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Tenacious Trents #5
A Reluctant Rake
Mr. Jordan Trent, the spare, was raised to be a rake. Not only did his father encourage his roguish life, but insisted that Jordan do nothing except enjoy the life of women, gambling and fine brandy – the life his father had wanted. It is a life Jordan enjoyed until he realized something, or someone, very important was missing.
Miss Audrey Montgomery had been warned to avoid rakes like Jordan Trent but fell under his spell like so many ladies before her. She should have known better and vows to protect her heart whenever he is near. If only his kisses weren't so delicious it would be so much easier.
Miss Audrey Montgomery had been warned to avoid rakes like Jordan Trent but fell under his spell like so many ladies before her. She should have known better and vows to protect her heart whenever he is near. If only his kisses weren't so delicious it would be so much easier.
308 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2013
32 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
172 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2020
Jordan Trent is the spare & his father wanted Jordan to live the life he couldn’t. So the Earl of Bentley took16 year old Jordan to a brothel & gave him an allowance far exceeding allowances given to his other sons. Jordan was also told he had no need to marry & could ‘enjoy‘ himself. However that isn’t how Jordan wished to live his life, he secretly studied & became a solicitor, hoping one day to be a barrister. He then met Audrey Montgomery (best friend of Grace, Matthew’s wife) he danced regularly with her but after he was called out of town her attitude towards him changed.
Once again there are misunderstandings, a deranged stalker & her husband, murders and knifings but all is resolved in the end. Also the family secret looks set to be revealed.
Another good read in the Tenacious Trents series.
There are some Americanisms & proof reading has missed some errors but the Trent series is definitely a keeper.
Once again there are misunderstandings, a deranged stalker & her husband, murders and knifings but all is resolved in the end. Also the family secret looks set to be revealed.
Another good read in the Tenacious Trents series.
There are some Americanisms & proof reading has missed some errors but the Trent series is definitely a keeper.
August 11, 2015
I didn't really enjoy this story. The plots were too drawn out and convoluted.
The characters we redundant on their problems and thoughts. It was a chore to finish this story.
The characters we redundant on their problems and thoughts. It was a chore to finish this story.
March 12, 2021
I would normally continue with this series but the narrator portrays all the women in the same tone and with such a sad pathetic voice I could barely tolerate it.
May 17, 2015
I give this book 3 and 1/2 stars. When I first started reading the book I was in love with all the possibilities. There are a couple reviews that mentioned an editor would be helpful so that made me apprehensive going in. Well let me tell you I do understand what they were referring to. First let me start at the beginning. Jordan Trent is a second son and when the book starts out he is 8 yes old. Playing the part as an older brother he torments his sister and makes her cry what happens next will break your heart. He blames himself when he learns his sister and stepmother are dead and so when his father happens upon him you discover that his dad has Jordon's future laid out before him. He wants Jordan to live the life he never got to live.
Twenty three years have passed and his father is in the ground and while his father would not allow him to marry Jordan is taking his life back. Miss Audrey Montgomery met Jordan during the season and is happy when she learns he wants to court him. She came across as a bit of a ditz to me. Audrey learns that her friend Millicent has flipped her lid but than on a disserted road believes every word spoken. Then there is all the ludicrous accusations Millicent throws out but no one takes her to Bedlam or attempt to stop the insanity was unbelievable for me. Jordan is a very gentle and honorable H even with his fathers every attempt to make him a rakehell. He respects woman and is confused by Audrey's sudden change of heart. Up until the spring she seemed to enjoy his company but she has made it quite clear she wants nothing to do with him. This begins the editing issues. The middle of the book is trifled with stories of him filling his job duties as a solicitor. It felt like the romance took a back seat and the repetitious nature of his job details was tiring.
Three quarters through it picked back up for me and you get to see Jordan and Audrey as a couple more and the story picks up with a psychopaths hell bent on having their way. There are some questions left dangling at the end that I wish were answered. Like the baby girl whose parentage was in question by her mother. I would have liked to know what became of her to name one. The other issue I had was the reflections from Jordan on past relations. The author was trying to demonstrate how loyal and faithful he was but I don't want to be continuously reminded of what a manwhore the H was. He was faithful and after the two finally get to spend more time together I liked him much better. This isn't a clean read and some patience is required. I think if this would have been written as a novella it would have been more enjoyable and less tedious. The relationship towards the end changed my overall opinion. I bought this in a boxed set called From The Ballroom and Beyond. Enjoy!
Twenty three years have passed and his father is in the ground and while his father would not allow him to marry Jordan is taking his life back. Miss Audrey Montgomery met Jordan during the season and is happy when she learns he wants to court him. She came across as a bit of a ditz to me. Audrey learns that her friend Millicent has flipped her lid but than on a disserted road believes every word spoken. Then there is all the ludicrous accusations Millicent throws out but no one takes her to Bedlam or attempt to stop the insanity was unbelievable for me. Jordan is a very gentle and honorable H even with his fathers every attempt to make him a rakehell. He respects woman and is confused by Audrey's sudden change of heart. Up until the spring she seemed to enjoy his company but she has made it quite clear she wants nothing to do with him. This begins the editing issues. The middle of the book is trifled with stories of him filling his job duties as a solicitor. It felt like the romance took a back seat and the repetitious nature of his job details was tiring.
Three quarters through it picked back up for me and you get to see Jordan and Audrey as a couple more and the story picks up with a psychopaths hell bent on having their way. There are some questions left dangling at the end that I wish were answered. Like the baby girl whose parentage was in question by her mother. I would have liked to know what became of her to name one. The other issue I had was the reflections from Jordan on past relations. The author was trying to demonstrate how loyal and faithful he was but I don't want to be continuously reminded of what a manwhore the H was. He was faithful and after the two finally get to spend more time together I liked him much better. This isn't a clean read and some patience is required. I think if this would have been written as a novella it would have been more enjoyable and less tedious. The relationship towards the end changed my overall opinion. I bought this in a boxed set called From The Ballroom and Beyond. Enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2014
I couldn't finish this book. I hated the characters. Especially the women.
September 14, 2018
It started off great. It’s part of a collection.. From The Ballroom And Beyond. All was well. Until I got to A Reluctant Rake and it neared the last few chapters. My only thought was just die already. Please die! How could they be so dang stupid!? Jfc it was painful to get through. I just wanted to throw the whole book away because of a few chapters. How can a solicitor be so stupid!?? How could a grown woman be that naive AND dumb!?? It was too much. I want to give this book 1 star but I did love SOME of it. So frustrating to read of such a simple minded heroine after reading the tales of bold & witty women before this. I wish it weren’t included in the collection! It doesn’t fit AT ALL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
This is a fun entertaining read. Jordan and Audrey are interesting, relatable, entertaining, intriguing, complex characters. I enjoyed them as individuals and a couple. Their romance is full of twists and turns that are entertaining to read. I love that we got to see all of the Trent brothers and their spouses. It was fun to read Jordan story after his appearances in other books within the series. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The book is easy to read and get into.
June 8, 2018
The errors stop me from fully enjoying
While the stories are engaging albeit formulaic, the spelling, grammatical and style errors are a major distraction. For example, the military on horseback is the CAVALRY,not CALVARY. They may be editorial errors, but so numerous as to be a distraction. There is no word " precautious" Please do consult stylecheck and spellchecker.
While the stories are engaging albeit formulaic, the spelling, grammatical and style errors are a major distraction. For example, the military on horseback is the CAVALRY,not CALVARY. They may be editorial errors, but so numerous as to be a distraction. There is no word " precautious" Please do consult stylecheck and spellchecker.
June 22, 2018
A Reluctant Take (#5) By Jane Charles
Four stars, good storyline but with a few flaws...Audrey was weak and dum, she believe everything...Until she learn to trust Jordan..Love the family unity in this series...Good mystery, love the sensually
Four stars, good storyline but with a few flaws...Audrey was weak and dum, she believe everything...Until she learn to trust Jordan..Love the family unity in this series...Good mystery, love the sensually
August 15, 2018
Marvelous
This series just gets better and better I'm going to book 6 now can't wait for the lady beat to be revealed anyone who enjoys a good series of historical romances with mystery then this is your opportunity
This series just gets better and better I'm going to book 6 now can't wait for the lady beat to be revealed anyone who enjoys a good series of historical romances with mystery then this is your opportunity
May 8, 2019
Must read the series
Tried one book for free and I am on book 6 now. Each book is better then the one before
Tried one book for free and I am on book 6 now. Each book is better then the one before
February 15, 2025
read in a book set
August 4, 2014
Loved this book. I really liked Jordan Trent's character. He was hot, sexy, and smart. I really liked Audrey's character as well, she was smart and strong, not wimpy and simpering. There was great sexual chemistry and a nicely written sex scenes. Lots of great dialogue. A fun story line and plot. Some crazy people, a bit of mystery and murder. This was a fun story to read\listen to.
The narrator was just great. All the characters had their own distinct voices, and she did the men's voices really well. I like Marian Hussey as a narrator.
NOTE-If you read this series start with Scots, Spies, and Salacious Lies. Its 3 novellas and helps with understanding all the characters as this series continues to develop.
I have already started the last book\novel (there is one more novella after this) in this series, A Lady Revealed, which is not listed with this series on audible but IS available on audible.
The Tenacious Trent's Reading order:
Compromised for Christmas (novella) (story one in Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies)
Landing a Laird (novella) (story two in Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies)
A Misguided Lord
A Perfect Gentleman
Devil in Her Dreams (novella) (story three in Scots Spies and Salacious Lies)
A Lass for Christmas (novella)
A Reluctant Rake
Lady Revealed
Lady Disguised (novella)
The narrator was just great. All the characters had their own distinct voices, and she did the men's voices really well. I like Marian Hussey as a narrator.
NOTE-If you read this series start with Scots, Spies, and Salacious Lies. Its 3 novellas and helps with understanding all the characters as this series continues to develop.
I have already started the last book\novel (there is one more novella after this) in this series, A Lady Revealed, which is not listed with this series on audible but IS available on audible.
The Tenacious Trent's Reading order:
Compromised for Christmas (novella) (story one in Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies)
Landing a Laird (novella) (story two in Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies)
A Misguided Lord
A Perfect Gentleman
Devil in Her Dreams (novella) (story three in Scots Spies and Salacious Lies)
A Lass for Christmas (novella)
A Reluctant Rake
Lady Revealed
Lady Disguised (novella)
January 1, 2015
Loved the whole Trent series. This one, about Jordan and Audrey was probably my favorite.
Loved seeing the rest of the family. I don't think I'll read the next book since I don't really care what happened to Julia and Adela. They were only names in the books. My interest was in the brothers and I've read all their stories now so I'll move on.
You could almost tell that Millicent was a little crazy from the time she was introduced so I wasn't surprised. BUT I was surprised at what happened to her and Lydell, her husband. It was kind of weird and funny.
There was sexual tension and some sex so it was a great book all-around.
Loved seeing the rest of the family. I don't think I'll read the next book since I don't really care what happened to Julia and Adela. They were only names in the books. My interest was in the brothers and I've read all their stories now so I'll move on.
You could almost tell that Millicent was a little crazy from the time she was introduced so I wasn't surprised. BUT I was surprised at what happened to her and Lydell, her husband. It was kind of weird and funny.
There was sexual tension and some sex so it was a great book all-around.
May 11, 2016
Loved the book!! Jordan was raised to be a rake, but when his father died he could finally be his true self!! During the beginning of the season he met Aubrey Montgomery and thought to court her. Aubrey despised Jordan for ruining her friend and ignored him the rest of the season. During the next season Aubrey finally confronted Jordan as to what he did and she was astonished to lean it was all a lie. So many things happen to Jordan being arrested for murder, Aubrey falling in love with him, to realizing her friend might have a loose screw!! A great read with a wonderful ending!!
January 28, 2016
It was horribly written and edited. Why, when asking a question, would you end it like a statement, and vice versa? It was so jarring to read. Adide from the terrible grammar, there were a lot of misspellings (let me be generous and say that it might be from ebook formatting). The characters were terribly uninteresting and seemed to change personalities midway. The plot was predictable, and the romance felt tacked on.
June 12, 2015
Ding ding, we've got a winner!
I suppose, after reading many a Jane Charles book, I shouldn't be surprised with how three dimensional her plots and characters are. The book played like a movie through my mind as I read the pages. Well written and worthy of passing it on to the next person who asks about a good book!
I suppose, after reading many a Jane Charles book, I shouldn't be surprised with how three dimensional her plots and characters are. The book played like a movie through my mind as I read the pages. Well written and worthy of passing it on to the next person who asks about a good book!
February 10, 2016
The story of Audrey and Jordan was fun to watch as Jordan transformed from the rake his father made him to be into a man in love. Audrey had to learn to trust her instincts over what others told her. The twist in the story was pretty awesome and kept me guessing til close to the end! Very nice read!
April 20, 2013
Loved it!!! Hoping this series is not over....
December 22, 2014
I love the novels of Jane Charles and this one wasn't any different. The villains in my opinion were perfect as we're Jordan and Aubrey.
November 29, 2014
The story was really original and entertaining. I couldn't have expected such a plot for sure but it was certainly enthralling.
The characters were strong and passionate.
The characters were strong and passionate.
September 6, 2015
Enjoyed the story, but as in all the Trent books I've read so far, the proof reading is either non existent or inadequate. I feel I ought to offer my services!
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
October 7, 2014From the Ballroom and Beyond, A Limited Edition Nine Book Regency Romance Box Set
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews