Will her ruination kill her chance for love?Life hasn’t been too kind to talented artist, Lizbeth Davenport for the last few years. Her entire family was wiped out by influenza, leaving her alone in the world. Then she was unfairly fired from the job that was her sole support which led to her being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Now that she’s free she’s ready to move on with her life, but the … life, but the anger still festers that no one paid the price for kidnapping her.
Even though his family has been pushing him toward marriage, Marcus Mallory has no desire for the confinement of the wedded state. He enjoys the company of the ladies and likes his life the way it is. Since he is attempting to have a bill passed on sex slavery in the House of Commons he is requested to help in the rescue of Lizbeth from the brothel. Aside from the attraction he feels toward her, he also bears a sense of responsibility for her welfare.
When he discovers Lizbeth’s plan to bring down the people who are running the sex slavery ring, he insists on working with her, but will his growing attraction to Lizbeth ever be returned by this woman who cannot stand a man’s touch?
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‘Will her ruination kill her chance for love?
Life hasn’t been too kind to talented artist, Lizbeth Davenport for the last few years. Her entire family was wiped out by influenza, leaving her alone in the world. Then she was unfairly fired from the job that was her sole support which led to her being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Now that she’s free she’s ready to move on with her life, but the anger still festers that no one paid the price for kidnapping her.
Even though his family has been pushing him toward marriage, Marcus Mallory has no desire for the confinement of the wedded state. He enjoys the company of the ladies and likes his life the way it is. Since he is attempting to have a bill passed on sex slavery in the House of Commons he is requested to help in the rescue of Lizbeth from the brothel. Aside from the attraction he feels toward her, he also bears a sense of responsibility for her welfare.
When he discovers Lizbeth’s plan to bring down the people who are running the sex slavery ring, he insists on working with her, but will his growing attraction to Lizbeth ever be returned by this woman who cannot stand a man’s touch?’
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The Artist and the Rake is the fourth book in Callie Hutton’s The Merry Misfits of Bath series. This book overlaps the previous book and then continues from where it left off. It allows us to understand the terrible plan being carried out from the boarding house from Lizbeth’s first-hand and harrowing account.
I was very glad to see some of the central characters from the previous books again. And seeing Marcus’s concern over his sister’s health and comfort made him a much more endearing character. I wasn’t quite sold on his character because I wasn’t impressed on his dwelling on his attraction to Lizbeth, all well she had just been through so much trauma. Granted he did acknowledge this, but it had still bothered me. I grew to like his character more as the book progressed though.
This book is darker than the other books in the series, as to be expected considering the terrible ordeal Lizbeth is subjected to. I really appreciated how all the danger and worry didn’t just evaporate as soon as Lizbeth was found. That would have really detracted from my level of investment in the story becuse it would have felt less real. I think the way things turned out was perfect for the storyline. And Lizbeth is such a great character, she is so strong and brave. I was very impressed with her and I loved that she was a painter.
You could read this book as a stand-alone, but I would recommend to read the series in order as there is some overlapping here. All the characters are friends and make appearances in each book, so that way you will know their back stories. But if you don’t read the others first, the connection between characters is explained so everything will still be clear. I recommend The Artist and the Rake, as well as the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next few books will have in store.
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I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
I loved this book. A tragedy turns into a happily ever after!
I really liked the prior three books much better than this one. This is okay. I just feel there are subjects in the story that could have been better developed. My heart went out to the h as she was traumatized by being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. She did not escape the horrors. After she was rescued, she was justified in her anger. She is “The Artist” in the title, but not enough information giving about her paintings. All we knew was that she treasured them and felt lost without them. The H is a member of Parliament and has repeatedly tried to pass a law to stop forced prostitution. When he heard about the h’s plight he immediately got involved. Although he is “The Rake” in the title his actions and words were not congruent with the title. The H was attracted to the h but as a result of her ordeal, she loathed the touch of a man. As she got to know the H and learned he was a truly honest and kind person she let herself become more relaxed around him. But it was not easy. In the end the H won the love of the h; the kidnapping ring was brought down; but the person the h wanted desperately punished for what she did was not because of a plea deal. I was a little disappointed in that. Also, I was surprised that no mention on how all that transpired would assist or be useless to the H and his work in Parliament. Again, disappointed that tidbit was overlooked. Overall, the story is based on a worthy topic, I just feel there is room for improvement.
Lizbeth Davenport is a talented artist. That has been lost to her just as she lost her family to influenza, her home, her job, and was kidnapped and sold to a brothel. She is angry that no one has been held accountable for what happened to her. Marcus Mallory helped rescue her from the brothel. He has worked for a long time for laws to protect women and children, and he works diligently to help Lizbeth recover and find the justice she wants and deserves. As the two of them work to bring down the ring that kidnapped her, attraction grows between them. Marcus realizes that Lizbeth is afraid of trusting a man. He shows her patience, kindness, and understanding. Lizbeth’s friends (the other Merry Misfits) are there to help as well. There is a lot for her to overcome. Will Lizbeth be able to get beyond her experience and fear? Will Marcus be able to convince her that they can be happy together?
This is a story of recovery, of understanding, patience, and acceptance. As in the other stories, the heroine sees herself as a misfit. Deep inside, the real Lizbeth is a strong, independent woman. She is quite determined to become that woman again. Marcus Mallory is intelligent and caring. He is also a protector. They can become a wonderful couple. This emotionally charged story moves along rather quickly. It has danger, kidnappings (yes, more than one), rescues, babies, and recovered art. All that fits together to make another wonderful episode of the Merry Misfits of Bath. The surprise Marcus gets in the epilogue provides the perfect ending. I really liked this one. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Lizbeth Davenport for the last few years has been living on her own. She’s lost all her family and now she’s been fired, then kidnaped from her new lodging. Thanks to her new friend Lady Pamela she was rescued by Pamela’s friend Nick Smith (from previous book) and Marcus Mallory. One look at her and Marcus is spellbound by her beauty. Marcus’s family has been pushing him toward marriage, but he has no desire to tied down to one woman. Lizbeth is filled with anger and has every intention of finding those who kidnapped her taking her to the sex slavery ring. She vows to get Mrs. O’Leary and her kidnappers. Marcus insists on helping her. The work closely together to find the kidnappers, their attraction grows as they dig deeper into the dark work of kidnapping and sex slavery of several young woman from the same boarding house. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
This book highlights the topic of sex trafficking and suggests how it could be accomplished during this time period. As usual this author brings to life not only her characters but the written plot as well. I have always enjoyed her stories. Don’t be afraid to pickup this book because it does have an HEA.
This book is action packed with love and suspense and two characters you could not help but root harder for what more could you ask for. I highly recommend this book!
The Artist and the Rake
The Merry Misfits of Bath Series #4
Callie Hutton
https://www.facebook.com/calliehuttonsbooks/
Release date 04/07/2020
Blurb :
Will her ruination kill her chance for love?
Life hasn’t been too kind to talented artist, Lizbeth Davenport for the last few years. Her entire family was wiped out by influenza, leaving her alone in the world. Then she was unfairly fired from the job that was her sole support which led to her being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Now that she’s free she’s ready to move on with her life, but the anger still festers that no one paid the price for kidnapping her.
Even though his family has been pushing him toward marriage, Marcus Mallory has no desire for the confinement of the wedded state. He enjoys the company of the ladies and likes his life the way it is. Since he is attempting to have a bill passed on sex slavery in the House of Commons he is requested to help in the rescue of Lizbeth from the brothel. Aside from the attraction he feels toward her, he also bears a sense of responsibility for her welfare.
When he discovers Lizbeth’s plan to bring down the people who are running the sex slavery ring, he insists on working with her, but will his growing attraction to Lizbeth ever be returned by this woman who cannot stand a man’s touch?
My review :
Will her past come between them …
When I read the previous installment in this series Lady Pamela and the Gambler, I wondered about Lizbeth, as in appearance she looked find despite the ordeal and nightmare she went through.
This one book is darker than the three firsts, as it deals with prostitution and rape.
Still Mrs Callie Hutton treated the subject with consideration and thoughtfulness, while the sordid details are kept at bay, Lizbeth reveals enough of the trauma she lived for everyone to understand the festering wounds it left her to live with it.
Marcus, was not my favorite hero when the series began with his sister’s story, but he changed too, and here he proves to be a very caring man, never seing Lizbeth as a damaged woman but a survivor, a woman driven by a strong will to regain what was stolen from her. Much more than her innocence, she was robbed from her trust in the other and her right to enjoy her own body.
This story shows how victims were brushed aside, and how power and greed win more often than justice if you are from the wrong side of the fence.
That the villain didn’t get its right comeuppance is upsetting but alas life is this way, not everyone wins.
But sure, in a romance, we might hope to see the bad guys get their right reward, but as it is a series, maybe it is coming …
4.5 stars for this tale of healing and regain one’s trust in other.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/590661888189653/?d=n
A Victorian crime drama with a romantic outcome, this novel is just as relevant today as it was back in that era. Lizbeth is set up to become the victim of greedy people who are fully aware that she won’t have relatives looking for her. They didn’t take the reserved Lady Pamela into account, nor her loyal concern for her new friend. When Lizbeth is ultimately rescued from a brothel, her struggle to find herself really begins. Everything that is important to her has been stripped from her, leaving her self-worth and dignity in tatters and her precious artwork has disappeared. Marcus Mallory has been fighting for the rights of women and children used and abused by those trading in human flesh. When the opportunity arises to assist in the rescue of Lady Pamela’s friend, he knows that he has stumbled onto a wellspring of information. He did not, however, take into account how he would be personally affected nor his attraction for Lizbeth. Breaking through Lizbeth’s damaged emotions takes time and effort, but when she is abducted a second time, Marcus will leave no stone unturned to find her. This novel is suspenseful and made me realise that in some ways, times haven’t changed at all. In fact, human trafficking is at an all-time high and women and children are just as vulnerable as they have ever been. This novel is part of a series and although characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Now was the best time that this one came at! Needing to escape but also delighting in where it was I went this fit the bill. The irony though was some of the subject matter in this but it still lightened the time. Lizabeth has had more than her share of downs and drama that has led to something that some feel they most have. We also have Marcus in the story whom is fighting a battle that is a long fight still going on to this day. When they come together to rid the problem of then and who with as that is brewing something else comes from it. This will keep you interested with times of anxiousness. This was a good one that came next since I have read the others. She does give you many elements in this that make for reading that gives you a satisfied taste when finished.
This is the fourth book in “The Merry Misfits of Bath” and it is the story of Lizbeth and Marcus.
Characters present also in the other book of the series.
Lizbeth lost all her family due to the influenza, lost her work and kidnapped to be sold to a brothel.
He helped to save her and with a lot of kindness and patient to find a new hope for the life.
He is a honourable man that try to help women and children from slavery… he would do anything to help her…
She is angry that nobody is in prison for her kidnapping and treatment… and will do anything to help to close the ring…
A story with strong moments, surprises and also love…
I received a free book and this is my honst and voluntary review.
Another delightful book in the Merry Misfits of Bath series, initially about three friends who meet and fall in love in the beautiful city of Bath, secondary characters have since called Callie to have their stories told. This book carries on from the end of the third installment, we pick up when Marcus, our hero helps rescue Lizbeth our heroine from a terrible fate. The book follows Lizbeth’s journey to get justice reluctantly accepting Marcus’s help. There is drama, intrigue and mystery along the way, ultimately our pair find love and acceptance and most importantly justice for the wrongs done. This is a great book, although it carries on from previous books it can be read as a stand alone, though once you read this you will want to read the others in the series. Callie delivers with strong, determined women who break the mold set by society finding love in men worthy of them. Great story, definitely recommend it. Fingers crossed this isn’t the last of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved this book! This is the first book I have ever read by Callie Hutton, but it will definitely not be the last.
Ms. Hutton has created characters that are well-rounded and strong. The heroine, Lizbeth Davenport, is stubborn, independent, strong and courageous. When the book opens, Lizbeth has just buried her mother, who is the last member of her family. Everyone else had already died from influenza.
The author does an excellent job of describing Lizbeth’s anguish at being left alone in a world for which she is totally unprepared. Lizbeth is an artist who was sheltered by her parents. Ms. Hutton so skillfully describes Lizbeth’s emotions here, that I can actually feel her terror as if it were my own.
Lizbeth works in a hat shop where she is falsely accused of a crime. That action, plus, her naiveté, puts her in the hands of slave traders who kidnap her and sell her to a brothel.
Marcus Mallory is one of the men who had rescued Lizbeth from the brothel. Marcus is the “rake” mentioned in the title, although the reader never sees that side of him. Instead, we see Marcus as loyal, gentle and caring. In fact, he falls in love with Lizbeth in spite of the fact that she is a strong survivor whose past includes a short stay in a brothel.
Since this is the third book in this series, we meet several characters from past books in this series. In spite of that, I totally enjoyed the book without having read those earlier books.
Callie Hutton describes every character and event so skillfully that I felt as if I was in the book. I definitely intend to read the other books in this series!
The Artist And The Rake is a phenomenal historical romance by Callie Hutton. Ms. Hutton has provided readers with a well-written book and populated it with amazing characters. Lizbeth has lost her family, moved away to Bath, fired from her job and kidnapped and sold into prostitution. Marcus has been working on a bill to pass a law protecting women and children when he was called upon to help rescue Lizbeth. Marcus and Lizbeth’s story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and I’m happy Lizbeth got her own story. I look forward to reading more from Callie Hutton in the future. The Artist And The Rake is book 4 of The Merry Misfits of Bath Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Life hasn’t been too kind to talented artist, Lizbeth Davenport for the last few years. Her entire family was wiped out by influenza, leaving her alone in the world. Then she was unfairly fired from the job that was her sole support which led to her being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Now that she’s free she’s ready to move on with her life, but the anger still festers that no one paid the price for kidnapping her. Even though his family has been pushing him toward marriage, Marcus Mallory has no desire for the confinement of the wedded state. He enjoys the company of the ladies and likes his life the way it is. Since he is attempting to have a bill passed on sex slavery in the House of Commons he is requested to help in the rescue of Lizbeth from the brothel. When he discovers Lizbeth’s plan to bring down the people who are running the sex slavery ring, he insists on working with her, but will his growing attraction to Lizbeth ever be returned by this woman who cannot stand a man’s touch?
This is the fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’d recommend reading the series in order as events do overlap. I was thrilled that Lizbeth had her story she truly deserved a HEA. I was drawn in from page one & held until the final one. Strong characters who had depth & above all were believable. I loved Lizbeth who was such a strong woman & not only coped with everything that was thrown at her (& there was a lot) but she came out the other side stronger & able to love. Oh Marcus, another swoon worthy hero who was gentle & patient with Lizbeth & allowed her to set the pace of their burgeoning romance. My only quibble was that someone seemed to get away scot free. A well written engrossing read which I loved, it dealt with the darker issues of kidnapping & enforced prostitution as well as being a lovely romance.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This was a really exciting addition to the series – it was fast-paced, well-written, and so very romantic. I will admit that parts of it were a bit darker than I normally care for, but it was still a delightful read and a change of pace for me. We also had lovely visits with the H/h from the first three books.
Four years ago, Lizbeth Davenport lost her entire family within just a few weeks of each other. Now, alone and without employment, she accepts a fateful offer that will lead to the demise of all her hopes and dreams. In the middle of the night, she’s kidnapped – taken from her bed and sold to a London brothel.
Marcus Mallory is a member of parliament who has spent years working on getting a bill passed that would crack down on the kidnapping of women and children for nefarious purposes. The bill gets passed in the House of Lords, but is always defeated in the Commons. He’s frustrated, but still working to get the votes he needs. When his friend Nick (Nicholas Smith from Lady Pamela and the Gambler) arrives and asks for his assistance in rescuing a friend who was kidnapped and sold to a brothel, Marcus leaps at the chance to help.
After her rescue, Lizbeth is filled with anger and vows revenge on those who kidnapped her. She has every intention of doing it alone, but Marcus insists on helping her. As they spend time together, they grow closer, but still … Can a man who has declared to all who’ll listen that he’ll not marry and a woman who is terrified of a man’s touch actually find their HEA?
I absolutely loved Marcus, he wasn’t judgmental and seemed to have all of the patience in the world with Lizbeth. When there are villains everywhere – more kidnappings – and police who seem to do nothing, the reader begins to wonder if/when/how Lizbeth will have her revenge.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will as well. The only thing I wasn’t happy about was that one of the main villains went basically unpunished. Given the damage this person did, how many lives were ruined over a long period of time, I would have really preferred a severe punishment. If the police couldn’t manage it – the person could have fallen off a cliff, or down a quarry, or over the side of a boat, or out of a moving coach, or run in front of a bullet – whatever – just something more than what happened.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Marcus has been fighting to protect women and children but has no idea his devotion will lead him to his fate.
A beautiful but heartwrenching story of being saved and learning how to find yourself again. Marcus is amazing, he will not let anything get in the way of him protecting and loving Lizbeth. Lizbeth thinks her chance at a normal life is over, she has lost too much.
“He took a broken women and made her whole.”
The epilogue is a perfect end to the story.