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Lord Rotheby's Influence #1
Twice a Rake
Some scandals are meant to be . . .
When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next?
If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, has set for him. First and he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable.
In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?
When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next?
If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, has set for him. First and he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable.
In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?
Nook
First published April 22, 2011
About the author
Catherine Gayle
75 books924 followers***Please note that series numbering of the Portland Storm series is different at Goodreads than it is on Catherine's website or at any retailer. Goodreads policy will not allow the series numbering to match anything else. If this confuses you, please complain to Goodreads, as it is not Catherine's fault.***
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 30, 2013
As someone who loves both romances and murder mysteries, I found myself wishing that this one had been the latter...and that our "hero and heroine" had been done away with in the first few pages. :)
Honestly, I'm not all that picky when it comes to historicals. I've read hundreds this year (I know, I know...I need a life!), and I've liked or even loved a surprisingly high percentage of them. I wasn't even that deterred by the negative reviews, as amusing and well written as they were. That's because most of them cited the horribly unlikable characters as their primary reason for disliking this book, and I have a higher tolerance for unlikable characters than most. Flatly 'perfect' characters bore and annoy me beyond reason. I actually think making the H and/or h unlikable can make a book far more humorous and compelling while giving us a satisfying character arc in which the H and/or h authentically evolves by the end of the novel. (The problem with some of the eye-rollingly perfect heroes and heroines we get in certain novels is that there's no room for growth or change because they're already so absurdly flawless!)
So I opened this book feeling hopeful and ready to give it a chance to earn a spot on my Kindle's keeper shelf...only to discover within the first few pages that, if anything, some of the negative reviews actually understated its abject awfulness! The writing style, subjective as I realize this is, struck me as uncomfortably amateurish. The pacing was beyond erratic and just plain odd. And the characters were actually far worse than I'd feared, living down to the very lowest expectations. As others have noted, the "hero" is drunk in the vast majority of his scenes---think Nic Cage in Leaving Las Vegas---and a nasty boor even during his rare moments of sobriety. He's mean and belittling and, hey, nothing says romance like cruelly *blackmailing* the heroine into marrying him so he can get his hands on some extra cash, right? ;) I neither expect nor want my heroes to be saints, but this guy wasn't even awful in a remotely interesting or mildly amusing way. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that he might be among my five least favorite heroes EVER...and there's some stiff competition for that title!
And I know "Too Stupid To Live" has become an overused descriptor for too many heroines, but really, this heroine earns it like few others. And she's not just endearingly ditzy, either---more like a hopelessly entitled, selfish and maddeningly oblivious twit. Granted, I suppose one would *have* to be oblivious to endure more than a few seconds in the hero's company.
The H/h dynamic is kind of the classic love/hate...only without the love part. They seem to outright detest each other...and who can blame either one of them?! Naturally, that doesn't stop them from having sex. Cue the obligatory, tiresome sex scenes which I suppose are supposed to compensate for the utter lack of connection they have anywhere other than (allegedly) the bedroom. By the end, these two terrible people who have a terrible marriage decide, for no discernible reason, that they actually "love" each other. That's great for them and all, but I still can't stand either one of them.
I almost never, ever give one-star reviews. This was the very unfortunate exception to that rule. I totally understand that writing styles, characterizations, themes and storylines resonate differently with all of us, and I'm sincerely jealous of those who enjoyed this book. But with so many fantastically witty, engaging, and mood-lifting historicals out there, I'd strongly advise steering clear of this one.
Honestly, I'm not all that picky when it comes to historicals. I've read hundreds this year (I know, I know...I need a life!), and I've liked or even loved a surprisingly high percentage of them. I wasn't even that deterred by the negative reviews, as amusing and well written as they were. That's because most of them cited the horribly unlikable characters as their primary reason for disliking this book, and I have a higher tolerance for unlikable characters than most. Flatly 'perfect' characters bore and annoy me beyond reason. I actually think making the H and/or h unlikable can make a book far more humorous and compelling while giving us a satisfying character arc in which the H and/or h authentically evolves by the end of the novel. (The problem with some of the eye-rollingly perfect heroes and heroines we get in certain novels is that there's no room for growth or change because they're already so absurdly flawless!)
So I opened this book feeling hopeful and ready to give it a chance to earn a spot on my Kindle's keeper shelf...only to discover within the first few pages that, if anything, some of the negative reviews actually understated its abject awfulness! The writing style, subjective as I realize this is, struck me as uncomfortably amateurish. The pacing was beyond erratic and just plain odd. And the characters were actually far worse than I'd feared, living down to the very lowest expectations. As others have noted, the "hero" is drunk in the vast majority of his scenes---think Nic Cage in Leaving Las Vegas---and a nasty boor even during his rare moments of sobriety. He's mean and belittling and, hey, nothing says romance like cruelly *blackmailing* the heroine into marrying him so he can get his hands on some extra cash, right? ;) I neither expect nor want my heroes to be saints, but this guy wasn't even awful in a remotely interesting or mildly amusing way. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that he might be among my five least favorite heroes EVER...and there's some stiff competition for that title!
And I know "Too Stupid To Live" has become an overused descriptor for too many heroines, but really, this heroine earns it like few others. And she's not just endearingly ditzy, either---more like a hopelessly entitled, selfish and maddeningly oblivious twit. Granted, I suppose one would *have* to be oblivious to endure more than a few seconds in the hero's company.
The H/h dynamic is kind of the classic love/hate...only without the love part. They seem to outright detest each other...and who can blame either one of them?! Naturally, that doesn't stop them from having sex. Cue the obligatory, tiresome sex scenes which I suppose are supposed to compensate for the utter lack of connection they have anywhere other than (allegedly) the bedroom. By the end, these two terrible people who have a terrible marriage decide, for no discernible reason, that they actually "love" each other. That's great for them and all, but I still can't stand either one of them.
I almost never, ever give one-star reviews. This was the very unfortunate exception to that rule. I totally understand that writing styles, characterizations, themes and storylines resonate differently with all of us, and I'm sincerely jealous of those who enjoyed this book. But with so many fantastically witty, engaging, and mood-lifting historicals out there, I'd strongly advise steering clear of this one.
April 9, 2019
3 stars
This historical contains most of my must-haves: a solid story line (at least enough to keep my attention), interesting H/h characters, and steamy goodness. There was a little more on the angst end than I tend to prefer (one of the "if you just talked to each other, this would not be a problem"), and it honestly didn't seem to need that to keep the book moving. But overall, a good read.
Aurora is nearly "on the shelf" which is fine with her as she is taking her time assessing potential beaus since her original intended was thoughtful enough to keel over from old age a couple of weeks before the wedding. She spends much of her time writing in a journal where she describes potential relationships and plays them out. It's become a bit of a game with her to imagine the men courting her as husbands, and each leads to a boring outcome. When she hears that a mysterious, handsome, and thoroughly unsuitable baron has arrived on the marriage mart scene, she is intrigued. Though she hasn't met him yet, she begins to fantasize about him, and the stories she comes up are decidedly much more scandalous and interesting than any she has written so far. Will this "pirate" live up to such expectations?
Quin is a rake of the first order, and he loves every moment of it. He has spent as much time enjoying the debauchery and indulgence his position as a member of the nobility has afforded him until his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, makes an ultimatum that he must marry and produce an heir or be disowned. This necessitates Quin's return to society to obtain a willing woman... but with his reputation preceding him, the marriage-minded mamas are keeping their eligible daughters far away. If only he could find a suitable bride who wouldn't mind a touch of scandal... And then he stumbles across a lost diary with salacious details about none other than himself! Who is this lady with the naughty thoughts about him, and is she the right one to fulfill the requirements his grandfather has decreed?
What I liked:
--- Steamy goodness!
--- Interesting story line
--- A bit of a twist on the married by scandal angle
What I didn't like as much:
--- Pretty unrealistic that a woman who was as innocent as Aurora was would have written anything as "scandalous" as she did about Quin
--- Quin had a lot of (deceased) daddy issues that dragged on a little too long for my taste -- and he was estranged from the rest of his family for seemingly no reason
--- Too. Much. Angst. --- the story wouldn't have been impacted by reducing some of that as it was clear that it went on for too long
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level --- 3.5/5
Violence --- minimal (there are some scenes of "dubious consent" but it is more about the fear of having her heart broken than a "forced" situation, if that makes sense)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd person
This historical contains most of my must-haves: a solid story line (at least enough to keep my attention), interesting H/h characters, and steamy goodness. There was a little more on the angst end than I tend to prefer (one of the "if you just talked to each other, this would not be a problem"), and it honestly didn't seem to need that to keep the book moving. But overall, a good read.
Aurora is nearly "on the shelf" which is fine with her as she is taking her time assessing potential beaus since her original intended was thoughtful enough to keel over from old age a couple of weeks before the wedding. She spends much of her time writing in a journal where she describes potential relationships and plays them out. It's become a bit of a game with her to imagine the men courting her as husbands, and each leads to a boring outcome. When she hears that a mysterious, handsome, and thoroughly unsuitable baron has arrived on the marriage mart scene, she is intrigued. Though she hasn't met him yet, she begins to fantasize about him, and the stories she comes up are decidedly much more scandalous and interesting than any she has written so far. Will this "pirate" live up to such expectations?
Quin is a rake of the first order, and he loves every moment of it. He has spent as much time enjoying the debauchery and indulgence his position as a member of the nobility has afforded him until his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, makes an ultimatum that he must marry and produce an heir or be disowned. This necessitates Quin's return to society to obtain a willing woman... but with his reputation preceding him, the marriage-minded mamas are keeping their eligible daughters far away. If only he could find a suitable bride who wouldn't mind a touch of scandal... And then he stumbles across a lost diary with salacious details about none other than himself! Who is this lady with the naughty thoughts about him, and is she the right one to fulfill the requirements his grandfather has decreed?
What I liked:
--- Steamy goodness!
--- Interesting story line
--- A bit of a twist on the married by scandal angle
What I didn't like as much:
--- Pretty unrealistic that a woman who was as innocent as Aurora was would have written anything as "scandalous" as she did about Quin
--- Quin had a lot of (deceased) daddy issues that dragged on a little too long for my taste -- and he was estranged from the rest of his family for seemingly no reason
--- Too. Much. Angst. --- the story wouldn't have been impacted by reducing some of that as it was clear that it went on for too long
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level --- 3.5/5
Violence --- minimal (there are some scenes of "dubious consent" but it is more about the fear of having her heart broken than a "forced" situation, if that makes sense)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd person
February 7, 2013
1.5 "generous" stars for this frustrating book.
I admit I liked Niles, even with his issues he refused to face. He never pretended to be anything other than what he was - a brandy swilling, skirt chasing rake. At least he was honest. And excepting the droll trope of "I'm turning into my bastard father" - so overdone, authors please give it a rest already - he was a character you found yourself liking in the end.
Aurora was spoiled, selfish, at one point unconscionably rude to her supposed best friend, and a heroine I would dearly have loved to throttle. She is a TEXTBOOK example of why I despise a heroine who "writes". Be it authoress, reporter or just some silly chit (as in this case) who feels the need to write down every insipid thought she has in a book for someone else to inevitably find. (The ONLY exception I've ever found is Pamela Clare) There's not much more to say about her other than I hated her. She deserved what she got and then some.
Lastly, you would think that an author writing about a woman who writes would herself EDIT her own book. Or pay someone else too. Sadly, that is not the case. AT ALL. The cringe-worthy editing alone took off at least a star by itself.
Niles saved the book - period. D/D+
I admit I liked Niles, even with his issues he refused to face. He never pretended to be anything other than what he was - a brandy swilling, skirt chasing rake. At least he was honest. And excepting the droll trope of "I'm turning into my bastard father" - so overdone, authors please give it a rest already - he was a character you found yourself liking in the end.
Aurora was spoiled, selfish, at one point unconscionably rude to her supposed best friend, and a heroine I would dearly have loved to throttle. She is a TEXTBOOK example of why I despise a heroine who "writes". Be it authoress, reporter or just some silly chit (as in this case) who feels the need to write down every insipid thought she has in a book for someone else to inevitably find. (The ONLY exception I've ever found is Pamela Clare) There's not much more to say about her other than I hated her. She deserved what she got and then some.
Lastly, you would think that an author writing about a woman who writes would herself EDIT her own book. Or pay someone else too. Sadly, that is not the case. AT ALL. The cringe-worthy editing alone took off at least a star by itself.
Niles saved the book - period. D/D+
November 30, 2011
3.5 stars
Another story with a shakey beginning that I almost closed as DNF, but ultimately glad I didn't. The set-up for the two protagonists had more than a few eye-rolling moments, but once they truly started to see each other it was heartaching. Some heavy emotions and issues dealt with, albeit clumsily at times, but still worth the time to read.
Another story with a shakey beginning that I almost closed as DNF, but ultimately glad I didn't. The set-up for the two protagonists had more than a few eye-rolling moments, but once they truly started to see each other it was heartaching. Some heavy emotions and issues dealt with, albeit clumsily at times, but still worth the time to read.
June 8, 2015
I enjoyed Twice A rake. Catherine Gayle did a wonderful job writing these characters. I felt like I knew them and like I was there with them. The story moves at a pretty face pace.The ending was not very enjoyable for me. It ends with Aurora miscarrying her baby and the Epilog which I appreciates, leaves us hanging as she is pregnant again. I don't know why the author didn't let her have the baby to complete the story, so readers would know what sex the child was. Did Aurora's delivery go OK? The Reader doesn't know. The end felt incomplete.
Aurora is a 24yr old who loves to get bits of gossip from her friend Rebecca or anyone willing to gossip. She love to write stories about what gossip she had learned and keeps them in a journal that she lets Rebecca read. Rebecca tells Aurora about a Rake Baron Quin, heir to Earl Rotheby who has returned and his moving around the Ton again. Aurora starts to imagine him and writes all sort of things young ladies should Not write about amorous adventures with Quin. She has never meet the man.
Quinn is a drunk , gambler and womanizer, but has been order by his grandfather Earl Rotheby to marry and produce and heir within the year or he will disown him and take away Quinn's home Quinton Abbey. While racing through the park with friends Aurora loses her journal!! Quinn picks it up but doesn't know who it belongs too. He read all of the sexy amorous things Aurora wrote about him and her. He decides she will do for a wife and he must meet her. When Quinn sees her for the first time at a ball he is shocked to see that she is a beautiful Adonis. During the ball after Quinn has a few drinks he kisses Aurora right there in the middle of the ball. In front of the Ton. That was so funny. A Day later Quinn and Aurora are married. They have a very passionate sensual love for each other, but can lust turn into love? Indeed it can!!
There is a villain Griffith Seabrook, he wants to ruin and disgrace Quinn for not marrying his sister Phoebe. But instead he steals Aurora journal and ruins her by having it published. Causing Quinn and Aurora to flee to the country and live at Quinton Abbey. There the couple learns to work out there problem and talking things out but it takes awhile for them to trust each other. At times I wonted to hit Quinn and Aurora over the head for there foolishness. In my opinion Aurora would have been server better had she been written at a much younger age 18 maybe but 24 makes her to old to do some of the stupid thing she does.
However I Enjoyed the Story very much. But Felt a little let down at the end. So 4 stars instead of 5. Yes I recommend Twice A Rack to fans of the HR genre!!
Aurora is a 24yr old who loves to get bits of gossip from her friend Rebecca or anyone willing to gossip. She love to write stories about what gossip she had learned and keeps them in a journal that she lets Rebecca read. Rebecca tells Aurora about a Rake Baron Quin, heir to Earl Rotheby who has returned and his moving around the Ton again. Aurora starts to imagine him and writes all sort of things young ladies should Not write about amorous adventures with Quin. She has never meet the man.
Quinn is a drunk , gambler and womanizer, but has been order by his grandfather Earl Rotheby to marry and produce and heir within the year or he will disown him and take away Quinn's home Quinton Abbey. While racing through the park with friends Aurora loses her journal!! Quinn picks it up but doesn't know who it belongs too. He read all of the sexy amorous things Aurora wrote about him and her. He decides she will do for a wife and he must meet her. When Quinn sees her for the first time at a ball he is shocked to see that she is a beautiful Adonis. During the ball after Quinn has a few drinks he kisses Aurora right there in the middle of the ball. In front of the Ton. That was so funny. A Day later Quinn and Aurora are married. They have a very passionate sensual love for each other, but can lust turn into love? Indeed it can!!
There is a villain Griffith Seabrook, he wants to ruin and disgrace Quinn for not marrying his sister Phoebe. But instead he steals Aurora journal and ruins her by having it published. Causing Quinn and Aurora to flee to the country and live at Quinton Abbey. There the couple learns to work out there problem and talking things out but it takes awhile for them to trust each other. At times I wonted to hit Quinn and Aurora over the head for there foolishness. In my opinion Aurora would have been server better had she been written at a much younger age 18 maybe but 24 makes her to old to do some of the stupid thing she does.
However I Enjoyed the Story very much. But Felt a little let down at the end. So 4 stars instead of 5. Yes I recommend Twice A Rack to fans of the HR genre!!
May 15, 2012
This romance had a promising premise but unfortunately was not developed well at all. Aurora is very flighty, which was OK and a little funny at first, but got quite annoying midway through. Niles is OK but his whole tortured past also produced a few eyerolls. And I don't really understand where the 'love' between the characters came from ... all they did was have sex for most of their marriage. H/H seldom talked to each other. And the great misunderstanding was over-the-top. Good lord.
I would've given this 1 star but I did enjoy Aurora's journal entries. They were funny and what kept me reading further rather than shelving it as a DNF.
I would've given this 1 star but I did enjoy Aurora's journal entries. They were funny and what kept me reading further rather than shelving it as a DNF.
May 24, 2018
I very easy and interesting romance!
January 31, 2018
This writer is going to be very popular with all those who are not critics, but alas, I could not manage going beyond page number three.
So in the very first paragraph of twice a rake, we have this particular sentence, about a nasal intonation.
Aurora Hyatt’s aunt, the Marchioness of Sedgewick said in her nasally voice. “Aurora ought to have been married and widowed years ago.
What was that statement again? Amazing, is not it, get your relatives married off, so that they can be widowed at their leisure. And PDQ?
Voices are nasal. They are not nasally.
All right, page number two –
Just then, her dearest and most especial friend dashed to her side.
Madam, you are writing a book in English. So please do not use 21st-century Americanisms in it. Especial! Forsooth. Especially when you want to say/mean particular or special.
Page number three –
The more Aurora learned about this elusive Lord Quinton, the more she desired to know. And anyone who knew Aurora Hyatt remotely well at all could attest that if she desired something, she found it.
Even if only in her imagination.
Which, at the moment, was burning to be set free. Highly irritating, that.
Possibly someone with a 21st-century schooling can understand what is being said in this particular grammatical style. Otherwise, there are sentences with articles, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and even words and they are often complete. At least that was what we learned at school.
I think I would pass this book by. Alas, this writer had such potential, but she does not have a good editor nor a good proofreader. But then when books want the readability statistics to be between one and two, what could one expect. As long as the meaning was supposedly clear…
Get me out of here. When I read books, I want good writing not cataleptic thought processes.
So in the very first paragraph of twice a rake, we have this particular sentence, about a nasal intonation.
Aurora Hyatt’s aunt, the Marchioness of Sedgewick said in her nasally voice. “Aurora ought to have been married and widowed years ago.
What was that statement again? Amazing, is not it, get your relatives married off, so that they can be widowed at their leisure. And PDQ?
Voices are nasal. They are not nasally.
All right, page number two –
Just then, her dearest and most especial friend dashed to her side.
Madam, you are writing a book in English. So please do not use 21st-century Americanisms in it. Especial! Forsooth. Especially when you want to say/mean particular or special.
Page number three –
The more Aurora learned about this elusive Lord Quinton, the more she desired to know. And anyone who knew Aurora Hyatt remotely well at all could attest that if she desired something, she found it.
Even if only in her imagination.
Which, at the moment, was burning to be set free. Highly irritating, that.
Possibly someone with a 21st-century schooling can understand what is being said in this particular grammatical style. Otherwise, there are sentences with articles, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and even words and they are often complete. At least that was what we learned at school.
I think I would pass this book by. Alas, this writer had such potential, but she does not have a good editor nor a good proofreader. But then when books want the readability statistics to be between one and two, what could one expect. As long as the meaning was supposedly clear…
Get me out of here. When I read books, I want good writing not cataleptic thought processes.
November 5, 2011
Posted at Oh My Books!
Twice a Rake was free for Kindle a few weeks ago and I loved how it sounded. I'm glad I decided to read it, I liked it.
Aurora is a lonely woman who is having fantasies with Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton (Quin). He's very handsome and she liked to write, so her fantasies are written in her diary. But one day she looses her diary and Quin, by luck, finds it! It's not that bad since Quin needs to marry, and fast. Why not with Aurora?
I really liked Aurora and Quin's story. It's obvious their attraction and that they should be together, but Quin has a big baggage, he's not ready to be a husband.
Mostly he's scared of being as his father, and that keeps him out of reach. But he also made mistakes in the past, and now they are coming to his life again to hurt the only person he loves, Aurora.
Aurora is very modern. She really doesn't sound like living in old London, and it's difficult to believe someone at that time would write sexual fantasies in her diary. But she's very sweet and easy to like. I kind of felt sorry for her, because it wasn't really her fault, but she should have been more careful!
Overall, I liked this book. It kept me reading until the end, and Aurora and Quin's story was very emotional.
Twice a Rake was free for Kindle a few weeks ago and I loved how it sounded. I'm glad I decided to read it, I liked it.
Aurora is a lonely woman who is having fantasies with Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton (Quin). He's very handsome and she liked to write, so her fantasies are written in her diary. But one day she looses her diary and Quin, by luck, finds it! It's not that bad since Quin needs to marry, and fast. Why not with Aurora?
I really liked Aurora and Quin's story. It's obvious their attraction and that they should be together, but Quin has a big baggage, he's not ready to be a husband.
Mostly he's scared of being as his father, and that keeps him out of reach. But he also made mistakes in the past, and now they are coming to his life again to hurt the only person he loves, Aurora.
Aurora is very modern. She really doesn't sound like living in old London, and it's difficult to believe someone at that time would write sexual fantasies in her diary. But she's very sweet and easy to like. I kind of felt sorry for her, because it wasn't really her fault, but she should have been more careful!
Overall, I liked this book. It kept me reading until the end, and Aurora and Quin's story was very emotional.
January 18, 2014
This book was ok... nothing to write home to grandma about. I guess what really bugged me about this book was that damn journal. Why the hell couldn't she keep the damn thing in her room like every other girl who has a diary?!? Why did she insist on taking that damn thing everywhere??? It caused problems everywhere it went. I mean seriously, cow - first you take it on a date and loose it - so you start another one only to let that one have pages stolen out of it that essentially ruin you and your husband?!?
Are you an idiot?!?
2 Stars because even though Aroura annoyed me to no end - she was a headstrong idiot who courted scandal in the stupidest ways - & I can appreciate that... Im a hellion too, so we should stick together, right? I just can't help but wishing I had listened to Natalie's review... I should have just fibbed a bit and said I finished it....
2 Stars because even though Aroura annoyed me to no end - she was a headstrong idiot who courted scandal in the stupidest ways - & I can appreciate that... Im a hellion too, so we should stick together, right? I just can't help but wishing I had listened to Natalie's review... I should have just fibbed a bit and said I finished it....
August 6, 2012
Aurora and Quin. I can't believe I actually finished this book. It is so old school. Quin's behavior in the beginning is ridiculous and I don't know why I was supposed to like him. Yes he as a capital-p "Past" but the way he treats Aurora is inexcusable.
Each chapter opens with an entry in Aurora's diary, but there is no place in the plot for her to pause and write them, especially toward the beginning. I looked to see if the other books in the series involve Jonas and Nia, the minor romance that would be interesting to follow, but they don't.
Also, the e-book is poorly proofread. For some reason, anytime a character is speaking and is interrupted, there is no punctuation at all. It was very distracting.
Each chapter opens with an entry in Aurora's diary, but there is no place in the plot for her to pause and write them, especially toward the beginning. I looked to see if the other books in the series involve Jonas and Nia, the minor romance that would be interesting to follow, but they don't.
Also, the e-book is poorly proofread. For some reason, anytime a character is speaking and is interrupted, there is no punctuation at all. It was very distracting.
January 3, 2012
Fun, light romance. A young writer fills her journal with stories of the men she meets at the society parties in London and when she hears about a certain gentleman rake, she imagines what it would be like to be swept off her feet by him. Her shocking diary entries take on a life of their own. A deep look at flawed love and building a relationship between two souls both struggling with personal loss and sadness. Not sure how this story stays light, but it is satisfying without become depressing.
June 23, 2012
Stupid girl who has read too many Regency Romances meets an even stupider boy who needs to be put over his mother's knee and walloped until he agrees to act like a grown up. Forced marriage and chapters of conversation-less shagging ensues. Cliche cliche cliche, contrived circumstances, read that a thousand times before, cliche cliche.
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May 21, 2015
3.5 Cupcakes
It was an okay story but it drug in so many places. I rather like Quin he didn't come off as abusive at all but rather a man who was afraid of turning into his father. But he owned up to it and he was himself and didn't let others change him. No matter how much they tried.
Aurora annoyed me so much. She thought she knew best and if anyone tried to think on their own she wanted to get in their faces and tell them they were wrong. When in fact she was wrong and needed to keep her mouth shut.
Overall its an okay read somewhat slow in spots.
Till next time - Sweets Books
It was an okay story but it drug in so many places. I rather like Quin he didn't come off as abusive at all but rather a man who was afraid of turning into his father. But he owned up to it and he was himself and didn't let others change him. No matter how much they tried.
Aurora annoyed me so much. She thought she knew best and if anyone tried to think on their own she wanted to get in their faces and tell them they were wrong. When in fact she was wrong and needed to keep her mouth shut.
Overall its an okay read somewhat slow in spots.
Till next time - Sweets Books
November 3, 2011
3.5. This was free book on my Kindle. It was charming and cute. Very fluffy but a good distraction. A couple of annoyances: the heroine kept saying "oh, dear good lord"-it was in there too many times! and besides who even says that? The ending was boring in my opinion. The story had me till their relationship started getting better and it was like the author just wanted to wrap it up.
November 21, 2013
This book was full of drama. I loved it. Never a dull moment. It was funny, emotional at times, engaging and worth reading.. I would recommend. By the way...the heroine does say "Oh dear good lord" A LOT...and I think the author used way too many biblical words as adjectives which I was not comfortable with....it borderlines blasphemy. Other than these issues...I loved the book.
June 30, 2011
She has a sexy journal! He reads it! Romance ensues.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
October 7, 2014From the Ballroom and Beyond, A Limited Edition Nine Book Regency Romance Box Set
December 31, 2019
Insufferable. Nothing says romance like a hero who ruins the heroine's reputation and then blackmails her to marry him to secure his inheritance, amirite?
I hated both the hero and the heroine. The hero is hateful asshole who uses alcohol as an excuse for not taking responsibility. He got a slightly better mark on my books than the "heroine" because at least he was honest about his assholery and he did change for the better a little bit towards the end. The heroine I hated. It's beyond me why anyone would want to write about such a weak, selfish, and downright stupid heroine.
These people had zero communication and all they did was to have passive-aggressive sex that was both mortifying and hilarious to read about. It was like watching a car wreck, you know you shouldn't be watching but you can't help it. Also the author should learn more about female anatomy because it was way off and added to the hilariousness of the sex scenes. In addition, at least one sex scene was definitely questionable in terms of consent.
I hated this. This is no romance, this is domestic abuse. It makes me furious to think that someone would equate this kind of bs with romantic love and that trees were cut down for the publication of this trash. One star, although even that is too generous.
I hated both the hero and the heroine. The hero is hateful asshole who uses alcohol as an excuse for not taking responsibility. He got a slightly better mark on my books than the "heroine" because at least he was honest about his assholery and he did change for the better a little bit towards the end. The heroine I hated. It's beyond me why anyone would want to write about such a weak, selfish, and downright stupid heroine.
These people had zero communication and all they did was to have passive-aggressive sex that was both mortifying and hilarious to read about. It was like watching a car wreck, you know you shouldn't be watching but you can't help it. Also the author should learn more about female anatomy because it was way off and added to the hilariousness of the sex scenes. In addition, at least one sex scene was definitely questionable in terms of consent.
I hated this. This is no romance, this is domestic abuse. It makes me furious to think that someone would equate this kind of bs with romantic love and that trees were cut down for the publication of this trash. One star, although even that is too generous.
August 19, 2017
I really don't know how to rate this. Because while there were moments I enjoyed, there was also the following:
1. A too-dumb-to-live heroine. Seriously. TOO DUMB TO LIVE.
2. He's not just a rake, he's an arse. One sex scene of dubious consent. Also, he gets violent with her, even if he never actually hits her (she keeps saying that. You didn't hit me, you'd never hit me. Like, how do you know that??)
3. She keeps saying "oh dear good Lord." Is that a thing? I have never heard it before and every time she said it, it got more irritating.
4. The heroine is a selfish, self-involved brat. She's so incredibly rude to her best friend, and treats everyone else like dolls that are supposed to act out her story.
5. People keep talking about how charming she is, but when?
6. It's a contingent of servants, not a contingency. Poor editing throughout.
7. They both fell madly in love with each other, even though they're only having sex and he's actively avoiding her when they're awake, and they never talk. Also, he's a drunkard.
And yet, there were moments that were charming? I can't remember what they are right now, though. So, one star it is, because they were actively annoying most of the book.
1. A too-dumb-to-live heroine. Seriously. TOO DUMB TO LIVE.
2. He's not just a rake, he's an arse. One sex scene of dubious consent. Also, he gets violent with her, even if he never actually hits her (she keeps saying that. You didn't hit me, you'd never hit me. Like, how do you know that??)
3. She keeps saying "oh dear good Lord." Is that a thing? I have never heard it before and every time she said it, it got more irritating.
4. The heroine is a selfish, self-involved brat. She's so incredibly rude to her best friend, and treats everyone else like dolls that are supposed to act out her story.
5. People keep talking about how charming she is, but when?
6. It's a contingent of servants, not a contingency. Poor editing throughout.
7. They both fell madly in love with each other, even though they're only having sex and he's actively avoiding her when they're awake, and they never talk. Also, he's a drunkard.
And yet, there were moments that were charming? I can't remember what they are right now, though. So, one star it is, because they were actively annoying most of the book.
April 5, 2018
The story had promise, but for me, it did not deliver. The editing was middling - more extra words, missing words, and odd sentences than I care to see.
Aurora is almost on-the-shelf because she looks more for the negative than the positive in her prospective suitors. She has an active imagination and likes to write her observations and fantasies in a journal. When this journal lands in the hands of her latest fantasy man, he devises a plan to make her his wife. Quin just needs a wife to settle down, so really, almost anyone will do. With the leverage of the journal, he has found someone who really can't turn him away. Aurora, despite being nearly 24, is not very mature. She is spoiled and sure that her way is the right way. Quin has childhood trauma that he has not dealt with in any positive way. Together, they try to make a marriage work, and along the way they fall in love.
Honestly, there were several things that I felt were not dealt with properly. Especially the villain. The use of Aurora's catchphrase "Oh dear good Lord" was overdone! This one had potential. Not bad, but not memorable either.
Aurora is almost on-the-shelf because she looks more for the negative than the positive in her prospective suitors. She has an active imagination and likes to write her observations and fantasies in a journal. When this journal lands in the hands of her latest fantasy man, he devises a plan to make her his wife. Quin just needs a wife to settle down, so really, almost anyone will do. With the leverage of the journal, he has found someone who really can't turn him away. Aurora, despite being nearly 24, is not very mature. She is spoiled and sure that her way is the right way. Quin has childhood trauma that he has not dealt with in any positive way. Together, they try to make a marriage work, and along the way they fall in love.
Honestly, there were several things that I felt were not dealt with properly. Especially the villain. The use of Aurora's catchphrase "Oh dear good Lord" was overdone! This one had potential. Not bad, but not memorable either.
May 8, 2017
I liked it more than when I was a bit annoyed by some parts what with the too much drama and later angst exhibited by Aurora (and even Niles) and the feeling that I could not somehow make a connection with the characters. The book had its moments but I could not relate to anyone or anything in it. But I also want to give credit to the author for her work because I've had the opportunity to read some badly written novels (Free from Amazon) of this genre and frankly I was shocked that these books get 4 to 5 stars ratings. Compared to the other trashy novels out there, Ms. Gayle's effort is way better than them. I think Ms. Gayle is more fortunate to have discerning and honest readers than all the insincere and false reviews being given to the mediocre and talentless writers of Regencies and Historical novels currently in the market.
December 9, 2017
I didn't hate it enough to stop reading, but I sure didn't love it either. Aurora is just... Ugh. Pretentious, spoiled, overdramatic, egotistical, selfish. I couldn't find much love for her until the miscarriage. Niles is not real likeable either, as some fatalistic idiot who doesn't want to take responsibility for his life. Though, he at least presents himself as such. And he has a nice turn around at the end. The pacing of this book was rough. Some chapters just dragged so badly, and others flew by. In a weirdly alternating way. Not like a slow start, but gets better. More like a rambling story that sometimes you're praying for it to end, and other moments you can't get enough. A bad amusement park ride. However, I bought the bundle, so I will push on and hope the next book is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2018
Got there in the end.
The first few chapters of this book are a But tedious I have to say. Perseverance paid off to discover a rather interesting set of characters.
I'm not one for the anecdotes before the chapter. Bits of letters and diaries. Gets on my nerves, cos you don't need them.
Aurora is quite irritating to begin with but misfortune makes her a better character I have to say. Quin's character is far better and his back story is more thought out.
It develops into an emotional and charming story with passion and confusion which makes it more interesting.
I ended up liking it a lot.
But the beginning is dismal.
The first few chapters of this book are a But tedious I have to say. Perseverance paid off to discover a rather interesting set of characters.
I'm not one for the anecdotes before the chapter. Bits of letters and diaries. Gets on my nerves, cos you don't need them.
Aurora is quite irritating to begin with but misfortune makes her a better character I have to say. Quin's character is far better and his back story is more thought out.
It develops into an emotional and charming story with passion and confusion which makes it more interesting.
I ended up liking it a lot.
But the beginning is dismal.
July 9, 2017
This was a horrific book. This was nothing but an abusive and manipulative story from the beginning. Quin was a drunkard the entire story who manipulated her into marriage, never listened to her, constantly verbally abused her, and then actually, physically struck her... She was like a lost (atho horny) puppy. I kept thinking it was going to get better and by 85% of the way done I finally had to stop. I was sickened at how this had played out. This wasn't a romance, this was an abusive relationship through and through.
July 8, 2018
The same but oh so different.
Quin the ever so rake and so scandalous. Aurora a beautiful lady with the gift of words. While have written in her journal about Quin she thought no one would ever see. What a day for a ride in the park and her gentleman friend decided to race. Unfortunately she had to bring the journal it fell out during the race. Low and behold who found the journal. Will they marry will they withstand the scandal and will the fall in love. Most will they realize they are not his father and she is not her mother
Quin the ever so rake and so scandalous. Aurora a beautiful lady with the gift of words. While have written in her journal about Quin she thought no one would ever see. What a day for a ride in the park and her gentleman friend decided to race. Unfortunately she had to bring the journal it fell out during the race. Low and behold who found the journal. Will they marry will they withstand the scandal and will the fall in love. Most will they realize they are not his father and she is not her mother
May 10, 2019
Twice A Rake is a fantastic historical romance by Catherine Gayle. Ms. Gayle has delivered a book that is well-written and populated with a fantastic cast of characters. Aurora loses her journal and hopes it is washed down the river and nobody can ever read it. Niles has to marry and produce an heir. When he finds Aurora's journal and reads the things she's written he keeps it. Aurora and Niles' story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading Twice A Rake and look forward to reading more from Catherine Gayle in the future.
October 17, 2022
I was completely drawn into this story! I started it, wasn’t sure how much I’d read, and then I couldn’t put it down. Quin and Aurora had such great chemistry, even before they met, they had it. Then they had such a great emotional connection, though neither would admit it. They had conflict, they were conflicted, they were sweet, they had passion. They fell deeper and deeper in love with each other, despite their protests. They had me smiling and crying, they made me fall in love right along with them <3
April 27, 2023
The main characters are interesting and I found them at times relatable. I enjoyed various aspects of their romance. The secondary characters were interesting and many of them added to fabric of the story. I didn’t enjoy the fact that the main characters didn’t communicate the important things with the other. It ran throughout the story and it got old fairly quickly for me. I’m curious to see how the next book in the series goes.
May 8, 2017
Twice a Rake
Niles and Aurora has lots of hardships in their lives. Aurora vivacious keeps the story going. Grandfather Gil is devious with his grandson by putting restrictions to be a gentleman when all it took was convictions from Aurora. I liked the after epilogue for their story.
Niles and Aurora has lots of hardships in their lives. Aurora vivacious keeps the story going. Grandfather Gil is devious with his grandson by putting restrictions to be a gentleman when all it took was convictions from Aurora. I liked the after epilogue for their story.
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