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The Rake and the Recluse #4
RUINATION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Four
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?
THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part FOUR has Gideon racing to find Francine before the unthinkable happens. Francine tries desperately to hold on, but her belief that Gideon will find her begins to slip. This is the fourth installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.
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.
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?
THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part FOUR has Gideon racing to find Francine before the unthinkable happens. Francine tries desperately to hold on, but her belief that Gideon will find her begins to slip. This is the fourth installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.
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.
ebook
First published February 8, 2011
About the author
Jenn LeBlanc
39 books203 followersJenn 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
Links:
Author Site: http://jennleblanc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illustratedr...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennleblanc
Ripped Bodice: http://www.therippedbodicela.com/aff/...
Illustrated Romance: http://StudioSmexy.com/
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/studiosmexy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/StudioSmexy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenn-...
MEDIA LINKS: JennLeBlanc.com/MEDIA-KIT
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
Links:
Author Site: http://jennleblanc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illustratedr...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennleblanc
Ripped Bodice: http://www.therippedbodicela.com/aff/...
Illustrated Romance: http://StudioSmexy.com/
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/studiosmexy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/StudioSmexy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenn-...
MEDIA LINKS: JennLeBlanc.com/MEDIA-KIT
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 7, 2012
Ruination is another sensational installment in the already exceptional The Rake and the Recluse Series. I was not sure, when I first began the series, if the serial nature of the novellas would enhance or detract from the story line. Now that I am more than half-way through the series, I can safely say that the serial series is even better than the original novel. Each serial novella is more detailed, better edited, and gives more depth to the story.
A Duke provoked and a scandalous kidnapping make Ruination the most emotionally-charged and thrilling installment in The Rake and the Recluse series yet.
Ruination picks up right where novella 3, Taken, ends. Francine has been abducted and Gideon is racing to save her. Despite Gideon’s best efforts, miscalculations cost both him and Francine. Francine is in a horrible situation (as you might expect for a kidnap victim), but she maintains her spunk. When Francine and Gideon are reunited, there is no keeping them apart. Neither want to loose the other again, and Francine becomes more at ease with being in this new time period. While Gideon and Francine’s relationship solidifies, Perry begins acting strangely. Perry is not settling into his new role as guardian very well. Ruination sets the scene for Perry’s secrets and story to unfold in the next installments, and I can not wait to read about it.
I have not at all been let down with this series. I had expected that these middle novella sections might taper off a bit, or show some weak points. However, my fears evaporated as I read Ruination. The storyline in Ruination kept me reading as fast as I could and the more I read the more I loved the characters. I get the feeling that from here on out, the focus of the story will shift a little bit, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series.
Notes 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.
A Duke provoked and a scandalous kidnapping make Ruination the most emotionally-charged and thrilling installment in The Rake and the Recluse series yet.
Ruination picks up right where novella 3, Taken, ends. Francine has been abducted and Gideon is racing to save her. Despite Gideon’s best efforts, miscalculations cost both him and Francine. Francine is in a horrible situation (as you might expect for a kidnap victim), but she maintains her spunk. When Francine and Gideon are reunited, there is no keeping them apart. Neither want to loose the other again, and Francine becomes more at ease with being in this new time period. While Gideon and Francine’s relationship solidifies, Perry begins acting strangely. Perry is not settling into his new role as guardian very well. Ruination sets the scene for Perry’s secrets and story to unfold in the next installments, and I can not wait to read about it.
I have not at all been let down with this series. I had expected that these middle novella sections might taper off a bit, or show some weak points. However, my fears evaporated as I read Ruination. The storyline in Ruination kept me reading as fast as I could and the more I read the more I loved the characters. I get the feeling that from here on out, the focus of the story will shift a little bit, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series.
Notes 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.
July 5, 2017
Perfection. I love all the anachronistic moments Francine has. I loved the ruination then obvious, but beautiful wedding between the two. And now I must find out what up with Perry!
February 18, 2012
***original review and pictures posted at Romancing Rakes***
Jamie: Yay! I was so happy to find Ruination in my inbox. After the way Taken ended I was on pins and needles. Plus, you know its going to be good if it’s titles Ruination.
Kati: So true! I woke up, checked my email and saw Ruination in my inbox, started reading and continued reading on the treadmill. This part is DANGEROUS! A friendly PSA from yours truly: When reading any parts of THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE, make sure your feet is planted on solid ground or your butt planted in a chair with arm rests.
I must say that there’s quite a bit of RUINATION in this book. That Francine is a hussy. One taste of The Sexy with Gideon and bam!
Jamie: But a hussy in a good way. I mean would you be able to keep your hands to yourself after Sexy Time with Gideon? I know I wouldn't. But, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Last we left our Francine she was being kidnapped! Hepplewort just doesn’t know when to give up. Ugh and that mother of his. She’s a real witch!
Kati: His mother is a piece of work. I like the fact that she told Francine that she was born to bear her issue. Um excuse me, two women can’t make babies together. And Hepplewort is taking “mama’s boy” to a whole ‘nother level. Yikes!
Jamie: I really just wanted to hit her. And Hepplewort too. But our boys ride to the rescue. Now... what shall we talk about that won’t give away spoilers. There is a lot of ruining going around. And poor Ferry is just besides himself with everything. It’s kind of funny to see him all flustered.
Kati: I love how you call them our boys. I don’t know what is a non-spoiler so let’s talk Ferry. Not to be confused with Perry. Oh Ferry the valet. He’s such a funny character. He tries to do his job to the best of his ability but walking in after the ruination sort of has him off kilter. Yes folks, there’s a lot of super sexy ruination going on hence the title. And how about that ending? BAM! It’s in your face whoa-where-did-this-come-from. I mean, reading the original I just about died the first time around but it still surprises me every time.
Jamie:The ending KILLS me! I’ve been dying since I finished the original wanting Perry’s story. I am desperate for his story but I am also hoping that we get to see some of our friends too. Like Shaw and his lovely lady.
OUR FAVORITE QUOTE:
OVERALL: Did we mention how much we loved this part? All the sexy and anger and frustration culminating into a total meltdown of EPIC proportions going as far as getting ruined by one studly rake. In a field. In broad daylight. *sigh* As Gideon and Francine's story came to a close, Perry's only started and what a surprise it is. Yes, there are pictures in this installment as well as the other ones. It's called an Illustrated Romance. You've been warned. P.S. It's not porn-y in any way. It's artistic.
***review copy provided by the author***
Jamie: Yay! I was so happy to find Ruination in my inbox. After the way Taken ended I was on pins and needles. Plus, you know its going to be good if it’s titles Ruination.
Kati: So true! I woke up, checked my email and saw Ruination in my inbox, started reading and continued reading on the treadmill. This part is DANGEROUS! A friendly PSA from yours truly: When reading any parts of THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE, make sure your feet is planted on solid ground or your butt planted in a chair with arm rests.
I must say that there’s quite a bit of RUINATION in this book. That Francine is a hussy. One taste of The Sexy with Gideon and bam!
Jamie: But a hussy in a good way. I mean would you be able to keep your hands to yourself after Sexy Time with Gideon? I know I wouldn't. But, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Last we left our Francine she was being kidnapped! Hepplewort just doesn’t know when to give up. Ugh and that mother of his. She’s a real witch!
Kati: His mother is a piece of work. I like the fact that she told Francine that she was born to bear her issue. Um excuse me, two women can’t make babies together. And Hepplewort is taking “mama’s boy” to a whole ‘nother level. Yikes!
Jamie: I really just wanted to hit her. And Hepplewort too. But our boys ride to the rescue. Now... what shall we talk about that won’t give away spoilers. There is a lot of ruining going around. And poor Ferry is just besides himself with everything. It’s kind of funny to see him all flustered.
Kati: I love how you call them our boys. I don’t know what is a non-spoiler so let’s talk Ferry. Not to be confused with Perry. Oh Ferry the valet. He’s such a funny character. He tries to do his job to the best of his ability but walking in after the ruination sort of has him off kilter. Yes folks, there’s a lot of super sexy ruination going on hence the title. And how about that ending? BAM! It’s in your face whoa-where-did-this-come-from. I mean, reading the original I just about died the first time around but it still surprises me every time.
Jamie:The ending KILLS me! I’ve been dying since I finished the original wanting Perry’s story. I am desperate for his story but I am also hoping that we get to see some of our friends too. Like Shaw and his lovely lady.
OUR FAVORITE QUOTE:
"You will never have me. You never did have me," she screamed. "I was never yours, and I never will be."
..."I am ruined," Francine said, standing tall, holding her hands out wide for inspection, tilting her chin up. "From my forehead to my toes, thoroughly ravished. This man," she said, gesturing to Gideon, "lay me down in your field, and he ruined me. He took my---my maidenhead, and claimed my body as his, and I allowed him."
..."My womb is for his children, my mouth is for his pleasure, my body is for his use alone," she said proudly.
OVERALL: Did we mention how much we loved this part? All the sexy and anger and frustration culminating into a total meltdown of EPIC proportions going as far as getting ruined by one studly rake. In a field. In broad daylight. *sigh* As Gideon and Francine's story came to a close, Perry's only started and what a surprise it is. Yes, there are pictures in this installment as well as the other ones. It's called an Illustrated Romance. You've been warned. P.S. It's not porn-y in any way. It's artistic.
***review copy provided by the author***
February 13, 2012
Holy God, this one is Hot with the capital "H" it should come with a warning label! This one will steam the wall paper off the walls...
It only gets hotter! Looking for a book on a cold winter night to help warm you up? Perhaps a bit of summertime sizzle? With each new installment in The Rake and The Recluse serial, you find the story drawing you in more and more. You are turning the page, holding your breath for the big reveal, the "Aha!" when you realize that you have run smack into another cliff hanger! This one is no different.
We pick up the story in RUINATION after Francine's disappearance. We all know who is behind it, and there is never a doubt as to the culprit for Gideon and Perry. Our heros are off and running to rescue Francine before she falls victim to ruination by Hepplewort, who only wants her as his wife to produce an heir. I think it is safe to say that Gideon and Perry save the day, and Gideon, Tenth Duke of Roxleigh, one time recluse, sets his mind to ruining Francine for any other man. (And, boy, does he ever!)
The date is set.
The bride and groom
are ready. The only
thing missing now is
Perry, who returns
with some shocking
news of his own.
This is when the evil laughter I imagine as Jenn LeBlanc's plays in my head while we wait for the next installment of The Rake and The Recluse, Book Five: SUBMISSION.
Would I recommend this book to you? ABSOLUTELY! But, you must remember that this is a six part serial and they should be read in order: FREEDOM, FOUND, TAKEN, RUINATION, and soon to be released, SUBMISSION, and the conclusion, RETRIBUTION.
If you like your hero handsome, tall, strong, and powerful with plenty of -all I can think of to describe Gideon is- "Oh, yes..." to season him a bit more, then this is for you. What are you waiting for?
It only gets hotter! Looking for a book on a cold winter night to help warm you up? Perhaps a bit of summertime sizzle? With each new installment in The Rake and The Recluse serial, you find the story drawing you in more and more. You are turning the page, holding your breath for the big reveal, the "Aha!" when you realize that you have run smack into another cliff hanger! This one is no different.
We pick up the story in RUINATION after Francine's disappearance. We all know who is behind it, and there is never a doubt as to the culprit for Gideon and Perry. Our heros are off and running to rescue Francine before she falls victim to ruination by Hepplewort, who only wants her as his wife to produce an heir. I think it is safe to say that Gideon and Perry save the day, and Gideon, Tenth Duke of Roxleigh, one time recluse, sets his mind to ruining Francine for any other man. (And, boy, does he ever!)
The date is set.
The bride and groom
are ready. The only
thing missing now is
Perry, who returns
with some shocking
news of his own.
This is when the evil laughter I imagine as Jenn LeBlanc's plays in my head while we wait for the next installment of The Rake and The Recluse, Book Five: SUBMISSION.
Would I recommend this book to you? ABSOLUTELY! But, you must remember that this is a six part serial and they should be read in order: FREEDOM, FOUND, TAKEN, RUINATION, and soon to be released, SUBMISSION, and the conclusion, RETRIBUTION.
If you like your hero handsome, tall, strong, and powerful with plenty of -all I can think of to describe Gideon is- "Oh, yes..." to season him a bit more, then this is for you. What are you waiting for?
February 6, 2012
Originally posted at AsianCocoa's Secret Garden.
This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.
Ruination is part four in The Rake and the Recluse serial novel. The story starts right where part three leaves off. Francine has been kidnapped by the reprehensible villain, Hepplewort. At the urging of his equally disgusting, mother, Hepplewort plans to wed Francine and keep her captive against her will. Jenn LeBlanc did a brilliant job of making me hate these antagonists.
This part has to be my favorite so far as I appreciated the early tension and then the sweet resolution at the end. I loved the dialogue in this part as Francine now has her voice back and used it to tell Hepplewort and his evil mother in detail how Gideon ruined her in their field.
The pictures that were featured in Ruination depicted more emotion than the previous ones have. I don’t want to give away too much more of what happens as I understand that this part is the conclusion of the original novel, The Rake and the Recluse. I will say that the love scenes multiply, more details of Francine’s time travel are revealed and the conclusion of Francine and Gideon’s romance is a nice segue into Gideon’s brother’s story. Parts five and six will feature Perry Trumbull, Viscount Roxeleigh’s story.
This serial novel needs to read in order. This review may contain spoilers.
Ruination is part four in The Rake and the Recluse serial novel. The story starts right where part three leaves off. Francine has been kidnapped by the reprehensible villain, Hepplewort. At the urging of his equally disgusting, mother, Hepplewort plans to wed Francine and keep her captive against her will. Jenn LeBlanc did a brilliant job of making me hate these antagonists.
This part has to be my favorite so far as I appreciated the early tension and then the sweet resolution at the end. I loved the dialogue in this part as Francine now has her voice back and used it to tell Hepplewort and his evil mother in detail how Gideon ruined her in their field.
“I am ruined. This man lay me down in your field, and he ruined me. He took my – my maidenhead, and claimed my body as his, and I allowed him…My womb is for his children, my mouth is for his pleasure, my body is for his use alone…And with any luck, I am already with his child.”
The pictures that were featured in Ruination depicted more emotion than the previous ones have. I don’t want to give away too much more of what happens as I understand that this part is the conclusion of the original novel, The Rake and the Recluse. I will say that the love scenes multiply, more details of Francine’s time travel are revealed and the conclusion of Francine and Gideon’s romance is a nice segue into Gideon’s brother’s story. Parts five and six will feature Perry Trumbull, Viscount Roxeleigh’s story.
June 23, 2012
Gideon rescues Francine and makes plans to wed her. Very intense opening. I liked it and I liked how it ended.
July 12, 2012
OMG the more I read these series the more I am in love with it. I have to go back and rate these ALL a 5! It's just that freaking GOOOOOOD!
July 25, 2025
I’m done. Roxleigh and Francine are all set. I’ve had enough. I just didn’t enjoy this.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews