This series? THE NEVERS + BRIDGERTON mashup!“A spirited and compulsively readable paranormal romance.” —Kirkus Reviews~Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild Heart Award Finalist~A gorgeous psychic. An unwanted betrothal. A tantalizing compromise.Lady Victoria Hamilton has a supernatural gift, a fiancé, and a guardian angel. She just never expected her protector to be the most dazzling man in England, a … expected her protector to be the most dazzling man in England, a devilish scoundrel they call the Blue Bastard. Victoria has agreed to marry for duty, not love, but her unforeseen desire for her mystical angel threatens to destroy not only her plans for the future but the armor surrounding her susceptible heart.
A confirmed scoundrel, a mind reader, and the only man she desires…
Illegitimate son of a viscount and reigning king of London’s gossip sheets, Finn Alexander has spent a lifetime hiding his ability to read minds behind charming smiles and wicked behavior. No one knows the real man, and he likes it that way. Until he meets the lone woman who sees the man beneath the disguise—a blue-blooded temptress with the power to bring him to his knees.
As they embark on a journey of passion and friendship, Victoria and Finn must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for the promise of true, magical love.
League of Lords Series:
#1 The Lady is Trouble (Julian & Piper)
#2 The Rake is Taken (Finn & Victoria)
#3 The Duke is Wicked (Sebastian & Delaney)
#4 The Hellion is Tamed (Simon & Emma)
more
This is a very romantic story. Friendship stars prominently in this relationship. It’s what makes this story romantic. They both desire what is best for the other and are willing to do anything for the betterment of the other. Fortunately, their friends inside the League see what is going on and act so these two don’t make the worse mistake of the their lives.
The Rake is Taken is the second book in the League of Lord series by Tracy Sumner. All of the books are about people with paranormal abilities.
Lady Victoria Hamilton has her own supernatural gift of being able to erase memories through a touch. Finn Alexander is the illegitimate son of a viscount and considered to be one of the handsomest men in London. He projects a facade of his true self and hides behind it because of his ability and no one really knows him and he is prefers it that way. He knows what people think, and what they desire so his life feels meaningless at times.
He is having dreams about Lady Victoria Hamilton and is quietly watching her from a far because he is unsure of what these dreams mean. Lady Victoria is having dreams that connect to Finn. They finally meet when Finn saves her and he talks her into going to his brother’s estate so they can explore what this all means, as well as providing her protection. They have real chemistry together and Lady Victoria truly seems to see the real Finn.
I really enjoyed Finn and Victoria’s story. The League of Lord books have a great cast of characters and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I did get a free copy of this book and highly recommend it and the entire series.
This is the second book in a series League of Lords. This story is about Finn who reads minds and Victoria who has the supernatural gift of time. Finn and Tori friendship, passion and chemistry are super-hot, but what makes the story different and interesting is the psychic paranormal elements. Tracy Summer writes a very interesting story that I had to finish.
I received a free copy of this book by the author for my honest opinion.
good magical fantasy in a past real world setting.
A delightful read. The main characters mesh in the best of ways. Sensual and steamy the story is filling for the soul. An author to follow.
The Rake is Taken
Tracy Sumner
League of Lords
Historical, Fantasy Romance
Adult
Finn Alexander only ever dreamed about people connected to the League his brother Lucian had created, so why was he dreaming of Victoria Hamilton? To find out the answer to this question he starts following and learns that Victoria is special. Like Finn, Victoria has a unique “gift” that sets her apart. Unfortunately, Victoria’s gift puts her in a position where people might want to use her. So Finn decides to help her elude a betrothal she isn’t ready for and try and figure out her gift at the same time. Only something happens that neither of them was expecting and they have to decide what it is they both want.
After reading the “Lady is Trouble” I really wanted to learn more about some of the other characters, so when I was offered the chance to read “The Rake is Taken” I was super excited. I loved this book as much as the first book in the series. I loved learning more about Finn and who he was before he was rescued by Lucien. I also loved his love interest, Virginia. She was in a bad situation because of her family, but she was still strong and brave. She used her gift at times for the wrong reasons, but she was also willing to use it to help the man she loved. Another thing I loved about this story was getting to see what had been going on with Luciane and Piper as well as Humphrey and The Duke of Ashcroft. Lastly I loved the fact that even if you have not read the first book you can still enjoy Finn’s story.
I recommend this story to fantasy lovers who enjoy a good romance. I also recommend this to fans of historical romances. I truly enjoyed this story and hope to read any other books from this series that are released.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Tracy Sumner for my honest opinion.
Audio Review:
The Rake Is Taken (League of Lords, Book 2) brings a supernatural element in a regency ×men special abilities rather than witchcraft. It’s uniqueness adds to the story and series. Character development is well established and opulence of action and romance throughout the story. We don’t get much about the history of the period, however we did learn the class distinctions during the the period which was interesting. Vivid descriptions and world details. Looking forward to listening to the next audio in the series.
Kimberly M. Wetherell narration is smooth and easy listening. Her inflection is distinctive and brings the story and characters to reality.
The story of the League and it’s members continues. It’s amazing how a variety of “unusual abilities” can bring possibilities to anything! I really enjoyed Finn in the first book and liked getting to know more about him in his own story. You could just feel the strain and challenge to connecting meaningfully with others because of his ability. It is then easy to see how Victoria with her own quirks and abilities ultimately captivate Finn despite a dream connection. It was the push and pull between Tori and Finn amidst several unknown factors playing out that kept me reading on. I found it just so satisfying to see truth, honesty and love rise to the forefront in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Historical romance meets the X Men without all the graphic violence of the movies in this delightful title by Tracy Sumner. The second book of her League of Lords series, we learn more about a group with paranormal talents moving through British society.
Victorian Hamilton has always had her gift, but never embraced it. Finn Alexander learned to hone his and use it when he was a child. The pair make a lovely couple as he helps her learn about this other world that does brand her a freak.
Along the way are the typical challenges of the trope — the fate of women in society, the rigidity of the class structure.
This was my first book by Sumner, and I thoroughly enjoyed finding a new author. Fans of Amanda Quick titles will enjoy THE RAKE IS TAKEN, as well as the other titles in the series.
Book 2 is a standalone and it’s not awkward jumping into the series here. It will, however, force you to go back for Book 1 to see Piper’s and Julian’s romance develop.
NOTE: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Rake is Taken by Tracy Sumner
League of Lords #2
Finn is having dreams and his dreams usually have an impact for him and those in the league, so he has found the person starring in the dreams and watches like a guardian angel to keep her safe. Victoria feels there is someone there keeping her safe and has seen Finn more often but has no idea he is the one providing her with protection. Finn doesn’t realize it but she is dreaming, too, and the two have more than dreams that will be discussed when they finally get together.
What I liked:
* Finn: mind reader, thief, survivor, abandoned, multi-lingual, taken in by Julian & Humphrey when he was nice, owner of a gambling den, womanizer, rake, and much more under the surface
* Victoria: time stealer, blocker, feisty, puzzle solver, commodity to her parents, misses her brother, bright, not easily intimidated, intrigued by Finn and the opportunity he offers
* The writing, plot, setting,
* The way the H/h slowly came together, the way they communicated honestly, and that they seemed to genuinely like and admire one another.
* Julian, Piper, Humphrey & Simon: Julian and Piper were in book one of the series as were the other two…imagine they will reappear as the series goes along and I look forward to reading more about them
* Agatha: Victoria’s nurse turned lady’s maid – more her mother than her biological one
* The paranormal elements and how they play into the story. They are not overwhelming but an integral part of the series that will be heard more about over the ongoing series (I think)
* The mention of a counter-group that is probably evil and after or against their talents
* The introduction to both main characters with an inkling of what their early years must have been like
* That the issues the couple faced seemed believable and in keeping with the time period and their characters
* Being able to escape into this world of make believe – Lebanon during the pandemic and the economic crisis of the summer of 2021 is meant to be escaped from
* Where Victoria’s dreams lead the group to near the end of the book
* The potential love interest between Humphrey and Bella
What I didn’t like:
* Victoria’s parents and the man they were going to marry her off to
* Finn’s stepfather and w hat he did
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
THE RAKE IS TAKEN is the second book in the League of Lords series, and I’m so grateful that Ms Sumner made a series! After reading book one, I really hoped it would happen, and it did. Woot!!
A very different story to book, so you could read it as a standalone, but with some characters from the first one. You would have more of an idea of past events and how their characters interact but it isn’t necessary.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Finn and Victoria. Two very different and compelling characters who NEED to be together, and the fun is in watching them figure it out and overcoming all the obstacles. The psychic side of it is mentioned but specifically (most of the time) towards Finn and Victoria and how it affects them.
This was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can’t wait to read book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
The Rake is Taken is the second book in the League of Lords series The book can be a standalone novel, but reading the first book is good idea especially when you like the writer.
Finn Alexander and Lady Victoria Hamilton both have supernatural gifts and the story is based on how they deal with them. Finn is considered a rake. Victoria’s family is in trouble and she has agreed to marry someone to help the family.
The writing is easy to read and flows nicely. The characters are multi dimensional which makes them very likeable.
This is a good book and the series is a diiferent spin on the historical romances.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for an unbiased review.
One of the Ton’s greatest entertainment is watching Finn Alexander, also known as the Blue Bastard. He may be believed to be a bastard, but his attractiveness to women is renowned. He romances the women with his hidden talent of mind reading, being able to fulfill their every whim … without the satisfaction of peace inside his head. They are a constant clamour. Until he finds Victoria, the woman he has been dreaming about that blocks his talent. He cannot touch her. She is intended for the League of Lords protection … and to associate with him otherwise would ruin her in the Ton. They need to find the solution to an unwanted suitor and how to gain protection for her for her talent when the opposing group hunting for talents learn about her. An excellent sequel to the first title in the League of Lord series. Warning, steamy sex.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great summer read! Plot and story flows well and great character development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn’t know what to expect when I chose this book from Netgalley, and when I began reading, I wasn’t immediately hooked. It’s probably because I found it a bit confusing and I was working on editing another book. So I took a break for a few days and when I went back to it, I found it impossible to put down. Truly, it was an amazing book and I will be looking for more books from this author.
Let me start by saying the plot for this book is unusual. It’s a historical romance with a paranormal theme that does not include vampires, shapeshifters, or anything like that. The characters in this book are seemingly normal, but with supernatural abilities (mind-reading, healing, mind-altering, fire-starter, and so forth). For obvious reasons, they don’t really fit in with other people and the League strives to find these poor outcasts and form a family to offer support and protection.
The characters are unusual and likable, the genuine and honest types of people with whom you’d like to be friends (or family). Finn and Victoria fight their attraction for one another, her because her father has driven them to the edge of destitution and she needs to marry a detestable man who will give her father the money he needs (Unfortunately, we never get a full explanation for why her father feels obligated to the match, but I’m hopeful this will be addressed in another book.), and him because he is not an acceptable match for her status (in his mind, anyway). Luckily, friends intervene to ensure they marry for love.
The thing that makes this book outstanding, in addition to the unusual plot, is the poetic writing. I am always impressed when I find an author with the ability to convey the usual in unusual words. At times, the wording was a bit cumbersome, but for the most part, I found myself dreamily reading and being seduced by the phrases (particularly metaphors). Finn is described in chapter one with a phrase that eloquently highlights the man behind the facade: “Finn brushed lint from his sleeve in what had become a habitual show of insouciance he wished he could jettison from his behaviors.” He is portrayed by a plethora of sensual images, from his scent of bergamot and brandy that drifts to Victoria “on a steamy breeze, sliding along her skin like the gentlest of caresses,” to Humphrey’s assessment that he looks “like you’ve been pulled through a keyhole.” Ultimately, Finn projects a carefree, happy figure, when he is desperately lonely and Victoria is the first woman to notice.
Victoria is also the portrait of sensuality, but this is tempered by her independence, persistence, compassion, and sense of responsibility. She, too, is sad without even realizing it. She is uncontrollably drawn to Finn, even when she knows it can go nowhere. He vexes and confuses her. At one point, frustrated by a conversation with Finn, “she shook her head, thoughts piling up on each other like mud sliding down a slope.” This is a frequent occurrence with Finn. And how’s this for a clever metaphor? During one interaction with Finn, he closes his eyes during a conversation. Then, “he opened one eye and pinned it on her, a reverse wink.”
From one page to the next, I found one thing after another that made me pause and admire the skill that went into the writing of this prose. It was (mostly) effortless, with only a few occasions that caused me to stumble as I attempted to figure out the intention of the phrasing. This is a book about misfits, deeply unhappy without one another, deliriously happy when noticed, and ultimately loved, by the other. If I had to sum up the book with only one phrase, stealing from Ms. Sumner, I would say, “It’s a skill, posing as someone else. A skill I’ve worked hard to master. Not inborn, I assure you. Although it’s made easy when you’re surrounded by people lacking in self-awareness.” The follow-up, of course, is that when the right person comes along, it’s no longer necessary to pretend. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
The Rake Is taken by Tracy Sumner is about Fin who can read minds and dreams of a woman, Victoria who can erase a bit of memory from someones mind. Fin doesn’t know why he’s dreaming about her so he goes on a search to find out why. This was a great read i had a hard time putting it down i absolutely enjoyed all the characters. They are vivid, detailed, and we’ll thought out. This book was different from other historical romances. It was a breath of fresh air something different and tantalizing all the way through.
FINN AND VICTORIA’S STORY
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Finn is nicknamed the Blue Bastard because everyone believes he is Julian’s half-brother. He has no real idea of who he is. He meets Victoria who believes her supernatural ability is simply a parlor trick. Finn is trying to get her indoctrinated into their society of supernatural humans. Their story takes the reader through drama and deeds believed to be noble. There is a lot of emotions being drawn out in this story leading the reader to turn to the next page to see what’s happening. From no to little love, this book left me wanting to grab a few parents and let them know what I think.
A lovely paranormal story. A love story with interesting highlights. I love the reforming of a rake kind of stories.This was an easy to read and keep up with the characters.
Love story was a little steamy but not in anyway obscene. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed this book as it offered a paranormal twist on the usual historical romance. Julian and Piper are people with a “gift” that they don’t really understand and struggle to manage in a Victorian time. The characters are interesting and likeable. The secondary characters are intriguing and make you want to follow their stories. The plot is very well done with enough of suspense that you want to keep reading to the end. Overall an excellent read and I look forward to the rest of this interesting series
This is the second book in the series but it’s not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one. I did enjoy this one more than the first. Finn and Victoria are interesting characters but thank goodness for the Duke of Ashcroft. This story moved at a good pace and the characters didn’t spend so much time internalizing everything like the main characters did in Book One.
It is an interesting look into the possibilities of people who have psychic abilities and how they would be perceived in the 19th century.
I recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through BookSirens and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.