FREEDOM : The Rake And The Recluse : Part One

The Rake and the Recluse #1

by Jenn LeBlanc

A woman out of time.

A man stifled by propriety.

A nemesis determined to take her away.

A brother to the rescue.



How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?



This is PART ONE of a SIX PART SERIAL NOVEL. They have to be read in order to get the story.

The full serial is available in a single edition


FREEDOM

FOUND

TAKEN

RUINATION

SUBMISSION

RETRIBUTION



The book is now available as a single edition if you prefer to read it that way.

IF YOU LIKE THE FIRST PART OF THE it will cost less to purchase the REDUX edition than it will to purchase each serial novel separately.



Full



Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn't quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.

How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn't even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

THE BOOKS IN THE LORDS OF TIME

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE : BOOK ONE in the Lords of Time Series
AVAILABLE NOW

THE DUKE AND THE DOMINA : BOOK TWO in the Lords of Time Series
AVAILABLE NOW for PREORDER
Release May 4th 2015

THE DUKE AND THE BARON : a Lords of Time companion novel
AVAILABLE NOW

THIS IS THE FULLY ILLUSTRATED VERSION OF ABSOLUTE SURRENDER WITH NEARLY 100 PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

Genres: Historical Romance, Time Travel, Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Time Travel Romance

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2011

About the author

Jenn LeBlanc is a Colorado girl living in a Hollywood world. She writes “wildly original” illustrated Victorian erotic romance.
She wrote, photographed, and published the first ever Illustrated Romance and is Queen Of StudioSmexy.
She loves getting new research books and chatting with readers.
The Rake and The Recluse is the first book in the illustrated Lords of Time erotic romance series.



NEWSLETTER!!! JennLeBlanc.com/Newsletter
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Author Site: http://jennleblanc.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennleblanc
Ripped Bodice: http://www.therippedbodicela.com/aff/...
Illustrated Romance: http://StudioSmexy.com/
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/studiosmexy
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenn-...
MEDIA LINKS: JennLeBlanc.com/MEDIA-KIT

Reviews

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

***original review posted at Romancing Rakes***

Jamie: It’s here! It’s here! Let me tell you, when I opened my email and found The Rake and The Recluse Part 1 I just about fell off my bed. I wasn’t expecting it to be there. So of course I did what every good book reviewer would do... I looked at the pictures. Multiple times.

What did you do when you found TRATR in your email?

Kati: What I did with the original...flip through for the pictures and was not disappointed. Oh and I skimmed through looking for new scenes before re-reading the whole thing. I died after I saw the added scene. Then I emailed Jenn and squeed and begged for pictures to go with the review.

It took me about 2 hours to read it completely and was left wanting. Although I do like where she left off to seguay into the next part.

What about you? How long did it take you to read fully minus the oglage?

Jamie: Probably about 2 hours. After I looked at the pictures I emailed Jenn about the very, very last picture (the one with the wet, naked man) and told her that I knew who that was because I know my naked men chests.

Then I looked at the pictures backwards... because, well I couldn’t stop myself and came upon THE SCENE with Gideon and his *giggle*, well maybe I shouldn’t tell. I will say that it’s amazing.

So, 2 hours really reading and I wanted to read more. I mean, I’m desperate for Perry’s story but I do love Gideon.

Kati: LOL. Shhh... it's a secret. Everyone will find out when they read it. It never gets old. *sigh* Yes, Perry who I have decided to dub Viscount Pianosexoverlord. Seriously, that scene is totally infamous and Perry's book hasn't released yet!

Jamie: I know! Oh, piano sex *sigh* Anyway... let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Perry will come soon *snicker* but now we have Gideon. Have you seen the new cover? Hello sexypants!

Kati: Oh yes. His ass-ets are all glowy and stuff. I love the riding crop picture and making it the cover was great. I am slightly partial to the original. It's in a frame and I'll be hanging it on the wall soon. I do love the new cover because this first part touches quite a bit on how Gideon (Duke Hottie McHottiepants) goes for bent for leather rides to de-stress or get his mind off Francine.

What do you think about the title? FREEDOM... Can we share the quote about it from the end-ish of the story?

Jamie: Oh, the riding crop! How I love thee riding crop. But, I digress. I think Freedom is a perfect way to describe both Francine and Gideon. Here you have Francine who is basically trapped in this world that isn’t hers. Then you have Gideon who is almost trapped in a world of his making. He’ a “recluse” yet you can almost feel him wanting to break free... hence the riding crop and horseback riding.

She was finally ready for her independence. Funny. My freedom come with such physical restrictions.

Kati: *snort* Yes. I blame our riding crop obsession on Jenn. On a more serious note, I like how you phrased how Francine and Gideon feel. I think for Francine, she’s been stuck in a mindless job (she is after all waiting on a promotion before she gets whisked away in a cab and ends up almost trampled by Roxleigh’s horses) and this sudden change of time and place gives her the chance to do what she wants. As for Gideon, he’s the heir and he’s got a lot to live up to. He freaking gave up his mistress and is now on the hunt for a wife.

Let’s talk about Hepplewort.[aside: Hepplewort is Madeleine's betrothed. She's run away from him and he's set his dogs upon her. And that is where the story takes its turn. As Francine gets thrown around the taxi she's taking to work, Madeleine runs in front of a curricle driven by none other than the Duke of Roxleigh] How creepy is he? Seriously. I can’t wait to find out how Jenn decides to off him or at least let him get his comeuppance.

Jamie: I hate the man! Detest him! I would spit on him if I could. Seriously, he needs to like get a beating.

Kati: I wish he would get run over by a curricle. How fitting would that be? But I’m getting ahead of myself trying to predict his end.

Jamie: I think he should get sent to the 21st century and get hit by a bus. But again, let’s not ahead of ourselves.

Kati: Haha. That would be totally poetic. Or maybe the taxi Francine was in.

Jamie: I like it!

Kati: But again, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. It’s so hard not give spoilers or speculate since we've ogled, er, read the original book.

Jamie: True. So you know what I think? I think everyone should go and buy TRATR Part 1 and catch up. I mean, hello! It’s a great story and it comes with pictures!

Kati: Oh yes it does! Tastefully done. Not porn-y. So for those of you looking for something like that, this is not a book for you. Pervs!

What’s your favorite quote from TRART Part 1?

Jamie: Well.. that’s hard but I’m going with this:

Compose? Her gaze snapped to his. “Compose this, jackass!” she yelled, ignoring the searing pain that knifed through her throat and head as she flipped him off.

And yours?

Kati: Ah! No fair. That’s my favorite.

Jamie: Ah, great minds think alike.

Kati: But I did like this quote about Gideon:

“He was not ruled by emotions, but by propriety, principle, and grace.”

So out of 1 to 5 hearts. How shall we rate Jenn’s TRATR Redux Part 1?

Jamie: Only 5? Well, then 5 it is.

Kati: Yes. 5 hearts because of that extra scene. Holy crap! Too bad there’s not a tastefully done picture of that. lol.

Jamie: I would die. It would be a great way to go though. She should ask Derek [Roxleigh] to pose for it.

Kati: Yes. But then you wouldn’t be able to read Perry’s story. At least stay alive for that.

Jamie: Ah, yes. Perry.*sigh* So is there anything else we should mention?

Kati: There’s so much but that would be giving spoilers and sneak peeks. I am looking forward to Part 2 and where Jenn ends that one. The pictures of course help enhance the story or slow your reading down. Depends on how you look *giggle* at it. Warning: You may spend a large amount of time flipping through the book just for the pictures. Remember, there are words; there is a story. *sigh*

Overall: As you can see, we are in lust with this book. Have been for quite some time. Basically, Part 1 sets up the stage for Francine getting transported to the nineteenth century, loosing her voice, having tingly feeling for Gideon Alrick Trumbull, the tenth Duke of Roxleigh and introducing an icky creeper character who is betrothed to Madeleine (the woman whom Francine takes the place of). Even his name sounds slimy and totally shady: Hepplewort. He plays a greater role later on. So many great characters are introduced and some will play a greater role later. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Again. So we'll leave you with that.

***review copy provided by author***

[Patrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a serial, as opposed to a series, where you need to read the books in order. This is a historical romance with a little bit of an “edge” to it. It takes place in the present, for a short time and then transports the reader and the main character, Francine Larrabee, to the past in 1880. It is an interesting story where Francine is trying to understand her deceased father's thesis study of time shifting within certain lineages/people. He proposed that people shifted in time to where they were needed or better suited in order to return them to their “proper” place in the universe. Francine is on her way to the presentation of a lifetime for her dream job when her taxi suddenly stops short and she is thrown forward into the partition bumping her head, the next thing she knows she's in a strange place with strange people not knowing what's going on.

It's quite an interesting story line and I would love to follow it to it's conclusion....

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this first part of The Rake And The Recluse serial sitting on my TBR pile for quite a while. I was curious when I learned that the author used her other great skill as a photographer to include photo scenes throughout her books.

Freedom opens with Francine preparing a presentation in her modern world and late to present it only to get in a car accident. She wakes up on a rural estate in England. Gideon, a serious, young man who has inherited the dukedom is determined to turn things around, but now is distracted by the mysterious woman who acts inappropriate, but also vulnerable.

The pair have a sizzling attraction between them, but also put each other off. I think the author did a good job of the chaos that would come of a modern woman ending up in the past. There is also a gothic tone to the story with Francine's ancestress, Madeline, being sold by parents into marriage with a rakish earl. The earl is not the romantic sort of rake, but a true villain and it is with Madeline that Francine has swapped situations.

I liked the plot and thought the photography great, but I'm also in no rush to keep going. I think time travel romance lovers would definitely be the target audience.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn Le Blanc writes with such assured skill and immediately takes the reader into this gorgeous, insular world that unfolds like a fairy tale. It's episodic, but that works in the grand scheme of the work. The story is hot, and smart, and ambitious — and an impressive debut from one of the finest writers in the genre.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed at AsianCocoa's Secret Garden

3.5 Stars

Freedom is part one in this re-released version of The Rake and the Recluse. This first part gives us an introduction to Francine Larrabee an independent business woman living in Denver, Colorado. During a morning cab ride to her office she is unexpectedly transported back to the year 1880.

Francine’s father was an anthropologist who had written detailed journals theorizing about a time-shift that would occur during an unnamed family’s lineage. Supposedly some people within this family were not born during the correct period of time and the universe would align to get the family member back to their proper time. The last thing Francine remembers is holding her cell phone and a framed picture of a woman with long dark hair named Madeleine who could be Francine’s doppelganger. The cab makes a sudden turn throwing Francine backwards into her seat. In the next moment she finds herself lying on the ground seconds away from being trampled to death by a pair of horses. She blacks out after hitting her head and is taken to the home of Gideon Alrick Trumbull, tenth Duke of Roxleigh.

After regaining consciousness, she realizes that she is no longer in the same century or country. She has a panic attack and starts throwing things and lashing out at the doctor and housekeeper who are trying to help her. Soon (His Grace) Gideon is summoned and she demands he tell her what is going on. Francine thinks that there is a joke being played on her and insists he take her home. He grabs her and demands that she address him respectfully in his household. While still in his embrace, Francine catches sight of herself in the mirror. Instead of seeing a young woman with blond hair looking back at her she sees herself with long curly brown hair. Madeleine is staring back at her. She looses consciousness for the second time.

Freedom: The Rake and the Recluse flowed very well and was extremely intriguing. With the addition of the photos I felt like I was watching/reading a drama series. I liked all of the characters and can’t wait to get to know them better. The dialogue was interesting as well with both modern and old English from Francine & Gideon and then some French dialogue between Madeleine’s parents. The budding romance between Gideon and Francine has me in suspense. Francine is adjusting surprisingly well to her new reality. The first part in this serial novel ends with Gideon leaving for London on business and Francine not sure if she will still be there when he returns. I’m looking forward to the other 5 parts of this serial novel and wish I could read them all at the same time. The anticipation is a tiny bit tortuous.

[Heather Book Savvy Babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book for review from author. Since The Rake and a Recluse is a serial series, I have read and reviewed parts 1-3 together. Read the full review at: Book Savvy Babe*

Review Thoughts on the series:

Jenn LeBlanc’s photography interspersed throughout the story only enhances the story. Illustrated novels are a very new concept (as far as I know, unique to Jenn LeBlanc), but with both visually stunning photographs and impressive writing Jenn LeBlanc has created a new format for a literary masterpiece.

Each installment of this series is uniquely crafted to focus the storyline and engage readers. With the story broken into segments, the reader is able to really learn each of the characters and understand the setting. The reader is transported from the pages of the book into the story.

Review for Part One:

Freedom is a very appropriate title for this first installment in this serial series. Francine is in an accident and tossed back in time to an unknown place, full of unknown people, and injured to the point where she has lost her voice. Francine is a modern girl, used to American society where women are considered equals and she can go where she pleases when she pleases. To say that Francine is shocked and confused at her new situation is an understatement. After what I consider a reasonable amount of time, Francine comes to grips with her situation and tries to make the best of things. However, her movement is limited. She is living as a “guest” in the home of a grouchy but compelling Duke and due to her curious arrival, she has no proper clothing and is confined to only the private rooms of the house. This confinement, both in her physical movements, her speech, and her social life makes Francine very aware of her lack of Freedom.

Jenn LeBlac’s re-edit of this portion of The Rake and The Recluse is simply amazing. The story is clear, descriptive and, for all the fantasy of time-travel, even believable. This story draws the reader in from the very start, there is never a dull moment. Francine and the Duke of Roxleigh, Gideon, do not interact very much in this section of the story, but the beginnings of their relationship are full of sparks. There is heat, sensuality, and a compelling bond between the characters that keeps me reading and fully immersed in the story. Once you finish part one of this serial, you will be clamoring for part 2, Found.

[Lela Whitus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to a six book serial due to be released over the next several months. We are introduced to Francine, our accidental time traveling heroine, and Gideon, 10th Duke of Roxleigh, whose character lives with a troubled past. Through a family theory, a little time travel, and a lot of fate? Destiny? Francine is thrown into Gideon's century and arms. We watch as their story begins to unfold as the reluctant Gideon does not want to accept the new feelings that are stirring for Francine. I really do not want to say too much here, afraid that I'll give too much of the story away, and what fun is that?

I have to tell you, though, that Ms. LeBlanc paints a vibrant, colorful, textured scene with her words. What makes this book unique, at least to me, is that within her story are photographs that take you further into her minds eye. This is a book that you will not want to put down once you start it; and it is enough of a tease to set you up for book two, Found, due out in January 2012.
Jenn LeBlanc

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I've changed the start rating a few times. It happens. You read a book you really like it, then think about it and realize you rated it lower, drop it to your original rating but the book sticks with you. You keep thinking about it and in my gut know I've rated it wrong.

I really like this book. I like that its serialized. I like getting this first glimpse of Francine and Gideon. That I get to wonder what happens next, (yes I read the original and I know what happens... whatever. I can do what I want).

I'm enjoying the time travel aspect. Curious to see how it plays out. I want to see Gideon un-starch his nickers. Relax a little. Like when he was at the fountain. *sigh* A man letting down his guard even for a moment makes me melt.

I also want to see Francine fired up again. She's got spirit and spunk. Let it loose girl.

Overall, great start to what I think will be an explosive relationship and book.

Oh and I forgot, which I'm surprised about really, the pictures throughout and at the end..... so damn good.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult one for me to review because I don't feel like i liked it, BUT I kinda want to finish the series. So I sort of liked it. This is the first part of a 6 part story. It also includes pictures. Anyway, it's a typical time-travel romance, a common troupe in romance. A modern woman who doesn't feel like she has a place in her own life, has a tragic past & somewhat mysterious parents, gets into an accident & finds herself transported to Victorian England. She meets the Duke of the land where she finds herself & thus the romance is set up. The characters are fairly cookie cutter for this type of story. I have a few issues with the story: the actual narrative is a bit disjointed. I realize that this was the set up & just the first part but it could really have benefitted from some streamlining. Also, it turns out that I do not like pictures with my books unless they are in comic form. I feel like they really took me out of the story. I am unsure if I will finish the series

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I managed to get my head around the novel concept of an historical/time travel romance novel, I really enjoyed this first part. I have to say it didn't take me too long, as the writing was on the whole well done.

A superb hero, on the black side actually, whom I am sure I'm going to love as the serialisation continues.

On the downside, I feel it is a little expensive. I managed to snag the 1st book in the series as a free download, but others are around £1.20 each, it is quite an expensive undertaking. I would recommend that you go for the Redux version if you are going to read this, which is currently listed at £2.50.

Actually, I could kick myself as I just downloaded the second in the serialisation, and I could have saved myself a fair bit by working that out first.

No hesitation in awarding this 5 stars.


In case I didn’t mention this was a Free Kindle Download at the time (see my blog www.toodlesbookclub.blogspot.com for daily selections of free downloads).

[Aislynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Francine left her apartment that morning for work she had no idea what was around the next bend. Suddenly after an accident she's thrust into the past and into a life and time she knows nothing about. With a brooding gorgeous man hovering over her every move, she must quickly learn to adapt and regain her lost voice.

I was thrilled when Jenn asked me to take part in the re-release of the Rake and the Recluse. The story of Gideon and Francine is so much fun and presented in such a unique format. The photos that Jenn uses to present her characters are fantastic. It's amazing to have a visual for the characters as you read what happens.

I'm looking forward to reading all the parts to this re-vamped edited version of the R & the R. I thoroughly enjoyed my first read of this book last year and will be anxiously awaiting the remaining un-released portions of the story.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover :- 4 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 3 stars
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :- 3.75 stars

Personal rating :- 4 stars

Book Pairing:- M/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Personal read

Why I chose this book?

The blurb caught my attention

What I liked about this book.

* The storyline was interesting.
* This Instalment set the story and characters up well.
* I'm interested in reading more

What I didn't like about this book.

The female main annoyed me slightly.

Would I read more from this author?

Yes

Would I recommend this book?

Yes

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a freebie at Amazon and thought I'd give it a try. Well, it sucked me right in! It is a serial novel after all and you know there's going to be a cliffhanger....you just know it! And then.....and then....well, dear me, when I finished reading part 1, I was in a place without WiFi and couldn't get part 2 until I got home! Glad it didn't take long to get home. My rating for part 1 is a strong 3.5 stars!

[Arlene Kellas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this being a serial....I've never read one like this before. I think I like the characters, but with just reading this first one I can't really be sure. hmmm....May have to read more. One of the only romances I've read where the man takes things in his own hands.....that was definitely a novelty!

[Nic]

This is my first serial....so all of these parts are one book example book two starts on chapter nine. Enjoying the books so far but the pictures bug the heck out of me they bug me so much I had to stop reading to write this. I find if I look at them I'm disappointed in what I was just reading because my mind is picturing something differently.

[BeachLove20 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the story was all over the place. I had to re-read pages because it would jump from story to story without being led into it or a page divider...something.Also the pictures throughout the story annoyed the hell out of me!!!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of time travel romances and loved them. This one does not disappoint. I'm addicted, hook, line and sinker. I like the way the same scene is written from the view of different characters.

[SandraE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pictures were added to this book to help the reader get into the story. I found them unnecessary and odd. I feel that if the author is good enough the reader should be able to visualize the story.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short. Not much of a story. It was alright

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sets up the series but at times the cuts between scenes and the changes of characters between scenes is choppy. I want to know what happens to them and when Francine will tell Gideon her secret.

[MarytheBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Can't wait to see where part two takes me!!! I am waiting to see the characters develop more and how/why this happened. Very interesting!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this start!

[Jennifer-Eve Workman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will update my review...

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great start to a story. The cliffhanger was frustrating. I suppose that is the point of a serial novel. It was easy to read and written well.

[Lizzie T. Leaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Need to get the next book in the series!!!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

[Sarah Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating beginning of this series. Jenn LeBlanc creates such a vivid world, it reads as though I'm right there watching it all unfold in front of me. Great writing. I'm excited for the next part!

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a time travel romance, but a tale of family bonds, friendship, strength of character, compassion and courage, set against the backdrop of Victorian England. More than worthy of 5 stars.

[Tanisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not able to connect with any part of this book.
The writing style to me was very mechanical. There was no smooth flow among sentences and it seemed as if they were too crisp and vague. May be because of this I was not able to connect to any characters. Starting was great and I was looking forward to the rest of the book but lost my attention somewhere in between.
Plot was good but in my opinion a lot more could have happened with the Gideon's story. As to Perry's, I was not able to complete. The writing style of the author really put me off.
I am not going to read this author again.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have perhaps been a good novel had it not had so much crude sexual scenes in it.
There was some profanity - I strongly doubt a couple of terms were used in the 1800's & early 20th century especially with proper British gentleman - but the obscenity was way out of line. It may have been a desperate attempt to create a series from what was truly one or two novels. Regardless, One would not feel a need to read any further, nor would one be inclined to add these
writings to one's library. There was too much one had to skip over.