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Fallen #1
Falling for a Rake
He's the most notorious rake in England. She's a Perfect Lady. Neither are what they seem.
Lady Emily can't afford a scandal. Her sister's debut is just weeks away and she has her pteridology group to safeguard. It's bad enough to be stuck in a hole overnight with Lord Markshall, and worse to have kissed him. Marriage is unthinkable. But newspaper hearsay on their "frolics and fernication" after a fern hunting accident puts everything she's worked for in jeopardy.
Lord Markshall's whole political career is based on manipulation and disguise. Lady Emily's polite insults are just the thing to prove to himself, and everyone else, that he's still an unworthy rake. He wants her desperately, but even a fake engagement is too good for him.
With Emily's sister's debut and a major political vote coming up, their reputations–good and bad–have never been more critical. The newspaper gossip is edging toward the truth, threatening to incinerate everything they hold dear. Can they understand, accept, and love each other, before it's too late?
Lady Emily can't afford a scandal. Her sister's debut is just weeks away and she has her pteridology group to safeguard. It's bad enough to be stuck in a hole overnight with Lord Markshall, and worse to have kissed him. Marriage is unthinkable. But newspaper hearsay on their "frolics and fernication" after a fern hunting accident puts everything she's worked for in jeopardy.
Lord Markshall's whole political career is based on manipulation and disguise. Lady Emily's polite insults are just the thing to prove to himself, and everyone else, that he's still an unworthy rake. He wants her desperately, but even a fake engagement is too good for him.
With Emily's sister's debut and a major political vote coming up, their reputations–good and bad–have never been more critical. The newspaper gossip is edging toward the truth, threatening to incinerate everything they hold dear. Can they understand, accept, and love each other, before it's too late?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2019
388 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Eve Pendle
30 books164 followersEve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a prince-charming husband, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 21, 2021
Dec 2021 reread listen - this held up for me. Good narrator. Glad it’s available in multiple formats now.
4.5 Stars - a very enjoyable read
With my limited availability to read at the moment, I am almost restricted to only audiobooks, and what I do read has been taking me weeks. So, when I picked this one up and finished it in two days, it really highlighted what a fun, quick read this was for me. It flowed. The characters were flawed, human and relatable. The setting was well-drawn and the historical tidbits were interesting.
Lady Emily is an avid fern hunter and leader of a women's group the takes expeditions in trying to find ferns for their collections. Lord Markshall (Oscar) joins one of her expeditions and follows and pesters her during the expedition, which is where the story starts. It jumps into the action right away. Oscar is a well-known rake and libertine, and Emily wants nothing to do with him. When they fall into an abandoned mine, their fates are sealed when they are not rescued until the following day.
They had a connection from the start but had trouble getting to the point that they may care more for each other than a traditional society marriage. Oscar had a youthful, unforgivable indiscretion that he has been trying to make amends for years, while still keeping up the rake facade. Emily also made a devastating mistake years before and has been attempting to make-up for it by being a proper young lady with proper pursuits. Both of the ghosts in the closets are heavy, and I could understand their fears and feelings of unworthiness for redemption or to be loved. However, I enjoyed how they connected with each other on an emotional level, and their sexual chemistry was burning.
The villain of this story is a gossip columnist named Lady X, who seems to have a particular desire to see Emily and Oscar ruined. I can say I wasn't expecting the Lady X reveal, and I was not terribly interested in the plot line. I am not quite sure why, but I do think this was weakest aspect of the story. It didn't bother me, though.
One of the focuses of this story was the Contagious Diseases Act, which was coincidentally also the focus of Pendle's debut novel. However, in this story it was a different Act, which both were apparently in existence at the same time. The first novel had a focus on the act regarding livestock. The second novel focuses in on the act with the same name regarding prostitutes in port towns. Oh, the irony, and it shows in what regard lawmakers held women's lives.
Note: at the beginning of this book there is a spoiler page with warnings for readers. I imagine the shows up if you download a sample. If you are sensitive to certain things, you might check it out.
Overall, I was impressed with Pendle's second full-length novel, and I look forward to trying more by her.
*Thank you to the author who provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars - a very enjoyable read
With my limited availability to read at the moment, I am almost restricted to only audiobooks, and what I do read has been taking me weeks. So, when I picked this one up and finished it in two days, it really highlighted what a fun, quick read this was for me. It flowed. The characters were flawed, human and relatable. The setting was well-drawn and the historical tidbits were interesting.
Lady Emily is an avid fern hunter and leader of a women's group the takes expeditions in trying to find ferns for their collections. Lord Markshall (Oscar) joins one of her expeditions and follows and pesters her during the expedition, which is where the story starts. It jumps into the action right away. Oscar is a well-known rake and libertine, and Emily wants nothing to do with him. When they fall into an abandoned mine, their fates are sealed when they are not rescued until the following day.
They had a connection from the start but had trouble getting to the point that they may care more for each other than a traditional society marriage. Oscar had a youthful, unforgivable indiscretion that he has been trying to make amends for years, while still keeping up the rake facade. Emily also made a devastating mistake years before and has been attempting to make-up for it by being a proper young lady with proper pursuits. Both of the ghosts in the closets are heavy, and I could understand their fears and feelings of unworthiness for redemption or to be loved. However, I enjoyed how they connected with each other on an emotional level, and their sexual chemistry was burning.
The villain of this story is a gossip columnist named Lady X, who seems to have a particular desire to see Emily and Oscar ruined. I can say I wasn't expecting the Lady X reveal, and I was not terribly interested in the plot line. I am not quite sure why, but I do think this was weakest aspect of the story. It didn't bother me, though.
One of the focuses of this story was the Contagious Diseases Act, which was coincidentally also the focus of Pendle's debut novel. However, in this story it was a different Act, which both were apparently in existence at the same time. The first novel had a focus on the act regarding livestock. The second novel focuses in on the act with the same name regarding prostitutes in port towns. Oh, the irony, and it shows in what regard lawmakers held women's lives.
Note: at the beginning of this book there is a spoiler page with warnings for readers. I imagine the shows up if you download a sample. If you are sensitive to certain things, you might check it out.
Overall, I was impressed with Pendle's second full-length novel, and I look forward to trying more by her.
*Thank you to the author who provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2021
1.5 Stars
I read this book as a part of the BOTM challenge for HRBC.
To quote one of my favourite quotes from The Duchess Deal, this book was -
"A sham sandwich on a bread of lies indeed."
Plot Summary
I am not going to bother with a creative plot summary, but here are the basics you need to know about this book - Inadvertently compromised, fake engagement, a marriage of convenience, past trauma, House of Lords, and ferns. Oh, and the fakeness of the characters.
Problems
- This was my first Eve Pendle book, and it will definitely be the last as well. Try as I might, I could not connect to the writing or the story. The structure and pacing of the book was unsteady and unpredictable, not in a good way. It read more like an informative update than an engaging tale. I don't know, but this book was weird.
- I am still confused as to what exactly did I read. Where was the romance? There were lies, a history lesson about important Bills (that was informative), pretty illegal misdeeds, subjective morality, lack of basic intelligence, understanding or communication, and the créam dé la absurd... ferns.
- The fucking ferns became the bane of my existence for the duration of this book. For a short 200 something page novel, the ferns were mentioned a whopping 107 times. And guess what? They were relatively irrelevant to the story apart from providing a meet-cute. I don't care that ferns were all the rage in the late Victorian era.
I was considering getting a few ferns for my office, but this book turned me off of them. Fuck ferns! That's where I am at.
- The characters are positively Freudian. I had to dig up my college notes to relate the plethora of defence mechanisms they displayed. Just for fun, I am listing a few of them - Denial (obvious and the easiest), Reaction Formation, Regression, Isolation, Projection, Intellectualization, Rationalization and Repression.
- What was the author trying to do? Create anti-characters and an anti-romance? Or prove that even morally bent people can find love? I am not opposed to the idea in theory, but in this book, that attempt failed miserably. I am unsure as to why they fell for each other. Maybe it stemmed from the fact that no one would accept them for who they are and what they have done. That's just sad. And unromantic AF.
- There was a lot of steam, but a married couple acting like sex is illicit took away from the fun. It was something like hate sex or sex with a person you hate to acknowledge in the light of day. Oooh, I got it, secret sex. Yes, that's what it was. Unfortunately, it has no place in what is supposedly a romance novel.
- Another big problem was Emily. She was a hypocrite. Extremely judgemental of Oscar. She wanted honesty but refused to communicate. She wanted to fix everything and everyone around her but refused to acknowledge her own shortcomings until the very end of the story. And the callousness with which she discussed revenge and ruination, my God, you would think she was speaking of a pair of ruined shoes. And worst of all, she has the gall to lecture people about loyalty. I would be mighty afraid of her. Example -
"I don't recommend you spurn me. I've some form on taking my dues."
- The villain, of sorts, Lady X (she publishes damning articles about Oscar and Emily), was useless, and so were her reasons.
- There were continuity errors, historically inaccurate language, a couple of grammatical errors, no character redemption or depth, no intellectual or emotional connection between anyone, and lies, so many lies. Oh, and the rapid personality changes, like one honest conversation and bam, you are a new and improved person. I would shut down my practice if it was even in the mild vicinity of believable of the exaggerated or the real kind. I reiterate, this book was weird.
- That is just bad writing. The author tried to do something out of the box, points for efforts, but for me, this looked like an abject failure.
Why the 1.5 stars?
- If you remove the horrific nature of the past misdeeds (if I can call it that), the plot could have had some potential. Had it been kept simple, the story could have worked with a lot of improvement in the romance department, but it would have been possible. *Hmmm, that is a lot of could's and would's.*
- All said and done, I liked Oscar. He had redemptive qualities and some personal growth. In comparison to Emily, his sins come out to be almost common. But he tries to fix his mistakes, hates himself for what he has done, and tries to work towards the betterment of society. Let us call him the lesser of the two evils here. I still hate what he did, but in the context, and for his efforts at resolution and being contrite, he is redeemable.
- I liked his job. It was different and unique from what I have read so far. He was a backhanded fixer of sorts. He was making a difference without seeming to do so actively.
- Finally, this book was a stark reminder of how patriarchal, narrow-minded, and horrible the society was back then. It was good for my conscience but bad for the entertainment of a romance novel.
So essentially, the rating comes down to what could have been and what was not that bad. It's a sorry state of affairs when you have to rate a book on these concepts.
My Recommendation
This author and this book are not for me. Even after reading the review, if you choose to read it, let it be on your head. You were duly warned.
I read this book as a part of the BOTM challenge for HRBC.
To quote one of my favourite quotes from The Duchess Deal, this book was -
"A sham sandwich on a bread of lies indeed."
Plot Summary
I am not going to bother with a creative plot summary, but here are the basics you need to know about this book - Inadvertently compromised, fake engagement, a marriage of convenience, past trauma, House of Lords, and ferns. Oh, and the fakeness of the characters.
Problems
- This was my first Eve Pendle book, and it will definitely be the last as well. Try as I might, I could not connect to the writing or the story. The structure and pacing of the book was unsteady and unpredictable, not in a good way. It read more like an informative update than an engaging tale. I don't know, but this book was weird.
- I am still confused as to what exactly did I read. Where was the romance? There were lies, a history lesson about important Bills (that was informative), pretty illegal misdeeds, subjective morality, lack of basic intelligence, understanding or communication, and the créam dé la absurd... ferns.
- The fucking ferns became the bane of my existence for the duration of this book. For a short 200 something page novel, the ferns were mentioned a whopping 107 times. And guess what? They were relatively irrelevant to the story apart from providing a meet-cute. I don't care that ferns were all the rage in the late Victorian era.
I was considering getting a few ferns for my office, but this book turned me off of them. Fuck ferns! That's where I am at.
- The characters are positively Freudian. I had to dig up my college notes to relate the plethora of defence mechanisms they displayed. Just for fun, I am listing a few of them - Denial (obvious and the easiest), Reaction Formation, Regression, Isolation, Projection, Intellectualization, Rationalization and Repression.
- What was the author trying to do? Create anti-characters and an anti-romance? Or prove that even morally bent people can find love? I am not opposed to the idea in theory, but in this book, that attempt failed miserably. I am unsure as to why they fell for each other. Maybe it stemmed from the fact that no one would accept them for who they are and what they have done. That's just sad. And unromantic AF.
- There was a lot of steam, but a married couple acting like sex is illicit took away from the fun. It was something like hate sex or sex with a person you hate to acknowledge in the light of day. Oooh, I got it, secret sex. Yes, that's what it was. Unfortunately, it has no place in what is supposedly a romance novel.
- Another big problem was Emily. She was a hypocrite. Extremely judgemental of Oscar. She wanted honesty but refused to communicate. She wanted to fix everything and everyone around her but refused to acknowledge her own shortcomings until the very end of the story. And the callousness with which she discussed revenge and ruination, my God, you would think she was speaking of a pair of ruined shoes. And worst of all, she has the gall to lecture people about loyalty. I would be mighty afraid of her. Example -
"I don't recommend you spurn me. I've some form on taking my dues."
- The villain, of sorts, Lady X (she publishes damning articles about Oscar and Emily), was useless, and so were her reasons.
- There were continuity errors, historically inaccurate language, a couple of grammatical errors, no character redemption or depth, no intellectual or emotional connection between anyone, and lies, so many lies. Oh, and the rapid personality changes, like one honest conversation and bam, you are a new and improved person. I would shut down my practice if it was even in the mild vicinity of believable of the exaggerated or the real kind. I reiterate, this book was weird.
- That is just bad writing. The author tried to do something out of the box, points for efforts, but for me, this looked like an abject failure.
Why the 1.5 stars?
- If you remove the horrific nature of the past misdeeds (if I can call it that), the plot could have had some potential. Had it been kept simple, the story could have worked with a lot of improvement in the romance department, but it would have been possible. *Hmmm, that is a lot of could's and would's.*
- All said and done, I liked Oscar. He had redemptive qualities and some personal growth. In comparison to Emily, his sins come out to be almost common. But he tries to fix his mistakes, hates himself for what he has done, and tries to work towards the betterment of society. Let us call him the lesser of the two evils here. I still hate what he did, but in the context, and for his efforts at resolution and being contrite, he is redeemable.
- I liked his job. It was different and unique from what I have read so far. He was a backhanded fixer of sorts. He was making a difference without seeming to do so actively.
- Finally, this book was a stark reminder of how patriarchal, narrow-minded, and horrible the society was back then. It was good for my conscience but bad for the entertainment of a romance novel.
So essentially, the rating comes down to what could have been and what was not that bad. It's a sorry state of affairs when you have to rate a book on these concepts.
My Recommendation
This author and this book are not for me. Even after reading the review, if you choose to read it, let it be on your head. You were duly warned.
March 26, 2022
I am falling for Falling for a Rake. Yes I am! This a wonderful book. My first read by Miss Pendle. I am not a big fan of historical romance but this book change my mind.
Oscar and Emily is hot. They have chemistry. I like how Miss Pendle sizzling the chemistry with style. Not too dirty/ vivid but not too cold/ lukewarm. The plot is also interisting without too much drama.
The whole story is very good. I enjoy it very much.
4 stars
Oscar and Emily is hot. They have chemistry. I like how Miss Pendle sizzling the chemistry with style. Not too dirty/ vivid but not too cold/ lukewarm. The plot is also interisting without too much drama.
The whole story is very good. I enjoy it very much.
4 stars
October 10, 2024
I could not get into this book ( ferns ferns ferns and sexual diseases ) is all that it talked about. Boring, ended up skipping through it. To see if something interesting would catch my attention. 2.5 stars 🌟
March 23, 2021
4.5 Stars of Fernication & Heartwrenching Angst
This was my first time reading Eve Pendle and I was really blown away. I got pulled in by the wonderfully different cover art, but the blurb and the cover don’t convey how moving or intriguing this story actually ends up being. Rather than it being tropetastic pseudo-historical romance, it’s real and it’s raw and it’s proper Historical romance (with a capital “H” but not overbearingly so). Essentially 5% in I realized Falling For A Rake was not going to be what it was being touted as. It was going to be so, so much better.
Oscar and Emily are in a word: human. Their wealth and attractiveness only goes skin deep because behind their self-prescribed facades they have deeply embedded flaws, and guilt and shame are rotting their insides—making it impossible for either of them to reach for each other, forgive themselves for all they have done wrong, and look toward a happy and fulfilling life. It is not, at any point, an easy read and in many ways reminded me of The Luckiest Lady in London. Pendle impressively bounces between humorous dialogue and gut-wrenching internal monologues. Moments of brightness and hope are juxtaposed by self-recriminations and doubt. The sex and steam is a gratifying safe haven at night for our MCs but only breeds confusion and alienation during the day. It’s so deliciously refreshing that I couldn’t stop reading it. I at once hated Oscar and Emily and endlessly rooted for them and adored them. To me, that speaks to a writer doing her job incredibly well. Plus, ferns.
I harp on about how I hate when writers don't match action/words to the inner workings of a character's mind, or simply have them act out of character. Not here. It is essential to the story that everything Oscar and Emily do contradicts how they feel and what they want and it is sooooo excellently executed. I love Pendle's style of storytelling. Add in all the wonderful historical detail, like the Fern Fever (or pteridomania) of the Victorian era and realistic portrayals of the House of Lords/political living and it was a total *Chef’s Kiss* for me.
The only reason it isn’t a bright shining 5 Stars was because the ending (not the epilogue, the epilogue was wonderful) felt a little emotionally stunted after being put through the ringer for 200+ pages. I kind of wanted weeping, and instead it was quiet and sexy. Not perfect, but still good. That said, I will not only continue with Pendle’s Fallen series but eagerly await what she has to offer in the future. If she stays in this vein of true, human introspection, and period accuracy she could end up a favourite of mine. Highly recommend giving this a go, just don’t expect a frothy comedy. That’s not what this is, and it’s great.
This was my first time reading Eve Pendle and I was really blown away. I got pulled in by the wonderfully different cover art, but the blurb and the cover don’t convey how moving or intriguing this story actually ends up being. Rather than it being tropetastic pseudo-historical romance, it’s real and it’s raw and it’s proper Historical romance (with a capital “H” but not overbearingly so). Essentially 5% in I realized Falling For A Rake was not going to be what it was being touted as. It was going to be so, so much better.
Oscar and Emily are in a word: human. Their wealth and attractiveness only goes skin deep because behind their self-prescribed facades they have deeply embedded flaws, and guilt and shame are rotting their insides—making it impossible for either of them to reach for each other, forgive themselves for all they have done wrong, and look toward a happy and fulfilling life. It is not, at any point, an easy read and in many ways reminded me of The Luckiest Lady in London. Pendle impressively bounces between humorous dialogue and gut-wrenching internal monologues. Moments of brightness and hope are juxtaposed by self-recriminations and doubt. The sex and steam is a gratifying safe haven at night for our MCs but only breeds confusion and alienation during the day. It’s so deliciously refreshing that I couldn’t stop reading it. I at once hated Oscar and Emily and endlessly rooted for them and adored them. To me, that speaks to a writer doing her job incredibly well. Plus, ferns.
I harp on about how I hate when writers don't match action/words to the inner workings of a character's mind, or simply have them act out of character. Not here. It is essential to the story that everything Oscar and Emily do contradicts how they feel and what they want and it is sooooo excellently executed. I love Pendle's style of storytelling. Add in all the wonderful historical detail, like the Fern Fever (or pteridomania) of the Victorian era and realistic portrayals of the House of Lords/political living and it was a total *Chef’s Kiss* for me.
The only reason it isn’t a bright shining 5 Stars was because the ending (not the epilogue, the epilogue was wonderful) felt a little emotionally stunted after being put through the ringer for 200+ pages. I kind of wanted weeping, and instead it was quiet and sexy. Not perfect, but still good. That said, I will not only continue with Pendle’s Fallen series but eagerly await what she has to offer in the future. If she stays in this vein of true, human introspection, and period accuracy she could end up a favourite of mine. Highly recommend giving this a go, just don’t expect a frothy comedy. That’s not what this is, and it’s great.
November 13, 2020
3.5 stars Emily and Oscar. I liked the chemistry between Emily and Oscar. I liked learning more about ferns.
Oscar did not marry his pregnant lover as a young man and has been supporting the community his young daughter lives in anonymously. Emily, as an young lady, shot her ex finance and he died so she thinks of herself as a murderer.
This was a tale of a Rake who reformed to be better and a heroine who tried to be a perfect lady but kept her true passions in check. After being forced to married they eventually felt free to be who they are now to each other and their social community. The epilogue was wonderful.
However, the biggest problem I had with this story is the motivation of the villainous. I needed to know more about why such anger and venom. Kwim?
Personally, I could have done without all the politics about STD's, and child labor. It felt, to me, a little like preaching to the choir by choosing a mandatory social issue to help add pages to the story. Now, if you are into politics then this story would probably be your cup of tea. However, for me those parts where a big snooze fest.
My favorite parts of the story was the epilogue and ferns.
Oscar did not marry his pregnant lover as a young man and has been supporting the community his young daughter lives in anonymously. Emily, as an young lady, shot her ex finance and he died so she thinks of herself as a murderer.
This was a tale of a Rake who reformed to be better and a heroine who tried to be a perfect lady but kept her true passions in check. After being forced to married they eventually felt free to be who they are now to each other and their social community. The epilogue was wonderful.
However, the biggest problem I had with this story is the motivation of the villainous. I needed to know more about why such anger and venom. Kwim?
Personally, I could have done without all the politics about STD's, and child labor. It felt, to me, a little like preaching to the choir by choosing a mandatory social issue to help add pages to the story. Now, if you are into politics then this story would probably be your cup of tea. However, for me those parts where a big snooze fest.
My favorite parts of the story was the epilogue and ferns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
Loved loved loved this book. The beautiful complexities of Lord Markshall and Lady Emily. Lord Markshall is an actual rake and his way into the graces of a “perfect” society lady is not easy. Lady Emily is not as perfect as she seems.
They meet on a fern hunt which was apparently a respectable and fashionable activity for ladies and gentlemen and everything enfolds from there.
I would say this might not be everyone’s favorite book because these characters are not glossy exemplars of beautiful or smart upper classes. They are people with their weaknesses fully in our face but still the author pulls off the romance along with other issues in the book with a shinning stars.
Extra points for avoiding many different cliches.
Heroine has a mother and father (so refreshing to see)
They are the same social standing (so tired so marriage for the money or where money or class is the issue)
Our hero actually works! We are involved in his parliamentary business.
Really amazing book and I can’t wait to read more.
They meet on a fern hunt which was apparently a respectable and fashionable activity for ladies and gentlemen and everything enfolds from there.
I would say this might not be everyone’s favorite book because these characters are not glossy exemplars of beautiful or smart upper classes. They are people with their weaknesses fully in our face but still the author pulls off the romance along with other issues in the book with a shinning stars.
Extra points for avoiding many different cliches.
Heroine has a mother and father (so refreshing to see)
They are the same social standing (so tired so marriage for the money or where money or class is the issue)
Our hero actually works! We are involved in his parliamentary business.
Really amazing book and I can’t wait to read more.
March 20, 2021
“I’m a rake.” His exacting accent sounded like cut glass. “It doesn’t do to romanticize rakes.”
That. And a rake/H finally says it out loud for us.
This started so cute, so sweet and I had huge expectations...
The characterization and the touch of fern-hunting is quite charming. But sadly, the whole package doesn't hold to the great promise. And at the end, I can say it's a good book and things make sense as a whole.
But, the middle fails to hold interest.
The H has an actual unconscionable past. And now he may not believe it himself but he's redeemed himself to a great extent. (Oh yes, if the ow had been the h of the story, we'd have seen a different path.) Remaining celibate for 5 years is taking it a bit too far into a fantastical side.
Coming back to him, I like and relate with the self-deriding, charming rogue (- with a hidden sensitive heart) that he essays.
It's the h who's the problem. She's too cold and stand-offish and then carries on with it to an annoying extent. With such cold-shouldering, it'd be more believable if she wishes to delay the consummation. But here, she pushes for it in a shockingly forward manner while he demurs.
Usually a delayed consummation is used as a sexual-tension builder. And here, I'd say it should have put off (by the author/ the mcs) because of the hurried nature of their wedding and the insinuation over her pregnancy. Why take chance on an early pregnancy?
And then the next day, the h is back to being a cold b*tch while visiting him in the middle of the night. Complete reverse objectification of the H.
So while he wears his heart on his sleeve, she's cold distant and snappish.
The story and writing has much that charms, and then reams and reams of boring, filler material. On ferns and societies. Serious and sobering social issues of the time. VDs, prophylactics, Pennyroyal teas, Marie Stopes pamphlets. Chimney sweeps, street children. Reformative laws on multiple issue. Tories vs Whigs.
So, important stuff but an overload of it. Or maybe should have stuck with one or two issues only.
Later third is much better as more revelations come forth.
'Lock Hospitals' tell us about the rampant and shocking misogyny, and inequality of the era and the H's passionate feelings on it. 'Reformed' rake in more ways than one.
The disclosure about the h's past sheds a new light on her behavior and I could then relate with her. I love the scene where she deals with her selfish sister. Simple yet satisfying.
The salacious slandering by the newspapers is actually very witty writing.
Is it me or is every character in this book a blond/e?
The ferns, pteridology touch is novel, so Victorian and charming. But overdone (on dresses and furnishings too?) and I ended the book hating ferns.
That. And a rake/H finally says it out loud for us.
This started so cute, so sweet and I had huge expectations...
The characterization and the touch of fern-hunting is quite charming. But sadly, the whole package doesn't hold to the great promise. And at the end, I can say it's a good book and things make sense as a whole.
But, the middle fails to hold interest.
The H has an actual unconscionable past. And now he may not believe it himself but he's redeemed himself to a great extent. (Oh yes, if the ow had been the h of the story, we'd have seen a different path.) Remaining celibate for 5 years is taking it a bit too far into a fantastical side.
Coming back to him, I like and relate with the self-deriding, charming rogue (- with a hidden sensitive heart) that he essays.
It's the h who's the problem. She's too cold and stand-offish and then carries on with it to an annoying extent. With such cold-shouldering, it'd be more believable if she wishes to delay the consummation. But here, she pushes for it in a shockingly forward manner while he demurs.
Usually a delayed consummation is used as a sexual-tension builder. And here, I'd say it should have put off (by the author/ the mcs) because of the hurried nature of their wedding and the insinuation over her pregnancy. Why take chance on an early pregnancy?
And then the next day, the h is back to being a cold b*tch while visiting him in the middle of the night. Complete reverse objectification of the H.
So while he wears his heart on his sleeve, she's cold distant and snappish.
The story and writing has much that charms, and then reams and reams of boring, filler material. On ferns and societies. Serious and sobering social issues of the time. VDs, prophylactics, Pennyroyal teas, Marie Stopes pamphlets. Chimney sweeps, street children. Reformative laws on multiple issue. Tories vs Whigs.
So, important stuff but an overload of it. Or maybe should have stuck with one or two issues only.
Later third is much better as more revelations come forth.
'Lock Hospitals' tell us about the rampant and shocking misogyny, and inequality of the era and the H's passionate feelings on it. 'Reformed' rake in more ways than one.
The disclosure about the h's past sheds a new light on her behavior and I could then relate with her. I love the scene where she deals with her selfish sister. Simple yet satisfying.
The salacious slandering by the newspapers is actually very witty writing.
Is it me or is every character in this book a blond/e?
The ferns, pteridology touch is novel, so Victorian and charming. But overdone (on dresses and furnishings too?) and I ended the book hating ferns.
January 2, 2022
I didn't like the writing style, the pacing of the book, the heroine, and the bratty younger sister. I ended up skimming the majority of the book. I don't think I will be reading the rest of the books in this series. I read this for the Historical Romance Book Club's Book of the Month for December 2021.
February 21, 2024
DNF @ 55%.
👎 ➖
The pacing is/was weird.
The heroine is annoying/unlikable.
Annoying hero.
Annoying side character.
(Heroines sister)
The characterizations of the main characters was all over the place.
Unconvincing romance.
Very jumbled and OTT plot.
Way too much focus on the ferns.
Repetitive.
👎 ➖
The pacing is/was weird.
The heroine is annoying/unlikable.
Annoying hero.
Annoying side character.
(Heroines sister)
The characterizations of the main characters was all over the place.
Unconvincing romance.
Very jumbled and OTT plot.
Way too much focus on the ferns.
Repetitive.
March 30, 2020
I loved this book. The characters were fun and human. I did not want to put it down. The story was well written and interesting. The steamy scenes were part of the story and made the pages turn themselves.
May 25, 2019
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed the storyline. Emily and Markshall didn't hit it off right away. As a matter of fact, they just couldn't stand one another. Completely opposite personality. Emily is the prime and proper lady while Markshall is an arrogant and a womanizer lord. But sometimes fate plays a trick that led Emily and Markshall into a compromising situation.
Trapped in a cave after a fern searching accident, Markshall can't allow ruining Emily reputation, so against his better judgment he offers her marriage after they're rescued. It wasn't Emily choice either but for her family's position in the society, she agrees. Once married they have discovered a lot about each other and the secrets they keep.
Falling for a Rake delivers more than just your ordinary historical romance. It has a bit of (family) drama, witty banter, and the intimate scenes are scorching. Great story, fantastic writing, and characters that are exciting and sexy -- I couldn't ask for more. I'm never disappointed by this author. If historical romance is your "tropetonite", I recommend this book. Happy reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2019
*Thanks to the author for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
First off I want to warn the reader. If you're like me and don't like spoilers, SKIP the content notice or you'll see a lot of what's in the book. If you are are that bandwagon where you think all books should have a content warning, this book is for you! It even tells you when fictional animals will be harmed. It's that detailed.
Now onto the novel itself. I loved it! Emily is bold and a strong character that stands up to our rake without holding back. I loved reading their story and seeing them come together and just what all they went through in their pasts as well. It's well written and flows perfectly. The world building is great. I really felt I could see what the author was painting for me. All in all, I loved the story.
First off I want to warn the reader. If you're like me and don't like spoilers, SKIP the content notice or you'll see a lot of what's in the book. If you are are that bandwagon where you think all books should have a content warning, this book is for you! It even tells you when fictional animals will be harmed. It's that detailed.
Now onto the novel itself. I loved it! Emily is bold and a strong character that stands up to our rake without holding back. I loved reading their story and seeing them come together and just what all they went through in their pasts as well. It's well written and flows perfectly. The world building is great. I really felt I could see what the author was painting for me. All in all, I loved the story.
May 20, 2022
Victorian story had more sex than romance. And
drama too. 3 stars.
Oscar, a celibate, reformed rake & earl was sweet on
Lady Emily, dtr of a duke. Emily studied ferns. These
2 fell in an abandoned mine shaft while fern-hunting.
They were rescued the next AM, but many considered
them compromised.
Oscar had a persona of a faux rake for the last 5 yrs,
prior to that he was the genuine article. About 10 yrs
ago he had sex w/ an experienced young woman. She
became preggers and he refused to marry her. He
responded w/ what we call nowadays slut-shaming.
Oscar quietly did a few things to redeem himself. He
also quietly worked on social legislation in the House
of Lords to reduce or eliminate the use of kids as
"chimney sweeps" & so on.
'Madame X' shared slanted, nasty rumors about Oscar
& Emily with a newspaper. Oscar & Em decided on a
faux engagement and then soon after a small wedding
b/c her sister would soon have her first season. Em
insisted on these marriage conditions: they'd have
children but also lead separate lives & she'd continue
her fern studies. She had a secret-natch.
Oscar spent most days away from home on House of
Lords business or at his club. Em felt rejected: they
seldom ate meals together either. Em wanted it both
ways: separate lives but also to enjoy each other's
company. But sex they enjoyed nightly & afternoon
delight for variety. IMO the leads needed to stop the
2nd guessing and anger toward each other & stop the
secrecy. Talk to each other & don't assume!
Revised on 04/06/22
drama too. 3 stars.
Oscar, a celibate, reformed rake & earl was sweet on
Lady Emily, dtr of a duke. Emily studied ferns. These
2 fell in an abandoned mine shaft while fern-hunting.
They were rescued the next AM, but many considered
them compromised.
Oscar had a persona of a faux rake for the last 5 yrs,
prior to that he was the genuine article. About 10 yrs
ago he had sex w/ an experienced young woman. She
became preggers and he refused to marry her. He
responded w/ what we call nowadays slut-shaming.
Oscar quietly did a few things to redeem himself. He
also quietly worked on social legislation in the House
of Lords to reduce or eliminate the use of kids as
"chimney sweeps" & so on.
'Madame X' shared slanted, nasty rumors about Oscar
& Emily with a newspaper. Oscar & Em decided on a
faux engagement and then soon after a small wedding
b/c her sister would soon have her first season. Em
insisted on these marriage conditions: they'd have
children but also lead separate lives & she'd continue
her fern studies. She had a secret-natch.
Oscar spent most days away from home on House of
Lords business or at his club. Em felt rejected: they
seldom ate meals together either. Em wanted it both
ways: separate lives but also to enjoy each other's
company. But sex they enjoyed nightly & afternoon
delight for variety. IMO the leads needed to stop the
2nd guessing and anger toward each other & stop the
secrecy. Talk to each other & don't assume!
Revised on 04/06/22
June 4, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Emily is a lady , a proper one , she doesn’t ruin herself by cavorting with Rakes .
She has responsibilities to her family and a sister who is due her debut .
Lord Markshall, the up and coming politically minded lord is the rake in question, he has her in his sites , but stalls at every fence , she’s a hard one to tame .
With gossip rife they have to put their heads together and save both hers, and his reputations, but love seems to be getting in the way .
A very enjoyable read , one to grab a coffee and biscuits and relax too .
Amusing, tense and passionate,
this author puts a bit of everything in her books .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Emily is a lady , a proper one , she doesn’t ruin herself by cavorting with Rakes .
She has responsibilities to her family and a sister who is due her debut .
Lord Markshall, the up and coming politically minded lord is the rake in question, he has her in his sites , but stalls at every fence , she’s a hard one to tame .
With gossip rife they have to put their heads together and save both hers, and his reputations, but love seems to be getting in the way .
A very enjoyable read , one to grab a coffee and biscuits and relax too .
Amusing, tense and passionate,
this author puts a bit of everything in her books .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 22, 2021
'He's the most notorious rake in England. She's a Perfect Lady. Neither are what they seem.
Lady Emily can't afford a scandal. Her sister's debut is just weeks away and she has her pteridology group to safeguard. It's bad enough to be stuck in a hole overnight with Lord Markshall, and worse to have kissed him. Marriage is unthinkable. But newspaper hearsay on their "frolics and fernication" after a fern hunting accident puts everything she's worked for in jeopardy.
Lord Markshall's whole political career is based on manipulation and disguise. Lady Emily's polite insults are just the thing to prove to himself, and everyone else, that he's still an unworthy rake. He wants her desperately, but even a fake engagement is too good for him.
With Emily's sister's debut and a major political vote coming up, their reputations–good and bad–have never been more critical. The newspaper gossip is edging toward the truth, threatening to incinerate everything they hold dear. Can they understand, accept, and love each other, before it's too late?'
______________________________
Falling for a Duke is the first book in Eve Pendle's Falling series and is a historical romance.
I read this book because it came up in my Kindle Unlimited suggestions and the cover caught my attention. Now i'll be thefirt to admit that the suggestions in my KU are normally not my cup of tea, but I was really impressed by Falling for a Duke. I had thought based on the blurb that it would be a bit cheesy and lean heavily on tropes, but that wasn't the case.
Oscar is a bit of a rogue and Emily is a bit of a bluestocking, so that is obviously a bit trope-y, but that is the extent of it. The circumstances that brought them together felt unique and both main characters had such a human feel to them.
Based on how awful Connie is, it is hard to believe that Emily tried so hard to protect her. I wish Emily would have written Connie off as a factor in her life so much sooner because she didn't deserve that unnecessary weght to her conscience.
But I really enjoyed this book and it's a quick read. Although the thing that brought my rating down a bit was the reveal of the villain of our story, it felt a bit cheap compared to the rest of the book. I plan to read the rest of the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Lady Emily can't afford a scandal. Her sister's debut is just weeks away and she has her pteridology group to safeguard. It's bad enough to be stuck in a hole overnight with Lord Markshall, and worse to have kissed him. Marriage is unthinkable. But newspaper hearsay on their "frolics and fernication" after a fern hunting accident puts everything she's worked for in jeopardy.
Lord Markshall's whole political career is based on manipulation and disguise. Lady Emily's polite insults are just the thing to prove to himself, and everyone else, that he's still an unworthy rake. He wants her desperately, but even a fake engagement is too good for him.
With Emily's sister's debut and a major political vote coming up, their reputations–good and bad–have never been more critical. The newspaper gossip is edging toward the truth, threatening to incinerate everything they hold dear. Can they understand, accept, and love each other, before it's too late?'
______________________________
Falling for a Duke is the first book in Eve Pendle's Falling series and is a historical romance.
I read this book because it came up in my Kindle Unlimited suggestions and the cover caught my attention. Now i'll be thefirt to admit that the suggestions in my KU are normally not my cup of tea, but I was really impressed by Falling for a Duke. I had thought based on the blurb that it would be a bit cheesy and lean heavily on tropes, but that wasn't the case.
Oscar is a bit of a rogue and Emily is a bit of a bluestocking, so that is obviously a bit trope-y, but that is the extent of it. The circumstances that brought them together felt unique and both main characters had such a human feel to them.
Based on how awful Connie is, it is hard to believe that Emily tried so hard to protect her. I wish Emily would have written Connie off as a factor in her life so much sooner because she didn't deserve that unnecessary weght to her conscience.
But I really enjoyed this book and it's a quick read. Although the thing that brought my rating down a bit was the reveal of the villain of our story, it felt a bit cheap compared to the rest of the book. I plan to read the rest of the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Read
March 23, 2021Falls, frolics, and fernication. It's spring - the season for love and surprises. 🌿💚
Content warnings can be found at the front of the book, but watch out for spoilers.
Happy reading!
Content warnings can be found at the front of the book, but watch out for spoilers.
Happy reading!
June 11, 2019
Lady Emily Ravensthrorpe is hunting for a fern for her collection and trying to politely send Lord Markshall on his way, but he isn't taking the hint. Lord Markshall is a danger to her reputation and her peace of mind - he is handsome and charming, a combination she has a hard time remaining impassive to. When they accidently end up falling into a mine shaft, she worries about her sister's debut being ruined. Rescue efforts are unsuccessful and they end up staying the night in the pit. They talk and share one amazing kiss. Later he shares his greatest shame - he courted one sister and had an affair with the other, fathered a child and refused to marry her. Emily is appalled, Markshall wants to know her secret, she tells him she was engaged, but he died in a hunting accident. He knows there is more, but doesn't press.
The next morning they are rescued, but there is a reporter there as well as her parents, so Markshall announces they are engaged. To save her reputation and by extension her sister's, she plays along. But later she tell him they will have a fake engagement, just until her sister Connie's come-out. He agrees because he doesn't feel like he deserves her. But it appears that they have an enemy who is bent on destroying Emily's reputation and soon a fake engagement isn't enough to protect her.
Markshall is not all he appears to be, he wants Emily, but believes that his past behavior has made any chance for a happy future impossible, but when the gossip turns nasty and suggestive, Oscar will marry her to save her, but vows to keep her at arm length.
This was an interesting story, but at times I felt confused, not sure what was real and what was imagined. The story is filled with secrets, lies, surprises, entertain banter and steamish love scenes. Both Oscar and Emily are flawed characters, each have things from the past that haunt them and that have made them the people they are today, love comes slowly and certainly isn't readily embraced by either of them, but when they finally admit their love and put the past behind them, it is amazing and completely heartfelt.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me.*
The next morning they are rescued, but there is a reporter there as well as her parents, so Markshall announces they are engaged. To save her reputation and by extension her sister's, she plays along. But later she tell him they will have a fake engagement, just until her sister Connie's come-out. He agrees because he doesn't feel like he deserves her. But it appears that they have an enemy who is bent on destroying Emily's reputation and soon a fake engagement isn't enough to protect her.
Markshall is not all he appears to be, he wants Emily, but believes that his past behavior has made any chance for a happy future impossible, but when the gossip turns nasty and suggestive, Oscar will marry her to save her, but vows to keep her at arm length.
This was an interesting story, but at times I felt confused, not sure what was real and what was imagined. The story is filled with secrets, lies, surprises, entertain banter and steamish love scenes. Both Oscar and Emily are flawed characters, each have things from the past that haunt them and that have made them the people they are today, love comes slowly and certainly isn't readily embraced by either of them, but when they finally admit their love and put the past behind them, it is amazing and completely heartfelt.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me.*
June 24, 2019
Really enjoyed the characters, the romance, and the writing in this one!
April 9, 2022
Flawed couple trying to atone for their mistakes are forced to marry. He's in love with her but I found it hard to understand his attraction; she's prickly and judgemental. He tries to do the right thing, but she constantly rebuffs him. It's well written, but so many flawed people made it too real for me to enjoy.
July 15, 2020
This one was a genuine surprise– well-researched, emotional, true to the period, and written in a way that didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out (there’s one typo of reign/rein that stuck out to me, though). Fake engagement/marriage of convenience crew, this one’s for you.
The end of the book managed to surprise me in one way, even though I suspected the twist, and I find it a good thing when a reader knows what’s coming and the author still manages to make it hurt (even if I’d have liked some other scenes to fill that relationship out). I was so pleased at the inclusion of actual politics of the time into the plot, and the heroine feels like a real person??? The rake and his reformation is enough of a trope that he can manage to feel real with little effort, but so many authors neglect their heroines and their flaws. Not here!
The end of the book managed to surprise me in one way, even though I suspected the twist, and I find it a good thing when a reader knows what’s coming and the author still manages to make it hurt (even if I’d have liked some other scenes to fill that relationship out). I was so pleased at the inclusion of actual politics of the time into the plot, and the heroine feels like a real person??? The rake and his reformation is enough of a trope that he can manage to feel real with little effort, but so many authors neglect their heroines and their flaws. Not here!
June 8, 2019
Lady Emily Ravensthorpe and Oscar, Lord Marksall, were complex characters. They both had a past that affected their attitudes at the present time. I don’t want to give anything away but there was so much more to them than the face they presented to the world. I did like the way in which Oscar saw Emily for herself and that Emily also began to realise the truth about Oscar. I enjoyed the relationship that Oscar had with his valet, Jones. It was interesting to read about the political agenda at this time and I loved the parts where Emily and Oscar worked together as a team. This was a very engaging read. I look forward to reading the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 18, 2021
3.75 stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
June 25, 2019
What a wonderfully fascinating story, which is just what I had expected from Eve Pendle, she never disappoints to deliver a fully immersive and intelligent love story, she has got a great way with words that brings the story alive and this is no different. This is fully of intense emotional and sexual tension, secrets and lies and marvellously likable characters, for me this is a real winner.
I love that the story literally jumps right into Emily and Oscar’s world, they already know one and other from the first page and it is like we readers are sort of stuck in the middle of a private joke between tow people, they know what they are on about but we have to learn what is going on with them and their lives and I really like that. It’s different to being introduced to them separately, Ms Pendle just drop’s you straight into their conversation.
Our heroine Emily is a smart and savvy lass, if I ever knew one she is the leader of a woman’s group who takes expeditions into the wild to learn about collect ferns, our Emily is an enthusiastic fern hunter you see, unfortunately for her the rakish and ridiculously irritating Lord Oscar has tagged along too, not as though he is interested one jot about ferns, and from that first page we get a real sense of how much he pesters and irritates the life out of Emily. You get a sense that our Emily wants nothing to do with the re-known libertine, she has a smart head on her shoulders that one, but being the impudent and spoiled little rakehell that he is, he doesn’t take no for an answer.
But, as though fate – or mother nature – is against her from the start, Oscar and Emily end up falling down a mine shaft, something which will change their lives….especially after one hell of a scorching kiss, phew!! We may need an nice long ice cold shower to cool down after all that heated tension 😉 Neither of them can afford to have scandal swirling around their heads, Emily must think of not just herself, but her sister who is about to make her debut and also with a majorly important vote coming up, scandal is the last thing that is needed. So they come up with a brilliant ploy that could save them both and others from the cess-pit that is the ton scandal sheets, but there is a foe that could destroy all that they ae trying to protect, a fabulous baddie who goes by the name ‘Lady X’ – brilliant character, I do love a good baddie and really there should be a good villain in every story, and this one you will take huge pleasure in booing and hissing.
The only thing that I would say against this book is the front ‘spoilers’ page, yes very handy if you are of more sensitive nature and various topics upsets you easily then this is a great thing to look over to see if this is the book for you. But I found it a little off putting having the ins and out of the story laid bare before I had even started the book, so I did skip that part and read the story as intended. I know some appreciate knowing what they are going to be in for, but I prefer the surprise. But, hey that’s just me and do not for a second allow this to put you off reading this fascinating book.
Overall a great read, the story well developed and interesting for the reader to follow, what I particularly loved about it was the attention to detail and the research that has gone into the sub plot concerning the Contagious Diseases Act. It is so evident that Eve Pendle has done extension research into every aspect of the act and how it effects peoples lives, her passion for the story and the subject just leaps of the page and makes the reader care about the characters.
Great story, highly recommended!
I love that the story literally jumps right into Emily and Oscar’s world, they already know one and other from the first page and it is like we readers are sort of stuck in the middle of a private joke between tow people, they know what they are on about but we have to learn what is going on with them and their lives and I really like that. It’s different to being introduced to them separately, Ms Pendle just drop’s you straight into their conversation.
Our heroine Emily is a smart and savvy lass, if I ever knew one she is the leader of a woman’s group who takes expeditions into the wild to learn about collect ferns, our Emily is an enthusiastic fern hunter you see, unfortunately for her the rakish and ridiculously irritating Lord Oscar has tagged along too, not as though he is interested one jot about ferns, and from that first page we get a real sense of how much he pesters and irritates the life out of Emily. You get a sense that our Emily wants nothing to do with the re-known libertine, she has a smart head on her shoulders that one, but being the impudent and spoiled little rakehell that he is, he doesn’t take no for an answer.
But, as though fate – or mother nature – is against her from the start, Oscar and Emily end up falling down a mine shaft, something which will change their lives….especially after one hell of a scorching kiss, phew!! We may need an nice long ice cold shower to cool down after all that heated tension 😉 Neither of them can afford to have scandal swirling around their heads, Emily must think of not just herself, but her sister who is about to make her debut and also with a majorly important vote coming up, scandal is the last thing that is needed. So they come up with a brilliant ploy that could save them both and others from the cess-pit that is the ton scandal sheets, but there is a foe that could destroy all that they ae trying to protect, a fabulous baddie who goes by the name ‘Lady X’ – brilliant character, I do love a good baddie and really there should be a good villain in every story, and this one you will take huge pleasure in booing and hissing.
The only thing that I would say against this book is the front ‘spoilers’ page, yes very handy if you are of more sensitive nature and various topics upsets you easily then this is a great thing to look over to see if this is the book for you. But I found it a little off putting having the ins and out of the story laid bare before I had even started the book, so I did skip that part and read the story as intended. I know some appreciate knowing what they are going to be in for, but I prefer the surprise. But, hey that’s just me and do not for a second allow this to put you off reading this fascinating book.
Overall a great read, the story well developed and interesting for the reader to follow, what I particularly loved about it was the attention to detail and the research that has gone into the sub plot concerning the Contagious Diseases Act. It is so evident that Eve Pendle has done extension research into every aspect of the act and how it effects peoples lives, her passion for the story and the subject just leaps of the page and makes the reader care about the characters.
Great story, highly recommended!
Want to read
May 17, 2019pre-order from Amazon.
July 23, 2023
Had to explain was a “rake” was to my mom. The self proclaimed Bridgerton fan thought this book was about gardening.
December 23, 2024
DNF @17% 🛑 This was just not compelling or interesting or well written 🫣 so I’m going to spend my last days of the year reading something I’ll actually enjoy.
May 30, 2019
Full review to come.
Pteridologist/botanist heroine (with all you witchy ladies getting fern tattoos, this should be of interest!) and a politician hero. So good!
Pteridologist/botanist heroine (with all you witchy ladies getting fern tattoos, this should be of interest!) and a politician hero. So good!
January 31, 2022
While I am sure that there are some cases where killing one's fiance is warranted, I am also positive that "he fell in love with someone else even though we've been friends since childhood" isn't one of them. And yet, here we are, because that's precisely what heroine Emily did in her past. By comparison hero Oscar's besetting sin - he got a lady pregnant and now secretly supports her and his child - is nothing. And yet the two are held up as comparable. Yes, Oscar killed Lydia's reputation, but come on - Emily actually straight up murdered a guy. If the author was trying to make a comparison of how "deadly" it was for a woman to lose her reputation in the 1870s, she sadly missed the mark.
The rest of the book was fine. Not good, but fine. But I just can't get past this, and I'm done with the author.
The rest of the book was fine. Not good, but fine. But I just can't get past this, and I'm done with the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2022
This book started out so odd. I didn't like either of these two and didn't know how the author was going to make me be ok with this. I stuck in there because the other part of the writing was so good. These characters were pretty inconsistent and messy but they kept me reading. The story starts with the reader knowing nothing and finding out bits and pieces about them as you go. It really doesn't line up well with how mean she was and how crass he was in beginning.
This book would be R with the F word here and there and a couple of sex scenes. Some inuendo throughout. Talk of prostitution and venereal diseases.
This book would be R with the F word here and there and a couple of sex scenes. Some inuendo throughout. Talk of prostitution and venereal diseases.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews