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Rakes in Disgrace #1
The Gamekeeper's Lady
Frederica Bracewell grew up under a cloud of shame. As an illegitimate child, she was treated by her uncle like a servant. It wasn't until she encountered the new gamekeeper that shy, innocent Frederica started to feel like a true lady….
Lord Robert Mountford had been banished by his family. After a debauched existence, he reveled in the simplicity of a gamekeeper's lifestyle. Until temptation struck! Frederica's plain appearance and stuttering speech were a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she might just be his undoing…and unmasking!
Lord Robert Mountford had been banished by his family. After a debauched existence, he reveled in the simplicity of a gamekeeper's lifestyle. Until temptation struck! Frederica's plain appearance and stuttering speech were a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she might just be his undoing…and unmasking!
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 19, 2010
3 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Ann Lethbridge
182 books158 followersAKA Michèle Ann Young (Goodreads Author)
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 17, 2016
DNF- this is one I can see for miles ahead with vague sign posts all along the way, barreling at me 100 mph, but I am not willing to waste anymore time waiting for the inappropriate scene to hit me smack in the face. I'm just gonna call it good or evil as it were and be done with it before it even begins. Readers who like clean novels don't even waste your time.
June 6, 2020
Lord Robert Mountford has a bad habit of hopping into bed with flirtatious married women, but he steers clear of innocent virgins. Unfortunately, one catches him alone and, mistaking him for his twin brother, falsely accuses him of trying to kiss her. He refuses to marry her and is ostracized by everyone he knows. Even his own father kicks him out.
Three years later, Robert has managed to land a position as an assistant gamekeeper at Wynchwood estate, hiding his true identity as best he can. Frederica Bracewell, the young lady of the house, may prove to be his undoing. Sparks fly between the two of them as Robert helps Frederica with her secret project, drawing local wildlife and adding to her art portfolio so that she can eventually run away to Italy and become an artist.
I knew from the start that I probably wasn't going to like this very much. The book began with the hero naked in bed after having had sex with another man's wife. The woman, Maggie, started trying to match him up with her niece before the two of them had even gotten dressed. The whole thing repulsed me. Shortly after that, Robert was kicked out by his father for not marrying the young lady who said he'd kissed her, and then there was a "three years later" time jump.
Frederica was mistreated by her uncle, frequently punished just for being left-handed, and constantly interrupted because of her stutter. I generally like downtrodden heroines because it's fun seeing them come into their own, but I got so frustrated with both her and Robert that I just couldn't root for them. They were both idiots. When they met, it was instant physical attraction. Also, Frederica was happy because Robert didn't seem to take issue with either her left-handedness or her stutter.
If I remember right, the book had two sex scenes, and the first one happened after Frederica and Robert had spoken to each other maybe three times. Although Robert had just reminded her that he could be fired for letting her into his house alone at night, he for some reason agreed to model for her nude (or nearly nude? I wasn't entirely sure). One thing led to another and, boom, sex scene. Frederica lied and said she wasn't a virgin, which I guess prompted Robert to decide it was okay to risk the best job he'd managed to find in three years.
These characters were so very stupid.
Anyway, in the last third of the book, multiple characters revealed that they weren't who they appeared to be, and the sudden complications at least made things interesting, even though I didn't enjoy the romance. Maggie, the woman Robert was in bed with at the beginning of the book, showed up again. It was awkward, but not quite as bad as I'd expected.
The ending was...terrible. It was like most of the characters experienced personality transplants. Frederica and Robert had doubts about each other that were understandable considering that neither one of them really knew each other very well, but that made it very difficult to believe in their happy ending. Which was very, very happy, with everything wrapping up neatly.
I looked at the summaries of the other books in the series. Looks like Charles, Robert's twin, is the hero of the next book, Robert's friend John is the hero of the third, and the fourth features characters I don't think appeared in this book at all. I have no interest in reading any of them.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Three years later, Robert has managed to land a position as an assistant gamekeeper at Wynchwood estate, hiding his true identity as best he can. Frederica Bracewell, the young lady of the house, may prove to be his undoing. Sparks fly between the two of them as Robert helps Frederica with her secret project, drawing local wildlife and adding to her art portfolio so that she can eventually run away to Italy and become an artist.
I knew from the start that I probably wasn't going to like this very much. The book began with the hero naked in bed after having had sex with another man's wife. The woman, Maggie, started trying to match him up with her niece before the two of them had even gotten dressed. The whole thing repulsed me. Shortly after that, Robert was kicked out by his father for not marrying the young lady who said he'd kissed her, and then there was a "three years later" time jump.
