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Rescued by a Rake
From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Vella comes a Christmas novella about a feisty, opinionated Miss and a devilishly handsome rake who find love despite the odds.
Miss Ivy Redfern’s life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas, and with him her family’s funds. Determined to find Jackson, she seeks help from his old school friend. Mr. Haddon is everything Ivy is not: popular, socially connected and devilishly handsome! Ivy vows her association with him will achieve only one thing—her brother’s release—and there will be absolutely no chance she will fall in love with him, unlike the other simpering society ladies.
When Rory Haddon agrees to help Ivy Redfern he is determined to do so his own way. She’s feisty, bookish and opinionated, and is equally determined to question his every move. To his complete surprise, he is soon captivated by her intelligence, gentle beauty and utter disregard for his rakish charm. When he realizes Ivy’s life is also in danger, Rory will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, because she is his future. Ivy is just unaware of that yet.
Rescued by a Rake was first published in the Mistletoe and Mayhem boxed set.
Miss Ivy Redfern’s life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas, and with him her family’s funds. Determined to find Jackson, she seeks help from his old school friend. Mr. Haddon is everything Ivy is not: popular, socially connected and devilishly handsome! Ivy vows her association with him will achieve only one thing—her brother’s release—and there will be absolutely no chance she will fall in love with him, unlike the other simpering society ladies.
When Rory Haddon agrees to help Ivy Redfern he is determined to do so his own way. She’s feisty, bookish and opinionated, and is equally determined to question his every move. To his complete surprise, he is soon captivated by her intelligence, gentle beauty and utter disregard for his rakish charm. When he realizes Ivy’s life is also in danger, Rory will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, because she is his future. Ivy is just unaware of that yet.
Rescued by a Rake was first published in the Mistletoe and Mayhem boxed set.
- GenresHistorical Romance
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
109 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books831 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 7, 2023
Oh my, I loved this wonderful short story. Yummy! 5☆
Rory: "Please put the pistol away. A weapon in the wrong hands is a dangerous thing".
Ivy: "I assure you I know how to fire it, and I can't put it away".
Rory: "Why?".
Ivy: "It goes in the holster I had made that is strapped around my thigh".
Rory: "You miss, are reckless".
His mouth was now pressed to hers, there was no need to speak.....no need at all.
Rory: "Please put the pistol away. A weapon in the wrong hands is a dangerous thing".
Ivy: "I assure you I know how to fire it, and I can't put it away".
Rory: "Why?".
Ivy: "It goes in the holster I had made that is strapped around my thigh".
Rory: "You miss, are reckless".
His mouth was now pressed to hers, there was no need to speak.....no need at all.
December 26, 2022
I'm sorry this one was barely 3 stars for me. It started out really well and then about halfway through it just fell apart for me.
The first half was very good - I loved the banter between the hero and heroine and the banter he had with his brothers. There was good tension between them and the heroine was spunky and determined. And then....
The author committed 2 cardinal sins and it just ruined things for me:
1. She made the heroine a complete idiot. People are after them, don't go anywhere because it's not safe. And she walks with a maid to the lending library? What??!!! Seriously, what? And the author knows what she's doing because there's a whole argument and even the hero calls her a "bloody idiot."
She is supposed to be a pretty smart woman and she does this? Nope. Can't buy it.
2. There are people after them, it's not safe to stay in London and they need to flee to a country estate (why is that safer? not really sure but fine, I'll go with it). Ok so it's really dangerous to stay here --- we leave in two days.
Again, what??!!! It's so dangerous to stay we'll just pack up our entire houses and take two days and just go in two carriages and not hire any protection (even though we're rich enough).
A lot of authors are doing this - setting up a sense of imminent danger (which creates tension, which is good) and then following that up with the characters delaying and/or doing stupid things - presumably to set up an even more intense situation but it's just irritating and lazy writing to me; there are other ways to do this without resorting to the 2 cardinal sins; in this case the author did resolve them quickly and not as badly as I've seen elsewhere but she didn't have to do it at all)
And that wasn't just all - the dialogue somehow became more forced, not nearly as easily flowing and even clever in the first half.
I've liked other stuff by this author and as I said the beginning was really good but then it was disappointing.
The first half was very good - I loved the banter between the hero and heroine and the banter he had with his brothers. There was good tension between them and the heroine was spunky and determined. And then....
The author committed 2 cardinal sins and it just ruined things for me:
1. She made the heroine a complete idiot. People are after them, don't go anywhere because it's not safe. And she walks with a maid to the lending library? What??!!! Seriously, what? And the author knows what she's doing because there's a whole argument and even the hero calls her a "bloody idiot."
She is supposed to be a pretty smart woman and she does this? Nope. Can't buy it.
2. There are people after them, it's not safe to stay in London and they need to flee to a country estate (why is that safer? not really sure but fine, I'll go with it). Ok so it's really dangerous to stay here --- we leave in two days.
Again, what??!!! It's so dangerous to stay we'll just pack up our entire houses and take two days and just go in two carriages and not hire any protection (even though we're rich enough).
A lot of authors are doing this - setting up a sense of imminent danger (which creates tension, which is good) and then following that up with the characters delaying and/or doing stupid things - presumably to set up an even more intense situation but it's just irritating and lazy writing to me; there are other ways to do this without resorting to the 2 cardinal sins; in this case the author did resolve them quickly and not as badly as I've seen elsewhere but she didn't have to do it at all)
And that wasn't just all - the dialogue somehow became more forced, not nearly as easily flowing and even clever in the first half.
I've liked other stuff by this author and as I said the beginning was really good but then it was disappointing.
March 25, 2024
not too good
Ivy was too stubborn and TSTL. of course they had to fall in love quickly, as this is a novella. Not the same standard for this author
Ivy was too stubborn and TSTL. of course they had to fall in love quickly, as this is a novella. Not the same standard for this author
January 9, 2022
Miss Ivy Redfern’s life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas, and with him her family’s funds. Determined to find Jackson, she seeks help from his old school friend. Mr. Haddon is everything Ivy is not: popular, socially connected and devilishly handsome! Ivy vows her association with him will achieve only one thing—her brother’s release—and there will be absolutely no chance she will fall in love with him, unlike the other simpering society ladies.
When Rory Haddon agrees to help Ivy Redfern he is determined to do so his own way. She’s feisty, bookish and opinionated, and is equally determined to question his every move. To his complete surprise, he is soon captivated by her intelligence, gentle beauty and utter disregard for his rakish charm. When he realizes Ivy’s life is also in danger, Rory will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, because she is his future. Ivy is just unaware of that yet.
This is an amazing story full of violence and love.
Rory and Ivy make a great couple. Her life is in danger and his is too. It requires for them to go into hiding.
Wendy Vella has written an absolutely incredible novella.
I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited.
When Rory Haddon agrees to help Ivy Redfern he is determined to do so his own way. She’s feisty, bookish and opinionated, and is equally determined to question his every move. To his complete surprise, he is soon captivated by her intelligence, gentle beauty and utter disregard for his rakish charm. When he realizes Ivy’s life is also in danger, Rory will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, because she is his future. Ivy is just unaware of that yet.
This is an amazing story full of violence and love.
Rory and Ivy make a great couple. Her life is in danger and his is too. It requires for them to go into hiding.
Wendy Vella has written an absolutely incredible novella.
I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited.
December 14, 2021
Headstrong and a hellion
Ivy is desperately worried about her brother who has disappeared for a few weeks. This behavior is not like him so Ivy approaches Rory a friend of his! When the ransom note appears Ivy foolishly tries to handle it alone! There are several times where she is almost abducted or worse! For some reason Ivy acts like being in a brothel for a rescue mission does not mean she could be hurt or worse sold in an auction! She is not traditionally pretty and her foolish actions make her less so! Rory is handsome wealthy and a true hero! The five stars is because its Wendy and action right up to the end! Ivy frequently admits to foolish actions then repeats!? But no spoilers but she is trying to “help”!
Ivy is desperately worried about her brother who has disappeared for a few weeks. This behavior is not like him so Ivy approaches Rory a friend of his! When the ransom note appears Ivy foolishly tries to handle it alone! There are several times where she is almost abducted or worse! For some reason Ivy acts like being in a brothel for a rescue mission does not mean she could be hurt or worse sold in an auction! She is not traditionally pretty and her foolish actions make her less so! Rory is handsome wealthy and a true hero! The five stars is because its Wendy and action right up to the end! Ivy frequently admits to foolish actions then repeats!? But no spoilers but she is trying to “help”!
December 27, 2021
Ivy asks Rory Haddon to help as her brother had disappeared. They ind him and in the process the two of them become closer. Jackson is in real trouble so it is good Ivy has gotten help for finding him. The help Rory gives makes him realize Ivy is not who he thought. I did enjoy the story very much.
August 8, 2024
creative female character
Excellent story concept. I would have liked a little more storyline about their escape from the villain. The female character was unusual and strong willed, impulsive and at times impractical but also kind and caring. The male character did not really appear rakish., he was loyal, and daring. It’s a fun fast read.
Excellent story concept. I would have liked a little more storyline about their escape from the villain. The female character was unusual and strong willed, impulsive and at times impractical but also kind and caring. The male character did not really appear rakish., he was loyal, and daring. It’s a fun fast read.
October 17, 2021
Short, sweet, intrigue, danger, love & of course it's Christmas
For a short story it has all of the above. The only issue is I wanted it to go on longer. Wendy Vella's characters are usually strong. Just wanted more time for them to develop.
For a short story it has all of the above. The only issue is I wanted it to go on longer. Wendy Vella's characters are usually strong. Just wanted more time for them to develop.
December 19, 2021
A Fun Novella!
Wendy Vella always creates lovable characters with interesting lives, and this novella has both. My only complaint is that the story is rather short (hello…novella!) and I would have liked it to go on longer.
Wendy Vella always creates lovable characters with interesting lives, and this novella has both. My only complaint is that the story is rather short (hello…novella!) and I would have liked it to go on longer.
March 26, 2022
Wonderful
A great read that I enjoyed so much. Ivy is unique and so much more than anybody knows. Her grit comes out when her brother is kidnapped. After everything she has tried has felled she reaches out to her brother’s friend.
A great read that I enjoyed so much. Ivy is unique and so much more than anybody knows. Her grit comes out when her brother is kidnapped. After everything she has tried has felled she reaches out to her brother’s friend.
April 21, 2022
Rory and Ivy. For a novella this wasn't bad. Story line kept me engaged. Her brother disappeared and she has his old school friend help her find him and of course they end up with the feels. Romance was there and adequate for being a novella.
October 22, 2021
Cute quick read.
Good storyline.
Would have loved it not being just a novella.
Could have gotten greater depth of characters and expanded on the good storyline.
Good storyline.
Would have loved it not being just a novella.
Could have gotten greater depth of characters and expanded on the good storyline.
January 7, 2022
Great read
This was everything I would expect from Wendy Vella. Plenty of action, strong heroine and equally strong hero. Definitely worth reading.
This was everything I would expect from Wendy Vella. Plenty of action, strong heroine and equally strong hero. Definitely worth reading.
November 26, 2024
The h is seriously TSTL. She needs to argue with everything the H says.
Also, far too many errors.
Also, far too many errors.
December 30, 2025
I very much enjoyed reading this story. My reason for giving it a 3 star is because I found it very predictable. The characters main characters were engaging.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews