A 2017 RT Reviewer’s Choice Nominee for Best Digital Historical!One of Goodreads’ Best Romances of JulyA RT Book Review Top Pick!“Sebastian proves she is a new force to be reckoned with in historical romances.”—BooklistRogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he … cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.
Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.
As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.
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Nuanced characters with relatable internal conflicts, a kitten infestation, and a believable happily-ever-after for the time period. This book is a stand-alone that connects to previous stories set in this world!
I love all of Cat Sebastian’s queer historical romances. This was no exception. Loved everything about it and highly recommend it to fans of historical romance.
I’m a sucker for a hedonist paired with someone repressed. This book delivered all the sexy times and feels, and Gary Furlong’s audio narration was wonderful.
Hello I’m Cat Sebastian’s newest #1 fan foreverrrrr.
The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian is a M/M historical romance that was light and fun and I read it while on vacation, a great beach read. I love historical M/M because there’s always the forbidden aspect to the relationship Bc of old social norms and added to that this one also had an opposites attract vibe that goes hand in hand with the old school “I’ll help make you over so people see you’re special and oops I fell in love with you along the way” trope. I listened to this one in Audible Escape but the narrator leaves much to be desired in my honest opinion so you’re probably best just reading this one yourself to get the voices and characters right. The narrator had one monotone voice for the entire book which often took me out of the moment but the book itself was a fun, quick and easy read with lots of steamy good times.
This was the perfect conclusion to The Turner Series, although I was sad that the series had to end. I fell in love with all the characters in these books, and getting to see them throughout The Ruin of a Rake felt like such a special treat. Cat Sebastian has such a wonderful way with her prose, it’s a beautiful writing style with such delightful dialogue. The characters are all multidimensional who grow and change throughout the book, and I loved every minute of it. Lord Courtney was surprisingly sensitive and sweet, and I loved how protective Julian was of him. And oh my, Julian! I adore the man – from his stubborn streaks, his cunning mind, and his rigidly proper manners that he wields like a soldier wields a weapon in battle. The story and series ended on a happy note with a hopeful outlook for the future.
Gary Furlong is an amazing and talented narrator who did such a wonderful job with this audiobook. His performance was incredibly enjoyable and I could listen to him narrate books all day.
Cat Sebastian is one of my must-read authors. I love the way she puts characters in to difficult situations and then rescues them — or lets them rescue each other. They are page-turning romances that also illuminate the society that binds the characters. And the ending is very sweet in the way that it ties together characters from other books.
Such angsty goodness! Courtenay was so much more than he appeared but so was Julian, for that matter. I loved all the twists and turns Sebastian took me on and I especially loved how the story dealt with Julian’s malaria. Queer romance at its finest! Also: this was excellent on audio. Gary Furlong did a phenomenal job with the voices.
CW: chronic illness (malaria), past death of loved one, alcoholic parent
Cat Sebastian never fails to leaving me reaching for another of her books. This whole series has been amazing. Each of the stories is unique, followed no formula, and is completely unpredictable.
Just beyond romantic, watching these guys get together (and making it work) is completely entertaining and hot as hell.
Gary Furlong is like a drug to me at this point, he’s my narrator crack and I gotta have more. Damn, he’s good. The variety in his characters, all the different accents he does, he’s just so good. His Lord Courtenay has got to be the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.
Period pieces give me a peculiar satisfaction. It is gratifying to read of gay relationships in times when they theoretically didn’t exist. This series is very well done and the time displacement is thorough.
Very good evocation of the period along with the great storytelling.
talk about a bodice ripper just a bit over the top
I had fun reading this 🙂 And really, that’s what romance reading is all about, for me. Kudos.