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Ramsden Brothers #1
Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady
Determined not to enter into a forced marriage, Julia could see no way out—unless she were to become a ruined woman! Notorious rake Paine Ramsden was reputed to have no qualms about seducing innocents, so maybe he would help with her…predicament.
Certainly, Paine deserved his rakish reputation, yet Julia was so achingly pure, one night with her might just ruin him! Awakening Julia's sensuality aroused unfamiliar feelings in him—was it too late to make them both respectable?
Certainly, Paine deserved his rakish reputation, yet Julia was so achingly pure, one night with her might just ruin him! Awakening Julia's sensuality aroused unfamiliar feelings in him—was it too late to make them both respectable?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
13 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Scott
337 books167 followersBronwyn Scott writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon. She has 50 titles currently in print with them.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 18, 2008
I found Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady to be a quick, easy and surprisingly enjoyable read. I had never heard of Bronwyn Scott before, and from visiting her website it appears that she is a relatively new author with this being only her second book published by Harlequin and her fifth overall. Nevertheless, in my opinion, she has talent that could definitely take her places in the future. She managed to take a tired romance plot, that of the lecherous, old man pursuing an innocent young woman, who is rescued by the dissolute rake, and breathe new life into it by adding a few unexpected twists. While most of the love scenes end in a cut-away without any explicit details, there were a couple at the beginning which I thought were a little more sensual than what readers will usually find in a Harlequin, owing mostly to the hero's extensive knowledge of the Kama Sutra and a scene involving some fun and lively love play. I also thought that the evil villain and his complex schemes added a bit of Gothic-style flair to the story.
Paine and Julia were both very likable characters. Paine was the rakish third son of a nobleman with a rather sordid past, but underneath it all he was an honorable man who had made something of himself in spite of the bad hand that life had dealt him. Julia was an admirably spirited heroine who wasn't afraid to take matters into her own hands to ensure her future happiness, but neither was she rash in her decision making. In difficult or dangerous circumstances she took the time to consider her options carefully and didn't idly wait for someone else to save the day. The only time that I thought she had made the wrong choice, it turned into a humorous situation in which the hero was already several steps ahead of her. They occasionally shared some good-natured but sharp-witted banter which I really enjoyed. The only thing which could have been better is their relationship development. I didn't feel that the author gave me enough reasons for their falling in love, and so I didn't entirely buy it, though I did find them to be an appealing and well-matched couple.
As it turns out, Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady is the first in a new series. Since Paine has two older and very eligible brothers, I thought this might be the case. Also, after an abrupt and vague ending for Julia's cousin, Gray, I discovered that his story can be read as an exclusive Harlequin Online Read titled Grayson Prentiss's Seduction at: http://www.eharlequin.com/article.htm.... Overall, I liked Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady enough that I am interested in reading the next book in the series when it is released, and would be open to reading Bronwynn Scott's other books including her three non-Harlequin titles written as Nikki Poppen.
Paine and Julia were both very likable characters. Paine was the rakish third son of a nobleman with a rather sordid past, but underneath it all he was an honorable man who had made something of himself in spite of the bad hand that life had dealt him. Julia was an admirably spirited heroine who wasn't afraid to take matters into her own hands to ensure her future happiness, but neither was she rash in her decision making. In difficult or dangerous circumstances she took the time to consider her options carefully and didn't idly wait for someone else to save the day. The only time that I thought she had made the wrong choice, it turned into a humorous situation in which the hero was already several steps ahead of her. They occasionally shared some good-natured but sharp-witted banter which I really enjoyed. The only thing which could have been better is their relationship development. I didn't feel that the author gave me enough reasons for their falling in love, and so I didn't entirely buy it, though I did find them to be an appealing and well-matched couple.
As it turns out, Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady is the first in a new series. Since Paine has two older and very eligible brothers, I thought this might be the case. Also, after an abrupt and vague ending for Julia's cousin, Gray, I discovered that his story can be read as an exclusive Harlequin Online Read titled Grayson Prentiss's Seduction at: http://www.eharlequin.com/article.htm.... Overall, I liked Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady enough that I am interested in reading the next book in the series when it is released, and would be open to reading Bronwynn Scott's other books including her three non-Harlequin titles written as Nikki Poppen.
April 10, 2010
I might be finally outgrowing this genre. Or, this is not nearly as good as everyone says it is.
Julia, the heroine, is in a bind. Her uncle is pawning her off to a disgusting, rich old man, who has it in his mind to take cause their financial ruin. But he requires his bride to be a virgin, so Julia takes steps to rid herself of her virginity, by finding the most notorious rake in London, Paine Ramsden. The one night stand becomes something much more as Paine becomes her lover and protector.
I will start with the first with the names. or 'Paine Ramsden'. Is it just me, but does that even sound like a gentleman's name, let alone a sexy hero's? I just don't understand. Then there is Julia's family. She keeps saying that they are good people, but what the marriage they arranged for her is disgusting. Especially if the man is rumored to have the Pox.
I was also bothered by the excessive usage of the word: countenance. So much that I don't even know what it means anymore. I feel like that word has not been used correctly in every occasion. As the title suggests, there is a rakish hero who lives in the edge of society, but he has good morals for someone like that (considering the past and all). The worst part of the book was the weird sexual philosophy that is supposed to 'educate' the innocent miss. Yin and yang, Kama Sutra, some metaphysical explanations. It was so weird to read and felt so out of place.
The characters had little development (lots of 'tell' instead of 'show'). I was hoping for some humor, but that didn't happen either. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the H/H. They also had a huge age difference.
Maybe I'm expecting too much quality from this book, but it does not successfully deliver an entertaining romantic relationship. I finished it only because it had such good reviews and ratings and I thought that I might like it by the end.
Julia, the heroine, is in a bind. Her uncle is pawning her off to a disgusting, rich old man, who has it in his mind to take cause their financial ruin. But he requires his bride to be a virgin, so Julia takes steps to rid herself of her virginity, by finding the most notorious rake in London, Paine Ramsden. The one night stand becomes something much more as Paine becomes her lover and protector.
I will start with the first with the names. or 'Paine Ramsden'. Is it just me, but does that even sound like a gentleman's name, let alone a sexy hero's? I just don't understand. Then there is Julia's family. She keeps saying that they are good people, but what the marriage they arranged for her is disgusting. Especially if the man is rumored to have the Pox.
I was also bothered by the excessive usage of the word: countenance. So much that I don't even know what it means anymore. I feel like that word has not been used correctly in every occasion. As the title suggests, there is a rakish hero who lives in the edge of society, but he has good morals for someone like that (considering the past and all). The worst part of the book was the weird sexual philosophy that is supposed to 'educate' the innocent miss. Yin and yang, Kama Sutra, some metaphysical explanations. It was so weird to read and felt so out of place.
The characters had little development (lots of 'tell' instead of 'show'). I was hoping for some humor, but that didn't happen either. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the H/H. They also had a huge age difference.
Maybe I'm expecting too much quality from this book, but it does not successfully deliver an entertaining romantic relationship. I finished it only because it had such good reviews and ratings and I thought that I might like it by the end.
July 9, 2008
This was a good book with a very likeable hero and heroine. When Julia Prentiss is promised in marriage to a vile lecher by her uncle, she decides that the only way to escape the marriage is to lose her virginity. She has heard tales of the rake, Paine Ramsden, and she decides he is the only man she knows of who is dishonorable enough to agree to her ruin. Paine, who was exiled from England a dozen years ago, has recently come back and become the owner of a gambling hell. He is agreeable enough to ruin Julia, but then his honor kicks in and he is unable to let her go to face her uncle and her betrothed. Julia's betrothed is the man who caused Paine to be exiled, and Paine decides to step in and protect Julia while gaining his own revenge. The relationship between Paine and Julia deepen as they go to his estranged brothers and put a plan in motion to free Julia from what seems to be a dark future.
This Harlequin Historical was a very quick read. I do not usually enjoy the plot device of the young innocent female being pursued by an older villainous male, but I thought that it was nicely done in this book. Most of the story was focused on the hero and heroine without the villain being in the forefront too often. I liked the way that helping Julia made Paine see that he wasn't beyond redemption and that he could have a future that included a family. As Julia began to know Paine, her complete faith and trust in his goodness was touching. I found this to be an enjoyable book, and I look forward to more by this author.
This Harlequin Historical was a very quick read. I do not usually enjoy the plot device of the young innocent female being pursued by an older villainous male, but I thought that it was nicely done in this book. Most of the story was focused on the hero and heroine without the villain being in the forefront too often. I liked the way that helping Julia made Paine see that he wasn't beyond redemption and that he could have a future that included a family. As Julia began to know Paine, her complete faith and trust in his goodness was touching. I found this to be an enjoyable book, and I look forward to more by this author.
January 27, 2015
Una historia entretenida sobre esta época particular. Una novela romántica más que entretiene pero que para mi gusto, es demasiado breve. Está bien estructurada y los personajes bien caracterizados, pero no se sale de la norma estipulada ni ninguno de los personajes sorprende, me hubiera gustado algo más especial o complejo, pero como no lo tiene, la recordaré como una breve historia entretenida que me gustó en su justa medida.
May 21, 2008
I truly enjoyed this Harlequin Historical by Bronwyn Scott. Although the plot line was familiar (beautiful young woman about to be sold into marriage to a wicked old man so decides to get rid of her virginity to try and stop the marriage), the author did a good job of adding her own spin.
Julia must lose her virginity to avoid marriage to a repulsive, wicked old man. As a beautiful debutante, she's only heard of one 'rake', Paine Ramsden. Luckily for her, she gets WAY more than she bargained for.
Paine is a student of eastern philosophy, specifically their sexual rites. He's first intrigued and then surprised by how right things feel with Julia after he agrees to help her by 'ridding' her of her virginity. He soon finds out her lecherous intended is his old enemy. Now he can vanquish his old foe and get the girl too.
Lots of GREAT sex (for a Harlequin) and I really did like what Ms Scott did with this well-used plot line.
Julia must lose her virginity to avoid marriage to a repulsive, wicked old man. As a beautiful debutante, she's only heard of one 'rake', Paine Ramsden. Luckily for her, she gets WAY more than she bargained for.
Paine is a student of eastern philosophy, specifically their sexual rites. He's first intrigued and then surprised by how right things feel with Julia after he agrees to help her by 'ridding' her of her virginity. He soon finds out her lecherous intended is his old enemy. Now he can vanquish his old foe and get the girl too.
Lots of GREAT sex (for a Harlequin) and I really did like what Ms Scott did with this well-used plot line.
June 28, 2016
Esta autora es entretenida, pero sin muchas pretensiones. Libros perfectos para fin de semana.
April 6, 2025
i really enjoyed this read. the villain was a nasty piece of work and got what was coming to him. the hero is charming and brave. the heroine brave and stubion. i truely enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series
Read
August 6, 2008Fast paced and enchanting.
I really enjoyed Paine and Julia's story. Julia needed to be rescued from an unwanted marriage. Her groom-to-be actually insisted on her being examined by his physician to verify her virginity. She took matters into her own hands and found the gentleman with the worst reputation that she could think of to "ruin" her. Paine did have a black past but he was going to refuse the beauty's offer of her maidenhead until he found out that she needed protection from his nemisis, Oswalt. Combine together Julia's spunk and Paine's sexy determination and you get a story that is impossible to put down.
I really enjoyed Paine and Julia's story. Julia needed to be rescued from an unwanted marriage. Her groom-to-be actually insisted on her being examined by his physician to verify her virginity. She took matters into her own hands and found the gentleman with the worst reputation that she could think of to "ruin" her. Paine did have a black past but he was going to refuse the beauty's offer of her maidenhead until he found out that she needed protection from his nemisis, Oswalt. Combine together Julia's spunk and Paine's sexy determination and you get a story that is impossible to put down.
August 15, 2012
Another day, another historical romance. Although I thought the love was a little rushed, the story itself was interesting. Julia is a strong character, albeit a little forgiving of her relatives, and she makes for a good heroine. Paine is a unique lover, and for once keeps his lady love from making too many dopey decisions. Although not a stand out harlequin, it is a still an enjoyable one.
October 18, 2023
The idea hooked me, but the execution left much to be desired.
The hero is interesting with his world travel, his interests in owning gaming hells and hotels, and his unique take on intimacy through sutras. The heroine started out piquing my interest with her desire to spoil an unwanted marriage thrust upon her by despoiling herself with a rake.
But the rest didn't work for me. To slap a label on it, narrative tension was at the root of it. Or rather, lack thereof.
The romance might not quite be instalove, but it is darn close, and not to the novel's advantage. We readers know the main characters will get together, of course. But we want to see some real obstacles along the way. The author no doubt believed she had delivered a rutted road to true love, but at most we get a mildly uneven surface.
In novels, repairing damaged family relationships can be quite as hairy as the journey to HEA. There was a to-do about how it would hurt the hero’s plans, but a decade long estrangement is wrapped up in a few paragraphs.
Believability issues joined force with low tension to complicate the plot. Real tension flows from characters reacting to their situations according to, among other things, their personality. When things start to feel out of character, when we see the authorial hand too much, things change from tense to melodramatic. I was okay with the first note of it, in the forced marriage catalyst to the story. But the melodrama only increased as we learned the villain is out to ruin heroine's family, get himself a knighthood by coming to its rescue, and cure himself of lethal venereal disease by intimate relations with the heroine. Toward the middle, it gets more melodramatic with a murder attempt on the hero. And reaches its peak in the final quarter with dabbling in "druidry" (I am loathe to misapply the author's term to this plot device) to purify a virgin, poison daggers and poison rings to subdue the hero and heroine, a bald-faced abduction over tea with the heroine's family, and a little deus ex machina to the rescue.
There was just too much not going right for me to award this novel 3 stars.
The hero is interesting with his world travel, his interests in owning gaming hells and hotels, and his unique take on intimacy through sutras. The heroine started out piquing my interest with her desire to spoil an unwanted marriage thrust upon her by despoiling herself with a rake.
But the rest didn't work for me. To slap a label on it, narrative tension was at the root of it. Or rather, lack thereof.
The romance might not quite be instalove, but it is darn close, and not to the novel's advantage. We readers know the main characters will get together, of course. But we want to see some real obstacles along the way. The author no doubt believed she had delivered a rutted road to true love, but at most we get a mildly uneven surface.
In novels, repairing damaged family relationships can be quite as hairy as the journey to HEA. There was a to-do about how it would hurt the hero’s plans, but a decade long estrangement is wrapped up in a few paragraphs.
Believability issues joined force with low tension to complicate the plot. Real tension flows from characters reacting to their situations according to, among other things, their personality. When things start to feel out of character, when we see the authorial hand too much, things change from tense to melodramatic. I was okay with the first note of it, in the forced marriage catalyst to the story. But the melodrama only increased as we learned the villain is out to ruin heroine's family, get himself a knighthood by coming to its rescue, and cure himself of lethal venereal disease by intimate relations with the heroine. Toward the middle, it gets more melodramatic with a murder attempt on the hero. And reaches its peak in the final quarter with dabbling in "druidry" (I am loathe to misapply the author's term to this plot device) to purify a virgin, poison daggers and poison rings to subdue the hero and heroine, a bald-faced abduction over tea with the heroine's family, and a little deus ex machina to the rescue.
There was just too much not going right for me to award this novel 3 stars.
July 6, 2023
Great hero and heroine. Paine has done very well in his business endeavors. He's a knight-in-shining-armour. We get a glimpse of him through his aunt's eyes. I love his character. He seems super sexy.
Julia is not the brightest. I liked her a lot though.
The steamy scenes happy early on, about 34 pages in, much to my delight.
At page 131, I am torn. Julia is (stupid) a bit naïve about how ruined women were really treated. Her back-up plans were non-existent. I'm usually one for winging situations. But, clearly, that wasn't going to work.
After Paine shares his secret, I find him even more attractive.
I feel a little cheated on a few aspects. I wanted to know more about our villain. He was crazy in the best of ways.
Apparently, Julia's cousins and Paine's brothers were entertaining as well. Aunt Lily and Cousin Beth were fantastic.
3 Stars. I felt some of the anxe was contrived. I wanted their love story to be cocooned safely and guarded.
Julia is not the brightest. I liked her a lot though.
The steamy scenes happy early on, about 34 pages in, much to my delight.
At page 131, I am torn. Julia is (stupid) a bit naïve about how ruined women were really treated. Her back-up plans were non-existent. I'm usually one for winging situations. But, clearly, that wasn't going to work.
After Paine shares his secret, I find him even more attractive.
I feel a little cheated on a few aspects. I wanted to know more about our villain. He was crazy in the best of ways.
Apparently, Julia's cousins and Paine's brothers were entertaining as well. Aunt Lily and Cousin Beth were fantastic.
3 Stars. I felt some of the anxe was contrived. I wanted their love story to be cocooned safely and guarded.
January 18, 2024
I actually found this book in Lidls! I always search for obscure romances and this time tried a historical one! I thought the authors writing of the 1800s was excellent and easy to follow, due to many words/abbreviations being difficult to understand in that time. Obviously wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read. But overall enjoyed it 🤍 Gave me Bridgerton vibes.
July 15, 2021
In realtà 3,5, ma voglio premiare la fantasia della scrittrice, che ha scritto una storia con una trama molo articolata e ben strutturata. La pecca, anche grave per una storia d'amore, è proprio la relazione tra i due protagonisti, che inizia troppo frettolosamente, facendo storcere il naso. Ma poi, con il proseguire della lettura, ci si affeziona ai personaggi e la storia riesce a coinvolgere sempre di più.
July 18, 2025
Esta historia no fue para mi, de un momento a otro todo pasaba y los narradores cada rato cambiaban.
Además, que ambos ya estaban como "enamorados" a la primera.
Además, que ambos ya estaban como "enamorados" a la primera.
July 30, 2011
I gave Ms. Scott a hard time in my review of her latest book, The Viscount Claims His Bride, in that I wanted more action than I got. I was comparing that book to the previously related book, Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss, where there was plenty of action going on. I’m happy to say that Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady goes the way of LLPM with little action to be had, but this time around I loved the storyline and the characters immensely. The only thing I’m sorry about is that I waited so dang long to read this one.
I really loved the characters in this book. Though Julia usually does as her uncle and aunt ask, when they try to force her into a loveless marriage for their gain, she’s having none of it. That the proposed groom is one of those leering, disgustingly arrogant men only spurs her on toward a decision that will cost her much, but if the only consequence of that is to live her life in the country, so be it. Thus, she seeks out the most notorious rake in London to help her in her plan to ruin herself so that said groom will no longer want her.
Paine Ramsden is a third son, one who drove himself into the deserved reputation that has followed him for years. Even a stint in America hasn’t caused the ton to forget what he’s done in the past. So when the lovely Julia lays her plan and herself before him for the taking, he forges ahead with no qualms at all. It’s only during her ruination that foreign feelings emerge in Paine, urging him to keep Julia sated and safe. Realizing who is behind her forced marriage, Paine knows far better than anyone how dangerous the man can be. He calls on his honor, about the only thing left to him, and goes home to his brothers for the help he’ll need to reclaim respectability for both himself and Julia, hoping she’ll want to stay with him when all is said and done.
There’s really not a lot of action in this book, relying on its characters to pull you in and make you want to follow along in their story, and that’s done quite well. I found myself cheering for Julia and Paine every step of the way. For a woman of her time, and knowing what would happen to her if she truly followed through with her plan, Julia bucks the restrictions on women and does what she needs to for herself. And though the cliche a man needs the love of a good woman, it fits perfectly here for Paine. It’s his honor and love for Julia that pull him out of his rakish ways to see her safe and cared for. Going to his brothers for help was difficult for him, but it was all worth it for the homecoming he receives.
I really liked those brothers myself. I checked Ms. Scott’s site to see if, by chance, those brothers might get books of their own. My hopes haven’t been totally dashed, there’s nothing there at all for anything coming soon. So, Ms. Scott, hear my plea. Especially now that Paine is home and married, those Ramsden brothers would make great heroes. I know in your capable hands those stories would be just as wonderful as this one.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
I really loved the characters in this book. Though Julia usually does as her uncle and aunt ask, when they try to force her into a loveless marriage for their gain, she’s having none of it. That the proposed groom is one of those leering, disgustingly arrogant men only spurs her on toward a decision that will cost her much, but if the only consequence of that is to live her life in the country, so be it. Thus, she seeks out the most notorious rake in London to help her in her plan to ruin herself so that said groom will no longer want her.
Paine Ramsden is a third son, one who drove himself into the deserved reputation that has followed him for years. Even a stint in America hasn’t caused the ton to forget what he’s done in the past. So when the lovely Julia lays her plan and herself before him for the taking, he forges ahead with no qualms at all. It’s only during her ruination that foreign feelings emerge in Paine, urging him to keep Julia sated and safe. Realizing who is behind her forced marriage, Paine knows far better than anyone how dangerous the man can be. He calls on his honor, about the only thing left to him, and goes home to his brothers for the help he’ll need to reclaim respectability for both himself and Julia, hoping she’ll want to stay with him when all is said and done.
There’s really not a lot of action in this book, relying on its characters to pull you in and make you want to follow along in their story, and that’s done quite well. I found myself cheering for Julia and Paine every step of the way. For a woman of her time, and knowing what would happen to her if she truly followed through with her plan, Julia bucks the restrictions on women and does what she needs to for herself. And though the cliche a man needs the love of a good woman, it fits perfectly here for Paine. It’s his honor and love for Julia that pull him out of his rakish ways to see her safe and cared for. Going to his brothers for help was difficult for him, but it was all worth it for the homecoming he receives.
I really liked those brothers myself. I checked Ms. Scott’s site to see if, by chance, those brothers might get books of their own. My hopes haven’t been totally dashed, there’s nothing there at all for anything coming soon. So, Ms. Scott, hear my plea. Especially now that Paine is home and married, those Ramsden brothers would make great heroes. I know in your capable hands those stories would be just as wonderful as this one.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
January 8, 2009
Loved it!
January 13, 2009
I like this book even more after meeting the Author. It was good enough that I even bought a copy (autographed, too-hee,hee).
June 18, 2010
i liked the plot and storyline it added a nice twist to the regency genre
January 14, 2011
Thought it would be interesting... it's not so much so. Bland protagonists, couldn't relate at all, so didn't really care what happened.
August 16, 2011
This was hot and passionate. I found it an entertaining read. I think innocent lady was a bit far fetched though. She was with him all the way.
November 11, 2012
I didn't like it as much as I though I will - it was rather boring in places but at least the end was very good.
November 21, 2012
A really enjoyable book!!! It definetely worth reading!
April 24, 2013
muuuy bueno...
May 17, 2013
Quite good.
January 25, 2015
I read this because I wanted to read the book two so bad and I wanted to know what's the fuss all about. It was an interesting story but I don't like it that much, it's just an okay read.
September 5, 2016
The story opens with an evil bad guy and he twirls his figurative moustache satisfyingly throughout.
June 1, 2016
I liked this book and the characters but was a bit long winded in areas.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews