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A Cautionary Tale
Evangeline and the Strait-Laced Rake: A Cautionary Tale from Hertfordshire
Evangeline has come to Fernsby Hall to host a house party, not to fall in love with an old friend...
Beautiful, vivacious, and extremely wealthy, the widowed countess, Evangeline Payne, may take every opportunity to entertain herself that she wishes. Her favorite pastime? Refusing ever offer of marriage that comes her way. Especially from her favorite scoundrel, Basil Morley, whose antics as her would-be suitor have kept her in stitches for years. His promises of someday wooing, winning and wifing her are utter nonsense. It is all fun and games between them, both knowing his main objective is her vast fortune.
She also knows Basil, ruined by foreign travels, only cares about amusing himself through absurd pranks, outrageous wagers, and the usual pursuits of a rake. To allow him into one’s heart would be beyond foolish. But as loneliness creeps into her life, Basil’s constant friendship is seen in a new light, and at a house party in Hertfordshire, clues to the real man hiding behind Basil’s roguish facade are too curious not to investigate, forcing her to realize that perhaps he is not the cordial rake he makes himself out to be.
Beautiful, vivacious, and extremely wealthy, the widowed countess, Evangeline Payne, may take every opportunity to entertain herself that she wishes. Her favorite pastime? Refusing ever offer of marriage that comes her way. Especially from her favorite scoundrel, Basil Morley, whose antics as her would-be suitor have kept her in stitches for years. His promises of someday wooing, winning and wifing her are utter nonsense. It is all fun and games between them, both knowing his main objective is her vast fortune.
She also knows Basil, ruined by foreign travels, only cares about amusing himself through absurd pranks, outrageous wagers, and the usual pursuits of a rake. To allow him into one’s heart would be beyond foolish. But as loneliness creeps into her life, Basil’s constant friendship is seen in a new light, and at a house party in Hertfordshire, clues to the real man hiding behind Basil’s roguish facade are too curious not to investigate, forcing her to realize that perhaps he is not the cordial rake he makes himself out to be.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2023
194 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Panhorst
12 books44 followersAmanda writes clean regency and contemporary romance. She was raised along the Wasatch Front on a hearty diet of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen novels. She firmly believes that the Three Rs: Reading, Riding and wRiting are a great recipe for happiness. Other ingredients include her family of three boys, a fantastic husband, and their pets, Ginny and Darcy, and Flint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 31, 2024
A fun, romantic read. 3.5 stars
What I liked-
- The FMC and the MMC were very likable. Great banter. Loved the flirty hero. I was convinced of the depth of his feelings for her at the end.
- The author didn’t belabor the practical jokes trope. That trope can be overdone and I was SO GLAD that it ended quickly.
- There was a slow progression of their feelings.
- The chemistry was pretty good.
- The romance felt new and unique.
- The children, who played a small role in the story, were very likable.
- Good writing.
What was just okay-
- It felt a little long.
- Did he really want to marry her 3 yrs ago? Why? What were his intentions back then?
- He started out pretty shallow and although we do see a depth to him, it wasn’t as convincing as I had hoped.
- I have a hard time with rakes as heroes. Having lived a very shallow, selfish life for a time, with no doubt a lot of collateral damage and hurt inflicted on other people, I think there needs to be some accounting. I’m looking for not just a CHANGE in behavior, but also a vocalized denunciation of who they were and an expression of remorse. Redemption. Or some acknowledgement that it was wrong. I didn’t feel completely satisfied in this regard. In this case, it seemed that he simply outgrew that lifestyle and it didn’t appeal to him anymore. That aspect was lackluster for me.
Content- clean
Cover- meh
Format- KU
What I liked-
- The FMC and the MMC were very likable. Great banter. Loved the flirty hero. I was convinced of the depth of his feelings for her at the end.
- The author didn’t belabor the practical jokes trope. That trope can be overdone and I was SO GLAD that it ended quickly.
- There was a slow progression of their feelings.
- The chemistry was pretty good.
- The romance felt new and unique.
- The children, who played a small role in the story, were very likable.
- Good writing.
What was just okay-
- It felt a little long.
- Did he really want to marry her 3 yrs ago? Why? What were his intentions back then?
- He started out pretty shallow and although we do see a depth to him, it wasn’t as convincing as I had hoped.
- I have a hard time with rakes as heroes. Having lived a very shallow, selfish life for a time, with no doubt a lot of collateral damage and hurt inflicted on other people, I think there needs to be some accounting. I’m looking for not just a CHANGE in behavior, but also a vocalized denunciation of who they were and an expression of remorse. Redemption. Or some acknowledgement that it was wrong. I didn’t feel completely satisfied in this regard. In this case, it seemed that he simply outgrew that lifestyle and it didn’t appeal to him anymore. That aspect was lackluster for me.
Content- clean
Cover- meh
Format- KU
October 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Full of humor and antics- and of course true love. As is not infrequently the case with ebooks it could have used a really basic edit but that didn't stop it from being a very fun read
December 16, 2023
I liked the slow build of this books and the older, motherly main character. There were a few weird things in the writing—inconsistencies and some meandering plot points, but overall I liked this book more and more the longer I read.
August 25, 2023
I loved this! Although wow the Kindle version has many glaring typographical errors.
March 31, 2023
This was a delightful book from start to finish. Packed full of witty banter and silliness between the main two characters , Evangeline and Basil, on the surface the book seemed like a lighthearted amusing read. But as the story develops there are interesting deeper sides to both Evangeline and Basil which really gave the story more depth which I loved. The friends to lovers was a slow burn which felt natural, though honestly I didn’t really like Basil to begin with which worried me at first, but as the story developed I found myself falling for the so called ‘rake’ just as the author presumably intended! The characters were also older which made a refreshing change. I would highly recommend reading this book!
June 16, 2023
difficult to get into
I did not like the heroine. It is very difficult to get into, then continue to read a book when that occurs. She was just so judgmental. She had it in for Basil because of gossip she had heard and believed, while not letting his own behavior sway her at all. Seemed unfair and prejudiced and she didn’t relent until the near end. Add to this nonsense, the problem that arose with son Henry at the very end. She had all those years with her oldest son yet he had so little faith in his mother? He too was judgmental. I found nothing redeeming about this book.
I did not like the heroine. It is very difficult to get into, then continue to read a book when that occurs. She was just so judgmental. She had it in for Basil because of gossip she had heard and believed, while not letting his own behavior sway her at all. Seemed unfair and prejudiced and she didn’t relent until the near end. Add to this nonsense, the problem that arose with son Henry at the very end. She had all those years with her oldest son yet he had so little faith in his mother? He too was judgmental. I found nothing redeeming about this book.
September 27, 2023
Evangeline and the Strait-Laced Rake receives a 5-star rating solely because of the scene with the ducks (you'll know what I mean when you get there). :-)
Evangeline is not a perfect book. It is cute and funny and very enjoyable. However, there are a couple scenes that seem to be randomly tossed in or randomly left out for no apparent reason, which I don't understand. Also, we never find out how Evangeline became acquainted with Basil the scapegrace in the first place. So, there were a few holes that I thought would have made the book even better.
Still a high recommend.
Evangeline is not a perfect book. It is cute and funny and very enjoyable. However, there are a couple scenes that seem to be randomly tossed in or randomly left out for no apparent reason, which I don't understand. Also, we never find out how Evangeline became acquainted with Basil the scapegrace in the first place. So, there were a few holes that I thought would have made the book even better.
Still a high recommend.
May 5, 2024
Evangeline, after 16 years of marriage and 7 children is now a widow and after one year gladly throws off her blacks and becomes a lady finally free from a controlling and jealous older husband. She gladly remains unmarried despite her old friend, Morley, wanting to marry her. When she agrees to help her cousin host a house party three years later she finds herself slowly coming to rethink her stance as she begins to realize who the real Morley is. Both of them then must overcome a big complication before they finally have their hea
May 19, 2024
Beautiful
I decided to read this book because the woman with a shotgun on the cover intrigued me. The story is just as intriguing. The best thing about this book is that the steamy parts are essential to the plot, and do notgo into unnecessary detal. It is impossible to say why I love about this book without revealing the story, beyond that Basil gives Evangeline the freedom to be herself, and that is the gift every woman really, and truly wants, and needs. If men really want to know what women want, they need to read this book.
I decided to read this book because the woman with a shotgun on the cover intrigued me. The story is just as intriguing. The best thing about this book is that the steamy parts are essential to the plot, and do notgo into unnecessary detal. It is impossible to say why I love about this book without revealing the story, beyond that Basil gives Evangeline the freedom to be herself, and that is the gift every woman really, and truly wants, and needs. If men really want to know what women want, they need to read this book.
March 28, 2023
A clean story. I really liked this story. A bit different with the older characters. A now wealthy widow enjoying her independence and an old, apparently carefree, friend joking and pursuing her. The I enjoyed the characters, and the plot. The poignant part really caught me unawares, and I thought added to the story reminding us of the reality of the frailty of young lives back then. Thoroughly recommended.
April 10, 2023
Superb
Beautifully written, this book is chock full of laughter and wit, yet it has enormous depth.it is about coming into one’s own, learning to love and to share hidden griefs. It is about power. The power to choose, the right to respect and self determination. And the characters: E and Basil, the supporting cast and the children. Especially Adele. She is such a delight. Missing them all already. Highly recommended!
Beautifully written, this book is chock full of laughter and wit, yet it has enormous depth.it is about coming into one’s own, learning to love and to share hidden griefs. It is about power. The power to choose, the right to respect and self determination. And the characters: E and Basil, the supporting cast and the children. Especially Adele. She is such a delight. Missing them all already. Highly recommended!
April 21, 2023
Laughs, Smiles and Happiness
What an absolutely beautiful love story! I loved Evangeline's love of life, love for her children, and her attitude towards her marriage and her deceased husband. Her bantering with Basil Morely was such fun, as were her "battles" with him during the house party. There were small surprises along the way, most of them pleasant. It was a fun read with a heartwarming ending.
What an absolutely beautiful love story! I loved Evangeline's love of life, love for her children, and her attitude towards her marriage and her deceased husband. Her bantering with Basil Morely was such fun, as were her "battles" with him during the house party. There were small surprises along the way, most of them pleasant. It was a fun read with a heartwarming ending.
July 26, 2023
depightfully unexpected
i don't know when i last read such a charming regency..
a clean romance with much slow burn.
The very antithesis of most modern regencies, this one really broke the mold.
a slow book and a long book but full of love and charming antics, I appreciated the characters growth.
The heroine already has a large brood of children which had me guessing that it may have been a reverse Sound of Music plot line (it wasn't).
delightful entertainment!
i don't know when i last read such a charming regency..
a clean romance with much slow burn.
The very antithesis of most modern regencies, this one really broke the mold.
a slow book and a long book but full of love and charming antics, I appreciated the characters growth.
The heroine already has a large brood of children which had me guessing that it may have been a reverse Sound of Music plot line (it wasn't).
delightful entertainment!
April 22, 2023
Wonderful
What a delightful story this one is! I enjoyed it so very much. It was funny, thoughtful and touching in the twist and turns of life and love revealed. Wonderful characters and storyline and of course romance! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a lot of good feelings.
What a delightful story this one is! I enjoyed it so very much. It was funny, thoughtful and touching in the twist and turns of life and love revealed. Wonderful characters and storyline and of course romance! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a lot of good feelings.
May 7, 2023
A fantastic happily ever after!
This is a story about two lifelong friends. Basil is a rake and a fortune hunter. Evangeline is a widow, with seven children and a fortune. Friends forever, until they are some thing more. I so enjoyed this fast paced and charming story and quite fell in love with Basil myself. A MUST read!
This is a story about two lifelong friends. Basil is a rake and a fortune hunter. Evangeline is a widow, with seven children and a fortune. Friends forever, until they are some thing more. I so enjoyed this fast paced and charming story and quite fell in love with Basil myself. A MUST read!
May 14, 2023
A Cautionary Tale
I really enjoyed this book. All the light hearted fun, and there was maturity mixed in so it didn't feel like just a bunch of childish pranks. The writing was very balanced and enjoyable. I loved to see the personal depth of the characters too, because life isn't always fun and games. Really well done and look forward to more. (Also the book cover is fab!)
I really enjoyed this book. All the light hearted fun, and there was maturity mixed in so it didn't feel like just a bunch of childish pranks. The writing was very balanced and enjoyable. I loved to see the personal depth of the characters too, because life isn't always fun and games. Really well done and look forward to more. (Also the book cover is fab!)
July 26, 2023
Worth the Read
I have rarely broken out in loud laughter while reading, but I did multiple times in this story. There are some excellent scenes that are original, touching, and hilarious. The characters are very fleshed out and I can't recommend it enough. Panhorst is a very good author.
I have rarely broken out in loud laughter while reading, but I did multiple times in this story. There are some excellent scenes that are original, touching, and hilarious. The characters are very fleshed out and I can't recommend it enough. Panhorst is a very good author.
December 12, 2023
A story with heart!
I really enjoyed this story because it was different. The setting was not in the usual crowded ballroom and it wasn't just focused on fashion, dancing and fluttering eyelashes. It did have romance and intrigue and the characters and the storyline were well developed.
I really enjoyed this story because it was different. The setting was not in the usual crowded ballroom and it wasn't just focused on fashion, dancing and fluttering eyelashes. It did have romance and intrigue and the characters and the storyline were well developed.
May 1, 2024
Originality with unusual but very likeable characters— you come to love them as they come to understand each other!
Great plot, great characters. Heartwarming and full of fun.
This is a novel full of light and humor that highlights the enduring nature of women’s strength and true friendship.
Great plot, great characters. Heartwarming and full of fun.
This is a novel full of light and humor that highlights the enduring nature of women’s strength and true friendship.
August 16, 2024
Such a lovely romance!
This story was such a nice short story, but it was able to reach the deeper emotion that you can only find in the longer novels. I felt each emotion of the main characters and was able to understand without it being said how everyone felt. What a story! I will remember this one for a long time. Cheers to the author!!
This story was such a nice short story, but it was able to reach the deeper emotion that you can only find in the longer novels. I felt each emotion of the main characters and was able to understand without it being said how everyone felt. What a story! I will remember this one for a long time. Cheers to the author!!
March 2, 2025
I just loved everything about this book!
I've enjoyed all books from this author. This one is superb and my favorite by far!!
Very well written
Excellent characters
Clean romance with some sparky kisses and strong attraction.
And wonderfully humorous dialog!
I laughed quite a bit, as well as shed a few tears for some very tender parts.
Can't wait to read the next one!!
💜💜
I've enjoyed all books from this author. This one is superb and my favorite by far!!
Very well written
Excellent characters
Clean romance with some sparky kisses and strong attraction.
And wonderfully humorous dialog!
I laughed quite a bit, as well as shed a few tears for some very tender parts.
Can't wait to read the next one!!
💜💜
April 19, 2023
Very nice love story
This is a lovely romance between two adults who, although they have known each other for years, get to really know each other during a house party. I enjoyed seeing their romance develop. It’s a very enjoyable novel.
This is a lovely romance between two adults who, although they have known each other for years, get to really know each other during a house party. I enjoyed seeing their romance develop. It’s a very enjoyable novel.
April 20, 2023
Loved this book!
Well written with interesting characters and a great love story that features a more adult couple than the usual youngish regency romance stories. I highly recommend this book!
Well written with interesting characters and a great love story that features a more adult couple than the usual youngish regency romance stories. I highly recommend this book!
April 27, 2023
I loved this book. It’s different from other regency romance books in that the heroine is a 33-yo widow with seven children at the beginning of the book. She married a man many decades older than she even she was only 16. Really fun witty chemistry between the main characters
May 3, 2023
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed the story and characters. However, except for one chapter, the story was told from a single POV. I would have really enjoyed more insight into Basil outside of his interactions with Evangeline.
I really enjoyed the story and characters. However, except for one chapter, the story was told from a single POV. I would have really enjoyed more insight into Basil outside of his interactions with Evangeline.
May 10, 2023
I really liked this one. It was witty and clever, and made my heart hurt a bit with how wives and women in general had no freedoms- Evangeline was such a strong character- and Basil so good for her. I would reread this again, it would be fun to come back to
June 19, 2023
cute story
Storyline was nice and I appreciated the humor and slow unraveling of the story line. However there are too many typos and grammatical errors, especially toward the last third of the book. It’s a quick but enjoyable read.
Storyline was nice and I appreciated the humor and slow unraveling of the story line. However there are too many typos and grammatical errors, especially toward the last third of the book. It’s a quick but enjoyable read.
August 19, 2023
Really enjoyed a regency novel about a 36 year old widow with 7 children who is witty, clever and gives as good as she gets.
Morley is adorable. And there’s so much comedy as well as depth to the reality of what a 16 year old debutantes life most likely looked like in regency era.
Morley is adorable. And there’s so much comedy as well as depth to the reality of what a 16 year old debutantes life most likely looked like in regency era.
August 21, 2023
unique
This is one of the most unique Regency stories, I’ve read and I have read about 150 in the last year. Some Regency constraints were lifted by telling the tale of a widow, which allowed for more heated moments. The characters were unique…I really enjoyed their relationship.
This is one of the most unique Regency stories, I’ve read and I have read about 150 in the last year. Some Regency constraints were lifted by telling the tale of a widow, which allowed for more heated moments. The characters were unique…I really enjoyed their relationship.
September 20, 2023
My favorite scenes are when Basil meets Evangeline's daughter Adele, as she resembles his sister, and when E suggests he put an ornament in the tree in remembrance to his sister. I wouldn't mind reading more about a continuation of his new family. Her children were so interesting I wouldn't mind reading more about them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews