What do you think?
Rate this book
Somerfield Park #1
A Rake by Any Other Name
When his father, Lord Somerset, tumbles off the roof, Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley, is called home from his Grand Tour to take the reins of the estate while the marquess recuperates. Somerset is in serious financial difficulty, which can only be remedied by marriage to an heiress, Miss Sophie Goodnight, lately arrived from India with her nabob father.
Unfortunately, Richard believes he has already lost his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett. And Miss Goodnight isn’t too keen on becoming Somerset’s purse with feet, so she foils their families’ attempts to throw her and Richard together at every turn. To make matters worse, the reason Lord Somerset fell off the roof in the first place is a secret that threatens to upend all their lives.
Unfortunately, Richard believes he has already lost his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett. And Miss Goodnight isn’t too keen on becoming Somerset’s purse with feet, so she foils their families’ attempts to throw her and Richard together at every turn. To make matters worse, the reason Lord Somerset fell off the roof in the first place is a secret that threatens to upend all their lives.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Mia Marlowe
35 books388 followersMia's work has been featured in PEOPLE magazine's Best of 2010 edition. One of her books is on display at the Museum of London Docklands next to Johnny Depp memorabilia. Her books have been tapped for numerous awards including RomCon's Reader's Crown, RT Reviewers Choice and Publishers' Weekly named her
Touch of a Rogue
one of their 10 Best Romances!
Do you want to know when Mia's next book is available? Sign up for her newsletter!
Do you want to know when Mia's next book is available? Sign up for her newsletter!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews
November 2, 2014
Mia Marlowe has been on my list for quite some time, I even have a couple of her books on my Nook, because her books are so low priced, that I just couldn't resist, but I have yet to read her until now. I started noticing her more when she started writing with Connie Masson (who is personal favorite), and afte4r reading A Rake by Any Other Name...I see why. This was so delectable and romantic and I loved each moment of it. I can indeed tell you right now this won't be the last time I read this author, she won me over completely.
The story begins when Richard Barrett (The Hero ) finds a servant chopping away at his gran's precious rose bush. He is outraged that a mere slip of a girl would do such a thing to the heir of Somerset. But little does he know that 'slip of a girl' is the woman he is suppose to marry to secure a fortune and save his families lands and the tenants that reside there. Richard soon learns that his family's coffers are so depleted that they might have to start selling off paintings and jewelry. That is the last thing that Richard would have, but he always wants to marry someone else, a woman that makes him laugh and he can see sharing a life with...until he starts spending more time with Sophie Goodnight...a woman that is so unique and is like fresh air. (Our Heroine) Sophia Goodnight, is not your normal English miss. In fact, she is the very opposite from the norm. She grew up in India, where her father accumulated his wealth, but her father's one desire for her is to marry a titled lord. That is the last thing she wants, she wants more from a marriage than just her wealth, a man to want her for who she truly is. She care's less for pomp and society's gossip's, she would prefer to live her life in a cottage somewhere, not feeling beholden to anyone. When she meets Richard, her view changes, because even though at first she tries to put Richard and his love together, she realizes how she wants him for herself, he stirs passion and desire and feelings she wished would remain buried but overwhelm her.
This story was a blast of romantic fun!! I had no hard time getting into this book, it won me over from the very beginning. Richard and Sophie were such a great pair, and they do make sparks whenever they are near each other. The story unfolds in a way that you don't see coming, and the ending...way different than I ever imagined...and made me excited for the second one to come out. I can hardly wait to try more from this author. This book is a story that will draw you in, a sweet and tender love story that is guaranteed to make you laugh and give you quite a entertaining interlude from reality. HEARTWARMING!!
The story begins when Richard Barrett (The Hero ) finds a servant chopping away at his gran's precious rose bush. He is outraged that a mere slip of a girl would do such a thing to the heir of Somerset. But little does he know that 'slip of a girl' is the woman he is suppose to marry to secure a fortune and save his families lands and the tenants that reside there. Richard soon learns that his family's coffers are so depleted that they might have to start selling off paintings and jewelry. That is the last thing that Richard would have, but he always wants to marry someone else, a woman that makes him laugh and he can see sharing a life with...until he starts spending more time with Sophie Goodnight...a woman that is so unique and is like fresh air. (Our Heroine) Sophia Goodnight, is not your normal English miss. In fact, she is the very opposite from the norm. She grew up in India, where her father accumulated his wealth, but her father's one desire for her is to marry a titled lord. That is the last thing she wants, she wants more from a marriage than just her wealth, a man to want her for who she truly is. She care's less for pomp and society's gossip's, she would prefer to live her life in a cottage somewhere, not feeling beholden to anyone. When she meets Richard, her view changes, because even though at first she tries to put Richard and his love together, she realizes how she wants him for herself, he stirs passion and desire and feelings she wished would remain buried but overwhelm her.
This story was a blast of romantic fun!! I had no hard time getting into this book, it won me over from the very beginning. Richard and Sophie were such a great pair, and they do make sparks whenever they are near each other. The story unfolds in a way that you don't see coming, and the ending...way different than I ever imagined...and made me excited for the second one to come out. I can hardly wait to try more from this author. This book is a story that will draw you in, a sweet and tender love story that is guaranteed to make you laugh and give you quite a entertaining interlude from reality. HEARTWARMING!!
November 22, 2014
As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled. - Victor Hugo
Mia Marlowe once wrote that she's rather have an adventure than a new sofa. This is a telling statement that is reflected in her writing. Mia delivers a romantic adventure in the English countryside with A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME. She brings together the classic elements - an impoverished lord, a merchant's daughter, a scheming family, a flippant friend, an almost fiancee, and a host of "downstairs" staff betting on the outcome. Just as humor is rolling along, Marlow takes the reader on a few twists to add her unique touch to Regency romance.
Both hero and heroine stand out with their personalities. Richard is an honorable gentleman who find himself at odds with his conscience - does he follow his heart with Lady Antonia or protect his family with Miss Sophie? As he comes to know Sophie, Richard realizes she is a "riddle with feet" - a riddle that intrigues him. Meanwhile, Sophie has no desire to be a "purse with feet", yet she finds herself drawn to Richard as she steals away special moments with him, away from family, friends, and fiancee. Indeed, Marlow swept me off my feet with this heartwarming historical. The icing on the tea cake is the inclusion of the "downstairs" staff as they also seek a better life. It would be easy to label A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME as Regency Romance meets Downton Abbey - but it is much more with Marlow's storytelling.
A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME is Book 1 in the Somerfield Park series. I am looking forward to more romantic adventure with the Barrett Family!
Recommend read for historical fans who enjoy witty banters with non traditional characters.
I received a print ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.
Mia Marlowe once wrote that she's rather have an adventure than a new sofa. This is a telling statement that is reflected in her writing. Mia delivers a romantic adventure in the English countryside with A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME. She brings together the classic elements - an impoverished lord, a merchant's daughter, a scheming family, a flippant friend, an almost fiancee, and a host of "downstairs" staff betting on the outcome. Just as humor is rolling along, Marlow takes the reader on a few twists to add her unique touch to Regency romance.
Both hero and heroine stand out with their personalities. Richard is an honorable gentleman who find himself at odds with his conscience - does he follow his heart with Lady Antonia or protect his family with Miss Sophie? As he comes to know Sophie, Richard realizes she is a "riddle with feet" - a riddle that intrigues him. Meanwhile, Sophie has no desire to be a "purse with feet", yet she finds herself drawn to Richard as she steals away special moments with him, away from family, friends, and fiancee. Indeed, Marlow swept me off my feet with this heartwarming historical. The icing on the tea cake is the inclusion of the "downstairs" staff as they also seek a better life. It would be easy to label A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME as Regency Romance meets Downton Abbey - but it is much more with Marlow's storytelling.
A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME is Book 1 in the Somerfield Park series. I am looking forward to more romantic adventure with the Barrett Family!
Recommend read for historical fans who enjoy witty banters with non traditional characters.
I received a print ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.
February 5, 2016
Mia Marlowe begins her new series, Somerfield Park, with a family that is as colorful and entertaining as the one now on PBS, residing at Downton Abbey. And since the author is having this tale told by many points of view, not just our hero and heroine, this made the story hugely entertaining for me.
From the moment our hero meets the heroine of this tale, I knew this would be a sweet romance and I was right. The chemistry between these two was obvious to all, even to them, and once we were introduced to their characters, I loved every minute those two were in each other’s spaces.
But what I loved the best about this story is the way the author seamlessly weaved the stories of both, the upstairs aristocracy and the downstairs help. It made this tale move at a fast pace and I was invested in both worlds.
Another thing I loved about it was the way the plot was developing and for the life of me, I hadn’t seen the end coming. It was brilliant!
I highly recommend it to all you fans of Regency and to all of you that love Downton Abbey. Reading about all the secrets the help had, was too much fun.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
From the moment our hero meets the heroine of this tale, I knew this would be a sweet romance and I was right. The chemistry between these two was obvious to all, even to them, and once we were introduced to their characters, I loved every minute those two were in each other’s spaces.
But what I loved the best about this story is the way the author seamlessly weaved the stories of both, the upstairs aristocracy and the downstairs help. It made this tale move at a fast pace and I was invested in both worlds.
Another thing I loved about it was the way the plot was developing and for the life of me, I hadn’t seen the end coming. It was brilliant!
I highly recommend it to all you fans of Regency and to all of you that love Downton Abbey. Reading about all the secrets the help had, was too much fun.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
August 16, 2014
A nice book that had its pros and cons but was an overall lovely read, A Rake by Any Other Name was an enjoyable historical romance. It had some issues that kept me from really loving it, but in the end, I liked it just fine.
I had conflicting opinions about both of the main characters.
With Sophie, I started off annoyed with her. She seemed judgmental and willing to write off anything that nobles did as bad without giving it a thought. But, as the book went on, she earned by respect as a character. I already knew that she was strong and independent, but she proved that she was also kind and an ultimately fair person. She was undoubtedly by favorite part of the story.
With Richard, it went the other way around. I never had a problem with liking him. He was a sweet man who did his best to be honorable. But, as the book went on, he lost my respect. The way he handled the situation was poor, to say the least. The fact that he claimed to have been in love with Antonia, only to fall right back out of love when he met someone who more suited to him. That's all well and good for the romance in the book, but it made him seem, not exactly fickle, but very naive. Then, he proved that he could assert his will within his family under some circumstances but, for some reason, was terrible at doing so in others. Like with his choice of bride. I didn't dislike, but he wasn't my favorite character.
The romance, on its own, was good. Sophie and Richard were very sweet together. I liked the way that they went from disliking each other, to getting to know each other, earning each other's trust and respect, then claiming love. And, they had some heat between them. Overall, I thought they were a lovely couple.
I had a couple of other issues with the book that brought it down. 1) Richard's entire family seemed selfish and rude and snobby. His father and mother annoyed me with their use of their son as a commodity and the way that, once they didn't need Sophie's wealth, they looked down on her and scored a match. One of his sister's way okay. I like her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to take down a man with just her words. His other sister, however, struck me as materialistic and shallow. With all the issues with money, the one thing she kept complaining about was not getting her season. Other than that one sister, they all irritated me. 2) This book fell prey to more than one annoying plot whole. You know, the ones used way too often in romances that are not only cheesy but extremely irritating. First, the presence of the almost fiance who was, of course, catty and snobby. Then, Sophie, who was an otherwise reasonable character, fell prey to the sin of listening in on a conversation, hearing something she interpreted as bad, then running away before getting the full context and going all melodramatic before finally being set straight. Then, there was (possible spoiler alert) the totally predictable plot twist where one of the characters gets found in a compromising position with someone else and is forced into an engagement that led to a lot of unnecessary angst and self pity. And, finally, tacked at the end, is a lost heir that suddenly pops up, resolving the situatio. Even though I liked the story overall, these plot holes annoyed me and made me skim until they were fixed.
There was a secondary story in this book about one of the maids in the house. I skimmed through it because it seemed unrelated to the main story, but I know of other reviewers who liked it.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. Despite the issues that I had, I still liked the story overall. It was a nice read that, though not perfect, was enjoyable. I'm curious to see what will come next in this series and I liked this one enough to continue on with it. We'll see if book 2 is better.
A Rake by Any Other Name was a good historical romance. Though I had issues with it, I still liked it and enjoyed reading it. It had it's flaws, but it was still a charming read. Romance lovers, this might be a book you'll want to look up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I had conflicting opinions about both of the main characters.
With Sophie, I started off annoyed with her. She seemed judgmental and willing to write off anything that nobles did as bad without giving it a thought. But, as the book went on, she earned by respect as a character. I already knew that she was strong and independent, but she proved that she was also kind and an ultimately fair person. She was undoubtedly by favorite part of the story.
With Richard, it went the other way around. I never had a problem with liking him. He was a sweet man who did his best to be honorable. But, as the book went on, he lost my respect. The way he handled the situation was poor, to say the least. The fact that he claimed to have been in love with Antonia, only to fall right back out of love when he met someone who more suited to him. That's all well and good for the romance in the book, but it made him seem, not exactly fickle, but very naive. Then, he proved that he could assert his will within his family under some circumstances but, for some reason, was terrible at doing so in others. Like with his choice of bride. I didn't dislike, but he wasn't my favorite character.
The romance, on its own, was good. Sophie and Richard were very sweet together. I liked the way that they went from disliking each other, to getting to know each other, earning each other's trust and respect, then claiming love. And, they had some heat between them. Overall, I thought they were a lovely couple.
I had a couple of other issues with the book that brought it down. 1) Richard's entire family seemed selfish and rude and snobby. His father and mother annoyed me with their use of their son as a commodity and the way that, once they didn't need Sophie's wealth, they looked down on her and scored a match. One of his sister's way okay. I like her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to take down a man with just her words. His other sister, however, struck me as materialistic and shallow. With all the issues with money, the one thing she kept complaining about was not getting her season. Other than that one sister, they all irritated me. 2) This book fell prey to more than one annoying plot whole. You know, the ones used way too often in romances that are not only cheesy but extremely irritating. First, the presence of the almost fiance who was, of course, catty and snobby. Then, Sophie, who was an otherwise reasonable character, fell prey to the sin of listening in on a conversation, hearing something she interpreted as bad, then running away before getting the full context and going all melodramatic before finally being set straight. Then, there was (possible spoiler alert) the totally predictable plot twist where one of the characters gets found in a compromising position with someone else and is forced into an engagement that led to a lot of unnecessary angst and self pity. And, finally, tacked at the end, is a lost heir that suddenly pops up, resolving the situatio. Even though I liked the story overall, these plot holes annoyed me and made me skim until they were fixed.
There was a secondary story in this book about one of the maids in the house. I skimmed through it because it seemed unrelated to the main story, but I know of other reviewers who liked it.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. Despite the issues that I had, I still liked the story overall. It was a nice read that, though not perfect, was enjoyable. I'm curious to see what will come next in this series and I liked this one enough to continue on with it. We'll see if book 2 is better.
A Rake by Any Other Name was a good historical romance. Though I had issues with it, I still liked it and enjoyed reading it. It had it's flaws, but it was still a charming read. Romance lovers, this might be a book you'll want to look up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2014
...love and duty!
A father in a wheelchair with his mind wandering, an estate on the edge of ruin and now an heiress with deep pockets courtesy of the Indian trade being dangled in front of him are not what Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley wants to face when he's recalled home by the family to set things to right.
After all, he's in love with another and all but ready to declare himself. Marriage to another is no part of his plans.
The heiress, one Miss Sophie Goodnight wants none of Richard, nor for that matter any man. A true original, forthright in speech and action, who daring quite takes Hartley's breath away.
Certainly when these two meet the sparks fly, and the they need to tread carefully to avoid conflagration.
Sophie is touchingly innocent in that forthrightness, in her desire to set the world to rights and to be accepted for herself. Her confidence or rather difference comes of course of being brought up in the more exotic and colourful background that was India. Whilst this does not make her the ideal tea party hostess it does make her a bright accent of colour against the more formal rule abiding aristocracy.
Hartley finds himself more and more drawn to Sophie, although of course his one true love, Antonia is in attendance at the family holdings.
With a hint of scandal and more this was a most heartfelt read.
A NetGalley ARC
A father in a wheelchair with his mind wandering, an estate on the edge of ruin and now an heiress with deep pockets courtesy of the Indian trade being dangled in front of him are not what Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley wants to face when he's recalled home by the family to set things to right.
After all, he's in love with another and all but ready to declare himself. Marriage to another is no part of his plans.
The heiress, one Miss Sophie Goodnight wants none of Richard, nor for that matter any man. A true original, forthright in speech and action, who daring quite takes Hartley's breath away.
Certainly when these two meet the sparks fly, and the they need to tread carefully to avoid conflagration.
Sophie is touchingly innocent in that forthrightness, in her desire to set the world to rights and to be accepted for herself. Her confidence or rather difference comes of course of being brought up in the more exotic and colourful background that was India. Whilst this does not make her the ideal tea party hostess it does make her a bright accent of colour against the more formal rule abiding aristocracy.
Hartley finds himself more and more drawn to Sophie, although of course his one true love, Antonia is in attendance at the family holdings.
With a hint of scandal and more this was a most heartfelt read.
A NetGalley ARC
August 11, 2014
I received the DRC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a good story with one strong character but the rest of the characters didn't endear themselves. Sophie was a vibrant character and I felt like she got cheated. No one in Richard's family particularly liked her, they thought of her as a title grabber. Richard was also very annoying and young; compared to Sophie he seemed childish. For example, he had decided on someone else to marry and he's worried about being fickle because he starts liking Sophie. Eventually he decides to marry Sophie but he never lets the other woman know; at least have the decency to let her down without humiliating her, yourself, or your love interest. This novel highlighted the hypocrisy and entitlement of the nobility, especially the men.
That aside, the lower class characters were very interesting. Reading about them was entertaining and it reminded me of Downton Abbey. All the secrets and intrigue, so much fun.
This was a good story with one strong character but the rest of the characters didn't endear themselves. Sophie was a vibrant character and I felt like she got cheated. No one in Richard's family particularly liked her, they thought of her as a title grabber. Richard was also very annoying and young; compared to Sophie he seemed childish. For example, he had decided on someone else to marry and he's worried about being fickle because he starts liking Sophie. Eventually he decides to marry Sophie but he never lets the other woman know; at least have the decency to let her down without humiliating her, yourself, or your love interest. This novel highlighted the hypocrisy and entitlement of the nobility, especially the men.
That aside, the lower class characters were very interesting. Reading about them was entertaining and it reminded me of Downton Abbey. All the secrets and intrigue, so much fun.
December 7, 2021
DNF.
While I liked the whole idea of it, the story lacked intrigue and there was no chemistry between the characters. The heroine's spunk was refreshing but she tends to be so blasé I just didn quite like it because it made her more like a 19th to 21st century working gal. The hero failed to capture my attention completely. As a character, he lacked the alpha type I prefer. He merely reminded me of a whining peacock of his time...you know the handsome nobleman whom nobody gives a fig about because he's a dandy? Well yes that was Richard to me.
Overall it felt like I was reading a textbook literature instead of an adventurous, passionate romance. To me the characters weren't my cup of tea thus unlikeable. Andddd don't even get me started on their first cringey first kiss. I hate it when kisses are used without reason...or just to make the reader feel like Oh these two are attracted to each other. THINK AGAIN. Their first kiss was like you talking to someone about a dry subject with a stranger and then you get shoved against the wall and kissed. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?!
I'm an AVON romance kinda girl so I apologize if this review makes anyone uncomfortable.
While I liked the whole idea of it, the story lacked intrigue and there was no chemistry between the characters. The heroine's spunk was refreshing but she tends to be so blasé I just didn quite like it because it made her more like a 19th to 21st century working gal. The hero failed to capture my attention completely. As a character, he lacked the alpha type I prefer. He merely reminded me of a whining peacock of his time...you know the handsome nobleman whom nobody gives a fig about because he's a dandy? Well yes that was Richard to me.
Overall it felt like I was reading a textbook literature instead of an adventurous, passionate romance. To me the characters weren't my cup of tea thus unlikeable. Andddd don't even get me started on their first cringey first kiss. I hate it when kisses are used without reason...or just to make the reader feel like Oh these two are attracted to each other. THINK AGAIN. Their first kiss was like you talking to someone about a dry subject with a stranger and then you get shoved against the wall and kissed. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?!
I'm an AVON romance kinda girl so I apologize if this review makes anyone uncomfortable.
November 4, 2014
A feisty heroine, a lord pulling on his BIG BOY PANTS, an above & below the stairs world filled with kookiness & a Tiara wearing Dowager Fairy Godmother whipping out her SPARKLY PIXIE DUST to save LOVE at Somerfield Park!
Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley, received a letter from home that his father, the Marquess of Somerset, has been gravely injured (fell off the roof, but what is a Marquess doing on a roof) & he must return from his Grand Tour to take up all the responsibilities of his title. He doesn't want to go because he has found his lady love, Lady Antonia Pruett, in Paris, but he invites her & her parents, Lord & Lady Pruett, to come & stay at Somerfield Park. Now Richard & his go to co-padre Lawrence Seymour are taking the long & boring month long trip back to home.
Miss Sophie Goodnight is in HADES, now that her parents have dragged her kicking & screaming from India to the uneventful & yawn worthy England. She has always done what she has wanted to do in India, go on tiger hunts riding elephants, trek up the Himalayas Mountains or just be free to ride her horse like the hellion she is, but now her boocoo bucks daddy is trying to buy a titled grandchildren via her womb! Sophie will not be sold into marriage & is completely willing to kick up a ruckus, pull hair or just kick a$$ to not be forced to marry a over privileged, lazy & whining lord, who just wants her daddy's fat purse.
Now at Barrett House, outside the Somerfield Park, Sophie is so bored as her dad plots to get the heir of Marquess of Somerset to sign the betroth contract, so she is dressed in rags & hacking at the overgrown garden, as a carriage pulls up, Lord Arrogant steps out & demands to know what she thinks she is doing. Richard wants to know what this filthy servant is doing destroying his Grandma's, the Dowager Marchioness of Somerset, rose brush & then to top off his sucky journey, he is told the estate is broke do to a pissed off volcano & the sunken Betsy Ross! Later that night, at a forced family dinner, Richard & Sophie are in totally agreement to forge their own romantic paths & fight back against the parents plans. Richard wants to have his darling Lady Antonia & Sophie just wants a man to love her & not her daddy's money. That is their plan & a hard up against the wall glorious tongue tangle just proves that PLANS NEVER WORK!
Soon all Sophie seems to do is push all of Richard erotic buttons, as Richard proves he is real man with too many responsibilities to count. Somerfield Park has a cast of kookiness above & below the stairs world with Barrett House's butler Porter lusting after Somerfield's cook Mrs. Culpepper, the Somerfield's butler Hightower aka his highness, a yummy footman/valet David, a tried kitchen maid Eliza turned lady's maid, the Marquess faking he is dumb, mute & in a wheelchair, the Fairy Godmother of this tale the Dowager Marchioness Phillippa, a scheming almost fiancée Lady Antonia & her money poor & meddling parents. Not is all it seems at the Park as things begin to hit the CRAPOLA FAN, with a devious lady's maid, a puke worthy tea party, 3 vastly different sisters, a mysterious villain, the rooming rogue Lawrence, a screaming vajayjay for Sophie, a wet disastrous picnic, an over the top coming out ball, Richard's woody plans, blackmail & tons of slightly dusty, but dazzling PIXIE DUST from the Dowager to twists this tale into a HILARIOUS ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA! Can Richard have Sophie & not need the money? Will Sophia be destroyed once again by love? How will the selfish Lady Antonia screw them up? Who is he mysterious blackmailer? What is the Barrett secret that could save or devastate the Richard's love life? Can I adopt the loveable Dowager?
This is the first book of Ms. Marlowe's Somerfield Park series & she combines 2 worlds with the above & below the stairs of Somerfield seamlessly, has more twists & turns than I never saw coming from the left, right, around a scary garden gnome & a few speed bumps & I love every adventurous page of it! Sophie was an unconventional heroine with her sassiness, fierce independence, her "don't care what other think of her" attitude & willing to use all her skills to get her man. Now Richard was a pampered lord who had to pull on & duct tape his ill fitted BIG BOY pants on & see that the world didn't revolve around him, but learn to BOW to his new hated responsibilities. Ms. Marlowe did an outstanding job of using gutsy Sophia to help Richard pull his carefree LORDY glasses off & see the real world & also she used Richard to show Sophie that love doesn't & shouldn't hurt! All great relationship foundations should have give & take & a partner who has your weakness covered with their strengths. Now the whole servant world was filled with hilariousness, folks striving to become more, jealousy, cattieNESS & were just one big a hoot a minute dysfunctional family. Now all romances need the sparks & sizzle, so Ms. Marlowe began with a hard undies scorching kisses up against the wall & never ended the naughtiness with a grass stains, pearl buttons & much NEKKIDNESS! This romance was a nonstop freight train filled with intrigue, blackmail, a deeply buried family secret, many mysterious pasts & threw in a Dowager with class, spunkiness & totally ruled her family with her iron fist encased in silk, who wasn't afraid to use her SPARKLY PIXIE DUST to right her wrongs! Ms. Marlowe WOWED me with her tale of revolving plots, not answering all the mysteries, revealing new questions for the next book, a grownup Lord, a "broke the mold" heroine, a crazy dysfunctional family above & below the stairs, hilariousness galore & a fun & sexy FIGHT FOR LOVE stories, so she earns my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes & who & when is the next one!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley, received a letter from home that his father, the Marquess of Somerset, has been gravely injured (fell off the roof, but what is a Marquess doing on a roof) & he must return from his Grand Tour to take up all the responsibilities of his title. He doesn't want to go because he has found his lady love, Lady Antonia Pruett, in Paris, but he invites her & her parents, Lord & Lady Pruett, to come & stay at Somerfield Park. Now Richard & his go to co-padre Lawrence Seymour are taking the long & boring month long trip back to home.
Miss Sophie Goodnight is in HADES, now that her parents have dragged her kicking & screaming from India to the uneventful & yawn worthy England. She has always done what she has wanted to do in India, go on tiger hunts riding elephants, trek up the Himalayas Mountains or just be free to ride her horse like the hellion she is, but now her boocoo bucks daddy is trying to buy a titled grandchildren via her womb! Sophie will not be sold into marriage & is completely willing to kick up a ruckus, pull hair or just kick a$$ to not be forced to marry a over privileged, lazy & whining lord, who just wants her daddy's fat purse.
Now at Barrett House, outside the Somerfield Park, Sophie is so bored as her dad plots to get the heir of Marquess of Somerset to sign the betroth contract, so she is dressed in rags & hacking at the overgrown garden, as a carriage pulls up, Lord Arrogant steps out & demands to know what she thinks she is doing. Richard wants to know what this filthy servant is doing destroying his Grandma's, the Dowager Marchioness of Somerset, rose brush & then to top off his sucky journey, he is told the estate is broke do to a pissed off volcano & the sunken Betsy Ross! Later that night, at a forced family dinner, Richard & Sophie are in totally agreement to forge their own romantic paths & fight back against the parents plans. Richard wants to have his darling Lady Antonia & Sophie just wants a man to love her & not her daddy's money. That is their plan & a hard up against the wall glorious tongue tangle just proves that PLANS NEVER WORK!
Soon all Sophie seems to do is push all of Richard erotic buttons, as Richard proves he is real man with too many responsibilities to count. Somerfield Park has a cast of kookiness above & below the stairs world with Barrett House's butler Porter lusting after Somerfield's cook Mrs. Culpepper, the Somerfield's butler Hightower aka his highness, a yummy footman/valet David, a tried kitchen maid Eliza turned lady's maid, the Marquess faking he is dumb, mute & in a wheelchair, the Fairy Godmother of this tale the Dowager Marchioness Phillippa, a scheming almost fiancée Lady Antonia & her money poor & meddling parents. Not is all it seems at the Park as things begin to hit the CRAPOLA FAN, with a devious lady's maid, a puke worthy tea party, 3 vastly different sisters, a mysterious villain, the rooming rogue Lawrence, a screaming vajayjay for Sophie, a wet disastrous picnic, an over the top coming out ball, Richard's woody plans, blackmail & tons of slightly dusty, but dazzling PIXIE DUST from the Dowager to twists this tale into a HILARIOUS ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA! Can Richard have Sophie & not need the money? Will Sophia be destroyed once again by love? How will the selfish Lady Antonia screw them up? Who is he mysterious blackmailer? What is the Barrett secret that could save or devastate the Richard's love life? Can I adopt the loveable Dowager?
This is the first book of Ms. Marlowe's Somerfield Park series & she combines 2 worlds with the above & below the stairs of Somerfield seamlessly, has more twists & turns than I never saw coming from the left, right, around a scary garden gnome & a few speed bumps & I love every adventurous page of it! Sophie was an unconventional heroine with her sassiness, fierce independence, her "don't care what other think of her" attitude & willing to use all her skills to get her man. Now Richard was a pampered lord who had to pull on & duct tape his ill fitted BIG BOY pants on & see that the world didn't revolve around him, but learn to BOW to his new hated responsibilities. Ms. Marlowe did an outstanding job of using gutsy Sophia to help Richard pull his carefree LORDY glasses off & see the real world & also she used Richard to show Sophie that love doesn't & shouldn't hurt! All great relationship foundations should have give & take & a partner who has your weakness covered with their strengths. Now the whole servant world was filled with hilariousness, folks striving to become more, jealousy, cattieNESS & were just one big a hoot a minute dysfunctional family. Now all romances need the sparks & sizzle, so Ms. Marlowe began with a hard undies scorching kisses up against the wall & never ended the naughtiness with a grass stains, pearl buttons & much NEKKIDNESS! This romance was a nonstop freight train filled with intrigue, blackmail, a deeply buried family secret, many mysterious pasts & threw in a Dowager with class, spunkiness & totally ruled her family with her iron fist encased in silk, who wasn't afraid to use her SPARKLY PIXIE DUST to right her wrongs! Ms. Marlowe WOWED me with her tale of revolving plots, not answering all the mysteries, revealing new questions for the next book, a grownup Lord, a "broke the mold" heroine, a crazy dysfunctional family above & below the stairs, hilariousness galore & a fun & sexy FIGHT FOR LOVE stories, so she earns my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes & who & when is the next one!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
August 3, 2018
I finished it! Though there were quite a few times I thought it would end up in the "did not finish" pile.
While I loved the spunky heroine, the constant changes to secondary characters was annoying and really took me out of the main story. There were so many plot points that were basically glossed over, it seemed rushed and too slow at the same time.
While I loved the spunky heroine, the constant changes to secondary characters was annoying and really took me out of the main story. There were so many plot points that were basically glossed over, it seemed rushed and too slow at the same time.
April 7, 2019
The heroine is interesting. I can't figure out what she is supposedly seeing in the hero. He's just a wishy-washy, fickle person and the book never explains the development of their relationship.
October 28, 2014
A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME is the first book in the Somerfield Park series, and if future installments are anything like this little gem, count me in as a loyal reader!
When Richard Barrett, aka Lord Hartley, encounters a blue-eyed chit pruning his grandmother's rose bush, he's flabbergasted by her impertinence! How dare the help speak to him like that! But the obstinate girl is quickly forgotten when he learns that his family coffers are out of money and that his parents have made a deal with a very wealthy businessman to marry his daughter. Distraught, Richard had just been about to propose to his lady love, Lady Antonia. But if he refuses, his land and the people it supports will be in danger. He's pleasantly surprised to find that his ornery gardener and the heiress are one in the same: Miss Sophie Goodnight.
Sophie has zero desire to wed, especially not a man who's never had an original thought in his life. Brought up in India and allowed to run wild, Sophie balks at the expectations and restrictions of the ton, usually to her amusement. She and Richard strike a tenuous deal to band together to thwart the marriage plans, but the pair quickly learns that there's a thin line between love and hate, and that the most passionate of encounters sometimes come from anger. The two of them devise a plan to save Somerset-by-the-Sea, just as others are devising plans to help themselves.
Beyond the typical scandals and rakes and social climbers and manipulations, A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME featured a bit of mystery, some yummy yet tasteful sex and the delightfully catty gossip of the servants (probably my favorite feature of this story). Of course we had the requisite bitchy grandmother with a soft spot for the "wrong" girl (Sophie) and the "right" girl (Antonia) causing all sorts of problems for everyone. Like grandma, I loved Sophie and thought she was one of the more unique characters I've encountered. Raised in India, allowed to run wild, encouraged by her mother to appreciate her body, spoiled by her father and his massive wealth, and deflowered by a man who didn't love her, Sophie was an original through and through for this genre.
Her chemistry with Richard was outstanding, and I found the changes he went through during the course of A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME lovely. Though I felt a twinge of anger that he could so easily kiss Sophie when he was "dating" Antonia, that feeling quickly dissipated after bitchy Antonia made out with Richard's BFF and started causing trouble. I felt so bad that Richard, who is pretty much a peacemaker and not at all the rake the title suggests, was stuck in the middle, both of two lovely women, and the future of his estate and family obligations vs. what he wanted out of his life. He felt the weight of the estate on his noble shoulders and he just couldn't deal sometimes. As I mentioned before, the gossipy servants were perfectly done and I enjoyed reading about their hierarchy and gossip and relationships just as much as I did the main players.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of the genre and even those who just like a well written, fun romance.
When Richard Barrett, aka Lord Hartley, encounters a blue-eyed chit pruning his grandmother's rose bush, he's flabbergasted by her impertinence! How dare the help speak to him like that! But the obstinate girl is quickly forgotten when he learns that his family coffers are out of money and that his parents have made a deal with a very wealthy businessman to marry his daughter. Distraught, Richard had just been about to propose to his lady love, Lady Antonia. But if he refuses, his land and the people it supports will be in danger. He's pleasantly surprised to find that his ornery gardener and the heiress are one in the same: Miss Sophie Goodnight.
Sophie has zero desire to wed, especially not a man who's never had an original thought in his life. Brought up in India and allowed to run wild, Sophie balks at the expectations and restrictions of the ton, usually to her amusement. She and Richard strike a tenuous deal to band together to thwart the marriage plans, but the pair quickly learns that there's a thin line between love and hate, and that the most passionate of encounters sometimes come from anger. The two of them devise a plan to save Somerset-by-the-Sea, just as others are devising plans to help themselves.
Beyond the typical scandals and rakes and social climbers and manipulations, A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME featured a bit of mystery, some yummy yet tasteful sex and the delightfully catty gossip of the servants (probably my favorite feature of this story). Of course we had the requisite bitchy grandmother with a soft spot for the "wrong" girl (Sophie) and the "right" girl (Antonia) causing all sorts of problems for everyone. Like grandma, I loved Sophie and thought she was one of the more unique characters I've encountered. Raised in India, allowed to run wild, encouraged by her mother to appreciate her body, spoiled by her father and his massive wealth, and deflowered by a man who didn't love her, Sophie was an original through and through for this genre.
Her chemistry with Richard was outstanding, and I found the changes he went through during the course of A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME lovely. Though I felt a twinge of anger that he could so easily kiss Sophie when he was "dating" Antonia, that feeling quickly dissipated after bitchy Antonia made out with Richard's BFF and started causing trouble. I felt so bad that Richard, who is pretty much a peacemaker and not at all the rake the title suggests, was stuck in the middle, both of two lovely women, and the future of his estate and family obligations vs. what he wanted out of his life. He felt the weight of the estate on his noble shoulders and he just couldn't deal sometimes. As I mentioned before, the gossipy servants were perfectly done and I enjoyed reading about their hierarchy and gossip and relationships just as much as I did the main players.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of the genre and even those who just like a well written, fun romance.
November 15, 2014
Richard Barrett has just returned home to his family's estate. His father, the Marquess of Somerset has had an emergency and Richard must now take over until his father is well. Upon arriving home, Richard learns that the family's financial state is in dire need of help. With the weight of the needs of the estate and the village it supports, Richard is being urged to marry Miss Sophie Goodnight. Even though she is a commoner, Sophie's dowry is quite large and will keep the family afloat. Richard was on the verge of proposing to Lady Antonio, who he had been courting, so this unexpected turn does not make him happy.
Sophie Goodnight grew up with her family in India; so living now in England is quite the change. Her father wishes for her to marry a nobleman and has set her up to marry Richard Barrett. Sophie is not a fan of this idea and is happy when she meets Richard and realizes he also has no desire to marry her. They hope that banding together in their wish to not marry will help their families see things differently. What they don't count on is the connection they start feeling for each other and the struggles in deciding what to do about those feelings.
A Rake by Any Other Name is an entertaining story. Sophie is a very strong character at first. She is quick and witty and keeps Richard in his place. She isn't one for formality and helps Richard realize that there is more to life than what he is expected to do. There are a few parts of the story where Sophie shows some weaknesses and while that probably helps soften some of her edge, I found it to be annoying teenager girl drama and wish she could have shown her vulnerability in another way. Richard is a very open and honest man. Even though he is faced with hard decisions and has to confront situations head on, he does it easily and without fear. He is portrayed very admirably. He doesn't quite fit with the title of book. He certainly isn't a Rake.
Overall, A Rake by Any Other Name is one I can recommend. It is written well, but I give it an average rating due to Sophie's inconsistent personality. There is also a budding relationship between two of the servants infused in this book that doesn't go anywhere. Perhaps the author plans to continue that story line in the next book? I would have preferred to see that relationship wrapped up in this book to keep the story complete.
Sophie Goodnight grew up with her family in India; so living now in England is quite the change. Her father wishes for her to marry a nobleman and has set her up to marry Richard Barrett. Sophie is not a fan of this idea and is happy when she meets Richard and realizes he also has no desire to marry her. They hope that banding together in their wish to not marry will help their families see things differently. What they don't count on is the connection they start feeling for each other and the struggles in deciding what to do about those feelings.
A Rake by Any Other Name is an entertaining story. Sophie is a very strong character at first. She is quick and witty and keeps Richard in his place. She isn't one for formality and helps Richard realize that there is more to life than what he is expected to do. There are a few parts of the story where Sophie shows some weaknesses and while that probably helps soften some of her edge, I found it to be annoying teenager girl drama and wish she could have shown her vulnerability in another way. Richard is a very open and honest man. Even though he is faced with hard decisions and has to confront situations head on, he does it easily and without fear. He is portrayed very admirably. He doesn't quite fit with the title of book. He certainly isn't a Rake.
Overall, A Rake by Any Other Name is one I can recommend. It is written well, but I give it an average rating due to Sophie's inconsistent personality. There is also a budding relationship between two of the servants infused in this book that doesn't go anywhere. Perhaps the author plans to continue that story line in the next book? I would have preferred to see that relationship wrapped up in this book to keep the story complete.
December 8, 2014
Between grading a bunch of exams, not in English of course but another language, I found some time and the need to lose myself in a book again. So I picked “A Rake by any other name” by Mia Marlowe which I got from Netgalley for an honest review. It’s the 1st book of a new series named “Somerfield Park”.
Short – I loved it from the beginning. I read the first pages and already knew that I will like the two leads a lot.
Miss Goodnight – Sophie – isn’t member of the ton nor is her family because her father made his fortune in India trading and he has made a big one. His more or less last will is that his only daughter gets married to a Lord so his grandson would be a real member of the ton.
When Lord Somerset falls off the roof of the family home his only son comes back from the continent to take over the estate and everything connected to it because the family has essential financial problems – they want him to marry Miss Goodnight because of her father’s purse. But Richard, Lord Somerset, asked already the father of Antonia Pruett of her hand but hasn’t offered officially so they aren’t betrothed yet.
When Richard sees Sophie the first time, he doesn’t see a young lady but a girl in an older dress taming the roses and in his opinion killing them and she seemed to work in one of the estate’s houses. But the same night they find out that they are about to be man and wife if their parents get their wills. It’s not like there is no passion between them or lust- oh there is – but Richard always has to think of Antonia and the ton. Sophie would never be accepted in his opinion … at least in the beginning.
I never liked Antonia and I didn’t care a lot about the 2nd plot and its development about who helped Lord Somerset to fall off the roof but in the end it was important for the main story too. But the 2nd part just wasn’t thrilling.
The book contains more or less three storylines – the one of Sophie and Richard, the one of the people behind the accident of Lord Somerset and the story of the “help”, the people working below.
But honestly I was only really reading – with a big fascination – the story about the two lovebirds and yes I nearly shed one or the other tear with Sophie in the end but only nearly.
I read several Highland novels by Mia Marlowe and I really like her style so whenever a second part of “Somerfield Park” series will be published I am open to read it.
Short – I loved it from the beginning. I read the first pages and already knew that I will like the two leads a lot.
Miss Goodnight – Sophie – isn’t member of the ton nor is her family because her father made his fortune in India trading and he has made a big one. His more or less last will is that his only daughter gets married to a Lord so his grandson would be a real member of the ton.
When Lord Somerset falls off the roof of the family home his only son comes back from the continent to take over the estate and everything connected to it because the family has essential financial problems – they want him to marry Miss Goodnight because of her father’s purse. But Richard, Lord Somerset, asked already the father of Antonia Pruett of her hand but hasn’t offered officially so they aren’t betrothed yet.
When Richard sees Sophie the first time, he doesn’t see a young lady but a girl in an older dress taming the roses and in his opinion killing them and she seemed to work in one of the estate’s houses. But the same night they find out that they are about to be man and wife if their parents get their wills. It’s not like there is no passion between them or lust- oh there is – but Richard always has to think of Antonia and the ton. Sophie would never be accepted in his opinion … at least in the beginning.
I never liked Antonia and I didn’t care a lot about the 2nd plot and its development about who helped Lord Somerset to fall off the roof but in the end it was important for the main story too. But the 2nd part just wasn’t thrilling.
The book contains more or less three storylines – the one of Sophie and Richard, the one of the people behind the accident of Lord Somerset and the story of the “help”, the people working below.
But honestly I was only really reading – with a big fascination – the story about the two lovebirds and yes I nearly shed one or the other tear with Sophie in the end but only nearly.
I read several Highland novels by Mia Marlowe and I really like her style so whenever a second part of “Somerfield Park” series will be published I am open to read it.
November 1, 2014
Hearing that his father had a debilitating accident , Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley was called home to take the reins of the estate only to discover that the family’s finances were in a bad way. Bad investments, bad weather causing bad crops; there was but one remedy – find and marry an heiress. Unfortunately, he had all but proposed to another and she was about to descend upon the family estate with her parents in tow.
As much as she loved her parents, Miss Sophie Goodnight certainly wasn’t keen on being bartered off just to gain a title for her father’s future grandchild. As such Sophie did all in her power to sabotage all Lord Hartley’s attempts to woo her. However, as much as neither was too keen on arranged marriages, there was something that was simmering between them.
*** Mia Marlowe is a newer author for me and I must say I see a bright future for her if she can continue to churn out wonderful tomes such as A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME. I thought her pacing, and plotting was excellent, specifically with the lovely twist that came at the end of this one, and I never saw it coming.
Sophie was my kind of gal who spoke her mind. Her parents were tradesmen - highly successful and very wealthy tradesmen, and although she had a dowery that could put most titled lords and ladies to shame, she didn’t want to be bartered like some animal. Sophie wanted to be loved and wanted for herself. Her attitude was that all titled folks were stuffy and she wanted no part of them and did her best to insult and chase Richard away. In the beginning it worked but as Richard got to know more about her, he realized that not only was she lovely (when she cleaned up), but she was fun, exciting, and highly intelligent - someone he could relate to!
If that were not enough, he soon found out a few other things that gave his life a whole new meaning! And in the course of not giving any spoilers away - you will just have to read this marvelous book to discover what they are and be as surprised and delighted as I was! You will be glad you did as I highly recommend A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
As much as she loved her parents, Miss Sophie Goodnight certainly wasn’t keen on being bartered off just to gain a title for her father’s future grandchild. As such Sophie did all in her power to sabotage all Lord Hartley’s attempts to woo her. However, as much as neither was too keen on arranged marriages, there was something that was simmering between them.
*** Mia Marlowe is a newer author for me and I must say I see a bright future for her if she can continue to churn out wonderful tomes such as A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME. I thought her pacing, and plotting was excellent, specifically with the lovely twist that came at the end of this one, and I never saw it coming.
Sophie was my kind of gal who spoke her mind. Her parents were tradesmen - highly successful and very wealthy tradesmen, and although she had a dowery that could put most titled lords and ladies to shame, she didn’t want to be bartered like some animal. Sophie wanted to be loved and wanted for herself. Her attitude was that all titled folks were stuffy and she wanted no part of them and did her best to insult and chase Richard away. In the beginning it worked but as Richard got to know more about her, he realized that not only was she lovely (when she cleaned up), but she was fun, exciting, and highly intelligent - someone he could relate to!
If that were not enough, he soon found out a few other things that gave his life a whole new meaning! And in the course of not giving any spoilers away - you will just have to read this marvelous book to discover what they are and be as surprised and delighted as I was! You will be glad you did as I highly recommend A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
November 11, 2014
This is book 1 in the Somerfield Park series.
Lord Richard Hartley has been called back from his Grand Tour when his father is injured in an accident. His family needs him to take over the reins of the household while his father recuperates. This includes finding a way to get out of their financial difficulties. His family would have him wed heiress Sophie Goodnight, but Richard has already pledged his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett.
Sophie would rather not be wed for her money and is doing everything in her power to turn away Richard. When she finds out that he wants this marriage even less than she does, they form an unlikely alliance and friendship.
But what happens when this alliance turns into something much more than friendship?
This was definitely a different type of read for me. Usually in books of this time period, the servants are only involved with the story when they have direct contact with members of the upper crust. Marlowe incorporated them into the story and made them an intrical part of it. I really like how she did this. It gave us a different side of the story that we normally don't see because she told the story from their point of view.
I loved Sophie!! She was a girl that didn't care what others thought of her and she did what she wanted even when it wasn't the "normal" thing for her to do. Having not grown up in England, Sophie had a different outlook on life and I think that made her a very interesting character.
Sophie and Richard were great together. I loved all the back and forth between between them.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series which comes out in June 2015.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Lord Richard Hartley has been called back from his Grand Tour when his father is injured in an accident. His family needs him to take over the reins of the household while his father recuperates. This includes finding a way to get out of their financial difficulties. His family would have him wed heiress Sophie Goodnight, but Richard has already pledged his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett.
Sophie would rather not be wed for her money and is doing everything in her power to turn away Richard. When she finds out that he wants this marriage even less than she does, they form an unlikely alliance and friendship.
But what happens when this alliance turns into something much more than friendship?
This was definitely a different type of read for me. Usually in books of this time period, the servants are only involved with the story when they have direct contact with members of the upper crust. Marlowe incorporated them into the story and made them an intrical part of it. I really like how she did this. It gave us a different side of the story that we normally don't see because she told the story from their point of view.
I loved Sophie!! She was a girl that didn't care what others thought of her and she did what she wanted even when it wasn't the "normal" thing for her to do. Having not grown up in England, Sophie had a different outlook on life and I think that made her a very interesting character.
Sophie and Richard were great together. I loved all the back and forth between between them.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series which comes out in June 2015.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
January 18, 2015
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I had hoped it would be the first of many, but I'm not so sure of that now.
What attracted me to read this in the first place was the heroine's name. I feel an obligation to read about Goodnight family members. :-)
This was a quick read and somewhat enjoyable, but there were a number of plot points that bothered me. Why did Lord Somerset, the hero's father, have memory losses? They weren't due to the fall from the roof. What kind of family employs such an unkind ruse against their own son? The son has the father legally & irretrievably declared non compos mentis, really? What about the tea cake laced with ipecac? That's a major event early in the book, but there's no follow-up and no consequences for the culprit. I could go on, but it was that disjointedness that took away from the book overall. Too many things happening that didn't match motivations or that were just stereotypical Regency tropes a la trapping our hero into marriage by being caught after tearing your own gown.
Another thing that bothered me was the author's seeming attempt to cash in on the Downton Abbey craze by introducing a whole set of "downstairs" characters and their feelings, aspirations, romances, etc. There was just so much going on that it distracted from the basic love story.
What attracted me to read this in the first place was the heroine's name. I feel an obligation to read about Goodnight family members. :-)
This was a quick read and somewhat enjoyable, but there were a number of plot points that bothered me. Why did Lord Somerset, the hero's father, have memory losses? They weren't due to the fall from the roof. What kind of family employs such an unkind ruse against their own son? The son has the father legally & irretrievably declared non compos mentis, really? What about the tea cake laced with ipecac? That's a major event early in the book, but there's no follow-up and no consequences for the culprit. I could go on, but it was that disjointedness that took away from the book overall. Too many things happening that didn't match motivations or that were just stereotypical Regency tropes a la trapping our hero into marriage by being caught after tearing your own gown.
Another thing that bothered me was the author's seeming attempt to cash in on the Downton Abbey craze by introducing a whole set of "downstairs" characters and their feelings, aspirations, romances, etc. There was just so much going on that it distracted from the basic love story.
December 30, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed A Rake by Any Other Name. It was filled with humor and a witty banter between the hero and heroine. I loved watching Richard and Sophie fall for each other despite their best efforts not to. I wasn't sure I was going to like Richard at first. He seemed kind of a spoiled eldest son. But his true colors came out when he was with Sophie and he grew on me. I found Sophie's character refreshing. I loved her honesty and willingness to thumb her nose at tradition and society. I thought they were perfect for each other. The story is also a great look at the realities of marriage during that time. Most couples married for money or title and had no love between them.
What I also liked about the book was the view that we get below stairs. I liked the perspective of the servants. You don't see that much in this type of book. It allowed for some more great characters to round out the story. We are also treated to another sweet blossoming romance between two of the servants. I loved that! This is the first in a new series and I hope that more of the Barrett family shows up in the next book.
What I also liked about the book was the view that we get below stairs. I liked the perspective of the servants. You don't see that much in this type of book. It allowed for some more great characters to round out the story. We are also treated to another sweet blossoming romance between two of the servants. I loved that! This is the first in a new series and I hope that more of the Barrett family shows up in the next book.
May 27, 2015
Enjoyable romance with a bit of mystery
A Rake by Any Other Name was an enjoyable read with entertaining characters, a delightful romance and a bit of mystery over a secret waiting to be revealed. Richard and Sophie were wonderful characters and their chemistry was charged from their very first meeting. The mysterious secret wasn't too difficult to figure out but it added interest to the story. My reason for four stars instead of five, which I would have given as I did enjoy the story, was because of the pages that involved the servants. Though some of it was relevant to the story, others I felt dragged it down and I found myself just wanting to get past those parts. I have to agree with one reviewer's opinion that it seemed like Downton Abbey and though I love the show, I don't want to read about the servants in my romances other than as pertains directly to the story. As the series progresses, maybe the servants stories will begin to make more sense. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series with much anticipation.
A Rake by Any Other Name was an enjoyable read with entertaining characters, a delightful romance and a bit of mystery over a secret waiting to be revealed. Richard and Sophie were wonderful characters and their chemistry was charged from their very first meeting. The mysterious secret wasn't too difficult to figure out but it added interest to the story. My reason for four stars instead of five, which I would have given as I did enjoy the story, was because of the pages that involved the servants. Though some of it was relevant to the story, others I felt dragged it down and I found myself just wanting to get past those parts. I have to agree with one reviewer's opinion that it seemed like Downton Abbey and though I love the show, I don't want to read about the servants in my romances other than as pertains directly to the story. As the series progresses, maybe the servants stories will begin to make more sense. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series with much anticipation.
October 31, 2015
Sophie & Richard are wonderful characters. Once they get past their mutual desire to not marry due to their parents all but requiring it, they start to know each other. Naturally they enjoy each other's company and respect their thoughts and suggestions.
Antonia and her parents are despicable in their scheming. One has to wonder how her true personality did not come out during the time Richard spent with Antonia in Paris, where they met. As the series continues, I would love to see them getting their just desserts, especially once it is known they have almost no money.
The secrets that are unravelled surround Richard's father keep the story interesting. The unveiling of his ability to walk despite appearances did not prepare me for the much bigger secret revealed near the end of the story.
I loved the side story of Eliza and David. I hope to see more of them as the series continues. That said, I suspect that will not happen since they are employed by Sophie & Richard, who will not be main characters in the books featuring Richard siblings.
Antonia and her parents are despicable in their scheming. One has to wonder how her true personality did not come out during the time Richard spent with Antonia in Paris, where they met. As the series continues, I would love to see them getting their just desserts, especially once it is known they have almost no money.
The secrets that are unravelled surround Richard's father keep the story interesting. The unveiling of his ability to walk despite appearances did not prepare me for the much bigger secret revealed near the end of the story.
I loved the side story of Eliza and David. I hope to see more of them as the series continues. That said, I suspect that will not happen since they are employed by Sophie & Richard, who will not be main characters in the books featuring Richard siblings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2015
Mia Marlowe is one of my go-to authors for fun and lively historical romance. She has a wonderful knack for excellent pacing that keeps me turning the pages and creating empathetic characters who come alive. This is the first book in her new Somerfield Park series, set in 1817 England.
Personally, I don’t care to read about the lives of servants when I’m reading an historical romance unless, of course, they are the hero and heroine of the story. I think this is a trend that has a lot to do with the recent success and popularity of the television program, Downton Abbey, which focuses on the lives of the aristocracy as well as the servants below stairs. I feel too much time is spent—entire chapters, in fact—from the servants’ points of view in this novel. But this is just a personal preference as others may enjoy this. It is very well done, however, I just don’t really care.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1Eqlffo
Personally, I don’t care to read about the lives of servants when I’m reading an historical romance unless, of course, they are the hero and heroine of the story. I think this is a trend that has a lot to do with the recent success and popularity of the television program, Downton Abbey, which focuses on the lives of the aristocracy as well as the servants below stairs. I feel too much time is spent—entire chapters, in fact—from the servants’ points of view in this novel. But this is just a personal preference as others may enjoy this. It is very well done, however, I just don’t really care.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1Eqlffo
April 10, 2015
I have previously only read Mia Marlowe books she had co written with Connie Mason so I knew I would enjoy A Rake By Any Other Name. Aside from the story line being a bit predictable (until the last chapter which offered a neat little twist) I did enjoy it. Predictable isn't always bad. The main characters were well fleshed out and very like able, which to me is very important. The secondary characters were also like able enough that I hope they each get their own stories. Especially best friend Lawrence!! The villains of the story gave off just the right amount of badness and nastiness that I wanted to cheer when they got their, eventual, comeuppance. Richard and Sophie are a great couple and their love story well written. If you are looking for a fun read then A Rake By Any Other Name is for you.
April 16, 2016
Oh – I wish the author or publisher hadn’t resorted to such a cutesy name for this book, because It really doesn’t tie into the story. Apart from the title, I really liked this book.
The heroine, Sophie, is the daughter of a tradesman who’s built up great wealth and wants to marry her into nobiility to gain some respect for the family. The hero, Richard, is unaware of his family’s financial troubles and wants to marry for “love,” or at least for what he thinks love is. The sparks fly between these two at once. Both resist the forced courtship, but as the story develops they can’t resist each other. I really like Sophie, her spunk and dry wit. And Richard’s emotional development was enjoyable to watch.
Excellent romance. I look forward to more by Ms. Marlowe.
4/5
The heroine, Sophie, is the daughter of a tradesman who’s built up great wealth and wants to marry her into nobiility to gain some respect for the family. The hero, Richard, is unaware of his family’s financial troubles and wants to marry for “love,” or at least for what he thinks love is. The sparks fly between these two at once. Both resist the forced courtship, but as the story develops they can’t resist each other. I really like Sophie, her spunk and dry wit. And Richard’s emotional development was enjoyable to watch.
Excellent romance. I look forward to more by Ms. Marlowe.
4/5
November 5, 2014
This is the first book in a new series and it introduces us to the Barrett family. I enjoyed the story about Sophie, the daughter of a wealthy tradesmen, and Richard, who is the heir to the title. It was a cute story, but I don't think I'd call Richard a rake. He was more of a prude. Sophie on the other hand, was quite open about everything. They made a cute couple that I was definitely rooting for their happiness. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
July 17, 2015
The classic, dime-a-dozen Regency romance novel. Except this one stars a man and woman both under the age of 25, which is unusual for this sort of book. Generally the male hero is older and more experienced, with a bit of an age difference. As a result, they were both kind of immature and annoying. Some of their misunderstandings came across as petty and childish, instead of just bullheaded. The plot "twists" and "surprises" were not all that innovative and I easily guessed them in advance. The secondary plot with the housemaid was interesting, anyways. Overall, very lukewarm read.
November 9, 2014
Overall one good story, I liked very much Sophie's character and also a bit, Richard .Though the other protagonists was pretty much absently portrayed. And a part the vibrant and passionate relationship between Sophie and Richard the rest of story was flat and cold.
January 30, 2016
Upstairs/downstairs, Downton Abbey. It's a pretty good story, but it goes in a dozen directions at once without really getting into anything in depth. I didn't love it, but I will keep reading to see if the series develops focus later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2015
A good story. Jogged along nicely. Liked all characters and storyline was very pleasant.
August 29, 2014
Rated 3.5
Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews