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Scoundrels, Rakes and Rogues #2
Rake on the Run
He never expected to get caught in the parson's mousetrap. Least of all by a friend.
Lord Nathaniel Westlake has a reputation with the ladies, but he has always been two steps ahead of it catching up to him. His last narrow escape lands him on a ship, and it seems like the perfect solution. Until he learns the ship is bound for India. The only available woman on board is a lady already wise to his antics. If he makes a muddle of things this time, there will be no escape.
When Miss Justina Tinsdale agrees to accompany her aunt and uncle on their journey to India, the last person she expected to find aboard is Lord Nathaniel. The man seems incapable of remembering his past mistakes and her name, but she does, and she won't let him off so easily. When they're stuck in each other's company, she sees a side of him society would never believe, one she never expected. She begins to wonder if he might be worthy of her trust after all.
Lord Nathaniel is determined not about to let another woman hurt him, while Justina is sure he only wants to add her to his list of conquests. Will they learn to trust their feelings for one another, or is their friendship destined to break both their hearts?
Lord Nathaniel Westlake has a reputation with the ladies, but he has always been two steps ahead of it catching up to him. His last narrow escape lands him on a ship, and it seems like the perfect solution. Until he learns the ship is bound for India. The only available woman on board is a lady already wise to his antics. If he makes a muddle of things this time, there will be no escape.
When Miss Justina Tinsdale agrees to accompany her aunt and uncle on their journey to India, the last person she expected to find aboard is Lord Nathaniel. The man seems incapable of remembering his past mistakes and her name, but she does, and she won't let him off so easily. When they're stuck in each other's company, she sees a side of him society would never believe, one she never expected. She begins to wonder if he might be worthy of her trust after all.
Lord Nathaniel is determined not about to let another woman hurt him, while Justina is sure he only wants to add her to his list of conquests. Will they learn to trust their feelings for one another, or is their friendship destined to break both their hearts?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
139 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 27, 2020
I downloaded this book just before I headed out for a vacation in the mountains. I did not realize, but was happy to find out, that I was introduced to the two main characters in the other book I read on vacation, Miss Marleigh's Pirate Lord. It was fun for me to be able to continue on with a couple of the characters and find out what happens to them after the house party.
Justina is an amazing woman who is often overlooked. She is "one the shelf" and embarking on a journey with her Aunt and Uncle to India. She is surprised when Lord Nathaniel Westlake hops on board at the last second without previously purchasing a ticket. He is a rake and is being chased by the father of one of the ladies he compromised.
An unlikely friendship is forged when Justina nurses him back to health from severe sea-sickness. He can never remember her name or where they had previously met, so he gives her the nickname of Jasmine. The two find commonality and friendship in spite of their different views of life and moral standards.
Justina saves him in many ways. Least of all is his rakish tendencies. She helps him to see the kind of man that he should be. This is friendship that turns into something more book. It is a sweet and compelling romance.
Justina is an amazing woman who is often overlooked. She is "one the shelf" and embarking on a journey with her Aunt and Uncle to India. She is surprised when Lord Nathaniel Westlake hops on board at the last second without previously purchasing a ticket. He is a rake and is being chased by the father of one of the ladies he compromised.
An unlikely friendship is forged when Justina nurses him back to health from severe sea-sickness. He can never remember her name or where they had previously met, so he gives her the nickname of Jasmine. The two find commonality and friendship in spite of their different views of life and moral standards.
Justina saves him in many ways. Least of all is his rakish tendencies. She helps him to see the kind of man that he should be. This is friendship that turns into something more book. It is a sweet and compelling romance.
December 16, 2021
While I find India fascinating and did enjoy the setting, I’m dropping my rating a half star because I can never feel comfortable with imperialism being portrayed in a positive light. It’s a brutal and oppressive system, and the absence of that context from a story where it plays such a central role doesn’t sit well with me. That aside, this book was quite up my alley. Justina is a wonderful spinsterish heroine, and I enjoyed watching the unlikely romance slowly unfold. There was some delightful angsty uncertainty, and Nathan nearly ended up on my “hero-hurts-heroine” shelf. This is suuuuuuuper clean, which is not my favorite element, but I did appreciate the decided lack of instalove. (3.5 stars)
September 29, 2025
The 3rd in this series. Absolutely can be read as a standalone without having read either of the others. Kisses only Regency Era romance. This one doesn't take place in London or anywhere in England. That was a nice change of pace for the time period.
Really enjoy this audiobook narrator.
Really enjoy this audiobook narrator.
April 19, 2020
What a great adventure! Rake on the Run, by Mindy Burbidge Strunk moves quickly and pulls you into the wonderful story. I loved the characters! The way they grow, change, and befriend each other is well-written and developed. Their love story is sweet and clean with a perfect, nearly missed, happy ending. I loved it from start to finish!
April 23, 2020
Miss Justina Tinsdale has passed a few seasons without finding a husband, and has agreed to accompanying her aunt & uncle to India as a tutor to their 3 children. Lord Nathaniel Westlake escapes the clutches of a young woman’s desperate attempt to entrap him into marriage by jumping aboard ship at the last moment—the same ship as Justina.
When Lord Nathaniel Westlake runs from the clutches of a young woman’s desperate attempt to entrap him into marriage by jumping aboard ship at the last moment, he finds himself bound to India, or at least the Cape of Good Hope. He has 4 months to contemplate where his life as a rake has landed him, and faces the prospect of turning over a new leaf. Miss Justina Tinsdale befriends Nathan, but keeps him at a distance, given his reputation. What follows is a tender story of 2 young people slowly finding their way to each other, while overcoming all the hurdles the young man’s past life puts in their way.
A clean story, appropriate for younger audiences.
When Lord Nathaniel Westlake runs from the clutches of a young woman’s desperate attempt to entrap him into marriage by jumping aboard ship at the last moment, he finds himself bound to India, or at least the Cape of Good Hope. He has 4 months to contemplate where his life as a rake has landed him, and faces the prospect of turning over a new leaf. Miss Justina Tinsdale befriends Nathan, but keeps him at a distance, given his reputation. What follows is a tender story of 2 young people slowly finding their way to each other, while overcoming all the hurdles the young man’s past life puts in their way.
A clean story, appropriate for younger audiences.
April 30, 2020
Can a Rake truly change, or does he even want to?
More like 4 1/2 stars. If I had the storage space I'd by all of Mindy's books instead of Reading them with Kindle Unlimited, occasionally rereading them.
A well executed novella. Entertaining and well developed from start to finish.
I enjoyed how the characters and story flowed, who wouldn't picture Lord Nathaniel as a Rake if they had been in Justina's view. A man running away from others boarding a ship he had no idea where it was headed with only the clothes on his back. Then to strengthen her poor opinion of him, he cannot recall her name although they have been introduced numerous times, and even attended the same house party once......
More like 4 1/2 stars. If I had the storage space I'd by all of Mindy's books instead of Reading them with Kindle Unlimited, occasionally rereading them.
A well executed novella. Entertaining and well developed from start to finish.
I enjoyed how the characters and story flowed, who wouldn't picture Lord Nathaniel as a Rake if they had been in Justina's view. A man running away from others boarding a ship he had no idea where it was headed with only the clothes on his back. Then to strengthen her poor opinion of him, he cannot recall her name although they have been introduced numerous times, and even attended the same house party once......
May 14, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable read! Loved the H and h in this story as they spent time with each other aboard ship headed toward India. I wondered if the H hadn’t been aboard a ship for months would he have ever paid attention to her let alone enjoyed her company. But he did pay attention to her and found that he enjoyed every minute of it. I also wondered if she hadn’t been aboard ship for months with H if she would have considered his attention toward her genuine. But she did enjoy his company and I loved witnessing their slow burn romance. Mindy Burbidge Strunk knows how to pace a romantic story well. I absolutely could not stop reading it until the end. This is my first experience reading this author and will not be my last.
July 30, 2025
This book was really unique and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Read it in one sitting! Nate and Justina meet (not for the first time) but happenstance onboard a ship bound for India. As Justina is no beauty and has always been something of a wallflower, Nate doesn't remember her at all, despite having been introduced multiple times before. As the ship makes it's voyage, the two come to know one another and Nate begins to see just how beautiful she truly is. I loved the gradual change in feelings between these two, and I especially loved Nate's character growth as he turned from a rake running from his problems to a man fully in love and desperate to prove himself worthy of love in return. A great read.
April 15, 2020
What I liked?
The adventure and Justina, who is wise to Nathaniel’s feckless, reckless and irresponsible behavior.
Nathaniel considers her plain.
I didn’t care for Nathaniel who is aimless and just hops on a ship to avoid being caught by an irate (with good reason) father and son. He lacks character, direction or responsibility. I thought Justina deserved a better man.
Nathaniel does have to grow up, but I think that’s more of a result of an unplanned, completely spontaneous trip to India (which he bemoans).
I liked that Justina was onto his tricks.
She’s intelligent and is wise to game.
Well written with a nice twist with India.
Recommend.
The adventure and Justina, who is wise to Nathaniel’s feckless, reckless and irresponsible behavior.
Nathaniel considers her plain.
I didn’t care for Nathaniel who is aimless and just hops on a ship to avoid being caught by an irate (with good reason) father and son. He lacks character, direction or responsibility. I thought Justina deserved a better man.
Nathaniel does have to grow up, but I think that’s more of a result of an unplanned, completely spontaneous trip to India (which he bemoans).
I liked that Justina was onto his tricks.
She’s intelligent and is wise to game.
Well written with a nice twist with India.
Recommend.
April 12, 2020
I love a story about a rake changing his ways when he meets the right woman. This was a really fun story. I loved Justine! She was such a great character and was not afraid to put Nathan in his place. Their friendship was fun and I enjoyed watching it develop. I've read a few books based in India at this time. It was a fun aspect of the book. There were moments I laughed and others I cried, but overall I really enjoyed this book.
April 22, 2020
Bluestockings are best!
I loved this story so much, it was hard to put down for my regularly scheduled activities. What an interesting visit to shipboard life and the colors of India during the Raj period, and what a lovely backdrop to the story of a rake named Nathan and a lady (not) named Jasmine. Highly recommend if you like intelligent women and good dialogue as well as romance that sneaks up on you.
I loved this story so much, it was hard to put down for my regularly scheduled activities. What an interesting visit to shipboard life and the colors of India during the Raj period, and what a lovely backdrop to the story of a rake named Nathan and a lady (not) named Jasmine. Highly recommend if you like intelligent women and good dialogue as well as romance that sneaks up on you.
April 10, 2020
The premise for this story is clever and the setting is vividly portrayed. Strunk does a nice job immersing the reader in the culture of India during British Imperial times. The gradual growth of the attraction between the protagonists was set against a myriad of obstacles to their getting together, which makes the happily ever after feel well deserved.
April 17, 2020
Mindy Burbridge Strunk has given us a fun story of a young lord who is totally out of his element. Used to drawing rooms and adoring young ladies, Nathan finds himself jumping on a boat headed for India, assigned to the crew room and with a young lady who, at least appears to not be affected by his charms. I enjoyed her descriptions of the voyage and of India. I enjoyed this book.
May 30, 2020
A Lovable Rake
I enjoyed the characters in this story. The rake turned out to be more irresponsible than anything. I enjoyed the characters, especially the heroine. The secondary characters were well-written. I enjoyed the research that went into the story to give the feel of India to those scenes that took place there. A good read
I enjoyed the characters in this story. The rake turned out to be more irresponsible than anything. I enjoyed the characters, especially the heroine. The secondary characters were well-written. I enjoyed the research that went into the story to give the feel of India to those scenes that took place there. A good read
August 8, 2020
Clean romance
Redemption for two different people! The rake seeks his true self and the plain Jane finds her true self. That beauty isn’t always what it appears and sometimes is only skin deep.
It was fun to read about the life in India and see how the characters interact. I enjoy reading about different locations and especially when they make me want to research for myself.
Redemption for two different people! The rake seeks his true self and the plain Jane finds her true self. That beauty isn’t always what it appears and sometimes is only skin deep.
It was fun to read about the life in India and see how the characters interact. I enjoy reading about different locations and especially when they make me want to research for myself.
April 4, 2021
Yes!
So, I do believe Lord Nathaniel is one of my new favorite characters. As much as I didn’t care for him or his friends during their infamous house party, I love their redemption arcs.
I love the wit Justina shows. But beyond her wit, she is a kind person. They fit. They just do.
So, I do believe Lord Nathaniel is one of my new favorite characters. As much as I didn’t care for him or his friends during their infamous house party, I love their redemption arcs.
I love the wit Justina shows. But beyond her wit, she is a kind person. They fit. They just do.
April 21, 2020
Strunk never disappoints
A beautifully written romance about the slow burgeoning of love between two unlikely people. The blossoming of Justina and the maturing of Nathan is well done.
A beautifully written romance about the slow burgeoning of love between two unlikely people. The blossoming of Justina and the maturing of Nathan is well done.
June 10, 2020
What a delight! I read it in a day and half as it was hard to put down. I was transported to Calcutta. I could picture each scene. I must admit that I did not like Nathan at all for awhile. Then the author was able to get me and Justina/Jasmine to see his possibilities.
June 27, 2020
Rating 4.5, rounded up.
This story was set at sea and in India which were both different settings than most books I have read for a while. I am usually not one for the reformation trope but I really enjoyed the personalities of the main characters.
This story was set at sea and in India which were both different settings than most books I have read for a while. I am usually not one for the reformation trope but I really enjoyed the personalities of the main characters.
May 9, 2021
Excellent
What a wonderful story this one is. The descriptions of India are so real and detailed that you can feel like you are there with the bugs and heat. Sweet and true love to sigh over. Great job with this series.
What a wonderful story this one is. The descriptions of India are so real and detailed that you can feel like you are there with the bugs and heat. Sweet and true love to sigh over. Great job with this series.
April 25, 2020
Loved the setting
Most rakes and rogues are specific to England - this one takes you aboard a ship to India and immerses you in the culture a bit. Definitely interesting.
Most rakes and rogues are specific to England - this one takes you aboard a ship to India and immerses you in the culture a bit. Definitely interesting.
April 25, 2020
Always fun
I really enjoy the author’s works. I like this one a lot! Fun, enjoyable and a perfect ending! I loved the setting and the story.
I really enjoy the author’s works. I like this one a lot! Fun, enjoyable and a perfect ending! I loved the setting and the story.
April 28, 2020
I loved reading a Regency book set in India. Clean romance.
May 6, 2020
Another enjoyable story from this author :)
May 23, 2020
Fun read. 3.5 -4stars
June 5, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this story of Nathaniel and his slow realization that he was in love with Jasmine (Justina). It was interesting to read about India and the events of the time.
I enjoyed this story of Nathaniel and his slow realization that he was in love with Jasmine (Justina). It was interesting to read about India and the events of the time.
August 5, 2020
Good love story
I liked this story but it did too much with Justina worrying about Nathan instead of trusting him. Thank you.
I liked this story but it did too much with Justina worrying about Nathan instead of trusting him. Thank you.
January 18, 2021
Cute romance. Nice addition to the series. I like seeing rakes reform.
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
February 24, 2021
I really liked getting to know Ian and Cat. I loved seeing Ian change and Cat let down her guard.
July 16, 2021
I enjoyed it. Not the deepest of books but a light fun read. I wish there was a little more character growth but it was good enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews