A gorgeous psychic. An unwanted betrothal. A tantalizing compromise.
An independent hellion, a stealer of time, and the only woman who can capture his heart…
Lady Victoria Hamilton has a supernatural gift, a fiancé, and a guardian angel. She just never expected her protector to be the most dazzling man in England, a devilish scoundrel they call the Blue Bastard. Victoria has agreed to marry for duty, not love, but her unforeseen desire for her mystical angel threatens to destroy not only her plans for the future but the armor surrounding her susceptible heart.
A confirmed scoundrel, a mind reader, and the only man she desires…
Illegitimate son of a viscount and reigning king of London’s gossip sheets, Finn Alexander has spent a lifetime hiding his ability to read minds behind charming smiles and wicked behavior. No one knows the real man, and he likes it that way. Until he meets the lone woman who sees the man beneath the disguise—a blue-blooded temptress with the power to bring him to his knees.
As they embark on a journey of passion and friendship, Victoria and Finn must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for the promise of true, magical love.
The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.
When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!
THE RAKE IS TAKEN by Tracy Sumner is the second book in the League of Lords paranormal historical romance series and takes place during Victorian times in 1870 England. The book worked as a standalone novel, but reading the first book will provide some additional background on the characters.
The main characters in this novel are Finn Alexander and Lady Victoria Hamilton and both have supernatural gifts. Finn is handsome, runs a gambling place, and is known for loving and leaving many women and he is continually in London’s gossip sheets. Victoria’s family is in trouble and she has agreed to marry someone for duty.
After reading book one in the series, I knew that this would not be a historical fiction novel where the reader would learn much about the history of the period. Being prepared for this helped set my expectations for the novel. However, I did learn about class distinctions during the time period. Other themes included friendship, family duty, family relationships and much more. The main characters are likeable and definitely someone you can root for. They felt three-dimensional and their chemistry pulled the story line together. I connected with them immediately. Their flaws also came through and made for a more realistic portrayal. Additionally, their goals were clear and influenced the plot. The secondary characters brought depth to the story line. It was great to see characters in book one in a different context.
While the viewpoint is switched a few times between chapters, the story line progressed smoothly with effective transitions. The author did a great job of world-building. The descriptions were vivid and gave a clear sense of time and place without detracting from the flow of the story. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the last part of the novel.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and fun read with relatable characters. If you enjoy paranormal historical romances, then I recommend you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks go to Tracy Sumner for the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The other day, I was in the mood for a romance novel, which seems to be happening frequently this summer. (Go figure, right?) I wanted a historical romance, as they seem to be one of my favorite "escape" reads. I had read The Lady is Trouble earlier, so I grabbed the next book in the League of Lords paranormal Victorian series.
Author Tracy Sumner reintroduces the readers to Finn, the ultimate bad boy who knows exactly what a woman wants...and not just because he can hear all her thoughts! Spicy!! Finn has a huge heart which he conceals often by playing the part of the playboy. He has this weird dreams about Lady Victoria and has been following her around London at social events...trying to figure out why they are connected by dreams.
What I really like about Sumner's novels is the character development and the action. Seriously this book had as much action as it did romance, and I love that! Finn and Lady Victoria Hamilton hit if off with sparks flying in every direction.
The supernatural element really gets to me as well, especially since it is not presented in a mystical witchcraft way...but more in a Regency X-men type of special abilities. Tracy Sumner definitely has a good imagination and uses it very well to show the reader what it is like to be Finn - as he longs for the one woman in London that he can not have. She also shows what it is like to be Lady Victoria with all her insecurities and doubts.
Perhaps this young couple and all their friends are the ancestors of the X-Men characters from our time. This is one of my favorite series because of the interplay between the characters, the supernatural abilities and secret organization, and the romance! My only wish is that there were more details about all the dreams that link Victoria and Finn... I feel like I just had a good sampling, but I want more!!
Thank you to NetGalley for this temporary advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
Many Thanks to Net Galley, BookBuzz.net and Tracy Sumner for the chance to read and review this book.
A historical romance with psychic paranormal elements, The Rake is Taken is book #2 in the League of Lords series by Tracy Sumner but it can be read as a stand-alone as each book, I believe, has a different couple in focus. Finn Alexander, called the Blue Bastard by the ton, coz of his extraordinary eyes, has always been able to read minds of the people surrounding him. The gift or curse as the case maybe has left him always a touch distant from the countless relationships he’s engaged in always affecting an indifferent nonchalance among the crowd. When he becomes haunted by dreams that involve Lady Victoria Hamilton, Finn makes sure that lady in question is invited to Harbingdon estate where he seeks the help of his brother of heart Julian and his wife, Poppy to understand Victoria’s psychic abilities. ‘Coz Victoria is no ordinary girl herself, with the ability to steal pockets of time from anyone whom she touches, Victoria has never known love or care from her family except from her brother and her maid.
It is the psychic parts of the story with the members of the League that makes this book extremely fascinating and the chemistry between Finn and Tory is undeniably scorching hot. The author writes a very passionate and alluring story with two people who are quite different and begins collaborating as friends but the sexual tension between them is hard to ignore. Each and every character in the story was brilliant and hopefully the Duke of Ashcroft has a separate story that will follow in the series. I would have loved much more action with the dreams and the link that connects Finn and Tori as that part of the story seemed a bit rushed.
There’s enough drama to keep the story going as both of them denies their love for various reasons but the resolving of issues and making up of minds was entertainment at best. Lovely!
'A gorgeous psychic. An unwanted betrothal. A tantalizing compromise.
An independent hellion, a thief of time, and the only woman who can capture his heart…
Lady Victoria Hamilton has a supernatural gift, a fiancé, and a guardian angel. She just never expected her protector to be the most dazzling man in England, a devilish scoundrel they call the Blue Bastard. Victoria has agreed to marry for duty, not love, but her unforeseen desire for her mystical angel threatens to destroy not only her plans for the future but the armor surrounding her susceptible heart.
A confirmed scoundrel, a mind reader, and the only man she desires…
Illegitimate son of a viscount and reigning king of London’s gossip sheets, Finn Alexander has spent a lifetime hiding his ability to read minds behind charming smiles and wicked behavior. No one knows the real man, and he likes it that way. Until he meets the lone woman who sees the man beneath the disguise—a blue-blooded temptress with the power to bring him to his knees.
As they embark on a journey of passion and friendship, Victoria and Finn must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for the promise of true, magical love.' ____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Rake is Taken is the second book in Tracy Sumner's League of Lords series. This book is a historical romance with a paranormal spin; it is not a clean romance.
I do love a book with a paranormal/magical plot and I am very happy to find one within a historical fiction/historical romance, especially since they are few and far between. I read the first in the series and really enjoyed the paranormal element and so I was quite excited to read The Rake is Taken, but unfortunately I found that the paranormal aspect really took a backseat to the romance this time.
In the first book, The Lady is Trouble, there is a lot of groundwork laid for the varied abilities and gifts that the characters have and how they affect their lives and environments. Also there is an element of danger that throughout that really vlidates Julian's reasoning behind building a safe heaven. In this book however, there is mention of possibly encrouching danger, but it never comes into play in the plot.
Victoria's powerful gift a bit similar to the female lead from the first book, Piper. Piper's gift was to help people control and channel thier gifts so that they are less oppressive in their lives. Victoria's gift is to temporarily block other's gift so that they have a brief respite from their gift and it. Both gifts those around them temporary relief and calm from the impact of their own gifts.
Despite being disappointed by the lack of danger and the limited scope of the paranormal plot here, I still enjoyed the book and would read the next in the series(with the hope that the paranormal will be more prevelant in the storyline). If you enjoy paranormal historcial romances as well, you should give this series, League of Lords, a try. _____
I would like to thank BookSirens and Tracy Sumner for sharing a copy of The Rake is Taken with me. This is my honest review.
I can not get pass the dialogue of flamboyant words. I’m reading the story and it’s giving me a headache. If the writer stick to simple words, this will make the book easier to read. For instance, the scene between Finn and Victoria in the offing at the ball. The words detailing the scene is utterly useless. Stick to the simplicity of the story and you will gain a bigger audience. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
A paranormal historical romance. This is the second book in the League or Lords but can be read as a stand-alone story. In this book Finn finds his romance with Victoria. I really liked Finn (from the first book) and am happy this is his book. Victoria's gift is rare and is extremely helpful for the League. We also learn about Finn's mysterious background. The story is much more than romance with adventure, action and danger. I enjoyed the continuing development of the League and the variety of gifts within the group. I also enjoyed the continuing stories of the secondary characters and am hoping they all get their own books. There were a couple of things I didn't enjoy as much in this book. Paragraphs containing background information included to ensure understanding were inserted into the middle of conversations, creating gaps in the flow of the story. So, it became a bit choppy and disjointed in places, interfering with the development of suspense. I still liked and enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading the next book. I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens. The honest opinions in this review are mine.
The Rake Is Taken (League of Lords, Book 2) brings a supernatural element in a regency ×men special abilities rather than witchcraft. It's uniqueness adds to the story and series. Character development is well established and opulence of action and romance throughout the story. We don't get much about the history of the period, however we did learn the class distinctions during the the period which was interesting. Vivid descriptions and world details. Looking forward to listening to the next audio in the series.
Kimberly M. Wetherell narration is smooth and easy listening. Her inflection is distinctive and brings the story and characters to reality.
The Rake is Taken is the second book in the League of Lords series, and I was so excited to see the story focuses on Finn, who was first introduced in The Lady is Trouble. Finn Alexander, also called The Blue Bastard, is handsome, charismatic, and well-known as a rake who never stays with one woman for long. Known as The Blue Bastard because of his striking eye color and his unsavory heritage, Finn is the focus of many scandals in society. Finn is not one to follow the rules. Of course, Finn isn’t exactly what he seems, and he has many secrets that he keeps from others. In addition to his origins, one of these secrets involves his paranormal gifts.
Haunted by the dreams of Lady Victoria and wanting to learn more about her, Finn begins to trail her. He learns that, because of the pressure of her selfish family, Victoria has agreed to enter into an arranged marriage. Acting out in a fit of protest, Victoria is continually rescued by Finn, and when she finds out who he is, she is equally afraid and intrigued.
Though she is loyal and duty-bound, Victoria’s family does not treat her well. They basically see her as a means to the end of their financial troubles. However, Finn sees that she has a gift, and he convinces her to go to his brother’s estate, where they protect and train people with paranormal abilities. Finn is certain they can help Victoria to control and better use her gifts, which she has kept hidden for years.
Victoria also has strange dreams that connect to Finn’s, and as the couple tries to make sense of these dreams, they grow closer. The chemistry between Finn and Tori is fantastic! They are so drawn to each other, and though they try to resist, it is so difficult. They both know they can’t be together, but that doesn’t stop their feelings from growing. I love how this pair sees each other for who they really are. They aren’t fooled by the facades, and instead, look deeper and learn the truth of each other. They are both strong-willed and passionate people, and their love story is wonderful.
I also like the paranormal elements in the story. People have many different paranormal abilities, and Finn and Tori’s abilities are fascinating. Tori can steal bits of time, and Finn can read minds. Tori also has another surprising ability that intrigues and alarms Finn. Other people’s paranormal gifts include the power to heal, to start fires, to alter one’s mind, to see auras, and more. This is such a unique aspect of the story and not one I usually see in paranormal, historical romance.
Like the first book, the characters in this book are well-developed and interesting. I liked being able to see some of my favorite from The Lady is Trouble in this book. However, if you didn’t read the first book, you can still read this one. Reading the first book will provide context, especially in regard to the characters, but it is easy enough to follow on its own. The story is filled with suspense, secrets, lies, and a ton of sexual tension and is a great addition to the League of Lords series. Thanks so much to Tracy Sumner for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I was really looking forward to reading this book as it contained my favourite elements-historical romance and paranormal. I finished the book feeling let down. I felt like I was wading my way through lots of description and I just wanted the story to get a move on! I also really dislike inaccuracies, in the UK we have biscuits not cookies. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
THE RAKE IS TAKEN is the second book in the League of Lords series, and I'm so grateful that Ms Sumner made a series! After reading book one, I really hoped it would happen, and it did. Woot!!
A very different story to book, so you could read it as a standalone, but with some characters from the first one. You would have more of an idea of past events and how their characters interact but it isn't necessary.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Finn and Victoria. Two very different and compelling characters who NEED to be together, and the fun is in watching them figure it out and overcoming all the obstacles. The psychic side of it is mentioned but specifically (most of the time) towards Finn and Victoria and how it affects them.
This was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
This is an interesting story. Each character is full of personality and secrets. The author does a first rate job setting the story in Victorian high society. The cast of characters is quite unique and well-drawn, and I loved how so many people from such diverse background bonded and became family as well as coworkers. The plot is intricate and kept me thoroughly engrossed until the very last page. Fans of the historical and the paranormal will not be able to put this excellent book down. Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
"The Rake is Taken" is a paranormal historical romance, which I found to be an intriguing novelty.
TRIT's heroine, Lady Victoria Hamilton can cause retrograde amnesia with her touch and also blocks supernatural powers in others. Finn Alexander is a super hot bad boy pseudo-lord who all the ladies want to bang but not marry because he's illegitimate. Oh, also he reads minds, but the ladies don't know that. Anyway, he keeps dreaming about Lady Victoria and wonders what it means, so he tracks her down, discovers her powers, and takes her to his brother's own X-Mansion.
These people have all been retrieved or rescued from their own situations and brought to the safety and comfort of the X-Mansion, but almost all of them stay on as servants with supernatural powers like telekinesis and whatnot. But for some reason, Finn is not a servant? Even though he was literally plucked from a gutter?
It seems wrong that Julian and his wife, Piper would be like, "Oh hey, you have supernatural powers, please come chop firewood and clean my spoons for the rest of your life" rather than treating these people as equals or improving their station in life.
Moving on, there's this weird emphasis on this document called "The Chronology" which seems to just be a long list of when different superpowers pop up and where, and some bad guy is supposedly going to come get it, but then there actually aren't any bad guys in the book? Now that I am trying to articulate the plot, I realize how little conflict there actually was.
The writing is occasionally unintentionally humorous. We get treated to a lot of descriptions of people's eyes: "Victoria's eyes were the color of a leaf frozen in ice when they met his." "her eyes glowing as fiercely as the emeralds in Victoria's favorite broach." "She pivoted to face him, her eyes highlighted in the sunlight, a mix falling somewhere between the color of spring soil and autumn leaves." "She laughed softly, her eyes glowing the color of the grass beneath their feet." "Marianne regarded him through eyes the color of fresh cow dung."
Overall, it's obvious that the author is incredibly invested in the characters and thinks of them as real people, but the situations and overall plot of the story are less embellished and a little confusing.
I received a free copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Finn Alexander has lived a hard life as a child in the worst part of London. He is rescued by a benefactor who calls him brother. His dreams of the past connect him to Victoria Hamilton. He thinks she has the answers to his dreams. They both have special gifts. He can read minds, she can block thoughts and briefly change time. She also has dreams of his past. Their connection grows at the same time it begins to tear them apart. Finn is a nobody known as a rake. She is the daughter of an earl. Love is a very powerful emotion that hopefully will bind them together. Another paranormal romance set in Victorian England. The second book in the series, I recommend reading The Lady Is Trouble first. I liked it one star more than this one. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Supernatural Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 Verified Purchase ADULT Victorian Romance💕 with Paranormal Elements. Mind reading supernatural and super handsome Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, was found as an orphan street urchin using his talents to survive in the worst part of London. Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪is rescued by Viscount Julian and he is claimed as his brother. He has a family, now. Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is easily accepted into the ton as the charming rake and illegitimate brother of Viscount Julian.
As an adult, Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 uses his gift, charm and business sense to run a gambling hell for the upper crust. With his mindreading talents, he can assure that his clients never go crazy and lose the farm. The establishment is known for its fairness and has become very popular.
Julian needs the money and the contacts Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 makes there for their purpose of gathering all the people with "special talents" he can find for the League of Lords.
Every one living at his estate has a paranormal talent of some sort. His wife is a healer with physic talents, able to heal with the laying on of her hands. Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 has been having dreams of a beautiful young woman of the ton.
As the daughter of an Earl, Victoria💃💋 is too good for him, but he gazes upon her at the parties from afar and has anonymously kept her out of embarrassing situations more than once. Suddenly, He realizes he cannot read her mind! She is an enigma to him, and when she is near, he cannot read the minds of those around her!
Victoria's talent is "stealing time". If she touches someone, she can cause them to forget recent happenings. A useful gift when picking pockets or stealing items, even wiping out the memories of indiscrete utterings or deeds.
Victoria💃💋 is very aware of the reputation of the ridiculously charming and handsome bad boy Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪. Yet, she is drawn💕 to him, and he to her. Finn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 realizes he must take her to Julian. Julian must be made aware of her gift!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱, Hidden 💎Gems, and Book Sirens 📚💃. I also got this ebook from Amazon for 99¢
The wordiness of the beginning dialogs between Finn and Victoria kind of threw me at first, but their verbal jousting is fun and entertaining. Victoria💃💋 unwittingly serves up innuendo after innuendo to Finn🐺🍆⛲💪, and he drinks it all up! Of course, he soon realizes she is an innocent, but that doesn't stop His constant flirting. This is a standalone ADULT Historical Romance💕, and is written in dual points of view.
The Rake is Taken by Tracy Sumner League of Lords #2
Finn is having dreams and his dreams usually have an impact for him and those in the league, so he has found the person starring in the dreams and watches like a guardian angel to keep her safe. Victoria feels there is someone there keeping her safe and has seen Finn more often but has no idea he is the one providing her with protection. Finn doesn’t realize it but she is dreaming, too, and the two have more than dreams that will be discussed when they finally get together.
What I liked: * Finn: mind reader, thief, survivor, abandoned, multi-lingual, taken in by Julian & Humphrey when he was nice, owner of a gambling den, womanizer, rake, and much more under the surface * Victoria: time stealer, blocker, feisty, puzzle solver, commodity to her parents, misses her brother, bright, not easily intimidated, intrigued by Finn and the opportunity he offers * The writing, plot, setting, * The way the H/h slowly came together, the way they communicated honestly, and that they seemed to genuinely like and admire one another. * Julian, Piper, Humphrey & Simon: Julian and Piper were in book one of the series as were the other two…imagine they will reappear as the series goes along and I look forward to reading more about them * Agatha: Victoria’s nurse turned lady’s maid – more her mother than her biological one * The paranormal elements and how they play into the story. They are not overwhelming but an integral part of the series that will be heard more about over the ongoing series (I think) * The mention of a counter-group that is probably evil and after or against their talents * The introduction to both main characters with an inkling of what their early years must have been like * That the issues the couple faced seemed believable and in keeping with the time period and their characters * Being able to escape into this world of make believe – Lebanon during the pandemic and the economic crisis of the summer of 2021 is meant to be escaped from * Where Victoria’s dreams lead the group to near the end of the book * The potential love interest between Humphrey and Bella
What I didn’t like: * Victoria’s parents and the man they were going to marry her off to * Finn’s stepfather and w hat he did
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book – this is my honest review.
The main characters in this novel are Finn Alexander and Lady Victoria Hamilton and both have supernatural gifts. Finn is handsome, runs a gambling place, and is known for loving and leaving many women and he is continually in London’s gossip sheets. Victoria’s family is in trouble and she has agreed to marry someone for duty.
Lady Victoria Hamilton also has a supernatural gift. A fiancé, that happens to be the BFF with the devilish, London scoundrel & Brother in the Arms. What Lady Victoria doesn't expect that her personal guardian angel, protector is the most dazzling man in England, that women fall for & is known to be call the Blue Bastard. So why is Victoria having feelings for such a man.
Victoria has a obligation to marry for duty, not love, but her unforeseen desire for her mystical angel threatens to destroy not only her plans for the future but the armor surrounding her susceptible heart. With avoidance & sarcastic, & constant bickering along with a burning sexual tension builds thru the entire story. Victoria is falling for the confirmed scoundrel, a mind reader, and the only man she desires…
Finn Alexander Illegitimate son of a viscount spent a lifetime hiding his ability to read minds. With hidden charming smiles and wicked behavior. This lead him to be the d reigning king of London’s gossip sheets. This way Finn can hide the real man, the one who hides his pain, loneliness & shame. Until he meets his match the lone woman who sees the man beneath the disguise—a blue-blooded temptress with the power to bring him to his knees.
Can these two lonely characters embark on common ground go thru the the journey of friendship & not give in to passion. Or will Lady Victoria and Finn Alexander decide to risk everything for the promise of true, magical love. Great story, a bit confusing in the beginning, must read the series to understand all the nuances of the plot. But once these two characters given in to passion, nothing can stop them.
The Rake Is Taken League of Lords – Book 2 Tracy Sumner
The Rake Is Taken by Tracy Sumner is the first book I have read by the author. I found it to be a refreshingly unique historical romance as it has paranormal elements. While it is book #2 from the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Finn Alexander can read peoples thoughts. Left at an orphanage with nothing but his first name as a youth, he is now known as the Blue Bastard. The nick name is a result of his extraordinary eye color and the circumstances of his birth.
Lady Victoria Hamilton erases thoughts by stealing bits of time from people, which is convenient when she does not want them to remember something. She also happens to have an additional talent that is a blessing to those who are unable to get any peace from their abilities.
These two are drawn together by dreams they are each having involving the other. Of course there is also that intense attraction that they both try to fight along the way. I felt more emphasis could have been put on the dreams Victoria was having, since they play such an important part in Finn’s life. Once her dreams came to fruition for Finn, I felt a little cheated and that this part of the story could have been expanded on.
Parts of the book did not flow well for me, especially between some of the chapters that had an abrupt stop/start kind of feel. This seemed to take place more in the beginning of the book. Other parts were overly wordy for me. One example, “Her gaze was glazed, a cavernous color of a forest at midnight, her bottom lip swollen as if she’d bitten it”. I got the point about her gaze without the whole cavernous forest bit. The line means more to my mind without it. When things start getting wordy, I tend to lose interest and start skimming the page.
Those who enjoy stories about the strong bonds of family regardless of missing blood ties should enjoy this book. As a lover of romance, paranormal and mysticism, I look forward to reading future stories about other characters mentioned in these pages. 3.5 of 4 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Claimed by Viscount Beauchamp as his illegitimate half brother, Finn Alexander is the debauched darling of London society who eagerly plays by his own rules. The man beneath the public facade, hidden behind his enchanting smile, has always been a closely guarded secret – a secret poised to be discovered.
Misunderstood and ignored by her family, Lady Victoria Hamilton's only value seems to be as a bargaining chip to save her family from the poorhouse. Without control over her future, acting out in scandalous ways has been Victoria's only way to rebel. Thankfully her anonymous guardian angel has protected her – an reality poised to change dramatically.
Although this is a stand-alone novel, I'm glad I read the first book in the series before reading The Rake is Taken. I enjoyed revisiting the lead characters from the first book, which truly helped me to become even more invested in Finn and Victoria's story. Since this book is more about the characters than the story, Tracy Sumner has done a fine job in their development singularly and as a couple. Of course, as with the first book, the level of passion and heat between Finn and Victoria is blazing, as is their ultimate dilemma. How they are going to pull off a happy-ever-after is the real puzzle to be solved in this entertaining read.
Content 411: As with the first book, this book contains vulgarities and descriptive sexual content.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Finn Alexander(Blue Bastard) called such because of his eyes. He had been left at an orphanage when he was about three. He had very few if any recollections of his childhood. He trusted no one and he had been running since he was nine. When his brother found him, he got the word family the one thing he yearned for. It could break him when nothing else had. Not the knives under his chin, or putting a cheroot out on his wrist, not even the worst handling of his person had been able to break him. He had dreamed of them on more than one occasion and so they led him to a waiting hackney. He only dreamed about those that mattered. His gift was he could read minds. Victoria's parents had locked her in her room, she had an unusual gift that only her brother and Anges knew about. That she stole little pieces of time that a person had lived to make them forget. Last time they had locked her in her room for two days without food or water. Now they kept some food in her room. She felt unloved especially by her parents. An unusual story about paranormal talents. The main characters were gifted and could be generous. Even though Finn was a rake of the first class and if it was bad for him he had to do it. There are some twists to this tale and keeping the ends straight is quite the job. The author does a great job of keeping us interested and entertained. It has a strong plot and well written. It is definitely worth the time to read. I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I found myself enjoying this book more than The Lady is Trouble. I thought the story between Finn and Victoria was more interesting and less angst-ridden. The pacing and plot are good which also makes this a quick and easy read. My only complaint is that there is so much going on that some parts are not fully developed. Primarily the parts involving Simon and Belle. Belle's part in the story is huge, but she's only really in 2 chapters - I'm sure she'll be back in a story of her own, but I would have liked more between her and Finn. More with Victoria's dreams would have been good too - we don't really get a good idea of what visions she was having. I would have also liked at least one more scene between Finn and Simon with Finn talking to Simon about the changes he was making in his life. I really don't think a couple extra chapters to expand on these characters would have hurt the overall story. As with The Lady is Trouble, I would have liked to have more with the characters exploring their powers. I am definitely looking forward to the stories for Ashcroft and Humphrey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
::sigh:: Oh, Finn. How I've looked forward to your story.
My favorite historical romance series with a paranormal twist is back! AND, we get my long-awaited book on Finn.
Finn, the illegitimate (half-)brother of Viscount Beauchamp (otherwise known as the Blue Bastard- due to his unique bluer than blue eyes), has been having dreams again. In an effort to discover the beauty in his dreams and why he is being drawn to her, he inadvertently becomes the guardian angel to a Lady who at first glance is quite ordinary. But the more he discovers about the beauty, the more he becomes fascinated.
Lady Victoria is misunderstood and ignored by her family. She has agreed to succumb to her societal duties and marry as a bargaining chip to save her family from the poorhouse. Except, she is not willing to go without a fight. The same night she learns her guardian angel is none other than the Blue Bastard is the same night she learns she is not alone with her "parlor tricks". Finn agrees to help Tori with her unwanted betrothal if she agrees to come to Harbingdon estate and meet the League of Lords to better understand her powers and where she fits into their motley crew.
As always, Tracy Sumner has written a very fun and action-packed historical with a unique paranormal twist that keeps you turning those pages well into the midnight hours.
The story of Tori and Finn as they grow from wary acquaintances to friends and beyond is dazzling. The chemistry is on point and as always the depth of connection is just perfection. I will say I still wish we had more specifics regarding the powers discussed and their effects within the league and I would have loved much more about the dreams.
I am so eager for more. The Duke? Finn's sister? gah! More, please!
*This can be read as a stand-alone but you will understand more if you have read the first in the series.*
*ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review*
Another exciting book in the unusual League of Lords series.
Victoria is so amazing. She is being sold off in marriage to a despicable man by her father to settle his debts. Victoria unusual skill to trap time and erase memories, is something she uses to help others.
Finn is a dish, gambling den owner and illegitimate brother to Julian (from book1). He is a rakehell of the highest order and has the ability to read minds until he meets Tori. Around her everything is quiet.
The passion between them is palpable and sizzling. Slowly They learn to trust, open up, support each other for a hea.
This series is unusual but well worth the read. Sometimes it feels like the books are jumping around, but read at leisure to enjoy the wordplay and plotlines.
Historical romance meets the X Men without all the graphic violence of the movies in this delightful title by Tracy Sumner. The second book of her League of Lords series, we learn more about a group with paranormal talents moving through British society.
Victorian Hamilton has always had her gift, but never embraced it. Finn Alexander learned to hone his and use it when he was a child. The pair make a lovely couple as he helps her learn about this other world that does brand her a freak.
Along the way are the typical challenges of the trope — the fate of women in society, the rigidity of the class structure.
This was my first book by Sumner, and I thoroughly enjoyed finding a new author. Fans of Amanda Quick titles will enjoy THE RAKE IS TAKEN, as well as the other titles in the series.
Book 2 is a standalone and it's not awkward jumping into the series here. It will, however, force you to go back for Book 1 to see Piper's and Julian's romance develop.
NOTE: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Finn Alexander is a mind reader. He can hear the thoughts of everyone around him, except her. From her he hears nothing, and it seems that being in her presence helps mute the thoughts of others.
Victoria Hamilton considers her ability to erase minutes from people's memories nothing more than a parlor trick. Finn disagrees and convinces Victoria to travel to his brother's home to learn more about her ability and to meet others that have abilities as well.
Finn and Victoria are drawn to each other, but will they be able to have a happily ever after?
If you enjoy historical romance and/or supernatural you shouldn't be disappointed in this book. Tracy Sumner is doing a fantastic job of combining the two!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a true and honest review.
This is the second book in a series League of Lords. This story is about Finn who reads minds and Victoria who has the supernatural gift of time. Finn and Tori friendship, passion and chemistry are super-hot, but what makes the story different and interesting is the psychic paranormal elements. Tracy Summer writes a very interesting story that I had to finish. I received a free copy of this book by the author for my honest opinion.
I found this book to be very enjoyable. I find the concept behind this series fresh and intriguing. Finn and Victoria were complex, likable characters. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them whether they were at odds or letting their desire for each other get the best of them. The story grabbed and held my attention well with a blend of drama and emotion. This is my independent, impartial review.
A wonderful story with captivating characters in Finn and Victoria. Their relationship was so entertaining and steamy. I'm really enjoying this series and this kept my attention throughout.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.