After being abandoned by her almost-betrothed, Caroline Nash vows to never again get involved with a man. Especially not the middle-aged earl her father has chosen for her. The man is a pompous ass and one of Prinny’s set who only wants her for her dowry. To complicate matters, a kiss from the Midnight Marauder unleashes an unbelievable passion that Caroline can’t seem to forget. Stephan, the … Stephan, the Marquis of Kendrick, poses as the robbing marauder to avenge his low-born mother. But he starts questioning his plans when one of his “missions” crosses paths with Caroline and leads to the kiss of a lifetime. Stephan senses that this proper miss is more fiery than he expected and he wants more.
To be properly introduced to the woman of his dreams, he attends the Prince Regent’s house party. He finds her, begging a friend to pretend to court her – to fend off the man her father has chosen. Stephan couldn’t wish for a better opportunity – he’ll happily court her, but he doesn’t want to pretend. Their connection is sizzling, but can this charade become something real once Stephan’s secrets are revealed?
Each book in the Rake Trilogy series is STANDALONE:
* A Rake’s Redemption
* A Rake’s Revenge
* A Rake’s Rebellion
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To be honest, I am a bit confused about the title of this one. While yes, Stephan does challenge another man for Caroline’s hand, and yes, he does things to thumb his nose at society and traitors, we never really get a clear idea of who he is supposedly seeking revenge against.
Aside from that, it was a decent read. It didn’t keep me glued to the pages by any means (aka I was able to put it down and come back to it later), and I found the characters either lacking or entirely too over the top. Also, the romance was not my favorite among the stories I’ve read recently (honestly, they had ample time to develop their relationship outside of the started as a charade mentality, but never seemed to until they decided they were in love with each other).
I did however LOVE the idea of a Midnight Marauder as well as a sort of Robin Hood pirate, stealing from those who were funding France, and dividing the goods up among the lower classes.
All things considered, I do believe this novel will still appeal to those who enjoy historical romance novels, and I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
After reading the first book, I was excited to read Caroline’s story. I absolutely adored this. Caroline was such a strong woman in the first one and continued as such here. For her, she needed the perfect foil and she got one in Stephen. Stephen wears many hats. First he is the Marquess of Kendrick, a pirate and also the Midnight Marauder. The journey to their HEA is really filled with conflict in the name of the Earl of Tisdale.
I was glued to my e-reader to see how the author was going to attempt to work all of the threads here together into a cohesive plot. I was totally enchanted with the plot and all the happenings. I really loved the multiple person POV that we were given. It really helped to get a more thorough understanding as to what was happening. The author also had a way of writing the story that really made it seem like I was right there in the middle of everything.
I so look forward to the third story (I have a feeling is Brice’s along with the American orphan Miss Sarah Vincent.) There is a scene that is sexual in nature but I wouldn’t classify it as erotica. It was more of moving the relationship forward and in a semi-modest detailing.
I dont think that I have ever read from this author and I am glad that I did, I enjoyed this book and I intend on the reading the first book. We have Caroline who was jilted by an ex and she swore should would not get involved with another man, especially not the old man that her father has picked for her, he was horrid. She ends up getting kissed by the Midnight Maurader who has woken up a passion she didn’t know she had. This maurader is Stephan the Marquis of Kendrick and after that kiss he intends on finding her and when he does everything changes..Grab a copy and Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
A Rake’s Revenge by Cynthia Breeding is book Two in the Rake Trilogy Series. This is the story of Stephan, the Marquis of Kendrick and Caroline Nash. I have read (and Loved) the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Stephan is out to avenge his mother’s death and has taken to pretending to be the bandit Midnight Marauder. On one of his escapades he meets the fiery Ms. Nash. Caroline had a narrow miss on getting married but her father is working to set her up with a older man that she does not wish to be with. Stephan has a new mission to get to know Caroline more. Stephan gets invited to the Prince Regent’s house party where he overhears Caroline trying to talk someone into being in a pretend relationship with her. Of course Stephan steps forward to offer his services but he doesn’t want to pretend anything.
Loved Ms. Breeding writing and this book.
Caroline Nash was determined to stay away from men, but if her father had his wish she will marry the dispicable older earl he has chosen for her. As often the case he only wants her dowry. Desperate she begins to beg a friend to pretend to be interested in her. But as Stephan, the Marquess of Kendrick overhears, he steps in to take the role which will hopefully turn real!
A wonderful story of hidden secrets that could come to life and ruin Stephen’s chance and of love when least expected. Truly enjoyed this story so much and would highly recommend!
Caroline Nash vows to never again get involved with a man after being jilted by her fiancé George. Especially not the Earl of Tisdale whom her father has chosen for her. The man is a pompous ass and one of Prinny’s set who only wants her for her dowry. To complicate matters, a kiss from the Midnight Marauder unleashes an unbelievable passion that Caroline can’t seem to forget.
Stephan Stoddard, the Marquis of Kendrick, poses as the robbing marauder to avenge his low-born mother, to thumb his nose at the aristocracy & to help his tenants with the proceeds
To be properly introduced to the woman of his dreams, he attends the Prince Regent’s house party. He finds her, begging Brice to pretend to court her, Stephan couldn’t wish for a better opportunity – he’ll happily court her, but he doesn’t want to pretend.
A well written page turning novel with, pirating, highwaymen, a yacht race & of course romance. Stephan has always been attracted to Caroline but after stealing a kiss he’s totally smitten. Caroline is likewise smitten but with the Midnight Marauder however the more she comes to know Stephan the lines between the Marquis & his alter ego are blurred. The characters have depth & on the whole are likeable, I thoroughly disliked Tisdale. I thoroughly enjoyed the book but was left wanting more as whilst one villain was arrested there are still more at large, I hope everything will be resolved in the final book of the trilogy. I also found the ending to be rushed, the lead up had been very good then in a couple of pages it was over & done with
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Now I want to go sailing…with Stephan:) This was a wonderful book to read and I loved all the characters….except for the detestable earl that Caroline’s father betrothed her to!
Stephan, the Marquis of Kendrick, is the Midnight Marauder, as well as a pirate, but it’s all for a good reason! Caroline Nash is being forced by her father to marry an abhorrent earl, no matter how many times she says NO. Invited to the Prince Regent’s 3 week house party, it’s a good thing Stephan comes to her rescue!! It was quite humorous to watch her two suitors try to outdo each other. I also enjoyed the Regatta sailing race and learning more about sailing!
I was given a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Since her almost-betrothed threw her over for another, Miss Caroline Nash has sworn off men and marriage. But her father has other ideas and wants to have a titled grandson, so he promises Caroline to the aging and pompous Earl of Tisdale who only wants her for her dowry, but has the Prince Regent’s support due to his position within the prince’s inner circle. To make matters worse, an encounter with the mysterious highwayman, the Midnight Marauder, awakens an unexpected passion in Caroline that proves impossible for her to forget.
Stephan, the Marquess of Kendrick, uses his nighttime activities as the Marauder to get back at the ton for their poor treatment of his lowborn mother and their ready willingness to blame him for his older brother’s tragic death. He’s shocked when a steamy kiss with Caroline Nash leaves him wanting more for the first time ever.
Stephan attends the Prince Regent’s regatta and house party to renew his acquaintance with Caroline and winds up agreeing to pretend to court her in an attempt to fend off the unwanted suitor her father has chosen. Stephan is thrilled at the opportunity, but his intentions are genuine, not pretended. However, with his nefarious activities drawing more attention, especially from the vindictive and desperate earl, who has the prince’s ear, Stephan’s secrets may land him in hot water before he can uncover a traitor to England and dash his hopes at love as well.
Between Caroline’s selfish father and the abhorrent earl, not to mention the machinations of the prince, this was a very frustrating read. I know this was indicative of the time, but her father’s callous treatment of her and total disregard for her wants or safety was appalling. Also, as per usual, our main characters didn’t do themselves any favors by failing to communicate with each other.
Despite the annoyances of this one in some places, there was good tension throughout that made me want to stick with it and overall I enjoyed if, even if the ending was perhaps a bit too rushed to be wholly satisfying.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.