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Rake Trilogy #1
A Rake's Redemption
Alexander Ashley has decided women of the ton are more interested in status than love. His game is seduction and nothing more. His feelings regarding aristocratic ladies leads to an outlandish idea—prove a servant can be taught to be as ladylike as those born to it. And the beautiful Inis Fitzgerald might be just the woman for his plan.
Inis Fitzgerald escaped her home in Dublin to avoid an arranged marriage and is now working for a rakishly handsome lord who seems to enjoy bucking convention as much as she does. She plays along with his little game, pretending she knows nothing about being a lady. It doesn’t take long before Alex discovers Inis is every bit as much of an aristocrat as the women he’s sworn only to seduce and not love…
Inis Fitzgerald escaped her home in Dublin to avoid an arranged marriage and is now working for a rakishly handsome lord who seems to enjoy bucking convention as much as she does. She plays along with his little game, pretending she knows nothing about being a lady. It doesn’t take long before Alex discovers Inis is every bit as much of an aristocrat as the women he’s sworn only to seduce and not love…
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2018
515 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Breeding
103 books80 followers An avid reader of anything medieval, Cynthia Breeding has taught the traditional Arthurian legends to high school sophomores for fifteen years. She owns more than three hundred books, fictional and non-fictional, on the subject. More information on Arthur, Gwenhwyfar and Lancelot can be found on the Historical Account link.
In addition, she has won numerous awards including the Holt Medallion, Beacon Contest, Barclay Gold, More Than Magic and Ancient City Romance Authors.
Cynthia lives on the bay with her Bichon Frise and enjoys sailing and riding on the beach. Readers can reach her snail-mail at: 3636 S. Alameda, B-116, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 or visit via her website.
In addition, she has won numerous awards including the Holt Medallion, Beacon Contest, Barclay Gold, More Than Magic and Ancient City Romance Authors.
Cynthia lives on the bay with her Bichon Frise and enjoys sailing and riding on the beach. Readers can reach her snail-mail at: 3636 S. Alameda, B-116, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 or visit via her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 18, 2019
This was the third book in the series and I enjoyed it as I enjoyed the previous books. This was Alex's book and if you have read the previous books (I really hope you did) you know what had happened to him, how he got jilted, how his brother was truly not a very nice person and why Alex is bitter and wanting to get some sort of payback. Alex is sleeping his way thru the tons supposed "ladies" all married to titled friends of his pompous brothers, he is very specific he gives them a night to remember and then sends them a parting gift. However one lady gets obsessed with him and is not understanding that he does not do repeats. Alex wins a groomer for his stables in a game of cards but he ends up getting more than he bargained for, 1, it is a woman, 2 she is a titles lady but he does not know that part just yet. Wanting to embarrass his brother he decides to have Inis come with him to his brothers ball and has his friend help him get Inis ready and while spending more time with her, starts falling in love. Inis is attracted but she does not want to become part of his mistresses and she is also keeping a secret from him and to top it all off someone is trying to get her out of the way..Enjoy!
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
August 18, 2019
An enjoyable read, with all sorts of twists and turns. I like the H/h, even though at times they worked my nerves with a few of their choices. I also like the fact that when the sexytimes occured, it was about two-thirds into the book. As there was no resolution with the villainess, I'm hoping that she'll get her just reward in the second book, which I will also read.
January 29, 2020
Silly
While we have a spunky, aristocratic heroine pretending to be a commoner and a tolerant rake of a aristocratic hero, the plot is absurd, overwrought, and sprinkled with anachronisms and modern language. I read it to the end, which says more about me than the quality of the story. Still, it's certainly not the worst I've read. If you're looking for a bit of fluff to while away some time, this will suit.
While we have a spunky, aristocratic heroine pretending to be a commoner and a tolerant rake of a aristocratic hero, the plot is absurd, overwrought, and sprinkled with anachronisms and modern language. I read it to the end, which says more about me than the quality of the story. Still, it's certainly not the worst I've read. If you're looking for a bit of fluff to while away some time, this will suit.
July 4, 2018
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!
This novel was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.
Inis Fitzgerald is the niece of an Irish duke who has no plans to marry the man her uncle has chosen for her. She is good with horses and stubborn. She escapes to England where she ends up in the employ for Alexander Ashley, a notorious rake. Alex is the brother of a duke and the two do not get along. He was hurt by a woman who he thought he loved but preferred his brother's title. Alex began sleeping with woman of the ton to punish his brother and former betrothed. When he meets Inis, he does not know who she is and she plans on keeping it that way. Alex wants to use Inis to anger his brother by having her meet the Prince Reagent and act like a lady. Inis goes along with the plan and agrees if Alex will pay for her passage to America. Alex's friend Caroline, who was hurt by his brother, agrees to help. However, strange things happen at Alex's home that result in injuries to Inis. This incidents bring them closer, having them each begin to deeply care and fall in love with the other. When Inis' identity is revealed, Alex feels betrayed once again. Will Alex and Inis have their happily ever after?
This novel was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.
Inis Fitzgerald is the niece of an Irish duke who has no plans to marry the man her uncle has chosen for her. She is good with horses and stubborn. She escapes to England where she ends up in the employ for Alexander Ashley, a notorious rake. Alex is the brother of a duke and the two do not get along. He was hurt by a woman who he thought he loved but preferred his brother's title. Alex began sleeping with woman of the ton to punish his brother and former betrothed. When he meets Inis, he does not know who she is and she plans on keeping it that way. Alex wants to use Inis to anger his brother by having her meet the Prince Reagent and act like a lady. Inis goes along with the plan and agrees if Alex will pay for her passage to America. Alex's friend Caroline, who was hurt by his brother, agrees to help. However, strange things happen at Alex's home that result in injuries to Inis. This incidents bring them closer, having them each begin to deeply care and fall in love with the other. When Inis' identity is revealed, Alex feels betrayed once again. Will Alex and Inis have their happily ever after?
July 16, 2018
Inis escapes from her uncle after learning of an arranged marriage that has been made for her and arrives in London. After unexpected events happen, she finds herself employed as a horse trainer for Alex. Later Alex has a plan to teach Inis to act the part of a lady to get revenge on his brother for marrying Amelia, the woman he wanted to marry. Unexpected events happen and Alex learns Inis is not who she claims to be and her uncle comes to get her. The book is full of unexpected events that add to the story but in the end there is a HEA. The book is a good read and I would recommend it.
July 3, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
A wonderful book , lighthearted and amusing but with a background of seriousness and attempts in murder .
This Author is great I love the way she writes .
A new favourite I think
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋
A wonderful book , lighthearted and amusing but with a background of seriousness and attempts in murder .
This Author is great I love the way she writes .
A new favourite I think
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
January 11, 2021
Maybe I'm one of the minorities who did not enjoy this book. This is my first book from Cynthia and I had hoped it would be a good book due to the high ratings I've seen people done.
Unfortunately, there were some issues that led me to give this book only 2 stars.
(1) i did not see the chemistry between Inis & Alex as they didn't actually bear their soul to one another so i don't get how they even fell in love with one another. i mean... they barely talked.
(2) i didn't like the evil, jealous antagonist (Miranda) who asked people to kill Inis and managed to escape doing it. i didn't like seeing Inis almost dying every time either. even if i was not fond of Inis, i still wouldn't wish death on her. too much drama with Miranda.
(3) the ending was so rushed. everything was solved in 1-2 chapters.
(4) i was hoping to see more of george's and amelia's comeuppance
(5) it would have been better if the author had expanded on amelia's & alex's and george's and caroline's relationship before George and amelia got married. like showing Alex madly in love with Amelia or something which can allow us to understand better why Alex is so fixated on doing what he does with his married women.
(6) i wonder what happened to Caroline.
to be honest, i wasn't even sad when the book finished. i thought, 'that's over and done with'. i felt so underwhelmed. however, there were some things that i thought were interesting:
(1) Alex's 'R' Club
(2) Inis acting as a young boy and decided to pretend to be a young boy who's good with horses
(3) while i was feeling neutral about Alex & Inis, i liked Caroline.
(4) I'm interested to read about Brice & Stephan as I liked them.
Unfortunately, there were some issues that led me to give this book only 2 stars.
(1) i did not see the chemistry between Inis & Alex as they didn't actually bear their soul to one another so i don't get how they even fell in love with one another. i mean... they barely talked.
(2) i didn't like the evil, jealous antagonist (Miranda) who asked people to kill Inis and managed to escape doing it. i didn't like seeing Inis almost dying every time either. even if i was not fond of Inis, i still wouldn't wish death on her. too much drama with Miranda.
(3) the ending was so rushed. everything was solved in 1-2 chapters.
(4) i was hoping to see more of george's and amelia's comeuppance
(5) it would have been better if the author had expanded on amelia's & alex's and george's and caroline's relationship before George and amelia got married. like showing Alex madly in love with Amelia or something which can allow us to understand better why Alex is so fixated on doing what he does with his married women.
(6) i wonder what happened to Caroline.
to be honest, i wasn't even sad when the book finished. i thought, 'that's over and done with'. i felt so underwhelmed. however, there were some things that i thought were interesting:
(1) Alex's 'R' Club
(2) Inis acting as a young boy and decided to pretend to be a young boy who's good with horses
(3) while i was feeling neutral about Alex & Inis, i liked Caroline.
(4) I'm interested to read about Brice & Stephan as I liked them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2018
Publisher's Description:
Alexander Ashley has decided women of the ton are more interested in status than love. His game is seduction and nothing more. His feelings regarding aristocratic ladies leads to an outlandish idea—prove a servant can be taught to be as ladylike as those born to it. And the beautiful Inis Fitzgerald might be just the woman for his plan.
Inis Fitzgerald escaped her home in Dublin to avoid an arranged marriage and is now working for a rakishly handsome lord who seems to enjoy bucking convention as much as she does. She plays along with his little game, pretending she knows nothing about being a lady. It doesn’t take long before Alex discovers Inis is every bit as much of an aristocrat as the women he’s sworn only to seduce and not love…
My Thoughts:
This is my second time reading a book by this author.I gave my first read by this author 4 of 5 stars and certainly hoped for a better book this time. I was disappointed!
This book started off as a very exciting, quick read but somewhere near the half way point it bogged down and I lost interest. I did finish it but it just wasn't quite the remarkable read I first thought it to be.
All of the attempts on our heroine's life became monotonous..
Who was trying to kill or at least run Inis off was not really a mystery. It was obvious early on of the jealousy felt by a spurned one time lover of Alexander, who paid her unfortunate servants to do her bidding.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. When our hero and heroine finally have an intimate encounter it was a well written scene and one of the highlights in this otherwise somewhat unfortunate read.
I'm sorry to say that from there the book goes totally downhill in this reader's opinion.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Alexander Ashley has decided women of the ton are more interested in status than love. His game is seduction and nothing more. His feelings regarding aristocratic ladies leads to an outlandish idea—prove a servant can be taught to be as ladylike as those born to it. And the beautiful Inis Fitzgerald might be just the woman for his plan.
Inis Fitzgerald escaped her home in Dublin to avoid an arranged marriage and is now working for a rakishly handsome lord who seems to enjoy bucking convention as much as she does. She plays along with his little game, pretending she knows nothing about being a lady. It doesn’t take long before Alex discovers Inis is every bit as much of an aristocrat as the women he’s sworn only to seduce and not love…
My Thoughts:
This is my second time reading a book by this author.I gave my first read by this author 4 of 5 stars and certainly hoped for a better book this time. I was disappointed!
This book started off as a very exciting, quick read but somewhere near the half way point it bogged down and I lost interest. I did finish it but it just wasn't quite the remarkable read I first thought it to be.
All of the attempts on our heroine's life became monotonous..
Who was trying to kill or at least run Inis off was not really a mystery. It was obvious early on of the jealousy felt by a spurned one time lover of Alexander, who paid her unfortunate servants to do her bidding.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. When our hero and heroine finally have an intimate encounter it was a well written scene and one of the highlights in this otherwise somewhat unfortunate read.
I'm sorry to say that from there the book goes totally downhill in this reader's opinion.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 29, 2019
A pleasant surprise
I belong to book pub and often buy books at an introductory cost to launch new authors. This books description caught my interest and I bought it to try. I was pleasantly surprised that it was well written and a good story. I liked it because it wasn’t full of sex scenes (only one and I thought that it was tasteful) and I got to enjoy the meat of the story.
Inis is a Lady, she hails from the aristocracy of Ireland, her Uncle is her guardian and he has contracted a marriage for her with a distasteful lazy son of an Earl. So she escapes to London, disguised as a boy, gets robbed and finds herself as an indentured servant. Fortunately, her father taught her to work with horses and she was able to pass herself off as a horse trainer.
Alex Ashland is a second son of a Duke and has sought to be a thorn in his older brothers side since his brother stole Alex’s intended from him. Alex wins Inis in a card game, finds out that she is a woman and an excellent horse trainer. He thinks she is a commoner and wants to train her up to be a Lady so that he can introduce her to the Prince and then rub his brothers nose in that he allowed a commoner to attend his ball.
Anyway, a jealous lady, mysterious accidents and Inis and Alex fighting their mutual attraction. I liked this story enough to buy the next one in the series.
I belong to book pub and often buy books at an introductory cost to launch new authors. This books description caught my interest and I bought it to try. I was pleasantly surprised that it was well written and a good story. I liked it because it wasn’t full of sex scenes (only one and I thought that it was tasteful) and I got to enjoy the meat of the story.
Inis is a Lady, she hails from the aristocracy of Ireland, her Uncle is her guardian and he has contracted a marriage for her with a distasteful lazy son of an Earl. So she escapes to London, disguised as a boy, gets robbed and finds herself as an indentured servant. Fortunately, her father taught her to work with horses and she was able to pass herself off as a horse trainer.
Alex Ashland is a second son of a Duke and has sought to be a thorn in his older brothers side since his brother stole Alex’s intended from him. Alex wins Inis in a card game, finds out that she is a woman and an excellent horse trainer. He thinks she is a commoner and wants to train her up to be a Lady so that he can introduce her to the Prince and then rub his brothers nose in that he allowed a commoner to attend his ball.
Anyway, a jealous lady, mysterious accidents and Inis and Alex fighting their mutual attraction. I liked this story enough to buy the next one in the series.
January 12, 2021
Ok-- this book I really enjoyed! So much so that I spent most of my time reading even when guests were due over! What is there not to love?? A 22 year old Irish miss, niece of a Duke dresses up as a boy and runs away to England to work with horses to get out of an arranged marriage to a lothesome male that her uncle wanted her to marry. To make a long story short she was trapped by a man in London that lost her in a card game and she then works with the horses of an English Rake who actually respects her ability to train horses while thinking she is a he as that is the way she escaped Ireland. Yeah it's a merry mix up with a happy ending. No spoilers as it worked it's way to its happy ending!
April 7, 2022
I wouldn't even call this book a romance. The main characters barely interacted with each other.
Every character in the book was TSTL. None of their motivations made sense.
The author made no attempt at any historical accuracy.
I hated the sex scene. By the time they had sex, I had no investment in either character. But then the heroine pissed me off. She lies about being a virgin to trick him into sleeping with her, and then gets mad when he gets mad. They have sex anyway and it just made me feel gross.
Every character in the book was TSTL. None of their motivations made sense.
The author made no attempt at any historical accuracy.
I hated the sex scene. By the time they had sex, I had no investment in either character. But then the heroine pissed me off. She lies about being a virgin to trick him into sleeping with her, and then gets mad when he gets mad. They have sex anyway and it just made me feel gross.
January 8, 2020
Regrets? Maybe?
This was a very well written book by Cynthia Breeding and I enjoyed reading it. A young woman, forced engagement, a young boy? A Rake, a new stable boy, revealed, a new horse trainer, a pompous brother, trickery, falling in love and even more. If any of this intrigues you, buy the book and enjoy reading it. I couldn't put the book down, had to read what came next. Loved it and so will you. I would recommend this book to everyone.
This was a very well written book by Cynthia Breeding and I enjoyed reading it. A young woman, forced engagement, a young boy? A Rake, a new stable boy, revealed, a new horse trainer, a pompous brother, trickery, falling in love and even more. If any of this intrigues you, buy the book and enjoy reading it. I couldn't put the book down, had to read what came next. Loved it and so will you. I would recommend this book to everyone.
October 7, 2020
Runaway
When In is realizes her uncle has betrothed her to An earl's son, one she finds detestable, she takes all her savings and escapes Ireland for London. In a series of misadventures, she finds herself gambled away to an English duke, for her ability to work with horses.
The first chapter will have you enthralled in Inis' life and cheering for her to find love and a new home in this daring plot! I hope you enjoy it as much as I!
When In is realizes her uncle has betrothed her to An earl's son, one she finds detestable, she takes all her savings and escapes Ireland for London. In a series of misadventures, she finds herself gambled away to an English duke, for her ability to work with horses.
The first chapter will have you enthralled in Inis' life and cheering for her to find love and a new home in this daring plot! I hope you enjoy it as much as I!
March 6, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, narrated by Christy Woods. Wonderful Narrator, all accents and genres covered really well.
This title was in the Audible Plus catalogue, for which I’m grateful - I would not have stumbled across this otherwise.
The characters were convincing to a literary degree and you admired the ones you were supposed to and wanted to slap the ones who deserved it!
Enjoyable easy listening.
This title was in the Audible Plus catalogue, for which I’m grateful - I would not have stumbled across this otherwise.
The characters were convincing to a literary degree and you admired the ones you were supposed to and wanted to slap the ones who deserved it!
Enjoyable easy listening.
May 28, 2019
Ticket to America
A most uncommon introduction of our hero and shero. She pretending to be a talented hostler lad and he pretending to have no feelings towards women as a whole. She is really a lady and masquerades as an orphan and he pretends to be a hellish rake. To be together they must escape to America
A most uncommon introduction of our hero and shero. She pretending to be a talented hostler lad and he pretending to have no feelings towards women as a whole. She is really a lady and masquerades as an orphan and he pretends to be a hellish rake. To be together they must escape to America
May 29, 2019
Interesting plot well written
My first book by Ms. Breeding,but won't be the last. Her word pictures and dialog were well written. The book moved along at a rapid pace with an ending not what we romance readers expect, but an unexpected treat. Thank you Ms. Breeding for writing such an enjoyable book.
My first book by Ms. Breeding,but won't be the last. Her word pictures and dialog were well written. The book moved along at a rapid pace with an ending not what we romance readers expect, but an unexpected treat. Thank you Ms. Breeding for writing such an enjoyable book.
June 2, 2019
Fairies and false identities
Shakespeare did it better. The murder plot was overdone and the villains feline proclivities made her sound more like a Batman villain than an actual threat. The little historical details were a nice touch and the ending was unique. But it was poorly written and definitely a pass.
Shakespeare did it better. The murder plot was overdone and the villains feline proclivities made her sound more like a Batman villain than an actual threat. The little historical details were a nice touch and the ending was unique. But it was poorly written and definitely a pass.
June 4, 2019
Ok
This story was ok. A sort of Pygmalion tale of an Englishman who wants to teach a young woman who he thinks is an Irish peasant how to be a lady to fool the ton. Only she's really an Irish aristocrat on the run from an unwanted marriage. And one of the hero's former lovers is jealous and wants her dead. The writing was so-so.
This story was ok. A sort of Pygmalion tale of an Englishman who wants to teach a young woman who he thinks is an Irish peasant how to be a lady to fool the ton. Only she's really an Irish aristocrat on the run from an unwanted marriage. And one of the hero's former lovers is jealous and wants her dead. The writing was so-so.
October 3, 2020
Decent story. But. The development of the relationship was slow and then sudden. The final third of the book was kind of anticlimactic and seemed rushed. I wanted to like it more but it just ended up being unsatisfying.
January 4, 2025
3.5 Star read, although it was a happy ending, the situation with the villian of the story was unresolved which was a little frustrating. There's a couple of more books in the series so I hope to find out more in the future.
August 5, 2025
This is a fine historical romance if you haven't read many. Otherwise, it feels like many others out there. The plot is quite predictable, but still hangs together well enough. Give it a shot if you have no other more pressing readings waiting to be devoured.
June 2, 2019
3.5 stars.
June 11, 2019
Great
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the story along with the enjoyable characters. The story line kept my interest all through the book.
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the story along with the enjoyable characters. The story line kept my interest all through the book.
June 19, 2019
A Rake's Redemption
I love historical romance and this is one of the best I've read. The main characters are strong willed and how or if they get together makes a good storyline.
I love historical romance and this is one of the best I've read. The main characters are strong willed and how or if they get together makes a good storyline.
July 22, 2019
Funny
The book was very entertaining. The plot was fast and intriguing. The characters were funny. I enjoyed reading this book.
The book was very entertaining. The plot was fast and intriguing. The characters were funny. I enjoyed reading this book.
October 25, 2019
Great story
I really enjoyed this story. The heroine and hero were great. The story line was good. The ending was very different.
I really enjoyed this story. The heroine and hero were great. The story line was good. The ending was very different.
April 27, 2020
Super cute. Really liked the relationship between Alex and Caroline. Already invested in whoever Stephan is. Fun read.
Want to read
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October 18, 2020
A delightful diversion.
July 19, 2023
This was a riveting story. The end was a bit shocking. Or at least it didn't end how you expect. A small twist. It was a good read and kept me entertained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews