What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brides of Bellaire Gardens #2
The Rake's Daughter
An earl is forced to play matchmaker for the daughters of a rake in a smart and witty new Regency romance from the national bestselling author of The Scoundrel’s Daughter.
Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must introduce Clarissa to London society and find her a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in aristocratic circles.
However, the girls are determined to enter society together. They’re devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal and ruin if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. Much to Leo’s frustration, nothing he says or does will convince them otherwise. To further complicate matters, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.
Called away for a quick visit to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home and consider their position. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Clarissa and Izzy have launched themselves into society—and with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society himself, protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious Izzy, and the rich, unworthy men drawn to her beauty.
Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must introduce Clarissa to London society and find her a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in aristocratic circles.
However, the girls are determined to enter society together. They’re devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal and ruin if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. Much to Leo’s frustration, nothing he says or does will convince them otherwise. To further complicate matters, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.
Called away for a quick visit to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home and consider their position. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Clarissa and Izzy have launched themselves into society—and with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society himself, protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious Izzy, and the rich, unworthy men drawn to her beauty.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
120 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Anne Gracie
95 books1,534 followersI've always loved stories. Family legend has it that I used to spend hours playing in the sand pit, with a dog on either side of me and Rocka the horse leaning over me, his head just touching my shoulder, while I told them stories. I have to say, dogs and horses are great audiences, apart from their tendency to drool occasionally. But people are even nicer.
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 26, 2022
Anne Gracie has a special way with words and this is another book written in her special style, it is filled with wonderful characters, it is witty, filled with emotions, I melted into this story and just loved it so very much, come along and meet Leo and Izzy you are sure to be left smiling.
Leo the new Earl of Salcott has just arrived back in England after a year away travelling, only to find that he is now the guardian of a rake’s daughter, Clarissa and she is an heiress to boot this is not going to make his life easy, being part of the social ton is not Leo’s style, to make matters worse this young lady has a half -sister Isobel who is beautiful but her birth will never meet the Ton standards, how on earth is he going to manage to find Clarissa a husband?
Clarissa and Izzy are determined to make their come out together and Leo is at his wits end trying to make them see reason and stop a scandal, he decides on a trip to his country estate leaving them with his Aunt Olive, Lady Scattergood who is a little eccentric surely some time at home will make them see reason, but no they take matters into their own hands and launch themselves into society and on Leo’s return the sparks fly, especially between Izzy and him, he is finding it harder and harder to ignore the beautiful Izzy.
Leo has had a tough childhood which makes him the man he is today and of course Izzy’s childhood although happy with Clarissa has a lot of heartache in it but these two are pulled together from the start and when love happens nothing is going to stop it. Izzy shows such strength and courage throughout this one and Leo, what can I say he is such a great hero caring and loving and I love the way Izzy gets under his skin and he under hers.
This story is funny at times, emotional and above all else a fabulous story, a must read, filled with awesome characters, come and meet Lady Scattergood and Mrs Price-Jones and Milly they add so much to the story, I laughed, smiled and cheered them on in this one and can’t wait for Clarissa’s story. I highly recommend this one, don’t miss out.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Leo the new Earl of Salcott has just arrived back in England after a year away travelling, only to find that he is now the guardian of a rake’s daughter, Clarissa and she is an heiress to boot this is not going to make his life easy, being part of the social ton is not Leo’s style, to make matters worse this young lady has a half -sister Isobel who is beautiful but her birth will never meet the Ton standards, how on earth is he going to manage to find Clarissa a husband?
Clarissa and Izzy are determined to make their come out together and Leo is at his wits end trying to make them see reason and stop a scandal, he decides on a trip to his country estate leaving them with his Aunt Olive, Lady Scattergood who is a little eccentric surely some time at home will make them see reason, but no they take matters into their own hands and launch themselves into society and on Leo’s return the sparks fly, especially between Izzy and him, he is finding it harder and harder to ignore the beautiful Izzy.
Leo has had a tough childhood which makes him the man he is today and of course Izzy’s childhood although happy with Clarissa has a lot of heartache in it but these two are pulled together from the start and when love happens nothing is going to stop it. Izzy shows such strength and courage throughout this one and Leo, what can I say he is such a great hero caring and loving and I love the way Izzy gets under his skin and he under hers.
This story is funny at times, emotional and above all else a fabulous story, a must read, filled with awesome characters, come and meet Lady Scattergood and Mrs Price-Jones and Milly they add so much to the story, I laughed, smiled and cheered them on in this one and can’t wait for Clarissa’s story. I highly recommend this one, don’t miss out.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
April 16, 2023
2.5 stars. Extremely underwhelming. The hero was a giant a-hole to the heroine several times throughout the story. I was PRAYING for the heroine to end up with another man. This story also lacked all humor - which is something I’ve come to expect from books by this author.
Safe
Virgin heroine
Hero not a manwhore
Hero had one previous lover discussed - a woman 10 years older than him when he was 18 years old until 25 - at which point she broke things off and told him to go find a wife. Leo DiCaprio’s female counterpart? You be the judge.
No OW drama
Mild OM drama
No scenes with OM/OW
No cheating
Safe
Virgin heroine
Hero not a manwhore
Hero had one previous lover discussed - a woman 10 years older than him when he was 18 years old until 25 - at which point she broke things off and told him to go find a wife. Leo DiCaprio’s female counterpart? You be the judge.
No OW drama
Mild OM drama
No scenes with OM/OW
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
I really love Gracie’s writing!! The plot wasn’t always my thing but the writing and storytelling was so fun it was incredibly hard not to root for both characters even when they were being boneheaded. The audiobook was great! It needed one more on page sex scene because the first one was pretty rushed. I’ll definitely be looking out for book 3 and will for sure be doing a series reread before it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️.75/5
Thanks so much to Berkley Romance for a free finished copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️.75/5
Thanks so much to Berkley Romance for a free finished copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
December 7, 2022
I enjoyed this story for the most part until about 60%. There were many cute and witty moments during the story. Unfortunately none of them involved the main couple.
After scrolling thru the GR reviews, I found many people complaining about what an ass the hero was. At first, I actually wasn't irritated at his assholery as I felt it genuinely reflected how the issue of bastards being shunned from the ton was dealt with in that time period. But at 60% the hero was still hanging on to his insults to the heroine, which he would then feel the need to apologize, then the next chapter he would be right back at it his insulting ways. And don't get me wrong, I love a grumpy guardian theme, but this guy was too hot and cold, was not progressing with the story and I did not buy that their relationship was growing romantically. I think way too much time was devoted for rehashing the two sisters life story, what a horrible father they had, etc. It was retold over and over.
However, going thru the reviews, I saw only one other reviewer comment on the heroine's personality. She was very confrontational and argumentative. Which I thought was not becoming of her if she was wanting to be accepted by the new Londoners that she was hoping to assimilate into. I mean, she almost started a fight with a female neighbor that came over to be nosy and see what the sisters were doing lighting candles in the common park. Basically told her to get lost, go fly a kite, etc.
I gave up once the hero apologized yet once again, and afterwards they decided to go for a walk thru Hyde Park and they were suddenly acting like best friends, laughing, arm in arm, people watching and gossiping of others around them. I had no idea how they were suddenly so chummy when 10 minutes ago they hated each other. There was no lead up to it. Too hot and cold for me, romance was not believable.
After scrolling thru the GR reviews, I found many people complaining about what an ass the hero was. At first, I actually wasn't irritated at his assholery as I felt it genuinely reflected how the issue of bastards being shunned from the ton was dealt with in that time period. But at 60% the hero was still hanging on to his insults to the heroine, which he would then feel the need to apologize, then the next chapter he would be right back at it his insulting ways. And don't get me wrong, I love a grumpy guardian theme, but this guy was too hot and cold, was not progressing with the story and I did not buy that their relationship was growing romantically. I think way too much time was devoted for rehashing the two sisters life story, what a horrible father they had, etc. It was retold over and over.
However, going thru the reviews, I saw only one other reviewer comment on the heroine's personality. She was very confrontational and argumentative. Which I thought was not becoming of her if she was wanting to be accepted by the new Londoners that she was hoping to assimilate into. I mean, she almost started a fight with a female neighbor that came over to be nosy and see what the sisters were doing lighting candles in the common park. Basically told her to get lost, go fly a kite, etc.
I gave up once the hero apologized yet once again, and afterwards they decided to go for a walk thru Hyde Park and they were suddenly acting like best friends, laughing, arm in arm, people watching and gossiping of others around them. I had no idea how they were suddenly so chummy when 10 minutes ago they hated each other. There was no lead up to it. Too hot and cold for me, romance was not believable.
August 8, 2022
This is the first Anne Gracie book that I didn't care for and I have loved everything I've read by her. Loved the heroine but kinda hated the hero. What a shame, cause this could have been really good.
September 12, 2022
The Rake's Daughter is the second book in the "Brides of Bellaire Gardens" and I was excited to return back to Anne Gracie. I love how she writes her historicals, they are just more authentically feeling. I was fascinated to see the set up of the romance. It was well narrated and it really pulled me into the story. I adored the friendship and sisterhood between the two sisters. The way that they defend each other is completely solid, you instantly become endeared by the way that they protect and stand by each other. I was slightly disappointed with this story though, in that the romance could have used more focus. It was very slow burn and we don't get much action in the romance until the ending, so I was disappointed in how the romance was developed. I am glad that I chose to listen to this as it was a super slow burn and I think if I had read this one physically, it would have been more of a struggle to read. I still enjoyed the story in some ways, but in other ways, it was highly disappointing. I am hoping that we get the sister's book because I want her to reach her HEA.
July 26, 2022
Anne Gracie has a lovely way with words and she is able to always craft a charming and comforting read. The Rake's Daughter is the second installment in Gracie's The Brides of Bellaire Gardens and it is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Gracie's writing is delightfully accessible and her plot is crafted with delight and lighthearted moments while being character driven by a variety of personalities.
When Izzy is left on her father's doorstep as a young illegitimate child, she never expected to find her true family, but her sister Clarissa refuses to give her up and these two form an unbreakable and non judge-mental bond as they grow up together. Year later, after their rake of a father's death, they find themselves under the guardianship of Leo, a new Earl, who is not convinced that launching both young ladies into society will be a good idea. When Leo is called away to his country estate, Izzy and Clarissa find the perfect opportunity to launch themselves into society on their own terms and to great success.
This novel becomes the exploration of both Izzy and Leo seeing their own value past what society says about your parents and their marital status when you are born. This is also a slow and sweet exploration of two people who are drawn to the other and must learn to love themselves first before they can fully open themselves up to another person. A beautiful strength of this novel is really between Izzy and Clarissa, who both love each other so strongly and always want the best for the other. I love that they are true sisters and they will not let others dictate their relationship to each other. I really enjoyed watching Leo learn to open himself up to Izzy and learn to look past his prejudices towards things in his past that are coloring his views of what his future could be. This novel is sweetly romantic with a calming and comforting pace that creates a lovely low angst read, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
If you are a fan of sweet and calmly romantic historical romances, Anne Gracie is a fantastic author to check out. Her novels are always gently comforting and bring a smile to your face. Definitely check this novel out if you are a fan of Mary Balogh's work and have never checked out Anne Gracie, I think you will definitely find another must read author for yourself.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Izzy is left on her father's doorstep as a young illegitimate child, she never expected to find her true family, but her sister Clarissa refuses to give her up and these two form an unbreakable and non judge-mental bond as they grow up together. Year later, after their rake of a father's death, they find themselves under the guardianship of Leo, a new Earl, who is not convinced that launching both young ladies into society will be a good idea. When Leo is called away to his country estate, Izzy and Clarissa find the perfect opportunity to launch themselves into society on their own terms and to great success.
This novel becomes the exploration of both Izzy and Leo seeing their own value past what society says about your parents and their marital status when you are born. This is also a slow and sweet exploration of two people who are drawn to the other and must learn to love themselves first before they can fully open themselves up to another person. A beautiful strength of this novel is really between Izzy and Clarissa, who both love each other so strongly and always want the best for the other. I love that they are true sisters and they will not let others dictate their relationship to each other. I really enjoyed watching Leo learn to open himself up to Izzy and learn to look past his prejudices towards things in his past that are coloring his views of what his future could be. This novel is sweetly romantic with a calming and comforting pace that creates a lovely low angst read, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
If you are a fan of sweet and calmly romantic historical romances, Anne Gracie is a fantastic author to check out. Her novels are always gently comforting and bring a smile to your face. Definitely check this novel out if you are a fan of Mary Balogh's work and have never checked out Anne Gracie, I think you will definitely find another must read author for yourself.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2022
The Rake’s Daughter’s premise is original - a legitimate aristocrat’s daughter and his “natural” born daughter teaming up to enjoy a “Season".
I really liked the bond between these sisters. They were loyal, supportive, and their personalities complimented each other so well. The supporting characters of Lady Scattergood and the chaperone Mrs. Price-Jones were wonderful.
I didn’t like Leo. Leo was so hot and cold with Izzy.
There are 18 chapters in this book and while reading Chapter 15, I thought how is the author going to redeem this character in the short amount of time left in this book.
Leo showed his true colors again and again. He was disrespectful of Izzy and her mother. He prejudged and misjudged time and time again. Leo was judging her based on a letter from her dissolute father and the past behavior of the women in Leo’s life, not on the behavior Izzy showed right in front of him.
The way he treated her after their first time together was atrocious, I didn’t think he could come back from that, and it was hard to reconcile that a woman like Izzy could forgive him over and over.
I liked the first book in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series and enjoyed seeing Mrs. Tarrant in this book.
I hope the next book is Clarrisa’s HEA. In this book you become invested in her character so I hope we hear from her again.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the bond between these sisters. They were loyal, supportive, and their personalities complimented each other so well. The supporting characters of Lady Scattergood and the chaperone Mrs. Price-Jones were wonderful.
I didn’t like Leo. Leo was so hot and cold with Izzy.
There are 18 chapters in this book and while reading Chapter 15, I thought how is the author going to redeem this character in the short amount of time left in this book.
Leo showed his true colors again and again. He was disrespectful of Izzy and her mother. He prejudged and misjudged time and time again. Leo was judging her based on a letter from her dissolute father and the past behavior of the women in Leo’s life, not on the behavior Izzy showed right in front of him.
The way he treated her after their first time together was atrocious, I didn’t think he could come back from that, and it was hard to reconcile that a woman like Izzy could forgive him over and over.
I liked the first book in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series and enjoyed seeing Mrs. Tarrant in this book.
I hope the next book is Clarrisa’s HEA. In this book you become invested in her character so I hope we hear from her again.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2022
The Rake's Daughter is a romance reminiscent of a traditional Regency. Izzy and Clarissa are half sisters - one legitimate, one illegitimate - who are fiercely loyal to each other. When their father dies, the new Earl of Salcott is named ward of Clarissa, the legitimate daughter. Leo is a perfect romance hero: young, sexy, principled, with a wounded soul from past encounters with women. Of course, he just can't stay away from Izzy, whose presence in Clarissa's life is a potential scandal.
On its surface, the book is a low-angst romance on the sweet side (although there are some kisses and one intimate scene). It does have some hidden depths, with Izzy interrogating exactly why she is less respectable than her sister and the double-standard applied to "rakes" vs. "fallen women." Leo runs a bit hot and cold, which is as frustrating for the reader as it is for Izzy. The final denouement, though, is fun and feels appropriate for both characters. On a final note, we're hoping that Clarissa's romance is next in line!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
On its surface, the book is a low-angst romance on the sweet side (although there are some kisses and one intimate scene). It does have some hidden depths, with Izzy interrogating exactly why she is less respectable than her sister and the double-standard applied to "rakes" vs. "fallen women." Leo runs a bit hot and cold, which is as frustrating for the reader as it is for Izzy. The final denouement, though, is fun and feels appropriate for both characters. On a final note, we're hoping that Clarissa's romance is next in line!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
December 11, 2024
Josiah Leonard "Leo" Thorne, Earl of Salcott, is shocked to discover he's inherited a ward: Clarissa Studley—oh and also her bastard half-sister, Isobel "Izzy" Burton Studley. After attempts to separate the sisters are FOILED by FAMILIAL LOYALTY, Leo storms off to his country estate to (a) deal with Clarissa's old Nanny; (b) dig into Izzy's history; and (c) "deal with estate business" or some bullshit. When he comes back to town, he discovers that the sisters have made a lot of friends and thrown a kickin' party in his name. This makes his boners for Izzy complicated.
1. Leo's...an interesting choice for a hero. Like, he's kind of a dumbass for the majority of the book in that he says absolutely prime idiot shit to Izzy, but he also frequently reviews the damn fool things and realizes his idiocy, and then offers apologies and context. Like, it doesn't completely undo the fact that he's eating foot over and over, but it does offer a slightly more realistic bent at how real people sometimes communicate: messily, with false starts, needing to apologize, having to be willing to listen to one another, sometimes laden with misconceptions, sometimes confusing, etc.
And while I do appreciate that...the narrative didn't quite do enough with it for me to really lean into it. Like, the only one who suffers the communication issues appears to be Leo, and there's never really a sense that they have figured one another out (communication foibles and all) vs. it just being a really bad pattern.
So it's a situation where the idea of a thing is interesting but the execution left a lot to be desired.
2. I don't think you can just pick a nickname in the last fifth of the book and expect me to like it. "Izzy" is enough of a nickname.
3. Izzy is one of those heroines who is plucky and vibrant and beautiful and bold and, ultimately, just a little bit annoying because of it. Like I didn't dislike her, but the fact that her major flaw is that society will likely cast her out once her parentage is well known is........not really a flaw. Sorry.
4. The rest of it was perfectly entertaining and acceptable. A little underwritten (a LOT of repeated descriptions, some word for word) and a little light on true emotional connection but pretty standard fare for Gracie, I think.
1. Leo's...an interesting choice for a hero. Like, he's kind of a dumbass for the majority of the book in that he says absolutely prime idiot shit to Izzy, but he also frequently reviews the damn fool things and realizes his idiocy, and then offers apologies and context. Like, it doesn't completely undo the fact that he's eating foot over and over, but it does offer a slightly more realistic bent at how real people sometimes communicate: messily, with false starts, needing to apologize, having to be willing to listen to one another, sometimes laden with misconceptions, sometimes confusing, etc.
And while I do appreciate that...the narrative didn't quite do enough with it for me to really lean into it. Like, the only one who suffers the communication issues appears to be Leo, and there's never really a sense that they have figured one another out (communication foibles and all) vs. it just being a really bad pattern.
So it's a situation where the idea of a thing is interesting but the execution left a lot to be desired.
2. I don't think you can just pick a nickname in the last fifth of the book and expect me to like it. "Izzy" is enough of a nickname.
3. Izzy is one of those heroines who is plucky and vibrant and beautiful and bold and, ultimately, just a little bit annoying because of it. Like I didn't dislike her, but the fact that her major flaw is that society will likely cast her out once her parentage is well known is........not really a flaw. Sorry.
4. The rest of it was perfectly entertaining and acceptable. A little underwritten (a LOT of repeated descriptions, some word for word) and a little light on true emotional connection but pretty standard fare for Gracie, I think.
July 27, 2022
4.5 stars
Full of wit, humor and love, The Rake’s Daughter by Anne Gracie is a perfect feel good romance that has you wanting more. The story is about two half-sisters that are the responsibility of Leo, Lord Salcott, and he must find a husband for the legitimate daughter Clarissa Studley, and do something with the illegitimate one, Isobel. The two girls are totally devoted to one another and plan to come out to London Society together or else! When Leo is called out of town to take care of estate business, the girls plan to play while the cat’s away. He returns to find them successfully launched into Society and has to finagle things to keep Isobel’s reputation from harming Clarissa’s chances of marriage.
This story was a delightful and entertaining story. The author created a strong bond between the sisters and your heart felt for both these girls and their lonely childhood. Leo was a little harder to understand but he also had a tough childhood and lacked experience to fully understand his position and the bond the two women had for one another. The romance was a slow build and took a little time for Leo to understand his feelings and how his actions have mixed reactions. I thought it was an engaging plot and a good enemies to lover romance that came to a nice ending. It can be read as a stand-alone as this is the second one in the series. Can’t wait for Clarissa’s story and the nosy neighbor Millie
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Full of wit, humor and love, The Rake’s Daughter by Anne Gracie is a perfect feel good romance that has you wanting more. The story is about two half-sisters that are the responsibility of Leo, Lord Salcott, and he must find a husband for the legitimate daughter Clarissa Studley, and do something with the illegitimate one, Isobel. The two girls are totally devoted to one another and plan to come out to London Society together or else! When Leo is called out of town to take care of estate business, the girls plan to play while the cat’s away. He returns to find them successfully launched into Society and has to finagle things to keep Isobel’s reputation from harming Clarissa’s chances of marriage.
This story was a delightful and entertaining story. The author created a strong bond between the sisters and your heart felt for both these girls and their lonely childhood. Leo was a little harder to understand but he also had a tough childhood and lacked experience to fully understand his position and the bond the two women had for one another. The romance was a slow build and took a little time for Leo to understand his feelings and how his actions have mixed reactions. I thought it was an engaging plot and a good enemies to lover romance that came to a nice ending. It can be read as a stand-alone as this is the second one in the series. Can’t wait for Clarissa’s story and the nosy neighbor Millie
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 12, 2023
I loved the first book in this new series so it was a huge disappointment to find this a horrible book with a horrible hero and all my least favourite tropes . Just made me very mad to see this sort of drivel and hero in a book published in 2022.
August 15, 2022
Leo, the newly minted Earl of Salcott, has only just returned to England after a year spent travelling abroad, only to learn that he’s now the guardian to an heiress, the daughter of one of his father’s rakish friends. Along with the heiress comes her half-sister, Isobel, who is beautiful, but illegitimate and with no fortune at all. Leo is tasked with bringing heiress Clarissa out in society and finding her a husband, but Izzy’s illegitimate birth makes it impossible for her to expose her to society.
Unfortunately, the girls absolutely refuse to be parted and insist they will come out together or not at all. For them, it’s worth the risk of ruin when and if Izzy’s true birth circumstances come to light. They frustrate Leo at every turn, but he’s unable to sway them and he’s beginning to find Izzy maddening in other, more inconvenient ways as well.
When Leo must leave town to handle business at his country estate for a few days, he leaves the girls with instructions to stay home and consider their options. On his return, he learns that Clarissa and Izzy have entered society all on their own and they’re both immensely popular. Leo is left with no choice but to step into the social whirl and protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, all the while resisting Izzy’s sharp wit and discreetly fending off the more unscrupulous men who are attracted to her beauty.
This was my first time ever reading this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this story definitely had more of a traditional regency feel to it. There was a little bit of steam, though I was actually surprised to find it when I was by that point expecting a completely closed door. Some of the story did seem to focus an inordinate amount of descriptive energy on some of the more mundane details, something that typically frustrates me and just makes me impatient, but I think it did work here for the most part, as it helped me feel more immersed in the Regency world the author was painting. That aspect also made this rather relaxing and escapist for me. Our hero, Leo, is basically the typical bumbling, clueless man who doesn’t have a clue how to talk to women and, as an added bonus, he doesn’t trust them either. He was pretty much a jerk right up until the very end of the book, to the point that it almost became part of his charm just because he was so incredibly clueless. He really helped the side characters Aunt Olive and Mrs. Price-Jones shine and I loved how they so expertly managed him without him ever noticing. They were hilarious, excellent supporting roles. Perhaps my favorite element here was the relationship between Clarissa and Isabelle. I don’t have a sister myself, but I do know that sisters are often very competitive, so it was nice to see how close these two were and how much they supported each other. Clarissa was very admirable in her happiness for Isabelle and I’m hoping she’ll get her own HEA soon as it is well-deserved. Isabelle was a likeable enough heroine, not especially compelling, but not over the top either. I liked that she stood up for herself and for her sister, especially against Leo’s grumpy, autocratic ways and refused to bend or be separated from her beloved sister. She stood up for herself even when others tried to judge her, but without coming off as shrewish, and I couldn’t help but like that. I must say, I didn’t feel very much romance between Leo and Isabelle, but the physical attraction and enemies to lovers vibes were there, just nothing that ever felt quite as deep as I wanted it to be. Otherwise, the character development here, especially in the secondary characters, was pretty spot on. Overall, though this story was very slow-paced, I did enjoy the escapist nature of it, and I’ll likely read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Unfortunately, the girls absolutely refuse to be parted and insist they will come out together or not at all. For them, it’s worth the risk of ruin when and if Izzy’s true birth circumstances come to light. They frustrate Leo at every turn, but he’s unable to sway them and he’s beginning to find Izzy maddening in other, more inconvenient ways as well.
When Leo must leave town to handle business at his country estate for a few days, he leaves the girls with instructions to stay home and consider their options. On his return, he learns that Clarissa and Izzy have entered society all on their own and they’re both immensely popular. Leo is left with no choice but to step into the social whirl and protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, all the while resisting Izzy’s sharp wit and discreetly fending off the more unscrupulous men who are attracted to her beauty.
This was my first time ever reading this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this story definitely had more of a traditional regency feel to it. There was a little bit of steam, though I was actually surprised to find it when I was by that point expecting a completely closed door. Some of the story did seem to focus an inordinate amount of descriptive energy on some of the more mundane details, something that typically frustrates me and just makes me impatient, but I think it did work here for the most part, as it helped me feel more immersed in the Regency world the author was painting. That aspect also made this rather relaxing and escapist for me. Our hero, Leo, is basically the typical bumbling, clueless man who doesn’t have a clue how to talk to women and, as an added bonus, he doesn’t trust them either. He was pretty much a jerk right up until the very end of the book, to the point that it almost became part of his charm just because he was so incredibly clueless. He really helped the side characters Aunt Olive and Mrs. Price-Jones shine and I loved how they so expertly managed him without him ever noticing. They were hilarious, excellent supporting roles. Perhaps my favorite element here was the relationship between Clarissa and Isabelle. I don’t have a sister myself, but I do know that sisters are often very competitive, so it was nice to see how close these two were and how much they supported each other. Clarissa was very admirable in her happiness for Isabelle and I’m hoping she’ll get her own HEA soon as it is well-deserved. Isabelle was a likeable enough heroine, not especially compelling, but not over the top either. I liked that she stood up for herself and for her sister, especially against Leo’s grumpy, autocratic ways and refused to bend or be separated from her beloved sister. She stood up for herself even when others tried to judge her, but without coming off as shrewish, and I couldn’t help but like that. I must say, I didn’t feel very much romance between Leo and Isabelle, but the physical attraction and enemies to lovers vibes were there, just nothing that ever felt quite as deep as I wanted it to be. Otherwise, the character development here, especially in the secondary characters, was pretty spot on. Overall, though this story was very slow-paced, I did enjoy the escapist nature of it, and I’ll likely read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 13, 2022
2.5 stars
I love Anne Gracie. She is one of my 'auto buy' authors. I own most of her novels and occasionally re-read many of them. But this book disappointed. The story was OK, but no more. It didn't excite me. And the male protagonist behaved like a brute towards his supposed love interest. It took him over half the book to change for the better and start acting like a human being instead of a prudish, thick-headed wooden puppet. Besides, I don't know where their love sprang from. It didn't grow on the pages. Something implied, I guess, hidden deep inside the characters' psyches, but I couldn't see it.
I love Anne Gracie. She is one of my 'auto buy' authors. I own most of her novels and occasionally re-read many of them. But this book disappointed. The story was OK, but no more. It didn't excite me. And the male protagonist behaved like a brute towards his supposed love interest. It took him over half the book to change for the better and start acting like a human being instead of a prudish, thick-headed wooden puppet. Besides, I don't know where their love sprang from. It didn't grow on the pages. Something implied, I guess, hidden deep inside the characters' psyches, but I couldn't see it.
July 4, 2022
The Rake's Daughter imparts a fun twist on a regency romance: Leo, the Earl of Salcott, learns he's the new guardian of an infamous rake's daughter. It's up to him to launch Miss Clarissa Studley into London society and find her a suitable husband. However, what he isn't expecting is for her beautiful illegitimate half sister, Isobel, to come in tandem. Worse, the two of them are not only inseparable but intent on entering society together--Isobel's disreputable parentage be damned!
The audacity of the sisters is enough to turn poor Leo's life upside-down. Make his head explode. Their plan simply cannot be borne. A woman of questionable birth simply will not be accepted into aristocratic society, and they must come to understand that.
As it it turns out, though, the girls are hopelessly devoted to one another and are full sisters in heart if not in blood, and so try as he might, nothing Leo says or does will convince them to separate let alone persuade them that Clarissa must come out alone. They're in it together or else!
Called away to his country estate one day, he leaves them to their own devices. Instructing them, in the strictest of terms, to stay quietly at home, venture nowhere, and consider their options. The girls have no intention of sitting idly by, of course, and by the time he returns they have launched themselves in society to smashing success and he has no choice but to follow suit, bracing for any potential fallout that might ensue.
Much to Leo's chagrin, however, the Studley sisters take him by surprise. They know what they're doing, understand the risk they're taking to their reputation. It soon follows that the busier he becomes with shielding Clarissa from scandal the more drawn in he is by Isobel's beauty and stubborn charms.
This was easily bingeable. Perfect for readers who are in the mood for a lighthearted regency romp.
I have to say the sisters' implacable bond and loyalty to one another was my favorite part, but I also got a kick out of Lady Scattergood and Mrs. Price-Jones. Their eccentricities were amusing. (One of them is an agoraphobic recluse; the other, a marriage-minded widow with a singular fashion sense.) Leo, I could take or leave. I understand some of his judgments/attitudes were shaped by the time period, but I didn't like the air of disrespect they often left behind. That said, the romance was still enjoyable. Sweet, only a little steamy. There's also a lot of bickering and clashing between him and Izzy and that kept things entertaining.
Hoping Clarissa and Lord "Race" Randall's story is next!
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
BOOK BLOG
The audacity of the sisters is enough to turn poor Leo's life upside-down. Make his head explode. Their plan simply cannot be borne. A woman of questionable birth simply will not be accepted into aristocratic society, and they must come to understand that.
As it it turns out, though, the girls are hopelessly devoted to one another and are full sisters in heart if not in blood, and so try as he might, nothing Leo says or does will convince them to separate let alone persuade them that Clarissa must come out alone. They're in it together or else!
Called away to his country estate one day, he leaves them to their own devices. Instructing them, in the strictest of terms, to stay quietly at home, venture nowhere, and consider their options. The girls have no intention of sitting idly by, of course, and by the time he returns they have launched themselves in society to smashing success and he has no choice but to follow suit, bracing for any potential fallout that might ensue.
Much to Leo's chagrin, however, the Studley sisters take him by surprise. They know what they're doing, understand the risk they're taking to their reputation. It soon follows that the busier he becomes with shielding Clarissa from scandal the more drawn in he is by Isobel's beauty and stubborn charms.
This was easily bingeable. Perfect for readers who are in the mood for a lighthearted regency romp.
I have to say the sisters' implacable bond and loyalty to one another was my favorite part, but I also got a kick out of Lady Scattergood and Mrs. Price-Jones. Their eccentricities were amusing. (One of them is an agoraphobic recluse; the other, a marriage-minded widow with a singular fashion sense.) Leo, I could take or leave. I understand some of his judgments/attitudes were shaped by the time period, but I didn't like the air of disrespect they often left behind. That said, the romance was still enjoyable. Sweet, only a little steamy. There's also a lot of bickering and clashing between him and Izzy and that kept things entertaining.
Hoping Clarissa and Lord "Race" Randall's story is next!
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
BOOK BLOG
July 28, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie
Series: The Brides Of Bellaire Gardens | Book 2
2022 Publication Date: July 26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Historical Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
When you think of the love you wish for your life, start your list with the love of a good sister...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW: Discovering a new favorite historical romance author (and favorite historical romance series) always makes my summer shine with new reading possibilities. So, welcome Anne Grace to my reading list... Anne? Your books will always make my book bag shine!
As much as I loved this story of rakish romance featuring a spirited strong female character unabashedly standing toe to toe with her challenges and desires to carve out the life she would love on her own terms, the true star of this story is the love between two half-sisters that forge ahead together like two tigresses… Sisters forever, ladies!
Perfect for readers looking for an historical romance with a romance that sizzles (🌶 (Mild Spicy) and filled with angst galore equally partnered with tons of wit and stellar gumption.
Loved this reading adventure and can’t wait for the story to continue in Book 3!…✨😎✨
Pages: 368
Genre: Historical Romance
Sub-Genre: Enemies To Lovers Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: 1808 - 1818
Location: Hampshire | London (England)
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Scoundrels Daughter by Anne Gracie (The Brides Of Bellaire Gardens | Book 1)
Movie: Hobson’s Choice
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, returns to England to find that he has been named the guardian of an heiress, Clarissa, after the death of her father. Clarissa has also brought her half-sister, Isobel, with her who is of questionable background as her illegitimate half-sister. Leo is obligated to support Clarissa. But Isobel is not a part of that obligation.
Adding to that complication... Clarissa and Isobel are completely devoted to each other. And Clarissa refuses to be separated from Isobel either in residence or in entering society.
Leo is frustrated with the situation as he tries to figure out what to do with Isobel. He can't just leave her on the streets and she is constantly getting into mischief. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that she is a sweet and caring person... And can expertly match his wit and intellect as well.
But the challenges abound as he tries to find a way to secure Clarissa's future while still protecting Isobel. That is if he can keep his head -- and his heart -- clear of Isobel's mischievous charms.
The Rake's Daughter is a touching story of love and family set in the Regency era. Anne Gracie does an excellent job of creating characters that are easy to fall in love with and a story that will keep you turning the pages... and lingering in your heart and mind long after you turn the last page.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
Family is more than just blood relations. Family can be who we choose to be in our lives and who loves and supports us unconditionally.
True love doesn't always follow societal norms or expectations. With a mind of its' own, true love is often challenging but always worth fighting for.
We all have the potential for greatness, we just need to be given a chance to shine.
BOOK QUOTE:
"We are going to experience as much as we can. And when the axe falls... so be it." - The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
Series: The Brides Of Bellaire Gardens | Book 2
2022 Publication Date: July 26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Historical Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
When you think of the love you wish for your life, start your list with the love of a good sister...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW: Discovering a new favorite historical romance author (and favorite historical romance series) always makes my summer shine with new reading possibilities. So, welcome Anne Grace to my reading list... Anne? Your books will always make my book bag shine!
As much as I loved this story of rakish romance featuring a spirited strong female character unabashedly standing toe to toe with her challenges and desires to carve out the life she would love on her own terms, the true star of this story is the love between two half-sisters that forge ahead together like two tigresses… Sisters forever, ladies!
Perfect for readers looking for an historical romance with a romance that sizzles (🌶 (Mild Spicy) and filled with angst galore equally partnered with tons of wit and stellar gumption.
Loved this reading adventure and can’t wait for the story to continue in Book 3!…✨😎✨
Pages: 368
Genre: Historical Romance
Sub-Genre: Enemies To Lovers Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: 1808 - 1818
Location: Hampshire | London (England)
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Scoundrels Daughter by Anne Gracie (The Brides Of Bellaire Gardens | Book 1)
Movie: Hobson’s Choice
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, returns to England to find that he has been named the guardian of an heiress, Clarissa, after the death of her father. Clarissa has also brought her half-sister, Isobel, with her who is of questionable background as her illegitimate half-sister. Leo is obligated to support Clarissa. But Isobel is not a part of that obligation.
Adding to that complication... Clarissa and Isobel are completely devoted to each other. And Clarissa refuses to be separated from Isobel either in residence or in entering society.
Leo is frustrated with the situation as he tries to figure out what to do with Isobel. He can't just leave her on the streets and she is constantly getting into mischief. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that she is a sweet and caring person... And can expertly match his wit and intellect as well.
But the challenges abound as he tries to find a way to secure Clarissa's future while still protecting Isobel. That is if he can keep his head -- and his heart -- clear of Isobel's mischievous charms.
The Rake's Daughter is a touching story of love and family set in the Regency era. Anne Gracie does an excellent job of creating characters that are easy to fall in love with and a story that will keep you turning the pages... and lingering in your heart and mind long after you turn the last page.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
Family is more than just blood relations. Family can be who we choose to be in our lives and who loves and supports us unconditionally.
True love doesn't always follow societal norms or expectations. With a mind of its' own, true love is often challenging but always worth fighting for.
We all have the potential for greatness, we just need to be given a chance to shine.
BOOK QUOTE:
"We are going to experience as much as we can. And when the axe falls... so be it." - The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.
The last thing Josiah Leonard “Leo” Thorne, the sixth Earl of Salcott expected to hear upon his return from an extended tour of Europe was that he has inherited the wardship of the daughter of one of his father’s debauched friends! It is clear that Sir Bartleby Studley intended Leo’s father to be the guardian of his daughter but accidentally named Leo instead. And if that was not bad enough, he learns that Miss Clarissa Studley will be arriving with her illegitimate sister Isobel “Izzy” (who Sir Bartleby warned him about), in a matter of days. Aside from the fact that his London house is being renovated, as a bachelor, there is no way he can have two unmarried women living with him! He speaks to his Aunt Olive, Lady Scattergood, and asks if the girls could stay with her, she agrees but makes it clear she will not be able to launch them into society since she rarely leaves her home. He is relieved and believes that once the girls arrive, he will set down the rules, find Clarissa a husband, pay Isobel to disappear, and then get back to his well-ordered life.
Clarissa and Izzy have been inseparable for the last ten years, ever since her mother died and she was practically left on Sir Bartleby’s doorstep. Sir Bartleby refused to acknowledge Izzy and wanted to send her to an orphanage, but Clarissa stood up to him and demanded to keep her sister, and she did! But out of spite, Sir Bartleby refused to leave Izzy any kind of support when he died and even wrote a letter saying she wanted to be a courtesan! When they arrive, Leo is immediately attracted to Izzy, which bothers him, since he believes she is an immoral woman. He takes them to his aunt and explains to them that only Clarissa will be given a season and that because of her “irregular birth” Izzy is not allowed to mingle with the ton, he then asks to speak to Izzy alone and offers her a house and modest annuity to leave and never see Clarissa again – an offer that she flatly refuses. The girls are immovable, they will not be separated and they will both have a season. Leo refuses to even consider it and won’t let them attend any gatherings until they agree that Izzy cannot take part. But when he is called away, the girls launch themselves, to great success and when he returns, there is nothing Leo can do except go along with it. He then revises his plan, he will marry off both girls before the ton realizes they have been duped, but that is easier said than done when it is clear that he wants Izzy for his own!
I liked this story, but I didn’t love it, it is well-written and paced well, but I found the relationship between Leo and Izzy a bit hard to believe, especially as Leo was so changeable in his interactions and feelings for Izzy. Overall the book was entertaining and the relationship between Clarissa and Isobel is heartwarming and lovely, the secondary characters are wonderful and the reader gets to revisit Alice, Lord Tarrant, the girls, and Daisy Chance, as well as meeting a host of new characters, there are secret kisses, scandal, warmish love scenes, a bit of heartache and finally a HEA including an epilogue. This is the second book in the series, but it could certainly be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
The last thing Josiah Leonard “Leo” Thorne, the sixth Earl of Salcott expected to hear upon his return from an extended tour of Europe was that he has inherited the wardship of the daughter of one of his father’s debauched friends! It is clear that Sir Bartleby Studley intended Leo’s father to be the guardian of his daughter but accidentally named Leo instead. And if that was not bad enough, he learns that Miss Clarissa Studley will be arriving with her illegitimate sister Isobel “Izzy” (who Sir Bartleby warned him about), in a matter of days. Aside from the fact that his London house is being renovated, as a bachelor, there is no way he can have two unmarried women living with him! He speaks to his Aunt Olive, Lady Scattergood, and asks if the girls could stay with her, she agrees but makes it clear she will not be able to launch them into society since she rarely leaves her home. He is relieved and believes that once the girls arrive, he will set down the rules, find Clarissa a husband, pay Isobel to disappear, and then get back to his well-ordered life.
Clarissa and Izzy have been inseparable for the last ten years, ever since her mother died and she was practically left on Sir Bartleby’s doorstep. Sir Bartleby refused to acknowledge Izzy and wanted to send her to an orphanage, but Clarissa stood up to him and demanded to keep her sister, and she did! But out of spite, Sir Bartleby refused to leave Izzy any kind of support when he died and even wrote a letter saying she wanted to be a courtesan! When they arrive, Leo is immediately attracted to Izzy, which bothers him, since he believes she is an immoral woman. He takes them to his aunt and explains to them that only Clarissa will be given a season and that because of her “irregular birth” Izzy is not allowed to mingle with the ton, he then asks to speak to Izzy alone and offers her a house and modest annuity to leave and never see Clarissa again – an offer that she flatly refuses. The girls are immovable, they will not be separated and they will both have a season. Leo refuses to even consider it and won’t let them attend any gatherings until they agree that Izzy cannot take part. But when he is called away, the girls launch themselves, to great success and when he returns, there is nothing Leo can do except go along with it. He then revises his plan, he will marry off both girls before the ton realizes they have been duped, but that is easier said than done when it is clear that he wants Izzy for his own!
I liked this story, but I didn’t love it, it is well-written and paced well, but I found the relationship between Leo and Izzy a bit hard to believe, especially as Leo was so changeable in his interactions and feelings for Izzy. Overall the book was entertaining and the relationship between Clarissa and Isobel is heartwarming and lovely, the secondary characters are wonderful and the reader gets to revisit Alice, Lord Tarrant, the girls, and Daisy Chance, as well as meeting a host of new characters, there are secret kisses, scandal, warmish love scenes, a bit of heartache and finally a HEA including an epilogue. This is the second book in the series, but it could certainly be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
April 26, 2024
Izzy and Clarissa are given a compelling backstory which carries the first half of the book nicely, and the Grumpy Guardian, while admirably dutiful, deserves the constant stream of comeuppances he’s served by the two women. About 2/3rds into the book, though, the formerly bold but intelligent Izzy becomes reckless, strident, and stupid. Knowing how precarious her position is, she insists on dancing with known rakes, on accosting Leo in a public ballroom, on flushing the future she wants down the drain in a summerhouse in the middle of the night. Suddenly, I didn’t care for her so much, nor about how the book was going to end, because the author didn’t seem to either.
June 27, 2022
A wonderful read for the ones who can’t help but to fall in love with wanting and being in love. Izzy and Rissa were splendid in this story. Two sworn sisters who stared down and faced the Haut Ton. Aunt Olive wasn’t so bad herself. For me the story reads so easily. That made the story more enjoyable to read. The entertainment of the two sisters joining forces made the story very entertaining. The romantic feelings between Izzy and Leo was humorous, but a little steamy. I enjoyed everything about the book,
July 17, 2022
You win some, you lose some. The Scoundrel's Daughter won me over and I was rather ecstatic that I already had this one waiting for me ... and it lost me ... and I lost most of a Saturday hoping it would redeem itself. Leo is the worst on so many levels and I just can't give extra stars for the supposed strength of the female characters when all sense seemed to go out the window. Hopefully the third has a main couple (or two) that I could actually be happy about. This was a swing and a miss for me.
February 12, 2023
Very enjoyable story.
However, i only rated it 3-stars because, more than her other books, this one really felt like a modern story that was set in Regency (?) England. Everyone had modern sensibilities and attitudes that would not have passed at all in that time period.
So while i did enjoy the characters and the story, i was constantly distracted by thoughts that no one living at that time, in those days, would have dared acted in the way the heroine did.
However, i only rated it 3-stars because, more than her other books, this one really felt like a modern story that was set in Regency (?) England. Everyone had modern sensibilities and attitudes that would not have passed at all in that time period.
So while i did enjoy the characters and the story, i was constantly distracted by thoughts that no one living at that time, in those days, would have dared acted in the way the heroine did.
September 7, 2025
Peut-être 3,5/5 car c'est mignon, mais sans éclat. Je n'ai rien a redire sur les personnages mais il m'aura manqué un peu plus de personnalité ou d'originalité.
August 22, 2022
Very disappointing
No the level we are used to from such a talented author
It was boring sometimes and there was nothing to like about the Hero.. he was an arrogant, self-centered and hoity-toity aristocrat through and through and the minimum scenes with his POV didn't help endear him to me
I was ready to wash my hands of him and kept anticipating a proper groveling from his side to redeem his character before the h forgave him
But Nooooo .. all he had to say was few words than I love you and want to marry you and all was forgiven 🙄!!! Seriously
I was very very disappointed and frustrated when I turned the last page
No the level we are used to from such a talented author
It was boring sometimes and there was nothing to like about the Hero.. he was an arrogant, self-centered and hoity-toity aristocrat through and through and the minimum scenes with his POV didn't help endear him to me
I was ready to wash my hands of him and kept anticipating a proper groveling from his side to redeem his character before the h forgave him
But Nooooo .. all he had to say was few words than I love you and want to marry you and all was forgiven 🙄!!! Seriously
I was very very disappointed and frustrated when I turned the last page
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
Normally really enjoy this author but I don’t know what about this classist misogynistic ‘hero’ I’m supposed to find charming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
Stubbornness takes first place!
Half sisters join together at a very young age to thwart their pleasure seeking, selfish father who has neglected the girls. Isobel, Izzy, is his natural daughter whom he refuses to acknowledge. However his eight year old daughter Clarissa, normally a biddable child had other ideas.
Then there’s the unaware Josiah Leonard Thorne, sixth Earl of Salcott who discovers upon his father’s death that he has been appointed guardian to Sir Bartley Studley’s daughter Clarissa. Despite his protestation that the intended guardian was meant to be his father seeing as Studley and his father had been of the same age, the Will stated the “sixth” earl. Clarissa it seems is an heiress. Leo undertakes to give her a season and hopefully fire her off. It’s only when Clarissa arrives that he discovers there are two sisters, and shock horror! they both demand to be presented, including vouchers for Almack’s. That’s not going to happen, not on Leo’s watch. If the ton ever learns of Izzy’s background they would be unforgiving about having this social pariah foisted upon them.
Leo didn’t bargain for the girls’ powers of persuasion, and the way they quietly moved people around like chess pieces to reach their desired outcomes. Izzy’s abilities to make things happen are Machiavellian. Nor did Leo bargain for his attraction to a woman who’s background would never be accepted in polite society. Marriage to someone like Izzy is quite out of the question. The divide between respectability and non acceptance yawns wide. Of course this is where I heartedly dislike Leo, but then he’s a product of his time. Just want put it out there—he often disappointed!
There are some excellent moments as this story unfolds, and then others when I just didn’t engage. The fun and often tense times did out-way the ho hum moments.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Half sisters join together at a very young age to thwart their pleasure seeking, selfish father who has neglected the girls. Isobel, Izzy, is his natural daughter whom he refuses to acknowledge. However his eight year old daughter Clarissa, normally a biddable child had other ideas.
Then there’s the unaware Josiah Leonard Thorne, sixth Earl of Salcott who discovers upon his father’s death that he has been appointed guardian to Sir Bartley Studley’s daughter Clarissa. Despite his protestation that the intended guardian was meant to be his father seeing as Studley and his father had been of the same age, the Will stated the “sixth” earl. Clarissa it seems is an heiress. Leo undertakes to give her a season and hopefully fire her off. It’s only when Clarissa arrives that he discovers there are two sisters, and shock horror! they both demand to be presented, including vouchers for Almack’s. That’s not going to happen, not on Leo’s watch. If the ton ever learns of Izzy’s background they would be unforgiving about having this social pariah foisted upon them.
Leo didn’t bargain for the girls’ powers of persuasion, and the way they quietly moved people around like chess pieces to reach their desired outcomes. Izzy’s abilities to make things happen are Machiavellian. Nor did Leo bargain for his attraction to a woman who’s background would never be accepted in polite society. Marriage to someone like Izzy is quite out of the question. The divide between respectability and non acceptance yawns wide. Of course this is where I heartedly dislike Leo, but then he’s a product of his time. Just want put it out there—he often disappointed!
There are some excellent moments as this story unfolds, and then others when I just didn’t engage. The fun and often tense times did out-way the ho hum moments.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 26, 2022
3.5 Stars
Recently returned to England, Leo Thorne, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of Sir Bartley Studley, a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must find Clarissa a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. However, the girls are devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. To Leo’s frustration, nothing will convince them otherwise. Even worse, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact. Called away to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Izzy and Clarissa have launched themselves into society — with tremendous success!
The second book in the series but it’s easily read on its own, I loved the bond between Clarissa & Izzy & I loved the verbal bantering between Leo & Izzy, which was the highlight of the book for me. However whilst there was chemistry between Leo & Izzy I couldn’t quite believe that they fell in love & wonder if Leo will always be so changeable. A well written fun read, which I thoroughly enjoyed even though I had reservations about the HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Recently returned to England, Leo Thorne, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of Sir Bartley Studley, a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must find Clarissa a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. However, the girls are devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. To Leo’s frustration, nothing will convince them otherwise. Even worse, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact. Called away to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Izzy and Clarissa have launched themselves into society — with tremendous success!
The second book in the series but it’s easily read on its own, I loved the bond between Clarissa & Izzy & I loved the verbal bantering between Leo & Izzy, which was the highlight of the book for me. However whilst there was chemistry between Leo & Izzy I couldn’t quite believe that they fell in love & wonder if Leo will always be so changeable. A well written fun read, which I thoroughly enjoyed even though I had reservations about the HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 28, 2022
The Rake’s Daughter by Anne Gracie is the second title in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. I had been eagerly awaiting this one and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I love the setting – large houses backing onto a huge and gorgeous garden where the residents can enjoy a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of London. In this story, Leo, the Earl of Salcott has just returned from a lengthy sojourn abroad to find that he is the guardian of Clarissa, a wealthy young heiress. She arrives in town with an illegitimate half-sister in tow, Izzy, and to his dismay the girls refuse to be parted. They believe they can make their entry into the ton together, and nothing he says can dissuade them. He is powerfully attracted to the half-sister, but tries to resist as she is not suitable wife material and he doesn’t believe she’ll ever be accepted by the ton. He has no idea what to with her and she thwarts him at every turn while sparks fly between them. How is he supposed to find a suitable husband for Clarissa with Izzy around? He deposits them with his eccentric old aunt, thinking that will help matters, but instead it makes things worse. I thoroughly enjoyed the battle of wits that ensued between Leo and Izzy, and the old lady was a hoot! This is the perfect Regency romance with everything a reader could wish for – highly recommended!
August 12, 2022
I loved this book, with its tight bond between Clarissa and Izzy and the unlikely romance between Leo and Izzy. The book opened with the heart-grabbing introduction between Clarissa and Izzy and didn't let go until I'd read the last page.
Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.
After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.
Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.
Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.
I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.
At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.
It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!
#netgalley
Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.
After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.
Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.
Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.
I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.
At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.
It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!
#netgalley
November 28, 2022
I've read 15 previous books by this author, and this is the first one I'm rating below 3 stars. It started out decently, but about halfway through I noticed it was feeling quite tedious and it just grew more so from there. Besides that, I did not like the hero. It didn't bother me that he started out rude and judgemental and authoritarian, but he really just did not grow out of it. Right up until almost the end of the book he continues to be quite offensive to the heroine, and entirely denies, even in his own mind, that he has any sort of fond feelings for her. And then at the very end he acts like he's been in love all along or something and it seriously annoyed me. His actions didn't back that up at all, and there's no satisfaction in just hearing someone make grand but dubious claims out of nowhere. It was off-putting. It almost felt like the author was having the hero gaslight the heroine and reader. lol. Besides those things, the heroine's entire character is like 80% stubbornness and confrontationality. So I didn't enjoy her all that much either. The whole thing just felt like a stretch. The relationship between the sisters was kinda nice . And I liked how the aunt loved her rescue dogs. Overall kind of slim pickings though.
October 26, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
When Leo, Earl of Salcott, discovers that when he inherited the title, he also inherited guardianship of Clarissa, the heiress daughter of a notorious rake. Thinking it'd be easy to take her to London, and get her married off before long, he doesn't expect that Clarissa would refuse to go without her half-sister, Isobel, whose illegitimate status and lack of a dowry will be hard to explain away. Deciding to pretend the sisters are legitimate, both enter the Marriage Mart, and are a tremendous success. So why is Leo's so angry that Izzy has men flocking to her?
I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and The Scoundrel's Daughter was a joy to read. I love books that have couples who rub each other up the wrong way the first time they meet, though sparks fly. And that was clearly the case with Leo and Izzy. Their personalities are both very vibrant, and though they might not appear to bring out the best in each other, they do, and I loved the way their relationship developed over the course of the story. The relationship between the sisters was great too, and the fact that Clarissa had fought for years for the same rights and privileges of Izzy was perfect. A great addition to the series, and I can't wait for Anne's next book!
When Leo, Earl of Salcott, discovers that when he inherited the title, he also inherited guardianship of Clarissa, the heiress daughter of a notorious rake. Thinking it'd be easy to take her to London, and get her married off before long, he doesn't expect that Clarissa would refuse to go without her half-sister, Isobel, whose illegitimate status and lack of a dowry will be hard to explain away. Deciding to pretend the sisters are legitimate, both enter the Marriage Mart, and are a tremendous success. So why is Leo's so angry that Izzy has men flocking to her?
I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and The Scoundrel's Daughter was a joy to read. I love books that have couples who rub each other up the wrong way the first time they meet, though sparks fly. And that was clearly the case with Leo and Izzy. Their personalities are both very vibrant, and though they might not appear to bring out the best in each other, they do, and I loved the way their relationship developed over the course of the story. The relationship between the sisters was great too, and the fact that Clarissa had fought for years for the same rights and privileges of Izzy was perfect. A great addition to the series, and I can't wait for Anne's next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews