What do you think?
Rate this book
Book Club Belles Society #3
How to Rescue a Rake
HOW TO RESCUE A RAKE:
Reject his marriage proposal
Nathaniel Sherringham has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man. Gone is the reckless rake who went out on a limb to propose to Diana Makepiece three years ago. Now Nate's mysterious new wealth has the town's rumor mill spinning. To stir things up (and get Diana's attention), Nate boldly announces his plans to marry "any suitable girl" under the age of 25.
Run away
Diana, now 27 and still single, is acutely aware of Nate's return. When her mother suggests a trip to visit a cousin in Bath, Diana leaps at the chance to escape the heartbreak and regret she can't help but feel in Nate's presence...and avoid his irritating charade to find a bride.
But for Nate, Diana has always been the one. He might just have to follow her to Bath and once again lay his heart on the line to win her attention-and her heart.
Reject his marriage proposal
Nathaniel Sherringham has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man. Gone is the reckless rake who went out on a limb to propose to Diana Makepiece three years ago. Now Nate's mysterious new wealth has the town's rumor mill spinning. To stir things up (and get Diana's attention), Nate boldly announces his plans to marry "any suitable girl" under the age of 25.
Run away
Diana, now 27 and still single, is acutely aware of Nate's return. When her mother suggests a trip to visit a cousin in Bath, Diana leaps at the chance to escape the heartbreak and regret she can't help but feel in Nate's presence...and avoid his irritating charade to find a bride.
But for Nate, Diana has always been the one. He might just have to follow her to Bath and once again lay his heart on the line to win her attention-and her heart.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
21 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 3, 2016
This book deserves a great review I don't have time for but if you in any way liked Jane Austen's Persuasion and deep intense longing, you'll want to show up for this one. It had the delightful feel from the first in the series but with a deeper heavier tone. The heroine gets a wee bit annoying with denial but the way the hero feels draw to her and can't believe no one else sees her the way he does was swoon-y goodness.
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up for the author's cleverness in paying homage to Persuasion.
The Bookclub Belles, a reading group formed by the young ladies of Hawcombe Prior, are reading Jane Austen’s Persuasion when a real-life version of that story begins to transpire in their midst. Captain Nathaniel Sherringham returns to the village, more handsome and charming than ever, and sporting a fortune to boot.
Thus begins Jayne Fresina’s charming homage to my favorite Jane Austen title. Diana Makepiece has lost her bloom, and if anything she is more pitiful and repressed than Austen’s Anne Elliot. Diana lives in genteel poverty with her domineering mother, who had once persuaded Diana to reject Sherry’s impetuous proposal of marriage. At the time, Sherry did indeed look to be a poor sort of a husband. After returning from the army, he was a fun-loving flirt without connections or prospects. Now, after a three-year absence, the tables are turned, but Sherry can barely recognize girl who once broke his heart.
Although the plot more or less follows the main events of Persuasion, the author has wisely chosen to change certain circumstances and characters, such that the reader does not always know exactly what will happen next.
Diana travels to Bath to visit her toplofty cousin, Lady Elizabeth Plumtre, and we encounter an even more unpleasant version of Anne's querulous hypochondriac sister, with a touch of Sir Walter Elliot's snobbery. Her husband, Sir Jonty Plumtre, a newly minted baronet, is a wealthy tradesman whose jolly mother and hoyden sisters recall Austen's Musgrove family. Although Elizabeth sees Diana as a spinster who will become her companion and dogs-body, the loving kindness and good cheer of the Plumtre family begin to work a bit of a miracle.
Diana, who has never really known love, begins to recover that lost bloom, and when Sherry and Sir Jonty become fast friends, the couple is frequently thrown together. Sherry finds himself thinking that perhaps it isn't too late and sets out to woo her, but Diana is still skeptical. How Sherry wins over Diana, as well as her very proper mother, makes for a delightful story.
Sherry is utterly charming and quite livelier than Persuasion's Captain Wentworth, but it is Diana's emergence from her cocoon that dominates the story. I quite enjoyed that bit, as both characters are very well drawn. The secondary characters are very engaging as well. Ms. Fresina is no Jane Austen (well, who is?), but she has quite a way with words, and there were some lovely passages that I stopped and read again. Although it is fun to see the parallels, one need not have read Persuasion to enjoy this breezy story of second-chance love.
I plan to go back and read her first novel in this series, as the Bookclub Belles tackle Pride and Prejudice.
The Bookclub Belles, a reading group formed by the young ladies of Hawcombe Prior, are reading Jane Austen’s Persuasion when a real-life version of that story begins to transpire in their midst. Captain Nathaniel Sherringham returns to the village, more handsome and charming than ever, and sporting a fortune to boot.
Thus begins Jayne Fresina’s charming homage to my favorite Jane Austen title. Diana Makepiece has lost her bloom, and if anything she is more pitiful and repressed than Austen’s Anne Elliot. Diana lives in genteel poverty with her domineering mother, who had once persuaded Diana to reject Sherry’s impetuous proposal of marriage. At the time, Sherry did indeed look to be a poor sort of a husband. After returning from the army, he was a fun-loving flirt without connections or prospects. Now, after a three-year absence, the tables are turned, but Sherry can barely recognize girl who once broke his heart.
Although the plot more or less follows the main events of Persuasion, the author has wisely chosen to change certain circumstances and characters, such that the reader does not always know exactly what will happen next.
Diana travels to Bath to visit her toplofty cousin, Lady Elizabeth Plumtre, and we encounter an even more unpleasant version of Anne's querulous hypochondriac sister, with a touch of Sir Walter Elliot's snobbery. Her husband, Sir Jonty Plumtre, a newly minted baronet, is a wealthy tradesman whose jolly mother and hoyden sisters recall Austen's Musgrove family. Although Elizabeth sees Diana as a spinster who will become her companion and dogs-body, the loving kindness and good cheer of the Plumtre family begin to work a bit of a miracle.
Diana, who has never really known love, begins to recover that lost bloom, and when Sherry and Sir Jonty become fast friends, the couple is frequently thrown together. Sherry finds himself thinking that perhaps it isn't too late and sets out to woo her, but Diana is still skeptical. How Sherry wins over Diana, as well as her very proper mother, makes for a delightful story.
Sherry is utterly charming and quite livelier than Persuasion's Captain Wentworth, but it is Diana's emergence from her cocoon that dominates the story. I quite enjoyed that bit, as both characters are very well drawn. The secondary characters are very engaging as well. Ms. Fresina is no Jane Austen (well, who is?), but she has quite a way with words, and there were some lovely passages that I stopped and read again. Although it is fun to see the parallels, one need not have read Persuasion to enjoy this breezy story of second-chance love.
I plan to go back and read her first novel in this series, as the Bookclub Belles tackle Pride and Prejudice.
December 22, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (27)
Some little parts of the story here and there were a little interesting.
Not set in London.
Second chance romance.
➖ What I disliked:
Unlikable and annoying heroine.
(Shrewish, judgemental, dismissive, snobbish etc.)
Unlikable and annoying side characters.
(Heroines Mother and cousin.)
This book/story has more in common with the play: The taming of the shrew…. Then as a retelling or/and a adaptation of the book:Persuasion.
The start of the story is very slow so very slow.
Verbose.
Anachronistic in many parts.
Issues and problems were fixed too quickly and too easily.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted…. Especially from the heroines side of things.
Too much miscommunication and misunderstandings.
(If they only sat down and talked things through as equals/adults …. at least once …. it would not be so over the top with the miscommunication/misunderstandings.)
Believability/plausibility issues.
(That the heroine would forgive her mother for sabotaging her budding relationship and possible marriage to the hero.
That the heroines relationship with her mother would just be honky dory after all the heroines mother did and said etc. to the heroine…. And how toxic she was.
That the hero would forgive and want to spend time with the heroines mother after how she behaved towards him under many years.
That the heroines bitter and toxic mother would accept the heroines marriage to the hero.
That the heroine proposed to the hero.
The heroines rather quick switch of personality and attitude etc.
Etc.)
That the heroine referred to her awful/toxic/bitter mother over and over about anything and everything… or/and thought of what her mother would think etc.
In other words the heroine was a "mummy's girl".
The book/story flip-flops between being kind of a classic novel and a historical romance.
Too many lengthy quotes from the book Persuasion.
Not enough info or backstory of the 10 years the main characters known each other.
There was No real steam … only kissing and necking/petting etc. and No real sex scene… just closed door scene/fade to black scene.
(The book is not labeled/marked as a “clean”/”sweet” or closed door romance but it very much felt like one.)
There was No comeuppance for what the heroines awful mother did to the heroine and the relationship between the main characters.
What she did was more or less shrugged off as nothing.
The why and how of why the main characters feel in love was lacking.
Not a believable couple and the hero deserved better.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (27)
Some little parts of the story here and there were a little interesting.
Not set in London.
Second chance romance.
➖ What I disliked:
Unlikable and annoying heroine.
(Shrewish, judgemental, dismissive, snobbish etc.)
Unlikable and annoying side characters.
(Heroines Mother and cousin.)
This book/story has more in common with the play: The taming of the shrew…. Then as a retelling or/and a adaptation of the book:Persuasion.
The start of the story is very slow so very slow.
Verbose.
Anachronistic in many parts.
Issues and problems were fixed too quickly and too easily.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted…. Especially from the heroines side of things.
Too much miscommunication and misunderstandings.
(If they only sat down and talked things through as equals/adults …. at least once …. it would not be so over the top with the miscommunication/misunderstandings.)
Believability/plausibility issues.
(That the heroine would forgive her mother for sabotaging her budding relationship and possible marriage to the hero.
That the heroines relationship with her mother would just be honky dory after all the heroines mother did and said etc. to the heroine…. And how toxic she was.
That the hero would forgive and want to spend time with the heroines mother after how she behaved towards him under many years.
That the heroines bitter and toxic mother would accept the heroines marriage to the hero.
That the heroine proposed to the hero.
The heroines rather quick switch of personality and attitude etc.
Etc.)
That the heroine referred to her awful/toxic/bitter mother over and over about anything and everything… or/and thought of what her mother would think etc.
In other words the heroine was a "mummy's girl".
The book/story flip-flops between being kind of a classic novel and a historical romance.
Too many lengthy quotes from the book Persuasion.
Not enough info or backstory of the 10 years the main characters known each other.
There was No real steam … only kissing and necking/petting etc. and No real sex scene… just closed door scene/fade to black scene.
(The book is not labeled/marked as a “clean”/”sweet” or closed door romance but it very much felt like one.)
There was No comeuppance for what the heroines awful mother did to the heroine and the relationship between the main characters.
What she did was more or less shrugged off as nothing.
The why and how of why the main characters feel in love was lacking.
Not a believable couple and the hero deserved better.
January 27, 2016
Originally posted
HERE
.
Do yourself a favour and make sure you know a thing or two about Jane Austen’s Persuasion before you read this book. Do it any way: watch a movie version or even read the Wikipedia summary! Just make sure you have the gist of it.
How to Rescue a Rake can also be read as a standalone, and while our heroine and her friends are reading Persuasion, the two lead characters are living out their own version of the same story. Sure, it’s a little gimmicky, but I really loved this book.
There are a lot of historical romance authors who try to be funny when they write, and it so rarely works for me. I prefer more serious historical romances. However, with Jayne Fresina I make an exception. She is fun rather than slapstick, and because she isn’t obsessed with making her characters “sexy” it means she makes them more human.
Following in Austen’s traditions, we get characters from the landed gentry, rather than everyone being a duke or a duchess (what a relief!), and the manners are better – despite the humour. People actually follow social rules of the time, are concerned about social rules of the time, and do not run around having sex from start to finish of the book.
This all gives us a chance to read a ROMANCE!
However, what I probably like best about this book is the whole second-chance feel to it. These are flawed characters who have known big disappointments in their lives, and the theme is the reason the original book, Persuasion, was so successful. It is a story about gaining maturity and taking leaps, and I know I am going to remember it better than most of the cut-and-dried Regency romances being published now.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Do yourself a favour and make sure you know a thing or two about Jane Austen’s Persuasion before you read this book. Do it any way: watch a movie version or even read the Wikipedia summary! Just make sure you have the gist of it.
How to Rescue a Rake can also be read as a standalone, and while our heroine and her friends are reading Persuasion, the two lead characters are living out their own version of the same story. Sure, it’s a little gimmicky, but I really loved this book.
There are a lot of historical romance authors who try to be funny when they write, and it so rarely works for me. I prefer more serious historical romances. However, with Jayne Fresina I make an exception. She is fun rather than slapstick, and because she isn’t obsessed with making her characters “sexy” it means she makes them more human.
Following in Austen’s traditions, we get characters from the landed gentry, rather than everyone being a duke or a duchess (what a relief!), and the manners are better – despite the humour. People actually follow social rules of the time, are concerned about social rules of the time, and do not run around having sex from start to finish of the book.
This all gives us a chance to read a ROMANCE!
However, what I probably like best about this book is the whole second-chance feel to it. These are flawed characters who have known big disappointments in their lives, and the theme is the reason the original book, Persuasion, was so successful. It is a story about gaining maturity and taking leaps, and I know I am going to remember it better than most of the cut-and-dried Regency romances being published now.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
January 27, 2016
Historic Romance Perfect
I have two absolute favorite things I always wish for in a book, both so rare that I've finally removed them from my formula for the perfect book. One of them happens often enough that I do still hope for it, but the other, I'd given up on completely. Until this story...
Jayne Fresina is a new author for me, and this is a NetGalley read, meaning I really wasn't expecting much. But this story is so cleverly told, with each nuance exquisitely layered, never wavering from the theme. What a wonderful surprise.
And it's rare that a romance novel engages my heart upon picking it up the next day, one of the reasons I so often stay up late to finish. But after putting this one down, I dreamed about it all night, then couldn't wait to pick it up again tonight. It didn't lose it's appeal one bit.
There are so many things to like about this book. I especially appreciate the realism Ms. Fresina brought in depicting Diana's introverted nature, showing why she was so appealing to Nathaniel's happy, go-lucky personality. And when the tables were turned, towards the end of the novel, it just made my heart happy as could be.
I also really liked how the author handled Diana's mother, an unhappy, impossible to please woman. The author doesn't leave her as a strawman cariacture, as is so often the case in romance, but instead allows Diana to begin to appreciate her mother, seeing the positive influence her mother brought to bear in her life. And Nate's plan to defeat the curmudgeon with kindness made me love him even more.
But that one thing that immediately enchanted me, the thing I was secretly yearning for, is this. This story leaves room to breathe. The lithe interweaving of Jane Austen's Persuasion with Diana and Nate's present day story was good, quite good.
But the author takes it one step further, adding a third strand, telling the story of when they first met, when they first fell in love. The way these three storylines danced around each other somehow combined in a way to completely capture my heart.
Highly recommended.
The book has three intimate scenes, easily skipped, and no bad words that I recall.
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Just so you know, my average NetGalley rating is just shy of 2 stars. This is the first NetGalley ARC I have given 5 stars.
I have two absolute favorite things I always wish for in a book, both so rare that I've finally removed them from my formula for the perfect book. One of them happens often enough that I do still hope for it, but the other, I'd given up on completely. Until this story...
Jayne Fresina is a new author for me, and this is a NetGalley read, meaning I really wasn't expecting much. But this story is so cleverly told, with each nuance exquisitely layered, never wavering from the theme. What a wonderful surprise.
And it's rare that a romance novel engages my heart upon picking it up the next day, one of the reasons I so often stay up late to finish. But after putting this one down, I dreamed about it all night, then couldn't wait to pick it up again tonight. It didn't lose it's appeal one bit.
There are so many things to like about this book. I especially appreciate the realism Ms. Fresina brought in depicting Diana's introverted nature, showing why she was so appealing to Nathaniel's happy, go-lucky personality. And when the tables were turned, towards the end of the novel, it just made my heart happy as could be.
I also really liked how the author handled Diana's mother, an unhappy, impossible to please woman. The author doesn't leave her as a strawman cariacture, as is so often the case in romance, but instead allows Diana to begin to appreciate her mother, seeing the positive influence her mother brought to bear in her life. And Nate's plan to defeat the curmudgeon with kindness made me love him even more.
But that one thing that immediately enchanted me, the thing I was secretly yearning for, is this. This story leaves room to breathe. The lithe interweaving of Jane Austen's Persuasion with Diana and Nate's present day story was good, quite good.
But the author takes it one step further, adding a third strand, telling the story of when they first met, when they first fell in love. The way these three storylines danced around each other somehow combined in a way to completely capture my heart.
Highly recommended.
The book has three intimate scenes, easily skipped, and no bad words that I recall.
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Just so you know, my average NetGalley rating is just shy of 2 stars. This is the first NetGalley ARC I have given 5 stars.
January 23, 2016
Review to come next year! It was a pleasant read and I am thinking of reading the previous books in the series.
December 18, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Book Club Belles Society book three. Finally the book for Diana and Nate. I love this series and I have been waiting for Diana and Nate to finally get their HEA. It's not imperative to read the previous two books but they are very good books I recommend you read, even if you read them after this one.
Nathaniel Sherringham has always loved Diana Makepeace. But Diana's mother was bound to make her daughter a more advantageous marriage then she herself had. Diana wanting to please her mother agreed to marry a man she felt nothing for. She was content with her decision until Nate had to go and propose marriage and kiss her. Diana's perception changed after that. Even with the scathing remarks and insults she told Nate, she always thought about him after that, and whether she would admit it or not was the main reason she broke off her engagement.
Three years later and Nate is a changed man. No longer the rake and the gambler, but a businessman. Nate has come back to the town he calls home; over all the other towns he has lived in, this town where his sister is now happily married and where Diana is of course he thinks by now she is married by now. He is shocked to discover the vibrant young miss who won his heart and broke it is still single and has lost the sparkle in her eyes. Everyone thinks that she is still grieving the loss of her fiance.
Diana has almost given up hope of ever getting married. But a trip to visit a cousin in Bath to help rejuvenate her health has given her hope for more. Unknowingly Nate makes a trip to Bath as well and their paths cross. Diana is open to having a lover but Nate is out to prove she is worth so much more than just a lover.
Overall, This was a great read. I found myself giggling at the end because there are more to come and I really am looking forward to reading about the outgoing cousins of Diana.
Book Club Belles Society book three. Finally the book for Diana and Nate. I love this series and I have been waiting for Diana and Nate to finally get their HEA. It's not imperative to read the previous two books but they are very good books I recommend you read, even if you read them after this one.
Nathaniel Sherringham has always loved Diana Makepeace. But Diana's mother was bound to make her daughter a more advantageous marriage then she herself had. Diana wanting to please her mother agreed to marry a man she felt nothing for. She was content with her decision until Nate had to go and propose marriage and kiss her. Diana's perception changed after that. Even with the scathing remarks and insults she told Nate, she always thought about him after that, and whether she would admit it or not was the main reason she broke off her engagement.
Three years later and Nate is a changed man. No longer the rake and the gambler, but a businessman. Nate has come back to the town he calls home; over all the other towns he has lived in, this town where his sister is now happily married and where Diana is of course he thinks by now she is married by now. He is shocked to discover the vibrant young miss who won his heart and broke it is still single and has lost the sparkle in her eyes. Everyone thinks that she is still grieving the loss of her fiance.
Diana has almost given up hope of ever getting married. But a trip to visit a cousin in Bath to help rejuvenate her health has given her hope for more. Unknowingly Nate makes a trip to Bath as well and their paths cross. Diana is open to having a lover but Nate is out to prove she is worth so much more than just a lover.
Overall, This was a great read. I found myself giggling at the end because there are more to come and I really am looking forward to reading about the outgoing cousins of Diana.
January 2, 2016
3.5
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I stumbled across the latest Jayne Fresina book on NetGalley, I knew I had to have it. I've read all the previous Book Club Belles Society books (including the novella) and one of her previous series, Sydney Dovedale. I was reasonably certain that I'd be pleased with How to Rescue a Rake, and it proved to be an enjoyable read.
Most Jayne Fresina books fall between a 3.5 and 4 star rating for me, and How to Rescue a Rake was no different. The first book of the series, Once Upon a Kiss, was my favorite of the series, and that hasn't changed with this book, but it was nice to see Diana and Nathaniel finally get their romance, since it's been hinted at for the entire series.
The one shining spot in this book was Diana's transformation from meek and obedient daughter to a confident woman. Diana's oppressed not just by the time she lives in, but by her mother's strict rules. She's quiet and overlooked by others, which is something that's relatable, and watching Nathaniel rediscover Diana and be the one to truly see her was sweet.
I couldn't always track how Nathaniel felt toward Diana -- he seemed to switch between angry and not angry (wanting her? desperate to get a reaction from her? dunno) often enough that I was never quite sure where he stood, at least until later parts of the book. After Diana turned down his proposal, he set off and actually made something of himself, but I also would have liked to see him redeemed more in the eyes of... well, everyone.
How to Rescue a Rake was an enjoyable addition to the Book Club Belles Society, and it leaves the door open for more books -- if not in this series, then in a spin-off series. While How to Rescue a Rake doesn't quite dig as emotionally deep as say Courtney Milan, Tessa Dare, or Sarah MacLean, it's a worthy book to spend a quick afternoon with.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I stumbled across the latest Jayne Fresina book on NetGalley, I knew I had to have it. I've read all the previous Book Club Belles Society books (including the novella) and one of her previous series, Sydney Dovedale. I was reasonably certain that I'd be pleased with How to Rescue a Rake, and it proved to be an enjoyable read.
Most Jayne Fresina books fall between a 3.5 and 4 star rating for me, and How to Rescue a Rake was no different. The first book of the series, Once Upon a Kiss, was my favorite of the series, and that hasn't changed with this book, but it was nice to see Diana and Nathaniel finally get their romance, since it's been hinted at for the entire series.
The one shining spot in this book was Diana's transformation from meek and obedient daughter to a confident woman. Diana's oppressed not just by the time she lives in, but by her mother's strict rules. She's quiet and overlooked by others, which is something that's relatable, and watching Nathaniel rediscover Diana and be the one to truly see her was sweet.
I couldn't always track how Nathaniel felt toward Diana -- he seemed to switch between angry and not angry (wanting her? desperate to get a reaction from her? dunno) often enough that I was never quite sure where he stood, at least until later parts of the book. After Diana turned down his proposal, he set off and actually made something of himself, but I also would have liked to see him redeemed more in the eyes of... well, everyone.
How to Rescue a Rake was an enjoyable addition to the Book Club Belles Society, and it leaves the door open for more books -- if not in this series, then in a spin-off series. While How to Rescue a Rake doesn't quite dig as emotionally deep as say Courtney Milan, Tessa Dare, or Sarah MacLean, it's a worthy book to spend a quick afternoon with.
July 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
I usually try to read series in order, but this one grabbed my attention because it is a retelling of my favorite Jane Austen book, Persuasion. Nate and Diana had a bit of a flirtation a few years ago that ended due to mysterious reasons. Then Nate returned to the village and these two different, but likable characters found themselves dealing with their past feelings and expectations for the future. I thought this book was charming and sweet. All the Persuasion elements were there with plenty of new characterization for the main couple. I quite liked the idea of the hero pursuing the heroine throughout the story since, very often, it is the other way around. I had a good time reading How to Rescue a Rake even if it wasn't the most original or scintillating story.
I usually try to read series in order, but this one grabbed my attention because it is a retelling of my favorite Jane Austen book, Persuasion. Nate and Diana had a bit of a flirtation a few years ago that ended due to mysterious reasons. Then Nate returned to the village and these two different, but likable characters found themselves dealing with their past feelings and expectations for the future. I thought this book was charming and sweet. All the Persuasion elements were there with plenty of new characterization for the main couple. I quite liked the idea of the hero pursuing the heroine throughout the story since, very often, it is the other way around. I had a good time reading How to Rescue a Rake even if it wasn't the most original or scintillating story.
January 11, 2016
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Being a fan of Jane Austen and Persuasion, I am intrigued by Jayne Fresina’s parallel story of Nate and Diana in her latest story called How to Rescue a Rake. Years ago Nate proposed to Diana but she flatly refused him knowing he was too much of a player and had no true prospects for the future. Now he has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man and also wealthier and looking for a bride. Diana doesn’t regret refusing him but she has regrets that she is destined to be a spinster. This story was heartwarmingly entertaining showing how two people can change and find themselves on the right path of happiness together.
Diana has been the quiet one of the Book Club Belles and is happy for each of her friend’s happiness in their marriages. Her circumstances of being single and her own mother’s unhappy relationship with her father, makes it intolerable at times to be upbeat and love life. When she is sent to Bath to recuperate from her illness, she takes that opportunity to live a little, out from under her mother’s smothering and her friend’s eyes and ears. She pushed herself out of her own comfort zone and became a little brazened when given the chance with Nate. Knowing their past record she takes it upon herself to make things right with Nate and herself. I like it very much when you see a character grow and change over the course of the story and Diana found her inner strength again.
Nate knows he is a complete flirt with women and can’t help himself at times. He really hasn’t gotten over Diana and can’t help it when he sees her again and how much she has changed. Having to escort a friend to Bath he finds himself in Diana’s path and sees this as a time to start anew with her. I might not have liked him in the beginning but he grew on me and liked how he understood Diana better than anyone. Their course to getting their happy ending wasn’t smooth or easy but definitely worth it to see a happy ending for them. The author has created a group of likeable characters throughout this series and how together they make a home for themselves in this small English hamlet. I love second chance at love stories and this one was pretty good.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Being a fan of Jane Austen and Persuasion, I am intrigued by Jayne Fresina’s parallel story of Nate and Diana in her latest story called How to Rescue a Rake. Years ago Nate proposed to Diana but she flatly refused him knowing he was too much of a player and had no true prospects for the future. Now he has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man and also wealthier and looking for a bride. Diana doesn’t regret refusing him but she has regrets that she is destined to be a spinster. This story was heartwarmingly entertaining showing how two people can change and find themselves on the right path of happiness together.
Diana has been the quiet one of the Book Club Belles and is happy for each of her friend’s happiness in their marriages. Her circumstances of being single and her own mother’s unhappy relationship with her father, makes it intolerable at times to be upbeat and love life. When she is sent to Bath to recuperate from her illness, she takes that opportunity to live a little, out from under her mother’s smothering and her friend’s eyes and ears. She pushed herself out of her own comfort zone and became a little brazened when given the chance with Nate. Knowing their past record she takes it upon herself to make things right with Nate and herself. I like it very much when you see a character grow and change over the course of the story and Diana found her inner strength again.
Nate knows he is a complete flirt with women and can’t help himself at times. He really hasn’t gotten over Diana and can’t help it when he sees her again and how much she has changed. Having to escort a friend to Bath he finds himself in Diana’s path and sees this as a time to start anew with her. I might not have liked him in the beginning but he grew on me and liked how he understood Diana better than anyone. Their course to getting their happy ending wasn’t smooth or easy but definitely worth it to see a happy ending for them. The author has created a group of likeable characters throughout this series and how together they make a home for themselves in this small English hamlet. I love second chance at love stories and this one was pretty good.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Read
January 4, 2016This is the first book I have read by this author and in this series. What was interesting was the setting was similar to Jane Austen's society. While reading this book, I saw quite a few similarities to the society that Austen commented upon - the bossy older women, spinsters, young misses.
The love story between Nathaniel and Diana was fated to be. Years earlier the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING occurred and the two were separated. I enjoyed how Nate grew as a character and reflected upon his actions in his youth. Diana also transforms. From the lady who is dumped upon by others because she has nothing else in her life and managed by her mother, to a woman who takes charge of who she is and what she wants.
This is a quick read and is a great way to spend an afternoon!
The love story between Nathaniel and Diana was fated to be. Years earlier the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING occurred and the two were separated. I enjoyed how Nate grew as a character and reflected upon his actions in his youth. Diana also transforms. From the lady who is dumped upon by others because she has nothing else in her life and managed by her mother, to a woman who takes charge of who she is and what she wants.
This is a quick read and is a great way to spend an afternoon!
Read
February 6, 2016OK as a spin on Persuasion I could see the comparisons but oh my I think Jane Austen would be spinning in her grave at the thought of Anne Eliott being compared to Diana. She was a 'bit' more forward than Anne would ever be. But on the whole I enjoyed the book and I liked the ending. The first half was a bit slow I thought but once Diana went to Bath the story really picked up and got very exciting. All the way through you couldn't help but compare the characters in this to the ones in Persuasion they were suppose to be. A good enjoyable read to anyone who enjoys Austen.
Read
May 10, 2022DNF
Mediocre at best. I couldn't continue with the story.
Mediocre at best. I couldn't continue with the story.
January 19, 2016
This year my interest in historical romance is at an all-time high and it was fun to start with HOW TO RESCUE A RAKE, especially because the word 'rake' in a title or blurb makes me really interested in watching a ladies' man fall hard for that one woman. Well, that was not exactly the case here, but Nate and Diana's story was no less interesting.
The three years that Nathaniel Sherringham spent away from Hawcombe Prior have made a great difference. Gone is the gambler and rogue who gave no thought to the broken hearts he left in his wake and in his place is a successful and respectable businessman, one who still keeps the gossip mill churning, but for different reasons. Nate never got over Diana and her refusal of his marriage proposal three years ago and when their paths cross away from home, he sees a perfect chance for a fresh start with her.
Diana Makepiece turned down Nate's drunken proposal because of his shiftless lifestyle and lack of ambition but her heart was broken when he left town without a word. She's the only one of her group still single and has resigned herself to life as a spinster. Her trip to Bath to recuperate from her illness away from her mother's watchful eye gives her a chance to spread her wings and the fortuitous arrival of Nate gives them a second chance.
This is my first read from Ms. Fresina and I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed Diana's transformation from the meek wallflower to a confident woman, and Nate's growth from an aimless degenerate to a businessman. At the heart of it, this is a sweet second chance story for two people who are perfect for each other. There is an interesting and colorful cast of supporting characters, from Diana's smothering mother whose meddling irritated me to no end, to the boisterous Plumtree sisters who made me laugh and whose stories I look forward to. I haven't read Jane Austen's Persuasion but the references to it have piqued my interest.
A caveat to readers: this story is mostly on the slow side, but worth reading to the end.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
The three years that Nathaniel Sherringham spent away from Hawcombe Prior have made a great difference. Gone is the gambler and rogue who gave no thought to the broken hearts he left in his wake and in his place is a successful and respectable businessman, one who still keeps the gossip mill churning, but for different reasons. Nate never got over Diana and her refusal of his marriage proposal three years ago and when their paths cross away from home, he sees a perfect chance for a fresh start with her.
Diana Makepiece turned down Nate's drunken proposal because of his shiftless lifestyle and lack of ambition but her heart was broken when he left town without a word. She's the only one of her group still single and has resigned herself to life as a spinster. Her trip to Bath to recuperate from her illness away from her mother's watchful eye gives her a chance to spread her wings and the fortuitous arrival of Nate gives them a second chance.
This is my first read from Ms. Fresina and I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed Diana's transformation from the meek wallflower to a confident woman, and Nate's growth from an aimless degenerate to a businessman. At the heart of it, this is a sweet second chance story for two people who are perfect for each other. There is an interesting and colorful cast of supporting characters, from Diana's smothering mother whose meddling irritated me to no end, to the boisterous Plumtree sisters who made me laugh and whose stories I look forward to. I haven't read Jane Austen's Persuasion but the references to it have piqued my interest.
A caveat to readers: this story is mostly on the slow side, but worth reading to the end.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
November 15, 2015
We've met both Diana and Nate in previous Book Club Belles Society books. And it always seemed that they were destined for each other but we find out it is now three years later and, due to a Big Misunderstanding, the two parted ways. Diana is now firmly on the shelf (although wouldn't she have been at 24 as well?) and a bit meeker, a bit quieter than she used to be. She laments often that her good friend Cathy, the other "quiet" one of the group, has married and left town (well, more sad about the latter and happy for her friend about the former).
Captain Nate Sherringham is in town on a piece of business. He's not sure how he got roped into bringing along a rather notorious divorcee (actually, he knows that he's a sucker for helping women) but he's glad that he'll have a chance to show snooty Diana that he's made something of himself.
There were misunderstanding on both sides but the two slowly start to realize what those mistakes were and a trip to Bath, where the two meet again and can start anew, might just let them find their HEA.
I really vacillated between a three and four-star review on this one. I had a lot of issues with the book (the Bath scenes are a bit drawn out and seem out of character for Diana) but it was overall not out of the way Fresina has framed this series so I think that people who enjoyed the first two books will really enjoy this one as well.
Captain Nate Sherringham is in town on a piece of business. He's not sure how he got roped into bringing along a rather notorious divorcee (actually, he knows that he's a sucker for helping women) but he's glad that he'll have a chance to show snooty Diana that he's made something of himself.
There were misunderstanding on both sides but the two slowly start to realize what those mistakes were and a trip to Bath, where the two meet again and can start anew, might just let them find their HEA.
I really vacillated between a three and four-star review on this one. I had a lot of issues with the book (the Bath scenes are a bit drawn out and seem out of character for Diana) but it was overall not out of the way Fresina has framed this series so I think that people who enjoyed the first two books will really enjoy this one as well.
December 31, 2015
This is book 3 in the Book Club Belles Society.
Nate Sherringham has returned to Holcombe Prior having grown up and gotten his life together. He is determined to find a wife. His old flame is still available and he is determined to get her back.
Diana Makepiece's heart was broken when Nate left town. Still under the control of her mother, she asks to leave town to visit her cousin in Bath. She doesn't think she can stand watching her former love find a wife.
What neither Nate or Diana know is that they will both end up in Bath. Can Nate convience Diana to take a chance with him while she is out from under the watchful eye of her mother?
I really liked the conclusion to the Book Club Belles Society series. I'm so glad that Fresina had Diana go to Bath where she could get out from under her mother's influence. I don't think she could have made the story work otherwise.
I love the banter that goes on between two people that have known each other for awhile which is the case between Nate and Diana. They knew just the right thing to rile the other one up which most often had me laughing out loud.
Bravo to Fresina for such a great conclusion to her series. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Nate Sherringham has returned to Holcombe Prior having grown up and gotten his life together. He is determined to find a wife. His old flame is still available and he is determined to get her back.
Diana Makepiece's heart was broken when Nate left town. Still under the control of her mother, she asks to leave town to visit her cousin in Bath. She doesn't think she can stand watching her former love find a wife.
What neither Nate or Diana know is that they will both end up in Bath. Can Nate convience Diana to take a chance with him while she is out from under the watchful eye of her mother?
I really liked the conclusion to the Book Club Belles Society series. I'm so glad that Fresina had Diana go to Bath where she could get out from under her mother's influence. I don't think she could have made the story work otherwise.
I love the banter that goes on between two people that have known each other for awhile which is the case between Nate and Diana. They knew just the right thing to rile the other one up which most often had me laughing out loud.
Bravo to Fresina for such a great conclusion to her series. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
January 4, 2016
Nathaniel is a good natured rogue who has a great life, no responsibilites, just woman and wine. Then he meets the woman of his dreams, but she doesn't take him seriously and rejects him. She is engaged to a staid boring gentleman. Years later he returns and finds that Diana never got married and is now considered an old maid. To his surprise he is still in love with her and will do anything to win her love. So he devises a plan and announces that he plans to marry and wants a woman under the age of 25, of course Diana is 27. She feels humilated, she doesn't want him to pity her. Little does she know that he only wants her. This is the third book in the series, I have not read the first two. I thought Nathaniel was a fun character who grew up and went after what he wanted. The love story is beautiful and I loved the wit and the back and forth between Nathaniel and Diana. There are a lot of other characters in the book that in my opinion cluttered up the book and were unecessary. But overall it was a great book with a nod to "Persuasion" that was orginal while being the same.
January 7, 2016
At the moment I can empathize with Nate and Diana. They may be mourning the one that got away, I however am obsessing over the books I have missed in this series. I was blessed to have received an ARC of How to Rescue a Rake from NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This story quickly reminded me why I fell for Darius and Kristina in Before the Kiss. The attention getting mishaps, the comedic feel and the irresistible characters played a huge part. Nate and Diana are amusing and what make this story the treasure that it is. Will have to catch up on this find.
July 13, 2021
I loved this - it’s not a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, but rather a parallel tale. I very much enjoyed both Nathaniel’s and Diana’s characters and their archs, and loved the dash of angst intertwined with the story. An excellent read that can be a standalone, but I suspect is improved by a familiarity with the characters, so reading the series in order would probably be best.
March 6, 2017
My Kindle e-book
August 26, 2018
I was excited for this book. A spinster? A scorned repentant rake? Sign me up.
Unfortunately this book was NOT well written. NOT engaging. NOT entertaining.
Unfortunately this book was NOT well written. NOT engaging. NOT entertaining.
June 14, 2017
Diana has decided that she didn't want to marry though that was all she talked about in the previous books. So she is now firmly on the shelf with nothing but her mother (who is still getting on my nerves complaining) and her book club. Nathaniel is stopping in just to see his sister, Rebecca and his father but of course he looks for Diana because he still can't believe how she rejected him. Diana and he run into each other at the last dance of the season and she runs away before he gets a chance to say anything. They try to avoid each other but fate has other plans. I loved this book too and wish the author would tell the other 2 book club members (single one's) story too. LOVED IT!
October 30, 2018
I found it entertaining but too drawn out for my liking. The Persuasion comparison is fun but also a little trying. I don't feel that the backstory of the ten years they'd known each other was established well. I don't regret reading it, but I wouldn't give it a second glance. I'd consider reading other books in the series when I'm in a romance dry spell. That's how I ended up with this one to begin with.
September 4, 2021
The first half is of this book -- which mirrors the first half of Persuasion -- is so heartrending that I think it gave me better insight into Austen's book! I found it hard to read; I kept cringing for our poor Diana.
In the second half she rather abruptly transforms -- I didn't really buy it, but I so wanted it to be true after the torture of the first half that I suspended my disbelief. And! She gets Wentworth! (I mean Sherrington.)
In the second half she rather abruptly transforms -- I didn't really buy it, but I so wanted it to be true after the torture of the first half that I suspended my disbelief. And! She gets Wentworth! (I mean Sherrington.)
September 11, 2021
This book was boring. The main character was ill for most of the book and I know the author was trying to parallel her mental state as well but I just found her so freaking boring. And the love interest was fine. He had more character than our MC but in all honestly I read this book yesterday and now can’t remember either main characters name. I do remember Elizabeth though, wretched creature hahaha.
August 14, 2019
The plot replicates Persuasion fairly well with the result that some of the supporting characters are more interesting than usual in this kind of a novel. The prim Austen vibe left me quite unprepared for explicit sex and I felt like that threw the story off balance for me.
June 20, 2021
Really enjoyed it. The whole story is devoted to the leads getting together, which I’ve found I much prefer over more “plot” heavy romances. The chemistry and banter is great between everyone, not just the leads though it certainly shines there. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 2, 2017
I really liked Nathaniel and Diana got better as the book went on. The second half of the book was way better than the first.
October 26, 2017
2 - 1/2 stars
May 27, 2018
Gostei muito deste livro no entanto a mudança de carácter da mãe de Diana não me convenceu.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews