Millie Ashton thinks London society is full of empty headed, arrogant fools, but when she meets Alex Radley she falls desperately in love with him. Fearing humiliation and rejection, she decides the only sensible thing to do is take her pride and go home to India. Men like Alex do not fall for girls like her, whereas every girl loses her heart to Alexander the Great.Alex Radley, Marquess of … Marquess of Brooke rules the ton like a god, but even gods are known to fall for mere mortals. With his wealth and title, wooing Millie should be an easy task. But when his passionate love letter to her goes astray, Alex’s life becomes more than a little complicated.
Finalist 2014 Romantic Book of the Year.
Winner Readers Choice ,Book Junkies Choice Awards 2013.
Finalist 2013 ARRA Awards. Best Historical Romance,
Best New Author
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I read the latest book in this series then had to go back and start at the beginning! What a great book full of wonderful characters and a fantastic romance!
The Indian pride and twist was good. The rest however was utter dribble. Too much talk and angst over two scenes. Other than the letter writing scene Alex handled his affliction deftly. And as many characters in the book stated the letter writing scene was not a necessity rather it was an impulsive decision. The consequences of that scene led to the next where he reveals a hint of the truth to the girl. But beyond the actual story there is the underlying theme of fat girls need to change to be loved. It’s a common theme woven so often into romances that I can’t help but start to believe that most people think it’s true. And it breaks my heart that the places made to give us good dreams don’t carry the message, “You’re beautiful.” A better message by far is, “You’re worthy just as you are.” They, we, aren’t criminals or narcissistic users who don’t deserve kindness unless we change. We did nothing wrong. Being fat isn’t a crime. And how dare any author who deals in creating fantasy tell us we only get our HEA when we lose the weight. Well I got news in this particular prince’s, Duke’s, case even if he wasn’t flawed he’d still be a selfish spoiled immature pantywaist who needs his big brother to blow his nose for him. So, sister you can keep him.
loved this story… plan to read more from this author.
Mature Situations, Middle School Characters
Replace the ballroom with a classroom, and you have a middle school story. Sorry, the problems in this book seemed silly among an adult set.
I really enjoyed this book, however I thought it ran out of steam part way through but picked up again.
Very enjoyable read. It was fun to see how Alex got out of the mess he accidentally made. Love conquers all. I highly recommend this story. I am on to the next in the series. Looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Cottman.
Audiobook Review. 3.5 stars.
Millie Ashton, newly arrived in society with parents who are thrilled to return to England, only wishes to be back home in India. She sees the members of high society as empty-headed and lacking in substance. When she meets the toast of the ton, Alex Radley, brother to her new friend Lucy, she’s instantly smitten, though she believes he’d never be interested in a girl who is distinctly an outsider and a bit too plump for fashion. Really, she’d be better off back in India.
Lord Alexander Radley, Marquess of Brooke and heir to the Duke of Strathmore, is the most sought after bachelor in London. He’s wealthy and popular, but known for toying with the tender emotions of young ladies. When his own heart becomes engaged and his love letter to Town newcomer Millie Ashton goes astray, Alex begins to regret all of his previous reckless impulses.
I listened to an audiobook and didn’t really much care for the narrator, which is part of why it took me so long to finish this. Now I may get a bit spoilery in this little bit of a vent about the characters, just as a warning. I found Millie to be both unlikable and unbelievably stupid. I’m unsure how she thought that as a woman alone in this time and with no money she’d be able to simply return to India. And do what once she got there?? But whatever, I can gloss over that. What really bothered me was that Millie wasn’t happy until she lost weight and changed herself to fit in, making herself popular with the ton and befriending those whom she’d previously scorned for their empty-headedness. What hypocrisy. Then she’s angry with Alex for pointing this out, among other things that he did deserve her anger for, but still. Alex himself was a pitiable idiot who, as even his father alluded to, needed to shape up and stop expecting others to solve his problems for him. If he’d just been honest, much of the misunderstanding could’ve been avoided. I understand that then there would be no book, but this whole scenario just had me rolling my eyes entirely too much. The secondary characters for the most part were just as vapid as Mille, with the exception of perhaps David, and that didn’t help either.
All that said, overall I did enjoy this read and I think it’s set up well for future books in the series, hopefully with characters who are a bit more substantial and mature.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed Letter from a Rake. The story was unique and the characters a real treat.
Through all the misunderstandings and secrets, this was quite a journey for Millie and Alex. With the help of family with gentle and not so gentle pushes, these two figure out what their hearts truly want, despite their flaws. I enjoyed this story as well as all the characters. It was interesting with all the little tidbits of Indian culture thrown in.
I received this audio as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Letter From a Rake is the story of Millie Ashton and Alex Radley, Marquess of Brooke and heir to the Duke of Strathmore. Millie’s family has moved back to England from India, where she was born. She feels out of place and is quite homesick. Alex is the darling of the ladies of the Ton. He is handsome, respected, and sought after, but he has a secret. They meet and are taken with each other. A romance seems to be in the works until Alex makes a silly (but understandable for him) mistake. Now what happens?
Letter From a Rake is Sasha Cottman’s debut novel and a wonderful introduction to the Duke of Strathmore series. The characters are fun and loveable. Millie is sweet and feisty, and the Radley siblings are a delight. It is a well-written story with a little angst and drama and a good dose of humor. Look for a couple of confused ladies, an angry earl, and misfortune in a maze, all because of a love letter gone astray. I enjoyed this story. The audio version was very good. Janine Haynes is a talented reader. Her narration was quite engaging, and I loved the excellent job she did with the characters’ voices.
The audio version of this book was a gift. My review is voluntary.
On a snowy winter’s day, this book was a delightful companion and I look forward to reading other offerings from this talented author.
I liked it.
It did go on a bit too long. It really drew out all of the various scenarios Alex and Millie found themselves in, for as long as they could go, then it finished pretty quickly.
Touched on a sensitive handicap. Excellent story. Highly recommend the author and all 6 books in The Duke series.
This book reminds us that there is no shame in being different. Trying to hide a learning disability creates havoc when the wrong letter gets mailed to the wrong girl.
Loved it , couldn’t put it down
Letter From A Rake is my first historical romance by Sasha Cottman, hopefully it won’t be my last. Ms. Cottman has delivered a well-written book. The characters are quirky and lovable. Millie has moved to London with her family after growing up in India. She’s got a major case of homesickness going on. When she meets her new friend’s brothers, Alex makes a bad impression. Alex and Millie’s story is full of drama, humor, steamy sex and missives gone awry. I enjoyed reading Letter From A Rake and look forward to reading more from Sasha Cottman in the future. Letter From A Rake is book 1 of The Duke Of Strathmore but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.
I liked the fact that the girl with the curves was the one who got the good looking man. Most of these books have the slim beautiful girl getting her happily ever after.
I love historical romantic fiction with just the right amount of steamy. I haven’t finished it yet, but I can’t wait until I have a minute to pick it back up. I love how she develps the characters and reveals what they are thinking.
I love the characters and the story was original. It was a really good read. I would definitely recommend this book.