What do you think?
Rate this book
Seduction #2
To Capture a Rake
In all his time as a male prostitute at Lavender Hills, Gideon Drake has never been hired out, never been allowed to leave the gilded cage in which he pleasures the well-heeled wives of London. So when a young widow convinces Lady Lavender to release her prize stud for a week-long seduction at a country estate, Gideon spies his chance for escape. It is the perfect plan—until his beautiful client reawakens a passion he thought long dead…
After her husband’s death, Elizabeth Ashton knows she must remarry, but not just any man will do. She must find Lord Ashton’s long-lost bastard nephew and convince him to wed, cementing his claim to the family fortune. Of course, rescuing herself from certain ruin means venturing into Lavender Hills and putting her life into the hands of a dark, handsome rogue as notorious for his cold heart as he is for his sexual expertise. Somehow, Elizabeth must convince him to love her, to marry her, and ultimately to save her.
One touch will ignite the flame of their passion. One kiss will prove this liaison unlike the others. Bound by desire and need, only together are they strong enough to face down their enemies—and to claim the promise of love.
After her husband’s death, Elizabeth Ashton knows she must remarry, but not just any man will do. She must find Lord Ashton’s long-lost bastard nephew and convince him to wed, cementing his claim to the family fortune. Of course, rescuing herself from certain ruin means venturing into Lavender Hills and putting her life into the hands of a dark, handsome rogue as notorious for his cold heart as he is for his sexual expertise. Somehow, Elizabeth must convince him to love her, to marry her, and ultimately to save her.
One touch will ignite the flame of their passion. One kiss will prove this liaison unlike the others. Bound by desire and need, only together are they strong enough to face down their enemies—and to claim the promise of love.
302 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
37 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Lori Brighton
26 books721 followersAs a child, thoughts of far-off places and adventure consistently kept Lori up late at night. After graduating high school, she came to the conclusion that there was no better way to seek adventure and nourish her love of history than to become an archaeologist. She went on to receive a degree in anthropology, but digging in the dirt during humid Midwestern summers wasn’t exactly as fun as she thought it would be.
Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.
Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart. Since Wild Heart's release, Lori has written Historical Romance, Contemporary Paranormal Romance and Young Adult.
Lori currently resides in the Southern U.S., where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat and the many, many people in her imagination.
Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.
Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart. Since Wild Heart's release, Lori has written Historical Romance, Contemporary Paranormal Romance and Young Adult.
Lori currently resides in the Southern U.S., where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat and the many, many people in her imagination.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 14, 2024
Review from 2014
B- for narration / C for content
To Capture a Rake is the follow-up story to To Seduce an Earl, which I read last year and, despite a few reservations, enjoyed overall. The heroes of each of the three novels in the series are male prostitutes, employed by the infamous Lady Lavender at her exclusive establishment for ladies looking for a little “company”. Although employed may not be the correct term, as each of them is more or less a prisoner, forced into working as whores and kept there because they are being blackmailed by Lady Lavender over some dark secret in their pasts.
When we met Gideon Drake in the first book, he was jaded, cynical and hard-hearted. His continual escape attempts mean that he is never allowed to leave Lavender Hills – until his latest client somehow manages to persuade Lady L to let him leave with her for a two-week stay at her country estate.
Elizabeth Ashton is a wealthy widow seeking male companionship. She has one particular male in mind, and despite Lady Lavender’s attempts to dissuade her, refuses to leave without the man she wants – Gideon. It’s clear from the outset that she has sought him out for reasons that have little to do with his profession (well, she wants him for that, too!) and that she is not quite the woman of the world she is trying to appear.
Naturally, Gideon is suspicious, both of Elizabeth and of her motives in springing him from Lavender Hills. He is abrasive, sullen, and often rude, partly because it’s his survival mechanism, partly because he’s been that way for so long that he’s almost forgotten how to be anything else, and partly (as the story progresses) as a way to keep an emotional distance from Elizabeth, even as he recognises that he is attracted to her beyond what is required of him.
The story revolves around family secrets and a missing heir, with an obnoxious and possibly murderous mother-in-law thrown in for good measure. It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before, although the fact that the hero has been earning his living as a whore for the past decade or so does put a slightly different spin on things. Elizabeth, too, is not your run-of-the-mill genteel widow; before she married she was a chambermaid so she, like Gideon, has experienced the worst of society as well as the comforts it can offer.
While I had a couple of minor issues with the plotting (it’s difficult to explain without giving too much away), my problems with the book overall were principally concerned with the characterisation and more importantly, with the progression of the romance.
I thought the first part of the story worked quite well, as both Gideon and Elizabeth were metaphorically circling each other, with Elizabeth trying to work out how much of the truth to tell Gideon, and he sensing she’s not telling him everything even as he tries to refrain from becoming too involved in her situation.
Gideon is presented – and thinks of himself – as a cold-hearted bastard who doesn’t give a damn about anything or anyone. He hates his life, he hates himself, and he hates Lady Lavender even more, but she’s got him by the short and curlies because of what she knows about his past, and his attempts to escape her have been thwarted at every turn. He’s cynical and he’s actually quite unpleasant, yet he’s extremely good at his job and it’s not long before Elizabeth is flat on her back getting her money’s worth!
Elizabeth is alternately fascinated and repulsed by him (more the former than the latter, of course) and very soon, she begins to see him as a heroic figure, a man worthy of trust and thus one on whom she can rely to protect her and her children from the harm it seems someone is trying to inflict upon them. I didn’t feel there was any real basis for this, apart from the fact that Gideon saved Elizabeth from a (supposed) highwayman on the way to her estate. After that, she imbues him with all the qualities of a knight in shining armour, despite the fact that he deliberately tries to humiliate her when he negotiates payment for his services as bodyguard.
While all this is going on – their mutual distrust, the revelation of a plot to injure (or worse) Elizabeth and her children, the sudden and unwelcome appearance of her dragon of a mother-in-law; Gideon and Elizabeth have various sexual encounters which do tend to be a little repetitive. Whenever she’s in Gideon’s presence, Elizabeth experiences tingles up her spine, breathlessness, breath catching in her throat, heat rushing … somewhere or other in her body – to such an extent I began to wonder if she was ever anything other than light-headed. And then there was the fact that we’d heard a lot about Gideon’s coldness and his inability to feel any of the finer emotions and then suddenly, he has developed feelings for Elizabeth and her young children that go far beyond lust or protectiveness. It’s not that I thought such a thing was beyond the realms of possibility – indeed, in a romantic novel, I’d expect it! I just didn’t get a sense of those feelings developing; they seemed to appear fully formed.
In terms of the narration, Ms. Underwood did a fairly good job with differentiating the characters and with her interpretation of the story. Her reading is generally well-paced and while she does have some quirks, such as the way she sometimes runs sentences together without taking account of the punctuation, I thought that for the most part, her choices were valid ones and, in most cases, gave a fairly naturalistic feel to that particular piece of the text. Her performance of Elizabeth was especially good in that she did not voice her with a cut-glass accent, but gave her a slightly working-class (I hesitate to say cockney, because it wasn’t) edge which showed at once that as a romantic heroine, she was slightly different from the norm. It’s said in the story that although she had been a servant, her husband had provided lessons in deportment and elocution so that she would be able to fit in to local society more easily, and Ms. Underwood expertly conveyed the impression of a woman who had indeed had speech lessons but who had never completely made the transformation from flower-girl to duchess à la Eliza Doolittle.
Gideon was born and brought up in Scotland, and it’s mentioned in the text that he has an accent and Ms. Underwood adopts such with reasonable success throughout the story. I say “reasonable” because while the accent didn’t slip, there were times when creaky and clichéd dialogue, combined with the fact that this was a woman practically growling in a Scottish burr, did make me roll my eyes and shake my head.
All the other characters – the mysterious Mr. Smith, the returning Alex Weston (from Book 1), Will the footman, the dowager and her companion, and the two children are distinctly voiced. I didn’t have any problems working out which of the supporting characters was speaking at any point. Even given that Ms. Underwood doesn’t have a particularly large range when it comes to the pitch of her voice, I’m pleased to say that she portrayed the men fairly well and that they were all easily identifiable.
The mystery plot was fairly strong, but I felt the story was lacking in the romance department. I didn’t really feel any sexual tension between the protagonists and the sense of any connection between them at a deeper level was sorely lacking. It also seemed to me that there were more sex scenes in this book than you’d find normally in a historical romance (although I could be wrong). I’m no prude, and I have nothing against sex scenes in romance, but other than the first one, I didn’t feel they added much to the story or the development of the relationship.
B- for narration / C for content
To Capture a Rake is the follow-up story to To Seduce an Earl, which I read last year and, despite a few reservations, enjoyed overall. The heroes of each of the three novels in the series are male prostitutes, employed by the infamous Lady Lavender at her exclusive establishment for ladies looking for a little “company”. Although employed may not be the correct term, as each of them is more or less a prisoner, forced into working as whores and kept there because they are being blackmailed by Lady Lavender over some dark secret in their pasts.
When we met Gideon Drake in the first book, he was jaded, cynical and hard-hearted. His continual escape attempts mean that he is never allowed to leave Lavender Hills – until his latest client somehow manages to persuade Lady L to let him leave with her for a two-week stay at her country estate.
Elizabeth Ashton is a wealthy widow seeking male companionship. She has one particular male in mind, and despite Lady Lavender’s attempts to dissuade her, refuses to leave without the man she wants – Gideon. It’s clear from the outset that she has sought him out for reasons that have little to do with his profession (well, she wants him for that, too!) and that she is not quite the woman of the world she is trying to appear.
Naturally, Gideon is suspicious, both of Elizabeth and of her motives in springing him from Lavender Hills. He is abrasive, sullen, and often rude, partly because it’s his survival mechanism, partly because he’s been that way for so long that he’s almost forgotten how to be anything else, and partly (as the story progresses) as a way to keep an emotional distance from Elizabeth, even as he recognises that he is attracted to her beyond what is required of him.
The story revolves around family secrets and a missing heir, with an obnoxious and possibly murderous mother-in-law thrown in for good measure. It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before, although the fact that the hero has been earning his living as a whore for the past decade or so does put a slightly different spin on things. Elizabeth, too, is not your run-of-the-mill genteel widow; before she married she was a chambermaid so she, like Gideon, has experienced the worst of society as well as the comforts it can offer.
While I had a couple of minor issues with the plotting (it’s difficult to explain without giving too much away), my problems with the book overall were principally concerned with the characterisation and more importantly, with the progression of the romance.
I thought the first part of the story worked quite well, as both Gideon and Elizabeth were metaphorically circling each other, with Elizabeth trying to work out how much of the truth to tell Gideon, and he sensing she’s not telling him everything even as he tries to refrain from becoming too involved in her situation.
Gideon is presented – and thinks of himself – as a cold-hearted bastard who doesn’t give a damn about anything or anyone. He hates his life, he hates himself, and he hates Lady Lavender even more, but she’s got him by the short and curlies because of what she knows about his past, and his attempts to escape her have been thwarted at every turn. He’s cynical and he’s actually quite unpleasant, yet he’s extremely good at his job and it’s not long before Elizabeth is flat on her back getting her money’s worth!
Elizabeth is alternately fascinated and repulsed by him (more the former than the latter, of course) and very soon, she begins to see him as a heroic figure, a man worthy of trust and thus one on whom she can rely to protect her and her children from the harm it seems someone is trying to inflict upon them. I didn’t feel there was any real basis for this, apart from the fact that Gideon saved Elizabeth from a (supposed) highwayman on the way to her estate. After that, she imbues him with all the qualities of a knight in shining armour, despite the fact that he deliberately tries to humiliate her when he negotiates payment for his services as bodyguard.
While all this is going on – their mutual distrust, the revelation of a plot to injure (or worse) Elizabeth and her children, the sudden and unwelcome appearance of her dragon of a mother-in-law; Gideon and Elizabeth have various sexual encounters which do tend to be a little repetitive. Whenever she’s in Gideon’s presence, Elizabeth experiences tingles up her spine, breathlessness, breath catching in her throat, heat rushing … somewhere or other in her body – to such an extent I began to wonder if she was ever anything other than light-headed. And then there was the fact that we’d heard a lot about Gideon’s coldness and his inability to feel any of the finer emotions and then suddenly, he has developed feelings for Elizabeth and her young children that go far beyond lust or protectiveness. It’s not that I thought such a thing was beyond the realms of possibility – indeed, in a romantic novel, I’d expect it! I just didn’t get a sense of those feelings developing; they seemed to appear fully formed.
In terms of the narration, Ms. Underwood did a fairly good job with differentiating the characters and with her interpretation of the story. Her reading is generally well-paced and while she does have some quirks, such as the way she sometimes runs sentences together without taking account of the punctuation, I thought that for the most part, her choices were valid ones and, in most cases, gave a fairly naturalistic feel to that particular piece of the text. Her performance of Elizabeth was especially good in that she did not voice her with a cut-glass accent, but gave her a slightly working-class (I hesitate to say cockney, because it wasn’t) edge which showed at once that as a romantic heroine, she was slightly different from the norm. It’s said in the story that although she had been a servant, her husband had provided lessons in deportment and elocution so that she would be able to fit in to local society more easily, and Ms. Underwood expertly conveyed the impression of a woman who had indeed had speech lessons but who had never completely made the transformation from flower-girl to duchess à la Eliza Doolittle.
Gideon was born and brought up in Scotland, and it’s mentioned in the text that he has an accent and Ms. Underwood adopts such with reasonable success throughout the story. I say “reasonable” because while the accent didn’t slip, there were times when creaky and clichéd dialogue, combined with the fact that this was a woman practically growling in a Scottish burr, did make me roll my eyes and shake my head.
All the other characters – the mysterious Mr. Smith, the returning Alex Weston (from Book 1), Will the footman, the dowager and her companion, and the two children are distinctly voiced. I didn’t have any problems working out which of the supporting characters was speaking at any point. Even given that Ms. Underwood doesn’t have a particularly large range when it comes to the pitch of her voice, I’m pleased to say that she portrayed the men fairly well and that they were all easily identifiable.
The mystery plot was fairly strong, but I felt the story was lacking in the romance department. I didn’t really feel any sexual tension between the protagonists and the sense of any connection between them at a deeper level was sorely lacking. It also seemed to me that there were more sex scenes in this book than you’d find normally in a historical romance (although I could be wrong). I’m no prude, and I have nothing against sex scenes in romance, but other than the first one, I didn’t feel they added much to the story or the development of the relationship.
December 19, 2014
2.5 stars
A very uneven book unfortunately:( The first half was very good, the writing refraining from stereotypical dialogues and plot schemes, the characters interesting, their chemistry vibrant.
The second part however, everything crampled down. There were some scenes that didn't connect with the rest of the story, like the heroine having dinner in her house with her mother in law and a man who's what? What could possibly explain the presence of a bachelor in a house run by a single woman? No excuse whatsoever, yet the very austere dowager, surprisingly never asks what Gideon's role in the household is.
This was just an instance where the lack of a professional editor was apparent. More than once we see people go to do something and they report back 2 chapters later if ever, plot lines picked up and casted away with little thought... what a mess!
But the worst thing for me is how their relationship turned so fast into sexual obsession, with both the hero and heroine getting hard and having trouble beathing every time they got in the same room. Though I did believe that ELizabeth was the right woman for Gideon, her belief in Gideon's goodness based on him not letting some highwaymen kill her, was presumptuous or imbecilic to say the least. She was more ruled by her lust than her heart I'm afraid:(
A big disappointment this one, but I will still be looking for the third book when it comes out. I need to see Lady Lavender vanquished after all!
A very uneven book unfortunately:( The first half was very good, the writing refraining from stereotypical dialogues and plot schemes, the characters interesting, their chemistry vibrant.
The second part however, everything crampled down. There were some scenes that didn't connect with the rest of the story, like the heroine having dinner in her house with her mother in law and a man who's what? What could possibly explain the presence of a bachelor in a house run by a single woman? No excuse whatsoever, yet the very austere dowager, surprisingly never asks what Gideon's role in the household is.
This was just an instance where the lack of a professional editor was apparent. More than once we see people go to do something and they report back 2 chapters later if ever, plot lines picked up and casted away with little thought... what a mess!
But the worst thing for me is how their relationship turned so fast into sexual obsession, with both the hero and heroine getting hard and having trouble beathing every time they got in the same room. Though I did believe that ELizabeth was the right woman for Gideon, her belief in Gideon's goodness based on him not letting some highwaymen kill her, was presumptuous or imbecilic to say the least. She was more ruled by her lust than her heart I'm afraid:(
A big disappointment this one, but I will still be looking for the third book when it comes out. I need to see Lady Lavender vanquished after all!
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 27, 2013
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
I have to admit I’ve enjoyed To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton much more than book 1, To Seduce an Earl, even though it had its own frustrating moments aka Gideon’s stomping away whenever the mood struck him. But I, somehow, thought he was just too sexy and broody to ignore. Can’t blame Elizabeth for falling for him. Let’s just get on with the review.
The story here is not as centered on Lavender Hill, the famous brothel that caters the sexual needs of women only, as it was in book 1. Lavender Hill, run by a beautiful but cold, lavender-eyed French woman named Ophelia is famous for its beautiful and experienced male prostitutes. They cater the needs of all sorts of women, be it virgins or bored housewives and widows, all for those who can pay the hefty price. The story also tells us about three boys who were brought in together by Ophelia in their early teens; Alex, Gideon and James. They have been her priced possessions, the most sought after among women. It’s been sometimes that doubts were brewing, mainly in Gideon’s mind. He’s the most rebellious among three men. He wanted out since the moment he knew why he was brought in and was being polished for. He has tried his best to break free but his attempts weren’t fruitful. Gideon always thought there was something fishy about the way they were brought here together. Thankfully, he was successful in helping Alex escape this place, who is now happily married to Grace. But for Gideon, the hell goes on, until the arrival of auburn haired beauty Elizabeth.
It’s been two years since Alex’s escape and Gideon is still performing his ‘duty’. He’s a big, handsome man with gray eyes and a ruthless, animalistic air about him that titillates the more experienced women. Hence he always gets to service them. Gideon thought, so far, that he could at least take some solace from his tortured past and ugly childhood by f*cking women. In truth, this has never really worked for him. Gideon comes from a very poor family. I was very saddened to know that his mother was sort of duped by a so-called nobleman into believing things that weren’t there. Gideon’s father married his mother, who was very beautiful, though from an impoverished family, secretly but he never accepted Gideon or his younger sister. No one from his father’s side of the family knew of them, or rather, chose to ignore them. The man would visit his mother on and off, taking no responsibility of the children whatsoever. And so, after a while, their situation worsened. At one point, his mother occasionally had to prostitute herself to pay for their food. When things were this bad, Gideon was looking for a way to improve their situation. Then, as he always does, one day his father suddenly returns. He was an abusive a$$hole who’d beat his mother and sister up whenever the mood struck him. That is what he was doing when a 14/15 yrs. old Gideon finds them in their shabby home. And he did what he had to do to save his mother; hitting him violently, a single blow that killed him instantly. Gideon dumped his body later on and ran. Right after that, Ophelia approached him, blackmailing him about his ‘secret’, also luring him about money and food, a luxury life of pleasure. Gideon is aware of the fact that neither his mother, nor his sister has survived the poverty and the guilt is sometimes too overwhelming to bear.
Oddly enough, just as book 1, it was tough for me to picture any other individual in Lavender Hill because we don’t really meet many characters in and out of the place; a handful of other male prostitutes who never really had any sort of limelight. And apart from Wavers, not many servants either. It did feel that Ophelia ran her brothel only with Alex, Gideon and James which obviously wasn’t the case. To my utter relief, there were no sex scenes with other clients in here or in Alex’s book involving our men.
For years, Gideon tried his best to be the ‘bad boy’ of the brothel but Ophelia always found and punished him, as she does to maintain her control, by ordering to beat him up by her bodyguard Wavers, a mammoth-like man who does whatever she wishes for. But Gideon is not that young boy anymore. He has also grown tall and big. He is known for his insensitive, selfish and arrogant nature, who cares about nothing but himself or his pleasure. In the last two years, Gideon has been closely guarded by Ophelia’s men. When Elizabeth arrives in a whirlwind, he had no idea what was coming his way. It was another day for him, he just begin his ‘time’ with one regular client when Ophelia calls him outside; something she never ever does; interruption when they’re with clients. Turns out, she wants him to service this very wealthy widow who just arrived and asked for a man, who somehow matches his description. She’d obviously pay very well.
When Gideon meets Elizabeth, he doesn’t see her veiled face but instantly zooms on her gorgeously curvy figure. He’s entranced, hooked, wanting to see the face too. Then the woman speaks to him revealing her face, and Gideon is a goner. Elizabeth’s green eyes and auburn hair makes him hard instantly, but he’s used to not showing his true feelings. Next, he hears that he’s supposed to be travelling with her in a remote English countryside for two weeks. WHAT??? Ophelia never EVER lets them go out with a client, let alone for such a long period. She raises objection, which was later quelled by Elizabeth with blackmail. I think she knew about Ophelia’s little secret. Gideon doesn’t question anything because suddenly, to him, it seems like a ticket to freedom! Maybe he can service the woman, or not, and escape on the way to wherever she’s taking him.
Elizabeth on the other hand, knows who Gideon really is. She’s been looking for him desperately for a while now, locating him in a brothel of all places! You see, Elizabeth’s life is in danger, alongside her sister’s children. Then you ask what’s the connection between her and Gideon? Well, Gideon’s father’s elder brother, the Baron married Elizabeth. He passed away a while ago. This is somewhat of a convoluted little family history. The Baron, who was in a bad marriage himself, made Elizabeth’s sister, a main in his house, his secret mistress. She had his daughter, Callie and disappeared when she fell pregnant again. She died while having Henry, the son, living with Elizabeth at that time. Elizabeth comes from a poor family and had no one but her sister’s children, until one day, the Baron come in search for her sister after his own wife had died. He wanted to marry her but it was too late. Elizabeth was living in dire poverty, so he made a deal with her; marry him, and make the children legitimate. People will know they’re hers. Since he never had an heir thru his marriage, Henry was to be the one. It was a marriage without consummation, as it soon turns out that the Baron was not doing well himself. So yah, convoluted, convenient too! They lived aboard for a while, she trained to become a woman of her newly gained status, and she inherited a lot of money. It seems that Elizabeth had a knack for business, which her dearly departed husband didn’t and increased the amount of his property by tenfold. She is still managing everything on Henry’s behalf. But now she needs Gideon’s help more than anything.
I wasn’t bothered by the fact that Elizabeth was married to Gideon’s uncle but I did think her plan was somewhat crazy. It helped to know she knew it too, but only too desperate to do whatever it takes to bring Gideon home. First of all, she assumed it was her MIL who is creating all sorts of trouble. She never approved of the marriage and has always been suspicious of the children, even though they call Elizabeth ‘mother’. Threats have been coming Elizabeth’s way too often and she’s worried. Then, she has also been worried that her MIL will order a doctor’s checkup to see if she’s... well, if the consummation occurred or not. So when, with the help of very smart Mr. Smith, her friend and estate manager, Elizabeth tracks down the other, quite legitimate heir of the barony, she needed to do whatever it is to bring him back in the country estate where she resides with the children. And she plans to marry him to keep the estate for Henry.
On their way to their destination, Elizabeth realizes she’s quite attracted to Gideon, something she wasn’t expecting. She wanted to be rid of her virginity and he being a male escort helped moving her plan forward. But she doesn’t know how to approach this scowling, big male riding with her in the carriage, who has been looking at her with an unreadable intensity. Gideon was only trying to figure out what this widow is up to and why it’s so necessary for her to take him so far away from London... and Lavender Hill. But most importantly, he was contemplating escape. This is when they’re attacked and he rescues her. Elizabeth begins opening up little by little, and Gideon now knows about her suspicion of her MIL. He’s so intrigued, not to mention so very attracted to her, he decides to go along with her plan. At an inn, they take shelter as a couple. That night, they also have sex, and Gideon is confounded to find her a virgin. What the hell is going on?
Elizabeth realizes something else too, that she can’t up and tell him everything because Gideon is unpredictable, volatile. He raises the guard around himself way too easily. When they arrive at the estate, Gideon instantly understands she’s a very rich heiress. But it’s Henry and Callie calling her ‘mother’ which makes him suspicious; something he knew to be impossible. He confronts Elizabeth and seeing no alternatives, she just tells him that she needs a bodyguard and he seems to be a man who had a keen instinct on this matter. She also lures him with money. She offers him plenty if he leaves Lavender Hill forever. With the money, he can go to America (something Gideon has been contemplating, and told her) and make a new life for himself. Gideon is tempted… actually he begins feeling the urge to take up on her offer. Then he goes and tells her that he wants something else from her too; to have the right to have sex with her whenever he wishes it. This, in turn, confounds Elizabeth. What made me want to slap Gideon was when he calls her a ‘whore’ when Elizabeth agrees to his demands. Um, huh?! Trust me, she just wanted him, and knew this is so good between them. But Gideon… ugh. He felt things for her that was so unlike him that he decided to lash out in his way, by being cutting and rude.
This should’ve made him a jerk in my eyes and for quite a while, he was. Elizabeth was very hurt by his words. It didn’t help matters that the man would ignore her whenever he felt like it, then would seek her out and shake her world again. But, the fact was, Gideon was having a bad time all over. He was thoroughly enchanted by Elizabeth’s beauty as well as her many fine qualities; her intelligence, her compassion and obvious love for those children not even her own. He found that he couldn’t even stand Mr. Smith anywhere near her as it was obvious that she greatly treasured their friendship, and that the man was also very protective of her. He hated children anywhere near him because Gideon was forever haunted by the nightmares of his poor, neglected, hungry and dirty childhood, his dead mother and sister always there heaping upon his guilt. He wanted to save them, instead now they’re dead. His life has no meaning if he really looks into it. But when Henry and Callie decided to ‘adopt’ him instead, Gideon couldn’t push away their childish pleas and urgings for a game or two. He wanted Elizabeth’s acceptance but didn’t know how to get over his past and that tower of guilt... and his life as male-whore. He just had no idea how to connect to Elizabeth’s purity, her offers of help that turned into pleading after a while.
At that time in the story, I found the time-frame pretty confusing. They were supposed to have been together for 2 weeks, yet it felt like months have passed in between. By now, Elizabeth is certain that she wants Gideon just more than the means to an end. She very much wanted to marry him and give him back what’s legally his. But most of all, she wanted to offer him a ‘life’ full of love and laughter. But obviously, the prickly man wouldn’t take her offering so easily. Well, Elizabeth is stubborn, and patient. And she knows how to fight, so she’s not about to give up on this man she’s falling in love with each passing day. I was cheering on for her, so when Gideon acts like a jerk once more hearing Elizabeth’s proposal of marriage… I was so mad because he wasn’t nice to her. He just leaves her standing there, alone, instantly rejecting it. It’s not like the jerk didn’t want this, but quite the opposite. But those feelings he kept having for her, he couldn’t come to terms with them so easily. Gideon was frustrating yes, but I understood what was going on. Still I wanted him to accept Elizabeth, rather than pushing her away. IMO she deserved a little better treatment.
What hooked me was the last 30 or so percent of the story that were riddled with revelations, one after another; some shocking, unexpected, some I already guessed. When Gideon finally learns of exactly why Elizabeth brought him here, I liked that he became more protective of her and the kids, coming to terms with a future he never even imagined he’d ever have. I loved that he was determined to stay here with Elizabeth, protect her from the dangers that were already lurking, becoming a worthy man for her. Or, at the least, die trying. He was duly angry and worried when Henry was poisoned, the first glimpse of the real, fierce Gideon for us. Then they were married, marriage consummated... and the emotion that he felt, once again, making him vulnerable. Could he survive such strong and deep feeling for one woman?
Sadly yet, none of them were aware of the ‘actual’ threat, rather focusing on Elizabeth’s MIL or Gideon’s grandmother. He even forces the woman and her companion to leave the estate once he decides to assume his responsibilities. They didn’t even guess who that might be or that they’re going to fess up to another of his disgusting father’s messes.
We also revisit Alex, who in urging of Mr. Smith, goes to talk to Ophelia to let Gideon go. I’m still not sure how he accomplished it but he became sure of something more sinister: that Ophelia helped the person who was after Elizabeth just out of spite! Mr. Smith, Alex, they all know of Ophelia’s little ‘secret’, which was hinted at in book 1. Turns out, it was Gideon’s creep of a father who raped her and thus, making Gideon her target for revenge. I had nothing for Ophelia but pity because she was beyond help.
I enjoyed the ending, even though Elizabeth’s life was put in danger. Then again, Gideon needed that jolt for a stark realization. Loved the epilogue so much, which takes place a year or so afterwards, ending with a family picnic where we find that Alex is coming to visit them, for the first time with his family. We were also given a hint of something between Mr. Smith and Grace’s feisty sister Patience which I thought was rather amusing. It was a sweet and fitting ending to a rather chaotic read. 4 stars.
I have to admit I’ve enjoyed To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton much more than book 1, To Seduce an Earl, even though it had its own frustrating moments aka Gideon’s stomping away whenever the mood struck him. But I, somehow, thought he was just too sexy and broody to ignore. Can’t blame Elizabeth for falling for him. Let’s just get on with the review.
The story here is not as centered on Lavender Hill, the famous brothel that caters the sexual needs of women only, as it was in book 1. Lavender Hill, run by a beautiful but cold, lavender-eyed French woman named Ophelia is famous for its beautiful and experienced male prostitutes. They cater the needs of all sorts of women, be it virgins or bored housewives and widows, all for those who can pay the hefty price. The story also tells us about three boys who were brought in together by Ophelia in their early teens; Alex, Gideon and James. They have been her priced possessions, the most sought after among women. It’s been sometimes that doubts were brewing, mainly in Gideon’s mind. He’s the most rebellious among three men. He wanted out since the moment he knew why he was brought in and was being polished for. He has tried his best to break free but his attempts weren’t fruitful. Gideon always thought there was something fishy about the way they were brought here together. Thankfully, he was successful in helping Alex escape this place, who is now happily married to Grace. But for Gideon, the hell goes on, until the arrival of auburn haired beauty Elizabeth.
It’s been two years since Alex’s escape and Gideon is still performing his ‘duty’. He’s a big, handsome man with gray eyes and a ruthless, animalistic air about him that titillates the more experienced women. Hence he always gets to service them. Gideon thought, so far, that he could at least take some solace from his tortured past and ugly childhood by f*cking women. In truth, this has never really worked for him. Gideon comes from a very poor family. I was very saddened to know that his mother was sort of duped by a so-called nobleman into believing things that weren’t there. Gideon’s father married his mother, who was very beautiful, though from an impoverished family, secretly but he never accepted Gideon or his younger sister. No one from his father’s side of the family knew of them, or rather, chose to ignore them. The man would visit his mother on and off, taking no responsibility of the children whatsoever. And so, after a while, their situation worsened. At one point, his mother occasionally had to prostitute herself to pay for their food. When things were this bad, Gideon was looking for a way to improve their situation. Then, as he always does, one day his father suddenly returns. He was an abusive a$$hole who’d beat his mother and sister up whenever the mood struck him. That is what he was doing when a 14/15 yrs. old Gideon finds them in their shabby home. And he did what he had to do to save his mother; hitting him violently, a single blow that killed him instantly. Gideon dumped his body later on and ran. Right after that, Ophelia approached him, blackmailing him about his ‘secret’, also luring him about money and food, a luxury life of pleasure. Gideon is aware of the fact that neither his mother, nor his sister has survived the poverty and the guilt is sometimes too overwhelming to bear.
Oddly enough, just as book 1, it was tough for me to picture any other individual in Lavender Hill because we don’t really meet many characters in and out of the place; a handful of other male prostitutes who never really had any sort of limelight. And apart from Wavers, not many servants either. It did feel that Ophelia ran her brothel only with Alex, Gideon and James which obviously wasn’t the case. To my utter relief, there were no sex scenes with other clients in here or in Alex’s book involving our men.
For years, Gideon tried his best to be the ‘bad boy’ of the brothel but Ophelia always found and punished him, as she does to maintain her control, by ordering to beat him up by her bodyguard Wavers, a mammoth-like man who does whatever she wishes for. But Gideon is not that young boy anymore. He has also grown tall and big. He is known for his insensitive, selfish and arrogant nature, who cares about nothing but himself or his pleasure. In the last two years, Gideon has been closely guarded by Ophelia’s men. When Elizabeth arrives in a whirlwind, he had no idea what was coming his way. It was another day for him, he just begin his ‘time’ with one regular client when Ophelia calls him outside; something she never ever does; interruption when they’re with clients. Turns out, she wants him to service this very wealthy widow who just arrived and asked for a man, who somehow matches his description. She’d obviously pay very well.
When Gideon meets Elizabeth, he doesn’t see her veiled face but instantly zooms on her gorgeously curvy figure. He’s entranced, hooked, wanting to see the face too. Then the woman speaks to him revealing her face, and Gideon is a goner. Elizabeth’s green eyes and auburn hair makes him hard instantly, but he’s used to not showing his true feelings. Next, he hears that he’s supposed to be travelling with her in a remote English countryside for two weeks. WHAT??? Ophelia never EVER lets them go out with a client, let alone for such a long period. She raises objection, which was later quelled by Elizabeth with blackmail. I think she knew about Ophelia’s little secret. Gideon doesn’t question anything because suddenly, to him, it seems like a ticket to freedom! Maybe he can service the woman, or not, and escape on the way to wherever she’s taking him.
Elizabeth on the other hand, knows who Gideon really is. She’s been looking for him desperately for a while now, locating him in a brothel of all places! You see, Elizabeth’s life is in danger, alongside her sister’s children. Then you ask what’s the connection between her and Gideon? Well, Gideon’s father’s elder brother, the Baron married Elizabeth. He passed away a while ago. This is somewhat of a convoluted little family history. The Baron, who was in a bad marriage himself, made Elizabeth’s sister, a main in his house, his secret mistress. She had his daughter, Callie and disappeared when she fell pregnant again. She died while having Henry, the son, living with Elizabeth at that time. Elizabeth comes from a poor family and had no one but her sister’s children, until one day, the Baron come in search for her sister after his own wife had died. He wanted to marry her but it was too late. Elizabeth was living in dire poverty, so he made a deal with her; marry him, and make the children legitimate. People will know they’re hers. Since he never had an heir thru his marriage, Henry was to be the one. It was a marriage without consummation, as it soon turns out that the Baron was not doing well himself. So yah, convoluted, convenient too! They lived aboard for a while, she trained to become a woman of her newly gained status, and she inherited a lot of money. It seems that Elizabeth had a knack for business, which her dearly departed husband didn’t and increased the amount of his property by tenfold. She is still managing everything on Henry’s behalf. But now she needs Gideon’s help more than anything.
I wasn’t bothered by the fact that Elizabeth was married to Gideon’s uncle but I did think her plan was somewhat crazy. It helped to know she knew it too, but only too desperate to do whatever it takes to bring Gideon home. First of all, she assumed it was her MIL who is creating all sorts of trouble. She never approved of the marriage and has always been suspicious of the children, even though they call Elizabeth ‘mother’. Threats have been coming Elizabeth’s way too often and she’s worried. Then, she has also been worried that her MIL will order a doctor’s checkup to see if she’s... well, if the consummation occurred or not. So when, with the help of very smart Mr. Smith, her friend and estate manager, Elizabeth tracks down the other, quite legitimate heir of the barony, she needed to do whatever it is to bring him back in the country estate where she resides with the children. And she plans to marry him to keep the estate for Henry.
On their way to their destination, Elizabeth realizes she’s quite attracted to Gideon, something she wasn’t expecting. She wanted to be rid of her virginity and he being a male escort helped moving her plan forward. But she doesn’t know how to approach this scowling, big male riding with her in the carriage, who has been looking at her with an unreadable intensity. Gideon was only trying to figure out what this widow is up to and why it’s so necessary for her to take him so far away from London... and Lavender Hill. But most importantly, he was contemplating escape. This is when they’re attacked and he rescues her. Elizabeth begins opening up little by little, and Gideon now knows about her suspicion of her MIL. He’s so intrigued, not to mention so very attracted to her, he decides to go along with her plan. At an inn, they take shelter as a couple. That night, they also have sex, and Gideon is confounded to find her a virgin. What the hell is going on?
Elizabeth realizes something else too, that she can’t up and tell him everything because Gideon is unpredictable, volatile. He raises the guard around himself way too easily. When they arrive at the estate, Gideon instantly understands she’s a very rich heiress. But it’s Henry and Callie calling her ‘mother’ which makes him suspicious; something he knew to be impossible. He confronts Elizabeth and seeing no alternatives, she just tells him that she needs a bodyguard and he seems to be a man who had a keen instinct on this matter. She also lures him with money. She offers him plenty if he leaves Lavender Hill forever. With the money, he can go to America (something Gideon has been contemplating, and told her) and make a new life for himself. Gideon is tempted… actually he begins feeling the urge to take up on her offer. Then he goes and tells her that he wants something else from her too; to have the right to have sex with her whenever he wishes it. This, in turn, confounds Elizabeth. What made me want to slap Gideon was when he calls her a ‘whore’ when Elizabeth agrees to his demands. Um, huh?! Trust me, she just wanted him, and knew this is so good between them. But Gideon… ugh. He felt things for her that was so unlike him that he decided to lash out in his way, by being cutting and rude.
This should’ve made him a jerk in my eyes and for quite a while, he was. Elizabeth was very hurt by his words. It didn’t help matters that the man would ignore her whenever he felt like it, then would seek her out and shake her world again. But, the fact was, Gideon was having a bad time all over. He was thoroughly enchanted by Elizabeth’s beauty as well as her many fine qualities; her intelligence, her compassion and obvious love for those children not even her own. He found that he couldn’t even stand Mr. Smith anywhere near her as it was obvious that she greatly treasured their friendship, and that the man was also very protective of her. He hated children anywhere near him because Gideon was forever haunted by the nightmares of his poor, neglected, hungry and dirty childhood, his dead mother and sister always there heaping upon his guilt. He wanted to save them, instead now they’re dead. His life has no meaning if he really looks into it. But when Henry and Callie decided to ‘adopt’ him instead, Gideon couldn’t push away their childish pleas and urgings for a game or two. He wanted Elizabeth’s acceptance but didn’t know how to get over his past and that tower of guilt... and his life as male-whore. He just had no idea how to connect to Elizabeth’s purity, her offers of help that turned into pleading after a while.
At that time in the story, I found the time-frame pretty confusing. They were supposed to have been together for 2 weeks, yet it felt like months have passed in between. By now, Elizabeth is certain that she wants Gideon just more than the means to an end. She very much wanted to marry him and give him back what’s legally his. But most of all, she wanted to offer him a ‘life’ full of love and laughter. But obviously, the prickly man wouldn’t take her offering so easily. Well, Elizabeth is stubborn, and patient. And she knows how to fight, so she’s not about to give up on this man she’s falling in love with each passing day. I was cheering on for her, so when Gideon acts like a jerk once more hearing Elizabeth’s proposal of marriage… I was so mad because he wasn’t nice to her. He just leaves her standing there, alone, instantly rejecting it. It’s not like the jerk didn’t want this, but quite the opposite. But those feelings he kept having for her, he couldn’t come to terms with them so easily. Gideon was frustrating yes, but I understood what was going on. Still I wanted him to accept Elizabeth, rather than pushing her away. IMO she deserved a little better treatment.
What hooked me was the last 30 or so percent of the story that were riddled with revelations, one after another; some shocking, unexpected, some I already guessed. When Gideon finally learns of exactly why Elizabeth brought him here, I liked that he became more protective of her and the kids, coming to terms with a future he never even imagined he’d ever have. I loved that he was determined to stay here with Elizabeth, protect her from the dangers that were already lurking, becoming a worthy man for her. Or, at the least, die trying. He was duly angry and worried when Henry was poisoned, the first glimpse of the real, fierce Gideon for us. Then they were married, marriage consummated... and the emotion that he felt, once again, making him vulnerable. Could he survive such strong and deep feeling for one woman?
Sadly yet, none of them were aware of the ‘actual’ threat, rather focusing on Elizabeth’s MIL or Gideon’s grandmother. He even forces the woman and her companion to leave the estate once he decides to assume his responsibilities. They didn’t even guess who that might be or that they’re going to fess up to another of his disgusting father’s messes.
We also revisit Alex, who in urging of Mr. Smith, goes to talk to Ophelia to let Gideon go. I’m still not sure how he accomplished it but he became sure of something more sinister: that Ophelia helped the person who was after Elizabeth just out of spite! Mr. Smith, Alex, they all know of Ophelia’s little ‘secret’, which was hinted at in book 1. Turns out, it was Gideon’s creep of a father who raped her and thus, making Gideon her target for revenge. I had nothing for Ophelia but pity because she was beyond help.
I enjoyed the ending, even though Elizabeth’s life was put in danger. Then again, Gideon needed that jolt for a stark realization. Loved the epilogue so much, which takes place a year or so afterwards, ending with a family picnic where we find that Alex is coming to visit them, for the first time with his family. We were also given a hint of something between Mr. Smith and Grace’s feisty sister Patience which I thought was rather amusing. It was a sweet and fitting ending to a rather chaotic read. 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2015
This novel is not to be considered a regency romance as the style does not match this genre, plus it is set in the Victorian era rather than the Regency. It is more erotic than most period romances, yet the most unique aspect of this novel is the plot itself. It was suspenseful, it was captivating--I couldn't stop turning the pages. It was a brilliant plot.
Ms Brighton is very good at setting the scence and introducing her characters. Her descriptions of the male protagonist, Gideon, truly brought to light his complex and mysterious nature. Although he was obviously an imposing figure, and thought himself a bit of a brute, the author always manages to show an alternate side to Gideon. In many ways he was a man in need of rescue, and what woman can resist when such a powerful and virile man needs her to rescue him? Certainly the lead female, Elizabeth, couldn't.
The relationship between the two is stormily passionate at best and rather harsh at it's worst. However, the two characters overcome their individual issues and realise that they are perfect together. Life has been hard for both of them and it takes them a while to appreciate what they have found. And now that they've found it, neither one of them is going to let anything ruin it. Although there's plenty of people who will try to do just that...
Definitely give this one a read. You won't be disappointed by the plot, plus the eroticism is very well-written and is a nice addition to the novel. It is assuredly a part of the story, rather than being added in for the sake of it. That makes all the difference in my opinion.
Ms Brighton is very good at setting the scence and introducing her characters. Her descriptions of the male protagonist, Gideon, truly brought to light his complex and mysterious nature. Although he was obviously an imposing figure, and thought himself a bit of a brute, the author always manages to show an alternate side to Gideon. In many ways he was a man in need of rescue, and what woman can resist when such a powerful and virile man needs her to rescue him? Certainly the lead female, Elizabeth, couldn't.
The relationship between the two is stormily passionate at best and rather harsh at it's worst. However, the two characters overcome their individual issues and realise that they are perfect together. Life has been hard for both of them and it takes them a while to appreciate what they have found. And now that they've found it, neither one of them is going to let anything ruin it. Although there's plenty of people who will try to do just that...
Definitely give this one a read. You won't be disappointed by the plot, plus the eroticism is very well-written and is a nice addition to the novel. It is assuredly a part of the story, rather than being added in for the sake of it. That makes all the difference in my opinion.
November 20, 2013
This book tells the story of Gideon Drake, a male prostitute who is forced into this lifestyle by the very powerful, but petite Lady Lavender, the owner of the upscale male brothel called Lavendar Hills. Gideon has been forced into this servitude for over a decade. Gideon tends to be rougher with clients and is the type who takes total control in the bedroom. For his “skills” he is a much desired commodity among the ladies of London who frequent the brothel. Gideon had been planning an escape for years, with no success. However, when Lady Elizabeth Ashton visits the brothel, little does Gideon know that his freedom has arrived……
THINGS I FOUND HARD TO PROCESS:
I suppose I had a hard time with the thought of forced prostitution, especially for a man like Gideon Drake. There is an underlying sorrow that a strong, independent man, with Scottish heritage, could be kept in servitude against his will. I suppose I don’t like the thought of anyone being enslaved and forced to perform on command. The good news is that he escapes!
GREAT & UNIQUE LOVE STORY:
From the very opening of the novel, you just know it’s going to be a gritty & provoking read. Elizabeth is in a carriage on her way to the brothel when she spots the carcass of a rabbit being ripped apart by vultures. She identifies and feels that if she does not play her cards right, she could also represent that carcass on the side of the road being picked apart by her enemies.
The aspect I found so intriguing about the relationship between Elizabeth and Gideon is the shift of control that flips as a fish out of water, from side to side, between the two. After Elizabeth slyly manages to take Gideon away from the brothel, it is made clear to readers that she must seduce him (which should be pretty easy), make him fall in love with her, and eventually marry the man.
Elizabeth has promised her late husband, that she will remarry Gideon, the notorious and handsome rogue. So, as a reader you feel this strong need to rehabilitate Gideon and position him to be the proprietor of the vast expanse of wealth and properties of the family. This mystery about his connection to the Ashton family is so interesting and you just eat up every little clue or detail that gets you closer to finding out the truth behind Gideon’s background. Gideon, himself, is sharp, strong, but very emotionally numb. He comes across as a tiger out of a cage who is devising how to proceed with his newfound freedom. Gideon must heal from past traumas that still haunt him. I thought Elizabeth, the sweet and courageous heroine, was the key to this romance. She is an epic heroine. She is beautiful, she is kind-hearted, the woman has great business sense, but most of all, she is wise. I can’t say enough about her. She is the most trusting, self-sacrificing character in the book. She lays it all on the line: her life, the life of the children in her care, and puts all of her eggs in one basket as she gives her life without restraint to Gideon Drake.
This is a great read. The villains are lurking and there is much suspense about who is behind the murder attempts on Elizabeth’s life. One by one, both Elizabeth and Gideon defeat their enemies. Perhaps the greatest conquest is their defeat of fear, which could have crippled their love. Both the H/h are gloriously successful in their quest for a love that is liberating. At the end, Gideon said that he felt like he cheated life (in reference to the miserable trajectory his life was on before Elizabeth), as he told his friend, “we could have it all and don’t have to live in the shadow of our past.”
I really liked the narrator, Fiona Underwood, I think she did a great job! I have to say that even though I liked this book, I'm not in a hurry to read the remaining books. I think it's hard to wrap my head about the forced bondage....I think I will have to be in the right mood to continue with the series....
THINGS I FOUND HARD TO PROCESS:
I suppose I had a hard time with the thought of forced prostitution, especially for a man like Gideon Drake. There is an underlying sorrow that a strong, independent man, with Scottish heritage, could be kept in servitude against his will. I suppose I don’t like the thought of anyone being enslaved and forced to perform on command. The good news is that he escapes!
GREAT & UNIQUE LOVE STORY:
From the very opening of the novel, you just know it’s going to be a gritty & provoking read. Elizabeth is in a carriage on her way to the brothel when she spots the carcass of a rabbit being ripped apart by vultures. She identifies and feels that if she does not play her cards right, she could also represent that carcass on the side of the road being picked apart by her enemies.
The aspect I found so intriguing about the relationship between Elizabeth and Gideon is the shift of control that flips as a fish out of water, from side to side, between the two. After Elizabeth slyly manages to take Gideon away from the brothel, it is made clear to readers that she must seduce him (which should be pretty easy), make him fall in love with her, and eventually marry the man.
Elizabeth has promised her late husband, that she will remarry Gideon, the notorious and handsome rogue. So, as a reader you feel this strong need to rehabilitate Gideon and position him to be the proprietor of the vast expanse of wealth and properties of the family. This mystery about his connection to the Ashton family is so interesting and you just eat up every little clue or detail that gets you closer to finding out the truth behind Gideon’s background. Gideon, himself, is sharp, strong, but very emotionally numb. He comes across as a tiger out of a cage who is devising how to proceed with his newfound freedom. Gideon must heal from past traumas that still haunt him. I thought Elizabeth, the sweet and courageous heroine, was the key to this romance. She is an epic heroine. She is beautiful, she is kind-hearted, the woman has great business sense, but most of all, she is wise. I can’t say enough about her. She is the most trusting, self-sacrificing character in the book. She lays it all on the line: her life, the life of the children in her care, and puts all of her eggs in one basket as she gives her life without restraint to Gideon Drake.
This is a great read. The villains are lurking and there is much suspense about who is behind the murder attempts on Elizabeth’s life. One by one, both Elizabeth and Gideon defeat their enemies. Perhaps the greatest conquest is their defeat of fear, which could have crippled their love. Both the H/h are gloriously successful in their quest for a love that is liberating. At the end, Gideon said that he felt like he cheated life (in reference to the miserable trajectory his life was on before Elizabeth), as he told his friend, “we could have it all and don’t have to live in the shadow of our past.”
I really liked the narrator, Fiona Underwood, I think she did a great job! I have to say that even though I liked this book, I'm not in a hurry to read the remaining books. I think it's hard to wrap my head about the forced bondage....I think I will have to be in the right mood to continue with the series....
August 12, 2013
The Mistress of the land of Misfits! Again, I LOVED the book and the narrator, Fiona Underwood!! As soon as I finished listening to the first book I immediately purchased this one - again under $5 for Kindle/audible! I never wanted to stop listening!! I don't want to give anything away so will just say this is a MUST audio book!!
The only slight downside is that the story had so much potential but just missed the mark for being a very sexy bodice ripper but trust me... it's very good!!! I can't wait for the 3rd book and really hope it's narrated by Fiona Underwood!!
The only slight downside is that the story had so much potential but just missed the mark for being a very sexy bodice ripper but trust me... it's very good!!! I can't wait for the 3rd book and really hope it's narrated by Fiona Underwood!!
October 23, 2013
I am unsure about this one..as i write this i am only half way through the book.
BUT....im just NOT loving this like I did the first book. I was sooo looking forward to Gideon's story but I just can't get into this.
I think its mainly because I dont really have an interest in the "heroine" of this story, i cannot see how Gideon is attracted to Elizabeth...I just don't "get" it. I will try to persevere but right now im not holding out alot of hope. Which is a shame because I loved the previous book.
BUT....im just NOT loving this like I did the first book. I was sooo looking forward to Gideon's story but I just can't get into this.
I think its mainly because I dont really have an interest in the "heroine" of this story, i cannot see how Gideon is attracted to Elizabeth...I just don't "get" it. I will try to persevere but right now im not holding out alot of hope. Which is a shame because I loved the previous book.
July 7, 2019
Another great book from this author
January 3, 2020
Lovely. Will have to look at the series when I have a moment.
November 6, 2013
As much as I've set myself up for a tough challenge and a tight schedule in order to read this series from the first book, oh how glad I am I made my decision this way. Having read the two so far and with only the last one remaining, this was surely the right move, because the general plot is thickening and the puzzle pieces are coming together.
The second book of this rare gem of a series is about Gideon, the silent, strong, dominant mountain of a man who works at Lady Lavender's, the pleasure house for women, and he's hired out for two weeks to Elizabeth, the mysterious young widow who miraculously convinces Lady Lavender to this deed.
What I love about these books is not that they're only about two people coming together to find their happy ever after, nor is it about the sexual fit the hero and heroine form, but it's the emotions the men possess, the psychology resulting from their time in Lady Lavender's employ. With each book and each hero, I'm looking forward to what I'll discover about their personalities and how they'll come to love their partners. And could it possibly be too predictable of me to have looked forward to Gideon's story the most? The tall, dark and dangerous? I say not. There's something just a little too exciting, a bit too toe curling about a man such as him. The man is not charming, certainly not gentle-he likes it a tad on the rougher side in bed, he likes to dominate his women- a clear way, perhaps, to understand his character better since he has no control over anything else in his life.
Is it a surprise I loved Gideon? I think not. He was one of those fictional men who's a rock on the outside but on the inside, well, still a rock but a rock that cares and loves and protects. Gideon, oh Gideon. As a man who has left all human emotion behind him over the years, Gideon was hell bent on escaping the clutches of Lady Lavender the Great Bitch-okay, maybe I added that last part. So when opportunity knocks in the guise of Elizabeth who wants him out of Lady Lavender's for two weeks, a plan forms in his head; seduce the woman, grab some of her money and run. But things hardly ever go as planned in these romances as we've all realized that by now and Elizabeth turns out not just as the opportunity for his escape but as the savior of his soul. A bit too dramatic and romantic even for me, I know, but I couldn't help it.
Elizabeth was such a good match for the hardness that was Gideon. She was hope and light personified, she was naive in a way, and yet she was strong. She was also a woman with her own secrets but it looks like she had such a great heart and a clear conscience that she was able to keep up with everyone's everything. Oh, and she has two sweet little children who took an instant liking to Gideon which has led yours truly to love the man even more, because you know how a man with children is just too irresistible.
As per the way with these books, I believe, we found out individual secrets about Gideon but also picked up a few more breadcrumbs as to who Lady Lavender is, who happens to be the grander plot. It will hopefully all be completely revealed in the last book, and I personally can't wait to see the whole picture.
A wonderful addition to the series that was worth my time as a hermit. Now, on to the next and the last one. Sweet James, I don't know if you can ever top my love for Gideon, but your place is already reserved on my favorites shelf along with Alex.
The second book of this rare gem of a series is about Gideon, the silent, strong, dominant mountain of a man who works at Lady Lavender's, the pleasure house for women, and he's hired out for two weeks to Elizabeth, the mysterious young widow who miraculously convinces Lady Lavender to this deed.
What I love about these books is not that they're only about two people coming together to find their happy ever after, nor is it about the sexual fit the hero and heroine form, but it's the emotions the men possess, the psychology resulting from their time in Lady Lavender's employ. With each book and each hero, I'm looking forward to what I'll discover about their personalities and how they'll come to love their partners. And could it possibly be too predictable of me to have looked forward to Gideon's story the most? The tall, dark and dangerous? I say not. There's something just a little too exciting, a bit too toe curling about a man such as him. The man is not charming, certainly not gentle-he likes it a tad on the rougher side in bed, he likes to dominate his women- a clear way, perhaps, to understand his character better since he has no control over anything else in his life.
Is it a surprise I loved Gideon? I think not. He was one of those fictional men who's a rock on the outside but on the inside, well, still a rock but a rock that cares and loves and protects. Gideon, oh Gideon. As a man who has left all human emotion behind him over the years, Gideon was hell bent on escaping the clutches of Lady Lavender the Great Bitch-okay, maybe I added that last part. So when opportunity knocks in the guise of Elizabeth who wants him out of Lady Lavender's for two weeks, a plan forms in his head; seduce the woman, grab some of her money and run. But things hardly ever go as planned in these romances as we've all realized that by now and Elizabeth turns out not just as the opportunity for his escape but as the savior of his soul. A bit too dramatic and romantic even for me, I know, but I couldn't help it.
Elizabeth was such a good match for the hardness that was Gideon. She was hope and light personified, she was naive in a way, and yet she was strong. She was also a woman with her own secrets but it looks like she had such a great heart and a clear conscience that she was able to keep up with everyone's everything. Oh, and she has two sweet little children who took an instant liking to Gideon which has led yours truly to love the man even more, because you know how a man with children is just too irresistible.
As per the way with these books, I believe, we found out individual secrets about Gideon but also picked up a few more breadcrumbs as to who Lady Lavender is, who happens to be the grander plot. It will hopefully all be completely revealed in the last book, and I personally can't wait to see the whole picture.
A wonderful addition to the series that was worth my time as a hermit. Now, on to the next and the last one. Sweet James, I don't know if you can ever top my love for Gideon, but your place is already reserved on my favorites shelf along with Alex.
December 25, 2014
Red-haired and green-eyed widowed Elizabeth has ulterior motives for seeking Gideon out. He doesn't know it but she knows who he really is and wants to give him things that belong to him, things regarding her estate. I don't know why she didn't just contact Gideon and explain some things to him right from the start.
I really like Gideon. He's about thirty. He's got a proverbial hard shell built all around him. He's so full of anger towards everyone and is very callous. He's an unhappy prostitute to women and has been for almost fourteen years. I like Elizabeth too. She's a really good person. She's raising her dead sister's children while passing them off as her own. Her staff is all or mostly made up of people who were once in bad situations themselves and she'd do anything for any of them.
I'm really irritated that we're told Lady Lavender, the French owner of the brothel he works at, knows his terrible secret, that's what she's blackmailing him with, but we aren't told how on earth it's possible for her to know. There's no possible way she could know his secret. This doesn't sit well with me at all. An incident happened to her years ago involving his father and she seems to be taking her hatred of his father out on him. But that doesn't explain how she knows his secret.
There's also a mystery going on in this story that was interesting. Someone's out to kill Elizabeth. There was no mention of why they let that person go after they'd murdered a member of their staff and attempted to murder Elizabeth.
Even though there are some things in the story that needs explaining and to be expanded upon I did find the whole story interesting.
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2015
Original, Steamy, Riveting
Elizabeth Ashton made a death bed promise to her recently deceased husband. He made her promise that she would find his brother's son, who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. Elizabeth even promised that she would marry him, thereby, cementing his rightful place as the heir to a fortune.
It was not easy, but she found her husband's nephew. Gideon Drake. He is a male prostitute in an adult pleasure garden called Lavender Hills. He is never allowed to leave. He is beautiful, but he has the coldest, wintery eyes, that promise an empty soul. How is Elizabeth going to get him to trust her, let alone marry her? How is she going to spring him from his luxurious prison?
I thought this book would be pure eroticism with little plot. I kept stumbling over it and passing, but then it was offered to me through Kindle Unlimited. Well, I decided to start reading it. After all, I could only lose a little time if I hated it. Thank you, Amazon, for Kindle Unlimited! This book was erotic, but romantic, and touching. The sex scenes were perfection. They were steamy, emotional, powerful.
There was danger, mystery, salvation, hope, despair. Myriad emotions ping-ponged as the reader is treated to a plot that grips one's heart and senses as the journey barrels head-long into a very satisfying HEA.
This book is original, yet keeps us in the English historical romance venue, without compromise. Historical Romance Readers this is your manna. Feast upon Lori Brighton's gift.
Elizabeth Ashton made a death bed promise to her recently deceased husband. He made her promise that she would find his brother's son, who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. Elizabeth even promised that she would marry him, thereby, cementing his rightful place as the heir to a fortune.
It was not easy, but she found her husband's nephew. Gideon Drake. He is a male prostitute in an adult pleasure garden called Lavender Hills. He is never allowed to leave. He is beautiful, but he has the coldest, wintery eyes, that promise an empty soul. How is Elizabeth going to get him to trust her, let alone marry her? How is she going to spring him from his luxurious prison?
I thought this book would be pure eroticism with little plot. I kept stumbling over it and passing, but then it was offered to me through Kindle Unlimited. Well, I decided to start reading it. After all, I could only lose a little time if I hated it. Thank you, Amazon, for Kindle Unlimited! This book was erotic, but romantic, and touching. The sex scenes were perfection. They were steamy, emotional, powerful.
There was danger, mystery, salvation, hope, despair. Myriad emotions ping-ponged as the reader is treated to a plot that grips one's heart and senses as the journey barrels head-long into a very satisfying HEA.
This book is original, yet keeps us in the English historical romance venue, without compromise. Historical Romance Readers this is your manna. Feast upon Lori Brighton's gift.
April 30, 2013
I enjoy a good romance story from time to time, but I'm always frustrated by the fact that you can guess the ending from about the second chapter. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in "To Capture a Rake". The main story line (the romance) went as expected, but the mysteries along the way kept my attention. I don't want to give the story away, but it suffices to say, I was surprised by two different developments in the story.
This is a big step outside my normal genre of Christian fiction, and I very much enjoyed it. That said, this is not a book I'd leave lying around for my daughter to peek at-- it's definitely adult material.
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for posting my honest review.
This is a big step outside my normal genre of Christian fiction, and I very much enjoyed it. That said, this is not a book I'd leave lying around for my daughter to peek at-- it's definitely adult material.
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for posting my honest review.
May 15, 2013
Set in Victorian England To Capture a Rake is a little different from other romances. It is however the second book I have read lately where the hero is a male prostitute. Gideon Drake is the unlikely hero. Elizabeth Ashton is the one to rescue him. I liked both characters. Their journey to a HEA was interesting and full of surprises. Both kept secrets and that added to the tension. There were also some side characters that caught my interest. I do wonder who Mr. Smith really is.
The story had some disconnects but as I was reading an ARC they may not be in the final edition. There were some surprises in the story. This is the second book in a series and I liked the story enough to go find book one. To Capture a Rake will be released in June of 2013.
The story had some disconnects but as I was reading an ARC they may not be in the final edition. There were some surprises in the story. This is the second book in a series and I liked the story enough to go find book one. To Capture a Rake will be released in June of 2013.
July 19, 2013
I know this series is about male prostitutes but I really have enjoyed it so far. The over coming of something so big is promising. This book starts with a widow with a plan. Her late husband made her agree to search out this male prostitute because he is the next heir to the family legacy. But the goal is not to step aside it's to make him fall in love with her and marry enabling her children and her self the security her husband desired for them to have. He knows nothing of his relations and wouldn't believe her if she told him so she must get him to fall in love her and she only has two week to do it.
September 10, 2019
Amazing!! Lori Brighton is new favorite historical romance novel even the paranormal ones. It wasn't bad but not like the first one. Yet it was full if surprises which I ain't telling it that for you guys to read this book. The characters were simply intriguing. Gideon thinking the worst of himself after all he been through for the past 14 years, but Elizabeth, who need him to protect her and her niece and nephew from her late husband relatives, helps him that he isn't a bad person but an honorable and trusting man especially for the secret she held for him
November 6, 2013
To Capture a Rake by Lori Brighton
Had no idea what I was in for as I was given this book by the author at IRC and I’m so glad she did. I picked this up to read and couldn't put it down. I was drawn in by page 2 and never lost my interest. If you enjoy hot historical romance books then you should grab this one for sure. I loved how she played the heroine and hero off each other in the book so together they were much better. I will be looking into more books by this author in the future for sure as I must see what happens with the other 2 men from the brothel
Had no idea what I was in for as I was given this book by the author at IRC and I’m so glad she did. I picked this up to read and couldn't put it down. I was drawn in by page 2 and never lost my interest. If you enjoy hot historical romance books then you should grab this one for sure. I loved how she played the heroine and hero off each other in the book so together they were much better. I will be looking into more books by this author in the future for sure as I must see what happens with the other 2 men from the brothel
October 31, 2013
I am sorry for this review being so long now but I did enjoy this book I want to thank good reads as well as lori brighton for choosing me to win this book. I really enjoyed this book as I like to read about history even if it isn't based totally on facts and it is so weird as to how much we have changed now a days verses how things were back in the olden days I personally don't think I could have survived as women didn't have a choice so I am honored that I got to read this book
December 28, 2015
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
Now, I have not read the first book in the series (something that bugs me a great deal) but from what I can tell, I caught on quickly enough to the gist of the story.
Yes, a lot of semi-predictable things happened... However - the description caught my attention almost immediately (which probably sounds ... weird?). Anyway, I wanted to know more about the book and lucky me won a copy!
Now, I have not read the first book in the series (something that bugs me a great deal) but from what I can tell, I caught on quickly enough to the gist of the story.
Yes, a lot of semi-predictable things happened... However - the description caught my attention almost immediately (which probably sounds ... weird?). Anyway, I wanted to know more about the book and lucky me won a copy!
December 19, 2014
I actually did not know this book was part of a series, though I should have guessed Alex had a story. With that being said, I thought this was a pretty good read, with some parts lacking (now knowing it's in another book), but I'm not so inclined to pick up the other books in the series. I was pulled into the story by the plot line, and continued reading because of the characters. As I said it was a pretty good read, I just don't feel as if the other books would impress me as much.
May 11, 2014
Unfortuntately, this was disappointing. The premise was interesting, but the execution was poor. Never-ending inner dialogues stalling any hint of progress. Incessant he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not, a common mistake in romance books where the plot plays second (or third, or fourth) fiddle. I like my stories with a plot, I'm funny that way.
I found the rhythm improved dramatically when I started reading only the conversations and skimmed through the rest of the paragraphs.
I found the rhythm improved dramatically when I started reading only the conversations and skimmed through the rest of the paragraphs.
May 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much. I very much like the older romances but this one had a little modern day in it added. The dominance of Gideon also tortured by his past was a whirlwind.The innocence of Elizabeth just trying to take care of her "family". I liked how you didn't know all the twists and turns until the very end. All the characters are fitting and the plot is like no other. This is definetly a book I'm keeping to myself.
July 26, 2013
This was a free read from Goodreads Firstreads. I can believe that there were male prostitutes back in the day but the rest of the story left me flat. I didn't get having the woman you think is trying to kill you to dinner and to stay in your house. Also not telling him the whole story, if not immediately, then sooner than she did, baffles me.
March 19, 2015
Sometimes, certain books, certain themes, stick with me. That happened with the first book in this series. As I started this one, a lot came back to me from the 1st. The whore heroes, very interesting trope to me when done well. And both this and the first book are done well.
Looking forward to James's story. Something odd must be going on there.
Looking forward to James's story. Something odd must be going on there.
September 12, 2015
A nice addition to the series. I did the read/listen option, but the narrator made me think of Peppa Pig for some odd reason.
The story was lovely and Gideon the perfect combination of Lord and whore.
The author did a good job integrating the characters from the original book, as well as setting up for the next/last book in the series.
The story was lovely and Gideon the perfect combination of Lord and whore.
The author did a good job integrating the characters from the original book, as well as setting up for the next/last book in the series.
September 25, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! It was very well thought out and beautifully written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel. Although now I need to go find the first book to read so that I can understand Alex's part in the story.
July 17, 2014
A decent historical romance, and a fairly quick read. I had some issues with the language in the beginning, but overall I liked the story, and might give the other books in the series a try at some point.
January 4, 2014
I love this series. Gideon and Elizabeth were great together. I of course enjoy steamy sex scenes and this book had them. I was looking forward to his book after I read Alex's story. I recommend it's a quick read and very entertaining. I can't wait for James story.
March 20, 2014
I truly love these kind of books. Particularly Lori Brighton's version. In that day and age with all of the rules of society, and all those blasted layers of clothing it sets the stage for much more dirty, sexy, exciting scenes.
June 10, 2013
Really liked this book! I new Gideon's story would be good and it was. I can't wait until the next book, because there are so many unanswered questions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews