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The Turners #3
The Ruin of a Rake
A 2017 RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best Digital Historical!
One of Goodreads' Best Romances of July
A RT Book Review Top Pick!
“Sebastian proves she is a new force to be reckoned with in historical romances.”—Booklist
Rogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.
Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.
As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.
One of Goodreads' Best Romances of July
A RT Book Review Top Pick!
“Sebastian proves she is a new force to be reckoned with in historical romances.”—Booklist
Rogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.
Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.
As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2017
215 people are currently reading
3512 people want to read
About the author
Cat Sebastian
27 books5,112 followersCat Sebastian has written sixteen queer historical romances. Cat’s books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews
August 18, 2017
This author has quickly moved to the top of my Must Read list.
While I didn't love The Ruin of a Rake quite as much as The Lawrence Browne Affair, I still fully enjoyed this quirky historical romance about a reluctant scoundrel and a proper gentleman who won't sully his name by association.
Courtenay was not a likeable character in the second book, but the instant I read his POV, I forgave him fully. He was a kinder man, a less selfish man, than Julian, who lived behind a carefully constructed facade.
Julian craves Courtenay, who'll barely spare him a glance, but reluctance turns to passion, and both men learn that love is just the flip side of hate.
The last chapter radiates warmth, friendship, and acceptance. The series comes full circle. I couldn't ask for more.
While I didn't love The Ruin of a Rake quite as much as The Lawrence Browne Affair, I still fully enjoyed this quirky historical romance about a reluctant scoundrel and a proper gentleman who won't sully his name by association.
Courtenay was not a likeable character in the second book, but the instant I read his POV, I forgave him fully. He was a kinder man, a less selfish man, than Julian, who lived behind a carefully constructed facade.
Looking at him felt like the answer to a question Courtenay had been asking for as long as he could remember.
Julian craves Courtenay, who'll barely spare him a glance, but reluctance turns to passion, and both men learn that love is just the flip side of hate.
"I never want to forget what you look like right now ... You look like you belong to me."
The last chapter radiates warmth, friendship, and acceptance. The series comes full circle. I couldn't ask for more.
Love was somebody aiming a pistol at your heart while you sat there and acted like it was perfectly fine.
December 23, 2021
Real Rating: 4.75* of five
Excellent #Booksgiving value: $1.99 on your Kindle!
It's proving difficult for me to arrange my impressions into a shape more useful than "me likee" because I'm so conflicted by Julian Medlock's yuck-ick-ptui personality. A classic climber. Those people annoy me, as in "die monster die" annoy.
Sounds like a movie star's life, doesn't it...the constant calculation, the relentless ON-ness of performing one's life as well as for one's career.
Courtenay, his love object, is a wishy-washy sort but I get past that by understanding entirely his pathology: He's an abused boy trying to make his mama love him, little understanding that he can't because she's incapable of mothering.
Why can't I move past Medlock's climberishness, when his equally valid (and well-drawn, it must be said) pathology explains his behavior so well? Because social climbing is so, frankly, distasteful to me. A man of Courtenay's unusually progressive ideology should revile Medlock. (I certainly do.)
Ay me, we'll have to table the truncheoning for the moment, because this book's a happily-ever-after romance and those are delights to be savored. I'm happy to report that Medlock and Courtenay do indeed heat the sheets, climb out of them, and pine for each other in the approved romance-novel fashion.
That's the stuff that keeps me hitting the "BORROW NOW" button, the "BUY NOW" button, and the "PAGE TURN" button.
Excellent #Booksgiving value: $1.99 on your Kindle!
It's proving difficult for me to arrange my impressions into a shape more useful than "me likee" because I'm so conflicted by Julian Medlock's yuck-ick-ptui personality. A classic climber. Those people annoy me, as in "die monster die" annoy.
Every breath brought him into acute danger of one of his limbs meeting one of Courtenay’s. And that was a fate he ardently hoped would not come to pass, for reasons he chose not to dwell on.
–and–
He had arrived where he was by making a study of how people responded to everything he did, by calibrating his every decision—from the cut of his coat to the company he kept—to achieve a favorable reaction from society. And it had worked.
Sounds like a movie star's life, doesn't it...the constant calculation, the relentless ON-ness of performing one's life as well as for one's career.
Courtenay, his love object, is a wishy-washy sort but I get past that by understanding entirely his pathology: He's an abused boy trying to make his mama love him, little understanding that he can't because she's incapable of mothering.
It had been years since anyone had thought to defend him, even longer since he had believed he merited any kind of defense. And having a man like Medlock—stuffy, prim Medlock—take one’s part made it worth even more.
–and–
For some reason—likely his own perverse nature—Medlock's criticism delighted Courtenay almost as much as his stingy scraps of praise.
–and–
If he went long enough without thinking about it, the memories would fade, or at least be covered up by more layers of protective varnish, and it would be like it never happened in the first place.
Why can't I move past Medlock's climberishness, when his equally valid (and well-drawn, it must be said) pathology explains his behavior so well? Because social climbing is so, frankly, distasteful to me. A man of Courtenay's unusually progressive ideology should revile Medlock. (I certainly do.)
Ay me, we'll have to table the truncheoning for the moment, because this book's a happily-ever-after romance and those are delights to be savored. I'm happy to report that Medlock and Courtenay do indeed heat the sheets, climb out of them, and pine for each other in the approved romance-novel fashion.
Love was somebody aiming a pistol at your heart while you sat there and acted like it was perfectly fine.
–and–
Falling in love wasn’t like a bird hatching from an egg, for all both events were rather messy and fraught with vulnerability.
–and–
Yes, that was how it was when your soul was in pieces and somebody else had one of them. Only when you were together would the pieces fit into place and become whole.
–and–
You can’t possibly mean to kiss me. I’m revolting.” Please kiss me.
“You aren’t. And even if you were, you’d be other things too.”
It was a gentle kiss, the sort of patient and meandering kiss Courtenay liked and Julian had never understood before. It wasn’t a prelude to fucking, it wasn’t even a prelude to a more thorough kiss. It was a conversation, without the burden of words. Please, Julian wanted to say. Let me try again. Julian’s heart felt full of something terrifying, something more dangerous than anything he had ever thought possible. And he didn’t care. He was throwing himself into an abyss he couldn’t even see, and that was fine, at least for the duration of the kiss.
That's the stuff that keeps me hitting the "BORROW NOW" button, the "BUY NOW" button, and the "PAGE TURN" button.
July 24, 2025
This was SO GOOD UNTIL THAT WET NOODLE ENDING! I am kind of annoyed ngl.
Honestly, even up to 80% I was having a ball with this one, the banter between Courtenay and Julian was so fun and I love when two guarded characters are becoming more emotionally vulnerable with each other, all while having a sexy time together.
I was even totally fine with the third act break up and a little hurt/comfort. That shit was cute.
BUT THAT RECONCILIATION WAS COMPLETE BIN JUICE. Not even remotely close to enough grovelling. Honestly, I feel like the conversations that occurred barely addressed the conflict that arose between them and Courtenay was well within his right to be hurt and upset and he should have made Julian work for it more.
And don't get me started on Julian's FUCKASS sister Eleanor. I quite liked her role in the second book but she was kind of a cunt to Courtenay here for no reason and caused a whole lot of drama and while Julians apology was underwhelming, Eleanors was non existent and I was BAFFLED that the story just did nothing about this.
I mean bin juice grovelling aside I still really like Julian and Courtenay together (Courtenay having a competency kink is too real, I feel you boo lol).
You don't HAVE to read these books in order, but I think you get a better reading experience if you do as your introduction to the characters and their web of relations makes the most sense that way.
This series was a cute time. If you're like me and running out of KJC backlog its a great alternative with some delightful characters.
Honestly, even up to 80% I was having a ball with this one, the banter between Courtenay and Julian was so fun and I love when two guarded characters are becoming more emotionally vulnerable with each other, all while having a sexy time together.
I was even totally fine with the third act break up and a little hurt/comfort. That shit was cute.
BUT THAT RECONCILIATION WAS COMPLETE BIN JUICE. Not even remotely close to enough grovelling. Honestly, I feel like the conversations that occurred barely addressed the conflict that arose between them and Courtenay was well within his right to be hurt and upset and he should have made Julian work for it more.
And don't get me started on Julian's FUCKASS sister Eleanor. I quite liked her role in the second book but she was kind of a cunt to Courtenay here for no reason and caused a whole lot of drama and while Julians apology was underwhelming, Eleanors was non existent and I was BAFFLED that the story just did nothing about this.
I mean bin juice grovelling aside I still really like Julian and Courtenay together (Courtenay having a competency kink is too real, I feel you boo lol).
You don't HAVE to read these books in order, but I think you get a better reading experience if you do as your introduction to the characters and their web of relations makes the most sense that way.
This series was a cute time. If you're like me and running out of KJC backlog its a great alternative with some delightful characters.
May 19, 2020
Audiobook - 5+++++ Stars
Story - 3.5 stars
- I liked this one.
-Loved Courtenay, jury is still out on Julian.
-The covers for this series should be illegal.
The Mad man and the Thief's book is my all time favorite in this series.
Story - 3.5 stars
- I liked this one.
-Loved Courtenay, jury is still out on Julian.
-The covers for this series should be illegal.
The Mad man and the Thief's book is my all time favorite in this series.
November 11, 2024
Reread 11/2024.
5 stars.
I guess I'll love Julian and Courtenay, forever. It's that simple. This time around I couldn't even say who I loved more in the end, Julian or Courtenay.
And thinking that at the start of the book I (again) didn't like either of them? Awesome character development for both MCs, beautiful relationship development.
This series is special, a comfort read.
-----------
Read 10/2023
4,5 stars.
The third installment was lovelier than I thought possible!
Having known Courtenay from Georgie's book I expected a callous rake, but was pleasantly surprised how human, considerate and even affectionate Courtenay became in his own story.
I loved the writing style and storyline, just like in the first two books.
Julian and Courtenay were interesting characters I couldn't not love. Courtenay stole Julian the show, though.
I loved how the author slowly showed us Courtenay's character, how deeply he fell for Julian, and that he never doubted his feelings for Julian.
This is such a delightful series, I'll definitely reread it.
5 stars.
I guess I'll love Julian and Courtenay, forever. It's that simple. This time around I couldn't even say who I loved more in the end, Julian or Courtenay.
And thinking that at the start of the book I (again) didn't like either of them? Awesome character development for both MCs, beautiful relationship development.
This series is special, a comfort read.
-----------
Read 10/2023
4,5 stars.
The third installment was lovelier than I thought possible!
Having known Courtenay from Georgie's book I expected a callous rake, but was pleasantly surprised how human, considerate and even affectionate Courtenay became in his own story.
I loved the writing style and storyline, just like in the first two books.
Julian and Courtenay were interesting characters I couldn't not love. Courtenay stole Julian the show, though.
I loved how the author slowly showed us Courtenay's character, how deeply he fell for Julian, and that he never doubted his feelings for Julian.
This is such a delightful series, I'll definitely reread it.
July 7, 2018
SPECTACULAR
Cat Sebastian never fails to leaving me reaching for another of her books. This whole series has been amazing. Each of the stories is unique, followed no formula, and is completely unpredictable.
Just beyond romantic, watching these guys get together (and making it work) is completely entertaining and hot as hell.
Gary Furlong is like a drug to me at this point, he's my narrator crack and I gotta have more. Damn, he's good. The variety in his characters, all the different accents he does, he's just so good. His Lord Courtenay has got to be the sexiest thing I've ever heard.
Cat Sebastian never fails to leaving me reaching for another of her books. This whole series has been amazing. Each of the stories is unique, followed no formula, and is completely unpredictable.
Just beyond romantic, watching these guys get together (and making it work) is completely entertaining and hot as hell.
Gary Furlong is like a drug to me at this point, he's my narrator crack and I gotta have more. Damn, he's good. The variety in his characters, all the different accents he does, he's just so good. His Lord Courtenay has got to be the sexiest thing I've ever heard.
July 6, 2017
I'm wondering how she'll do this........Courtney's story - she has chosen a tough one.
The above is what I wrote after reading the second book whilst I was waiting for this one. Well she did it by writing layers and chemistry and warmth and love. Sebastian makes it looks so easy, writing layers after layers giving us a deep look into her characters whilst keeping the story moving and me wanting more.
Plus making me smile because of her channeling of Phoebe Marlowe, Sylvester being one of my all time favourites.
October 31, 2017
October 31, 2017 : 0.99$ Amazon sale alert!
------
Medlock looks both mortified and furious. Evidently even allusions to feline fornication were enough to discompose him. Courtenay would keep that in mind.
Sebastian's books should come with a warning. Something like : this book will make you excessively highlight; will have you grinning idiotically; will leave you hugging your kindle; will ruin you for most other historical romances, queer or otherwise. All around this author is highly recommended and each book in this series of standalones just got better and better (though I think book two is my favourite on a personal level) and yet I still love where it all began.
He had thought it rather Courtenay's own fault for behaving precisely as one expected an evil mastermind to do. All that lurking and brooding and sultry staring.
We first meet Lord Courtenay, the rake one measured all rakes against, and Julian Medlock in book "two" of Sebastian's series. Courtenay was the uncle of Lord Radnor's son, Simon, who was returned to England after the death of his mother; and Julian the brother of Lord Radnor's science-y correspondent.. whom all involved had assumed to be a man and was, in fact, the (sorta?) estranged wife of a scholar. I should probably have drawn up a diagram but honestly the most important thing to know going in to THE RUIN OF A RAKE is that Courtenay has done it all, probably two or three times, cared nothing for his reputation until it kept his nephew from him, while Julian did everything right and basically wrote the book on how to be proper.
"I was speaking of your brother. He'd rather eat glass than be seen with me, and yet he's going with me to the opera, in the plain view of God and everyone. Did you blackmail him?"
With Eleanor's (Julian's sister) influence, Courtenay is taken under Julian's wing in an attempt to undo some of the damage done to his reputation -- most of which isn't being helped by the circulation and popularity of a fictional novel that features a villain that everyone assumes is based on Courtenay -- and the two unlikely companions find themselves unable, and unwilling, to ignore the attraction between them.
There were advantages to being considered beneath reproach : if everybody already thought one rude and scandalous, it was almost satisfying to live up to their expectations.
But there's more than meets-the-eye when it comes to the reprobate that is Courtenay and every little reveal, every piece of the puzzle, confuses and confounds and compels Julian. He doesn't want to be attracted to him, much less like him, but despite his best efforts, despite how he objected to Courtenay's friendship with his sister, he finds himself acting as the rake's number one defender.
For some reason -- likely his own perverse nature -- Medlock's criticism delighted Courtenay almost as much as his stingy scraps of praise.
Likewise, while it would normally be nothing particularly remarkable for the rake to be pushing the prudish and stuffy Mr. Medlock's buttons, Courtenay delights in irritating the man. But what I loved most about the relationship between these two, aside from their cranky delighted banter, was how the dynamics weren't what you might have expected. I loved the revelation that Julian has about Courtenay and his previous dalliances, which was mirrored in his every day behaviour and how he let himself be treated, and how he challenged the other man.. both during intimacy and in general. It was so so lovely.
The idea that Medlock -- fussy, high-hat Medlock, with his rules about cats and his penchant for soporific wallpaper -- might see something worthy in Courtenay gave him a particular feeling.
I loved the cleverness of Julian, the cunning and craftiness of his brain, who was the "good" boy, and the utter goodness and base altruistic nature of Courtenay, the "bad" boy. Neither were black and white, both with their own downfalls, and they were so perfect as a unit and complemented each other so wonderfully.
"You're so pretty when you're desperate."
"Nobody has ever called me pretty. Or desperate."
"You've been keeping terrible company, my dear."
Sebastian also gave us a reunion a little earlier in the game than I expected and allowed for a very sweet chapter or two near the end prior to the epilogue (and if that didn't signal the end of this "series" I don't know what she could have done to make it clearer) and I so so love having extended glimpses into a couple's happilyeverafter. The bonus was we got to see a lot of glimpses of a lot of couples and that made it even better.
"I'm not good at people."
If you love the rake redemption story, love stuffy boys who get.. unstuffed (yet also stuffed, oh god I'm the worst), enjoy cats, sick-and-nursed-back-to-health tropes, hilarious banter, beautiful writing, casual yet epic declarations of love and friendship, also hey did I mention cats, you definitely need THE RUIN OF A RAKE in your life. If you haven't read anything by this author, go back and start from the beginning.
"Missing you is profoundly inconvenient, I'll have you know. I have things to do and places to be, and all the while I'll feel like I've mislaid a piece of my soul and won't get it back until I see you again."
Ever since I first picked up A SOLDIER'S SCOUNDREL, Sebastian has been an "I'll read her grocery list" author; and the rest of this series cemented that fact. Between the representation and diversity, unique and fun storylines, compelling characters and effortless chemistry and swoons, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out! Highly recommended.
Can't wait for whatever she releases next.
4.5 "it's my house, and if I want it to be floor-to-ceiling cats, that's what I'll have" stars
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
------
Medlock looks both mortified and furious. Evidently even allusions to feline fornication were enough to discompose him. Courtenay would keep that in mind.
Sebastian's books should come with a warning. Something like : this book will make you excessively highlight; will have you grinning idiotically; will leave you hugging your kindle; will ruin you for most other historical romances, queer or otherwise. All around this author is highly recommended and each book in this series of standalones just got better and better (though I think book two is my favourite on a personal level) and yet I still love where it all began.
He had thought it rather Courtenay's own fault for behaving precisely as one expected an evil mastermind to do. All that lurking and brooding and sultry staring.
We first meet Lord Courtenay, the rake one measured all rakes against, and Julian Medlock in book "two" of Sebastian's series. Courtenay was the uncle of Lord Radnor's son, Simon, who was returned to England after the death of his mother; and Julian the brother of Lord Radnor's science-y correspondent.. whom all involved had assumed to be a man and was, in fact, the (sorta?) estranged wife of a scholar. I should probably have drawn up a diagram but honestly the most important thing to know going in to THE RUIN OF A RAKE is that Courtenay has done it all, probably two or three times, cared nothing for his reputation until it kept his nephew from him, while Julian did everything right and basically wrote the book on how to be proper.
"I was speaking of your brother. He'd rather eat glass than be seen with me, and yet he's going with me to the opera, in the plain view of God and everyone. Did you blackmail him?"
With Eleanor's (Julian's sister) influence, Courtenay is taken under Julian's wing in an attempt to undo some of the damage done to his reputation -- most of which isn't being helped by the circulation and popularity of a fictional novel that features a villain that everyone assumes is based on Courtenay -- and the two unlikely companions find themselves unable, and unwilling, to ignore the attraction between them.
There were advantages to being considered beneath reproach : if everybody already thought one rude and scandalous, it was almost satisfying to live up to their expectations.
But there's more than meets-the-eye when it comes to the reprobate that is Courtenay and every little reveal, every piece of the puzzle, confuses and confounds and compels Julian. He doesn't want to be attracted to him, much less like him, but despite his best efforts, despite how he objected to Courtenay's friendship with his sister, he finds himself acting as the rake's number one defender.
For some reason -- likely his own perverse nature -- Medlock's criticism delighted Courtenay almost as much as his stingy scraps of praise.
Likewise, while it would normally be nothing particularly remarkable for the rake to be pushing the prudish and stuffy Mr. Medlock's buttons, Courtenay delights in irritating the man. But what I loved most about the relationship between these two, aside from their cranky delighted banter, was how the dynamics weren't what you might have expected. I loved the revelation that Julian has about Courtenay and his previous dalliances, which was mirrored in his every day behaviour and how he let himself be treated, and how he challenged the other man.. both during intimacy and in general. It was so so lovely.
The idea that Medlock -- fussy, high-hat Medlock, with his rules about cats and his penchant for soporific wallpaper -- might see something worthy in Courtenay gave him a particular feeling.
I loved the cleverness of Julian, the cunning and craftiness of his brain, who was the "good" boy, and the utter goodness and base altruistic nature of Courtenay, the "bad" boy. Neither were black and white, both with their own downfalls, and they were so perfect as a unit and complemented each other so wonderfully.
"You're so pretty when you're desperate."
"Nobody has ever called me pretty. Or desperate."
"You've been keeping terrible company, my dear."
Sebastian also gave us a reunion a little earlier in the game than I expected and allowed for a very sweet chapter or two near the end prior to the epilogue (and if that didn't signal the end of this "series" I don't know what she could have done to make it clearer) and I so so love having extended glimpses into a couple's happilyeverafter. The bonus was we got to see a lot of glimpses of a lot of couples and that made it even better.
"I'm not good at people."
If you love the rake redemption story, love stuffy boys who get.. unstuffed (yet also stuffed, oh god I'm the worst), enjoy cats, sick-and-nursed-back-to-health tropes, hilarious banter, beautiful writing, casual yet epic declarations of love and friendship, also hey did I mention cats, you definitely need THE RUIN OF A RAKE in your life. If you haven't read anything by this author, go back and start from the beginning.
"Missing you is profoundly inconvenient, I'll have you know. I have things to do and places to be, and all the while I'll feel like I've mislaid a piece of my soul and won't get it back until I see you again."
Ever since I first picked up A SOLDIER'S SCOUNDREL, Sebastian has been an "I'll read her grocery list" author; and the rest of this series cemented that fact. Between the representation and diversity, unique and fun storylines, compelling characters and effortless chemistry and swoons, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out! Highly recommended.
Can't wait for whatever she releases next.
4.5 "it's my house, and if I want it to be floor-to-ceiling cats, that's what I'll have" stars
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
May 30, 2020
Re-re-listen 5/29
I LOVED THIS!!!
Re-listen 4/11/19: Courtnay is still HAF!!! PANTY-MELTINGLY voiced by Gary Furlong!!
Original Review: October 2017
First things first....the audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong seriously kicks ass! His voice for Lord Courtenay DRIPPED sex and sensuality with every syllable the character uttered. Dripped. Everywhere. Seriously. My god, that voice did things to me. Things that were definitely good. Now if only I could get my SO to talk like that....mmmm...
Ahem, well, now the story. It rocked, too. We’ve got a disgraced rake, Lord Courtenay (that voice *bites bottom lip*) who is no longer allowed to see his nephew due to his disgraceful reputation. We’ve got Julian, prim and oh so proper, who has been contacted by his sister to give him a little bit of shine and respectability in hopes of being allowed to see his nephew.
Julian takes on this challenge. Julian, who has been besotted by Courtenay since he first laid eyes on him. Courtenay enjoys riling Julian up with his debauched talk. There is a constant push and pull between the characters, a play for power, a play for control, and some fun transgressions in the shadows of an opera box. Our rake is a naughty boy. One who seems to have found someone to unravel.
I so very much LOVED listening to this story. I enjoyed both previous books in the series, but I believe this one is my favorite. At times, I couldn’t stand Julian wi5h his uptight and proper ways. Yet there was such power in him when he let himself go n bed or on a challenge. And I simply loved Courtenay through and through—our reformed rake who only wants to be cared for, although he’d never admit it.
Although it’s not a requirement to read the previous books, doing so will get you more enjoyment out of this one, since all the characters are connected and come together at the very end. I hope this isn’t the last one in the series. This woman can write!
I LOVED THIS!!!
Re-listen 4/11/19: Courtnay is still HAF!!! PANTY-MELTINGLY voiced by Gary Furlong!!
Original Review: October 2017
First things first....the audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong seriously kicks ass! His voice for Lord Courtenay DRIPPED sex and sensuality with every syllable the character uttered. Dripped. Everywhere. Seriously. My god, that voice did things to me. Things that were definitely good. Now if only I could get my SO to talk like that....mmmm...
Ahem, well, now the story. It rocked, too. We’ve got a disgraced rake, Lord Courtenay (that voice *bites bottom lip*) who is no longer allowed to see his nephew due to his disgraceful reputation. We’ve got Julian, prim and oh so proper, who has been contacted by his sister to give him a little bit of shine and respectability in hopes of being allowed to see his nephew.
Julian takes on this challenge. Julian, who has been besotted by Courtenay since he first laid eyes on him. Courtenay enjoys riling Julian up with his debauched talk. There is a constant push and pull between the characters, a play for power, a play for control, and some fun transgressions in the shadows of an opera box. Our rake is a naughty boy. One who seems to have found someone to unravel.
I so very much LOVED listening to this story. I enjoyed both previous books in the series, but I believe this one is my favorite. At times, I couldn’t stand Julian wi5h his uptight and proper ways. Yet there was such power in him when he let himself go n bed or on a challenge. And I simply loved Courtenay through and through—our reformed rake who only wants to be cared for, although he’d never admit it.
Although it’s not a requirement to read the previous books, doing so will get you more enjoyment out of this one, since all the characters are connected and come together at the very end. I hope this isn’t the last one in the series. This woman can write!
July 7, 2017
4.5 stars
Ah, I enjoyed this one immensely. I would say I enjoyed this book even more than The Lawrence Browne Affair if not for Julian, who for the majority of this novel was so damn frustrating. But I do think Julian and Courtenay had more chemistry in this book, more passion, and they were cute together - when Julian wasn't being a douche.
I mean, you get to understand why Julian acts the way he does, and why he's so determined to seem like a "gentleman" and I get that some of his asshole-ishness at times is just a part of his nature, and I did like him overall, after all is said and done. But there were several times throughout this book where I wanted to punch him and I wondered what Courtenay saw in him at times.
But then there were moments when Julian was brilliant and fiercely loving and protective to those closest to him and then I remembered why. I also remembered why I did like Julian, ultimately, despite his...less than stellar social graces lol. (Which is ironic considering all Julian wanted to do for such a big part of this book was be accepted by people who expect a certain amount of social grace).
But seriously, there were a few times I was like...Julian deserves to be slapped (and he actually is slapped by his sister at one point :O) by Courtenay - just the rude things he said, without a thought to Courtenay's feelings. I mean, thankfully he realized the error of his ways and went about fixing it...but I probs wouldn't have been as forgiving as Courtenay was. Man, whoever I'm with in the future better be aware of that because if they wrong me I will hold a grudge, no doubt about it lol. I don't forgive easily, I find. Or maybe I don't want characters to forgive easily. I dunno.
Anywayyy, this was enjoyable and entertaining, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of, or at least enjoys, regency romances. And if they read The Lawrence Browne Affair and enjoyed that too.
(Also, this one had more detailed sex in it then the Browne Affair and that made me quite happy indeed :D).
Ah, I enjoyed this one immensely. I would say I enjoyed this book even more than The Lawrence Browne Affair if not for Julian, who for the majority of this novel was so damn frustrating. But I do think Julian and Courtenay had more chemistry in this book, more passion, and they were cute together - when Julian wasn't being a douche.
I mean, you get to understand why Julian acts the way he does, and why he's so determined to seem like a "gentleman" and I get that some of his asshole-ishness at times is just a part of his nature, and I did like him overall, after all is said and done. But there were several times throughout this book where I wanted to punch him and I wondered what Courtenay saw in him at times.
But then there were moments when Julian was brilliant and fiercely loving and protective to those closest to him and then I remembered why. I also remembered why I did like Julian, ultimately, despite his...less than stellar social graces lol. (Which is ironic considering all Julian wanted to do for such a big part of this book was be accepted by people who expect a certain amount of social grace).
But seriously, there were a few times I was like...Julian deserves to be slapped (and he actually is slapped by his sister at one point :O) by Courtenay - just the rude things he said, without a thought to Courtenay's feelings. I mean, thankfully he realized the error of his ways and went about fixing it...but I probs wouldn't have been as forgiving as Courtenay was. Man, whoever I'm with in the future better be aware of that because if they wrong me I will hold a grudge, no doubt about it lol. I don't forgive easily, I find. Or maybe I don't want characters to forgive easily. I dunno.
Anywayyy, this was enjoyable and entertaining, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of, or at least enjoys, regency romances. And if they read The Lawrence Browne Affair and enjoyed that too.
(Also, this one had more detailed sex in it then the Browne Affair and that made me quite happy indeed :D).
November 28, 2019
Reread #7 completed. No surprise here, this one holds up just perfectly. Is it wrong for me to say I hope I see this Cat Sebastian again?
Courtenay pulled him close then, because there was nothing else to do with such a sharp tongue than to silence it with a kiss.
Original Review:
There's an alternate title of this book: The Ruin of a Reader
Dear. Let me be honest, since I always am, I guess I don't need your permission. I don't often take my time with books. With audio, I can even be kind of less patient in a way, bouncing back and forth, etc. to get the story read. I do enjoy the journey of reading, but ultimately, I also like finishing books. I guess what I'm saying is I'm not really a savor-er of books. I rip through them, love them or whatever, and throw them back on the stack moving to the next one. In recent memory, there's only a couple of exceptions-no matter how much I have adored some of the books I have read this year:
TWICE: Shadowdance (side note, I can't insert the books for some reason, whatever the f*W@ goodreads. How about stop emailing ppl about their reviews and just fix some shit)
More than twice:The Hating Game
The Duke of Shadows
Wild at Whiskey Creek (yep, apparently I'm the weirdo of the JAL bunch)
...I think I had one more but I might have forgotten. No matter. You get the point.
By this, I mean I read the words, and then go back and reread the words, and have no desire to actually finally finish said book. As a status update here mentioned, I listened, then I read, highlighted (aka LICKED), reread/relistened.
Well, I think you are getting the point that the Ruin of a Rake fits RIGHT into this category. (Thanks to delicious narration-I may have even swooned to hear Georgie again, I'll never tell)
This is basically a love story between a cat and a hedgehog. In human form. Both of whom will go straight to my heroes-to-lick shelf. I don't know why (a little I do) but it was so ridiculously perfect, I couldn't even handle it. There was something beautiful about how easily they fell into step with one another after a contentious beginning. And there were the slow bites and savoring and tastes of such a delicious book, filled with such beautiful sentiments...well, it kind of undid me. Then there was the heart breaking part, and that destroyed me too. What was it here? Was it Courtenay's openness and vulnerability tucked inside a sleek,predatory smooth operator, or was it Julian's defensiveness and fixer tendencies for everyone he loved? Or was it seeing both of them a little undone. Yes...there's that. Because the best romances for me are the ones where you can't really pick who you love more in the couple, you can't imagine them without the other, and they challenge each other to be better. This was all that.
I have a sickening amount of highlighting and quotes, which I'll likely store here...or go see if others have already added them in an attempt to bring the lazy...
Courtenay pulled him close then, because there was nothing else to do with such a sharp tongue than to silence it with a kiss.
Original Review:
There's an alternate title of this book: The Ruin of a Reader
Dear. Let me be honest, since I always am, I guess I don't need your permission. I don't often take my time with books. With audio, I can even be kind of less patient in a way, bouncing back and forth, etc. to get the story read. I do enjoy the journey of reading, but ultimately, I also like finishing books. I guess what I'm saying is I'm not really a savor-er of books. I rip through them, love them or whatever, and throw them back on the stack moving to the next one. In recent memory, there's only a couple of exceptions-no matter how much I have adored some of the books I have read this year:
TWICE: Shadowdance (side note, I can't insert the books for some reason, whatever the f*W@ goodreads. How about stop emailing ppl about their reviews and just fix some shit)
More than twice:The Hating Game
The Duke of Shadows
Wild at Whiskey Creek (yep, apparently I'm the weirdo of the JAL bunch)
...I think I had one more but I might have forgotten. No matter. You get the point.
By this, I mean I read the words, and then go back and reread the words, and have no desire to actually finally finish said book. As a status update here mentioned, I listened, then I read, highlighted (aka LICKED), reread/relistened.
Well, I think you are getting the point that the Ruin of a Rake fits RIGHT into this category. (Thanks to delicious narration-I may have even swooned to hear Georgie again, I'll never tell)
This is basically a love story between a cat and a hedgehog. In human form. Both of whom will go straight to my heroes-to-lick shelf. I don't know why (a little I do) but it was so ridiculously perfect, I couldn't even handle it. There was something beautiful about how easily they fell into step with one another after a contentious beginning. And there were the slow bites and savoring and tastes of such a delicious book, filled with such beautiful sentiments...well, it kind of undid me. Then there was the heart breaking part, and that destroyed me too. What was it here? Was it Courtenay's openness and vulnerability tucked inside a sleek,predatory smooth operator, or was it Julian's defensiveness and fixer tendencies for everyone he loved? Or was it seeing both of them a little undone. Yes...there's that. Because the best romances for me are the ones where you can't really pick who you love more in the couple, you can't imagine them without the other, and they challenge each other to be better. This was all that.
I have a sickening amount of highlighting and quotes, which I'll likely store here...or go see if others have already added them in an attempt to bring the lazy...
May 26, 2020
Audio Review 26May2020: No change
Gary Furlong did a great job with the narration, and once again I am enamored of how Cat writes Historical Romance, and she's still one of the few that seem to get not just the language & setting right, but the feeling of era. Loved how it pulled in the MCs from the other books in this series, too.
Original Review 15Dec2017: 5 Stars
My absolute favorite of the series. Cat Sebastian is quickly becoming my go-to author for Historical reads...
Gary Furlong did a great job with the narration, and once again I am enamored of how Cat writes Historical Romance, and she's still one of the few that seem to get not just the language & setting right, but the feeling of era. Loved how it pulled in the MCs from the other books in this series, too.
Original Review 15Dec2017: 5 Stars
My absolute favorite of the series. Cat Sebastian is quickly becoming my go-to author for Historical reads...
July 25, 2017
There is a lot to like about this historical romance between a well-known rake and a plain man who has plotted, clawed, and calculated respectability into everything he does. I really enjoyed Julian, in his fussy, driven, flustered desire to make himself and his sister a solid place in society, one safe from any hints of their commercial past, or the vagaries of their childhood in the East. Julian had his plans laid out, his goals arrayed. And his pain at finding them overset - both by his sister's growing unhappiness and by his attraction to a known rake - is fun to watch.
Courtney is a bit less clear-cut. He's a man who seems to have enjoyed a brilliant bisexual romp across Europe, but who is, underneath it, both sad at the loss of his sister and loss of contact with his nephew, and haunted by childhood rejections. I missed a bit of edge and wildness that I expected from Courtney. At times, I didn't follow the internal conflicts keeping these two men apart, with their emotions waffling when there didn't seem to be strong reason for it. There would have been plenty of external tension that could have come into play, I think, to avoid the way these two get lost in their own heads.
Nonetheless it was a fun ride, with some good banter and appealing characters. I liked that there were female secondary characters with real plot importance and lives of their own. This could be read as a stand-alone, but it interweaves with, in particular, the second book, and you will lose a few threads as a solo read. The historical feel is good. A few hints of the social climate are more tease than substance here, compared to some of my recent historical reads, but the context seemed solid and well-researched, and the ending was satisfying.
Courtney is a bit less clear-cut. He's a man who seems to have enjoyed a brilliant bisexual romp across Europe, but who is, underneath it, both sad at the loss of his sister and loss of contact with his nephew, and haunted by childhood rejections. I missed a bit of edge and wildness that I expected from Courtney. At times, I didn't follow the internal conflicts keeping these two men apart, with their emotions waffling when there didn't seem to be strong reason for it. There would have been plenty of external tension that could have come into play, I think, to avoid the way these two get lost in their own heads.
Nonetheless it was a fun ride, with some good banter and appealing characters. I liked that there were female secondary characters with real plot importance and lives of their own. This could be read as a stand-alone, but it interweaves with, in particular, the second book, and you will lose a few threads as a solo read. The historical feel is good. A few hints of the social climate are more tease than substance here, compared to some of my recent historical reads, but the context seemed solid and well-researched, and the ending was satisfying.
July 10, 2017
3.5 stars
Honestly, I had no idea who Lord Courtenay and Julian Medlock were! I guess their existence (or mentions about them) sort of passed me by when I read The Lawrence Browne Affair. I don't know whether my lack of intrigue about these two has any influence whatsoever because I didn't love this as much as I love the previous two books.
I did found Julian Medlock amusing. Julian is described as very smart in numbers and sums, but rude, cold, and rather scheming -- in a sense that he makes plans several steps ahead of other people. He's snappish and can be brutally honest, and how I LOVED Julian for that. Cranky characters seem to entertain me the most ^^
I think maybe, I was a bit let down with Courtenay. When I read that this book was Sebastian's version of a rake vs. a wallflower I expected Courtenay to be, well, rakish. I was expecting a character that 100% matching the scandal and bad reputation that seemed to be attached to Lord Courtenay. I feel that I didn't get that -- he was, uhm, mellow? Or misunderstood? In any case, I didn't get the devil-may-care attitude that I anticipated when I picked up this book.
Having said that, Cat Sebastian's writing is lovely and works well for me. I like the ending for all the characters involved in this series. Looks like she will have a new series coming in December? Well, I'm booking a ticket for that one.
PS: This book has cats. THAT needs to be said *lol*
Honestly, I had no idea who Lord Courtenay and Julian Medlock were! I guess their existence (or mentions about them) sort of passed me by when I read The Lawrence Browne Affair. I don't know whether my lack of intrigue about these two has any influence whatsoever because I didn't love this as much as I love the previous two books.
I did found Julian Medlock amusing. Julian is described as very smart in numbers and sums, but rude, cold, and rather scheming -- in a sense that he makes plans several steps ahead of other people. He's snappish and can be brutally honest, and how I LOVED Julian for that. Cranky characters seem to entertain me the most ^^
I think maybe, I was a bit let down with Courtenay. When I read that this book was Sebastian's version of a rake vs. a wallflower I expected Courtenay to be, well, rakish. I was expecting a character that 100% matching the scandal and bad reputation that seemed to be attached to Lord Courtenay. I feel that I didn't get that -- he was, uhm, mellow? Or misunderstood? In any case, I didn't get the devil-may-care attitude that I anticipated when I picked up this book.
Having said that, Cat Sebastian's writing is lovely and works well for me. I like the ending for all the characters involved in this series. Looks like she will have a new series coming in December? Well, I'm booking a ticket for that one.
PS: This book has cats. THAT needs to be said *lol*
May 5, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow, Cat Sebastian is fast becoming one of my favourite historical m/m authors. Her books are all consistently good. Interesting and unique characters, good twists on the typical recency plots and lots of emotion.
Wow, Cat Sebastian is fast becoming one of my favourite historical m/m authors. Her books are all consistently good. Interesting and unique characters, good twists on the typical recency plots and lots of emotion.
November 26, 2017
Forever re-read, owner of my heart, 10/5 WOULD recommend pls read this to make your own life better just do it okay great thanku
March 18, 2023
THIS WAS SO CUTE also same I’d definitely bring a book to the opera. Bonus points if it’s written about me and ruined my reputation.
July 7, 2017
There was nothing safe about Courtenay, not when Julian’s desire for him was so drastically out of proportion to what he was used to.
Julian Medlock is a paragon of respectability. He’s spent years cultivating his proper and correct persona, ensuring that he’s respected by everyone of the ton. But when Julian’s sister asks him for a favor, he’s unable to refuse even though he really wants to. Because revamping the image of the shameless rake, Lord Courtenay, the man he despises but also fiercely desires, is not something Julian wants to do. Soon Courtenay makes him yearn to lose all his appropriateness, to lose himself in his arms, but Julian has a secret, one that would make the very man he’s started to fall for, hate him.
Courtenay was well out of his depths. In the past he had generally preferred warm, affectionate sorts of people. Medlock was made of ice and thorns, venom and gunpowder. It ought to be hard to get anywhere near him, let alone fall into love with Medlock. But it hadn’t been hard at all, had it? It had been as easy as breathing.
Lord Courtenay has spent years seeking pleasure and scandal, uncaring of what others thought of him. And after the publication of a risqué novel, who everyone believes is based on him, he finds himself ostracized by society and unable to see his beloved nephew. And the only way to improve his reputation is to give himself over to the primmest and dull person in London, Julian Medlock. But before longs he learns Julian is anything but dull and he starts to yearn for a connection he doesn’t deserve.
Looking at him felt like the answer to a question Courtenay had been asking for as long as he could remember, a question that wasn’t formed with words.
I’m in love with this book! All the feels from hatred to reluctant lust to the intense emotions neither knew how to deal with.
“You look like you belong to me.” It was half a lie, because Courtenay knew that he belonged to Julian.
Or maybe it was all the same thing.
I also love how different the heroes were, Julian so proper and reserved and Courtenay a disreputable rake who’s so open and passionate. I love how Courtenay made Julian experience emotions he never understood in others before and how he made him happy and more relaxed. And I loved how Julian made Courtenay realise he wasn’t the villain, that he was a good man with a good heart, worthy of love. I especially loved how Julian fought for Courtenay, how he stood up for him against those who judged him and treated him badly like his mother.
If Julian had ever thought he understood the faintest, sorriest thing about love, he now knew he was wrong. Love was somebody aiming a pistol at your heart while you sat there and acted like it was perfectly fine because you trusted them.
I loved all the angst, wondering if these two could have the HEA they deserved. They clearly loved each other, but both had some issues and was afraid to act on what they were feeling at first. The sexy times were very hot and I just loved every moment.
“Because you’re my favorite person,” Julian said simply.
I am so loving this series and this was another wonderful installment. If you’re a fan of m/m romances with historical settings then this series is not to be missed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
October 12, 2021
"Missing you is profoundly inconvenient, I'll have you know. I have things to do and places to be, and all the while I'll feel like I've misplaced a piece of my soul and I won't get it back until I see you again. That can't be normal ... You can't tell me that this is how people always feel when they love one another."
Bumping up my initial four stars to a solid five after re-reading the entire series. I loved this book so much more the second time around!!! I just adored frosty Julian grudgingly admitting to having feelings paired with the adorable mess that is Courtenay <3
Initial review:
Ok, so I didn't realize that the three books Cat Sebastian has published so far are connected and should be read in order of publication date (The Soldier's Scoundrel, The Lawrence Browne Affair, and then this). Because of this, the beginning of the book confused me a tiny little bit because I didn't know any of the characters and it felt like I should. So that's on me. But other than that? I loved it.
I love how Sebastian manages to create characters who have more than one layer, more than one thing that characterizes them, and yet you (or I at least) always feel like I know them inside out. They're not just cardboard cutouts, and I don't think I could put into words exactly what I loved most about either. All I can say is that I found both adorable on their own, and even more adorable together. There are so many little things I love about her writing, it just makes for one enjoyable read. The most important thing for me: there is no drama. No villains plotting the characters' downfall. Just the story of two perfectly imperfect people falling for each other. They're far from perfect, they screw up along the way. And they learn from it, man up, and fix things. I love it!
Bumping up my initial four stars to a solid five after re-reading the entire series. I loved this book so much more the second time around!!! I just adored frosty Julian grudgingly admitting to having feelings paired with the adorable mess that is Courtenay <3
Initial review:
Ok, so I didn't realize that the three books Cat Sebastian has published so far are connected and should be read in order of publication date (The Soldier's Scoundrel, The Lawrence Browne Affair, and then this). Because of this, the beginning of the book confused me a tiny little bit because I didn't know any of the characters and it felt like I should. So that's on me. But other than that? I loved it.
I love how Sebastian manages to create characters who have more than one layer, more than one thing that characterizes them, and yet you (or I at least) always feel like I know them inside out. They're not just cardboard cutouts, and I don't think I could put into words exactly what I loved most about either. All I can say is that I found both adorable on their own, and even more adorable together. There are so many little things I love about her writing, it just makes for one enjoyable read. The most important thing for me: there is no drama. No villains plotting the characters' downfall. Just the story of two perfectly imperfect people falling for each other. They're far from perfect, they screw up along the way. And they learn from it, man up, and fix things. I love it!
Read
November 15, 2017Wow! Totally loved this. <3 <3 <3
September 2, 2017
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars
Cat Sebastian completes a hat-trick with her latest Regency romance, making a total of three winners in a row. Like her previous books, The Soldier's Scoundrel and The Lawrence Browne Affair, The Ruin of a Rake is hugely entertaining; witty, sexy and poignant it’s the story of a rake in the process of reforming and the starchy, acerbic man given the task of helping him. The trope - rogue-with-a-heart-of-gold meets the uber-proper gentleman – plays out to wonderful effect; a superbly written clash of personalities that sees both men having to reassess their opinions of themselves as well as each other - and discovering that love really can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Lord Courtenay, whom we met in The Lawrence Browne Affair, has spent the last decade living abroad with his sister Isabella and her young son, Simon, who is heir to the Earl of Radnor (the Lawrence Browne of that book’s title). Courtenay is more handsome than any man has a right to be, ineffably charming and game for almost anything; his indulgences – high-stakes gambling, strong drink and lots and lots of sex (with men and women) – mark him as a debauched rake of the highest order, and he has quite happily lived down to the expectations of his disapproving mother and of society in general. But when his sister dies, he decides it’s time for him to return to England with his nephew who, as heir to an English earldom, should grow up there and receive the education accorded to every English gentleman. Radnor is not best pleased to see Courtenay, but Simon adores his uncle and the two men reach an uneasy détente.
That changes, however, with the publication of a gothic novel in which the villain’s good looks, raven-dark hair, piercing green eyes and sardonic manner are quickly likened to Courtenay, and society being what it is, it is just as quickly assumed that the evil deeds of the dissolute Don Lorenzo are, in fact, Courtenay’s own. For Radnor, it’s the last straw. Knowing his brother-in-law is a libertine is one thing, but having his name bandied about and associated with a scandalous novel is quite another, and he bans Courtenay from having any contact with Simon.
Courtenay is seriously upset by this. He more or less raised the boy, who is the last link to the sister he loved and feels he failed to adequately protect; but more importantly, Courtenay genuinely loves his nephew and wants to be part of his life. Having spent the last of his money on getting Simon back home, he’s now stuck in a city populated by people who shun him and where the ghosts of bad decisions and past debaucheries conspire to haunt him. He knows he has nobody to blame but himself – but self-awareness isn’t going to help either the state of his finances or his relationship with his brother-in-law. Fate is ready to step in, however, in the form of his friend, Eleanor, Lady Standish, who decides it’s time Something Was Done and asks – or rather, tells - her brother, Julian Medlock, widely regarded as the most proper man in London, to help Courtenay get back into society’s good graces.
The Medlock siblings grew up in India where their grandfather was a wealthy merchant and shipping magnate. Regarding his own son as a worthless wastrel, Medlock senior instead trained his grandson to run the business and left everything to Julian when he died. From the age of about sixteen, Julian shouldered the responsibility for both business and family, but his failing health (he suffers from Malaria and was having increasingly virulent attacks) saw Eleanor insisting on moving to England in the hope that the milder climate would benefit him. Unfortunately, it also meant that his sister was separated from her husband, who, after six years, has still not joined her. Julian feels increasingly guilty for Eleanor’s obvious unhappiness, which is one of the reasons he accedes to her request that he help rehabilitate Courtenay.
In the years since they came to England, Julian has steadily and carefully turned himself into the perfect gentleman, the very picture of respectability and an expert on manners and the social graces. He is invited and welcomed everywhere – even though he often feels like he’s on the outside looking in, but that suits him. He prefers to hold himself aloof and guard his secrets; friendships mean opening oneself up, warts and all, strong emotions risk a loss of control, and that’s not for him. Even when it comes to sex, he prefers his liaisons to be warm and controlled, rather than desperate and hot and full of unbridled passion. Unfortunately, Courtenay seems just the man to provoke the latter sentiments – and the fact that Julian has secretly lusted after him for six years is just going to make things even more difficult. They’re like chalk and cheese and, right from the start, Courtenay seems instinctively to know how to raise Julian’s hackles. And… other things.
Fireworks ensue as the buttoned-up, sharp-tongued Julian attempts to rein in the congenial, emotionally open Courtenay, who takes great delight in needling his ‘mentor’. Both are strongly characterised, complex individuals who carry some fairly weighty emotional baggage, and Ms. Sebastian crafts a marvellous story full of humour, tenderness and – sometimes – raw emotion about two men coming to terms with their pasts, adjusting their self-perception and learning to accept that they’re worthy of the friendship and love of others.
I adored both characters individually and loved them together. Courtenay may be a rake, but he’s also an absolute darling; easy going and charming, he has become so accustomed to giving that he has almost forgotten how to ask for what he wants and dismisses his own desires as unimportant. He cares a great deal for those closest to him and even continues to support the mother who shuns him, constantly belittles him and blames him – unjustly – for his father’s death. Courtenay has become so used to being thought worthless and to blaming himself for the death of his sister that he believes he doesn’t deserve happiness or to have anything good in his life. His surprise when Julian actually takes his part is honest and touching; nobody has ever stuck up for him before and his realisation that this must be what friendship feels like pulled at my heartstrings a little.
Julian is prickly to the nth degree, possessed of a mind like a steel trap, a head for figures and a kind of sixth sense where the workings of society are concerned. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Courtenay, he doesn’t want to feel anything for Courtenay and he most definitely doesn’t want to fall in love with Courtenay – but as Julian comes to know him better and to understand what his life has really been beneath the endless carousing, he discovers a kind, thoughtful man with a good heart, who sincerely wants to change his life and do better… and it’s impossible for Julian to remain aloof.
The verbal sparring between this mis-matched couple is funny, naughty and delightful, and the author creates a strong emotional connection between them as well as injecting their relationship with some scorching sexual chemistry. The Ruin of a Rake is sweet, wickedly funny (and sometimes just plain wicked!), romantic and moving – and another DIK (Desert Isle Keeper) for Cat Sebastian. Keep ‘em coming!
Cat Sebastian completes a hat-trick with her latest Regency romance, making a total of three winners in a row. Like her previous books, The Soldier's Scoundrel and The Lawrence Browne Affair, The Ruin of a Rake is hugely entertaining; witty, sexy and poignant it’s the story of a rake in the process of reforming and the starchy, acerbic man given the task of helping him. The trope - rogue-with-a-heart-of-gold meets the uber-proper gentleman – plays out to wonderful effect; a superbly written clash of personalities that sees both men having to reassess their opinions of themselves as well as each other - and discovering that love really can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Lord Courtenay, whom we met in The Lawrence Browne Affair, has spent the last decade living abroad with his sister Isabella and her young son, Simon, who is heir to the Earl of Radnor (the Lawrence Browne of that book’s title). Courtenay is more handsome than any man has a right to be, ineffably charming and game for almost anything; his indulgences – high-stakes gambling, strong drink and lots and lots of sex (with men and women) – mark him as a debauched rake of the highest order, and he has quite happily lived down to the expectations of his disapproving mother and of society in general. But when his sister dies, he decides it’s time for him to return to England with his nephew who, as heir to an English earldom, should grow up there and receive the education accorded to every English gentleman. Radnor is not best pleased to see Courtenay, but Simon adores his uncle and the two men reach an uneasy détente.
That changes, however, with the publication of a gothic novel in which the villain’s good looks, raven-dark hair, piercing green eyes and sardonic manner are quickly likened to Courtenay, and society being what it is, it is just as quickly assumed that the evil deeds of the dissolute Don Lorenzo are, in fact, Courtenay’s own. For Radnor, it’s the last straw. Knowing his brother-in-law is a libertine is one thing, but having his name bandied about and associated with a scandalous novel is quite another, and he bans Courtenay from having any contact with Simon.
Courtenay is seriously upset by this. He more or less raised the boy, who is the last link to the sister he loved and feels he failed to adequately protect; but more importantly, Courtenay genuinely loves his nephew and wants to be part of his life. Having spent the last of his money on getting Simon back home, he’s now stuck in a city populated by people who shun him and where the ghosts of bad decisions and past debaucheries conspire to haunt him. He knows he has nobody to blame but himself – but self-awareness isn’t going to help either the state of his finances or his relationship with his brother-in-law. Fate is ready to step in, however, in the form of his friend, Eleanor, Lady Standish, who decides it’s time Something Was Done and asks – or rather, tells - her brother, Julian Medlock, widely regarded as the most proper man in London, to help Courtenay get back into society’s good graces.
The Medlock siblings grew up in India where their grandfather was a wealthy merchant and shipping magnate. Regarding his own son as a worthless wastrel, Medlock senior instead trained his grandson to run the business and left everything to Julian when he died. From the age of about sixteen, Julian shouldered the responsibility for both business and family, but his failing health (he suffers from Malaria and was having increasingly virulent attacks) saw Eleanor insisting on moving to England in the hope that the milder climate would benefit him. Unfortunately, it also meant that his sister was separated from her husband, who, after six years, has still not joined her. Julian feels increasingly guilty for Eleanor’s obvious unhappiness, which is one of the reasons he accedes to her request that he help rehabilitate Courtenay.
In the years since they came to England, Julian has steadily and carefully turned himself into the perfect gentleman, the very picture of respectability and an expert on manners and the social graces. He is invited and welcomed everywhere – even though he often feels like he’s on the outside looking in, but that suits him. He prefers to hold himself aloof and guard his secrets; friendships mean opening oneself up, warts and all, strong emotions risk a loss of control, and that’s not for him. Even when it comes to sex, he prefers his liaisons to be warm and controlled, rather than desperate and hot and full of unbridled passion. Unfortunately, Courtenay seems just the man to provoke the latter sentiments – and the fact that Julian has secretly lusted after him for six years is just going to make things even more difficult. They’re like chalk and cheese and, right from the start, Courtenay seems instinctively to know how to raise Julian’s hackles. And… other things.
Fireworks ensue as the buttoned-up, sharp-tongued Julian attempts to rein in the congenial, emotionally open Courtenay, who takes great delight in needling his ‘mentor’. Both are strongly characterised, complex individuals who carry some fairly weighty emotional baggage, and Ms. Sebastian crafts a marvellous story full of humour, tenderness and – sometimes – raw emotion about two men coming to terms with their pasts, adjusting their self-perception and learning to accept that they’re worthy of the friendship and love of others.
I adored both characters individually and loved them together. Courtenay may be a rake, but he’s also an absolute darling; easy going and charming, he has become so accustomed to giving that he has almost forgotten how to ask for what he wants and dismisses his own desires as unimportant. He cares a great deal for those closest to him and even continues to support the mother who shuns him, constantly belittles him and blames him – unjustly – for his father’s death. Courtenay has become so used to being thought worthless and to blaming himself for the death of his sister that he believes he doesn’t deserve happiness or to have anything good in his life. His surprise when Julian actually takes his part is honest and touching; nobody has ever stuck up for him before and his realisation that this must be what friendship feels like pulled at my heartstrings a little.
Julian is prickly to the nth degree, possessed of a mind like a steel trap, a head for figures and a kind of sixth sense where the workings of society are concerned. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Courtenay, he doesn’t want to feel anything for Courtenay and he most definitely doesn’t want to fall in love with Courtenay – but as Julian comes to know him better and to understand what his life has really been beneath the endless carousing, he discovers a kind, thoughtful man with a good heart, who sincerely wants to change his life and do better… and it’s impossible for Julian to remain aloof.
The verbal sparring between this mis-matched couple is funny, naughty and delightful, and the author creates a strong emotional connection between them as well as injecting their relationship with some scorching sexual chemistry. The Ruin of a Rake is sweet, wickedly funny (and sometimes just plain wicked!), romantic and moving – and another DIK (Desert Isle Keeper) for Cat Sebastian. Keep ‘em coming!
December 29, 2017
Historical romances are one of my all time favourites and I can't get enough of Cat Sebastian's world of post Regency England shortly after the time of Waterloo.
In this one we have a brilliant frenemies to lovers tale which links back to the earlier two books through the 'Mad Earl' and his recently returned from exile young son and his reprobate uncle.
Enlisting the help of one of the Ton's most proper gentlemen to help rehabilitate the rake, this story skirts through all the typical activities of the hoi polloi as Julian and Courtney desperately avoid falling in love.
While book one remains my favourite, this one comes in second as I absolutely adored the prim and proper Julian who was afraid he'd linger ill and alone all his days.
In this one we have a brilliant frenemies to lovers tale which links back to the earlier two books through the 'Mad Earl' and his recently returned from exile young son and his reprobate uncle.
Enlisting the help of one of the Ton's most proper gentlemen to help rehabilitate the rake, this story skirts through all the typical activities of the hoi polloi as Julian and Courtney desperately avoid falling in love.
While book one remains my favourite, this one comes in second as I absolutely adored the prim and proper Julian who was afraid he'd linger ill and alone all his days.
Want to read
October 31, 2017$0.99 on Kindle 10/31/17
June 28, 2021
THIS SERIES 😭😍
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6/26: I adored the first two books in this series and there's an 8 week wait for this ebook at the library, so of course I had to pick up a physical copy when I visited my fave The Ripped Bodice this afternoon 🥰.
________________________________
6/26: I adored the first two books in this series and there's an 8 week wait for this ebook at the library, so of course I had to pick up a physical copy when I visited my fave The Ripped Bodice this afternoon 🥰.
January 13, 2022
4.5 stars
Loved!!
Loved!!
September 7, 2017
This book is different from the other two, it's less the scoundrel and his redeemer, or beauty and the beast and more subtle than that. Courtenay is everything that not only Julian is attracted to but also secretly wants to be. Not because he wants to have his lovelife, but he simply wants to be as confident in every situation. In reality, Courtenay doesn't even have his own lovelife, nothing is as crazy as it actually is rumored to be but it's simply what everyone believes. The true beauty of the book is that while Julian seems quiet and shy, he's actually brilliant and cunning and far more dangerous than anyone suspects and Courtenay is kinder and gentler and more loving than anyone knows. So the two of them together, discovering who each of them really is, is a wonderful journey. The secret is twisty but what makes the book fun is the path it takes to unravel it and the discoveries along the way. When I finished the book, I wasn't sure if I liked it as much as the other two but it's actually my favorite because the men are so different while being so very similar at heart. Wildly recommended.
September 5, 2022
Cat Sebastian hits it for me every dang time. A (reformed) rake with a heart of gold and a proper gentleman falling in love? While taking care of each other the whole time?? And a double romantic "look at you"??? Stop it. It even had my favorite trope which hardly anyone writes which is paperwork. Julian taking care of Courtenay's paperwork and finances and Courtenay taking care of Julian when he was sick is everything I've ever wanted. My one complaint is yet again the book was way too short! I want a million more words of these two taking care of each other forever. Now excuse me while I go cry over Julian saying Courtenay is his favorite person again.
December 22, 2020
Audio 5 + Stars
Story 3.75 Stars
Story 3.75 Stars
November 5, 2017
**3.5 stars**
Last round of the “Turner” series. Can be read as a standalone, but the previous MCs make appearance and their stories are too good to pass.
In The Lawrence Browne Affair, we met with Radnor who reunited with his son, Simon. Simon spent his childhood overseas with his mother, recently dead, and was brought back to England by his uncle, the infamous Lord Courtenay. Courtenay’s ill reputation banned him from seeing Simon and one of his newest friend, Eleanor, can see how deeply affected he is and asks her brother, Julian, very uptight but with a stellar reputation within the ton, to help him being accepted by the nobility to soften Simon’s father. A complete case of total opposite attract to each other.
And it’s not only Lord Courtenay’s finances and acceptance to glorious balls that are going to be dealt with. No, no, no : there's some good chemistry involved as well.
I didn’t enjoy this romance as much as I did with the previous ones, the steam was lacking a bit and the plot and angst were more subdued. But it left me with warm feelings : first because it was nice to see Julian, so analytical, letting his emotions roll on him and Courtenay finally getting rid of his low self-esteem and giving even more to the others.
And the cherry on the cake : the ending with the reunion of all the major characters of this series. I can close this series, knowing they are all in a good place.
A solid historical MM romance series to be enjoyed.
Last round of the “Turner” series. Can be read as a standalone, but the previous MCs make appearance and their stories are too good to pass.
In The Lawrence Browne Affair, we met with Radnor who reunited with his son, Simon. Simon spent his childhood overseas with his mother, recently dead, and was brought back to England by his uncle, the infamous Lord Courtenay. Courtenay’s ill reputation banned him from seeing Simon and one of his newest friend, Eleanor, can see how deeply affected he is and asks her brother, Julian, very uptight but with a stellar reputation within the ton, to help him being accepted by the nobility to soften Simon’s father. A complete case of total opposite attract to each other.
And it’s not only Lord Courtenay’s finances and acceptance to glorious balls that are going to be dealt with. No, no, no : there's some good chemistry involved as well.
I didn’t enjoy this romance as much as I did with the previous ones, the steam was lacking a bit and the plot and angst were more subdued. But it left me with warm feelings : first because it was nice to see Julian, so analytical, letting his emotions roll on him and Courtenay finally getting rid of his low self-esteem and giving even more to the others.
And the cherry on the cake : the ending with the reunion of all the major characters of this series. I can close this series, knowing they are all in a good place.
A solid historical MM romance series to be enjoyed.
February 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
“You’re so pretty when you’re desperate.” Julian gasped. “Nobody has ever called me pretty. Or desperate.” “You’ve been keeping terrible company, my dear.”
I'm late to the Cat Sebastian party so anything I write has been written but I'm going to gush anyways because wow. This book had me swooning, sighing, laughing and just generally feeling good the whole way through.
I loved, loved, LOVED Courtenay. A rake on the outside with an inner, squishy, teddy bear core.
And prickly Julian. I took longer to warm to him but came to love him too. The two were positively divine together.
Now I do think that early in my m/m addiction, I had tried a Cat Sebastian and failed to finish it. That was before I got into historical so perhaps I wasn't ready for it yet. I don't know why I chose to start with book three in a series. Maybe the dash of enemies to lovers enticed me. That is a weakness of mine. But now that I've enjoyed this one so much, I will be reading book one and two soon. And reading much more from her!
“You’re so pretty when you’re desperate.” Julian gasped. “Nobody has ever called me pretty. Or desperate.” “You’ve been keeping terrible company, my dear.”
I'm late to the Cat Sebastian party so anything I write has been written but I'm going to gush anyways because wow. This book had me swooning, sighing, laughing and just generally feeling good the whole way through.
I loved, loved, LOVED Courtenay. A rake on the outside with an inner, squishy, teddy bear core.
And prickly Julian. I took longer to warm to him but came to love him too. The two were positively divine together.
Now I do think that early in my m/m addiction, I had tried a Cat Sebastian and failed to finish it. That was before I got into historical so perhaps I wasn't ready for it yet. I don't know why I chose to start with book three in a series. Maybe the dash of enemies to lovers enticed me. That is a weakness of mine. But now that I've enjoyed this one so much, I will be reading book one and two soon. And reading much more from her!
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