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Bachelor Chronicles #2
This Rake of Mine
EVERYTHING ENDED WITH A KISS ...
When the rakehell Lord Jack Tremont kissed Miranda Mabberly, mistaking her for his mistress, neither realized his reckless act would cost Miranda her reputation, her fiance, and her future. But for Jack, it was a kiss unlike any other.
Years later, hiding incognito far from London --- as a teacher at Miss Emery's Establishment for the Education of Genteel Young Ladies --- Miranda has made a respectable life for herself, away from the ton and the dangerous men who inhabit it. When a penniless, much humbled, though still damnably attractive Jack arrives at the school to escort a rebellious young niece home, Miranda does her best to avoid the rogue, only to end up tumbling into his arms --- and reawakening a desire that is anything but proper.
She might want to deny her heart, but Miranda's resolve is no challenge for three schoolgirl matchmakers who know true passion when they spy it. Now they won't rest until their all-too-proper teacher and the reprobate lord discover the love that is their destiny.
When the rakehell Lord Jack Tremont kissed Miranda Mabberly, mistaking her for his mistress, neither realized his reckless act would cost Miranda her reputation, her fiance, and her future. But for Jack, it was a kiss unlike any other.
Years later, hiding incognito far from London --- as a teacher at Miss Emery's Establishment for the Education of Genteel Young Ladies --- Miranda has made a respectable life for herself, away from the ton and the dangerous men who inhabit it. When a penniless, much humbled, though still damnably attractive Jack arrives at the school to escort a rebellious young niece home, Miranda does her best to avoid the rogue, only to end up tumbling into his arms --- and reawakening a desire that is anything but proper.
She might want to deny her heart, but Miranda's resolve is no challenge for three schoolgirl matchmakers who know true passion when they spy it. Now they won't rest until their all-too-proper teacher and the reprobate lord discover the love that is their destiny.
375 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2005
60 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
91 books2,083 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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December 6, 2022O kadar sıktı ki atlayarak bile okuyamiycam👀
September 6, 2011
I feel daring today, so I am going to diverge from my typical review style to just whatever come to my mind. Here goes...
Ms. Boyle did many things right while writing this book. Such as, she has a (ex-)rake hero, a spinster heroine, a shared history/scandal (read book Something About Emmaline for more background), a new identity, 3 interesting and meddlesome young ladies, a fallen tree blocking the path, a (haunted) house, and of course, more scandal. But then, somehow it went wrong when there's some "illegal" activities explained to be honest-to-god crucial espionage activities. W.T.F.? Oh, and did I mention the lack of romance? Yes, in the midst of setting up an intriguing story of an unlikely reunion, Ms. Boyle forgets to write in the romance.
The main characters are Miranda Mabberly and Jack Tremont, 9 years after their fateful kiss (full-out snogging and running into 2nd base, actually). They reunite under the machinations of 3 young ladies Miranda has to escort back to their homes. Of course, these young ladies don't know the history between the pair, but neither does Jack. Anyway, one would expect Miranda and Jack to slowly fall in love, as they mend the old wounds. But instead of capitalizing on such a sensational plot, Ms. Boyle decides to add in some random murder mystery and treason (and other rot, that really made no sense). The "slowly fall[ing] in love" part doesn't happen. Instead, their relationship goes from near hate to super lust and forever love, just with a single kiss. Uh...what? He recognized her by her kiss? Ms. Boyle, how could you?
Lucky for us, we get to see some new characters and the groundwork for future romance novels. I liked the girls and I can't wait to read more about each of them. The Dash fellow is intriguing, as well. and I totally didn't expect to meet Temple, this time, supposedly united with his Diane. (did we skip his story?)
Overall, I can't say I didn't enjoy it. I just didn't enjoy the last 30%. It could have been a great book, but Ms. Boyle made the fatal mistake of adding too much story. I do plan to continue this series, though.
Ms. Boyle did many things right while writing this book. Such as, she has a (ex-)rake hero, a spinster heroine, a shared history/scandal (read book Something About Emmaline for more background), a new identity, 3 interesting and meddlesome young ladies, a fallen tree blocking the path, a (haunted) house, and of course, more scandal. But then, somehow it went wrong when there's some "illegal" activities explained to be honest-to-god crucial espionage activities. W.T.F.? Oh, and did I mention the lack of romance? Yes, in the midst of setting up an intriguing story of an unlikely reunion, Ms. Boyle forgets to write in the romance.
The main characters are Miranda Mabberly and Jack Tremont, 9 years after their fateful kiss (full-out snogging and running into 2nd base, actually). They reunite under the machinations of 3 young ladies Miranda has to escort back to their homes. Of course, these young ladies don't know the history between the pair, but neither does Jack. Anyway, one would expect Miranda and Jack to slowly fall in love, as they mend the old wounds. But instead of capitalizing on such a sensational plot, Ms. Boyle decides to add in some random murder mystery and treason (and other rot, that really made no sense). The "slowly fall[ing] in love" part doesn't happen. Instead, their relationship goes from near hate to super lust and forever love, just with a single kiss. Uh...what? He recognized her by her kiss? Ms. Boyle, how could you?
Lucky for us, we get to see some new characters and the groundwork for future romance novels. I liked the girls and I can't wait to read more about each of them. The Dash fellow is intriguing, as well. and I totally didn't expect to meet Temple, this time, supposedly united with his Diane. (did we skip his story?)
Overall, I can't say I didn't enjoy it. I just didn't enjoy the last 30%. It could have been a great book, but Ms. Boyle made the fatal mistake of adding too much story. I do plan to continue this series, though.
February 3, 2019
I feel the early promise of the book got lost in the cloak and dagger stuff. If there was any depth to this romance or love, it missed me!
So, a disappointed 2.65*
The story of the formerly ruined and now a prim and proper decorum teacher h and her former ruiner, the rake got completely waylaid by gothic elements and too many characters declining them space to develop into a couple. Even though the said characters – 3 of her pupils - were actually playing matchmakers!
I also found it ridiculous that the mega-rake H was pining away for a kiss he forced on a 16 yrs. old h in drunken haze, while mistaking her for another redhead, his mistress – 9 years ago!
So, a disappointed 2.65*
The story of the formerly ruined and now a prim and proper decorum teacher h and her former ruiner, the rake got completely waylaid by gothic elements and too many characters declining them space to develop into a couple. Even though the said characters – 3 of her pupils - were actually playing matchmakers!
I also found it ridiculous that the mega-rake H was pining away for a kiss he forced on a 16 yrs. old h in drunken haze, while mistaking her for another redhead, his mistress – 9 years ago!
August 20, 2019
kaybolan yıllarımı geri verin üleyn :D :D :D
August 10, 2022
3.5⭐️/5 the ending got to be tooohooo long and this was very slow burn but I do still love the characters
August 8, 2010
Boyle is quickly becoming a must-read author for me, even though this is only my second foray into her work. This Rake of Mine is another historical romance rich on romance and skimpy on history, not that that is any surprise in this genre. The story is about second chances, for both a spinster school teacher and a down-on-his-luck rake who'd ruined each other years ago in a public scandal and are reunited through the machinations of three teenage students. Quite lovely to read.
March 8, 2017
Would've been four stars if not for everyone saying "harrumph".
February 27, 2022
Stopped at chapter 4. The writing is very draggy. I couldn’t find it in myself to continue reading on because the hero and heroine did not interact. I did not care for Miranda’s charges and just wanted for more interaction between Miranda and Jack, it’s not that hard to ask for. Disappointing because the plot looked good but the writing put me off.
January 26, 2023
2.5 ⭐️⭐️✨
This was a lot of back story for the series and not a lot of romance. The MMC & FMC were at odds for most of the story as the main mysteries in the plot unfolded and then the romance conflict resolved in .5 seconds. That was odd.
Only reason to read this book is to build up to book #3 in the series “Love Letters from a Duke” which I am enjoying much more.
This was a lot of back story for the series and not a lot of romance. The MMC & FMC were at odds for most of the story as the main mysteries in the plot unfolded and then the romance conflict resolved in .5 seconds. That was odd.
Only reason to read this book is to build up to book #3 in the series “Love Letters from a Duke” which I am enjoying much more.
May 15, 2009
Poor Miranda. She is yet another heroine who is considered ruined because she was caught kissing a rake when she should have been listening to the opera. Well, Jack the rake thought she was his mistress and it was dark, so why not grab her and give her the kissing of her life!
They were caught and Miranda was sent to the outreaches of the wilderness, JUST FOR KISSING!! Ugh.
But what impressed me about this heroine, is that she said to heck with mom and dad and went out on her own to teach and save money. But she stil dreams about that one kiss! Aww to be innocent again.
Years later, Miranda changed her name and became Jane- a spinster teacher. But Jack comes into the picture again and for some reason he is so attractive to this uptight spinster with the gorgeous red hair. Jack is the poor hero who was cut off because of his dasterdly kissing and lives in an empty mansion with no money. But through a comedy of errors, Mirana aka plain Jane and three of her students invade his privacy.
Boyle has written a cute little read, with some comedy and lustful glances from the hero and heroine. Will Jack figure out who Jane is? And what about those pirates that just pop up?(Probably to add something to the plot at least!)
This is not her best and the passion you expect is a little boring for my tastes. If you know what "Avonization" means,a then this book is the perfect example. This is the second book in the Bachelor Chronicles.
Simply a ho-hum read.
They were caught and Miranda was sent to the outreaches of the wilderness, JUST FOR KISSING!! Ugh.
But what impressed me about this heroine, is that she said to heck with mom and dad and went out on her own to teach and save money. But she stil dreams about that one kiss! Aww to be innocent again.
Years later, Miranda changed her name and became Jane- a spinster teacher. But Jack comes into the picture again and for some reason he is so attractive to this uptight spinster with the gorgeous red hair. Jack is the poor hero who was cut off because of his dasterdly kissing and lives in an empty mansion with no money. But through a comedy of errors, Mirana aka plain Jane and three of her students invade his privacy.
Boyle has written a cute little read, with some comedy and lustful glances from the hero and heroine. Will Jack figure out who Jane is? And what about those pirates that just pop up?(Probably to add something to the plot at least!)
This is not her best and the passion you expect is a little boring for my tastes. If you know what "Avonization" means,a then this book is the perfect example. This is the second book in the Bachelor Chronicles.
Simply a ho-hum read.
December 18, 2008
The first book in The Bachelor Chronicles introduces new characters in Jack and Miranda and includes characters from Boyle's Stealing the Bride. The story also nicely introduces the reader to characters that we will be seeing again, namely Miranda a teacher at Miss Emery's Establishment for the Education of Genteel Young Ladies and 3 spirited girls who's stories will be told in future Bachelor Chronicles books. Jack and Miranda's love story is fun and satisfying especially due to the matchmaking of the 3 girls. I did not enjoy Boyle's book Stealing the Bride and was happy to enjoy this book and look forward to the continuing series.
January 6, 2014
wow to say the truth i didnt think that there would be such a plot twist XD it was totally different from the first book :D i loved the action and wished there was more of it :D but the romantic side kind of lacked a little bit... but jack was fantastic :D and the mystery rocked :D and i wanna read about Dash :D
November 14, 2021
Another great one by Elizabeth Boyle!
October 30, 2013
I really liked the way the book started, with a prologue describing their first encounter at the theater and the infamous kiss that turned everything around. The kiss was indeed hot and convincing.
The accidental meeting in the corridors of Miss Emery's school was also interesting. However things went slightly downhill from there. I did not really buy the outrageous behaviors and personalities of some secondary characters, the twins, some servants. A few times I stopped myself during reading thinking "this never could have taken place like this in 1810". There's a plot, but the adventure with a swashbuckling feel, took over the romance and the character development. And I really felt cheated by the way both characters come to terms with the other and their fate that they are in love and need to be married .
The overall tone and style was rather pleasant to read and I may well read some other books from this author. However I will not expect a keeper, nor something deep and moving, just a short and quick read distraction.
The accidental meeting in the corridors of Miss Emery's school was also interesting. However things went slightly downhill from there. I did not really buy the outrageous behaviors and personalities of some secondary characters, the twins, some servants. A few times I stopped myself during reading thinking "this never could have taken place like this in 1810". There's a plot, but the adventure with a swashbuckling feel, took over the romance and the character development. And I really felt cheated by the way both characters come to terms with the other and their fate that they are in love and need to be married .
The overall tone and style was rather pleasant to read and I may well read some other books from this author. However I will not expect a keeper, nor something deep and moving, just a short and quick read distraction.
September 6, 2011
Can a kiss ruin your life? Miranda Mabberly isn't so sure. When Jack Tremont kissed her ruining her reputation and ending her engagement, she was more grateful than anything. Sent from town, she eventually made her way back to Miss Emma's as a deportment teacher.
Jack Tremont thought that he was kissing his mistress. But the redhead he barely remembers (he was drunk off his ass)caused his brother (a duke in the widows trilogy)to cut off Jack's allowance. Now he lives by the sea on an estate that he inherited from his eccentric Aunt Josephine.
Twelve years later, their paths cross when Jack is sent to retrieve his niece from the school. He doesn't recognize Miranda but she sure as heck recognizes him. And then recognizes him again when she is chaperoning three girls back to their guardians. Their carriage gets lost and they end up at Jack's estate, much to his dismay. He's been working hard to create an image of himself that makes certain that he gets no visitors.
Unfortunately for both, the three girls with Miranda notice the way that she and Jack have been looking at each other and decide to matchmake. Jack's butler (a former highwayman) seems to agree and Fate intervenes in the form of a road blockage so the two have some time to get to know one another a little better.
Jack Tremont thought that he was kissing his mistress. But the redhead he barely remembers (he was drunk off his ass)caused his brother (a duke in the widows trilogy)to cut off Jack's allowance. Now he lives by the sea on an estate that he inherited from his eccentric Aunt Josephine.
Twelve years later, their paths cross when Jack is sent to retrieve his niece from the school. He doesn't recognize Miranda but she sure as heck recognizes him. And then recognizes him again when she is chaperoning three girls back to their guardians. Their carriage gets lost and they end up at Jack's estate, much to his dismay. He's been working hard to create an image of himself that makes certain that he gets no visitors.
Unfortunately for both, the three girls with Miranda notice the way that she and Jack have been looking at each other and decide to matchmake. Jack's butler (a former highwayman) seems to agree and Fate intervenes in the form of a road blockage so the two have some time to get to know one another a little better.
April 1, 2024
Wow she must have had magic lips for him to remember that kiss 10 years later.
November 15, 2011
Miranda is a young girl caught in a kiss with an infamous rake who mistakes her for his mistress. She is only 16 and already ruined. We meet up with her ten years later as a decorum teacher in a girl's finishing school. She has been shunned by society, cut off by her family and has changed names. So, when she meets up with the rake that ruined her he doesn't recognize her underneath her plain clothes and dowdy chignon. The author weaves a good spy plot throughout this romance. The story is a bit slow at the beginning but towards the end you are caught up in whether or not Jack will ever realize that the woman he is dealing with is the young girl he ruined so long ago.
May 5, 2013
I loved the three girls, and how they don't hesitate to throw themselves into the fray when it's clear that deeds are afoot that require derring-do! No shrinking misses here! Even Miranda Mabberly who is so sure she's primly buttoned up shows herself to have grit and backbone. I've criticized Boyle's men before for not being manly, but in this case I have to say, I really liked Jack Tremont. It's just that she doesn't really play it up. Why the hell not?! And why are they not getting down to it until the very end? I mean, I read these books for sexy funtimes of a PG-13/R nature. This was pretty PG. Or maybe I've become inured. I want romance, but what's wrong with a little heat?
November 14, 2013
Great characters, great plot.
Miranda Mabberly, on her way to a boring marriage, is stopped and kissed by Lord Jack Tremont, and then caught in the act. Her betrothal is dissolved and she's packed off to the country, finding refuge teaching at a girls' school under an assumed name.
Lord Jack Tremont is sent to the school to escort his niece home, he stumbles in Miranda again. Three conniving but well-meaning schoolgirls advance the plot.
Lots of suspense, intrigue, and the usual happy ending.
Miranda Mabberly, on her way to a boring marriage, is stopped and kissed by Lord Jack Tremont, and then caught in the act. Her betrothal is dissolved and she's packed off to the country, finding refuge teaching at a girls' school under an assumed name.
Lord Jack Tremont is sent to the school to escort his niece home, he stumbles in Miranda again. Three conniving but well-meaning schoolgirls advance the plot.
Lots of suspense, intrigue, and the usual happy ending.
March 3, 2013
this rake of mine was a fun read. humor, a mild mystery, and scandal. how can you go wrong?
miranda is ruined (saved) by mad jack tremont when he mistakes her for an opera dancer one evening. she disappears from society and reemerges as a decorum teacher named jane porter at a school for girls, only to run into jack once more. unfortunately, jack doesn't recognize her. nor does he recognize her when 'mrs porter' and the three debutants she is chaperoning are stranded at his estate...
miranda is ruined (saved) by mad jack tremont when he mistakes her for an opera dancer one evening. she disappears from society and reemerges as a decorum teacher named jane porter at a school for girls, only to run into jack once more. unfortunately, jack doesn't recognize her. nor does he recognize her when 'mrs porter' and the three debutants she is chaperoning are stranded at his estate...
November 9, 2016
I had a bit of hard time getting really interested in This Rake of Mine until about 1/3 of the way in . . . there wasn't enough interaction between the H/h early on to really light a spark in the story. And even when they did start spending more time together there was a lot of push and pull between them. This is not my favorite book in the series so far, but I'm willing to try more of The Bachelor Chronicles.
March 16, 2013
What a delightful read! I had read these Bachelor Chronicles, so I know that Dash & Pippin are featured in a later installment, but it was fun to witness the genesis of their relationship. And of course, I enjoyed the struggles of both protagonists. My wonder at how/when Jack will finally realize Miss Porter is really Miranda (or when she'd finally reveal it to him) kept me turning pages.
February 7, 2012
l really love how all the stories of The Bachelor Chronicles intwine and how they elaborate. A story about love and lies, with a mandatory happy ending! Boyle is becoming one of my most favorite authors, she keeps it simple and light, and easy to read.
June 16, 2013
I really liked this book, I enjoyed the characters, especially the three girls, troublemakers that they were. Lord John was a great hero, a rake, who changed because of love. Miranda was a great heroine even though she was keeping secrets from everyone.
March 19, 2011
I continue to be endlessy entertained by this series of books. Good for a fluff romance read!
January 19, 2016
Light and fluffy.
August 30, 2011
I read these out of order. This book kinda explains a lot about the ones following, and while you don't HAVE to read them in order, I think I would have liked them better.
May 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I believe I have fallen in love with this series! I do not understand why the book received such low ratings. I found it to been a fun quick read.
July 11, 2013
I am enjoying this series so far. I have even forgotten to add the books read on here.
August 16, 2013
Elizabeth Boyle is one of my favorite historical authors. I read everything that see writes....she is an amazing author!!!! highly recommended
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