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Heart & Soul (Lords in Love) #1
Taming the Rake
Enjoy a fiery, passionate enemies-to-lovers revenge romance from a New York Times bestselling author!
All her life, Miss Gladys Bell was a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then she met the man of her dreams, who said she was the woman of his. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name.
Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and her chance at love. But now she’s back, and bent on revenge. He’s trifled with the wrong woman: This wallflower has thorns. Once Gladys holds that damnable rake’s arrogant, fickle heart in her hands� She’ll crush it, just as he did to her.
This time, he’ll remember her name.
All her life, Miss Gladys Bell was a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then she met the man of her dreams, who said she was the woman of his. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name.
Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and her chance at love. But now she’s back, and bent on revenge. He’s trifled with the wrong woman: This wallflower has thorns. Once Gladys holds that damnable rake’s arrogant, fickle heart in her hands� She’ll crush it, just as he did to her.
This time, he’ll remember her name.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2023
106 people are currently reading
1,396 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
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Erica Ridley is a New York Times andÌýUSA TodayÌýbest-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times andÌýUSA TodayÌýbest-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
February 22, 2023
I’m giving this three stars because it was well written. The author is very talented. But this book made me very upset.
The heroine Gladys, is kissed by the hero who disappears right after and ruins Gladys� reputation. She’s shunned by society and her family and is basically put out on the streets with no money to her name and no one to turn to for help.
Five years later, she returns to the town where the rake ruined her and she wants revenge. Where has she been all these years? Well she’s become a courtesan so successful she’s already financially ready to retire.
I really dislike that Gladys was forced into sex work and it’s brushed off in this way that only serves to make Gladys more of a tough girlboss. But the Gladys we meet in the beginning of the story has never even SPOKEN to a man, and her first and only kiss was with the man who ruined her. It genuinely makes me sad to think of how her first experience doing sex work must have been, she was so innocent (her parents didn’t even let her read novels that might corrupt her) and she was suddenly so desperate for money and protection she was forced to sell her body. And did so for the next five years. There’s nothing empowering about that. It’s deeply tragic and I don’t like that it was just glossed over “and anyway now where here and she’s done being a courtesan and she’s getting revenge! Girl power!�
Gladys never really heals from her trauma, or indicates she even has any, after living such traumatic events. It seems like everything is just fixed by the hero suddenly falling in love with her. Which frankly, wasn’t an earned happily ever after. The hero didn’t know he ruined her, he didn’t mean to, but it still doesn’t mean she should have romanticized him and forgiven him. It didn’t read like a romance, it read like a cautionary tale and it left me feeling deeply sad and unsettled.
Historical romance should center the female gaze, we should be kind to our heroines, not brutalize them. I know that historically, the world hasn’t been kind to women, but that doesn’t mean I want that cruel reality in what’s supposed to be escapism.
The heroine Gladys, is kissed by the hero who disappears right after and ruins Gladys� reputation. She’s shunned by society and her family and is basically put out on the streets with no money to her name and no one to turn to for help.
Five years later, she returns to the town where the rake ruined her and she wants revenge. Where has she been all these years? Well she’s become a courtesan so successful she’s already financially ready to retire.
I really dislike that Gladys was forced into sex work and it’s brushed off in this way that only serves to make Gladys more of a tough girlboss. But the Gladys we meet in the beginning of the story has never even SPOKEN to a man, and her first and only kiss was with the man who ruined her. It genuinely makes me sad to think of how her first experience doing sex work must have been, she was so innocent (her parents didn’t even let her read novels that might corrupt her) and she was suddenly so desperate for money and protection she was forced to sell her body. And did so for the next five years. There’s nothing empowering about that. It’s deeply tragic and I don’t like that it was just glossed over “and anyway now where here and she’s done being a courtesan and she’s getting revenge! Girl power!�
Gladys never really heals from her trauma, or indicates she even has any, after living such traumatic events. It seems like everything is just fixed by the hero suddenly falling in love with her. Which frankly, wasn’t an earned happily ever after. The hero didn’t know he ruined her, he didn’t mean to, but it still doesn’t mean she should have romanticized him and forgiven him. It didn’t read like a romance, it read like a cautionary tale and it left me feeling deeply sad and unsettled.
Historical romance should center the female gaze, we should be kind to our heroines, not brutalize them. I know that historically, the world hasn’t been kind to women, but that doesn’t mean I want that cruel reality in what’s supposed to be escapism.
February 21, 2023
Troubling tale of a Wallflower!
Well I’ve got to say that Gladys Bell’s parents were harsh. In fact it seems they’d been contributing to her lack of confidence all her life. A young woman who has spent four years resigned to being on the wallflower part of the ballroom, who then has the life kissed out of her in the gardens at a marriage fair, naively assumes that the cad will approach her father for her hand. She’s wrong and is left dangling. Not only dangling but ruined.
(I actually never knew that a wallflower is called that because of where they stand in relation to the dancing and why. That was illuminating. Oh, I surmised I knew, but Ridley gives a more coherent explanation than I’ve seen before.)
Of course Gladys assumes that Reuben Medford, heir presumptive to a viscount (apparently the ton’s most notorious rake) will approach her father. It is after all an annual May Day Fair Ball at MARRYWELL! A place where people who are looking for a spouse go!
When Gladys returns to the ballroom looking somewhat disheveled her fate is sealed. To compound her errors she refuses the suitor her parents have drummed up (who wants some land in Wales that’s part of her dowry). Gladys innocently supposed the man who kissed her loves her. She supposed wrong.
Her parents cast her off there and then, right at the hotel, leaving her with nothing. What must she do but turn to the streets. I can’t even begin to comprehend her distress and pain during this time. She’s a young woman without guile. I am appalled at her parents actions. I feel a great sympathy for the girlish young innocent, and Oh So Needy, Gladys!
As it is, she becomes a courtesan and some years later ends up wealthy enough to retire. (Call me a sceptic but that right there is a fairytale in itself. Highly unlikely, but I’ll accept it for the sake of the story.)
Then on to the rake (whom we’re told is really is a frightened little boy inside, frightened that all he touches will leave him, or die. Hence his inability to commit.)
Well here were are, back where Gladys life changed forever. It’s now five years later and Gladys has her chance for revenge for her young, foolish and innocent self. She returns to the scene of her shaming, the Marrywell Fair, take two. Gladys runs rings around Reuben. Although as the story progresses we see they really are alike. Both rather curl up with a book than dance the night away.
Their HEA takes a few more upsets but in the end, alls well that ends well.
There’s some amusing moments. If it wasn’t for my distress over Gladys and her parents actions I’d have had more reason to invest in the plot and I’d have given the book a higher rating. But, I don’t.
I was confused by Reuben who is likeable, but I didn’t buy him. I had sympathy for Gladys but the fairytale is just a bit too much for me. I’m having trouble accepting Gladys� missing years.
Personally, I didn’t enjoy this story, although others obviously have. It just wasn’t for me.
A Webmotion ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Well I’ve got to say that Gladys Bell’s parents were harsh. In fact it seems they’d been contributing to her lack of confidence all her life. A young woman who has spent four years resigned to being on the wallflower part of the ballroom, who then has the life kissed out of her in the gardens at a marriage fair, naively assumes that the cad will approach her father for her hand. She’s wrong and is left dangling. Not only dangling but ruined.
(I actually never knew that a wallflower is called that because of where they stand in relation to the dancing and why. That was illuminating. Oh, I surmised I knew, but Ridley gives a more coherent explanation than I’ve seen before.)
Of course Gladys assumes that Reuben Medford, heir presumptive to a viscount (apparently the ton’s most notorious rake) will approach her father. It is after all an annual May Day Fair Ball at MARRYWELL! A place where people who are looking for a spouse go!
When Gladys returns to the ballroom looking somewhat disheveled her fate is sealed. To compound her errors she refuses the suitor her parents have drummed up (who wants some land in Wales that’s part of her dowry). Gladys innocently supposed the man who kissed her loves her. She supposed wrong.
Her parents cast her off there and then, right at the hotel, leaving her with nothing. What must she do but turn to the streets. I can’t even begin to comprehend her distress and pain during this time. She’s a young woman without guile. I am appalled at her parents actions. I feel a great sympathy for the girlish young innocent, and Oh So Needy, Gladys!
As it is, she becomes a courtesan and some years later ends up wealthy enough to retire. (Call me a sceptic but that right there is a fairytale in itself. Highly unlikely, but I’ll accept it for the sake of the story.)
Then on to the rake (whom we’re told is really is a frightened little boy inside, frightened that all he touches will leave him, or die. Hence his inability to commit.)
Well here were are, back where Gladys life changed forever. It’s now five years later and Gladys has her chance for revenge for her young, foolish and innocent self. She returns to the scene of her shaming, the Marrywell Fair, take two. Gladys runs rings around Reuben. Although as the story progresses we see they really are alike. Both rather curl up with a book than dance the night away.
Their HEA takes a few more upsets but in the end, alls well that ends well.
There’s some amusing moments. If it wasn’t for my distress over Gladys and her parents actions I’d have had more reason to invest in the plot and I’d have given the book a higher rating. But, I don’t.
I was confused by Reuben who is likeable, but I didn’t buy him. I had sympathy for Gladys but the fairytale is just a bit too much for me. I’m having trouble accepting Gladys� missing years.
Personally, I didn’t enjoy this story, although others obviously have. It just wasn’t for me.
A Webmotion ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
February 23, 2023
2 stars = it was just okay
Unfortunately this book didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t really like the heroine or her story. Was being a courtesan her only choice when her parents disowned her? And I don’t like revenge or stories about it. Getting revenge says much more about the seeker than the one who did the harm. All in all this definitely wasn’t the book for me. I’m sure others would not have the same problems with the book that I did.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
Unfortunately this book didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t really like the heroine or her story. Was being a courtesan her only choice when her parents disowned her? And I don’t like revenge or stories about it. Getting revenge says much more about the seeker than the one who did the harm. All in all this definitely wasn’t the book for me. I’m sure others would not have the same problems with the book that I did.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
March 11, 2023
3.5 stars
I love this book a ton, but feel obligated to point out that it's not perfect. The first 30%, in fact, is predictable and a bit overwrought - Gladys, whose parents are set up to be awful three times over, is ruined at a party and cast out from her family. Ridley falls into one of her traps, having characters re-re-re-think things to the point of boredom, but stick with it. The remaining 70% feels like a different book - it's five years later and Gladys is back for revenge against the rake who ruined her, and presumably many other women, with no remorse. She's determined to have Reuben fall in love with her so she can have the satisfaction of breaking his heart. Of course things do not go to plan.
Everything I love about this book is in the "five years later" section. Gladys sticks up for herself and takes zero crap from Reuben. He's used to having women fall all over him because of his looks and reputation, and she drives home that kisses are not to be stolen and that everything requires enthusiastic consent. If he tries to pull a fast one, she's gone.
There's great examples of what Ridley is best at including funny, witty banter and over the top moments that may be silly but serve the story well. There are mentions of sex work and I like the way it's handled, with no shame or remorse, and full support from the other love interest.
The most shocking thing for me about this book, though, is that it has a third act breakup that I am fully behind. As soon as it happened I was like, yes! Walk away! Good riddance! In my experience this happens exactly never. And in usual Ridley fashion the point of contention is addressed almost immediately because these are adults who know how to communicate, what a concept! It's satisfying to watch the erring party realize how they fucked up in front of the other person, on the page. Relatedly, the grand gesture is personal, has sufficient grovel, and isn't so outrageous as to be unbelievable.
The only problem I have with this second part is that both love interests say they don't want to get married, with what sounds like no exception, but are very eager to tie the knot by the end.
Can you have a happily ever after without marriage? Of fucking course. I was hoping for it. Harder in this time period, sure, and it may have needed more pages to pull it off, but it's possible. The quick change from 'never marriage' to 'of course marriage' threw me, especially when I was hoping for something more subversive.
Overall this is a book I recommend for seasoned romance readers who want to see something different being done with the wallflower/rake trope. The way that consent is made central to the plot is fascinating, and I think the third act breakup will win over even the most staunch opponents of the trope. I'll be thinking about the craft behind Taming the Rake for a long time.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
I love this book a ton, but feel obligated to point out that it's not perfect. The first 30%, in fact, is predictable and a bit overwrought - Gladys, whose parents are set up to be awful three times over, is ruined at a party and cast out from her family. Ridley falls into one of her traps, having characters re-re-re-think things to the point of boredom, but stick with it. The remaining 70% feels like a different book - it's five years later and Gladys is back for revenge against the rake who ruined her, and presumably many other women, with no remorse. She's determined to have Reuben fall in love with her so she can have the satisfaction of breaking his heart. Of course things do not go to plan.
Everything I love about this book is in the "five years later" section. Gladys sticks up for herself and takes zero crap from Reuben. He's used to having women fall all over him because of his looks and reputation, and she drives home that kisses are not to be stolen and that everything requires enthusiastic consent. If he tries to pull a fast one, she's gone.
There's great examples of what Ridley is best at including funny, witty banter and over the top moments that may be silly but serve the story well. There are mentions of sex work and I like the way it's handled, with no shame or remorse, and full support from the other love interest.
The most shocking thing for me about this book, though, is that it has a third act breakup that I am fully behind. As soon as it happened I was like, yes! Walk away! Good riddance! In my experience this happens exactly never. And in usual Ridley fashion the point of contention is addressed almost immediately because these are adults who know how to communicate, what a concept! It's satisfying to watch the erring party realize how they fucked up in front of the other person, on the page. Relatedly, the grand gesture is personal, has sufficient grovel, and isn't so outrageous as to be unbelievable.
The only problem I have with this second part is that both love interests say they don't want to get married, with what sounds like no exception, but are very eager to tie the knot by the end.
Can you have a happily ever after without marriage? Of fucking course. I was hoping for it. Harder in this time period, sure, and it may have needed more pages to pull it off, but it's possible. The quick change from 'never marriage' to 'of course marriage' threw me, especially when I was hoping for something more subversive.
Overall this is a book I recommend for seasoned romance readers who want to see something different being done with the wallflower/rake trope. The way that consent is made central to the plot is fascinating, and I think the third act breakup will win over even the most staunch opponents of the trope. I'll be thinking about the craft behind Taming the Rake for a long time.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
March 27, 2023
Well, this one had a lot of potential for me. The premise promised a great revenge story: a woman ruined who holds the man to account. That got me to snag this book.
However, the execution was far too rushed and also didn't go deep enough into what the heroine went through. I can't imagine the trauma and hard decisions she had to make.. and I feel like we gloss over it. Which left out a depth that I feel like this story should have had.
It also made it hard to like the hero and understand how we could forgive him so quickly at the end.
This story had powerful bones for me but no meat on them.
3 stars
1.5 on my spice scale
However, the execution was far too rushed and also didn't go deep enough into what the heroine went through. I can't imagine the trauma and hard decisions she had to make.. and I feel like we gloss over it. Which left out a depth that I feel like this story should have had.
It also made it hard to like the hero and understand how we could forgive him so quickly at the end.
This story had powerful bones for me but no meat on them.
3 stars
1.5 on my spice scale
March 17, 2023
Initial thoughts: Not my favorite Erica Ridley thus far. I suppose they can't all be my favorite though. The characters haven't grabbed me like they usually do with her books - you have the painfully naive debutante turned jaded courtesan (with convenient time skip that dramatically lessens the impact) and the unapologetic rake who hasn't changed. But he's secretly a lover of history who would rather be reading. So far it doesn't fit.
Final thoughts: While I did somewhat enjoy the second half of the book, with Gladys' determined use of her hourglass to limit their meetings, which I found very comical, and she and Reuben finding how much they have in common (desire for solitude, preference for curling up with books and cats) -- this is where the story really shines -- it still felt rushed.
And I really dislike the callous way Gladys was treated by everyone in the first half. And I really, really dislike the 5-year time skip in the middle where Gladys goes from an innocent girl not even allowed to read newspapers for fear of being corrupted, then left penniless and alone on the streets after being forcibly kissed, to a courtesan with enough money to keep a townhouse in London and not worry about money (or men) for the rest of her life. That strains all credibility and makes suspension of disbelief impossible.
I also very much disliked Reuben's 'oh poor me, women only want me for sex but I'm inherently unloveable so I can only ever be a rake' mentality. It didn't sit well with me.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Erica Ridley, and Webmotion for providing an early copy for review.
Final thoughts: While I did somewhat enjoy the second half of the book, with Gladys' determined use of her hourglass to limit their meetings, which I found very comical, and she and Reuben finding how much they have in common (desire for solitude, preference for curling up with books and cats) -- this is where the story really shines -- it still felt rushed.
And I really dislike the callous way Gladys was treated by everyone in the first half. And I really, really dislike the 5-year time skip in the middle where Gladys goes from an innocent girl not even allowed to read newspapers for fear of being corrupted, then left penniless and alone on the streets after being forcibly kissed, to a courtesan with enough money to keep a townhouse in London and not worry about money (or men) for the rest of her life. That strains all credibility and makes suspension of disbelief impossible.
I also very much disliked Reuben's 'oh poor me, women only want me for sex but I'm inherently unloveable so I can only ever be a rake' mentality. It didn't sit well with me.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Erica Ridley, and Webmotion for providing an early copy for review.
March 30, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Gladys Bell, a naive wallflower, has never had a suitor but a chance encounter with a wicked rake who tells her she is the woman of his dreams makes her believe she has found true love. She believes that he will offer for her in the morning, but instead all she found was a terrible scandal that ruined her. After her family disowns her, and she turns to prostitution to support herself she has vowed revenge on the rake who ruined her life. He will pay for what he's done to her.
I think Erica Ridley is such a wonderful storyteller, and I really enjoyed this one. First, her family is so freaking awful. Probably one of the worst families I have ever read. Screw them. Even though they sucked, I thought Gladys was great! Once she meets Reuben she really makes him work for her attention. She constantly pretends to be bored, giving him barely any of her time, and actually sets timers for their time together. She acts so disinterested in him that he has no choice but to fall desperately in love with her. There was a great push and pull between these two. A lot of internal conflict and depth in the characters, and great writing that I have come to expect from Erica Ridley. I would whole-heartedly recommend this one.
Gladys Bell, a naive wallflower, has never had a suitor but a chance encounter with a wicked rake who tells her she is the woman of his dreams makes her believe she has found true love. She believes that he will offer for her in the morning, but instead all she found was a terrible scandal that ruined her. After her family disowns her, and she turns to prostitution to support herself she has vowed revenge on the rake who ruined her life. He will pay for what he's done to her.
I think Erica Ridley is such a wonderful storyteller, and I really enjoyed this one. First, her family is so freaking awful. Probably one of the worst families I have ever read. Screw them. Even though they sucked, I thought Gladys was great! Once she meets Reuben she really makes him work for her attention. She constantly pretends to be bored, giving him barely any of her time, and actually sets timers for their time together. She acts so disinterested in him that he has no choice but to fall desperately in love with her. There was a great push and pull between these two. A lot of internal conflict and depth in the characters, and great writing that I have come to expect from Erica Ridley. I would whole-heartedly recommend this one.
March 27, 2023
A delightful revenge plot ends up bringing together two people who needed healing and could give that to each other.
Gladys Bell is standing at the edge of the dance floor at the Marrywell Matchmaking Festival ball, very aware that this is her last chance to make a match, any match. She gets an offer, which she was willing to accept, until she kisses Reuben Medford. But London’s most notorious rake doesn’t show up the following morning to ask for her hand in marriage and instead leaves her with a ruined reputation. In one fell swoop, Gladys loses everything and her family renounces her. Five years later, Gladys is back in Marrywell to exact revenge.
Reuben saw himself as unlovable and inadequate, and I felt a little bit sorry for him. But he was pretty self-absorbed and chose to use women to cope with these negative feelings. Gladys made the best of an absolutely awful situation, even though it put her even further out of reach of her family and society. In a case of mistaken identity and Reuben’s unholy fear of commitment, Gladys had the rug pulled out from under her quite cruelly. I don’t blame her for seeking revenge.
The chemistry between them was hot and explosive. Gladys sure made Reuben work for every touch and kiss. Her efforts also revealed that Reuben was significantly more interesting and complex than his reputation suggested.
It still shocks me that people can treat their children so callously, but without these unfeeling parents, we won’t have stories like these. Reuben and Gladys learned how to be themselves away from the judgement and expectations of other people.
I quite enjoyed this short story and I can recommend it if you like steamy historical romance featuring a ruined reputation and redemption. Taming the Rake is part of the Lords of Love series that is a collaboration between Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. It stands well on its own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 26, 2023
This is my first time reading this author and I appreciate the opportunity to become more familiar with her work via this advance review copy. I was intrigued by the book’s premise - young woman ruined by rakehell takes her revenge years later - and I found the writing style very polished and enjoyable to read, with some nicely drawn scenes of the protagonists getting to know each other. The storytelling seemed clunky to me, however. I’ll try to explain what I mean below.
The first five chapters came across to me as light-hearted, fluffy and fun, and the comedic tone worked well for the subject material (anxious mama tries to marry off her plain eldest daughter). It was an engaging set-up, although a number of plot elements required a lot of suspension of disbelief: the presence of a ‘matchmaking festival� in Hampshire; the idea that parents trying to marry off a daughter would only bring her to one social event per year; and, especially, the notion that parents would disown their daughter immediately, in a public park, after a random stranger accuses her of looking rumpled at a ball the night before and is therefore compromised - had her parents and sister not noticed this the night before when they spent time with her at the ball?
From Chapter 6 onward, it was slightly jarring to find that after a five year time jump, the shy, plain, virginal, wallflower heroine (Gladys) is now a sultry courtesan who’s been selling her body for half a decade. That’s a huge amount of character development that happens off-page and that the reader is not privy to. It’s also difficult to believe Gladys amassed enough wealth in five years to “never need think about men ever again�. Maintaining a London townhouse and staff requires a steady income, and given that it’s acknowledged she had a steep learning curve when she began her profession, she presumably has not been earning high amounts for enough time to finance such an early retirement.
The rakish hero’s longstanding obsession with “Lady Dawn�, his nickname for Gladys after meeting her briefly at the matchmaking festival ball where she’s subsequently ruined, didn’t ring true to me either. Their kissing/fondling session was interrupted five years ago and ever since, he’s only interested in sleeping with lookalikes - despite the fact he couldn’t even remember what she looked like after he met her. What fuelled this obsession? In general, I didn’t find much here in the way of nuanced character development, and the protagonists never felt like real people to me. The reader is told early on why Reuben is the way he is, and this information is repeated at intervals as though the reader might have forgotten. Gladys never evinces much of a personality beyond liking to read and seeking revenge.
There are some very dark themes in this book, such as being rejected by one’s family and having to sell one’s body to survive, that are not addressed with the attention or depth I would expect. These themes don’t align well with the overall tone of the book, which isn’t exactly jaunty but certainly veers more toward rom-com than angst-fest. The text *says* that Gladys is angry about losing everything in her life due to Reuben’s thoughtlessness, but the reader never sees an acknowledgment of the trauma she must have experienced as an impoverished, homeless innocent abandoned by her loved ones and lured into prostitution, nor does the reader come to understand how she managed to work through that trauma. It’s never entirely clear how Gladys feels about her career. She is proud of keeping herself afloat, but is she proud of the relational and practical skills she’s acquired? Does she enjoy sex at all? Does she despise men and/or polite society for placing her in this position?
Overall, I didn’t feel that the execution of this book lived up to its premise. Historical romance often does more telling than showing, but I found this to be particularly the case with “Taming the Rake�.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The first five chapters came across to me as light-hearted, fluffy and fun, and the comedic tone worked well for the subject material (anxious mama tries to marry off her plain eldest daughter). It was an engaging set-up, although a number of plot elements required a lot of suspension of disbelief: the presence of a ‘matchmaking festival� in Hampshire; the idea that parents trying to marry off a daughter would only bring her to one social event per year; and, especially, the notion that parents would disown their daughter immediately, in a public park, after a random stranger accuses her of looking rumpled at a ball the night before and is therefore compromised - had her parents and sister not noticed this the night before when they spent time with her at the ball?
From Chapter 6 onward, it was slightly jarring to find that after a five year time jump, the shy, plain, virginal, wallflower heroine (Gladys) is now a sultry courtesan who’s been selling her body for half a decade. That’s a huge amount of character development that happens off-page and that the reader is not privy to. It’s also difficult to believe Gladys amassed enough wealth in five years to “never need think about men ever again�. Maintaining a London townhouse and staff requires a steady income, and given that it’s acknowledged she had a steep learning curve when she began her profession, she presumably has not been earning high amounts for enough time to finance such an early retirement.
The rakish hero’s longstanding obsession with “Lady Dawn�, his nickname for Gladys after meeting her briefly at the matchmaking festival ball where she’s subsequently ruined, didn’t ring true to me either. Their kissing/fondling session was interrupted five years ago and ever since, he’s only interested in sleeping with lookalikes - despite the fact he couldn’t even remember what she looked like after he met her. What fuelled this obsession? In general, I didn’t find much here in the way of nuanced character development, and the protagonists never felt like real people to me. The reader is told early on why Reuben is the way he is, and this information is repeated at intervals as though the reader might have forgotten. Gladys never evinces much of a personality beyond liking to read and seeking revenge.
There are some very dark themes in this book, such as being rejected by one’s family and having to sell one’s body to survive, that are not addressed with the attention or depth I would expect. These themes don’t align well with the overall tone of the book, which isn’t exactly jaunty but certainly veers more toward rom-com than angst-fest. The text *says* that Gladys is angry about losing everything in her life due to Reuben’s thoughtlessness, but the reader never sees an acknowledgment of the trauma she must have experienced as an impoverished, homeless innocent abandoned by her loved ones and lured into prostitution, nor does the reader come to understand how she managed to work through that trauma. It’s never entirely clear how Gladys feels about her career. She is proud of keeping herself afloat, but is she proud of the relational and practical skills she’s acquired? Does she enjoy sex at all? Does she despise men and/or polite society for placing her in this position?
Overall, I didn’t feel that the execution of this book lived up to its premise. Historical romance often does more telling than showing, but I found this to be particularly the case with “Taming the Rake�.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 13, 2023
4.5 Stars
Miss Gladys Bell is a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then at the Marrywell festival she met the man of her dreams. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name. Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and even her home. But now five year’s she’s back, and bent on revenge.
The second visit to the annual Marrywell festival & a well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved Gladys who suffered dearly for one mistake, I sympathised with her & she did what she had to, to survive. I started by disliking Reuben but the more I read the more his backstory emerged the more my feelings changed. Does he redeem himself? & does Gladys have her revenge? Well that would be telling! An interesting read that I read in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Miss Gladys Bell is a wallflower whose parents despaired of her ever attracting a suitor. Then at the Marrywell festival she met the man of her dreams. One passionate night later, Gladys awaits a marriage proposal that never comes. Reuben Medford, the ton’s most notorious rake, doesn’t even remember her name. Thanks to his cold-hearted callousness, Gladys lost her reputation, her dowry, and even her home. But now five year’s she’s back, and bent on revenge.
The second visit to the annual Marrywell festival & a well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved Gladys who suffered dearly for one mistake, I sympathised with her & she did what she had to, to survive. I started by disliking Reuben but the more I read the more his backstory emerged the more my feelings changed. Does he redeem himself? & does Gladys have her revenge? Well that would be telling! An interesting read that I read in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 18, 2023
Taming the Rake
Second book in the Lords in Love Series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
**SPOILERS AHEAD****
Taming the Rake tells the romance of Reuben and Gladys. Two people who met at the wrong time and place. It is that fateful encounter that even though it brought happiness to Gladys for a mere short time, she later paid dire consequences in regards to her reputation and family. It is then that she plans to get revenge from Reuben, since it is his actions that ruined her reputation.
This is the first historical romance that I've read in which the female lead is the one who plans to destroy the love interest. It was heartbreaking to see what Gladys had to endure in order to survive in a society who only held women accountable for when indiscretions happened.
I was very invested in the story to see how she would carry out this so called revenge that she'd been planning for five years. I enjoyed seeing her plan come to fruition, sadly it was at a slow pace, but then suddenly I felt that the story was cut short. I feel that he did not do enough groveling in order to earn her forgiveness. Yes, he did say the right words but I would have liked for the groveling to be dragged out a little more.
Second book in the Lords in Love Series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
**SPOILERS AHEAD****
Taming the Rake tells the romance of Reuben and Gladys. Two people who met at the wrong time and place. It is that fateful encounter that even though it brought happiness to Gladys for a mere short time, she later paid dire consequences in regards to her reputation and family. It is then that she plans to get revenge from Reuben, since it is his actions that ruined her reputation.
This is the first historical romance that I've read in which the female lead is the one who plans to destroy the love interest. It was heartbreaking to see what Gladys had to endure in order to survive in a society who only held women accountable for when indiscretions happened.
I was very invested in the story to see how she would carry out this so called revenge that she'd been planning for five years. I enjoyed seeing her plan come to fruition, sadly it was at a slow pace, but then suddenly I felt that the story was cut short. I feel that he did not do enough groveling in order to earn her forgiveness. Yes, he did say the right words but I would have liked for the groveling to be dragged out a little more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
We're back to the matching festival and there is a new couple to fall for. It always pains me to read stories where it is shown just how little of choices women had before us. And boy did this book show us just that.
After Gladys is ruined, she's forced to find a way to survive and survive. But she's finally able to leave that life behind her, and now she just needs to settle a score with the man who pushed her into it 5 years ago.
I'm not sure I care for Reuben. I get he was suffering his own demons, but I just couldn't seem to look past them. Even when he was doing all the right things, I resented him for Gladys and the way her life turned out after she met him. I did like that after all this time and suffering, she was able to find love and happiness in his arms but still.. He doesn't get the love from me. But Gladys can take it all. Her strength and determination was all I needed to love this story.
After Gladys is ruined, she's forced to find a way to survive and survive. But she's finally able to leave that life behind her, and now she just needs to settle a score with the man who pushed her into it 5 years ago.
I'm not sure I care for Reuben. I get he was suffering his own demons, but I just couldn't seem to look past them. Even when he was doing all the right things, I resented him for Gladys and the way her life turned out after she met him. I did like that after all this time and suffering, she was able to find love and happiness in his arms but still.. He doesn't get the love from me. But Gladys can take it all. Her strength and determination was all I needed to love this story.
March 28, 2023
Back to the Marrywell matchmaking Festival, but Gladys Bell does not have the same luck as Sadie Campton did in the first book. This is her last chance to find a husband at the festival, before her dowry is given to her younger sister. But unlike her beautiful sister, Gladys is short and plain. Due to a misunderstanding, she believes that the notorious rake, Reuben Medford, is going to offer for her, but he believes that she is already engaged. She ends up ruined and disowned by her family. Homes and all alone, she is reduced to prostitution, which she ends up being quite good at. Five years later, wealthy and beautiful, she comes back to the the Merrywell Festival for revenge, but finds out that Reuben is not the rake that everyone thinks, that he is really insecure and doesn't think anyone will tolerate him for more than one night and he has not forgotten their interlude. As always, the author's wit shines through the story, with witty banter, likable characters and an engaging plot. I read an ARC provided by the author. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
February 21, 2023
WARNING. ALL THE SPOILERS HAPPEN HERE.
This the first Ridley book I've been mad at. Reuben, the love interest, was superficial and Gladys, the main female protagonist, has a heartbreaking backstory. It's all so dark.
Content warnings for parental manipulation, slut shaming, and forced sex work.
I'm struggling to be positive, to be honest. I did enjoy the friendship angles, the exploration of deeper connections. And there are moments of consent and boundaries. Scenes like the ale house or finding out they enjoyed reading was fun! I wanted more.
Unfortunately, I couldn't buy the romance. In part because Reuben felt super immature in his late 20s. Additionally, some of their internal monologues were too similar. Let's not forget she was forced into sex work in order to survive at 21.
Gladys is stripped of everything while he just carries on. She's left with 4 shillings and no connections due to the disrepair he put her in. All to maintain her mother's lifestyle she's grown accustomed to. And shamed by society for it.
Not mention her mother keeping them insulated from media and society for purity culture's sake. So they have little understanding of the marriage mart and dalliances. Believing all balls and activities lead to marriage. So the mistaken identity means he must love her, right?
When Gladys mentions not doing courtesan work now, he still offers to pay for her time. And in their first encounter, he manages to not even remember or ask her name after ruining her prospects. Not exactly a great partner.
I'd rather this a revenge thriller over romance. Thanks to Netgalley, WebMotion, and the author for access in exchange for an honest review.
Had this not been an ARC, I would have DNFed early on. Every single trope I hate was in this book. I normally love Ridley. She's an auto read but this felt like late 1990s or early 2000s. A historical romance period I don't need to revisit.
This the first Ridley book I've been mad at. Reuben, the love interest, was superficial and Gladys, the main female protagonist, has a heartbreaking backstory. It's all so dark.
Content warnings for parental manipulation, slut shaming, and forced sex work.
I'm struggling to be positive, to be honest. I did enjoy the friendship angles, the exploration of deeper connections. And there are moments of consent and boundaries. Scenes like the ale house or finding out they enjoyed reading was fun! I wanted more.
Unfortunately, I couldn't buy the romance. In part because Reuben felt super immature in his late 20s. Additionally, some of their internal monologues were too similar. Let's not forget she was forced into sex work in order to survive at 21.
Gladys is stripped of everything while he just carries on. She's left with 4 shillings and no connections due to the disrepair he put her in. All to maintain her mother's lifestyle she's grown accustomed to. And shamed by society for it.
Not mention her mother keeping them insulated from media and society for purity culture's sake. So they have little understanding of the marriage mart and dalliances. Believing all balls and activities lead to marriage. So the mistaken identity means he must love her, right?
When Gladys mentions not doing courtesan work now, he still offers to pay for her time. And in their first encounter, he manages to not even remember or ask her name after ruining her prospects. Not exactly a great partner.
I'd rather this a revenge thriller over romance. Thanks to Netgalley, WebMotion, and the author for access in exchange for an honest review.
Had this not been an ARC, I would have DNFed early on. Every single trope I hate was in this book. I normally love Ridley. She's an auto read but this felt like late 1990s or early 2000s. A historical romance period I don't need to revisit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
This book kinda pissed me off ngl. The love interest is just an ass and did not change at all between the time skip, meanwhile the MC was forced into sex work and changed her entire personality.
I really liked the idea of her using an hourglass in order to count the time of their meetings and her always wanting to do something different with him were nice as well but it felt kind of rushed.
The love interest was the worse part of this book for me. He was so fucking unbearable and his "oh poor me women only want to use my body 🥺🥺 im just a dork who loves history &no one will ever love me" monologues were so annoying and not believable at all. Not to mention the MC forgave him way too fast after he literally ruined her life, was the reason she was forced into sex work AND still had the nerve to say he wanted her as his mistress like wtf???? The only reason he wanted her was bc she reminded him of "the one that got away" (which he didnt know it was actually her) and the only reason he cared about Lady Dawn was bc she left him after their kiss and he couldn't BARE the idea that a woman wouldnt want to fuck him. It did not seem to me that he actually cared about her & her interests and saw her as an individual & only really saw her as a piece of meat. He didnt respect her and he didnt deserve her.
It's one thing if the male character is arrogant and has flaws in the beginning and starts to change his ways, I dont mind that at all, but even at the end he still didnt respect her in my eyes. The end resolution was rushed as hell too. Idk this book just pissed me off man ðŸ˜
I really liked the idea of her using an hourglass in order to count the time of their meetings and her always wanting to do something different with him were nice as well but it felt kind of rushed.
The love interest was the worse part of this book for me. He was so fucking unbearable and his "oh poor me women only want to use my body 🥺🥺 im just a dork who loves history &no one will ever love me" monologues were so annoying and not believable at all. Not to mention the MC forgave him way too fast after he literally ruined her life, was the reason she was forced into sex work AND still had the nerve to say he wanted her as his mistress like wtf???? The only reason he wanted her was bc she reminded him of "the one that got away" (which he didnt know it was actually her) and the only reason he cared about Lady Dawn was bc she left him after their kiss and he couldn't BARE the idea that a woman wouldnt want to fuck him. It did not seem to me that he actually cared about her & her interests and saw her as an individual & only really saw her as a piece of meat. He didnt respect her and he didnt deserve her.
It's one thing if the male character is arrogant and has flaws in the beginning and starts to change his ways, I dont mind that at all, but even at the end he still didnt respect her in my eyes. The end resolution was rushed as hell too. Idk this book just pissed me off man ðŸ˜
March 25, 2023
IF YOU HATE WOMEN, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU
i was thoroughly disgusted by what happened to gladys. she deserved so much better than what fate had in store for her in the book. i don’t have to explain much since most reviews on here explained it better.
what reuben (what kind of name is that?) did to her cost her literally everything. her reputation, her family, her safe net. after living a sheltered life, she was forced to SELL HER BODY to stay alive. FOR FIVE. FUCKING. YEARS.
other reviewers already mentioned how naive and young she was—how was she was a virgin when her family disowned her. can’t you imagine how horrifying it was that she had to resort to sex work? it’s beyond appalling. reuben didn’t even deserve to lick a speck of dirt on her shoe.
and god i was so goddamn sick of reading about reuben’s self deprecating nonsense. “i’m nothing but a rake :( nobody loves me for me :( there’s more to me than just my good looks and big dick :(�
OMG STFU?????? WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM BEING A DECENT HUMAN BEING????
and what was so maddening is that gladys gave him a second chance—her whole body to him. when he realized his mistake, HE DIDN’T HAVE TO DO SHIT to get back into her good graces.
SO YEAH. IF YOU HATE WOMEN. THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU :)
i suggest a change in title for the book: the humiliation of gladys bell because that’s all it was. humiliation for her.
i was thoroughly disgusted by what happened to gladys. she deserved so much better than what fate had in store for her in the book. i don’t have to explain much since most reviews on here explained it better.
what reuben (what kind of name is that?) did to her cost her literally everything. her reputation, her family, her safe net. after living a sheltered life, she was forced to SELL HER BODY to stay alive. FOR FIVE. FUCKING. YEARS.
other reviewers already mentioned how naive and young she was—how was she was a virgin when her family disowned her. can’t you imagine how horrifying it was that she had to resort to sex work? it’s beyond appalling. reuben didn’t even deserve to lick a speck of dirt on her shoe.
and god i was so goddamn sick of reading about reuben’s self deprecating nonsense. “i’m nothing but a rake :( nobody loves me for me :( there’s more to me than just my good looks and big dick :(�
OMG STFU?????? WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM BEING A DECENT HUMAN BEING????
and what was so maddening is that gladys gave him a second chance—her whole body to him. when he realized his mistake, HE DIDN’T HAVE TO DO SHIT to get back into her good graces.
SO YEAH. IF YOU HATE WOMEN. THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU :)
i suggest a change in title for the book: the humiliation of gladys bell because that’s all it was. humiliation for her.
March 22, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
Gladys Bell was a much disparaged wallflower whose parents were desperate for her to find a suitor. Just when she thought she’d found her perfect match and was anxiously awaiting his proposal, he never showed up. With her reputation ruined, Gladys was disowned by her family and stripped of her dowry and any chance at finding love and the notorious rake who ruined her didn’t even remember her name.
Five years later Gladys has become a successful and wealthy courtesan bent on revenge, so she returns to the Merrywell Matchmaking Festival to find Reuben Medford, win his heart and then break it just as he did to her.
This was an interesting twist on the revenge plot and Reuben certainly deserved the comeuppance. What I kept getting hung up on here was Gladys� fixation on the wrongs he’d done to her, while completely dismissing those done to her by her family. Gladys blames Reuben for the loss of her parents� love and, though she does have a point, it is also painfully obvious that she never truly had their love to begin with or at the very least that their love was extremely conditional. I really wanted to see her seek some sort of revenge on them as well. Reuben was likable in some scenes, but it always seemed like he did something to mess that up just when I was finding myself unwittingly charmed by him. I think this is a credit to Ridley’s writing skills. I did find the final resolution to be rushed (perhaps to be expected since this is a novella), but I wanted to see a bit more groveling from Reuben and more of a resolution of some sort or a retribution even for the way Gladys was treated by her parents. I also think it would’ve been nice to have a bit more examination of why Reuben had such a low self-worth instead of just repeatedly telling us that he did. Overall, this was a fun story and a unique twist on the revenge and reformed rake tropes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:
Gladys Bell was a much disparaged wallflower whose parents were desperate for her to find a suitor. Just when she thought she’d found her perfect match and was anxiously awaiting his proposal, he never showed up. With her reputation ruined, Gladys was disowned by her family and stripped of her dowry and any chance at finding love and the notorious rake who ruined her didn’t even remember her name.
Five years later Gladys has become a successful and wealthy courtesan bent on revenge, so she returns to the Merrywell Matchmaking Festival to find Reuben Medford, win his heart and then break it just as he did to her.
This was an interesting twist on the revenge plot and Reuben certainly deserved the comeuppance. What I kept getting hung up on here was Gladys� fixation on the wrongs he’d done to her, while completely dismissing those done to her by her family. Gladys blames Reuben for the loss of her parents� love and, though she does have a point, it is also painfully obvious that she never truly had their love to begin with or at the very least that their love was extremely conditional. I really wanted to see her seek some sort of revenge on them as well. Reuben was likable in some scenes, but it always seemed like he did something to mess that up just when I was finding myself unwittingly charmed by him. I think this is a credit to Ridley’s writing skills. I did find the final resolution to be rushed (perhaps to be expected since this is a novella), but I wanted to see a bit more groveling from Reuben and more of a resolution of some sort or a retribution even for the way Gladys was treated by her parents. I also think it would’ve been nice to have a bit more examination of why Reuben had such a low self-worth instead of just repeatedly telling us that he did. Overall, this was a fun story and a unique twist on the revenge and reformed rake tropes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:
April 3, 2023
This one is a disappointment, I read the first in this series and very much enjoyed it, but this one-no-it just totally misses the mark.
Gladys is a naive debutante (believable) and imagines herself in love after a kiss in a dark garden from a total stranger, a well known rake. Ok, still ok, but from that point on it is straight downhill. To say that Reuben is a sniveling, self-centered, narcissist would be giving him a compliment . He goes his merry way after delivering the kiss that ruins Gladys without a second thought and when they meet years later I see nothing to show he thought of her or had done anything worth his redemption.! And as far as Gladys' family is concerned, they too are awful self-centered hateful individuals only concerned with themselves and how they appear in society. And it was a little unbelievable how right there in the middle of the town festival they abandon Gladys, literally and physically turning their backs on her and casting her out into the streets! Unreal, honestly!
There is too much about this book I had issues with, I am not going to list them all. Just not the story for me despite how I liked the first in the series. I do not recommend this one. Hopefully the next will be better.
Thank you to Web Motion and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Gladys is a naive debutante (believable) and imagines herself in love after a kiss in a dark garden from a total stranger, a well known rake. Ok, still ok, but from that point on it is straight downhill. To say that Reuben is a sniveling, self-centered, narcissist would be giving him a compliment . He goes his merry way after delivering the kiss that ruins Gladys without a second thought and when they meet years later I see nothing to show he thought of her or had done anything worth his redemption.! And as far as Gladys' family is concerned, they too are awful self-centered hateful individuals only concerned with themselves and how they appear in society. And it was a little unbelievable how right there in the middle of the town festival they abandon Gladys, literally and physically turning their backs on her and casting her out into the streets! Unreal, honestly!
There is too much about this book I had issues with, I am not going to list them all. Just not the story for me despite how I liked the first in the series. I do not recommend this one. Hopefully the next will be better.
Thank you to Web Motion and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Read
March 16, 2023*This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley*
4 STARS!!
Well-written, with so many cute scenes and sexy moments, Taming the Rake is a very entertaining read!
Gladys Bell, an extremely naive, on-the-shelf wallflower is the tamer of the titular rake in this short-and-sweet novel. The rake in question is a supremely hot man who loves history books and cats, so I can't say I blame Gladys. But Gladys does blame Reuben. She blames him for ruining her life, for destroying her hopes and aspirations, and for him being the reason her family disowned her and left her on the streets. She returns, hardened, to exact revenge for her lost dreams.
Reuben is a sad rake, not a happy one, in the sense his desire for rakish behavior stems from insecurity and an inferiority complex the size of England. He thinks he does not deserve love, and Gladys agrees. Until she goes and falls in love with him.
My Favorite Parts - The subversion of the ' let me stand behind you and show you how to fire a gun/hit a ball' trope. The excellent usage of the hourglass. This novel also features a great grovel, which is always a plus.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
4 STARS!!
Well-written, with so many cute scenes and sexy moments, Taming the Rake is a very entertaining read!
Gladys Bell, an extremely naive, on-the-shelf wallflower is the tamer of the titular rake in this short-and-sweet novel. The rake in question is a supremely hot man who loves history books and cats, so I can't say I blame Gladys. But Gladys does blame Reuben. She blames him for ruining her life, for destroying her hopes and aspirations, and for him being the reason her family disowned her and left her on the streets. She returns, hardened, to exact revenge for her lost dreams.
Reuben is a sad rake, not a happy one, in the sense his desire for rakish behavior stems from insecurity and an inferiority complex the size of England. He thinks he does not deserve love, and Gladys agrees. Until she goes and falls in love with him.
My Favorite Parts - The subversion of the ' let me stand behind you and show you how to fire a gun/hit a ball' trope. The excellent usage of the hourglass. This novel also features a great grovel, which is always a plus.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
March 23, 2023
A heartbreaking second chance that left me hoping with all my might that Gladys and Reuben would finally get their rightful chance at happiness. Both of them want so badly to be seen and loved for who they are, but they’re also both kind of going about it in all the wrong ways. I loved Gladys for her drive to achieve her dreams, and I wanted to hug the stuffing out of Rueben just simply because I felt like he badly needed the honest affection. I got so much enjoyment out of this latest trip to Merrywell and I’m already looking forward to the next chance to come back.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
March 29, 2023
Reuben Medford has never had love. He doesn't know what it is. A mistake on his part destroys a young lady's reputation and banishment. Five years later she seeks her revenge against him. As they enjoy each other during the May Day Matchmaking Festival, what started as revenge, brings back the love she felt five years ago for Reuben. Reuben has a lot to think about when he discovers the young woman, he never forgot is the woman he is losing today. He just has to figure out how to win her for the future.A good read with a bit of humor involving time.
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 28, 2023
I adored this new release from Erica Ridley, it is the second book in the Lords in Love series that Ridley is writing with Darcy Burke, and I found it to be a lovely addition to this series that revolves around a small country town's matchmaking festival. Ridley is a master storyteller, I find her writing to be compulsively readable and her characters to be relatable. This novel has two interesting characters at its center, with a plot the drives quickly forward. This novel is balance between character development and discovery with a revenge plot that puts our heroine on her mission. This is a novella, so it is a quick read, easy to devour in one sitting, and while it might not be for everyone, it definitely worked for me.
Our heroine is a wallflower, who many see as plain, so during a ball during the matchmaking festival she and her family are attending, her wildest fantasy for romance are awaked with one kiss. But in the end this scandalous glimpse into desire, leaves her disowned by her family and she must learn to survive in whatever way she can. Now five years later, she has archived a level of security for herself, she is back to seek revenge on the man who forced her life on the path she had to take. I found our heroine to be strong and a survivor. Watching her come into her own is gratifying on its own, and then watching how she breaks down the walls of the hero becomes the catalyst for the plot of this novel. Watching these two who both have baggage and misunderstanding, tempt and flirt and open themselves up to each other is interesting and ultimately romantic. These two through their actions learn a lot about themselves and each other. They must both learn to except the past and move forward by themselves and together.
I really enjoyed this novel, and if you love Erica Ridley, I think you will find something to love. I am so excited to continue reading on in this series, I think that Ridley and Burke's styles both compliment each other really nicely!
Thank you to WebMotion and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Our heroine is a wallflower, who many see as plain, so during a ball during the matchmaking festival she and her family are attending, her wildest fantasy for romance are awaked with one kiss. But in the end this scandalous glimpse into desire, leaves her disowned by her family and she must learn to survive in whatever way she can. Now five years later, she has archived a level of security for herself, she is back to seek revenge on the man who forced her life on the path she had to take. I found our heroine to be strong and a survivor. Watching her come into her own is gratifying on its own, and then watching how she breaks down the walls of the hero becomes the catalyst for the plot of this novel. Watching these two who both have baggage and misunderstanding, tempt and flirt and open themselves up to each other is interesting and ultimately romantic. These two through their actions learn a lot about themselves and each other. They must both learn to except the past and move forward by themselves and together.
I really enjoyed this novel, and if you love Erica Ridley, I think you will find something to love. I am so excited to continue reading on in this series, I think that Ridley and Burke's styles both compliment each other really nicely!
Thank you to WebMotion and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2023
Taming the Take, by Erica Ridley. I love the format lol how this wonderful love story is written. It’s written as though it could placed in it’s own short story box. Ruben and Gladys are fabulous in this romantic story. The story was short and it was straight to the point on many things. Ruben and Glady’s story had imagination, and realism, and clear details to each scene.
I love the puppy love sentiments between the main characters. I enjoyed the book immensely. Until next time my fellow readers� read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love the puppy love sentiments between the main characters. I enjoyed the book immensely. Until next time my fellow readers� read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2023
This was a very different historical romance read for me. I haven’t read one where the heroine is treated quite so poorly before.
Gladys definitely deserves better parents, friends and even hero in my opinion. The life she’s forced into definitely changes her and when she has a chance for revenge five years after her trauma I was cheering her on. Reuben wasn’t my favourite hero from this author but I did enjoy the story.
I received an arc of this book
Gladys definitely deserves better parents, friends and even hero in my opinion. The life she’s forced into definitely changes her and when she has a chance for revenge five years after her trauma I was cheering her on. Reuben wasn’t my favourite hero from this author but I did enjoy the story.
I received an arc of this book
May 31, 2023
Also 0 stars for Gladys's parents who are the worst.
February 22, 2023
I'm not partial to the revenge trope in a romance novel, but I was rooting that Reuben would get his comeuppance after reading the first few chapters. He was a cad who was oblivious to the consequences of his actions. Gladys was extremely naive and it was nice to see her grow into her own power. The steam level was good and the story was resolved quickly. I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
March 12, 2023
I. Love. Gladys. I hate that she was hurt so much, and the unfairness of it all hurts my heart. But she took this pain and owned it and came out So Much Stronger!!! This confident, brilliant, thoughtful woman who is hell bent on revenge...YES! So much fun to read, although I felt the end was a bit rushed - I wanted more! Overall, lovely!
April 2, 2023
I loved Erica Ridley's novellas in the Siren's Retreat Quartet series, and was hoping for a similar attention to characterization, setting, and dialog here, but this novella didn't quite work for me. Occasionally the banter between the MC's is sly and clever, but character development, especially of Reuben, is lacking. If he had changed as a person and genuinely looked for Gladys during the 5 years she'd worked as a popular courtesan (it's rather unbelievable that he didn't bump into her in London if he were really a rake) he would have earned a bit of redemption. But he's shallow and self-centered until around the 75% mark, and I didn't buy him as the shy bookish type. The idea that he was in his early 31's with no self-esteem based on his uncle's apathetic attitude toward him as a child just didn't sway me.
Gladys is of course a much more sympathetic character. One thing that bothered me toward the end is the irony that, based on her ruined reputation and former vocation, she's someone Reuben would have a challenge marrying even if he wanted to, is only mentioned once. When Gladys finds out Reuben has a house in Mayfair, she mentions wryly how exclusive that area is. Someone with a past as a courtesan couldn't simply ingratiate herself into the ton. But Reuben just grovels, gives a pretty speech, and they have their HEA.
Overall, I think the subject matter is too complex for such a short book to do justice to.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity.
Gladys is of course a much more sympathetic character. One thing that bothered me toward the end is the irony that, based on her ruined reputation and former vocation, she's someone Reuben would have a challenge marrying even if he wanted to, is only mentioned once. When Gladys finds out Reuben has a house in Mayfair, she mentions wryly how exclusive that area is. Someone with a past as a courtesan couldn't simply ingratiate herself into the ton. But Reuben just grovels, gives a pretty speech, and they have their HEA.
Overall, I think the subject matter is too complex for such a short book to do justice to.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity.
January 19, 2024
She is a very sympathetic character. Their first meeting was explosive and have far reaching ramifications. Vengeance is sweet, a double edged sword and requires two graves. But there is more to him just being the rakehell he plays for the world. It isn’t until they truly see each other that they find their HEA. There are moments of sympathy, wicked glee, amusement, and love in this story. Totally engaging and hard to put down.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
March 24, 2023
This story is delightful. It has everything and you’ll feel all of it: love, lust, joy, sadness, humiliation, confusion, despair � and if you keep your fingers crossed maybe even happy ever after!
I love Regency romance. So many rules. Nobody followed them if all the little trysts are any example. But everyone was affected by them, often very negatively and for the rest of their lives. Many of the rules were cold, cruel, uncompromising. No three strikes or second chances. Mess up once and that’s it � you’re out. Who cares how you make a living, or if you go on living. And this is from not just society but your own family. Consequences and punishment were swift and irrevocable. Of course most of these rules applied to women only. Being a rake was kind of a charming thing for a man but get caught accidentally in the garden unchaperoned with a man and that’s the end for a woman. You’re ruined, fallen, you no longer exist. And if someone holds a grudge against you and lies about what caused your downfall it doesn’t matter; they will be believed and you will be shunned. Or erased. And the reason I love Regency romance is because talented authors like Erica Ridley take these dark, dreadful, dreary circumstances and turn them into immensely entertaining stories for us to enjoy!
This unforgiving environment is the one Gladys Bell has grown up in. She’s not drop-dead gorgeous like her younger sister and her marriage prospects are slim, as her mother never hesitates to point out. She’s not old by today’s standards but in Regency eyes she’s practically an old maid. She’s never received a marriage proposal and this is her last chance; if she doesn’t get married now her dowry will pass to her sister and she’ll become the spinster sister who never leaves home. Which is actually more appealing to Gladys than marrying someone she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her. Her father is trying to arrange a match for her with a man only interested in the property Gladys would bring to the union, but she has reached legal age and does not have to give her consent.
What happens next would make a very funny rom com in today’s world. Not so much for Gladys though. More like the dashing of all her hopes and the ruin of her life.
A (supremely handsome of course) young man approaches her at the ball, tells her she is the woman of his dreams and invites her to meet him in the garden. She’s amazed, mesmerized, charmed � hopeful. A little kissing goes on and there is quite the instant attraction. Only problem is that the young man is Reuben, the most notorious rake in the ton, and he mistakes Gladys for a married woman he is to meet for a secret assignation. He is so taken with the sparks and fire between them that he pays no attention when Gladys tells him her name. Agrees to meet her in the morning at the hotel. He thinks to continue what they started; she thinks for him to ask her father for her hand. Pretty funny case of mistaken identity in this century; not so much in that one. Reuben has figured out his mistake but has no idea who this young woman was and marriage isn’t in his plans anyway. No harm done in his mind. But there is harm. A lot of harm. Gladys waits and waits and waits and waits, and of course there’s a nasty neighbor who saw her come out of the garden and tells all who will listen. Her family immediately cast her out. The potential suitor isn’t even a possibility now. She’s dishonored and shamed the family. Her sister seems slightly regretful but, hey, she needs to get married herself. And her mother and father never look back.
We don’t see the horrible details of Gladys� immediate struggle when thrown out but meet up with her again five years later. She has done what she needed to to survive and is now a very successful courtesan to the upper crust (she knows all about the ton, right?). She plans to retire after doing one more thing, the thing that has kept her going all these years. And that is to exact her revenge � Revenge with a capital “R� � on that young man who broke her heart, who ruined her life. She is going to reel him in and then discard him and leave him broken just as he did her.
Once Gladys and Reuben meet again and we’re back in mistaken identify land this story becomes utterly charming. Reuben has been going merrily along, ever the rake. Well, not that merrily as he is haunted by that young woman he just can’t forget. He never even considers that Gladys could be her. Gladys, for her part, is single-minded. She knows exactly who Reuben is and what she is going to do, but darn it, she is starting to like him. We learn that while yes, he is a rake, he is a rake with a gigantic inferiority complex, who thinks no one ever could or will like, much less love, him so being a rake is all his life will be, and we start to like him too.
Gladys and Reuben are characters you will love from the start, even when you don’t like them or disapprove of what they are doing. Taming the Rake is funny, witty, surprising, sweet, heartbreaking, sexy and yes, hopeful. You will be transported to the time and beautiful locations they find themselves in. The dialogue is bright and fresh and just snaps and will keep you turning pages, wondering how they will ever avert disaster and get to that HEA.
Thanks to oh so talented author Erica Ridley for providing an advance copy of Taming the Rake. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in the Lords in Love series.
I love Regency romance. So many rules. Nobody followed them if all the little trysts are any example. But everyone was affected by them, often very negatively and for the rest of their lives. Many of the rules were cold, cruel, uncompromising. No three strikes or second chances. Mess up once and that’s it � you’re out. Who cares how you make a living, or if you go on living. And this is from not just society but your own family. Consequences and punishment were swift and irrevocable. Of course most of these rules applied to women only. Being a rake was kind of a charming thing for a man but get caught accidentally in the garden unchaperoned with a man and that’s the end for a woman. You’re ruined, fallen, you no longer exist. And if someone holds a grudge against you and lies about what caused your downfall it doesn’t matter; they will be believed and you will be shunned. Or erased. And the reason I love Regency romance is because talented authors like Erica Ridley take these dark, dreadful, dreary circumstances and turn them into immensely entertaining stories for us to enjoy!
This unforgiving environment is the one Gladys Bell has grown up in. She’s not drop-dead gorgeous like her younger sister and her marriage prospects are slim, as her mother never hesitates to point out. She’s not old by today’s standards but in Regency eyes she’s practically an old maid. She’s never received a marriage proposal and this is her last chance; if she doesn’t get married now her dowry will pass to her sister and she’ll become the spinster sister who never leaves home. Which is actually more appealing to Gladys than marrying someone she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her. Her father is trying to arrange a match for her with a man only interested in the property Gladys would bring to the union, but she has reached legal age and does not have to give her consent.
What happens next would make a very funny rom com in today’s world. Not so much for Gladys though. More like the dashing of all her hopes and the ruin of her life.
A (supremely handsome of course) young man approaches her at the ball, tells her she is the woman of his dreams and invites her to meet him in the garden. She’s amazed, mesmerized, charmed � hopeful. A little kissing goes on and there is quite the instant attraction. Only problem is that the young man is Reuben, the most notorious rake in the ton, and he mistakes Gladys for a married woman he is to meet for a secret assignation. He is so taken with the sparks and fire between them that he pays no attention when Gladys tells him her name. Agrees to meet her in the morning at the hotel. He thinks to continue what they started; she thinks for him to ask her father for her hand. Pretty funny case of mistaken identity in this century; not so much in that one. Reuben has figured out his mistake but has no idea who this young woman was and marriage isn’t in his plans anyway. No harm done in his mind. But there is harm. A lot of harm. Gladys waits and waits and waits and waits, and of course there’s a nasty neighbor who saw her come out of the garden and tells all who will listen. Her family immediately cast her out. The potential suitor isn’t even a possibility now. She’s dishonored and shamed the family. Her sister seems slightly regretful but, hey, she needs to get married herself. And her mother and father never look back.
We don’t see the horrible details of Gladys� immediate struggle when thrown out but meet up with her again five years later. She has done what she needed to to survive and is now a very successful courtesan to the upper crust (she knows all about the ton, right?). She plans to retire after doing one more thing, the thing that has kept her going all these years. And that is to exact her revenge � Revenge with a capital “R� � on that young man who broke her heart, who ruined her life. She is going to reel him in and then discard him and leave him broken just as he did her.
Once Gladys and Reuben meet again and we’re back in mistaken identify land this story becomes utterly charming. Reuben has been going merrily along, ever the rake. Well, not that merrily as he is haunted by that young woman he just can’t forget. He never even considers that Gladys could be her. Gladys, for her part, is single-minded. She knows exactly who Reuben is and what she is going to do, but darn it, she is starting to like him. We learn that while yes, he is a rake, he is a rake with a gigantic inferiority complex, who thinks no one ever could or will like, much less love, him so being a rake is all his life will be, and we start to like him too.
Gladys and Reuben are characters you will love from the start, even when you don’t like them or disapprove of what they are doing. Taming the Rake is funny, witty, surprising, sweet, heartbreaking, sexy and yes, hopeful. You will be transported to the time and beautiful locations they find themselves in. The dialogue is bright and fresh and just snaps and will keep you turning pages, wondering how they will ever avert disaster and get to that HEA.
Thanks to oh so talented author Erica Ridley for providing an advance copy of Taming the Rake. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in the Lords in Love series.
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