Frederica was mistreated by her uncle, frequently punished just for being left-handed, and constantly interrupted because of her stutter. I generally like downtrodden heroines because it's fun seeing them come into their own, but I got so frustrated with both her and Robert that I just couldn't root for them. They were both idiots. When they met, it was instant physical attraction. Also, Frederica was happy because Robert didn't seem to take issue with either her left-handedness or her stutter.
If I remember right, the book had two sex scenes, and the first one happened after Frederica and Robert had spoken to each other maybe three times. Although Robert had just reminded her that he could be fired for letting her into his house alone at night, he for some reason agreed to model for her nude (or nearly nude? I wasn't entirely sure). One thing led to another and, boom, sex scene. Frederica lied and said she wasn't a virgin, which I guess prompted Robert to decide it was okay to risk the best job he'd managed to find in three years.
These characters were so very stupid.
Anyway, in the last third of the book, multiple characters revealed that they weren't who they appeared to be, and the sudden complications at least made things interesting, even though I didn't enjoy the romance. Maggie, the woman Robert was in bed with at the beginning of the book, showed up again. It was awkward, but not quite as bad as I'd expected.
The ending was...terrible. It was like most of the characters experienced personality transplants. Frederica and Robert had doubts about each other that were understandable considering that neither one of them really knew each other very well, but that made it very difficult to believe in their happy ending. Which was very, very happy, with everything wrapping up neatly.
I looked at the summaries of the other books in the series. Looks like Charles, Robert's twin, is the hero of the next book, Robert's friend John is the hero of the third, and the fourth features characters I don't think appeared in this book at all. I have no interest in reading any of them.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
July 28, 2024
4 stelle 🌟 meno
La trilogia è stata la mia prima lettura di quest'autrice, ma è stata una scoperta molto positiva. La Lethbridge sa scrivere e le sue trame sono interessanti, spesso con un'indagine in sottofondo e belle scene di passione.
Si parte con i gemelli Mountford, figli di un duca: Charles l'erede integerrimo e Robert il cadetto (per soli cinque minuti) e lo scapestrato.
Quando rifiuta un matrimonio riparatore /frutto di un tranello), Robert viene messo al bando dalla buona società e rinnegato anche dalla famiglia. Finirà a lavorare come aiuto guardiacaccia, in una tenuta dove una timida fanciulla viene tratta come una Cenerentola dai parenti, mentre lei vorrebbe solo fuggire in Italia e diventare un artista.
In alcuni punti meno riuscito, ma nel complesso valido.
La trilogia è stata la mia prima lettura di quest'autrice, ma è stata una scoperta molto positiva. La Lethbridge sa scrivere e le sue trame sono interessanti, spesso con un'indagine in sottofondo e belle scene di passione.
Si parte con i gemelli Mountford, figli di un duca: Charles l'erede integerrimo e Robert il cadetto (per soli cinque minuti) e lo scapestrato.
Quando rifiuta un matrimonio riparatore /frutto di un tranello), Robert viene messo al bando dalla buona società e rinnegato anche dalla famiglia. Finirà a lavorare come aiuto guardiacaccia, in una tenuta dove una timida fanciulla viene tratta come una Cenerentola dai parenti, mentre lei vorrebbe solo fuggire in Italia e diventare un artista.
In alcuni punti meno riuscito, ma nel complesso valido.
February 19, 2020
No mulle seebid meeldivad ja see vastas täiesti kriteeriumitele :)
February 9, 2018
Nice romance. Like the other reviews I agree that the ballroom scene was a little over the top and the plot at the lawyers was a bit overdone. However, I loved the one on one interactions between the hero and heroine. It was nice change to see a story where the heroine was a virgin, but didn't make a big deal about it. It was also nice that the hero didn't realize she was a virgin during the act (those scenes are always cringey). Overall a nice pleasant read.
December 31, 2018
I liked it well enough, though I admit to skimming in spots. I would have preferred there be more angst about the heroine's supposed plainness and stutter (neither had any role in the story really, and weren't mentioned), rather than the drama centering around the mystery. Also,
July 4, 2020
The premise is fairly good but the execution is not. This book comes across as if its written in a hurry to meet tomorrow's deadline. I really hate it when author's waste so much potential. The writing ao abrupt and disjointed. I stumbled through it somehow. Will not recommend
April 3, 2020
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
March 10, 2021
2.5 stars Too many miss-understandings. Started to annoy me.
April 22, 2018
I simply love it. I've already read it several times, and I still feel like coming back.
It has a classic plot, but with some interesting twists, good characters, captivating dialogue and a credible romance.
I know some get annoyed by her stuttering, by I don't mind at all.
It has a classic plot, but with some interesting twists, good characters, captivating dialogue and a credible romance.
I know some get annoyed by her stuttering, by I don't mind at all.
June 7, 2011
This one of three Harlequin Historicals I got in a recent order and I was pleased with all three of them. I will be giving brief reviews on all.
I have always been fascinated by the idea of a member of the ton in 'disguise' as someone far beneath him. This is the first book in Ann's 'Rakes in Disguise' series.
Lord Robert Mountford is a devil may care rake of the first order, dallying with widows, married ladies, gambling, everything that is required for the dissipated life of a rake. He goes a step too far and finds himself shunned by his peers and kicked to the cobblestone walk by his imperial father. His older twin brother offers to help monetary wise, but proud Robert will have none of it.
Cut to three years later, and Robert has been working hard these last years, trying to save enough money to pay back his debts. He secures the job of assistant gamekeeper at the Wynchwood Estate. It is here he comes across Frederica Bracewell, niece of the owner. She is treated more as a servant than a beloved member of the family, because she has a cloud of shame over her head, she was illegitimate. Frederica is no raving beauty, and she stutters, but the beyond handsome Robert sees something in her that appeals to him greatly.
Federica is like no lady Robert has ever met, she draws, quite well in fact, and after seeing Robert shirtless, asks if he will pose for her. One thing leads to another and sparks ignite between the two. When the story stayed focused and Robert and Frederica in that small gamekeeper's cottage, I was enchanted. Wonderful couple, so much to overcome. And the love scenes sizzled.
But I found the conflict near the end of the book that took place at a masked ball somewhat convoluted
and predictable, but it did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the read.
Well written, well developed characters, the heat between the hero and heroine was sensual and lush, and the story worked best when it stayed focused on the two in that small little cottage.
3.5 stars out of 4 for the book
I have always been fascinated by the idea of a member of the ton in 'disguise' as someone far beneath him. This is the first book in Ann's 'Rakes in Disguise' series.
Lord Robert Mountford is a devil may care rake of the first order, dallying with widows, married ladies, gambling, everything that is required for the dissipated life of a rake. He goes a step too far and finds himself shunned by his peers and kicked to the cobblestone walk by his imperial father. His older twin brother offers to help monetary wise, but proud Robert will have none of it.
Cut to three years later, and Robert has been working hard these last years, trying to save enough money to pay back his debts. He secures the job of assistant gamekeeper at the Wynchwood Estate. It is here he comes across Frederica Bracewell, niece of the owner. She is treated more as a servant than a beloved member of the family, because she has a cloud of shame over her head, she was illegitimate. Frederica is no raving beauty, and she stutters, but the beyond handsome Robert sees something in her that appeals to him greatly.
Federica is like no lady Robert has ever met, she draws, quite well in fact, and after seeing Robert shirtless, asks if he will pose for her. One thing leads to another and sparks ignite between the two. When the story stayed focused and Robert and Frederica in that small gamekeeper's cottage, I was enchanted. Wonderful couple, so much to overcome. And the love scenes sizzled.
But I found the conflict near the end of the book that took place at a masked ball somewhat convoluted
and predictable, but it did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the read.
Well written, well developed characters, the heat between the hero and heroine was sensual and lush, and the story worked best when it stayed focused on the two in that small little cottage.
3.5 stars out of 4 for the book
February 4, 2016
Era da un po’ di tempo che non prendevo in mano un Harmony e devo dire che questo non mi ha delusa.
Certo, inizia in un modo e finisce in un altro, ma nel complesso la storia è carina.
Lui: rampollo di una ricca famiglia con il vizio delle donne che viene diseredato e costretto a darsi alla macchia a causa di uno scandalo.
Lei: lo zimbello dello zio che l’ha accolta in casa. Figlia di una nobildonna che passava da un letto all’altro e considerata la figlia del diavolo perché è mancina. Oltre a fregarsene dell’etichetta, ama l’arte.
Insomma, due casi umani che si son trovati.
Il loro primo incontro ricorda quasi una soap opera, o i classici scritti in quegli anni. Lui, divenuto il guardiacaccia della proprietà dello zio di lei, pensa di doverla salvare perché troppo vicina al fiume mentre lei, la nostra cara Frederica, sfida le buone maniere e (segretamente) lo zio, cercando in tutti i modi di ottenere abbastanza denaro per andarsene in Italia, infischiandosene quindi del manzo che la salva. Entrambi sentono una strana attrazione, ma sono troppo freak per comprenderla.
Man mano che la vicenda procede, i due si fanno sempre più vicini, finché Frederica non decide di montarlo come il manzo che è, affermando di non essere più innocente.
E qui va un bel Mah!
Il nostro caro lord si è scopato praticamente tutta Londra, quindi come fa a non accorgersi che quella piccola elfa balbuziente è vergine? Misteri misteriosi.
In seguito, c’è un susseguirsi di guai: lei che viene promessa al cucino obeso che arriva alla villa, la festa del suo debutto, il caro lord che viene incriminato, lei che scappa con il maggiordomo… insomma, disastri.
Poi, non si sa come, alla fine Frederica diventa ricca, il lord viene riammesso nella rendita di famiglia e i due si sposano. Fine.
Devo dire che la seconda metà non mi ha entusiasmata parecchio, ma come libro veloce da leggere in un pomeriggio non è male. Al contrario di molti altri romanzi…
Certo, inizia in un modo e finisce in un altro, ma nel complesso la storia è carina.
Lui: rampollo di una ricca famiglia con il vizio delle donne che viene diseredato e costretto a darsi alla macchia a causa di uno scandalo.
Lei: lo zimbello dello zio che l’ha accolta in casa. Figlia di una nobildonna che passava da un letto all’altro e considerata la figlia del diavolo perché è mancina. Oltre a fregarsene dell’etichetta, ama l’arte.
Insomma, due casi umani che si son trovati.
Il loro primo incontro ricorda quasi una soap opera, o i classici scritti in quegli anni. Lui, divenuto il guardiacaccia della proprietà dello zio di lei, pensa di doverla salvare perché troppo vicina al fiume mentre lei, la nostra cara Frederica, sfida le buone maniere e (segretamente) lo zio, cercando in tutti i modi di ottenere abbastanza denaro per andarsene in Italia, infischiandosene quindi del manzo che la salva. Entrambi sentono una strana attrazione, ma sono troppo freak per comprenderla.
Man mano che la vicenda procede, i due si fanno sempre più vicini, finché Frederica non decide di montarlo come il manzo che è, affermando di non essere più innocente.
E qui va un bel Mah!
Il nostro caro lord si è scopato praticamente tutta Londra, quindi come fa a non accorgersi che quella piccola elfa balbuziente è vergine? Misteri misteriosi.
In seguito, c’è un susseguirsi di guai: lei che viene promessa al cucino obeso che arriva alla villa, la festa del suo debutto, il caro lord che viene incriminato, lei che scappa con il maggiordomo… insomma, disastri.
Poi, non si sa come, alla fine Frederica diventa ricca, il lord viene riammesso nella rendita di famiglia e i due si sposano. Fine.
Devo dire che la seconda metà non mi ha entusiasmata parecchio, ma come libro veloce da leggere in un pomeriggio non è male. Al contrario di molti altri romanzi…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2014
This is a light, fluffy historical romance, the main characters Lord Robert Montford, the second son of a Duke and Miss Frederica Bracewell a lady with some doubts about her birth, are both likeable and sweet.
Robert has been banished by his imperious Father after one escapade too far, although I do feel he is a little misunderstood. He is not in favour with his peers either and leaves London in disgrace. Finding employment as an assistant gamekeeper on the estate of Frederica's Uncle, he settles down to a simple life, intrinsically an honourable man he is determined to one day pay off the debts left behind after his flight. Frederica is an accomplished artist and likes to sketch in private on her Uncles estate, albeit without his knowledge as he disapproves of this pursuit. She is building up a portfolio of her work so that she can escape her Uncle and his plans to marry her off to her cousin...his heir, for nefarious reasons that Frederica is unaware of. Frederica plans to travel to Italy to study her art as soon as she is able. On one of her sojourns to a special place of hers, she meets Robert and is struck by his beauty eventually she plucks up the courage to ask him to 'sit' for her. What follows is sweet and romantic but Frederica is ruined, although Robert does not realise that she is an innocent and she does not correct his assumption, they are very drawn to one another and against his rakish nature Robert finds himself starting to champion her.
There is a plot although like the story it is fairly light and fluffy and quite predictable. There are quite a few characters introduced, too many really, but on the whole an enjoyable easy read. Not too taxing but sweet and romantic.
Robert has been banished by his imperious Father after one escapade too far, although I do feel he is a little misunderstood. He is not in favour with his peers either and leaves London in disgrace. Finding employment as an assistant gamekeeper on the estate of Frederica's Uncle, he settles down to a simple life, intrinsically an honourable man he is determined to one day pay off the debts left behind after his flight. Frederica is an accomplished artist and likes to sketch in private on her Uncles estate, albeit without his knowledge as he disapproves of this pursuit. She is building up a portfolio of her work so that she can escape her Uncle and his plans to marry her off to her cousin...his heir, for nefarious reasons that Frederica is unaware of. Frederica plans to travel to Italy to study her art as soon as she is able. On one of her sojourns to a special place of hers, she meets Robert and is struck by his beauty eventually she plucks up the courage to ask him to 'sit' for her. What follows is sweet and romantic but Frederica is ruined, although Robert does not realise that she is an innocent and she does not correct his assumption, they are very drawn to one another and against his rakish nature Robert finds himself starting to champion her.
There is a plot although like the story it is fairly light and fluffy and quite predictable. There are quite a few characters introduced, too many really, but on the whole an enjoyable easy read. Not too taxing but sweet and romantic.
January 12, 2016
has some very commonly found plot elements. which is why i thought i might have read it before. hadn't.
i thought it was actually good, esp that maggie (the ow) is not a vicious cat at all. and the hero, who's been tomcatting since 15, has been celibate the last two years (in exile from family). ofcourse, he thinks the h is not a virgin and la di da di da... there is some amount of groveling in the end (which i liked! could've been better. but hey, beggars can't be choosers :|).
also, villains are not ott. the H's main rival actually turns out refreshingly rational.
i'd have rated it 3 stars, but it was better than that. not quite 4, but still.
(book opens with H and ow... i'm glad i ignored it and continued reading)
i thought it was actually good, esp that maggie (the ow) is not a vicious cat at all. and the hero, who's been tomcatting since 15, has been celibate the last two years (in exile from family). ofcourse, he thinks the h is not a virgin and la di da di da... there is some amount of groveling in the end (which i liked! could've been better. but hey, beggars can't be choosers :|).
also, villains are not ott. the H's main rival actually turns out refreshingly rational.
i'd have rated it 3 stars, but it was better than that. not quite 4, but still.
(book opens with H and ow... i'm glad i ignored it and continued reading)
Read
June 16, 2015The Gamekeeper's Lady is a traditional Regency Romance with a black sheep, and virgin heroine, but with a lovely touch of historical feminism. Much of the heroine’s journey is working to overcome social barriers to become a respected artist.
Ms. Lethbridge has created two wonderfully flawed characters, and whilst they are among the crème de le crème of ton society, each stand out, not for their fair appearance, but rather their honesty, honor, and individuality.
See the full review at Heroes and Heartbreakers: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Ms. Lethbridge has created two wonderfully flawed characters, and whilst they are among the crème de le crème of ton society, each stand out, not for their fair appearance, but rather their honesty, honor, and individuality.
See the full review at Heroes and Heartbreakers: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
September 2, 2016
This was surprisingly one of the best Regency romances I read. I tend to find them too stiff-upper-lip and droll but picked this one up because the premise seemed a bit different - illegitimacy and a disowned lord getting together. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the first half of the book. Towards the end I felt that the plot was getting a bit too thick and full of characters for my liking but it still held together never-the-less, so I've given it 5 stars instead of 4, for pure enjoyment.
May 24, 2013
A good read, it took me a few pages to realise that it was a series book with 'more than a mistress' but the book's timing ran side by side with the other book, so what was happening to the twins brothers was at the same time in two books.
I loved how the two characters found each other amid such bad circumstances, it made me smile but at the same time the intrigue gave me butterflies.
It seemed to take a while but they finally got their happy ending :)
I loved how the two characters found each other amid such bad circumstances, it made me smile but at the same time the intrigue gave me butterflies.
It seemed to take a while but they finally got their happy ending :)
September 1, 2012
This was one of the available audiobooks from a digital library download and looked like something that would take my mind off of work and lull me to sleep. Frederica the main character was endearing. There's nothing earth shattering in the plotline, but I enjoyed it.
Read
June 1, 2011Miniseries: Rakes in Disgrace
June 14, 2011
Banished and disowned rake finds a job as a gamekeeper, and falls for the illegitimate daughter of his employer's sister. This one was pretty good.
Read
February 28, 2013Great storyline!
September 29, 2011
Great read gave me hours of reading pleasure
January 14, 2012
The "misunderstandings" that kept popping up to "add drama" to the book got on my NERVES.
April 13, 2014
Almost did not finish
July 28, 2014
Charming quick read.
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: Rakes in Disgrace
November 22, 2011
I love this author. She delivered a beautiful story with The Gamekeeper's Lady. Fabulous hero.
October 28, 2014
A promising beginning that ended as WTH.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews