tale concentrate on the Shakespearean feud of the families and finding a way to be together, she spends the entirety of the book having Henry and Daphne insist that there is no way the other could possibly be their love. And these are supposedly intelligent, sensible people who are unable to see the clues staring them in the face. There were WAY to many coincidences and to brush them off, without even asking testing your suspicions? Ridiculous. Dragging that mystery on stunted the relationship growth and made them both seem shallow and oblivious.
The second issue really stems from the terrible title. In addition to being unusually long, it refers to a mere blimp in the action of the tale that was rushed at best and undeveloped at worst. Deeply disappointed.
Where Boyle could have allowed the characters to recognize the truth of who they were at the ball and have the tale concentrate on the Shakespearean feud of the families and finding a way to be together, she spends the entirety of the book having Henry and Daphne insist that there is no way the other could possibly be their love. And these are supposedly intelligent, sensible people who are unable to see the clues staring them in the face. There were WAY to many coincidences and to brush them off, without even asking testing your suspicions? Ridiculous. Dragging that mystery on stunted the relationship growth and made them both seem shallow and oblivious.
The second issue really stems from the terrible title. In addition to being unusually long, it refers to a mere blimp in the action of the tale that was rushed at best and undeveloped at worst. Deeply disappointed.
June 16, 2023
Could this be my new favorite historical romance?? ♥️♥️ Everything about this book was perfection. The couple, the side characters, the writing, the plot, the humor, the romance……just EVERYTHING!!! All the stars ✨ ♥️♥️
April 14, 2021
This book is the story of two families, both alike in dignity, whose goals of sworn eternal enmity are thwarted by a prank personal ad.
Henry and Daphne are two sensible souls who begin an unlikely pseudonymous correspondence. When they finally meet, it's love at first sight - until they both realize that their counterpart is a member of a rival family. The rest of the book concerns their obstinate commitment to ignoring all logical clues pointing to the identity of their mystery correspondents while also unsuccessfully resisting their attraction to each other.
The only thing we would have added was a dash of only-one-room-at-the-inn with a pinch of carriage-makeout. That said this was nearly made up for by a last-minute "we have a whole hour to wait, do you think have time to ... y'know?" That's right, Elizabeth Boyle went there and we love her for it. Do we really have to say that we adored this book?
Laine's 17-word summary: Daphne and Henry fall in love due to a prank personal ad, unaware of their rival families.
Meg's 17-word summary: Answering personal ads is risky - the hottie you end up corresponding with could be your sworn enemy.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
Henry and Daphne are two sensible souls who begin an unlikely pseudonymous correspondence. When they finally meet, it's love at first sight - until they both realize that their counterpart is a member of a rival family. The rest of the book concerns their obstinate commitment to ignoring all logical clues pointing to the identity of their mystery correspondents while also unsuccessfully resisting their attraction to each other.
The only thing we would have added was a dash of only-one-room-at-the-inn with a pinch of carriage-makeout. That said this was nearly made up for by a last-minute "we have a whole hour to wait, do you think have time to ... y'know?" That's right, Elizabeth Boyle went there and we love her for it. Do we really have to say that we adored this book?
Laine's 17-word summary: Daphne and Henry fall in love due to a prank personal ad, unaware of their rival families.
Meg's 17-word summary: Answering personal ads is risky - the hottie you end up corresponding with could be your sworn enemy.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
June 11, 2013
2.5 stars. This is the second in the Rhymes with Love series. I didn't like the first one and only gave it two stars. I sincerely hoped this one was better.
In the previous book, Preston and Roxby put an ad in the paper advertising for a wife for Preston's uncle Henry Seldon (who is of the same age due to old man Seldon having kids in his old age). Henry is the opposite of Preston, intelligent, responsible, socially awkward. It wasn't kindness that caused them to do this, but drunkenness. I truly dislike Preston.
Anyway, Henry responds to an letter as Mr. Dishforth (I rolled my eyes over that) to hide his identity and writes to a Miss Spooner. Miss Spooner is in real life Daphne Dale, a steady, responsible, sensible young lady looking for marriage. They carry on correspondence then agree to meet at Preston and Tabitha's engagement ball (Daphne is Tabitha's best friend).
They meet at the ball not realizing they are Dishforth and Spooner, but hoping so and have a dance without introductions. Both sides of their families are horrified as the Seldons and the Dales have been feuding for centuries putting the Hatfields and McCoys to shame. When Daphne and Henry find out the identity of the other they are also suitably horrified and pull apart to continue looking for their correspondence partner not realizing they've already met.
At this point, the story moves in the most predictable of ways. Dishforth and Spooner seek to meet up at the engagement house party in the country. They continue to look at each while in the mean time Henry and Daphne are thrown together at every turn, even have their huddled in a rain storm mauling that all historicals seem to have. Of course they fall in love while still not knowing who their correspondence partners on.
What helped me keep going with this was the number of laugh out loud moments with wonderful dialogue between Henry and Daphne and they with the supporting cast. But such things couldn't sustain the book. We are TOLD Henry is socially awkward and responsible and that Daphne is sensible, but we are never really SHOWN this. Isn't that writing 101? Neither character has much of a back story so it was hard to really feel the emotion.
The search for Spooner and Dishforth went on forever and became quite ridiculous. The wind down to the ending was the most painful part. It drags, and drags, and drags. How an editor didn't insist this be cut at least in half I'll never know. By the time we get to the I love yous I didn't care any more. The only good thing was the uniqueness of the wedding itself but even that is cut short to a page or two then we move into an epilogue where again we are TOLD what happened, not shown.
We got an excerpt for the next one but I'm done with this series. Not enough depth or interest in either book to make it worth continuing.
In the previous book, Preston and Roxby put an ad in the paper advertising for a wife for Preston's uncle Henry Seldon (who is of the same age due to old man Seldon having kids in his old age). Henry is the opposite of Preston, intelligent, responsible, socially awkward. It wasn't kindness that caused them to do this, but drunkenness. I truly dislike Preston.
Anyway, Henry responds to an letter as Mr. Dishforth (I rolled my eyes over that) to hide his identity and writes to a Miss Spooner. Miss Spooner is in real life Daphne Dale, a steady, responsible, sensible young lady looking for marriage. They carry on correspondence then agree to meet at Preston and Tabitha's engagement ball (Daphne is Tabitha's best friend).
They meet at the ball not realizing they are Dishforth and Spooner, but hoping so and have a dance without introductions. Both sides of their families are horrified as the Seldons and the Dales have been feuding for centuries putting the Hatfields and McCoys to shame. When Daphne and Henry find out the identity of the other they are also suitably horrified and pull apart to continue looking for their correspondence partner not realizing they've already met.
At this point, the story moves in the most predictable of ways. Dishforth and Spooner seek to meet up at the engagement house party in the country. They continue to look at each while in the mean time Henry and Daphne are thrown together at every turn, even have their huddled in a rain storm mauling that all historicals seem to have. Of course they fall in love while still not knowing who their correspondence partners on.
What helped me keep going with this was the number of laugh out loud moments with wonderful dialogue between Henry and Daphne and they with the supporting cast. But such things couldn't sustain the book. We are TOLD Henry is socially awkward and responsible and that Daphne is sensible, but we are never really SHOWN this. Isn't that writing 101? Neither character has much of a back story so it was hard to really feel the emotion.
The search for Spooner and Dishforth went on forever and became quite ridiculous. The wind down to the ending was the most painful part. It drags, and drags, and drags. How an editor didn't insist this be cut at least in half I'll never know. By the time we get to the I love yous I didn't care any more. The only good thing was the uniqueness of the wedding itself but even that is cut short to a page or two then we move into an epilogue where again we are TOLD what happened, not shown.
We got an excerpt for the next one but I'm done with this series. Not enough depth or interest in either book to make it worth continuing.
November 10, 2013
When Daphne Dale reads the advertisement, she’s delighted. “Sensible gentleman of means seeks sensible lady of good breeding for correspondence, and in due consideration, matrimony.” It’s just the sort of thing she’s been looking for. Posing as Miss Spooner, she replies to the ad, and begins an engaging correspondence with Mr. Dishforth, a gentleman entirely suited to her.
Fortunately, Mr. Dishforth is nothing like the womanizing, charming Lord Henry Seldon. The Seldons and Dales have detested each other for some time and it is little wonder why. Henry Seldon is a rake of the first water. Even touching him briefly sets Daphne’s senses all aflutter and the rogue is not above using his considerable charms to undermine Daphne’s firm resolve.
Thankfully, Mr. Dishforth vows to come to her aid and Daphne is delighted when he proposes to run away with her to Gretna Green. Still, who is Mr. Dishforth anyway? Selecting the mysterious man from among the handsome young men of the ton seems an almost impossible task and the loathsome Lord Seldon keeps getting in Daphne’s way, too. Surely, Mr. Dishforth and Lord Seldon cannot be one and the same man! That prospect would simply be too horrible to contemplate.
Good period piece. It’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet tale, as well, with two factions hating each other for all of the wrong reasons and a pair of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle.
Fortunately, Mr. Dishforth is nothing like the womanizing, charming Lord Henry Seldon. The Seldons and Dales have detested each other for some time and it is little wonder why. Henry Seldon is a rake of the first water. Even touching him briefly sets Daphne’s senses all aflutter and the rogue is not above using his considerable charms to undermine Daphne’s firm resolve.
Thankfully, Mr. Dishforth vows to come to her aid and Daphne is delighted when he proposes to run away with her to Gretna Green. Still, who is Mr. Dishforth anyway? Selecting the mysterious man from among the handsome young men of the ton seems an almost impossible task and the loathsome Lord Seldon keeps getting in Daphne’s way, too. Surely, Mr. Dishforth and Lord Seldon cannot be one and the same man! That prospect would simply be too horrible to contemplate.
Good period piece. It’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet tale, as well, with two factions hating each other for all of the wrong reasons and a pair of star-crossed lovers caught in the middle.
September 1, 2016
4,5 Estrellas
Me ha gustado aunque no tanto como el anterior que leí de la autora, y que supuso mi descubrimiento de ella.
Se me ha hecho un poco pesada toda la cosa del descubrimiento de identidad. Tenía la sensación de que nunca pasaba nada, como un tiovivo sin fin, siempre volviendo al punto de partida, aunque con toques divertidos. Sin embargo, la recta final es muy divertida.
Otro punto bueno, en esta ocasión la autora sí ha introducido un epílogo, una divertido además.
Me ha gustado aunque no tanto como el anterior que leí de la autora, y que supuso mi descubrimiento de ella.
Se me ha hecho un poco pesada toda la cosa del descubrimiento de identidad. Tenía la sensación de que nunca pasaba nada, como un tiovivo sin fin, siempre volviendo al punto de partida, aunque con toques divertidos. Sin embargo, la recta final es muy divertida.
Otro punto bueno, en esta ocasión la autora sí ha introducido un epílogo, una divertido además.
September 30, 2013
Thought it was a fun, light, delightful read.
October 6, 2017
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February 23, 2025
This was such a fun, romantic, and humorous historical romance. In fact, it kind of reminded me of a historical romance version of "You've Got Mail".
Due to the writing and general storytelling, this book kind of reminded me of the "Bridgerton" series by Julia Quinn. Ironic as Julia Quinn herself blurbed this novel. It isn't so much the story because they aren't really all that similar but it's more so that they both share elements that I like to read in historical romance and they both do an excellent job storytelling.
You do have to suspend your disbelief in relation to the plot at some moments. Yes, I am sure both characters would realize the identities if it was 'real life' but it isn't. It's a story that is meant to be enjoyed (and it was).
I did read this book as a standalone even though it's book two in a series. This does spoil the romance from book one but I'm willing to go back and read that one now because I really enjoyed this novel and am interested in continuing the series.
Due to the writing and general storytelling, this book kind of reminded me of the "Bridgerton" series by Julia Quinn. Ironic as Julia Quinn herself blurbed this novel. It isn't so much the story because they aren't really all that similar but it's more so that they both share elements that I like to read in historical romance and they both do an excellent job storytelling.
You do have to suspend your disbelief in relation to the plot at some moments. Yes, I am sure both characters would realize the identities if it was 'real life' but it isn't. It's a story that is meant to be enjoyed (and it was).
I did read this book as a standalone even though it's book two in a series. This does spoil the romance from book one but I'm willing to go back and read that one now because I really enjoyed this novel and am interested in continuing the series.
May 13, 2015
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle was a chore to read through, though I was determined not to give up on it as I would have liked to, but I don't like to give out "Did Not Finish" ratings unless I absolutely have to. So...this book earned a 1 Olive. It truly was "meh." I really wanted to like it since I spent money on it, and the fact that Avon (my favorite publisher ever) published this book, but no. It was awful.
The writing wasn't awful per-say but what made me not like it so much was the fact that there was no passion, nothing drove the story. It was absolutely boring! I was snoozing the whole time.
Daphne Dale and Henry Seldon come from feuding families. Neither family wants anything to do with the other. It's all very much Romeo and Juliet. However, when Henry's friend puts an ad in the paper advertising for a wife for Henry as a prank, hundreds of letters come pouring in from spinsters across England. Henry is set on ignoring them all, however one happens to open and catch his attention. It's from a Miss Spooner who writes stating that if this is some sick joke, then he's a deplorable man, but if it's true, then possible they may get alone. Thus Henry (writing as Mr. Dishforth) and Miss Spooner start a sensible correspondence. Little do the other know that they are in fact Henry Seldon and Daphne Dale writing to each other.
The writing right off the bat was awkward -stilted, halting...not engaging. Kind of confusing, but I pushed through. The meeting between Daphne and Henry was lukewarm at best. Again, there was NO passion. Everything was very sensible in a non cute way. It was boring. The writing was boring. The characters were uninspiring. I wasn't rooting for them to overcome their families hate.
And my goodness...the family feud was ridiculous! The author went on and on and on about it. Pah-lease. That was the only driving force in the book, and the author withheld Mr. Dishforth and Miss Spooner's identities from Henry and Daphne until the very end which was so darn frustrated because it was SOOOOO obvious it was them! GAH!
Oh and there was nothing rakish about Henry. He was about as boring as watching paint dry.
There was no connection between me and the book that I usually get from a well written, engaging and hot historical romance. I was really disappointed with this one. :(
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August 4, 2014
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake is the second book in Boyle’s Rhymes with Love series. Daphne Dale has responded to an advertisement in the paper for a gentleman seeking a wife. She initially sends the letter to tell the man in question that his jest is not funny in the slightest; however, a correspondence between her and “Mr. Dishforth” develops. Lord Henry Seldon is submerged with letters due to his nephew (younger by 6 months) putting the ad in the paper in a jest; Henry is not happy, yet is convinced that he should respond so he can at least tell the ladies it is a jest. However, one letter by a “Miss. Spooner” catches Henry’s attention and he decides to reply.
When Henry and Daphne meet at Tabitha and Preston’s engagement ball, they both feel that it is “love at first sight” and think that they have met their mystery correspondents. Unfortunately, they quickly realize who the other is and the problems begin. Daphne is a Dale and Henry a Seldon and their families have not gotten on ever. The Dales and Seldon’s simply do not mix, and the reason for this feud is NOT discussed in polite company. Both Henry and Daphne then fight their instant attraction and decide that the other couldn’t possibly be the mystery correspondent. What follows is a lot of arguing, suppressed attraction, and lies.
To be completely honest, I thought this one was just okay. I found it took entirely too long for Henry and Daphne to acknowledge that they had found their mystery correspondents, especially considering that the reader is aware right off the bat. I found this really dragged the plot out and I had a hard time getting through the entire novel.
What I did like was the humor of the novel. I loved that Daphne thought Henry, the proper member of his family, was a rake that would lead her to ruin. It was so clear that Henry was not that kind of person, that is was ridiculous that Daphne would believe this. She couldn’t understand why other members of his family didn’t see him as a dangerous, seductive man as she did. The family feud between the Dales and Seldons was also rather amusing; especially once readers learn the cause of it.
Overall, this was a cute, lighthearted read, but I didn’t feel that it had much substance to it. And what I really wanted to read about was Harriet’s and Roxley’s relationship, as it is very clear that something is going on there; Harriet and Roxley is what will be keeping me tuned in for the next story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
When Henry and Daphne meet at Tabitha and Preston’s engagement ball, they both feel that it is “love at first sight” and think that they have met their mystery correspondents. Unfortunately, they quickly realize who the other is and the problems begin. Daphne is a Dale and Henry a Seldon and their families have not gotten on ever. The Dales and Seldon’s simply do not mix, and the reason for this feud is NOT discussed in polite company. Both Henry and Daphne then fight their instant attraction and decide that the other couldn’t possibly be the mystery correspondent. What follows is a lot of arguing, suppressed attraction, and lies.
To be completely honest, I thought this one was just okay. I found it took entirely too long for Henry and Daphne to acknowledge that they had found their mystery correspondents, especially considering that the reader is aware right off the bat. I found this really dragged the plot out and I had a hard time getting through the entire novel.
What I did like was the humor of the novel. I loved that Daphne thought Henry, the proper member of his family, was a rake that would lead her to ruin. It was so clear that Henry was not that kind of person, that is was ridiculous that Daphne would believe this. She couldn’t understand why other members of his family didn’t see him as a dangerous, seductive man as she did. The family feud between the Dales and Seldons was also rather amusing; especially once readers learn the cause of it.
Overall, this was a cute, lighthearted read, but I didn’t feel that it had much substance to it. And what I really wanted to read about was Harriet’s and Roxley’s relationship, as it is very clear that something is going on there; Harriet and Roxley is what will be keeping me tuned in for the next story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
June 15, 2015
I have just been hitting pay dirt with my audiobook choices lately! And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle is such an example. This was such an entertaining historical romance that I am sure I loved even more because the audiobook was fantastic.
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake is the second book in the Rhymes with Love series, and while I didn’t love it quite as much as The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, I loved every minute I spent listening to lighthearted romance.
Daphne Dale has been corresponding with a mystery man for the past few months, and she has fallen for him. He goes by the pseudonym Mister Dishforth, but his real name is Henry Seldon, and he has fallen for Daphne (writing as Miss Spooner). The problem? The Dales and the Seldons basically hate each other.
I like Daphne and Henry so much! I love that Henry wasn’t a rake, although Daphne believes he is one. Henry is so nice and dependable, and I found it so interesting that he felt like he didn’t feel like he fit in with his Seldon family, known for this wild ways. I also loved that he wasn’t afraid of falling in love, at least with his Miss Spooner. I also liked Daphne. Maybe not quite as much as I liked Henry, but I still liked her. She’s smart and intelligent, and willing to do what she has to to meet her Mister Dishforth.
I will admit to not loving how much Daphne and Henry snipe at each other because of the Dale/Seldon feud. It was fun at first, because I like banter and bickering. But after a bit, I wanted less sniping and more understanding happening between the two. It was so clear that Daphne and Henry belonged together. They had the same wants and personalities that would get along well – once they stopped bickering. I just felt their connection, which is a must in the best romances.
It’s safe to say that I am now a total fangirl of Elizabeth Boyle, and I cannot wait to read more of her books. Next up, Along Came a Duke, the first book in the Rhymes with Love series. I do enjoy reading romance series out of order!
And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake is the second book in the Rhymes with Love series, and while I didn’t love it quite as much as The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, I loved every minute I spent listening to lighthearted romance.
Daphne Dale has been corresponding with a mystery man for the past few months, and she has fallen for him. He goes by the pseudonym Mister Dishforth, but his real name is Henry Seldon, and he has fallen for Daphne (writing as Miss Spooner). The problem? The Dales and the Seldons basically hate each other.
I like Daphne and Henry so much! I love that Henry wasn’t a rake, although Daphne believes he is one. Henry is so nice and dependable, and I found it so interesting that he felt like he didn’t feel like he fit in with his Seldon family, known for this wild ways. I also loved that he wasn’t afraid of falling in love, at least with his Miss Spooner. I also liked Daphne. Maybe not quite as much as I liked Henry, but I still liked her. She’s smart and intelligent, and willing to do what she has to to meet her Mister Dishforth.
I will admit to not loving how much Daphne and Henry snipe at each other because of the Dale/Seldon feud. It was fun at first, because I like banter and bickering. But after a bit, I wanted less sniping and more understanding happening between the two. It was so clear that Daphne and Henry belonged together. They had the same wants and personalities that would get along well – once they stopped bickering. I just felt their connection, which is a must in the best romances.
It’s safe to say that I am now a total fangirl of Elizabeth Boyle, and I cannot wait to read more of her books. Next up, Along Came a Duke, the first book in the Rhymes with Love series. I do enjoy reading romance series out of order!
August 1, 2016
This book was ok, it was definitely an easy, fluffy read. It was just a little too easy of a read for me, borderline boring :( It started off ok, but I started getting distracted and skimming about half-way thru. I think one of the main distractions was the overuse of silly time-period terms: one being the heroine was repeatedly called a minx. The elderly aunt was always referred to "the old girl"... women being called "bits of muslin". It made it all too corny for me. Maybe I should have started from book #1 in the series as well, because I felt like there were so many character names to keep track of. Especially the Henrietta vs. Harriet. Then the fact that the whole book basically goes with them trying to figure out who exactly it is that they have been secretly writing too, even though it was pretty obvious from the first dance. Lastly, I thought the whole 300 year old family feud that they bickered about on and on and on was a bit tiresome. :(
May 20, 2013
Normally I don't like romances of misunderstanding, I always feel like screaming "Just tell 'em!" but I loved this one. The redoubtable Daphne Dale and the charmingly ordinary Lord Henry are members of long warring clans, the Dales and the Seldons, but also secret correspondents under the names Miss Spooner and Mr. Dishforth. The path to true love is cluttered not so much by the hidden identities of the letter writers (though it is), but by hundreds of years of warring great aunts. And the two presented here are marvels of the genre. Just adored the complications of trying to sort through what love means in the face of dozens of caring and officious relatives from both sides of the family.
April 28, 2016
Light, entertaining, an easy read if you're tired of murder mysteries and spy books.
My Likes:
Daphne and Henry gradually (and reluctantly) find themselves beginning to like one another, and eventually fall in love with each other. The pace of their romance was realistic, and the transition between loosely founded hatred and hard-fought admiration was seamless.
Parts made me smile - and I had one laugh-out-loud moment.
My Dislikes:
The word "minx". And the phrase "bit of muslin". Overused, and incorrectly used.
My Likes:
Daphne and Henry gradually (and reluctantly) find themselves beginning to like one another, and eventually fall in love with each other. The pace of their romance was realistic, and the transition between loosely founded hatred and hard-fought admiration was seamless.
Parts made me smile - and I had one laugh-out-loud moment.
My Dislikes:
The word "minx". And the phrase "bit of muslin". Overused, and incorrectly used.
June 12, 2013
What a terrific book!! I laughed throughout this one--Elizabeth Boyle has such an amazing voice! I love romances with wit, intrigue, and humor, and boy, did this deliver! The heroine, Daphne, had the perfect blend of wistfulness and spunk, while the hero, Henry, made me swoon.
Can't wait to catch up on Ms. Boyle's backlist!
Can't wait to catch up on Ms. Boyle's backlist!
March 31, 2020
Forse è adatto a chi ama i classici. L’inizio è promettente, ma poi si dilunga durante un ballo con i discorsi e le idiozie del ton a proposito di una faida alla Giulietta e Romeo. Meglio per me evitare.
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