23 May 2015

Never Resist a Rake - Review

Never Resist a Rake - Somerfield Park #2
by Mia Marlow



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What they say: Rising author Mia Marlowe continues her brand-new Regency series with adventure, controversy, and most importantly, sizzling seduction...


Can he fool his new family?


John Fitzhugh Barrett, surprised to learn he is heir to a marquessate, is determined his new status won't mean giving up his freedom. But as families from all over England descend upon Somerfield Park for the shooting season, their unmarried daughters are lining up to bag the newest trophy buck-him.
Or is he only fooling himself?


John's instinct for self-preservation inspires him to divide his attentions between a scandalous young widow, and the safely ineligible Rebecca Kearsey, daughter of a destitute baron.

The charade gives John the illusion of controlling the game but when he loses his heart to the beautiful Rebecca, all bets are off.
Praise for A Rake by Any Other Name:

"Marlowe shines with a delightful and delicious comedy of errors...Regency fans will love this page-turner." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars 

Releases 2nd June by Sourcebooks Casablanca - ISBN: 9781492602712


I received a copy from Sourcebooks (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: Most historical fiction stories focus on men who have grown up prepared to inherit a title and money, but when John Fitzhugh Barrett goes from being illegitimate and unwanted, to a future Marquess, he isn't prepared from the huge change in circumstance. I haven't read the previous book but the revelations were all explained and the book worked as a standalone. 

John quickly falls into the more risqué side of ton activities by gambling, womanising and fighting. As the daughter of impoverish Baron (with a gambling problem) Rebecca Kearsey is on the outskirts of society and doesn't have the best marriage prospects. She's used to blending in and spending her time reading and visiting museums. John saves Rebecca from a horrendous situation and they become unlikely friends. 

The story made me laugh and I appreciated John's attempts to avoid being married off to one of the very many young society ladies now available to him (with his new found wealth and status). John tries to discourage his interfering new family and sets about highlighting his interest in the most unsuitable of women.

I liked Rebecca, who seemed very modern for a young lady of her time. It was also interesting to see English society deconstructed into different levels of eligibility and prestige. John carries a lot of bitterness towards certain family members (which I felt were completely justified) but I wanted him to accept his new family and make an effort to become part of something he has never had before.

I did feel that the events happened extremely quickly and a few elements could have been improved with a little more explanation and development. But I liked the story and the characters.

3 - 3.5 Stars in my Sky! 




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