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Boscastle #4
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman
Award-winning author Jillian Hunter gives us another irresistible story teeming with seduction, scandal, and secrets.Lord Drake Boscastle has everything–smoldering good looks, extreme wealth, and devilish charms. Everything, that is, except true happiness. Hoping to satisfy his growing discontent, he is set to meet one of the most celebrated courtesans in England for a heated rendezvous. But on the scheduled night of pleasure, Lord Drake’s world is turned upside down by Eloise Goodwin, a wholesome, spirited governess with voluptuous curves and a beguiling wit. Even with an experienced seductress willing to satisfy his every need, Lord Drake cannot forget his encounter with Eloise.Although swept off her feet by the mysteriously handsome rake, Eloise has more pressing matters to address. Her rebellious young client has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must try to resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
41 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hunter
51 books429 followersJillian Hunter is the bestselling author of over twenty historical romances. She lives with her husband, three daughters, a pug and a poodle in Southern California. She loves anyone who can make her laugh, which means she is in love with Mike Myers and Tyler Perry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 17, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
The life of a companion isn’t usually this exciting or fraught with peril and intrigue but Ms. Hunter has written a heroine as fascinating and unusual as a woman can be. It was a great reading experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Eloise is all about duty, responsibility and plans. She's focused, dedicated and suffers the indignity of caring for a spoiled rotten young lady who causes more problems than one woman should. All the heroine has to do is keep an eye on her until the wedding and then she’s free to pursue her goal of joining a lady’s academy. It’s almost a done deal, except for two things -- a chance meeting that causes a sensual explosion of her well organized world, and her charge disappearing with the most unsavory character sets in motion a romance that shouldn’t have had a chance.
I liked Eloise because for all of her innocence, she’s no dummy. She observed the people that she came in contact with and learned the signals that told her to beware and avoid. However, nothing prepared her for Lord Drake Boscastle. I don’t think any woman could ever understand what it’s like to meet a man such as he. The hero is cynical, jaded, bored with life and too good looking for his own peace of mind. He’s at the point in his life where he knows he's missing something and tries to take on a challenge that would jump start his interest in life. Instead he accidentally dallies with an intriguing young miss and his world is never the same. Readers will get a kick out of how easily and completely he falls under the heroine’s spell.
Eloise has secrets that are pretty darned funny but the most amazing thing is what the author decided to do with that secret. The saying, “What goes around, comes around” has never been truer. As the story unfolded, a certain possibility reared its head and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew something about someone in the book. Imagine my delighted surprise to realize it was true and once again, Ms. Hunter used a unique development to good effect in furthering the plot. It was funny, bittersweet and for the hero, quite the shock.
The whole conversational scene between Drake and Devon, his brother, was fun and 100% entertaining. I liked Devon, he’s got style and I hope to see more of him. The best illustration of their relationship is this bit of repartee,
Drake shook his head in exasperation. “What do you think, Devon?”
“I think you’re a damn moody swine.”
“I never claimed to be a bloody ray of sunshine.”
I loved that! What came next gave me the giggles. And after that was excitement. Then after that was a most intriguing hook that kept me glued to the pages. This book had it all.
The conflict threads are basically: staying one step ahead of the gossipmongers, keep Thalia pure and present for the wedding, have Eloise keep her own reputation intact, solve the mystery as to how to get rid of a certain burr and nuisance and the big one, how to be the perfect mistress when the hero is too dense to realize he’s really looking for something else. The interesting thing about the above mentioned list is how it changed throughout the book. Much like real life, goals and wants change with the experiences of life and new possibilities open up and take people on new adventures. That certainly happens in this story.
Secondary characters make the book fascinating. They spice up the lives of the hero and heroine with humor, steadfast support when things get really dramatic, and they help showcase just how wonderful Eloise and Drake really are for each other. The dialogue was entertaining and peppered with quips and side comments that amuse and inform. The villain was a worm and deserved what he got. Oh, and Thalia’s brother is a moron.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman is an entertaining and engaging tale that prompts a reader to grin, gasp and keep glued to its pages. The book is filled with excitement, has a spicy and delicious romance and a hero and heroine that I enjoyed getting to know. It was a lot of fun and the characters were written well enough that I am inspired to find more stories on the Boscastle brothers. Thank you, Ms. Hunter for introducing readers to such interesting and challenging men to redeem.
The life of a companion isn’t usually this exciting or fraught with peril and intrigue but Ms. Hunter has written a heroine as fascinating and unusual as a woman can be. It was a great reading experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Eloise is all about duty, responsibility and plans. She's focused, dedicated and suffers the indignity of caring for a spoiled rotten young lady who causes more problems than one woman should. All the heroine has to do is keep an eye on her until the wedding and then she’s free to pursue her goal of joining a lady’s academy. It’s almost a done deal, except for two things -- a chance meeting that causes a sensual explosion of her well organized world, and her charge disappearing with the most unsavory character sets in motion a romance that shouldn’t have had a chance.
I liked Eloise because for all of her innocence, she’s no dummy. She observed the people that she came in contact with and learned the signals that told her to beware and avoid. However, nothing prepared her for Lord Drake Boscastle. I don’t think any woman could ever understand what it’s like to meet a man such as he. The hero is cynical, jaded, bored with life and too good looking for his own peace of mind. He’s at the point in his life where he knows he's missing something and tries to take on a challenge that would jump start his interest in life. Instead he accidentally dallies with an intriguing young miss and his world is never the same. Readers will get a kick out of how easily and completely he falls under the heroine’s spell.
Eloise has secrets that are pretty darned funny but the most amazing thing is what the author decided to do with that secret. The saying, “What goes around, comes around” has never been truer. As the story unfolded, a certain possibility reared its head and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew something about someone in the book. Imagine my delighted surprise to realize it was true and once again, Ms. Hunter used a unique development to good effect in furthering the plot. It was funny, bittersweet and for the hero, quite the shock.
The whole conversational scene between Drake and Devon, his brother, was fun and 100% entertaining. I liked Devon, he’s got style and I hope to see more of him. The best illustration of their relationship is this bit of repartee,
Drake shook his head in exasperation. “What do you think, Devon?”
“I think you’re a damn moody swine.”
“I never claimed to be a bloody ray of sunshine.”
I loved that! What came next gave me the giggles. And after that was excitement. Then after that was a most intriguing hook that kept me glued to the pages. This book had it all.
The conflict threads are basically: staying one step ahead of the gossipmongers, keep Thalia pure and present for the wedding, have Eloise keep her own reputation intact, solve the mystery as to how to get rid of a certain burr and nuisance and the big one, how to be the perfect mistress when the hero is too dense to realize he’s really looking for something else. The interesting thing about the above mentioned list is how it changed throughout the book. Much like real life, goals and wants change with the experiences of life and new possibilities open up and take people on new adventures. That certainly happens in this story.
Secondary characters make the book fascinating. They spice up the lives of the hero and heroine with humor, steadfast support when things get really dramatic, and they help showcase just how wonderful Eloise and Drake really are for each other. The dialogue was entertaining and peppered with quips and side comments that amuse and inform. The villain was a worm and deserved what he got. Oh, and Thalia’s brother is a moron.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman is an entertaining and engaging tale that prompts a reader to grin, gasp and keep glued to its pages. The book is filled with excitement, has a spicy and delicious romance and a hero and heroine that I enjoyed getting to know. It was a lot of fun and the characters were written well enough that I am inspired to find more stories on the Boscastle brothers. Thank you, Ms. Hunter for introducing readers to such interesting and challenging men to redeem.
June 15, 2009
Hunter plunges the reader into the Regency period of England in this deliciously sinful romance, “The Wicked Games of a Gentleman.” This novel is a continuation of her Boscastle series. Drake Boscastle is a scoundrel who has everything – money, good looks, and charm. However, he believes he’s incapable of love until he meets a woman who challenges him in ways he never thought possible. Hunter’s pacing never lets up. “The Wicked Games of a Gentleman” is a gem of a romance that’s hard to put down.
The novel starts with Drake planning to meet famed courtesan, Maribella St. Ives. Before he does, he attends a party and immediately becomes involved in a scandal when he’s unwittingly drawn into a duel against his cousin, Gabriel. As Drake stalls for time, he meets Eloise Goodwin, a ladies’ companion who has temporarily lost her charge, Thalia Thornton. Drake coaxes Eloise into a dance and they share a spontaneous kiss. Drake then leaves to meet Maribella, but his mind lingers on Eloise. His evening with Maribella is spoiled when Gabriel shows up with Eloise. Eloise asks Drake for his help in finding Thalia. He agrees to help, leaving Maribella.
The next morning, Eloise discovers her employer, Lord Thornton, has left, due to his gambling debts. She’s got her hands full trying to manage the house, keep the creditors at bay, and finding Thalia.
Drake, to his chagrin, finds himself irrevocably drawn to Eloise. She’s beautiful and clever, two traits he can’t resist. To win points with Eloise, Drake finds Thalia and brings her home, ignoring Maribella. Eloise thanks him appropriately, but Drake steals not only a kiss, but intimate caresses as well – caresses which Eloise simply can’t resist.
Soon Drake finds himself spending more and more time with Eloise. Maribella creates a bit of a stir when she leaves Drake, but its Drake’s family that threatens his growing romance with Eloise. After an old boyfriend comes into Eloise’s life and attempts to blackmail her, she agrees to let Drake be her protector. Their physical consummation is all consuming. Drake wants to make Eloise his wife, but is apprehensive about his family will react.
Hunter writes in a third person omniscient point of view, changing perspectives with no clear line breaks or divisions. This is known as a “Lonesome Dove,” perspective and most professional editors discourage it, but the romance genre is very forgiving of it. The story moves fluidly. Drake, Eloise, and the supporting cast are likable and interesting. Hunter’s dialogue is crisp and sharp. Her descriptions put the reader in the moment, and her love scenes are vividly passionate. The story’s ending gives the reader rich satisfaction. “The Wicked Games of a Gentleman” is one romance that can’t be put aside easily.
The novel starts with Drake planning to meet famed courtesan, Maribella St. Ives. Before he does, he attends a party and immediately becomes involved in a scandal when he’s unwittingly drawn into a duel against his cousin, Gabriel. As Drake stalls for time, he meets Eloise Goodwin, a ladies’ companion who has temporarily lost her charge, Thalia Thornton. Drake coaxes Eloise into a dance and they share a spontaneous kiss. Drake then leaves to meet Maribella, but his mind lingers on Eloise. His evening with Maribella is spoiled when Gabriel shows up with Eloise. Eloise asks Drake for his help in finding Thalia. He agrees to help, leaving Maribella.
The next morning, Eloise discovers her employer, Lord Thornton, has left, due to his gambling debts. She’s got her hands full trying to manage the house, keep the creditors at bay, and finding Thalia.
Drake, to his chagrin, finds himself irrevocably drawn to Eloise. She’s beautiful and clever, two traits he can’t resist. To win points with Eloise, Drake finds Thalia and brings her home, ignoring Maribella. Eloise thanks him appropriately, but Drake steals not only a kiss, but intimate caresses as well – caresses which Eloise simply can’t resist.
Soon Drake finds himself spending more and more time with Eloise. Maribella creates a bit of a stir when she leaves Drake, but its Drake’s family that threatens his growing romance with Eloise. After an old boyfriend comes into Eloise’s life and attempts to blackmail her, she agrees to let Drake be her protector. Their physical consummation is all consuming. Drake wants to make Eloise his wife, but is apprehensive about his family will react.
Hunter writes in a third person omniscient point of view, changing perspectives with no clear line breaks or divisions. This is known as a “Lonesome Dove,” perspective and most professional editors discourage it, but the romance genre is very forgiving of it. The story moves fluidly. Drake, Eloise, and the supporting cast are likable and interesting. Hunter’s dialogue is crisp and sharp. Her descriptions put the reader in the moment, and her love scenes are vividly passionate. The story’s ending gives the reader rich satisfaction. “The Wicked Games of a Gentleman” is one romance that can’t be put aside easily.
May 22, 2016
[3,5]
Drake Boscastle ha llevado una vida de comportamientos censurables a los ojos de la sociedad. Con un carácter temperamental y tendencia a aburrirse fácilmente se ha pasado la vida siendo el favorito de las cortesanas, mimado y consentido en burdeles. Pero como suele suceder, llega un momento en la vida en que se hastía uno de las tonterías de la juventud y los juegos se vuelven repetitivos en esto de robar besos y conquistar corazones. Drake está totalmente amargado con su existencia y no encuentra absolutamente nada que lo anime, ni siquiera la perspectiva de tener a la cortesana más deseada y exclusiva de Londres. No por nada esa misma noche conoce a la dama de compañía de la muchacha más despelotada entre todas las muchachas.
Eloise intenta llevar una vida recta, impoluta y su máxima aspiración es llegar a convertirse en una de las institutrices de la selecta academia de Emma Boscastle. Pero qué te digo, Eloise tiene un alma salvaje en su interior y el pasado la persigue y Drake como quien no quiere la cosa huele a millas un alma corrupta y no es coincidencia que haga de conseguir a esta mujer su mayor objetivo en la vida.
En libros anteriores sabíamos que "Los Menores", trío conformado por Drake, Devon y Chloe eran los muchachitos más salvajes del clan Boscastle, vivían escandalizando a la sociedad, jugando con los límites. Entre Drake y Devon la camadería era tal que aparte de ser los mejores amigos eran los compañeros en aventuras, siempre en busca de la siguiente cosa que animara el fuego. Por eso es un tanto extraño ver a un Drake tan hastiado de esa vida y tan dispuesto a tirar todo la por la borda con una señorita que no tiene gran cosa de memorable.
Como resulta extraño y a veces la evolución de los personajes me dejaba confusa, sé que es una historia no recordaré mañana. Que voy a intentar hacer memoria y el nombre de Eloise no me saldrá, qué buscaré alguna característica de su personalidad ara caracterizarla y ni siquiera puedo pensar en estricta porque no lo era, salvaje tampoco porque tenía cierta moral, me es difícil enfocarla en estos momentos.
No puedo negar que sí serán una pareja adecuada el uno al otro porque la veta indomable de Eloise encuentra en Drake su máxima expresión y porqué Drake nunca podría aburrirse de la inexperta inocencia de Eloise, que sin fingimientos busca descubrirlo todo. Pero qué se yo, podría haber sido mejor.
Grayson y Jane son amor puro, y con un niño de por medio ni les cuento.
Drake Boscastle ha llevado una vida de comportamientos censurables a los ojos de la sociedad. Con un carácter temperamental y tendencia a aburrirse fácilmente se ha pasado la vida siendo el favorito de las cortesanas, mimado y consentido en burdeles. Pero como suele suceder, llega un momento en la vida en que se hastía uno de las tonterías de la juventud y los juegos se vuelven repetitivos en esto de robar besos y conquistar corazones. Drake está totalmente amargado con su existencia y no encuentra absolutamente nada que lo anime, ni siquiera la perspectiva de tener a la cortesana más deseada y exclusiva de Londres. No por nada esa misma noche conoce a la dama de compañía de la muchacha más despelotada entre todas las muchachas.
Eloise intenta llevar una vida recta, impoluta y su máxima aspiración es llegar a convertirse en una de las institutrices de la selecta academia de Emma Boscastle. Pero qué te digo, Eloise tiene un alma salvaje en su interior y el pasado la persigue y Drake como quien no quiere la cosa huele a millas un alma corrupta y no es coincidencia que haga de conseguir a esta mujer su mayor objetivo en la vida.
En libros anteriores sabíamos que "Los Menores", trío conformado por Drake, Devon y Chloe eran los muchachitos más salvajes del clan Boscastle, vivían escandalizando a la sociedad, jugando con los límites. Entre Drake y Devon la camadería era tal que aparte de ser los mejores amigos eran los compañeros en aventuras, siempre en busca de la siguiente cosa que animara el fuego. Por eso es un tanto extraño ver a un Drake tan hastiado de esa vida y tan dispuesto a tirar todo la por la borda con una señorita que no tiene gran cosa de memorable.
Como resulta extraño y a veces la evolución de los personajes me dejaba confusa, sé que es una historia no recordaré mañana. Que voy a intentar hacer memoria y el nombre de Eloise no me saldrá, qué buscaré alguna característica de su personalidad ara caracterizarla y ni siquiera puedo pensar en estricta porque no lo era, salvaje tampoco porque tenía cierta moral, me es difícil enfocarla en estos momentos.
No puedo negar que sí serán una pareja adecuada el uno al otro porque la veta indomable de Eloise encuentra en Drake su máxima expresión y porqué Drake nunca podría aburrirse de la inexperta inocencia de Eloise, que sin fingimientos busca descubrirlo todo. Pero qué se yo, podría haber sido mejor.
Grayson y Jane son amor puro, y con un niño de por medio ni les cuento.
July 16, 2012
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one, but it hooked me right from the beginning. I enjoyed Drake and the Bocastle family and have decided to look into reading the others in the series (this was my first Bocastle book). I enjoyed the way it was written but I didn't give it a five star because I felt that the steamy scenes happened a little too quick and a little too easily... in particular the first one - he basically breaks into her house, and sneaks in and watches her bathe - they haven't even got to any understandings yet and he's there kissing her in some very intimate ways! Too soon.
But it was a really good read and I enjoyed the parts from his point of view, watching him realize he was falling in love... that was really well written! And they talked! No stupid misunderstandings that could have been cleared up with a conversation! Instead when something came up they confronted each other and it and voila - resolution! Love that!
But it was a really good read and I enjoyed the parts from his point of view, watching him realize he was falling in love... that was really well written! And they talked! No stupid misunderstandings that could have been cleared up with a conversation! Instead when something came up they confronted each other and it and voila - resolution! Love that!
December 28, 2008
This is book number four in the Boscastle series. Even though I didn't start reading them in order, I think I will go back and continue from the beginning. It was very cute with lovable characters. Eloise and Drake are a perfect match for each other. I can't wait to read about the rest of the Boscastle siblings!
August 12, 2012
It took me a little while to get into this one. For some reason I just didn't connect with Drake and Eloise right away. Plus I was getting confused with all the Boscastles. I had to go back and read the summaries for past books to remember who was who. Once I got that out of the way I really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2008
Fast paced and quick. A bit predictable but a fun read none the less.
April 1, 2018
2.5 ehh forgettable stars
The only reason I liked it was because the heroine was a nice gal. Otherwise it was just boring
The only reason I liked it was because the heroine was a nice gal. Otherwise it was just boring
June 11, 2009
Oh my, what a guy!
October 10, 2008
Lord Drake Boscastle has everything--smoldering good looks, extreme wealth, and devilsih charms. Everything that is, except true happiness. Hoping to alleviate his growing discontent, he is due to meet one of the most celebrated courtesans in England for a heated rendezvous. But on the scheduled night of pleasure, Lord Drake's world is turned upside down by Eloise Goodwin, a wholesome, spirited governess with voluptuous curves and a beguiling wit. Even as an experienced seductress wiats to satisfy his every need, Lord Drake cannot forget his encounter with Eloise.
Although Eloise is swept off her feet by the irresistibly handsome rake, she has more pressing matters to address. Her rebillious young charge has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed?
Very good book. Would like to read the other 4 of the Boscastle series.
Although Eloise is swept off her feet by the irresistibly handsome rake, she has more pressing matters to address. Her rebillious young charge has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed?
Very good book. Would like to read the other 4 of the Boscastle series.
May 28, 2013
I have recently decided to go back and read the Boscastle series again. It is one of my favorite families. Each book is characterized with a strong female lead, which I adore. But out of all of these books, The Wicked Games of a Gentleman really stands out to me. I love that Drake is the black sheep of the family. The scenes are a little hotter and there is a bit more mystery to this book. The connection between Drake and Eloise really draws me in. Normally, I'm big on starting a series from the beginning. But if you just want to try out a new author, I would suggest starting with this book!
October 7, 2013
It was a good story but I personally had a hiccup over the heroine becoming a mistress and everyone pressuring her to accept this role. Although it was pouched with much comic relief (the entire story has an almost non-serious vibe) in actuality the issues are much much more serious in a real context.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2011
Reads like a romantic comedy! Enjoyed it very much! I would rate it a PG-13.
February 28, 2012
Eloise is a great heroine, fun to read.
The scene with "bobbing for apples" was priceless.
The scene with "bobbing for apples" was priceless.
January 11, 2018
Aha.... ein vierter Teil, deswegen wurde immer auf einige verheiratete Boscastles angespielt.
Ich hab jetzt keine Lust das deutsche Cover hinzuzufügen.
"Skandal im Bett der Gouvernante" hat mir vor allem in der ersten Hälfte ziemlich gut gefallen.
Lord Drake ist ein wenig unzufrieden mit seinem Leben und setzt seine Hoffnungen in eine Liasion mit einer wunderhübschen Kurtisane. Doch immer wieder kommt ihm Eloise unter die Augen - eine Gouvernante, die ihre Schutzbefohlene bis zur Hochzeit noch betreuen muss, und alle Hände voll zu tun hat. Er fühlt sich natürlich zu ihr hingezogen....
Gut war auch, dass das erwartete Drama aufgrund der gegenseitigen Missverständnisse ausblieb und die beiden miteinander redeten, AER zum Ende hin hat es sich aber etwas gezogen und wurde mir zu schwülstig, wie "Vom heutigen Tag bis in die Ewigkeit" und sonstigem Kitsch, schade...
April 7, 2017
2.0 stars
Boring, full of insta-lust, lacking romance and emotion, with one-dimensional characters and way too much Boscastles for one book, without surprises and character development. Overall no recommendation from me.
Boring, full of insta-lust, lacking romance and emotion, with one-dimensional characters and way too much Boscastles for one book, without surprises and character development. Overall no recommendation from me.
June 12, 2018
Not a bad story. Drake and Eloise were perfectly delightful characters even if the villain in the story seemed a bit weak and the ending rather anti-climatic. One must love the Boscastle family though 😊
July 5, 2022
I can’t just catch a break from reading lame plots
March 16, 2024
Fantastic book! There are so many twists and turns that I did NOT see coming. I loved every minute of it.
September 12, 2011
This is a fun read that is largely free of the more annoying tropes and clichés that can plague the historical romance shelf.
The heroine, Eloise Goodwin, has escaped a scandalous past by leaving her small village behind and becoming a companion in London. Her charge is troublesome and beautiful and an unrepentant trollop (as young charges are wont to be), which forces the heroine into the company of Drake, one of the infamous Boscastle brothers.
These circumstances allow two people from different circles to stay connected without feeling contrived or forced. Both the hero and heroine are realistic, mature people who don’t engage in unnecessary theatrics or drama. I like that they acknowledge their attraction to each other early on and don’t mind acting on it, and there isn’t a lot of needless guilt or shame about it.
**SPOILER ALERT** I also appreciate that Eloise is not offended by Boscastle’s offer to make her his mistress. Most heroines would faint in outrage, but Eloise is a young, poor woman with no connections. She’s sensible, so when a man who makes her happy offers to make her happy in an official capacity, and give her a house to boot, she sees the value in his proposal. It was quite refreshing.
Of course, Eloise does not become Boscastle’s mistress – what sort of happy ending after would that be? – but I dearly enjoyed seeing a rake’s journey from unrepentant sinner to devoted lover. I didn’t give this book more stars because while it was good, and I’ve returned to read it a second time, the spark between the main characters was not quite bright enough to make it “great.” Sensibleness makes for a believable heroine, but maybe it took away from some of the tension for me. I will definitely look at more of Hunter’s work, and look forward to reading about more Boscastles.
This is a fun read that is largely free of the more annoying tropes and clichés that can plague the historical romance shelf.
The heroine, Eloise Goodwin, has escaped a scandalous past by leaving her small village behind and becoming a companion in London. Her charge is troublesome and beautiful and an unrepentant trollop (as young charges are wont to be), which forces the heroine into the company of Drake, one of the infamous Boscastle brothers.
These circumstances allow two people from different circles to stay connected without feeling contrived or forced. Both the hero and heroine are realistic, mature people who don’t engage in unnecessary theatrics or drama. I like that they acknowledge their attraction to each other early on and don’t mind acting on it, and there isn’t a lot of needless guilt or shame about it.
**SPOILER ALERT** I also appreciate that Eloise is not offended by Boscastle’s offer to make her his mistress. Most heroines would faint in outrage, but Eloise is a young, poor woman with no connections. She’s sensible, so when a man who makes her happy offers to make her happy in an official capacity, and give her a house to boot, she sees the value in his proposal. It was quite refreshing.
Of course, Eloise does not become Boscastle’s mistress – what sort of happy ending after would that be? – but I dearly enjoyed seeing a rake’s journey from unrepentant sinner to devoted lover. I didn’t give this book more stars because while it was good, and I’ve returned to read it a second time, the spark between the main characters was not quite bright enough to make it “great.” Sensibleness makes for a believable heroine, but maybe it took away from some of the tension for me. I will definitely look at more of Hunter’s work, and look forward to reading about more Boscastles.
February 3, 2016
I wanted something smart but funny, romance-centred but plot driven, something I could start but couldn't put down and in my quest for a good regency romance I hunted the Hunter Boscastle series fourth instalment: The Wicked Games of a Gentleman. Needless to say, Jillian Hunter was instantly elevated to my personal Olympus of divine HR writers.
Meet Drake, all that is wicked, forbidden and frown upon in the society (except for devilishly good looks, powerful family, and riches). Meet Eloise, everything that is proper, refined and approved, a governess whose sole purpose of existence is to guard innocent lambkins against Society wolves like Drake. Imagine the sparkles when these two meet, the build up of flames when it becomes apparent that their paths are entwined and the fire that consumes them from within when along with the passion, something much more powerful awakens in their souls.
I truly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for angst, melodrama, psychological issues and philosophical pondering on the nature of mankind - go somewhere else. It's not a book for you and why harming it by rating lower than 4 stars. It would be pure injustice.
But if you look for hero to melt for, heroine to empathise with, lively banter, narrative than makes you giggle, love scenes that should be read in the fridge for reader's safety, a cohort of auxiliary characters as unique as the main protagonists, nice (if predictable) plot - indulge yourself in The Wicked Games of a Gentleman.
I will certainly try other books in the Boscastle series.
Meet Drake, all that is wicked, forbidden and frown upon in the society (except for devilishly good looks, powerful family, and riches). Meet Eloise, everything that is proper, refined and approved, a governess whose sole purpose of existence is to guard innocent lambkins against Society wolves like Drake. Imagine the sparkles when these two meet, the build up of flames when it becomes apparent that their paths are entwined and the fire that consumes them from within when along with the passion, something much more powerful awakens in their souls.
I truly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for angst, melodrama, psychological issues and philosophical pondering on the nature of mankind - go somewhere else. It's not a book for you and why harming it by rating lower than 4 stars. It would be pure injustice.
But if you look for hero to melt for, heroine to empathise with, lively banter, narrative than makes you giggle, love scenes that should be read in the fridge for reader's safety, a cohort of auxiliary characters as unique as the main protagonists, nice (if predictable) plot - indulge yourself in The Wicked Games of a Gentleman.
I will certainly try other books in the Boscastle series.
September 29, 2017
leído en oct 2010
Argumento:
Lord Drake Boscastle lo tiene todo, buena apariencia, gran riqueza y un encanto algo malvado. Ciertamente parece que lo tiene todo, excepto la felicidad. Esperando apaciguar su creciente descontento, está preparado para su apasionada cita con una de las más celebrés cortesanas de Londres. Pero la programada noche de placer, y el mundo de Lord Drake, queda patas arriba por Eloise Goodwin, una correcta institutriz, con unas voluptuosas curvas y un ingenuo seductor. Aún con una experimentada cortesana dispuesta a satisfacer cada uno de sus caprichos, Lord Drake no puede olvidar su encuentro con Eloise.
Aunque se siente atraída por ese misterioso y atractivo libertino, Eloise tiene asuntos más apremiantes en los que centrarse. Su joven y rebelde pupilo ha escapado durante la noche a un local de dudosa reputación y no aparece por ningún sitio. Dispuesto a ayudar, Lord Drake debe intentar resistir su deseo de caer en la anhelante pasión que siente por Eloise. Un libertino no cambia nunca... ¿...O el indomable Lord Drake esta siendo por fin domesticado?
Argumento:
Lord Drake Boscastle lo tiene todo, buena apariencia, gran riqueza y un encanto algo malvado. Ciertamente parece que lo tiene todo, excepto la felicidad. Esperando apaciguar su creciente descontento, está preparado para su apasionada cita con una de las más celebrés cortesanas de Londres. Pero la programada noche de placer, y el mundo de Lord Drake, queda patas arriba por Eloise Goodwin, una correcta institutriz, con unas voluptuosas curvas y un ingenuo seductor. Aún con una experimentada cortesana dispuesta a satisfacer cada uno de sus caprichos, Lord Drake no puede olvidar su encuentro con Eloise.
Aunque se siente atraída por ese misterioso y atractivo libertino, Eloise tiene asuntos más apremiantes en los que centrarse. Su joven y rebelde pupilo ha escapado durante la noche a un local de dudosa reputación y no aparece por ningún sitio. Dispuesto a ayudar, Lord Drake debe intentar resistir su deseo de caer en la anhelante pasión que siente por Eloise. Un libertino no cambia nunca... ¿...O el indomable Lord Drake esta siendo por fin domesticado?
October 3, 2013
hunter is a fairly good author. i liked her characters very much, her plot was decent but it just goes to show you how difficult it is to write a really good book that is dynamic enough to carry the reader through. if i recall, it was slightly uneven and scenes started and ended in an unexpected way, not surprsing, but a little jarring--like something was dropped. i guess one might blame the editor! I confess this is my first hunter book and the book may have faired bettter had i read the prequels.
October 17, 2019
Gosh I love it so much, I really love Heroine that is open about her feeling even if she knows that the hero might not love her back .... ever.... never! But still she loves him too much that she doesn't care, though she has abandon all the care in the world she is still someone you wouldn't think stupid and reckless. And the hero oh my Drake is seriously....... Okay let's just say I genuinely approve him for Eloise... ^^ He's charming and witty and he loves her and that's all what matters to me lol
December 11, 2011
This is my favorite type of escapist reading. I go in spells as to what genre I want to read. Right now this is perfect. This is one in a series of the Lords and Ladies of the Boscastle clan. All of them perfectly handsome or beautiful. In this one, the wicked and devastating Lord Drake Boscastle falls in love with a governess. All sorts of misadventures ensue, as she is also being targeted for blackmail by a former suitor. It's funny, racy and fun to read.
January 8, 2009
This was an interesting take on the tried and true companion theme. The heroine's rebellious young charge has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping into assist, is Lord Drake Boscastle. Lots of interesting side adventures keeps you interested in finishing this tale.
January 25, 2010
I'm rating this one right in the middle on this boscastle romance between the hardened Drake and the sweet, sultry ladies companion, Eliose. The story moved quickly and again it's nice to hang out with the Boscastles but Drake was too selfish of a hero to get totally lost in his romance with Eliose.
December 1, 2014
O M G ! Words cannot describe how much I LOOOOOOOOOVE this book! It is one of my favorites! I didn't know it was a series when I first picked it up, but I'm going to read EVERY SINGLE Boscastle book! But Drake will ALWAYS be my favorite because he was My FIRST Boscastle. Ha.
Drake and Eloise chemistry was HOT ! The sex scenes were steamy and DELICIOUS !
Read It !
Drake and Eloise chemistry was HOT ! The sex scenes were steamy and DELICIOUS !
Read It !
March 6, 2012
Another enjoyable hit from Jillian Hunter. This is one "spicey" read - :-) A disgraced heroine from the country meets the wicked, arrogant, aristocratic rake and hot, steamy encounters ensue. Of course, it is a happily everafter for the two with a fairytale ending for the heroine, and a surprising ending for the now reformed rake. Quick, pleasure-inducing read!
October 6, 2013
Overall it just just okay. For me the book lacked that extra something to make special. I didn't really connect with the characters and the relationship between Drake and Eloise felt more lustful and superficial. Their chemistry just wasn't there for me. This is my first book of Hunter's, but I think I'll give her a second chance.
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