I won an ARC in this novel through a contest at Dear Author. I must say I love those ladies for giving me the chance to read this book. Between the title and the blurb (neither of which describe the book very well), I never would have picked it for myself. But Jayne's favorable review and the chance to read it for free moved it up on my list.
One of the best parts about reading A RAKE'S GUIDE TO SEDUCTION were the many parts where Linden had a chance to include a Big Misunderstanding or other ridiculous contrivance and didn't. Instead she delivered a believeable and sweet romance.
Well, that is except for two short and bizarre subplots at the end. Those could have easily been cut because they didn't even further the main plot. They were just there and completely unlike the rest of the book.
What the rest of the book is, is the slow build of a relationship from quasi-friendship to love. Anthony first saw Celia as a woman four years ago, but he was too late: she already agreed to marry Lord Bertram. However, she marries too hastily and she and Bertram's marriage slowly dissolves. Then he dies, leaving her a widow and a shell of her former self.
Celia's mother hosts a party to revive her spirits; David, Celia's brother, invites their mutual friend Anthony. He eventually admits he's still attracted - perhaps in love - and begins to subtly court her.
Despite being known as a rake, Anthony is a decent man who made his fortune on his own, if in a creative manner. He respects Celia and doesn't succumb to the jerk factor present in many alpha-male romance heroes. Celia starts a bit silly, but she matures during her unhappy marriage.
Quick and entertaining, A RAKE'S GUIDE TO SEDUCTION is a fabulous Regency saddled with an awful title. The official on-sale date is June 3, 2008. You can find out more at Caroline Linden's site.
Next Review: Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready.
Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing if you like Wicked Game or not. I got an ARC a few months ago and it's a good book - enjoy!
You must check out Linden's other novels as well. She is such a hidden treasure.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the book! Celia was always a fave character of mine and I really wanted to LOVE this book. I finished it with about a B- grade but have been trying to make time for a reread.
I think it might be one of those books you SO look forward too... it just has a HARD time living up.
LOLOL Do I need to tell you if I got an ARC a few months ago or not?
Wendy you are still really excited about getting those aren't you LOL, I don't think I ever see a comment from you where you don't mention one.
Sybil, you mean ARCs? Oh, I loves ARCs! who doesn't! hee.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wendy: everyone loves ARCs.
ReplyDeleteAnd I bought WHAT A GENTLEMAN WANTS today. I'm gonna put my faith in Linden. ^_^
Haha, I loved it, but to me it was a surprise treasure. (Aside from reviews I'd read . . . ) Going into books cold is sometimes the best way.
(Currently I'm reading a book I wanted to read for about a year and it's disappointing me.)
I am all for ARC's. Although I like the e's better because it is easier to 'delete' than it is to throw a away a book.
ReplyDeleteJust thought it was odd that every comment I see one make, has a mention of it. Once upon a time someone told me how petty it makes a person look to repeatedly gloat over over having an ARC. Oddly she wasn't talking about me because I will mention it on my blog. But I thought she was wrong.
seeing your comments just made me think about it again...
LIV! U like! yay.. I think I have a copy of her first book well two copies... email me if you want and I will look. I think I have a package going out to you already and will add it.
ReplyDeleteFinally feeling better! yay.
Glad you feel better!
ReplyDeleteI will absolutely brag about ARCs, but usually in person and followed by, "You can borrow it if you want."
That being followed by, "Any damage to the book and I damage you. ^_______^"
It is easier to delete an e . . . with ARCs I try to find a friend who wants it or I donate it.