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The Rake's Handbook #2
When a Rake Falls (The Rake's Handbook) by Sally Orr
To win a race to Paris, dashing Lord Boyce Parker hires a balloon. He expects to be crowned the victor and become famous for his courage and intelligence. Only then can he regain his father’s respect from the scandal of publishing the naughty book The Rake’s Including Field Guide.Bluestocking Miss Eve Mountfloy makes a bargain with the handsome Pink of the Ton. She’ll fly the balloon during the dangerous crossing to France, if he lets her finish her scientific experiments to predict violent storms and thereby save lives. Eve proceeds with her studies, but the results are not what she expected. Chafing to keep warm creates unusual sensations everywhere. Then when Lord Parker asks if she is curious about the heat generated by a kiss, well, she is curious. It seems Lord Parker is performing experiments of his own that will forever change Eve’s perception of the word "results."
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
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About the author
Sally Orr
5 books97 followersSally Orr is a recovering scientist who worked for thirty years in medical research. One day a cyber-friend challenged her to write a novel. Since she is a hopeless Anglophile, it's not surprising that her first book is a Regency romance. She lives with her husband, surrounded by too many books, and not enough old English cars.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews
April 11, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
1 Star
I found this book to be incredibly disappointing. I really wanted to love it. I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover. I know that my mother has always told me not to judge a book by the cover but let's be real here - I am not one that listens to helpful advice all that often. This book has such a lovely cover. Do you see her beautiful yellow dress? The way her dress is blowing romantically in the wind? Did you notice how the hot air balloon is perfectly coordinated to her lovely dress? The idea of a hot air balloon is just so romantic. The cover of this book promised me a delightfully romantic tale.
It didn't take me long to realize that I had been tricked by the cover. This book didn't live up to any of my expectations. I actually thought about stopping about a third of the way through the book but I pushed forward hoping that it would improve but I just couldn't connect with the story at any point. I found myself constantly looking at how much I had left to read of this book because I just wanted to finish it so that I could move on to something else. This is never a good sign.
Lord Boyce Parker hires a hot air balloon piloted by Miss Eve Mountfly to fly him to France. He is determined to win a race that will win him a lady's hand and restore some of his father's respect. Eve thought she was just taking him up and that they would go back down so she must be talked into continuing with his plan. When they do eventually land, they spend some time recovering with some very entertaining hosts.
I didn't like any of the characters in this book. I think that the author was trying for quirky characters but they just seemed ridiculous. Boyce had a tendency to burst into spontaneous song. Yes, you read that correctly...one of the main characters thought he was staring in a musical or something. Eve wasn't any better. She was supposed to be a scientist who always reasoned through everything but her personality just seemed flat.
This book tried really hard to be funny but I didn't think it was funny at all. I would actually read a passage and then realize that the same thing that had just made me roll my eyes was supposed to be funny. I think that everything that was supposed to be funny in this story just felt dumb to me. There were a few moments where I actually wished that the balloon had simply crashed because I didn't care about a single character in this story.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone. I found no enjoyment in this story at all. This was the second book in the series and I have heard positive thing about the first book, The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide, but I don't think I am going to take a chance with that one anytime soon.
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
1 Star
I found this book to be incredibly disappointing. I really wanted to love it. I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover. I know that my mother has always told me not to judge a book by the cover but let's be real here - I am not one that listens to helpful advice all that often. This book has such a lovely cover. Do you see her beautiful yellow dress? The way her dress is blowing romantically in the wind? Did you notice how the hot air balloon is perfectly coordinated to her lovely dress? The idea of a hot air balloon is just so romantic. The cover of this book promised me a delightfully romantic tale.
It didn't take me long to realize that I had been tricked by the cover. This book didn't live up to any of my expectations. I actually thought about stopping about a third of the way through the book but I pushed forward hoping that it would improve but I just couldn't connect with the story at any point. I found myself constantly looking at how much I had left to read of this book because I just wanted to finish it so that I could move on to something else. This is never a good sign.
Lord Boyce Parker hires a hot air balloon piloted by Miss Eve Mountfly to fly him to France. He is determined to win a race that will win him a lady's hand and restore some of his father's respect. Eve thought she was just taking him up and that they would go back down so she must be talked into continuing with his plan. When they do eventually land, they spend some time recovering with some very entertaining hosts.
I didn't like any of the characters in this book. I think that the author was trying for quirky characters but they just seemed ridiculous. Boyce had a tendency to burst into spontaneous song. Yes, you read that correctly...one of the main characters thought he was staring in a musical or something. Eve wasn't any better. She was supposed to be a scientist who always reasoned through everything but her personality just seemed flat.
This book tried really hard to be funny but I didn't think it was funny at all. I would actually read a passage and then realize that the same thing that had just made me roll my eyes was supposed to be funny. I think that everything that was supposed to be funny in this story just felt dumb to me. There were a few moments where I actually wished that the balloon had simply crashed because I didn't care about a single character in this story.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone. I found no enjoyment in this story at all. This was the second book in the series and I have heard positive thing about the first book, The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide, but I don't think I am going to take a chance with that one anytime soon.
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
September 13, 2016
Even though I've given this a D at AAR, I can't bring myself to up my rating to two stars. The book really IS that bad. It also contains what is possibly the worst and most unsexy sex scene I've ever read, and that's saying something.
When I write a negative review, I try to find something positive to say, even though I didn't enjoy the book as a whole. I have to admit, I struggled to do that with When a Rake Falls, and the best I can come up with is to say that it made a change to read about a hero who isn't traumatised by a tragic past, and the best way I can think of to sum up the book is to say that it's... Mostly Harmless.
Our hero, Lord Boyce Parker is the youngest of the eight sons of the Marquess of Sutcliffe. When Boyce edited and published a rather racy book written by a friend, his father disapproved to such an extent that he cut him in public – leaving his son almost pathetically desperate to regain his approbation. Boyce decides that the way to do this is to enter a contest which requires him to travel to Paris and along the way perform at least one outstanding feat that proves him among the flower of British manhood along the way.
Lord Boyce's brilliant idea whereby he will impress Dad is that he will travel by balloon, which will enable him to prove himself not only courageous, but intelligent and desirous of paving the way for new technology. He has arranged to travel with Mr Mountfloy, a scientist who is conducting experiments into weather conditions, and his daughter, Eve, but when he is hustled aboard with only Eve for company he is suspicious and soon learns that Moutnfloy had no intention of flying to Paris, and had instead instructed Eve to make take off so unpleasant as to make Boyce want to land as soon as possible. Undeterred, he persuades Eve to continue the journey and persuades her to allow him to help with her experiments.
Eve Mountfloy has worked alongside her father since the deaths of her mother and elder brother, a naval hero. She knows her father only turned to her for help in his work because she there was no alternative, and he believes that as a woman, she cannot possibly have the strength of mind and intelligence necessary for scientific study. In fact, towards the end of the book, he belittles her so badly and so often that I could happily have done him serious harm.
Even so, Eve dreams of making a name for herself in the scientific establishment, hoping to making a great discovery for the benefit of mankind. But this is 1820, and she should have had about as much chance of being allowed to present a scientific paper to the Royal Society as a snowball has of not making a puddle in Hell. I was immediately reminded of the heroine of Courtney Milan’s The Countess Conspiracy which is set in 1867 – who has to have her male friend present her work as his in order for it to be taken seriously. By stark contrast, Eve gets – with Boyce’s help – to deliver her speech without being completely ridiculed almost fifty years earlier. I just couldn’t buy it.
In fact, there are so many problems with this book, that it would take longer than the space of this review to list them. Quite frankly, I was bored by around a quarter of the way through, and things got worse, not better. The writing is choppy and very immature, the dialogue is stodgy and feels forced, the characterisation is thin to say the least and the romance – unlike the balloon – never gets off the ground. I imagine the characters and their utterances are meant to be quirky and funny, but quite honestly, most of the time they’re just ridiculous:
“Please forgive me. I forgot about your injury.” She paused. “What are you doing here? You should be in bed. I apologize, I really do, but numerous kisses will not assist us in finding our way out of the woods.”
Numerous kisses? Who on earth talks like that?
“I’m sure he would never even consider a woman like me. What a silly notion.”
“Yes, I forgot for a moment that he is an aristocrat from such a distinguished family. Gentlemen of his consequence would never consider you as a potential spouse.”
(Said by the heroine’s would be fiancé! If I were her, I’d have started running by now.)
Boyce is a cheerful, happy-go-lucky sort of chap, which, as I said before, is quite refreshing, but the trouble is that there is nothing else to him. There are heroes in historical romances who are largely unencumbered by emotional bagagge and angst, but they are interesting in other ways, or are more strongly characterised. Boyce is sweet, but came across as a bit dim and I got tired of his relentless “niceness” very quickly.
From reading the single – atrocious – sex scene in the book, it would seem that Ms Orr isn’t at all comfortable writing them. If that’s the case, then my advice for future books would be – don’t do it again. Ever. I’ve said in other reviews that there are some writers who can do more with a brush of the hand or the anticipation before a kiss than others can do with a full blown sex scene – but unfortunately, Ms Orr isn’t one of those either, as all the kisses, touches and longing glances between Boyce and Eve are utterly without heat. In fact, there’s no romantic chemistry between them at all, and this particular scene seems to have been chucked in at random because it’s expected, because it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
It’ll come as no surprise when I say I’m not going to recommend When a Rake Falls. There are plenty of other good books out there to read, so move along folks – there’s nothing to see here.
Here, for anyone who wishes to read it, is my original, more succinct review :P
When I write a negative review, I try to find something positive to say, even though I didn't enjoy the book as a whole. I have to admit, I struggled to do that with When a Rake Falls, and the best I can come up with is to say that it made a change to read about a hero who isn't traumatised by a tragic past, and the best way I can think of to sum up the book is to say that it's... Mostly Harmless.
Our hero, Lord Boyce Parker is the youngest of the eight sons of the Marquess of Sutcliffe. When Boyce edited and published a rather racy book written by a friend, his father disapproved to such an extent that he cut him in public – leaving his son almost pathetically desperate to regain his approbation. Boyce decides that the way to do this is to enter a contest which requires him to travel to Paris and along the way perform at least one outstanding feat that proves him among the flower of British manhood along the way.
Lord Boyce's brilliant idea whereby he will impress Dad is that he will travel by balloon, which will enable him to prove himself not only courageous, but intelligent and desirous of paving the way for new technology. He has arranged to travel with Mr Mountfloy, a scientist who is conducting experiments into weather conditions, and his daughter, Eve, but when he is hustled aboard with only Eve for company he is suspicious and soon learns that Moutnfloy had no intention of flying to Paris, and had instead instructed Eve to make take off so unpleasant as to make Boyce want to land as soon as possible. Undeterred, he persuades Eve to continue the journey and persuades her to allow him to help with her experiments.
Eve Mountfloy has worked alongside her father since the deaths of her mother and elder brother, a naval hero. She knows her father only turned to her for help in his work because she there was no alternative, and he believes that as a woman, she cannot possibly have the strength of mind and intelligence necessary for scientific study. In fact, towards the end of the book, he belittles her so badly and so often that I could happily have done him serious harm.
Even so, Eve dreams of making a name for herself in the scientific establishment, hoping to making a great discovery for the benefit of mankind. But this is 1820, and she should have had about as much chance of being allowed to present a scientific paper to the Royal Society as a snowball has of not making a puddle in Hell. I was immediately reminded of the heroine of Courtney Milan’s The Countess Conspiracy which is set in 1867 – who has to have her male friend present her work as his in order for it to be taken seriously. By stark contrast, Eve gets – with Boyce’s help – to deliver her speech without being completely ridiculed almost fifty years earlier. I just couldn’t buy it.
In fact, there are so many problems with this book, that it would take longer than the space of this review to list them. Quite frankly, I was bored by around a quarter of the way through, and things got worse, not better. The writing is choppy and very immature, the dialogue is stodgy and feels forced, the characterisation is thin to say the least and the romance – unlike the balloon – never gets off the ground. I imagine the characters and their utterances are meant to be quirky and funny, but quite honestly, most of the time they’re just ridiculous:
“Please forgive me. I forgot about your injury.” She paused. “What are you doing here? You should be in bed. I apologize, I really do, but numerous kisses will not assist us in finding our way out of the woods.”
Numerous kisses? Who on earth talks like that?
“I’m sure he would never even consider a woman like me. What a silly notion.”
“Yes, I forgot for a moment that he is an aristocrat from such a distinguished family. Gentlemen of his consequence would never consider you as a potential spouse.”
(Said by the heroine’s would be fiancé! If I were her, I’d have started running by now.)
Boyce is a cheerful, happy-go-lucky sort of chap, which, as I said before, is quite refreshing, but the trouble is that there is nothing else to him. There are heroes in historical romances who are largely unencumbered by emotional bagagge and angst, but they are interesting in other ways, or are more strongly characterised. Boyce is sweet, but came across as a bit dim and I got tired of his relentless “niceness” very quickly.
From reading the single – atrocious – sex scene in the book, it would seem that Ms Orr isn’t at all comfortable writing them. If that’s the case, then my advice for future books would be – don’t do it again. Ever. I’ve said in other reviews that there are some writers who can do more with a brush of the hand or the anticipation before a kiss than others can do with a full blown sex scene – but unfortunately, Ms Orr isn’t one of those either, as all the kisses, touches and longing glances between Boyce and Eve are utterly without heat. In fact, there’s no romantic chemistry between them at all, and this particular scene seems to have been chucked in at random because it’s expected, because it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
It’ll come as no surprise when I say I’m not going to recommend When a Rake Falls. There are plenty of other good books out there to read, so move along folks – there’s nothing to see here.
Here, for anyone who wishes to read it, is my original, more succinct review :P
February 22, 2015
*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for review*
My goodness, Boyce is a funny man! I'm used to reading books with heroes who are dark and brooding, so it's refreshing to find a character who is lighthearted and funny. Boyce is sweet, charming, and he loves to sing at the oddest moments. I found myself laughing constantly because of his funny quirks and inner monologues. He is also very tenderhearted. He shows a lot of concern for animals and even insects and isn't afraid to show affection.
Eve wasn't quite as interesting as Lord Parker. I still enjoyed hearing things from her point of view...but let's be honest here, it's mostly because I get to hear more about Boyce. There were times that I just wanted to slap Eve silly.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and would definitely recommend it to people who like historical romance and lighthearted heroes.
***slight spoiler ahead***
There was some good tension between the characters throughout the story. This would probably be a good book for those who don't want much sex in their romance. Besides some light make-out sessions, there is only one sex scene late in the book and it is pretty tame compared to most romance books. It isn't spelled-out or very explicit.
My goodness, Boyce is a funny man! I'm used to reading books with heroes who are dark and brooding, so it's refreshing to find a character who is lighthearted and funny. Boyce is sweet, charming, and he loves to sing at the oddest moments. I found myself laughing constantly because of his funny quirks and inner monologues. He is also very tenderhearted. He shows a lot of concern for animals and even insects and isn't afraid to show affection.
Eve wasn't quite as interesting as Lord Parker. I still enjoyed hearing things from her point of view...but let's be honest here, it's mostly because I get to hear more about Boyce. There were times that I just wanted to slap Eve silly.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and would definitely recommend it to people who like historical romance and lighthearted heroes.
***slight spoiler ahead***
There was some good tension between the characters throughout the story. This would probably be a good book for those who don't want much sex in their romance. Besides some light make-out sessions, there is only one sex scene late in the book and it is pretty tame compared to most romance books. It isn't spelled-out or very explicit.
June 5, 2015
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After being involved in the writing of a scandalous book, Lord Boyce Parker has been determined to win back his father's respect. When a contest involving a race to France, with trophies for good deeds awarded, and the opportunity to win the hand of a fair Lady is announced, Boyce looks upon this on his chance to redeem himself. He charts a hot air balloon to get a leg up on the competition but doesn't account for running into the scientifically driven aeronaut Miss Eve Mountfloy. It's a dangerous undertaking to attempt to take a balloon to France but the lure of being the first woman to do so is strong. Eve finds herself going along with Boyce's crazy plan only to end up on an adventure neither saw coming.
When a Rake Falls has a very misleading title, our hero is far from a rake, but the cheery, bright yellow, and fun cover accurately foretells what is inside. I'm hard pressed to think of a leading hero who would be similar to our Boyce. He often bursts out into song to express his joyfulness and when put out by Eve he says "You leave me like a butterfly, unable to sing." Boyce's character was very light and fluffy and at times he crossed over into empty headed land with a house in doltishville. (I have a slightly strange satisfaction I'm typing that about the hero as I find myself having to describe a fair share of heroines that way) He's different than the mass of dark and broody often found in this genre; you're enjoyment of this book is going to be based on if you like that or not.
Eve is our heroine and leader of the story, her actions direct the show. She calls Boyce a "tulip" and is the mind and powerhouse behind their safety in the balloon and scientific experiments they conduct. There is a fair amount of scientific storyline/talk and while it bogged the story down in the middle it also added a different flare and showcased Eve as a highly capable and intelligent woman smothered by her times. This was important because most of the book I found to be extremely fluffy and mostly Eve's story but towards the end, Boyce takes a stand for Eve. It then becomes more of their story with this very loving moment and gives heft to a relationship that felt more along the lines of friendship.
Quirkiness can be a difficult thing to pull off because, well, it's quirky. This story is meant to funny in that vein and could work for others, for me, it felt unbelievably silly and lacking in substance for most parts. Wanting to win the race and marry the allusive Lady was a pretty thin story thread to get our leads together that stretched on for way too long with Boyce still thinking it was going to work. Then the side adventures with our leads being stranded, looking for Eve's scientific journal, Boyce fighting off a lonely abandoned wife, a plotting old matriarch, and a weak love triangle, clogged the middle up with more wan plots and characters.
This was a pretty clean romance until towards the end where a sex scene was added and while I usually like the bedroom door wide open, this one felt unnecessary and injected in. When a Rake Falls has a light and fluffy beginning, bumbling along middle, and a sweet ending. Boyce may not be the type of hero I usually gravitate to but I certainly appreciated how the author wrote him to stay true to character throughout the story and didn't suddenly have him become serious and broody. If you ever wanted Mr. Bingley to be the hero of the story, then this is for you.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After being involved in the writing of a scandalous book, Lord Boyce Parker has been determined to win back his father's respect. When a contest involving a race to France, with trophies for good deeds awarded, and the opportunity to win the hand of a fair Lady is announced, Boyce looks upon this on his chance to redeem himself. He charts a hot air balloon to get a leg up on the competition but doesn't account for running into the scientifically driven aeronaut Miss Eve Mountfloy. It's a dangerous undertaking to attempt to take a balloon to France but the lure of being the first woman to do so is strong. Eve finds herself going along with Boyce's crazy plan only to end up on an adventure neither saw coming.
When a Rake Falls has a very misleading title, our hero is far from a rake, but the cheery, bright yellow, and fun cover accurately foretells what is inside. I'm hard pressed to think of a leading hero who would be similar to our Boyce. He often bursts out into song to express his joyfulness and when put out by Eve he says "You leave me like a butterfly, unable to sing." Boyce's character was very light and fluffy and at times he crossed over into empty headed land with a house in doltishville. (I have a slightly strange satisfaction I'm typing that about the hero as I find myself having to describe a fair share of heroines that way) He's different than the mass of dark and broody often found in this genre; you're enjoyment of this book is going to be based on if you like that or not.
Eve is our heroine and leader of the story, her actions direct the show. She calls Boyce a "tulip" and is the mind and powerhouse behind their safety in the balloon and scientific experiments they conduct. There is a fair amount of scientific storyline/talk and while it bogged the story down in the middle it also added a different flare and showcased Eve as a highly capable and intelligent woman smothered by her times. This was important because most of the book I found to be extremely fluffy and mostly Eve's story but towards the end, Boyce takes a stand for Eve. It then becomes more of their story with this very loving moment and gives heft to a relationship that felt more along the lines of friendship.
Quirkiness can be a difficult thing to pull off because, well, it's quirky. This story is meant to funny in that vein and could work for others, for me, it felt unbelievably silly and lacking in substance for most parts. Wanting to win the race and marry the allusive Lady was a pretty thin story thread to get our leads together that stretched on for way too long with Boyce still thinking it was going to work. Then the side adventures with our leads being stranded, looking for Eve's scientific journal, Boyce fighting off a lonely abandoned wife, a plotting old matriarch, and a weak love triangle, clogged the middle up with more wan plots and characters.
This was a pretty clean romance until towards the end where a sex scene was added and while I usually like the bedroom door wide open, this one felt unnecessary and injected in. When a Rake Falls has a light and fluffy beginning, bumbling along middle, and a sweet ending. Boyce may not be the type of hero I usually gravitate to but I certainly appreciated how the author wrote him to stay true to character throughout the story and didn't suddenly have him become serious and broody. If you ever wanted Mr. Bingley to be the hero of the story, then this is for you.
February 10, 2015
Lord Boyce Parker makes a bargain with a Miss Eve Mountfloy. She will help fly the balloon over dangerous parts if he lets her conduct her scientific experiments. He agrees to her request and as they set off, Lord Boyce Parker starts to fall for Miss Eve Mountfloy. He begins making his own experiments like asking her about the heat of a kiss. Miss Eve becomes curious and this soon leads to new discoveries but not relating to the world at all. Will both come to the same conclusion about their feelings when their balloon ride ends? And happens as Miss Eve and Lord Boyce find new sparks that have nothing to do with science experiments? Will Lord Boyce earn his father’s respect just like he planned before he met Miss Eve? Will this be the beginning of new things to come for both or just a passing?
I highly recommend reading When A Rake Falls. Readers everywhere will definitely fall for both Lord Boyce Parker and Miss Eve Mountfloy. Two unlikely characters who happen to meet and ignite all kinds of new explorations. This is a must read romance. I fell in love with these two characters. Sally Orr knows how to write a story so luring and so beautifully written. I can’t wait to read more novel by Sally Orr. She has a talent for turning words into a masterpiece. Overall, I rate When A Rake Falls a five out of five stars.
I highly recommend reading When A Rake Falls. Readers everywhere will definitely fall for both Lord Boyce Parker and Miss Eve Mountfloy. Two unlikely characters who happen to meet and ignite all kinds of new explorations. This is a must read romance. I fell in love with these two characters. Sally Orr knows how to write a story so luring and so beautifully written. I can’t wait to read more novel by Sally Orr. She has a talent for turning words into a masterpiece. Overall, I rate When A Rake Falls a five out of five stars.
March 13, 2015
Charming, wonderful, delightful, and sunny!
Boyce and Eve are adorable, this said in the best way possible; they are not perfect, but perfectly charming. WHEN A RAKE FALLS is exquisitely written, it has irresistible characters; it’s utterly delightful from beginning to end! If you need a book to lift your spirits, WHEN A RAKE FALLS is the one! Ms. Orr proves to be quite the magician with words, and the first word that comes to mind is: enchanting. Sally Orr possesses dazzling writing skills, her historical accuracy is stunning, an ear for dialogues seldom witnessed; WHEN A RAKE FALLS is simply brilliant!
WHEN A RAKE FALLS is happiness, sunshine, laughs and romance, romance, romance!
Boyce and Eve are adorable, this said in the best way possible; they are not perfect, but perfectly charming. WHEN A RAKE FALLS is exquisitely written, it has irresistible characters; it’s utterly delightful from beginning to end! If you need a book to lift your spirits, WHEN A RAKE FALLS is the one! Ms. Orr proves to be quite the magician with words, and the first word that comes to mind is: enchanting. Sally Orr possesses dazzling writing skills, her historical accuracy is stunning, an ear for dialogues seldom witnessed; WHEN A RAKE FALLS is simply brilliant!
WHEN A RAKE FALLS is happiness, sunshine, laughs and romance, romance, romance!
December 11, 2015
When a Rake Falls is ridiculous! And I mean it in a bad way. I was laughing throughout this book and it’s not in a “Hahahaha, this is so funny.” kind of funny, but a “What the fuck is this?” funny.
The dialogues are so awkward and scripted, and the writing, as a whole, is awkward. None of it felt natural.
Whenever the hero joked and the heroine laughed, I wanted to facepalm myself because there’s nothing humorous about their conversations. There’s nothing witty or amusing about this book at all.
The only line that genuinely made me laugh was Drexel’s line: “I’ll wager that if I throw a pebble into the crowd at the next assembly, it will hit a widow who has, or wants to be, in your bed.”
Speaking of beds, I am tired of authors labeling their heroes as rakes when they’re not. You can talk the talk, but you can’t walk the walk. There is nothing rakish about Boyce. He’s a nice guy with a horrible sense of humor and “gentlemanly” manners. As surprisingly sweet as Boyce is, he’s annoying. He spends a good amount of time singing, speaking pigeon, and thinking about his father. I mean, his father is the whole reason he’s on a venture to Paris in the first place.
The heroine (I forgot her name) was too practical for me to care about her. Like seriously, woman, you might crash and die!!!! And there’s nothing interesting or distinctive about her.
Both of the characters fell flat. The plot was something special, but didn't deliver well. The whole story is a disappointment.
By the way, I hate apples now.
Okay, fine, I’m being dramatic, but I will never be able to read “pout” again without thinking about fucking apples.
The dialogues are so awkward and scripted, and the writing, as a whole, is awkward. None of it felt natural.
Whenever the hero joked and the heroine laughed, I wanted to facepalm myself because there’s nothing humorous about their conversations. There’s nothing witty or amusing about this book at all.
The only line that genuinely made me laugh was Drexel’s line: “I’ll wager that if I throw a pebble into the crowd at the next assembly, it will hit a widow who has, or wants to be, in your bed.”
Speaking of beds, I am tired of authors labeling their heroes as rakes when they’re not. You can talk the talk, but you can’t walk the walk. There is nothing rakish about Boyce. He’s a nice guy with a horrible sense of humor and “gentlemanly” manners. As surprisingly sweet as Boyce is, he’s annoying. He spends a good amount of time singing, speaking pigeon, and thinking about his father. I mean, his father is the whole reason he’s on a venture to Paris in the first place.
The heroine (I forgot her name) was too practical for me to care about her. Like seriously, woman, you might crash and die!!!! And there’s nothing interesting or distinctive about her.
Both of the characters fell flat. The plot was something special, but didn't deliver well. The whole story is a disappointment.
By the way, I hate apples now.
Okay, fine, I’m being dramatic, but I will never be able to read “pout” again without thinking about fucking apples.
April 17, 2015
3.5 stars – rounded
The first I have read in this series or by this author, I was captivated by the cover and the idea of a balloon race. A fan of the film, Around the World in 80 Days, I loved the idea of ballooning, especially with a female pilot.
Sally Orr has crafted a story that is very much a ‘mood read’, you have to be willing to go with the often ridiculous antics of Boyce, and have some patience with the less charming Eve. Successfully adding some funny moments, the story is not angst ridden or notably comic, and there are some quirks of characterization that border on overdone, but racing from England to France to win adulation and respect isn’t a realistic option either. Have fun with this romance, and enjoy it for what it is: a fun story that will entertain and amuse.
Boyce is in the doghouse with his father after having published The Rake’s Handbook – a purported guide for men of a certain age who wish to build their credentials in a dubious way. As a character, Boyce is rather unique, prone to breaking into song at random unexpected times, he’s a touch impetuous and perhaps seen by many as flighty and shallow. As the youngest son, he’s constantly fussing for attention from his father, to no avail. The race to Paris provides him an opportunity he doesn’t feel he can pass up, so he arranges to hire a crew to pilot a balloon across the channel.
Eve is obsessed with her own intellectual pursuits pertaining to weather, and ballooning allows her the opportunity to gather data and test theorems. The lack of interest in ferrying Boyce across the channel is only supplanted by her desire to continue experimenting. Stubborn, curious and a bit humorless in the whole, Eve is a direct contrast to Boyce’s rather overblown personality. But, she agrees to the challenge, and is determined to gather data and experiment along the way, no matter Boyce’s objections.
These two have interactions that vary between rather stilted to flowing, with a solid basis for a friendship between them. Boyce shows himself to be more than just an inappropriately singing lord, and Eve is able to explain and share her curiosity. As the plot moves forward and the two move from friendship and regard to love, there were some moments that didn’t quite connect for me, but in keeping the story to the sweeter side served the characters well.
Well plotted with details and descriptions that added to the ability to visualize, as well as solid historical details mixed in made this an enjoyable and fast paced read, perfect for a rainy afternoon when you just want to be entertained and happy in the end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The first I have read in this series or by this author, I was captivated by the cover and the idea of a balloon race. A fan of the film, Around the World in 80 Days, I loved the idea of ballooning, especially with a female pilot.
Sally Orr has crafted a story that is very much a ‘mood read’, you have to be willing to go with the often ridiculous antics of Boyce, and have some patience with the less charming Eve. Successfully adding some funny moments, the story is not angst ridden or notably comic, and there are some quirks of characterization that border on overdone, but racing from England to France to win adulation and respect isn’t a realistic option either. Have fun with this romance, and enjoy it for what it is: a fun story that will entertain and amuse.
Boyce is in the doghouse with his father after having published The Rake’s Handbook – a purported guide for men of a certain age who wish to build their credentials in a dubious way. As a character, Boyce is rather unique, prone to breaking into song at random unexpected times, he’s a touch impetuous and perhaps seen by many as flighty and shallow. As the youngest son, he’s constantly fussing for attention from his father, to no avail. The race to Paris provides him an opportunity he doesn’t feel he can pass up, so he arranges to hire a crew to pilot a balloon across the channel.
Eve is obsessed with her own intellectual pursuits pertaining to weather, and ballooning allows her the opportunity to gather data and test theorems. The lack of interest in ferrying Boyce across the channel is only supplanted by her desire to continue experimenting. Stubborn, curious and a bit humorless in the whole, Eve is a direct contrast to Boyce’s rather overblown personality. But, she agrees to the challenge, and is determined to gather data and experiment along the way, no matter Boyce’s objections.
These two have interactions that vary between rather stilted to flowing, with a solid basis for a friendship between them. Boyce shows himself to be more than just an inappropriately singing lord, and Eve is able to explain and share her curiosity. As the plot moves forward and the two move from friendship and regard to love, there were some moments that didn’t quite connect for me, but in keeping the story to the sweeter side served the characters well.
Well plotted with details and descriptions that added to the ability to visualize, as well as solid historical details mixed in made this an enjoyable and fast paced read, perfect for a rainy afternoon when you just want to be entertained and happy in the end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 11, 2015
When a Rake Falls is the second book in The Rake's Handbook series by Sally Orr, and is scheduled for publication on April 7 2015. To win a race to Paris, and hopefully his father's respect, Lord Boyce Parker hires a balloon. He expects to be crowned the victor and become famous for his courage and intelligence. Miss Eve Mountfloy makes a bargain she will fly the balloon during the dangerous crossing to France, if he helps her finish her scientific experiments to predict violent storms and thereby save lives. The experiments and a change of wind through them both off course, and open a new set of questions for them both.
When a Rake Falls might be the second book in a series, but aside from the joint publication of The Rakes Handbook that connects the main characters, they can stand alone. I was delightfully surprised to have a main character that is generally cheerful rather than dark and brooding. while i do enjoy my strong alpha males, having a hero that can laugh and sing for no good reason was a nice change of pace. Even better was that while he appeared shallow to fellow characters, he was really sweet and sensitive. Eve is very intelligent, though insecure. I was more than a little annoyed with her from time to time as she let her father, and in turn his assistant, run roughshod over her on several occasion. I really did like some of the secondary characters and enjoyed the story as a whole immensely. It was fun, and broke the mold with a different hero, adventure, and a wee bit of social commentary.
I would recommend When a Rake Falls to those that enjoy Orr’s work, and those looking for a fun historical romance that is a little different from the rest. It was read in almost a single day, only taking longer because of necessary obligations. It would be a great read for a quiet weekend or weekday escape.
When a Rake Falls might be the second book in a series, but aside from the joint publication of The Rakes Handbook that connects the main characters, they can stand alone. I was delightfully surprised to have a main character that is generally cheerful rather than dark and brooding. while i do enjoy my strong alpha males, having a hero that can laugh and sing for no good reason was a nice change of pace. Even better was that while he appeared shallow to fellow characters, he was really sweet and sensitive. Eve is very intelligent, though insecure. I was more than a little annoyed with her from time to time as she let her father, and in turn his assistant, run roughshod over her on several occasion. I really did like some of the secondary characters and enjoyed the story as a whole immensely. It was fun, and broke the mold with a different hero, adventure, and a wee bit of social commentary.
I would recommend When a Rake Falls to those that enjoy Orr’s work, and those looking for a fun historical romance that is a little different from the rest. It was read in almost a single day, only taking longer because of necessary obligations. It would be a great read for a quiet weekend or weekday escape.
April 12, 2015
I received a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebook Casablanca
I had high expectations of When A Rake Falls, but this is the first book I have had the opportunity to read from this author. I had seen some high ratings and reviews, so I was pretty excited to start this one. But I had the most difficult time getting into it. I don’t know if it was just me or I was in the mood for something more engaging. I would say that this is a story that had some quirky moments and a few scenes that were pretty fun to read. But as a whole, I wouldn’t say it was the type of story that I was necessarily in the mood for. I did enjoy the characters, and the plot was pretty steady and had many enjoyable qualities to it, but I just couldn’t see the romance in this one. I could see the friendship building the two, but the actual romantic relationship I just could never really connect with. For me it was like they went from being friends to loving each other and I didn’t see the transition at all. I wanted to, I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t happen. I found the story to have great humor, and some entertaining characters, and even though it wasn’t my favorite romance to read, I do plan on reading the first book and maybe I will enjoy it more.
I had high expectations of When A Rake Falls, but this is the first book I have had the opportunity to read from this author. I had seen some high ratings and reviews, so I was pretty excited to start this one. But I had the most difficult time getting into it. I don’t know if it was just me or I was in the mood for something more engaging. I would say that this is a story that had some quirky moments and a few scenes that were pretty fun to read. But as a whole, I wouldn’t say it was the type of story that I was necessarily in the mood for. I did enjoy the characters, and the plot was pretty steady and had many enjoyable qualities to it, but I just couldn’t see the romance in this one. I could see the friendship building the two, but the actual romantic relationship I just could never really connect with. For me it was like they went from being friends to loving each other and I didn’t see the transition at all. I wanted to, I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t happen. I found the story to have great humor, and some entertaining characters, and even though it wasn’t my favorite romance to read, I do plan on reading the first book and maybe I will enjoy it more.
February 8, 2015
This is book 2 in the Rake's Handbook series.
Lord Boyce Parker will do just about anything to gain the respect of his father. So when he has the opportunity to to become famous for his courage and intelligence and gain a wife in the process, he doesn't let it pass him by. Thinking to put himself in the lead, he pays to ride in a hot air balloon and hopes to talk his way into getting them to take him to France. What he didn't count on was Miss Eve Mountfloy.
Eve doesn't want this "Pink of the Ton" with her when she does her experiments, but when he doesn't demand to be let down after her quick ascent she resigns herself to the fact that she will have a partner in her scientific studies. She didn't count on feeling an attraction to her unwitting partner.
Will his attraction to Eve convince Boyce to abandon his quest and take the love that is standing right before him?
I didn't like this story as much as I did the first in the series. I did like Eve, but Boyce was rather annoying. Even after he felt his attraction toward Eve and started to have feelings for her, he still kept going on and on about getting to France and winning the race. His use of verse throughout the story also seemed a bit over the top.
I liked the idea of the story, but it just didn't do much for me because I kept getting annoyed with the hero.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Lord Boyce Parker will do just about anything to gain the respect of his father. So when he has the opportunity to to become famous for his courage and intelligence and gain a wife in the process, he doesn't let it pass him by. Thinking to put himself in the lead, he pays to ride in a hot air balloon and hopes to talk his way into getting them to take him to France. What he didn't count on was Miss Eve Mountfloy.
Eve doesn't want this "Pink of the Ton" with her when she does her experiments, but when he doesn't demand to be let down after her quick ascent she resigns herself to the fact that she will have a partner in her scientific studies. She didn't count on feeling an attraction to her unwitting partner.
Will his attraction to Eve convince Boyce to abandon his quest and take the love that is standing right before him?
I didn't like this story as much as I did the first in the series. I did like Eve, but Boyce was rather annoying. Even after he felt his attraction toward Eve and started to have feelings for her, he still kept going on and on about getting to France and winning the race. His use of verse throughout the story also seemed a bit over the top.
I liked the idea of the story, but it just didn't do much for me because I kept getting annoyed with the hero.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
April 7, 2015
#2 in the popular "The Rake's Handbook", but can be read as a stand alone. Fast paced passionate tale of the Rake: Lord Boyce Parker, a balloon race, the Bluestocking: Miss Eve Mountfloy and of course, love.
Boyce and Eve are a pair to be sure. Written with wit, a bit of humor, two unlikely characters, a blossoming romance, searching for respect and tension between characters. The H/H are definitely flawed, have struggles and challenges, just like the rest of the universal. The issue: can they overcome their issues to make their HEA. Once again, Ms. Orr has written a tale that is interesting, entertaining, and a bit sad at times, but an overall enjoyable read. It has a bit of a Steampunk Romance fell to the story, to me. I enjoyed the first book in this series, a bit better than this one, but will continue to read this series. The concept is delectable. But, if you are looking for a sensual read, this can't it readers! It does have a fine mixture of romance, with a bit of suspense and the lure of passion. Overall, and enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Boyce and Eve are a pair to be sure. Written with wit, a bit of humor, two unlikely characters, a blossoming romance, searching for respect and tension between characters. The H/H are definitely flawed, have struggles and challenges, just like the rest of the universal. The issue: can they overcome their issues to make their HEA. Once again, Ms. Orr has written a tale that is interesting, entertaining, and a bit sad at times, but an overall enjoyable read. It has a bit of a Steampunk Romance fell to the story, to me. I enjoyed the first book in this series, a bit better than this one, but will continue to read this series. The concept is delectable. But, if you are looking for a sensual read, this can't it readers! It does have a fine mixture of romance, with a bit of suspense and the lure of passion. Overall, and enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
April 17, 2015
Let me start by saying, I thought this book was much better than the first book. The story was interesting, well written and stayed on point (for the most part). I thought the author did a great job of keeping this reader's focus on Boyce & Eve.
I thought Boyce was charming - I liked that he was happy and liked to sing. Eve was also delightful. She is smart without being a know it all. Both Boyce & Eve have an intense desire to feel worthy - they both desperately want the approval of their fathers and they both feel that they fall short.
I liked that the author didn't have these two immediately fall in bed - but when the "love scene" finally comes - it was a let down. I cannot understand why Boyce was so angry with Eve - it seemed to come out of the blue and made no sense. I kind of felt like the story just fell apart at this point and then author tried to backpedal her way back on point. She makes a decent effort of trying to redeem the hero - but it felt rushed and contrived.
I think overall this was a good book - I don't know if I would read it again. But, I think this new author has a lot of potential and will read her future books.
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley - in exchange for an honest review**
I thought Boyce was charming - I liked that he was happy and liked to sing. Eve was also delightful. She is smart without being a know it all. Both Boyce & Eve have an intense desire to feel worthy - they both desperately want the approval of their fathers and they both feel that they fall short.
I liked that the author didn't have these two immediately fall in bed - but when the "love scene" finally comes - it was a let down. I cannot understand why Boyce was so angry with Eve - it seemed to come out of the blue and made no sense. I kind of felt like the story just fell apart at this point and then author tried to backpedal her way back on point. She makes a decent effort of trying to redeem the hero - but it felt rushed and contrived.
I think overall this was a good book - I don't know if I would read it again. But, I think this new author has a lot of potential and will read her future books.
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley - in exchange for an honest review**
June 8, 2015
Eve Mountfloy is a great heroine. She is incredibly smart, and loves to learn more about a variety of things. Her expertise is aeronautics and balloon flight experiments. You could practically see her light up every time she got a chance to talk about it.
Lord Boyce Parker was a bit whiny. He was so obsessed with trying to win a contest to prove to his father that he was "something" and it he wouldn't stop talking about it. I'm all for sensitive guys and I love one that isn't afraid to talk about his emotions. Unfortunately, Boyce came across as more childlike than being a sensitive adult male. I really don't know how Eve put up with it.
Their adventure was quite amusing though. Through several accidents during their balloon flight, to interfering relatives and friends, they manage to stick together. I enjoyed see more of the intellectual side of the population and overall enjoyed the story - just didn't particularly care for Boyce.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Lord Boyce Parker was a bit whiny. He was so obsessed with trying to win a contest to prove to his father that he was "something" and it he wouldn't stop talking about it. I'm all for sensitive guys and I love one that isn't afraid to talk about his emotions. Unfortunately, Boyce came across as more childlike than being a sensitive adult male. I really don't know how Eve put up with it.
Their adventure was quite amusing though. Through several accidents during their balloon flight, to interfering relatives and friends, they manage to stick together. I enjoyed see more of the intellectual side of the population and overall enjoyed the story - just didn't particularly care for Boyce.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
April 7, 2015
This was a good read. It is set in England 1825. Lord Parker is about to join in a challenge to marry an Earl's daughter. He has a strong character and yet a protective personality. Sally has come up with an impressive story line. Parker finds a hot air balloon and pays to be flown to France. Here he meets Eve and they do experiments on flying. When they try to land- Crash! Spoilers. They are taken in to recuperate and Parker finds a friend, female, who is the cause of a great many spoilers. Parker is the youngest and thinks his father has no use for him. He tries so hard. Eve wants nothing more than to be able to write and give a speech at the Royal Institute. Parker gets to and Spoilers here. I liked this story. I learned some things I never heard of before. Think Sun. I hope you choose to read this one. It's worth your time. Enjoy your reading! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
January 27, 2015
**I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley**
When a Rake Falls introduces to the readers Lord Bryce Parker as he stands in a crowd listening to the rules and mechanics of some game a lord and his daughter came up with.
The book hints (or probably babbles a lot) on Bryce's rakish and rougish ways, his women, and what he does with his women. He's a likable character--funny and has strange ideas.
Then there is Lady Eve, our heroine. Her character pales when compared to Bryce, and she just felt flat for me.
Although When a Rake Falls starts with an adventure, I couldn't keep up with it and couldn't connect with the characters. Many times whatever the two MCs said or did felt a bit scripted/robotic/cardboard box cut out-ish.
It's a lovely tale about love and an air balloon, but it just didn't work for me.
When a Rake Falls introduces to the readers Lord Bryce Parker as he stands in a crowd listening to the rules and mechanics of some game a lord and his daughter came up with.
The book hints (or probably babbles a lot) on Bryce's rakish and rougish ways, his women, and what he does with his women. He's a likable character--funny and has strange ideas.
Then there is Lady Eve, our heroine. Her character pales when compared to Bryce, and she just felt flat for me.
Although When a Rake Falls starts with an adventure, I couldn't keep up with it and couldn't connect with the characters. Many times whatever the two MCs said or did felt a bit scripted/robotic/cardboard box cut out-ish.
It's a lovely tale about love and an air balloon, but it just didn't work for me.
June 7, 2015
A very fast paced read. The concept was great, very different and unexpected and refreshing. I do have to say that compared to other historical romances it was light-ish on the romance, but it was still a romance with a lot of adventure. At first I wasn't 100% I'd like the characters a lot because we were just thrown right in to their balloon adventure, and there wasn't really backstory or anything. Yet quickly Eve and Parker's interaction became the backstory, their actions artfully drew out the important parts of their characters and histories. Overall very much worth the read. I read it in an evening and the next morning. I just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
April 7, 2015
An enjoyable read. Written with flawed characters and an interesting storyline. The first in this series was better, was still a satisfying read. I will continue to read this series. For full review visit My Book Addiction and More dot com.
* Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Galley*
***Will cross-post on My Book Addiction and More***
Rating : 4
Heat rating : Mild
Reviewed by : AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
* Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Galley*
***Will cross-post on My Book Addiction and More***
Rating : 4
Heat rating : Mild
Reviewed by : AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 17, 2015
Review copy received from NetGalley and Sourcebooks.
From the get go the characters made an unfavorable impression on me and since then it was hard to read the story. It was will written and amusing, the plot was riveting. But I didn't like the characters, in fact I even forgot their names. I called them the tulip and the dandy... So that's my review.
From the get go the characters made an unfavorable impression on me and since then it was hard to read the story. It was will written and amusing, the plot was riveting. But I didn't like the characters, in fact I even forgot their names. I called them the tulip and the dandy... So that's my review.
September 4, 2015
Actual rating 2.75ish, but I'm rounding it up because I'm nice.
Very fun in the beginning, but after they landed the story lost itself. The characters were sadly a little one-dimensional, though the romance was cute.
Not sorry I read it, but it needed some major rethinking, re-structuring, and additional depth.
Very fun in the beginning, but after they landed the story lost itself. The characters were sadly a little one-dimensional, though the romance was cute.
Not sorry I read it, but it needed some major rethinking, re-structuring, and additional depth.
March 7, 2017
Boyce is a rather unique character, whom I can only describe as "Hufflepuff." Happy about everything, intensely loyal (like a big fancy puppy he is), sensitive, and quick with a song (especially when you really really don't need a song). Eve was the perfect foil with her head on straight (for the most part). These two take forever to get to their HEA, but it's a fun journey there.
May 11, 2015
A fun historical romance, which brings together a serious science focused heroine with a hero who wants to make a name for himself. There is plenty of humor and adventure in this high flying tale. Really fun.
May 24, 2015
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT IS A WELL WRITTEN ROMANCE THAT ISN'T ALL SAPPY.
February 18, 2021
Original storyline but unconvinced about the hero
Clever plot. Enjoyed the science. I learned some. Alas, the romantic male lead lacked appeal and finesse. His father, on the other hand, seems exceptional. Let's hear a story about new love for him. Now there's a tale ending in "Yum!"
Clever plot. Enjoyed the science. I learned some. Alas, the romantic male lead lacked appeal and finesse. His father, on the other hand, seems exceptional. Let's hear a story about new love for him. Now there's a tale ending in "Yum!"
March 25, 2025
There wasn't anything exciting, you knew the end as soon as the characters met. It was a cute basic love story.
April 15, 2015
3.5 stars. This is a light and lovely romp of a historical novel. As a hero Boyce is sweet natured, likes to sing, knows how to make people smile and has impeccable manners. The trouble is that none of these mean anything to his father. So Boyce views the race as a chance to win back his father’s approval, more than to win a lady’s hand. He just wants to make his father proud of him. Which is how he ends up in a balloon sailing over Southern England in a bid to reach France.
Eve is a much more serious young lady. She has experiments planned for the day and has no intention of flying to France. Though she is essentially her father’s right hand, he believes women have no place in science and she’s been working for years to prove him wrong. Haring off with a young wastrel was never in her plans, but then plans very often go wrong. As they seem to constantly do in this book. It’s full of bumbled moments and unexpected happenings as the intrepid explorer and serious scientist go about their adventures.
This is a nice book, with nice characters (well, apart from one or two, but even they aren’t actually evil, just rude and not particularly fair to others), and even though the ballooning stuff should have been really exciting, somehow it wasn’t. I enjoyed it, but I found it more soothing than anything else. Boyce is sweet, with his love of poetry and emotions and singing, but I have to admit his habit of saying, “Yes, yes,” at the start of many sentences did get annoying after a while. I also wish he’d been a bit firmer at times with certain people. He’s too easy going and never wants to be rude. Even when I was feeling sorry for him, I still wished he’d either stand up for himself or just seize some initiative.
I wanted to like Eve, but mostly she felt a bit flat to me. I was never entirely sure if she loved science for its own sake or if it was just because of her daddy issues. Speaking of daddy issues I wasn’t particularly impressed with how those were resolved. On one side everything seems to clear up far too easily, while on the other there were a lot of unanswered questions – not least about whether a certain claim was even true. I felt a few people were let off on their actions when they shouldn’t have been, but Boyce is just too polite! Not to mention exceedingly slow on the emotional uptake. For someone supposedly intelligent and very in touch with his emotions, he really was dim witted at times.
If you’re looking for a nice, easy historical read with a light romance, this definitely fits the bill. It rumbles sweetly along to a charming finish, but I suspect Boyce’s quirks of character (the singing, what was with all the singing?) won’t appeal to everyone. Sweet and easy and utterly undemanding, but it does have a certain quiet charm.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Eve is a much more serious young lady. She has experiments planned for the day and has no intention of flying to France. Though she is essentially her father’s right hand, he believes women have no place in science and she’s been working for years to prove him wrong. Haring off with a young wastrel was never in her plans, but then plans very often go wrong. As they seem to constantly do in this book. It’s full of bumbled moments and unexpected happenings as the intrepid explorer and serious scientist go about their adventures.
This is a nice book, with nice characters (well, apart from one or two, but even they aren’t actually evil, just rude and not particularly fair to others), and even though the ballooning stuff should have been really exciting, somehow it wasn’t. I enjoyed it, but I found it more soothing than anything else. Boyce is sweet, with his love of poetry and emotions and singing, but I have to admit his habit of saying, “Yes, yes,” at the start of many sentences did get annoying after a while. I also wish he’d been a bit firmer at times with certain people. He’s too easy going and never wants to be rude. Even when I was feeling sorry for him, I still wished he’d either stand up for himself or just seize some initiative.
I wanted to like Eve, but mostly she felt a bit flat to me. I was never entirely sure if she loved science for its own sake or if it was just because of her daddy issues. Speaking of daddy issues I wasn’t particularly impressed with how those were resolved. On one side everything seems to clear up far too easily, while on the other there were a lot of unanswered questions – not least about whether a certain claim was even true. I felt a few people were let off on their actions when they shouldn’t have been, but Boyce is just too polite! Not to mention exceedingly slow on the emotional uptake. For someone supposedly intelligent and very in touch with his emotions, he really was dim witted at times.
If you’re looking for a nice, easy historical read with a light romance, this definitely fits the bill. It rumbles sweetly along to a charming finish, but I suspect Boyce’s quirks of character (the singing, what was with all the singing?) won’t appeal to everyone. Sweet and easy and utterly undemanding, but it does have a certain quiet charm.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 18, 2016
I found this book because of a goodreads giveaway for the first book in the series (The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide). I didn't win the giveaway, but both books were available from my local library and I was looking for something fun in my TBR pile. Fun + Free = Yay. Right? Meh?
I really wanted to like this book. The concept of a Rake's Handbook is exciting. The idea of a lady aeronaut who makes important contributions to science is forward thinking. There are great strides for feminism in this book. But, overall, I really just wanted to whack half the characters over the backs of their heads for their stupid actions. Everyone, really, except maybe Lady Buxton. Everyone else though? They all make completely stupid decisions based all on emotions. But, maybe that was the author's point? In a book that talked so much about science and forward thinking to have everyone fall into the trap of making emotional decisions after all?
Either way, much like the one romantic scene in the book, this book sort of came out of nowhere, ended very quickly, and didn't quite go where I had hoped it would go...Overall, it was ok.
I really wanted to like this book. The concept of a Rake's Handbook is exciting. The idea of a lady aeronaut who makes important contributions to science is forward thinking. There are great strides for feminism in this book. But, overall, I really just wanted to whack half the characters over the backs of their heads for their stupid actions. Everyone, really, except maybe Lady Buxton. Everyone else though? They all make completely stupid decisions based all on emotions. But, maybe that was the author's point? In a book that talked so much about science and forward thinking to have everyone fall into the trap of making emotional decisions after all?
Either way, much like the one romantic scene in the book, this book sort of came out of nowhere, ended very quickly, and didn't quite go where I had hoped it would go...Overall, it was ok.
April 13, 2015
This is the second book in the Rake’s Handbook series and I have to say that it leaves me conflicted. I’m not really sure why that is. The story was great and it was fast-moving. The only thing that had me a bit on the sidelines were the main characters.
Lord Boyce Parker’s motives and reasons behind his quest to be famous by proving himself intelligent and courageous, therefore earning the respect of his father, was a noble thing to do, yet I wondered if there might have been other ways he could have accomplished this and not by entering this contest.
As for our heroine, Miss Eve Mountfloy, was exactly what I imagined a bluestocking would be. She is clever, stubborn and obsessed with her experiments.
Together they made for a cute couple, but I just never felt they were passionate either for each other or for their goals, and maybe that’s why I only liked this story.
Bottom line, the plot is well written so it made for an entertaining and lighthearted story.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
Lord Boyce Parker’s motives and reasons behind his quest to be famous by proving himself intelligent and courageous, therefore earning the respect of his father, was a noble thing to do, yet I wondered if there might have been other ways he could have accomplished this and not by entering this contest.
As for our heroine, Miss Eve Mountfloy, was exactly what I imagined a bluestocking would be. She is clever, stubborn and obsessed with her experiments.
Together they made for a cute couple, but I just never felt they were passionate either for each other or for their goals, and maybe that’s why I only liked this story.
Bottom line, the plot is well written so it made for an entertaining and lighthearted story.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
April 8, 2015
I really wanted to like this book because I am generally a fan of Regency romances that feature women interested in scientific pursuits. The plot of the book was original, Boyce a rake and younger son has entered a contest to marry a daughter of an early. He decides to hire a hot air balloon to take him to France and as result he meets Eve. They crash when their balloon is blown off course and crashes in northern England. They recuperate and fall in love.
I found it very difficult to connect with the hero in the story because he was silly, and one dimensional. Eve was easier to understand, but over I didn't get it. The story was interesting in that it portrayed early aeronautics, but this wasn't really my cup of tea.
I was given an ARC of the book for an honest review by netgalley.com.
I found it very difficult to connect with the hero in the story because he was silly, and one dimensional. Eve was easier to understand, but over I didn't get it. The story was interesting in that it portrayed early aeronautics, but this wasn't really my cup of tea.
I was given an ARC of the book for an honest review by netgalley.com.
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