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To Refuse a Rake
Emma has sworn off love.
After all, it is pointless to subject oneself to such torture when in the end, heartbreak is inevitable. Just like her sister had suffered. So, when Lord Daventry, the muddy brown-eyed boy from her childhood, returns to society she refuses to even look at him... well, maybe she'll look once.
Or twice.
But only because his eyes have changed into the most decadent color of dark chocolate. And his tanned skin from his travels is distracting, especially paired with his wide and devilish grin.
The stirring of her blood from his hot whisper in her ear is nothing... at least that's what she tells herself.
Lord Daventry has one response to marriage. Drink Brandy. Especially when his mother decides it is time for him to produce an heir. Reluctantly, he attends his first ball since returning from India, swearing to head to White's shortly after the first dance. However, he is pleasantly surprised to discover that Miss Emma Kingsly, the same girl he tried to kiss when she was nine, is still unmarried.
Her frigid demeanor should have warned him off... but unable to ignore a challenge, he plunges in head first... never expecting to fall in love with the one woman in the ton completely set against marriage.
After all, it is pointless to subject oneself to such torture when in the end, heartbreak is inevitable. Just like her sister had suffered. So, when Lord Daventry, the muddy brown-eyed boy from her childhood, returns to society she refuses to even look at him... well, maybe she'll look once.
Or twice.
But only because his eyes have changed into the most decadent color of dark chocolate. And his tanned skin from his travels is distracting, especially paired with his wide and devilish grin.
The stirring of her blood from his hot whisper in her ear is nothing... at least that's what she tells herself.
Lord Daventry has one response to marriage. Drink Brandy. Especially when his mother decides it is time for him to produce an heir. Reluctantly, he attends his first ball since returning from India, swearing to head to White's shortly after the first dance. However, he is pleasantly surprised to discover that Miss Emma Kingsly, the same girl he tried to kiss when she was nine, is still unmarried.
Her frigid demeanor should have warned him off... but unable to ignore a challenge, he plunges in head first... never expecting to fall in love with the one woman in the ton completely set against marriage.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2013
29 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Vayden
33 books479 followersKristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2013
Posted on Romancing the Books blog
Reviewed by Jen
Copy for Review provided by self
When a request for a review of this book came across my desk, I was intrigued enough to go buy a copy (at 99¢, it was a great deal). In the end, I was left wanting a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the story… it was just a little under developed for my taste.
So, let’s back up a little. We have Emma and Hudson who knew each other as children and after she spurned his advances (she was eight or nine and denied him a kiss), they go their separate ways. Fifteen or so years later, Hudson is home after a stint in India and is enchanted when he reunites with Emma and decides he’s going to melt the ice princess and make her his.
OK, pretty solid plot. Perhaps not the most original, but it’s one I can appreciate and there is a lot of wiggle room to come up with a solid story. Problem is since the book is 166 pages, there isn’t enough time to develop the characters or introduce any real resistance to the romance. Now there is tons of romance as Hudson woos Emma. But the only real problem to overcome is Emma’s fear of falling in love and surrendering her heart to someone else. Now that’s a valid problem, but it’s not enough for a satisfying romance… at least in my mind. I could’ve just used something more. A love triangle, a villain… something. Even adding to the secondary plot of Emma’s sister would’ve helped.
All that said, I did like the book. The writing style flowed and while I may have tired of the description of Hudson’s chocolate brown gaze (I counted… it was used 21 times), the writing was easy to read and enjoy. I am looking forward to trying this author again.
Reviewed by Jen
Copy for Review provided by self
When a request for a review of this book came across my desk, I was intrigued enough to go buy a copy (at 99¢, it was a great deal). In the end, I was left wanting a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the story… it was just a little under developed for my taste.
So, let’s back up a little. We have Emma and Hudson who knew each other as children and after she spurned his advances (she was eight or nine and denied him a kiss), they go their separate ways. Fifteen or so years later, Hudson is home after a stint in India and is enchanted when he reunites with Emma and decides he’s going to melt the ice princess and make her his.
OK, pretty solid plot. Perhaps not the most original, but it’s one I can appreciate and there is a lot of wiggle room to come up with a solid story. Problem is since the book is 166 pages, there isn’t enough time to develop the characters or introduce any real resistance to the romance. Now there is tons of romance as Hudson woos Emma. But the only real problem to overcome is Emma’s fear of falling in love and surrendering her heart to someone else. Now that’s a valid problem, but it’s not enough for a satisfying romance… at least in my mind. I could’ve just used something more. A love triangle, a villain… something. Even adding to the secondary plot of Emma’s sister would’ve helped.
All that said, I did like the book. The writing style flowed and while I may have tired of the description of Hudson’s chocolate brown gaze (I counted… it was used 21 times), the writing was easy to read and enjoy. I am looking forward to trying this author again.
July 30, 2013
You know a book is most definitly amazing when the first kiss between the lead people makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside as it steals your breath away.
To Refuse a Rake is an amazing regency love story that will have your heart beating faster wishing for this amazing love of a lifetime to happen to you! Emma has been exposed to the ugly side of relationships, and has become jaded and blinded to what love truly is. When Hudson re-enters the picture it is an overwhelming unavoidable flood of emotions that Emma can not ignore for long. You will laugh as Emma trys to maintain her emotional barricade and Hudson trys to out manuever her and get to her heart. The verbal sparring is witty and fun. The stolen moments will have you swooning and fanning your heated cheeks. Lady Linden's house party is a pivotal and comical moment. I'm ready to go play 'Move-All' with the romantic rakes of the ton! And Hewett should most certainly avoid fire-arms!
To quote Emma, "Love is a risk, but fools aren't the ones who risk it. The true fools are those who refused the risk." To Refuse a Rake is a timeless love story that will sweep you off your feet - you'd be a FOOL to not read it and fall in love with Emma & Hudson!
** I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review**
To Refuse a Rake is an amazing regency love story that will have your heart beating faster wishing for this amazing love of a lifetime to happen to you! Emma has been exposed to the ugly side of relationships, and has become jaded and blinded to what love truly is. When Hudson re-enters the picture it is an overwhelming unavoidable flood of emotions that Emma can not ignore for long. You will laugh as Emma trys to maintain her emotional barricade and Hudson trys to out manuever her and get to her heart. The verbal sparring is witty and fun. The stolen moments will have you swooning and fanning your heated cheeks. Lady Linden's house party is a pivotal and comical moment. I'm ready to go play 'Move-All' with the romantic rakes of the ton! And Hewett should most certainly avoid fire-arms!
To quote Emma, "Love is a risk, but fools aren't the ones who risk it. The true fools are those who refused the risk." To Refuse a Rake is a timeless love story that will sweep you off your feet - you'd be a FOOL to not read it and fall in love with Emma & Hudson!
** I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review**
July 10, 2013
I was offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book. I have read several historical romance novels by Rachel Van Dyken, Kristin's sister, and have enjoyed each one. This is the first novel that I have read by Kristin Vayden but it definitely will not be the last.
"To Refuse a Rake" begins with Emma Kingsly and Hudson Daventry as children. The best line of the book comes in the beginning when Hudson tells Emma that one day she will be begging him to kiss her. I thought that was just the best line and just set me up for the wonderful love story to follow. However, it isn't always as easy to fall in love even though they are both equally attracted to each other. Due to Emma's sister being scorned by love, Emma has her mind up that she will never marry and she will remain alone for the rest of her life. Then Hudson, now Lord Daventry, comes back into her life. He relentlessly pursues her and with stolen kisses, Emma realizes that she is falling in love with him. The most entertaining section of the book occurs at Lady Linden's house party. The antics of the others, including Lord Daventry and Emma, are hilarious.
Kristin is a wonderful writer and I definitely plan on reading her other novels.
"To Refuse a Rake" begins with Emma Kingsly and Hudson Daventry as children. The best line of the book comes in the beginning when Hudson tells Emma that one day she will be begging him to kiss her. I thought that was just the best line and just set me up for the wonderful love story to follow. However, it isn't always as easy to fall in love even though they are both equally attracted to each other. Due to Emma's sister being scorned by love, Emma has her mind up that she will never marry and she will remain alone for the rest of her life. Then Hudson, now Lord Daventry, comes back into her life. He relentlessly pursues her and with stolen kisses, Emma realizes that she is falling in love with him. The most entertaining section of the book occurs at Lady Linden's house party. The antics of the others, including Lord Daventry and Emma, are hilarious.
Kristin is a wonderful writer and I definitely plan on reading her other novels.
September 1, 2016
I thought this was cute, but the sexual content ruined it for me.
Emma and Hudson were childhood frenemies who are reunited ten years later when Hudson returns to London to take over as head of his family. I thought they had good chemistry and I liked their banter. While they enjoy getting each other riled up, deep down they actually have stronger feelings. The story is a bit predictable, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment for me.
I think my only complaint was there is just a tad too much innuendo, which leaves me feeling like their relationship is based more on lust than love. And there is a love scene at the end that is too descriptive. I've heard this authors books were clean and since I did enjoy the writing style I'll give her another shot. I just hope her other books are a bit cleaner.
Content: Not clean, PG13-R (probably comes down to personal preference here. I've read some reviews that said this book was clean. So I guess it depends on you. I personally thought there was enough details in the love scene (and the fact that it wasn't behind closed doors) to warrant at least a PG13 rating).
Emma and Hudson were childhood frenemies who are reunited ten years later when Hudson returns to London to take over as head of his family. I thought they had good chemistry and I liked their banter. While they enjoy getting each other riled up, deep down they actually have stronger feelings. The story is a bit predictable, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment for me.
I think my only complaint was there is just a tad too much innuendo, which leaves me feeling like their relationship is based more on lust than love. And there is a love scene at the end that is too descriptive. I've heard this authors books were clean and since I did enjoy the writing style I'll give her another shot. I just hope her other books are a bit cleaner.
Content: Not clean, PG13-R (probably comes down to personal preference here. I've read some reviews that said this book was clean. So I guess it depends on you. I personally thought there was enough details in the love scene (and the fact that it wasn't behind closed doors) to warrant at least a PG13 rating).
July 10, 2013
Kristin Vayden's regency romance, To Refuse A Rake, reunites Miss Emma Kingsley and Lord Hudson Daventry. They had grown up together as children, but had not seen each other for years until they meet again as adults at a ball. Emma wants nothing to do with love and Hudson has no interest in marriage -- that is until he sets eyes on Emma at the ball. What happens next is.....a wonderful story!
It was an absolutely engaging, well written book. It is a captivating read filled with characters that were spirited, witty, strong and loyal! Emma and Hudson's romance was touching and sexy. Does it get better than that?
I will confess to staying up to the wee hours just to finish this book! I would absolutely recommend this book!
I received an ARC of To Refuse A Rake from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
It was an absolutely engaging, well written book. It is a captivating read filled with characters that were spirited, witty, strong and loyal! Emma and Hudson's romance was touching and sexy. Does it get better than that?
I will confess to staying up to the wee hours just to finish this book! I would absolutely recommend this book!
I received an ARC of To Refuse A Rake from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! From the first page to the last, I couldn't stop reading it! A regency novel at its finest, To Refuse a Rake captured me with Emma's stubborn personality and Hudson's witty banter with her! I couldn't get enough of the two of them together, they were so engaging and funny! The house party at Lady's Linden's was one of my favorite scenes, but the best of all was the scene with Hudson, Hewett and Lord Longton! I won't spoil it for you, just suffice it to say that it is hilarious and will put a smile on your face and make you laugh! I felt the sizzle of the romance in this book, the hilarity of the banter, and the sadness from mistakes from the past. If you want a regency romance that will have you feeling a whirlwind of emotions, then To Refuse a Rake is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book for free. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free. This is my honest review.
August 3, 2013
I did like this book. It flowed well and had a good story.
The only things I didn't like was the constant mention of Hudson’s "chocolate brown gaze" and the missing crisis. Most love stories have a crisis of some sort. This one didn't... and that's ok. I personally think it makes it more realistic I guess. Most real love stories don't have a life changing crisis.
I really liked that there was a front story to how they'd known each other for so long. I was immediately attached to the story. I also really liked how Hudson didn't ever rub it in Emma's face that, yes, she would request the kiss someday. They were both very likable characters, and as always, there's a happy ending. Well done! :)
The only things I didn't like was the constant mention of Hudson’s "chocolate brown gaze" and the missing crisis. Most love stories have a crisis of some sort. This one didn't... and that's ok. I personally think it makes it more realistic I guess. Most real love stories don't have a life changing crisis.
I really liked that there was a front story to how they'd known each other for so long. I was immediately attached to the story. I also really liked how Hudson didn't ever rub it in Emma's face that, yes, she would request the kiss someday. They were both very likable characters, and as always, there's a happy ending. Well done! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2013
I was given an ARC of this book by the author in return of an honest review.
While this is not my typical read, I truly loved every minute of it. Once I started, I really didn't want to stop.
The book starts off when Emma and Hudson are kids and he is trying to get her to kiss him. She won't an he tells her one day she is going to beg him to.
Hudson returns home years later after his father passes away. He attends a ball and sees Emma again for the first time in years. He finds out she hasn't married yet.
I really loved the characters and the story flowed really well. I will definitely be reading Kristin Vayden's other books!!
While this is not my typical read, I truly loved every minute of it. Once I started, I really didn't want to stop.
The book starts off when Emma and Hudson are kids and he is trying to get her to kiss him. She won't an he tells her one day she is going to beg him to.
Hudson returns home years later after his father passes away. He attends a ball and sees Emma again for the first time in years. He finds out she hasn't married yet.
I really loved the characters and the story flowed really well. I will definitely be reading Kristin Vayden's other books!!
October 11, 2013
This book (I guess it would be considered a long novella) was so cute and tension filled. I just love characters with witty banter(it's kind of my fav. I guess it's because that is me in real life). I loved how adorable the two of them were with out making me want to be sick. Although it was fast it still seemed genuine which to me is a must have in a book. So why the low amount of stars you ask? Well, then it got a little to "steamy," and I really think it is a little too far over the line. Granted the characters were married, but I think that whole last chapter could of been cleaned up and the book would of been almost perfect. A faded to black scene would of ended it just fine.
April 10, 2021
Read my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 31, 2013
Fun story. Loveable characters. Lots of exclamation! which was a bit annoying.
October 28, 2014
Loved this story, very enjoyable...would have loved a longer epilogue or another book to go after telling more of their story.
August 17, 2013
Absolutely enchanting and thoroughly enjoyable to read. I found myself giggling and smiling to myself more than once.
March 24, 2019
It’s my first book from this author and I am glad to say I liked it.. it was exactly how I thought it to be.. Sweet, simple, exciting and fun.. I really liked it and I’m looking forward to read more of her books..
August 28, 2013
I found this book to be a fun easy read. Kristin does a great job of building her characters and the world around them as well as adding in a dash of humor which I found to be refreshing. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
At the beginning of the book we get a small peek at Emma and Hudson as children during an incident with a kiss that would stay in both of their minds for all the years to come. As we move into the future and see our characters as adults we find that not much has changed and that Hudson will once again find himself wanting a kiss.
Emma has grown into a beautiful young woman, with her greatest flaw being that she has completely sworn off the idea of marriage due to a series of unfortunate events that plagued her sister's love life and in Emma's mind, proved that marriage isn't worth the heart break.
While Emma's heart was turning cold against love, Hudson was out traveling the world and quite enjoying his stance as a rake. When he does return home, he finds himself shocked at the beauty of Emma, and dismayed at her new stance on life.
It will be up to Hudson to come to understand what has made Emma who she is, and that patience is something he will need a lot of if he is to ever claim that kiss from long ago. Together will they be able to overcome the situations surrounding them so that Hudson can teach Emma, that it's okay to open your heart because love is always worth the risk.
At the beginning of the book we get a small peek at Emma and Hudson as children during an incident with a kiss that would stay in both of their minds for all the years to come. As we move into the future and see our characters as adults we find that not much has changed and that Hudson will once again find himself wanting a kiss.
Emma has grown into a beautiful young woman, with her greatest flaw being that she has completely sworn off the idea of marriage due to a series of unfortunate events that plagued her sister's love life and in Emma's mind, proved that marriage isn't worth the heart break.
While Emma's heart was turning cold against love, Hudson was out traveling the world and quite enjoying his stance as a rake. When he does return home, he finds himself shocked at the beauty of Emma, and dismayed at her new stance on life.
It will be up to Hudson to come to understand what has made Emma who she is, and that patience is something he will need a lot of if he is to ever claim that kiss from long ago. Together will they be able to overcome the situations surrounding them so that Hudson can teach Emma, that it's okay to open your heart because love is always worth the risk.
May 12, 2016
The prologue of this story was so cute that I had high hopes for the rest of their story. However, as decent a story as it was it isn't one that I will remember for long. There is a definite history between Hudson and Emma that should have kept my interest - however the constant reference of his either "chocolate" eyes or his "muddy brown" eyes reached the point where I found myself rolling my eyes whenever either was mentioned (which was frequently unfortunately).
Also, I wish there had been more of a story regarding the "scandal" and "hurt" that Emma's sister suffered so that we may have been better able to understand her reluctance to marry. There was next to nothing to go on which made it hard to relate to Emma and her feelings on the subject of matrimony.
On the whole, I am sure there are numerous people to whom this story will appeal (the five star ratings alone speak to this). However, while I will definitely give this author another chance, this isn't a story that I will be keeping on my kindle.
Also, I wish there had been more of a story regarding the "scandal" and "hurt" that Emma's sister suffered so that we may have been better able to understand her reluctance to marry. There was next to nothing to go on which made it hard to relate to Emma and her feelings on the subject of matrimony.
On the whole, I am sure there are numerous people to whom this story will appeal (the five star ratings alone speak to this). However, while I will definitely give this author another chance, this isn't a story that I will be keeping on my kindle.
March 31, 2016
A SOLID 3.5 STARS
This was a short and sweet read about reconciling one's heart to take a chance on love.
OUR HERO:
Despite being labeled a rake, he was anything but. More of a scoundrel and a deliciously wicked one who teases you at every turn. He is never lost for words and is always ready to quip back. Hudson is most definitely a Charmer and it was cute how he has loved our heroine since he was 13 years old. This is a first for me to read about a rake who is willing to woo the woman he loves, without fear of the parson's noose and such.
OUR HEROINE:
She is the one with the Cold feet because of her sister's past marriage that ended up in a rather sad Scandal, involving Hudson's brother. She is afraid to open up her heart to love, thus it is up to Hudson to charm and woo her.
OVERALL:
It is a light read, very easy to swallow the story and the characters were all loveable.
A BASIC LOVE STORY FOR WHEN YOU PREFER LIGHT AND EASY.
This was a short and sweet read about reconciling one's heart to take a chance on love.
OUR HERO:
Despite being labeled a rake, he was anything but. More of a scoundrel and a deliciously wicked one who teases you at every turn. He is never lost for words and is always ready to quip back. Hudson is most definitely a Charmer and it was cute how he has loved our heroine since he was 13 years old. This is a first for me to read about a rake who is willing to woo the woman he loves, without fear of the parson's noose and such.
OUR HEROINE:
She is the one with the Cold feet because of her sister's past marriage that ended up in a rather sad Scandal, involving Hudson's brother. She is afraid to open up her heart to love, thus it is up to Hudson to charm and woo her.
OVERALL:
It is a light read, very easy to swallow the story and the characters were all loveable.
A BASIC LOVE STORY FOR WHEN YOU PREFER LIGHT AND EASY.
November 5, 2013
Hudson is something else, something that you can't help but fall in love with, "what a lovely invitation! I'll send my carriage to escort you two lovely ladies. I'll see you at nine." He nodded with a triumphant expression and walked away, briskly." Emma and Hudson they reminds me of the characters from Pride and Prejudice:
"I want you to leave me alone. No more baiting me and inviting yourself over and leaving me without a chance. No more winking, handsome smiles, or -"
"You think my smile is handsome?" Hudson beamed.
Did I mention the sexual tension? "Hudson chuckled. "No, although there could be very specific benefits -" Emma smacked the back of his head even as her heart thrilled with his implication." I truly hope to see Sadie get a story.
"I want you to leave me alone. No more baiting me and inviting yourself over and leaving me without a chance. No more winking, handsome smiles, or -"
"You think my smile is handsome?" Hudson beamed.
Did I mention the sexual tension? "Hudson chuckled. "No, although there could be very specific benefits -" Emma smacked the back of his head even as her heart thrilled with his implication." I truly hope to see Sadie get a story.
August 25, 2014
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from Kristin Vayden in exchange for my honest opinion of this book, I loved it!! It had a great story line and was well written. I have and will continue to recommend this book to others. This is a great Regency Romance. I can't wait to read more of Kristin's work!
Emma had only seen the devastating side of love and marriage from watching her sister. So she vowed that she would not let anyone get that close and she would never marry. Then Hudson, a man she knew in their youth came back to London. Would he be able to catch her eye and change her look on love? Or would he prove to be just like all the others?
Emma had only seen the devastating side of love and marriage from watching her sister. So she vowed that she would not let anyone get that close and she would never marry. Then Hudson, a man she knew in their youth came back to London. Would he be able to catch her eye and change her look on love? Or would he prove to be just like all the others?
February 16, 2014
Loved!
I love the story of Hudson and Emma! This was such a fun read delighting in Hudson's pursuit of Emma! I couldn't help but laugh at some of the antics Hudson (Lord Daventry) performed with the help of his good friend Lord Hewitt. I love regency romance and this
met my expectations. Ms. Vayden is a talented writer. This is a must read!
I love the story of Hudson and Emma! This was such a fun read delighting in Hudson's pursuit of Emma! I couldn't help but laugh at some of the antics Hudson (Lord Daventry) performed with the help of his good friend Lord Hewitt. I love regency romance and this
met my expectations. Ms. Vayden is a talented writer. This is a must read!
June 12, 2014
I wanted to like this story, but have given up 52% through the book.
Our hero jumps from lust to love with very little play between. So throughout the 1st half of the book, the reader must just take our hero, who is your typical rogue, at his word that Poof, he's in love. I'm not buying it, and - as such- cannot finish it.
Our hero jumps from lust to love with very little play between. So throughout the 1st half of the book, the reader must just take our hero, who is your typical rogue, at his word that Poof, he's in love. I'm not buying it, and - as such- cannot finish it.
November 21, 2014
Enjoyable, though the style is uneven, there are repetitions and a few typos, and the historical setting is not always perfectly accurate. I regret that the back story for Emma's sister isn't explained in more detail, but I do like the two main characters' history (the first scene in particular was very nicely done).
January 4, 2014
I loved the prologue where Hudson tries to get Emma to kiss him… at the age of nine. It sets the stage for their lively banter and unique relationship.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
July 30, 2013
Meh...
September 17, 2013
Sweet, romantic book. It is your classic HR with no erotic scenes. Cute, sweet kisses and true love. Nice, warm and sweet book to read.
September 24, 2013
I was so excited about this book. But, then it played to the raunch. This is not a Regency romance. Too predictable. Sad........
February 16, 2015
These books keep getting better and better! Amazing!!!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews