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Rakes in Disgrace #4
More Than a Lover
Will he unlace all of her secrets? Former captain Bladen Read knows respectable Caroline Falkner would never look twice at an illegitimate ruffian like him. But when he's suddenly thrown into the role of her protector he discovers the undercurrent of tension runs both ways… At first Caro tries to resist the pull of attraction, for Blade is a link to the scandalous past she buried long ago to protect her son. Although when the opportunity to explore this rake's expertise in the bedroom presents itself, temptation proves too much to resist!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 19, 2016
11 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Ann Lethbridge
182 books158 followersAKA Michèle Ann Young (Goodreads Author)
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 20, 2016
This is the fourth in Ann Lethbridge’s
Rakes in Disgrace
series, and as far as I can tell, the books are not associated, and can therefore be read individually. Captain Bladen Read, a hardened soldier and war hero is sickened by the actions of the military during the Peterloo Massacre. Ordered to act on behalf of the crown, Blade (as he is known to his friends), rebels after the killing and maiming of innocents, resigns his commission and is now at a loose end. He is a man who can see both points of view; born on the wrong side of the blanket, the son of a powerful earl and a prostitute, he is neither fish nor fowl, scorned by the ton but not accepted by the ordinary man in the street either. A lonely man, and, it seems, a man with a large chip on his shoulder.
The story opens with Blade thinking over his options when he spies a blast from the past, Caroline Falkener, whom he had worshiped from afar nine years previously when he was a gangly young ensign. Now a widow with a young son, she is still as beautiful as he remembers and just as enticing – moreso in fact. He still feels the inadequacies of his illegitimate birth and just as before, believes that Caroline, or Caro, as she is known, will not look his way. Caro is not what she seems and has a secret of her own – one which she will guard with her life if necessary.
The two are thrown together by mutual friends. Charlie, the Marquess of Tonbridge, heir to a dukedom, was Blade’s commanding officer and has remained a true and loyal friend. Caro and Charlie’s wife, Merry have founded a charitable home for fallen women and mothers with children in need, the idea being to rehabilitate these unfortunate ladies and give them some choices in life. Caro is passionate about their venture and does everything in her power for her charges, which is very commendable, but I couldn’t quite work out how Caro, who was cut off by her family and has therefore struggled to support herself and her son, could come up with the sum of fifty pounds from her own pocket to buy a girl from a brothel (nearly £4,000 in today’s equivalent). I’m sure by now, if you’re reading this review, Caro’s ‘secret’ is fairly obvious. Blade is offered temporary employment as Charlie’s house-steward and eventually becomes Caro’s lover.
This was not a book in which I felt invested and it was just too easy to put down. The development of the relationship between Blade and Caro has no real depth and certainly did not make me sigh – in fact I pretty much skimmed over their interactions. Blade lost a hand during his military service, something which would normally have my stomach in knots, as I love a wounded hero – but not so this time. I also found it hard to believe that at the age of ten, Blade was dumped into the middle of his father’s family, even though his father had been previously unaware of his existence – and was accepted by him without question or proof. Blade also suffers with abandonment issues – which I do understand, but the point is laboured quite extensively throughout.
The plot stretches credulity and I found it hard to believe that the parties involved would have behaved in such a way. I did get a little more involved and interested in the second half of the book and kept reading to the bitter end, but ultimately, there are too many inconsistencies in the story and the telling for me to be able to rate More Than a Lover more highly.
The story opens with Blade thinking over his options when he spies a blast from the past, Caroline Falkener, whom he had worshiped from afar nine years previously when he was a gangly young ensign. Now a widow with a young son, she is still as beautiful as he remembers and just as enticing – moreso in fact. He still feels the inadequacies of his illegitimate birth and just as before, believes that Caroline, or Caro, as she is known, will not look his way. Caro is not what she seems and has a secret of her own – one which she will guard with her life if necessary.
The two are thrown together by mutual friends. Charlie, the Marquess of Tonbridge, heir to a dukedom, was Blade’s commanding officer and has remained a true and loyal friend. Caro and Charlie’s wife, Merry have founded a charitable home for fallen women and mothers with children in need, the idea being to rehabilitate these unfortunate ladies and give them some choices in life. Caro is passionate about their venture and does everything in her power for her charges, which is very commendable, but I couldn’t quite work out how Caro, who was cut off by her family and has therefore struggled to support herself and her son, could come up with the sum of fifty pounds from her own pocket to buy a girl from a brothel (nearly £4,000 in today’s equivalent). I’m sure by now, if you’re reading this review, Caro’s ‘secret’ is fairly obvious. Blade is offered temporary employment as Charlie’s house-steward and eventually becomes Caro’s lover.
This was not a book in which I felt invested and it was just too easy to put down. The development of the relationship between Blade and Caro has no real depth and certainly did not make me sigh – in fact I pretty much skimmed over their interactions. Blade lost a hand during his military service, something which would normally have my stomach in knots, as I love a wounded hero – but not so this time. I also found it hard to believe that at the age of ten, Blade was dumped into the middle of his father’s family, even though his father had been previously unaware of his existence – and was accepted by him without question or proof. Blade also suffers with abandonment issues – which I do understand, but the point is laboured quite extensively throughout.
The plot stretches credulity and I found it hard to believe that the parties involved would have behaved in such a way. I did get a little more involved and interested in the second half of the book and kept reading to the bitter end, but ultimately, there are too many inconsistencies in the story and the telling for me to be able to rate More Than a Lover more highly.
April 4, 2016
More than a Lover
Anne Lethbridge is a formidable story writer. In her latest novel she has again continued her Regency family theme. Reade, the bastard son of a courtesan and Vicount Hardewick has returned from the Napoleonic wars a maimed soldier with little or no prospects after resigning from the army, rather than being drummed out.
Caro Faulkner is guarding a secret with where it known would have her destitute and looking for means to support herself and her son. Friends of both Reade and Caro are responsible for finding them employment. But the grand parents of Caro son suddenly wish to claim their grandson due to the deaths of both their sons.
Anne draws an excellent picture of life in England at this time in history. The fate of soldiers returning from war, the fate of unmarried women and their children and the conditions that they had to put up with at this time. Life was only easy for a very few if you had money, or social status that would allow you to live without it.
An interesting story, believable characters and enough suspense to make you want to read it without putting it down.
Anne Lethbridge is a formidable story writer. In her latest novel she has again continued her Regency family theme. Reade, the bastard son of a courtesan and Vicount Hardewick has returned from the Napoleonic wars a maimed soldier with little or no prospects after resigning from the army, rather than being drummed out.
Caro Faulkner is guarding a secret with where it known would have her destitute and looking for means to support herself and her son. Friends of both Reade and Caro are responsible for finding them employment. But the grand parents of Caro son suddenly wish to claim their grandson due to the deaths of both their sons.
Anne draws an excellent picture of life in England at this time in history. The fate of soldiers returning from war, the fate of unmarried women and their children and the conditions that they had to put up with at this time. Life was only easy for a very few if you had money, or social status that would allow you to live without it.
An interesting story, believable characters and enough suspense to make you want to read it without putting it down.
July 28, 2024
4,5 - Si chiude in bellezza con Blade Read, l'ex-ufficiale amico di Charles, che a Waterloo ha perso una mano e ha dovuto imparare a cavalcare e combattere con un uncino.
In precedenza lo avevamo visto intrigato da Caro, la dama di compagnia di Merry; quando stavolta è proprio Caro ad essere in pericolo e vittima di agguati, Blade si attiva per proteggere lei e il figlio, ritrovandosi al centro di una serie di intrighi.
Sarebbero state 5 stelline, ma lei ci pensa un po' troppo se accettarlo e poi ci resta male quando è lui a stancarsi dl tiramolla.
Lieto fine un po' agognato.
In precedenza lo avevamo visto intrigato da Caro, la dama di compagnia di Merry; quando stavolta è proprio Caro ad essere in pericolo e vittima di agguati, Blade si attiva per proteggere lei e il figlio, ritrovandosi al centro di una serie di intrighi.
Sarebbero state 5 stelline, ma lei ci pensa un po' troppo se accettarlo e poi ci resta male quando è lui a stancarsi dl tiramolla.
Lieto fine un po' agognato.
February 13, 2018
I just love these historical novels. I love the intricate problems and intrigues. This story is about a young woman who was seduced and practically raped by an officer in the english army. She gave birth to a boy but the father of the child didn't want her nor the baby. With the help of a friend and the friends husband she opens a refuge for women and their illegitimate children. Then a retired soldier enters the scene and ....... 😉😉
September 14, 2019
DNF. So insta-love and felt like it had been a longer book hacked down, so it was jarring.
March 27, 2024
I’ve liked the Lethbridge books I’ve read but this was a disappointment.
April 12, 2016
Bladen Read has resigned from his regiment. He couldn't stomach what had happened at St Peter's Field. Now he has a temporary position as a house steward. He will be helping at The Haven which is run by Mrs Caroline Falkner. A woman who enchanted him nine years ago. She's widowed now with a young son. She's been warned that Blade's a seducer. What will happen now that he's going to protect her? I was captivated by More Than A Lover. Blade is a man who has always felt rejected. He's illegitimate. He was devastated when his mother sent him to his father where he never felt part of the family. He doesn't believe in love. Caro has her own pain. She was seduced by a man who left after one night. Her father disowned her when she told him that she was with child. She been on her own for years. Her son is her priority, but she feels a powerful connection to Blade. Will their past keep them apart? It takes a kidnapping for them to realize how much they need each other. I was on the edge of my seat. I need to know the boy was safe. Ann Lethbridge is an amazing author. This story has well thought out characters and a sold plot that tugged at my heart. I was shocked at the unexpected twists. This book is a keeper.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
September 10, 2016
A Fallen Heroine and a Hunt for a Missing Child
Set in 1820, the last year of the Regency, this is the story of Captain Bladen Read, a soldier who lost his hand fighting for the crown and resigned his commission after the English government’s actions in the Peterloo Massacre. Blade is the bastard son of an earl with little to do when he stumbles upon Caroline (“Caro”) Falkener, a woman he once coveted but never had, who is now a widow with a young son.
The two are thrown together when a mutual friend, Charles (“Charlie”), Marquess of Tonbridge, invites Blade to be his estate steward. Caro and Charlie’s wife, Merry, have founded a charitable home for fallen women in order to rehabilitate them and Blade is assigned as their security. Caro can relate to the women, having never married her son’s father, who she fears will recognize her son.
I liked Bladen. He had some strength of character and apparently had carried a torch for Caro for some time. Most of the story involves a hunt to recover Caro’s abducted young son. But in the end that all comes right. The story was entertaining but, to me, lacked depth. Some of the scenes toward the end were exciting, however. It may be one you have to read in order since it’s book 4 in the series.
Set in 1820, the last year of the Regency, this is the story of Captain Bladen Read, a soldier who lost his hand fighting for the crown and resigned his commission after the English government’s actions in the Peterloo Massacre. Blade is the bastard son of an earl with little to do when he stumbles upon Caroline (“Caro”) Falkener, a woman he once coveted but never had, who is now a widow with a young son.
The two are thrown together when a mutual friend, Charles (“Charlie”), Marquess of Tonbridge, invites Blade to be his estate steward. Caro and Charlie’s wife, Merry, have founded a charitable home for fallen women in order to rehabilitate them and Blade is assigned as their security. Caro can relate to the women, having never married her son’s father, who she fears will recognize her son.
I liked Bladen. He had some strength of character and apparently had carried a torch for Caro for some time. Most of the story involves a hunt to recover Caro’s abducted young son. But in the end that all comes right. The story was entertaining but, to me, lacked depth. Some of the scenes toward the end were exciting, however. It may be one you have to read in order since it’s book 4 in the series.
April 9, 2016
A sweetly sensual historical. Caro made an error in judgement as a very young lady, and became pregnant by a less than honorable peer. After being tossed out by her pious vicar father,and rejected by his parents after his death, she kept her babe and tried to help others who may have had similar experiences.
Caro's friends hired Blade, a former soldier and bastard son of an earl, for her protection, and that proved necessary. They grew close and intimate. She ended up needing him to help find her abducted son. Happy ever after ending
Caro's friends hired Blade, a former soldier and bastard son of an earl, for her protection, and that proved necessary. They grew close and intimate. She ended up needing him to help find her abducted son. Happy ever after ending
January 25, 2019
It was okay. It had a reasonable plot hampered down by too much sexual content in the middle. Unfortunately during these scenes the sentence structure was poor with too many sentences in a row beginning with, he did this, he did that, etc., which for me is poor writing and really, how much can you write on the subject without becoming repetitive. When the author returned to actual plot, the book picked up. Not my favourite Lethbridge novel.
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April 20, 2016This new book by Ann Lethbridge is just a great book to read. Caroline Falkner runs into an old admires former Captain Bladen Read both have secrets but finally find the path to true love. The road to love is bumpy for both characters. Part of the Rakes in Disgrace series. A must book to read as are all of Ann Lethbridge's books.
Read
May 20, 2016"Lethbridge adds to her Rakes in Disgrace series. This fourth book is an enjoyable read with dark secrets, dastardly villains and a kidnapping, ..." (RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Rakes in Disgrace
Miniseries: Rakes in Disgrace
June 15, 2016
Both of the main characters have wounds, physical and emotional.
Captain Bladen Read is a wounded army officer who has recently returned home.
Caroline Falkner is a widow with a young son.
The two fall in love and in the process, heal each other.
Captain Bladen Read is a wounded army officer who has recently returned home.
Caroline Falkner is a widow with a young son.
The two fall in love and in the process, heal each other.
July 1, 2016
The growing romance between the two characters was charming.
Read
June 2, 2016Miniseries: Rakes in Disgrace
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews