The Knave of Hearts

Rhymes With Love #5

by Elizabeth Boyle

In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes With Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman's hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication . . .

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack's dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother's scandalous past have become the ton's latest on dits. Lavinia's future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster "Tuck" Rowland admits he's partly to blame for Lavinia's disastrous debut. But it's not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he's placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into one of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set society astir?

Tuck's motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Audiobook, Fiction

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

Elizabeth 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.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know, for a knave the main character isn't all that...rascally? He's pretty tame by most standards. In fact, I can't think of ONE thing he does to deserve the title.
And the winner of Most Boring Rake goes to...
Captain Abs on the cover!



Anyway.
This wasn't a bad trashy romance novel, but it wasn't great, either. The heroine is sorta likable, and so is the hero. Nobody was super annoying, skeevy, rapey, or idiotic. <--Bonus!
The story also appears to be one of those that has an underlying mystery/problem that runs through the entire series, & connects them all together.
Which isn't a bad thing!
And while there was ONE main love story (Livy & Tuck), there was also another smaller one between Louisa (Livy's twin) & Piers (Tuck's BFF). I'm curious to see if the story told here was ALL of Louisa & Piers' story, or if there is another book with more 'behind the scenes' stuff about those two.



Oh, and there was also (Brody & Rose...something? Rosetta, maybe?) another romance that was brewing in the background.
Anyhoo, I'm interested enough in these other characters to want to pick up some of the other books. I mean, that's a good sign, right?



Yes. Yes, it is.
All I wanted was a romance that didn't suck, and (while it didn't blow me away) this one fit the bill nicely.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle
Book Five of the Rhymes with Love series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes With Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman's hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication ...

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack's dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother's scandalous past have become the ton's latest on dits. Lavinia's future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster "Tuck" Rowland admits he's partly to blame for Lavinia's disastrous debut. But it's not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he's placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into one of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set society astir?

Tuck's motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

What I Liked:

Upon finishing book four, I knew that the wait for book five would be torture. As much as I loved Piers and Louisa, I couldn't wait to read all about Lavinia and Tuck. The pair proved to be adorable and so well-matched! Proper miss meets scoundrel - a knavish fun-loving rake. I loved If Wishes Were Earls and The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, but I think this fifth book is my favorite of the three! I haven't read books one or two (yet).

This book is told parallel (ish) to book four, The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane. While Piers and Louisa are bickering and falling in love, Lavinia and Tuck are attempting to curb Lavinia's disastrous debut into society. Tuck has always been making wagers, on just about anything, and in a drunken state, he wagers that he'll be able to turn the Tempest sisters into Diamonds on society. But the Tempest sisters are true country misses, with a scandalous mother to boot. Tuck has his work cut out for him, and he is determined to help Lavinia win over society and marry a proper man. But something else is at stake, and it isn't proper at all.

Ahhh, Tuck. He was hilarious in book four, and I adored him even more in this book. He's got the charm, the good looks, the swagger, the humor, but he's also a good guy, despite his knavish reputation. He has something hanging over his head - not going to Spain (to war) with Piers and Poldie. Poldie died and Piers was badly injured, but Tuck remained home. Why? You'll find out in this book! I fell in love with him even more, after learning why he didn't go.

Did I mention that I love Tuck? I really do. He makes a wager on the Tempest sisters, which Lavinia and Louisa know nothing about. Lavinia thinks that he is being a noble gentleman, helping her learn to dance, trying to help her garner a better reputation after a terrible night at Almack's. Even though he made that wager, believe me, he wants the best for Lavinia for an entirely different reason, as he starts to fall for her!

Lavinia is so proper and formal and obsessed with fitting into society and finding a good match. We know this from book four, in which Louisa was the one who didn't care to find a match, but Lavinia was all for it. It surprises everyone, especially Lavinia, when Louisa marries before Lavinia. But Lavinia has been falling for the knave that is Tuck Rowland, despite her best efforts. Lavinia is so proper but she hides a rebellious, naughty nature.

I love Tuck and Lavinia together! He is so wicked and she is so proper, and it's hilarious to see them interact. Lavinia is always correcting him, and Tuck is always trying to get her to loosen up. It's obvious to pretty much everyone, how much the pair cares for each other, and it's fun to watch.

There are some steamy scenes in this book! Remember, Lavinia is all about being proper and whatnot, but she and Tuck are pretty explosive together. It takes a bit to get to the physical part of their relationship, but they are fire!

I LOVE the ending! I wasn't worried about a happily ever after at all, but I love how it came about. I love it when the hero isn't groveling and chasing after the heroine - in this book, Lavinia takes the reins and runs after Tuck. Which I LOVED. And the way it was done was wonderful! I adore the ending so much, and this book in general!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specifically! Not to say that nothing bothered me (I'm sure something did, at some point), but clearly not enough for me to remember. Which is fine by me!

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this book! Even if you've not read any of the Rhymes with Love books, start with this one! If you're a historical romance fan in general, this is a good one.

Rating:

4 stars. I loved this book! I am sooo curious to find out whose book is next. Roselie's? (Piers' sister.) Brody's? ... Both? In any case, I can't wait for July!

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot going on: a framing story, long-lost relatives, a "She's All That"-style wager, card playing, dancing, masquerading, and a couple of weddings.⁠ Yes, all of those things appear, but no, none of them get much in-depth time on the page.
⁠
We really appreciated the intersection between this book and the previous in the series (The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane). New perspectives on events from that book mean that this is best consumed after that one. This is a flashy book that is a lot of fun but without much substances. Take your own personal preferences into account when reading it!

18-Word Summaries:

Laine: F*ckboi lives up to the reputation he didn't earn by saving a "ruined" woman he should've ruined faster. ⁠
⁠
Meg: Not only does Tuck abandon Lavinia on the dance floor, he makes a wager on her marriage prospects…⁠

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in the "Rhymes With Love" series. I have read most of the books in this series and with that in mind I feel this is a standalone book. But I have been enjoying the series and would suggest reading the others just for the enjoyment.
Lavinia Tempest and her twin sister is having their first Season. They are having a lot to overcome with the talk of her dead mother and her affairs. Also that they are not very graceful. Lavinia is not good at dancing and has been asked by Alaster "Tuck" Rowland who is the nephew of her Guardian and her host. While in the middle of the dance Tuck lets her go and walks of... this set her to fall that leads to several couples falling. By the town standards Lavinia is completely ruined for this and along with the talk of her mother. The next day Tuck realizes what he has done as goes to see Lavinia and asked that she let him turn her and her sister into 'Diamonds of the First Water'. Tuck along with wanting to make things right with the Twin Sister has also got a bet going that he can make the girls acceptable to the town again with in Two weeks. This starts their funny, heartfelt love story that I really enjoyed and hope that you would too!

[Ashton Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this was a bit longer and more drawn-out than needed, and it had very little steam.

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only good thing about this book is the super cute guy on the cover. So much better than the old Fabio days. Besides that.... I can't believe I am the only one to give this book a 1-star with a comment. So here goes... The story opens up with the hero being told by his uncle to dance with the heroine to help her with her first season. The poor girl already had negativity following her due to clumsiness. So they start dancing, the hero looks across the ballroom, sees his BFF starting to get into a punching fight (with the guy who turns out to be a super evil villain in the story), he decided then and there that he better go help his buddy so he just lets go of his dance partner in the middle of swinging her thru some dance steps and runs off to help his buddy, completely oblivious to the accident on the dance floor that he just caused. Seriously? So the heroine goes flying into other couples, lots of people fall down, etc. What a complete loser, who does that? I don't care how hot he is, I would never forgive such foolishness, especially since it somehow ruined her in the eyes of society. Not that he even thought to apologize either. So with that being how the story opens up, my first thoughts of the "hero" were pretty low. And they never improved, he just came across as an incompetent loser that no one else really liked either. Then the whole feel of the book (at least to pg 97) was so negative and evil. Those girls didn't have a chance in the ton and I didn't really grasp why, except to be mean. I think if the hero had been more serious, grumpy, a real man, (instead of a joking, bumbling fool) then this story would have been awesome.

[*TANYA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was very funny and witty. Lavinia is clumsy and always quoting proper manners she seeks out in a mate. Tuck meets none of those expectations, he's a knave, but they still fall for each other. Fun, quirky book.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know if it was because it was a busy weekend but I had a more difficult time to immerse at first in this story but by the end I did enjoyed this read as much as the previous book.
Plus I hoped to see the romance about Lord Charleston and Lady Avenue find its conclusion.
Whatever, it was an entertaining and funny read with a prim and proper young miss letting things go loose to find her true self while the hero has to reconcile his past with the present and accept he can’t change what was done but still go on.
Lavinia is the twin of Louisa, the heroine of The Viscount Who Lived Down The Lane. While one is meddling and want to have nothing to do with society, the other wants to fit even if it means silencing her inner self.
Lavinia lives by lists, compilation of what is proper to do and above all to avoid scandal and gossip but all the lists will never be able to prevent the walking-scandal they are by simply being their mother’s daughters.
It was painful to watch them being shunned and all those by link associated to them.
Alaster Rowland or Tuck, Lord Charleton presumptive’s heir lives with his wits and a small allowance to make ends meet, and most of the time it is not enough. And things get worse when he wagers everything on a drunken night. Now is he to transform a rejected lady in a diamond of the first water.
I loved Tuck, he is loyal to the heart to those he cares and accepts to be seen as someone he is not if it means protecting them. He makes mistakes, lot of them but he never gives up.
Lavinia at first was not my favorited of the twins but she grows up during the story, going from the rigid miss to a young woman who will throw everything she thought right to the window to get her man even when he deceived her.
In all, a full of actions romance with some very funny moments.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knave of Hearts is the 5th book in the Rhymes With Love series by Elizabeth Boyle. I haven't read the previous books, so can confirm that this book can be read as a stand alone one.

The story revolves around Lavinia Tempest and Alaster (Tuck) Rowland. She is a young woman who is about to have her debut into society with her twin sister. It's a brave move considering her mother's sordid past has recently become the subject of gossip amongst the 'ton'. But she is determined to find herself a husband and happiness. Alaster is a Knave, who is barely tolerated by society because of something he is supposed to have done in his past.

Lavinia's debut ends up an absolute disaster, she ends up tripping up on the dance floor at her first London Ball, and that ends up causing a domino effect with many of society's finest ending up on the floor with her. So began and ended her debut. She gets the cut from everybody and all invitations to future events get withdrawn.

Tuck won't allow Lavinia's future happiness to be ruined, not only because he inadvertently is to blame for her fall on the dance floor, but also because previous to that disaster he had made a alcohol induced wager in 'Whites' that he could make Lavinia a real diamond, and the most sought after woman in London.

How he is to do that without her finding out about his wager, he isn't sure, but he is determined to win the wager because he wagered much more than he should have.

From the disaster at the ball and onwards we read all about how Tuck helps Lavinia, and about the people he engages to help too. There are some great characters in the story, especially Tuck's mother who I just love. She was a real surprise to me!

Of course during the time he spends with Lavinia, they both end up realising that they have feelings for each other. Unfortunately Lavinia comes across as a very proper lady who wants a very proper husband, and Tuck, well he has the reputation of a Rake, and he has never given marriage any thought. Will their relationship flourish, can two such opposite people be right for each other, and even if they are, what will happen when she finds out about his wager?

I really enjoyed this story, especially as the more I read the more I was dreading what would happen when Lavinia found out about the wager. When it did happen it certainly wasn't what I was expecting which was great. I will say no more, you will have to read the book to find out what I mean.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[DemetraP · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero was a jerk. He is drunk all the time and lives on credit (because he's the heir) and his uncle asks him to dance with her. So he does, only he leaves her on the dance floor in the middle of a dance because he sees his friend might need "back up" for a fight. She loses her balance and crashes into a woman, who gets her petticoat flipped over her head.

The ton stops inviting her and her sister anywhere.

Hero decides he can fix this by teaching her to dance. Only she's a klutz and can only dance with him. "Oh, I can dance. Finally, I can dance" Then she tries to dance with the dance teacher and immediately steps all over his toes again. Yawn.

I stopped reading at this point. I didn't like either of their characters. Did not finish book.

[Angela]

DNF at chapter 4. Just can't do it. I wasn't a fan of Lavinia or Tuck in The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, and they haven't done anything to redeem themselves to me in this book. The first couple chapters were bhooooring... hashing out events that happened in the previous book in far greater detail than necessary. A lot of time is spent explaining just how clumsy Lavinia is, and she's completely self-centered. Sorry folks. I know many of you have high praise for this book but I just can't go on.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

at one point I accidentally skipped 2 pages that stuck together and IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE WHATSOEVER. 50% of this book could have been cut out. it was so repetitive.

I'm still giving it 2 stars because it is Elizabeth Boyle and it was still sometimes fun romance.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my second read from the Rhymes With Loves series, having unknowingly started the series in the middle with The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane (TVWLDTL). Luckily that previous book featured Louisa Tempest and Viscount Wakefield, who are featured heavily in this book as it happens somewhat contemporaneously with TVWLDTL. It's my understanding that most of the series can be read as standalones... however I would recommend reading TVWLDTL before this one since it involves twin sisters and concurrent events. Plus, TVWLDTL was super cute so you won't regret reading it at all.

Anywho, this installment of the series focuses on the other Tempest sister, Lavinia. The Tempest sisters are aptly named whirlwinds of bad luck and chaos. Grace, their name is not. Their tendency toward clumsy klutzy mishaps has earned them the cut direct from the bon ton on their very first outing of the season. Poor gels, I would have been on the outs right beside them with my tendency to trip over flat surfaces. However the scandal hits these girls even harder when people start bringing up their mother's past deeds, and two less-than-stellar gentlemen start a wager over the girls at White's. Lavinia was a likable heroine despite her penchant for the aforementioned unfortunate mishaps - I think those actually endeared who to me more as I could definitely relate. Lavinia (Vivi to her sister, and Livy to our hero) has striven to be a proper lady since she was about 10 years old and saw her mother running off with their dance instructor. She keeps lists of proper behavior and has read numerous etiquette books to gain knowledge of how to behave.

The knave of the story is Alastar "Tuck" Rowland, an untitled gentlemen who is the heir to his uncle's barony. Tuck is actually the match that set fire to the Tempest ruination, as he abandoned Lavinia in the midst of the dance floor, causing her to stumble and knock down other dancers like dominoes. Once Tuck became embroiled in the aforementioned wager, the terms required that he turn Lavinia into a diamond of the first water within a fortnight. Tuck has the reputation of being a knave and scoundrel, however Livy sees underneath the rumor and facade to the lonely brokenhearted man. His character was a good example of things not always being as they seem, and proof of why you should not listen to rumors. His past actions were definitely more honorable and altruistic than the ton bandied about. As a result, I quite liked him as a hero and rooted for him the whole book.

The attraction between Tuck and Livy unfolded steadily over the course of the book as they were forced to spend time with one another to make Livy the success that Tuck had wagered on. My favorite aspect was seeing Livy stop hiding behind her ideals of propriety and showing her true self - a stylish and intelligent young woman who could trounce everyone at cards. She was also willing to fight for her hero when his insecurities got in the way of their future.

I have really enjoyed the books that I have read of this series thus far, and I plan to go back and read the earlier installments as soon as I can fit them into my reading schedule. I will mention that I listened to TVWLDTL in audio, and it was just as enjoyable as reading it. The narrator did a fabulous job. So I may do the earlier installments in audio as well.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anticipating a spectacular season, Miss Lavinia Tempest never anticipated being ruined and marred by her mother's scandelous affair. Because of that, she now holds herself to a created list of proper rules, a list where none of the rules prepare her to lose her heart to everything that is improper, especially to well-known Knave, Alastar "Tuck" Rowland.

Although Tuck means well with trying to right the wrongs that he has done to Livvy, he finds that in all his teaching, he becomes the student in the school of love. He means well and sacrifices himself to make right for all that he loves, including Livvy...a piece of tarnished coal that is tried by The Ton leaving her a radiating diamond in the end.

Elizabeth Boyle has done it again with this book in the series. One very bad wager, secret ancestry, and true love makes this story a delightful read. It is witty, funny and the main characters are quite funny in various parts of the book. The chemistry between the main characters is refreshing having one character staying true to keeping the proper etiquettes of society and the other risking it all in society because he has nothing to lose or to give except his heart.

Truly enjoyed this novel and give it 5-stars.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars? This book had some issues - namely that it take place in large part at the same time as did Louisa and Piers's book, so it felt like some scenes were missing between the sisters and the friends. And also, some scenes were missing in general. Especially toward the end. I'm really annoyed that Livy found out what happened with the commission money from Tuck's mother and never from Tuck. And that his uncle didn't offer them his rambling Tudor pile in the country. And that we didn't get a satisfactory confrontation about the bet. AND that Tuck never finds out that Livy is an heiress. But I was still so charmed by Livy and Tuck. They were so much fun together, and I could see the genuine attraction and like and then love. And I enjoyed how subtly this book set up the next in the series.

Ok, a day later I keep thinking of things I wish had been addressed so while I'll stick to my 3.5 guns, I'm rounding down.

[Kristina Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the Tempest sisters both get their HEA! I loved Louisa's story and was beyond excited for Lavinia's, and boy did Elizabeth Boyle deliver! Long held secrets, a vendetta, con artist family members and at the heart of it all two genuinely good people trying to do what's right fall in love! This Knave and his card sharp lady have moved on to my keeper shelf.

[Auj · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for paperbacks to help pass the time while subbing at middle & high schools, so I saw this one. The blurb grabbed my attention, and the hero on the front cover (and the stepback!) was so handsome.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the first chapter and have no interest in reading more to find out what happens. The beginning was odd. It starts with our heroine Lavinia telling an old lady after her sister's wedding a story, but it never goes back to the present with her telling the story. It just goes into the story. It confused me.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and loved seeing our heroine come into her own! Plus seeing Tuck make his way. A fun and adventurous story!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! Great narrator!

[Sabina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent story, not my favorite of the series, but still an enjoyable read. I liked the heroine Lavinia. She was fun, and not always so proper LOL. I liked Tuck too. They did have some good chemistry and attraction to each other. It was real and not forced.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

original post at: http:http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
and http://booknerdloleotodo.spot.com
“The Knave of Hearts” by Elizabeth Boyle was a sweet and enjoyable story. I’ve long wanted to read Boyle and was happy that I finally got the chance to. Although this is the fifth book in the series I did not find that I missed out on the story and this is easily a stand-a-lone.

Lavinia Temptest was a sweet heroine. I really liked her and thought she was fun. She is in London making her debut with her sister. Lavinia is not having an easy time. She has her mother’s scandalous behavior looming over her and she is a very awkward dancer. Her already disastrous debut is only cumulated when Alaster “Tuck” Rowland asks to dance with her and she ends up falling. Lavinia is already having a difficult time finding her way into society and Tuck’s mishap only makes things worse for her. Lavinia for her part is looking for true love and is determined to succeed.

Tuck feels bad about his hand in Lavinia’s humiliation and wants to make it up to her. Her tries to convince her that he can teach her to dance and that all of London will be eating out of her hand. To her credit, she refuses his offer but quickly has to relent because she realizes she needs help. He makes a bet that he make turn her into the most sought after lady in London.

Tuck and Lavinia begin to spend more and more time together and they fall in love. Tuck’s mother was a great addition to this story and she was a great character. Overall, I enjoyed this book but I found the storyline a little slow. I also like when characters take their time to fall in love and Lavinia and Tuck instantly feel something for each other. Even though I liked Lavinia she often started crying when confronted with a difficult situation. I did appreciate how her own personal self-awareness helped her to finally find her happiness. I know that Boyle fans will enjoy this book and I plan to read more by her.

[Aemelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming to London to be introduced to society and find a husband was Lavinia Tempest's dearest wish. Unfortunately, her dazzling debut was ruined with a tumble at Almack's and a scandal her mother caused years ago. Lavinia's sister, Louisa has found love and happiness and while she is happy for her sister, she still feels a bit out of sorts. Lavinia is determined to be a proper lady and to follow her list of dos and don'ts, but can she overcome the shadows that are trailing her and find happiness of her own.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland, Lord Charleton's nephew and heir, is known to be a bit of a ne'er do well. Many believe him to be a coward that abandoned his closest friends by not joining them in war and he does little to prove them wrong. He wagers that he can turn Lavinia into the finest lady, but is surprised to find himself entranced by her.

Elizabeth Boyle is one of my favorite historical romance authors, The Knave of Hearts reinforced why I like her books so much. She spins a tale of romance with characters that you want to meet and know first hand. She knows how to weave bits of humor with the drama and romance without becoming slap-sticky.

Tuck and Lavinia had great chemistry, and I couldn't wait for their HEA (happily ever after). I loved the way they interacted and kind of wish that they came together physically earlier in the book... Tuck had great intentions as he turned Lavinia into a lady, but he saw that what he loved most about her was when she was herself.

I also liked how this book retold part of Louisa's story in Lavinia's voice. It's fun to see other characters perspectives of different situations.


*This book was given to me by the publisher for honest feedback

[Teril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lavinia Tempest has had high hopes for her season, but after a disastrous dance at Almacks with Tuck Rowland her prospects are dropping and her dance cards are empty. After being shunned by the Ton, and alienated by Society Lavinia is ready to give up and go to the country.

Tuck has made a wager, the knave that he is, that Lavinia will be a lady of the first water and the darling of the season. Tuck must rally some forces to assist Lavinia in becoming popular, but also keep his wager secret from her.

With some unconventional help in the form of Tuck Rowland's mother and "Uncle" Hero, Lavinia discovers herself and her own personal power, but will she loose hope when she discovers Tuck's secret wager on her future.

For those who have read through the Rhymes with love series, The Knave of Hearts happens along the same timeline of The Viscount Who Lives Down The Lane #4 that followed Louisa Tempest's story. By getting both sister's points of view about the same timeline in the series is a delight to read, because you see what is happening from both sisters.

With some fabulous writing and captivating characters, Elizabeth Boyle does it again with her Rhymes With Love Series. If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, don't worry, pick this book up anyways and you can work your way back through the rest. This series is delightful all the way through and this book can help heat up those January Nights with its tension filled characters.

​This book was a delight to read all the way through.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved ALL of the books in this series. It follows a number of the inhabitants of a small village named Kempton -- the village is full of spinsters. In this series, a number of them are getting their HEA's. This is the 5th book of the series.

In book #4 (The Viscount Who Lived Down The Lane) twin sisters Louisa and Lavinia Tempest come to London for their season. Louisa and Viscount Wakefield get their HEA and set up the story for Lavinia and Tuck.

This book covers a parallel timeline and shows many of the events from book #4 - except it shows them as they relate to Lavinia and Tuck.

Lavinia (and Louisa) are 'ruined' (something I still don't understand from that time period -- why would you cut someone for a clumsy accident?) Anyway -- Tuck makes a bet that he can resurrect both sisters and make them 'Rarity Diamonds' within the ton. He's half way there when Louisa marries Wakefield, but Lavinia is a different story all together.

The bad guys in book #4 are still active in this book -- only now they have gotten nastier. Tuck not only has to resurrect Lavinia, he has to keep her safe at the same time.

There are several characters (several males and a female) I would love to see in other books. I kind of think maybe I will, but you never know.

This is a really enjoyable book with a number of funny spots in it -- be sure to look for Lady Gosforth's in-house in the extreme latter half of the book. It is really funny. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Arshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lavina has tired to do everything in her power to have a successful season. However, with one dance her chances of a good match are ruined. All of this is one person's fault. Alaster Rowland is barely accepted by society, his uncle is sponsoring the Tempest sisters for a London season. He knows he isn't good enough for Lavina but his mistake costs her. He also makes the mistake of betting that he can make Lavina into an Original. I call it mistake not because she has no chance but because when is it ok to make bets like this?!

The story was cute and the journey for the two characters was very interesting. I liked the different perspective for the twins. They were so close but with both of their romances they hid a lot of details from each other. With all of these characters and their stories intertwining, it was a fun read! I loved it.

[Tracy T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story, good narration by Susan Duerden (audible review)

This was a decent story, not my favorite of the series, but still an enjoyable listen. I liked the heroine Lavinia she was fun, and not always so proper LOL. I liked Tuck too. They did have some good chemistry and attraction to each other. It was real an not forced. There is one sex scene at the end that was very mildly nicely written.

The story line seemed to drag a bit until about 50% then picked up a bit. It did take me a little longer to get through this but I am glad I finished it. There is a lot of dialogue throughout the entire book. I love lots of dialogue.

As for the narration, it was good. I do like Susan Duerden, she reads with a lot of emotion and the men sound like men, all the characters have their own voice. Some of the singsong reading can get on my nerves sometimes, but you can get past it.

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tuck and Livie. Well it ties up most of the loose ends left from the last book, but I found I didn't care as much. Tuck, while in his cups, makes a wager with Ilford, that he can make the Tempest twins the diamonds of this year's 'season'. There are a lot of threads to the story but none of them really pan out like you think or wish they will. Lavinia has devoted her life to making sure she can never be confused with her loose skirted mother. She holds her life to a list of rules that in no way reflect the reality of living in London. Tuck is an asshat with a heart of gold. I was hoping to revisit Louisa and Pierson, but there are only separate glimpses. Meh. I seem to find this author's books too long.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, there is a difference between one's expectation of a film and of a cartoon. With the former, you're expecting a degree of realism; with a cartoon, you're prepared to let more things go - it may not be realistic, the characters will probably not develop, the backgrounds will be sketchy, reactions will be exaggerated rather than subtle etc etc. It would probably have helped if I had thought of this book as a cartoon when I was reading it, and I could then have appreciated it more on its own terms.

[Kimia Safavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knave is another wonderful and funny historical romance by Elizabeth Boyle.
Lavinia Tempest and Alaster Tuck are two adorable characters with a one big problem.
When Tuck let Lavinia fall on the Almack's dance floor, he ruined her chance of a spectacular season. Now he needs to save her reputation and try not to lose his wager too.

This is a page turner romance that keep you entertained with fun characters and great plots.
Thank you Elizabeth Boyle