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Never Trust a Rake
RUMOUR HAS IT THAT THE EARL OF DEBEN, THE MOST NOTORIOUS RAKE IN LONDON AND IN NEED OF AN HEIR, HAS SET ASIDE HIS PENCHANT FOR MARRIED MISTRESSES AND TURNED HIS SKILLED HAND TO SEDUCING INNOCENTS!
But if Lord Deben expects Henrietta Gibson to respond to the click of his fingers he’s got another think coming. For she knows perfectly well why she should avoid gentlemen of his bad repute:
1. One touch of his lips and he’ll ruin her for every other man.
2. One glide of his skilful fingers to the neckline of her dress will leave her molten in his arms.
3. And if even one in a thousand rumours is true, it’s enough for her to know she can never, ever trust a rake…
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books310 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 31, 2015
OMG! I love this book! It's the second Annie Burrows' book that I've read--the first being a novella entitled "Governess to Christmas Bride" found in the book "Gift-Wrapped Governess: Christmas at Blackhaven Castle\Governess to Christmas Bride\Duchess by Christmas"--and I'll definitely be reading more by this wonderful author. Ms. Burrrows is a seasoned writer, and it shows in her work. The story that unfolds in "Never Trust a Rake" is a delightful mix of romance and sensuality, with a perfect touch of humor.
Jonathan, Earl of Deben, is a quintessential peer of the realm. He's arrogant, overbearing, and a just a little puffed up with his own self-importance. LOL He has a reputation for being an inveterate womanizer and flirt. Lord Deben doesn't like women and has no use for them, other than for sexual gratification. The sad truth is that he believes himself to be black-hearted and unlovable, and no wonder, considering he was raised by a cold, unfeeling mother who cuckolded his father many times over. To further compound his horrible upbringing, his father kept him separate from his other siblings, a number of whom were products of his mother's various affairs. The lesson Lord Deben learned from his earliest age is that he is not worthy of love.
The heroine Henrietta Gibson is from an old, distinguished family. She is one of five children, and the only daughter, of a baronet. Henrietta is in London for her first season. Unfortunately, her father, an absent-minded scholar, has arranged for Henrietta to be chaperoned by a female relative who married a man in trade. Consequently, Mrs. Ledbetter does not have the necessary auspices to ensure Henrietta admittance into ton society.
Henrietta, however, has no real interest in either London or societal events. Her sole purpose for coming to London is to pursue her tendre for Richard--son of the neighboring squire and her elder brother's best friend, who she has known since childhood. Unfortunately, Richard has pretty much ignored Henrietta since her arrival in London, and the one time he did condescend to call on her, he spent the entire time criticizing her and belittling her Ledbetter relatives.
One night, when in attendance at a ball, it is forcibly brought home to Henrietta that Richard has absolutely no interest in her and in reality, doesn't even see her as a woman. While hiding on the terrace, crying her heart out, she overhears the exchange between Lord Deben and the ever ambitious Miss Waverly. When the two are discovered in a compromising position--one that was engineered by the scheming jade and her mama--Henrietta comes to Lord Deben's aid and prevents him being forced to offer for the Waverly chit.
Believing Henrietta to be socially inferior to the Waverlys--due in whole to the nasty comments made by both women--and recognizing Miss Waverly as the type who will not fail to enact vengeance against Henrietta for her interference, Lord Deben seeks Henrietta out, purportedly to thank her and offer her his protection against any social backlash from Miss Waverly--his plan is to make Henrietta a darling of society!
When Lord Deben strolls into her aunt's drawing room with an air of superiority about him, he very quickly discovers himself persona non grata with Henrietta! Henrietta wastes no time putting Deben in his place. Lord Deben finds himself getting annoyed, because, really no one ever spoke to him the way Henrietta does, especially not women, who tended to hang on his every word. LOL When Henrietta refuses his offer of protection, Lord Deben leaves her with the dire warning "don't say I didn't warn you."
Subsequently, Henrietta finds herself in need of Lord Deben's help, which necessarily requires the two to spend a significant amount of time together. From there the story quickly develops to its conclusion, complete with an oh so satisfying HEA.
Henrietta is a wonderful character. She's intelligent, smart, outspoken, honest to a fault, loving, and kind. Almost from the very beginning Lord Deben finds himself completely beguiled by the fiery woman. As he gets to know her better, his feelings deepen, though of course he doesn't recognize them for what they are. He just knows, very early on, that he wants Henrietta as his wife. Believing Henrietta doesn't have a very high opinion of him, and recognizing that she is the type of woman who will only marry where she has given her heart, Lord Deben embarks on a crusade to win Henrietta's hand in marriage by seducing her.
Pretty quickly, however, he comes to the realization that winning her hand is not enough, he wants her heart too!
The story moves at a nice, quick pace and kept me thoroughly engaged from cover to cover. I loved this book and would highly recommend it as a splendiferous read! LOL FYI, while there is no actual sex in the story, there are a couple of really sensual scenes, which are minimally described--I'd say that unless you like absolutely NO sexual interaction whatsoever in your books, you should be ok with this one. Happy reading!
Jonathan, Earl of Deben, is a quintessential peer of the realm. He's arrogant, overbearing, and a just a little puffed up with his own self-importance. LOL He has a reputation for being an inveterate womanizer and flirt. Lord Deben doesn't like women and has no use for them, other than for sexual gratification. The sad truth is that he believes himself to be black-hearted and unlovable, and no wonder, considering he was raised by a cold, unfeeling mother who cuckolded his father many times over. To further compound his horrible upbringing, his father kept him separate from his other siblings, a number of whom were products of his mother's various affairs. The lesson Lord Deben learned from his earliest age is that he is not worthy of love.
The heroine Henrietta Gibson is from an old, distinguished family. She is one of five children, and the only daughter, of a baronet. Henrietta is in London for her first season. Unfortunately, her father, an absent-minded scholar, has arranged for Henrietta to be chaperoned by a female relative who married a man in trade. Consequently, Mrs. Ledbetter does not have the necessary auspices to ensure Henrietta admittance into ton society.
Henrietta, however, has no real interest in either London or societal events. Her sole purpose for coming to London is to pursue her tendre for Richard--son of the neighboring squire and her elder brother's best friend, who she has known since childhood. Unfortunately, Richard has pretty much ignored Henrietta since her arrival in London, and the one time he did condescend to call on her, he spent the entire time criticizing her and belittling her Ledbetter relatives.
One night, when in attendance at a ball, it is forcibly brought home to Henrietta that Richard has absolutely no interest in her and in reality, doesn't even see her as a woman. While hiding on the terrace, crying her heart out, she overhears the exchange between Lord Deben and the ever ambitious Miss Waverly. When the two are discovered in a compromising position--one that was engineered by the scheming jade and her mama--Henrietta comes to Lord Deben's aid and prevents him being forced to offer for the Waverly chit.
Believing Henrietta to be socially inferior to the Waverlys--due in whole to the nasty comments made by both women--and recognizing Miss Waverly as the type who will not fail to enact vengeance against Henrietta for her interference, Lord Deben seeks Henrietta out, purportedly to thank her and offer her his protection against any social backlash from Miss Waverly--his plan is to make Henrietta a darling of society!
When Lord Deben strolls into her aunt's drawing room with an air of superiority about him, he very quickly discovers himself persona non grata with Henrietta! Henrietta wastes no time putting Deben in his place. Lord Deben finds himself getting annoyed, because, really no one ever spoke to him the way Henrietta does, especially not women, who tended to hang on his every word. LOL When Henrietta refuses his offer of protection, Lord Deben leaves her with the dire warning "don't say I didn't warn you."
Subsequently, Henrietta finds herself in need of Lord Deben's help, which necessarily requires the two to spend a significant amount of time together. From there the story quickly develops to its conclusion, complete with an oh so satisfying HEA.
Henrietta is a wonderful character. She's intelligent, smart, outspoken, honest to a fault, loving, and kind. Almost from the very beginning Lord Deben finds himself completely beguiled by the fiery woman. As he gets to know her better, his feelings deepen, though of course he doesn't recognize them for what they are. He just knows, very early on, that he wants Henrietta as his wife. Believing Henrietta doesn't have a very high opinion of him, and recognizing that she is the type of woman who will only marry where she has given her heart, Lord Deben embarks on a crusade to win Henrietta's hand in marriage by seducing her.
Pretty quickly, however, he comes to the realization that winning her hand is not enough, he wants her heart too!
The story moves at a nice, quick pace and kept me thoroughly engaged from cover to cover. I loved this book and would highly recommend it as a splendiferous read! LOL FYI, while there is no actual sex in the story, there are a couple of really sensual scenes, which are minimally described--I'd say that unless you like absolutely NO sexual interaction whatsoever in your books, you should be ok with this one. Happy reading!
May 22, 2015
This was a complete delight. An excellent character-driven story, with no unfortunate subplots involving nefarious deeds to add unnecessary drama. The description of how and when Lord Deben decided to marry Henrietta was completely adorable and lovely. Hooray for this book!
December 18, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
A very sweet historical romance. Never Trust a Rake, though not amazing, was an excellent read.
I loved the heroine of this book, Henrietta. She was a tough woman who didn't suffer fools gladly and stood up for herself. At first, she was a little abrasive and somewhat judgmental-especially toward the hero-but it got better fairly quickly. She definitely grew on me.
Lord Deben was a sweetie. I adored him. His life had been isolated because of how his parents treated him and his siblings, so the poor man never knew anything other than indifference or resentment. Just that made him a sympathetic character. But, he was also sweet, kind, thoughtful, and basically the perfect man if every way :)
The relationship between Henrietta and Lord Deben was sweet as sugar with just a touch of spice. I loved them together. Both of them were in love with each other by mid-book, but both were too insecure and pigheaded to admit it. But it didn't bother me because it was well done. It allowed their relationship to grow while adding an element of true love and longing. They were such a lovely couple and I was so happy for them when they finally admitted their feelings for each other.
The plot was steady. It wasn't fast, but it didn't drag either. That is what kept me from saying the book was amazing. I really liked it and thought it was very good but it wasn't earth-shatteringly spectacular.
The ending was perfect for the story and it left me smiling and happy with how everything was concluded.
Overall, Never Trust a Rake is a wonderful historical romance that I would recommend to any lovers of the genre. Absolutely lovely.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
A very sweet historical romance. Never Trust a Rake, though not amazing, was an excellent read.
I loved the heroine of this book, Henrietta. She was a tough woman who didn't suffer fools gladly and stood up for herself. At first, she was a little abrasive and somewhat judgmental-especially toward the hero-but it got better fairly quickly. She definitely grew on me.
Lord Deben was a sweetie. I adored him. His life had been isolated because of how his parents treated him and his siblings, so the poor man never knew anything other than indifference or resentment. Just that made him a sympathetic character. But, he was also sweet, kind, thoughtful, and basically the perfect man if every way :)
The relationship between Henrietta and Lord Deben was sweet as sugar with just a touch of spice. I loved them together. Both of them were in love with each other by mid-book, but both were too insecure and pigheaded to admit it. But it didn't bother me because it was well done. It allowed their relationship to grow while adding an element of true love and longing. They were such a lovely couple and I was so happy for them when they finally admitted their feelings for each other.
The plot was steady. It wasn't fast, but it didn't drag either. That is what kept me from saying the book was amazing. I really liked it and thought it was very good but it wasn't earth-shatteringly spectacular.
The ending was perfect for the story and it left me smiling and happy with how everything was concluded.
Overall, Never Trust a Rake is a wonderful historical romance that I would recommend to any lovers of the genre. Absolutely lovely.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
October 20, 2024
Un poco bastante churro. Todo se desarrolla con demasiada rapidez y me ha dado la sensación de que su relación salta de un punto a otro, es decir, sin una fluidez que nos deje captar bien en qué momento se enamoran o cambian de perspectiva sobre sus objetivos. Me ha parecido todo muy precipitado y sacado de una ruleta, no voy a mentir.
Además, no me ha gustado demasiado la narración, el cambio de perspectiva repentino me ha dejado descolocada en varias ocasiones. Estaba en mitad de los pensamientos de Henrietta y, de pronto, en un párrafo que no venía a cuento, cambiaba a la perspectiva de Deben solo para volver a la de Henrietta después. Era bastante confuso y me ha sacado de la historia varias veces.
En cuanto a los personajes, mira, pues están ahí y no tienen mucho sentido, pero tampoco me ha dado una rabia horrible, lo cual es de agradecer. Henrietta es increíblemente ingenua y un poco paleta (aunque le duela que se lo digan), pero después se la describe como inteligente y espabilada. ¿En qué quedamos? Porque yo aún estoy esperando a ver su parte inteligente. Queda totalmente anulada por sus sentimientos hacia Deben y aunque me gusta que las protagonistas se enamoren, me molesta bastante que no tengan más personalidad que eso. Y en cuanto a Deben... Tiene tantos conflictos internos que no se han llegado a desarrollar que no se le entiende la mitad de veces. Ni sé por qué quiere ayudar a Henrietta de buenas a primeras, la verdad.
Pero bueno, chica, me ha entretenido un par de tardes que es lo que tenía que hacer.
Además, no me ha gustado demasiado la narración, el cambio de perspectiva repentino me ha dejado descolocada en varias ocasiones. Estaba en mitad de los pensamientos de Henrietta y, de pronto, en un párrafo que no venía a cuento, cambiaba a la perspectiva de Deben solo para volver a la de Henrietta después. Era bastante confuso y me ha sacado de la historia varias veces.
En cuanto a los personajes, mira, pues están ahí y no tienen mucho sentido, pero tampoco me ha dado una rabia horrible, lo cual es de agradecer. Henrietta es increíblemente ingenua y un poco paleta (aunque le duela que se lo digan), pero después se la describe como inteligente y espabilada. ¿En qué quedamos? Porque yo aún estoy esperando a ver su parte inteligente. Queda totalmente anulada por sus sentimientos hacia Deben y aunque me gusta que las protagonistas se enamoren, me molesta bastante que no tengan más personalidad que eso. Y en cuanto a Deben... Tiene tantos conflictos internos que no se han llegado a desarrollar que no se le entiende la mitad de veces. Ni sé por qué quiere ayudar a Henrietta de buenas a primeras, la verdad.
Pero bueno, chica, me ha entretenido un par de tardes que es lo que tenía que hacer.
January 6, 2013
Never Trust a Rake is Annie Burrows' newest historical romance and my ultimate impression of it was that it was just OK. Henrietta Gibson has come to London for her first season at twenty-two. She talked her father into the season because she is sure that her childhood friend, Richard, is in love with her and that this will give him the opportunity to propose. When the novel begins, Henrietta has learned that Richard is not planning on showering her with attention, leading her to escape to a terrace and vent her tears. While standing outside, Henrietta hears Miss Waverly trying to compromise the rakish Lord Deben into marrying her. Henrietta saves Lord Deben from this fate by telling Miss Waverly’s mother that not untoward happened between her daughter and Lord Deben. Lord Deben decides that he must help Henrietta to thank her for rescuing from a fate worse then death, but he also has ulterior motives – he wants to convince Henrietta to be his wife!
To be completely honest, I found the plot to be rather slow. I just felt that it took forever for the characters to acknowledge their attraction to one another and even then I didn’t totally understand Henrietta’s appeal to Lord Deben. Deben was not really all that nice and I don’t think he ever learned what was wrong with his supposed “compliments.” Deben was my main issue with the novel. I didn’t like him and I didn’t really get a sense that his transformation from rake to adoring suitor was completely sincere. He initially only wanted to marry Henrietta because it would be unlikely that she would cheat on him, like his mother did to his father. I would have liked to get more of the novel from his point of view, as most of it was told from Henrietta’s. I think if I understood more of his thought process I could have got behind his change at the end.
What I did like the most of the novel was the light-hearted, funny moments, such as an interesting drive about town and the hilarious proposal. I liked that Burrows including these types of moments on the novel. I would have liked more of these outrageous moments and more emotion from Lord Debon.
And as a final note, I didn’t like the fact that it took forever to find out what Deben’s name was. And Henrietta never calls him by his name in the entire book. I kind of feel that using first names it a bit of must for intimacy and marriage.
To be completely honest, I found the plot to be rather slow. I just felt that it took forever for the characters to acknowledge their attraction to one another and even then I didn’t totally understand Henrietta’s appeal to Lord Deben. Deben was not really all that nice and I don’t think he ever learned what was wrong with his supposed “compliments.” Deben was my main issue with the novel. I didn’t like him and I didn’t really get a sense that his transformation from rake to adoring suitor was completely sincere. He initially only wanted to marry Henrietta because it would be unlikely that she would cheat on him, like his mother did to his father. I would have liked to get more of the novel from his point of view, as most of it was told from Henrietta’s. I think if I understood more of his thought process I could have got behind his change at the end.
What I did like the most of the novel was the light-hearted, funny moments, such as an interesting drive about town and the hilarious proposal. I liked that Burrows including these types of moments on the novel. I would have liked more of these outrageous moments and more emotion from Lord Debon.
And as a final note, I didn’t like the fact that it took forever to find out what Deben’s name was. And Henrietta never calls him by his name in the entire book. I kind of feel that using first names it a bit of must for intimacy and marriage.
December 6, 2012
There are times when I get a craving for historical romances set in England. There is just something about all the pagentry, the intricate rules for behavior and the men of this time period. But for me to really enjoy the book the heroine has to be something pretty special. Someone who is unique for this time period.
Henrietta Gibson is just such a heroine. Raised by her absentminded scholar father she is rather old for her first season at twenty-two but that doesn't really bother she will never be a slave to society. What's important to her is truth, honor and loyalty to her family. These qualities are rare enough in Society that she has trapped herself a Duke all without knowing it.
Ms. Burrows is an author that I hadn't ran across so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her writing. The characters are interesting, the dialogue snappy and the pacing is very smooth. I am very happy to say that I very much enjoyed NEVER TRUST A RAKE and will be keeping an eye out for any of her future releases.
I recommend NEVER TRUST A RAKE to readers of historical romance and I rate this book a 3.8.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
Henrietta Gibson is just such a heroine. Raised by her absentminded scholar father she is rather old for her first season at twenty-two but that doesn't really bother she will never be a slave to society. What's important to her is truth, honor and loyalty to her family. These qualities are rare enough in Society that she has trapped herself a Duke all without knowing it.
Ms. Burrows is an author that I hadn't ran across so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her writing. The characters are interesting, the dialogue snappy and the pacing is very smooth. I am very happy to say that I very much enjoyed NEVER TRUST A RAKE and will be keeping an eye out for any of her future releases.
I recommend NEVER TRUST A RAKE to readers of historical romance and I rate this book a 3.8.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
March 21, 2013
This book was a very rewarding read! There was something special about Henrietta that sets her apart from the many other independent and spirited heroines. Her loyalty to family impressed me and the snippets of info about her father were very enjoyable- he seemed like a good man, and I loved his treatment of Deben! Deben himself had a background that could have very easily made him pitiable, but I thought his reaction to his past was well done, without a great deal of time spent giving a surplus of details about it- his nasty sister was key to understanding his past without bogging the story down with its revelation. I loved the journey of their relationship and I found the book particularly witty, especially the "rescued by a damsel in distress" lines in the first encounter between Henrietta and Deben. A truly enjoyable read! Five stars for sure!
May 24, 2019
3.5 stars. I really liked this book. The characters are solid and I just grew to love them! The pacing was a little slow but I have also been known to complain when the relationship develops out of nowhere. So I guess I'd rather see it happen slowly and go along for the ride. Could've used just a slight tweak.
The ending was perfect!
The ending was perfect!
January 28, 2013
Won from first-reads.
I loved it. Both characters are strong and good. The characters are good but together are amazing. Both Deben and Henrietta learn from one another. The story was a light fun read. And the plot is strong and clear. The writting is strong. Enjoyed it alot.
I loved it. Both characters are strong and good. The characters are good but together are amazing. Both Deben and Henrietta learn from one another. The story was a light fun read. And the plot is strong and clear. The writting is strong. Enjoyed it alot.
January 17, 2021
Wow, kalau cuma lihat cover, beneran ga napsu bakal bacanya. Tapi ternyata saya suka buku ini. Jadi kalau pas paca buku trus hati kita berasa ikut "ngriwil-ngriwil" gara-gara kelakuan tokoh utamanya. Berasa ikut emosional sama tokohnya, juga berasa ikut meleleh sama tokoh ceweknya pas tokoh cowoknya menyatakan cinta. Jelas buku ini sesuatu banget. Sudah ditimbun sekian lama dari 2014 dan baru kebaca, aku seneng banget menemukan bacaan yang bikin semangat di awal tahun.
Ini blurb singkat saja ya karena sepertinya di belakang sampulnya tidak diceritakan lengkap.
Lord Deben adalah seorang penggoda dan perayu wanita yang tersohor. Dalam suatu pesta di rumah teman ibu babtisnya, ia dijebak oleh seorang wanita debutan agar tertangkap basah seolah dalam keadaan tidak pantas sehingga ia terpaksa harus menikahi wanita tersebut. Namun, tidak disangka Miss Henrietta Gibson keluar dari sela-sela pot bunga dan bersaksi bahwa tidak ada yang terjadi sehingga Lord Deben selamat dari takdir yang tidak menyenangkan.
Singkat cerita, sebagi rasa terimakasih, Lord Deben menawarkan kesepakatan agar mereka pura-pura sedang menjalani masa pendekatan agar Miss Gibson yang secara pergaulan tersingkirkan karena koneksinya yang dianggap kurang terhormat dengan bibinya yang menikahi seorang pedagang yang saat itu dianggap kaum pinggiran bisa menjadi lebih populer dan mendapatkan lebih banyak calon peminang.
Dalam permainan mereka yang penuh kesalahpahaman ini, mereka tidak menyadari saat mereka lebih saling mengenal lebih dalam, mereka tercipta untuk ditakdirkan bagi satu sama lainnya.
Satu hal saja yang membuat ratingnya tidak 5 bintang adalah, adegan steamy nya terlalu nanggung, pembaca ingin lebih tapi hanya dikasih intip sebagian saja adegan steamy nya. Hehehe. Walau nanggung, tetep berkesan kok, jangan khawatir.
Ini blurb singkat saja ya karena sepertinya di belakang sampulnya tidak diceritakan lengkap.
Lord Deben adalah seorang penggoda dan perayu wanita yang tersohor. Dalam suatu pesta di rumah teman ibu babtisnya, ia dijebak oleh seorang wanita debutan agar tertangkap basah seolah dalam keadaan tidak pantas sehingga ia terpaksa harus menikahi wanita tersebut. Namun, tidak disangka Miss Henrietta Gibson keluar dari sela-sela pot bunga dan bersaksi bahwa tidak ada yang terjadi sehingga Lord Deben selamat dari takdir yang tidak menyenangkan.
Singkat cerita, sebagi rasa terimakasih, Lord Deben menawarkan kesepakatan agar mereka pura-pura sedang menjalani masa pendekatan agar Miss Gibson yang secara pergaulan tersingkirkan karena koneksinya yang dianggap kurang terhormat dengan bibinya yang menikahi seorang pedagang yang saat itu dianggap kaum pinggiran bisa menjadi lebih populer dan mendapatkan lebih banyak calon peminang.
Dalam permainan mereka yang penuh kesalahpahaman ini, mereka tidak menyadari saat mereka lebih saling mengenal lebih dalam, mereka tercipta untuk ditakdirkan bagi satu sama lainnya.
Satu hal saja yang membuat ratingnya tidak 5 bintang adalah, adegan steamy nya terlalu nanggung, pembaca ingin lebih tapi hanya dikasih intip sebagian saja adegan steamy nya. Hehehe. Walau nanggung, tetep berkesan kok, jangan khawatir.
February 12, 2023
I have so many things I'd like to say about this book.
First, it started out great but the more I read the more things went blah. Initially, the h and H seems promising, because while it's the same old couple formula, the early chapters seemed to promised me to get deeper into their thoughts. I have to admit that initially I kind of like the H's POV, because it described the working of a rake's mind, but then it just kept going in circles of how he was a manipulating dickhead and - sadly - that was how it went until the very last. Okay, I get it that he had baggages (mother issue, siblings issues, you name it), but for the love of me, I couldn't seem to find his redeeming qualities beside being a rich Earl (sorry, TWO Earls!), handsome, and good in bed. I didn't get why the h loved him. I mean, during 80-90% of the book all they did were mostly fighting/arguing, even after the proposal scene. And the h needed to work on her self confidence issue. A lot. In short, I don't think their issues could be easily dealt with "only love".
Second, the inner monologues. Usually, I love when authors write inner monologues from both (h and H's) perspectives, especially the H because in romance we don't usually get to read much of these. I think I'm also quite used to read alternating POV (his and hers) in 3rd person narrative, but this book often got me confused as to whose narrative it was. Sometimes it was too jumbled that I had to reread it again carefully to figure out who was"talking".
First, it started out great but the more I read the more things went blah. Initially, the h and H seems promising, because while it's the same old couple formula, the early chapters seemed to promised me to get deeper into their thoughts. I have to admit that initially I kind of like the H's POV, because it described the working of a rake's mind, but then it just kept going in circles of how he was a manipulating dickhead and - sadly - that was how it went until the very last. Okay, I get it that he had baggages (mother issue, siblings issues, you name it), but for the love of me, I couldn't seem to find his redeeming qualities beside being a rich Earl (sorry, TWO Earls!), handsome, and good in bed. I didn't get why the h loved him. I mean, during 80-90% of the book all they did were mostly fighting/arguing, even after the proposal scene. And the h needed to work on her self confidence issue. A lot. In short, I don't think their issues could be easily dealt with "only love".
Second, the inner monologues. Usually, I love when authors write inner monologues from both (h and H's) perspectives, especially the H because in romance we don't usually get to read much of these. I think I'm also quite used to read alternating POV (his and hers) in 3rd person narrative, but this book often got me confused as to whose narrative it was. Sometimes it was too jumbled that I had to reread it again carefully to figure out who was"talking".
September 6, 2021
TW: death of parent (before events of book), slut shaming, bullying, ableism ("cursed with a stutter"), child neglect (past), grief
My Gran picked this up from the Morrisons charity table and knows I like reading HRs. Never heard of this author before so didn't know what to expect.
I hated Deben. He was constantly condescending and patronising. Henrietta was "not like other girls" with continually pointing that out. These were all irritating. I doubt I'm going to read anything by Burrows again.
My Gran picked this up from the Morrisons charity table and knows I like reading HRs. Never heard of this author before so didn't know what to expect.
I hated Deben. He was constantly condescending and patronising. Henrietta was "not like other girls" with continually pointing that out. These were all irritating. I doubt I'm going to read anything by Burrows again.
December 10, 2025
Okay so the earl is genuinely awful. He is arrogant, rude, overly assertive, and a bully. I am so into him. But he is AWFUL. He thinks about "tricking" her into giving him her virginity so that she will feel forced to marry him and then she THANKS him for being that in to her... Like what did I read. I am like girl the bar is in hell. Cause I have no explanation... thus I have no excuse to have loved this damn book so much. I really love a bully romance. I am fully judging myself and I can't help but ate this book up.
I blame my teenage reading choices for this.
I blame my teenage reading choices for this.
February 9, 2022
Such a sweet love story between a country girl and a rake
I love the banter, the uncertainty, the chemistry between the two leads. This is important because there was no significant supporting character in this story, so we must be satisfied with the leads
The ending was a little too dramatic ala Julia Quinn, but in a good and satisfying way. Reading this was like savoring a delicious cake, like it very much but afraid that it would finished too soon
I love the banter, the uncertainty, the chemistry between the two leads. This is important because there was no significant supporting character in this story, so we must be satisfied with the leads
The ending was a little too dramatic ala Julia Quinn, but in a good and satisfying way. Reading this was like savoring a delicious cake, like it very much but afraid that it would finished too soon
June 14, 2022
This book deserves a four stars from me IF the author deign to put an epilogue.
Everything is fine until that happened (or in this case, not)
I am so enraged that that's the end of it?????? Yes sure. I would like that if there was an epilogue after it. I mean after all those long rambling way that you wrote why not put a few pages more of it. I want to know about their wedding, how the tons reaction to it and many more. Ughhh
Everything is fine until that happened (or in this case, not)
I am so enraged that that's the end of it?????? Yes sure. I would like that if there was an epilogue after it. I mean after all those long rambling way that you wrote why not put a few pages more of it. I want to know about their wedding, how the tons reaction to it and many more. Ughhh
June 14, 2020
this was a disappointment for me. There was too much repeating, scenes or circumstances described once, would be described again in point of hers and then again in point of his view until it became a nuisance. Also the constant change of POV made it hard to read. I came across this critic a few times, up till now I did not find it confusing, but in this case it confused me all right....
December 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It has a familiar trope of a rake falling in love despite his efforts to seduce the heroine. The two main characters were very engaging and there were not many misunderstandings or villains. It was a character driven sweet romance between Henrietta, a vicar's innocent daughter who comes to London for a season and Deben a notorious womanizer with a need to get married.
March 31, 2020
Charming reformed rake story
Loved the characters and didn't want to put it down. Lighthearted with great dialogue. The pic jumps were a little difficult to follow at first but I got used to it. Will look for more from Burrows
Loved the characters and didn't want to put it down. Lighthearted with great dialogue. The pic jumps were a little difficult to follow at first but I got used to it. Will look for more from Burrows
February 27, 2022
Reasonable Feb 2022
The story is good and the characters entertaining although Henrietta is a little too good to be believable. Stars are deducted because of too often repetition of the same issues and self reproach
The story is good and the characters entertaining although Henrietta is a little too good to be believable. Stars are deducted because of too often repetition of the same issues and self reproach
December 12, 2023
Lovely but frustrating
A delightful and engaging romance between two very different personalities. What I found frustrating was the amount of inner dialogue and waffle that broke the smooth pace of the plot.
Definitely recommend you read it though.
A delightful and engaging romance between two very different personalities. What I found frustrating was the amount of inner dialogue and waffle that broke the smooth pace of the plot.
Definitely recommend you read it though.
May 17, 2017
This book at the end where Lord Deben feel bad for pretty much tricking Ms. gibson into marrying him made me cry so much. Rhe ending was truly beautiful ~°
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2019
Sarà anche un Harmony, ma da anni rimane sulla vetta: è il libro più divertente che io abbia mai letto.
January 15, 2023
Surprisingly good. The ending could have been expanded, but I enjoyed the dialogue between the two leads throughout.
August 21, 2021
"You are the most arrogant man I have ever met!" So says Henrietta about halfway through the book. I don't know why it took her that long to figure it out. She should have added bully as well. I did not like Lord Deben from the beginning to the end. And it is steamy. Steamy bullies - not for me.
December 23, 2013
A spellbinding, intriguing and wonderfully compelling Regency romance tempered with humor and poignancy, Never Trust a Rake is another outstanding novel by the fabulous Annie Burrows!
A kiss under the mistletoe with her childhood friend Richard was all it had taken for Henrietta Gibson to convince herself that he was madly in love with her! When Richard left the tiny village of Much Wakering for the Season in London, Henrietta was absolutely distraught - until her eccentric father had decided that the time had come for his only daughter to see more of the world. Henrietta had been sent off to London to stay with old friends of her father she had never met before. Whilst in town, Henrietta hoped to find Richard and confess about the depth of her feelings for him. But when she does finally manage to track him down, Henrietta realizes that Richard has changed. Her childhood friend has become an awful snob who is embarrassed by her and mortified by her unworldly ways. With her time in London turning into one great disaster, Henrietta found herself in tears at a ball given by one of the ton's most prominent hostesses. But little did she realize that she was about to catch the eye of one of London's most eligible - and most notorious! - bachelors: Lord Deben!
Lord Deben's lascivious exploits have been scandalizing the ton for years! A man with a colossal sexual appetite who has charmed legions of women into his bed, Lord Deben has never had any inclination to marry - until now! Whereas he had previously had a penchant for married women and lonely widows, Lord Deben has now turned his attentions to seducing virgins - and his attention has been piqued by the feisty Miss Gibson! Although Lord Deben was not looking to marry for love, he soon finds himself unable to stop thinking about the unconventional Miss Gibson! Whereas every single debutante in London - and their ambitious social-climbing mamas - is desperate to win his favor, Miss Gibson seems to be doing her utmost to give him as wide a berth as possible! Her spurning of his advances is only serving to increase his ardour and making him even more determined to make her his bride!
Having had her heart already broken once before, Henrietta is not about to run the risk of getting hurt a second time - especially by a notorious womanizer like Lord Deben! However, the more time Henrietta spends with him, the more she realizes that there's more to him than meets the eye...
Will Henrietta take a chance on love? And will Lord Deben open up to the woman he has fallen madly in love with about events from his past which he'd rather forget? Or will his fear of letting anyone get close to the real him ruin his last chance of happiness?
Annie Burrows is a star of the Harlequin Historical line who writes with plenty of flair and style about the Regency era. A talented writer who never fails to capture 19th century England deftly and adroitly, in Never Trust a Rake, she has once again penned an outstanding historical romance that would make Georgette Heyer proud. Funny, tender, dramatic and moving, Never Trust a Rake is an engrossing tale about courage, hope and the power of love that I found absolutely impossible to put down!
I loved Henrietta who was brave, intrepid and didn't suffer fools gladly and Lord Deben was a sexy hero with a wicked sense of humor that made him strictly irresistible!
A first class historical romance that will make you laugh and cry, Never Trust a Rake deserves a place on everybody's keeper shelf!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
A kiss under the mistletoe with her childhood friend Richard was all it had taken for Henrietta Gibson to convince herself that he was madly in love with her! When Richard left the tiny village of Much Wakering for the Season in London, Henrietta was absolutely distraught - until her eccentric father had decided that the time had come for his only daughter to see more of the world. Henrietta had been sent off to London to stay with old friends of her father she had never met before. Whilst in town, Henrietta hoped to find Richard and confess about the depth of her feelings for him. But when she does finally manage to track him down, Henrietta realizes that Richard has changed. Her childhood friend has become an awful snob who is embarrassed by her and mortified by her unworldly ways. With her time in London turning into one great disaster, Henrietta found herself in tears at a ball given by one of the ton's most prominent hostesses. But little did she realize that she was about to catch the eye of one of London's most eligible - and most notorious! - bachelors: Lord Deben!
Lord Deben's lascivious exploits have been scandalizing the ton for years! A man with a colossal sexual appetite who has charmed legions of women into his bed, Lord Deben has never had any inclination to marry - until now! Whereas he had previously had a penchant for married women and lonely widows, Lord Deben has now turned his attentions to seducing virgins - and his attention has been piqued by the feisty Miss Gibson! Although Lord Deben was not looking to marry for love, he soon finds himself unable to stop thinking about the unconventional Miss Gibson! Whereas every single debutante in London - and their ambitious social-climbing mamas - is desperate to win his favor, Miss Gibson seems to be doing her utmost to give him as wide a berth as possible! Her spurning of his advances is only serving to increase his ardour and making him even more determined to make her his bride!
Having had her heart already broken once before, Henrietta is not about to run the risk of getting hurt a second time - especially by a notorious womanizer like Lord Deben! However, the more time Henrietta spends with him, the more she realizes that there's more to him than meets the eye...
Will Henrietta take a chance on love? And will Lord Deben open up to the woman he has fallen madly in love with about events from his past which he'd rather forget? Or will his fear of letting anyone get close to the real him ruin his last chance of happiness?
Annie Burrows is a star of the Harlequin Historical line who writes with plenty of flair and style about the Regency era. A talented writer who never fails to capture 19th century England deftly and adroitly, in Never Trust a Rake, she has once again penned an outstanding historical romance that would make Georgette Heyer proud. Funny, tender, dramatic and moving, Never Trust a Rake is an engrossing tale about courage, hope and the power of love that I found absolutely impossible to put down!
I loved Henrietta who was brave, intrepid and didn't suffer fools gladly and Lord Deben was a sexy hero with a wicked sense of humor that made him strictly irresistible!
A first class historical romance that will make you laugh and cry, Never Trust a Rake deserves a place on everybody's keeper shelf!
This review was originally published on Cataromance.
February 12, 2013
Annie Burrows
February 2013, Regency Romance (Regency England)
Harlequin Historical #1124, $6.25, 288 pages, Amazon ASIN 0373297246
Grade: C+
Sensuality: Subtle
Never Trust a Rake is a typical regency romance. Country girl with little town bronze meets unrepentant rake and the country girl is not impressed. The story flows well. The writing is witty at times, yet the entire package just seemed to fall a little flat.
Miss Henrietta Gibson was nearly on the shelf before her absentminded and scholarly father got around to sending her to London for a long awaited season. Unfortunately, he sent her to an aunt she had never met whose husband was engaged in trade. It was only through a slight connection she was invited to a ton event at all despite her own superior antecedents. She is saved from total ton disaster at the hands of the odious Miss Waverly by none other than Lord Deben, rake extraordinaire. When Miss Waverly attempts to trick Lord Deben into marriage, Henrietta saves the day and ironically Miss Waverly’s reputation in the bargain. Unfortunately, her own reputation is called into question when Miss Waverly becomes vindictive.
Lord Deben decides that since he placed Miss Gibson in an unflattering light, he must do something to repair her place in society. So he pretends to court her, despite her protests. Henrietta cannot understand why he would do so and there are a series of misunderstandings that almost border on the tedious. Soon Lord Deben is no longer pretending, but Henrietta is fully in the dark as to his intentions.
Ms. Burrows just seems a little schizophrenic in her writing as she seemed to be trying to channel Jane Austen’s wicked twin - this makes the writing stilted at times. She waffled back and forth between trying to emulate a 19th century novel and trying to inject a bit of modern sex into the mix. It felt like the author was writing with an open thesaurus at times, grasping for the correct word usage but choosing the wrong words. The writing seemed to get more even about the midway point, but the early awkwardness detracted from the overall quality of the book...
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January 3, 2013Another London season is underway. Lord Deben seeks a wife so that he will have an heir. His heart is not into finding a young woman. Could he marry the first women he meets at the next ton party?
Henrietta Gibson wants to return to Much Wakering. Her heart is crushed and her future uncertain, but she vows to remain strong for her family. The ton may crush her spirit and disrespect her person, but woe to them is they seek to hurt her family. Her loyalty sets her apart from the other young females in the marriage mart.
Burrows shares a merry Regency romance about a rake and a country miss. Henrietta's features will never make her a diamond of the first water, but her fierce loyalty will catch Lord Deben's attention. His family life shaped him to be a bitter and lonely man. Henrietta doesn't want to embarrass her family (from London and from Much Wakering) so she seeks help from Deben. Regency romances can play the same fiddle, but I appreciated the familial loyalty woven throughout the tale.
Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Harlequin!
Henrietta Gibson wants to return to Much Wakering. Her heart is crushed and her future uncertain, but she vows to remain strong for her family. The ton may crush her spirit and disrespect her person, but woe to them is they seek to hurt her family. Her loyalty sets her apart from the other young females in the marriage mart.
Burrows shares a merry Regency romance about a rake and a country miss. Henrietta's features will never make her a diamond of the first water, but her fierce loyalty will catch Lord Deben's attention. His family life shaped him to be a bitter and lonely man. Henrietta doesn't want to embarrass her family (from London and from Much Wakering) so she seeks help from Deben. Regency romances can play the same fiddle, but I appreciated the familial loyalty woven throughout the tale.
Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Harlequin!
January 13, 2013
Never Trust a Rake – I loved Henrietta from the start. She is a very different heroine. I have seen independent, strong-willed heroines in many historical and I liked them but there is something different here. I would like to be a little more like her and maybe I see a little of me in her or her in meJ. I loved her for her intelligence, honesty, and loyalty to her family.
I did like Lord Deben in the beginning and then did not like him too much for most of the remaining part when he was deliberately manipulating and prodding Henrietta to admit her feelings while pretending to be disinterested. He did redeem himself a little at the end but that was the very end of the book.
The dialogs were crisp, and the pace, though not fast, did not slow down too much to be boring. The use of their formal names to each other throughout was a little off-putting. Overall, a good enough read where I look forward to more from Annie Burrows.
Rating: B-
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I did like Lord Deben in the beginning and then did not like him too much for most of the remaining part when he was deliberately manipulating and prodding Henrietta to admit her feelings while pretending to be disinterested. He did redeem himself a little at the end but that was the very end of the book.
The dialogs were crisp, and the pace, though not fast, did not slow down too much to be boring. The use of their formal names to each other throughout was a little off-putting. Overall, a good enough read where I look forward to more from Annie Burrows.
Rating: B-
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 10, 2014
I loved this witty, funny novel. It actually had me chuckling. The cool, debonair Deben was slowly won over by something other than beauty. Ms. Burrowes has a great insight into human nature and this shows. The story is bittersweet, Henrietta a plain young woman with inner beauty and strength of character, wins the respect and love of a cynical rake, forever damaged by an unloving Mother and unkind siblings. As a result he is a confirmed woman hater and believes all women to be unfaithful and incapable of love. Initially Henrietta believes herself to be in love with a childhood friend, the wool being removed from her eyes is something that all women crossed or humiliated by a man would applaude. The proposal scene of not one but two suitors, simultaneously, is hilarious. There was not too much sexual interaction but what there was, was beautifully done and very sensual. I was well entertained by a cleverly written, funny, sweet novel. Bravo Ms, Burrows.
For pure entertainment value; 5 stars.
For pure entertainment value; 5 stars.
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