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The Notorious St. Claires #2
The Rake's Wicked Proposal
TIME TO CHOOSE A WIFE...
Society knows Lucian St. Claire to be one of the wickedest rakes around. His heart is out of reach, but he can certainly charm a lady. Now the time has come for Lucian to produce an heir--so first he must choose a wife!
Young, vivacious and high-spirited, Grace Hetherington is definitely not the kind of woman he's looking for. Yet there's something irresistible about her--and when they're caught in a rather compromising situation, he has no choice but to make her his convenient bride....
Society knows Lucian St. Claire to be one of the wickedest rakes around. His heart is out of reach, but he can certainly charm a lady. Now the time has come for Lucian to produce an heir--so first he must choose a wife!
Young, vivacious and high-spirited, Grace Hetherington is definitely not the kind of woman he's looking for. Yet there's something irresistible about her--and when they're caught in a rather compromising situation, he has no choice but to make her his convenient bride....
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
58 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,297 books908 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 10, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
The author intended that the heroine, Grace, be written as a strong-willed, intelligent and passionate young lady. Instead, she was annoying, abrasive and vindictive. Aside from her good looks, I could not understand why Lucien St. Claire wanted her so badly. He was far more likable and loyal to a fault than she deserved. I kept picturing Colin Firth as Lucien and it worked quite well Oh yes.
The overall story was decent with a few elements of watered-down suspense to lead up to the sequel featuring a supporting character with an unjustly tarnished reputation. Not a bad effort as a novel but nothing I would bother rereading either.
The author intended that the heroine, Grace, be written as a strong-willed, intelligent and passionate young lady. Instead, she was annoying, abrasive and vindictive. Aside from her good looks, I could not understand why Lucien St. Claire wanted her so badly. He was far more likable and loyal to a fault than she deserved. I kept picturing Colin Firth as Lucien and it worked quite well Oh yes.
The overall story was decent with a few elements of watered-down suspense to lead up to the sequel featuring a supporting character with an unjustly tarnished reputation. Not a bad effort as a novel but nothing I would bother rereading either.
April 22, 2020
2.75 MEH STARS
The main characters really couldn't keep their hands to themselves when they were alone together, it got so ridiculous I found myself laughing as I rolled my eyes.
Plenty of plot holes, but it made for some light reading, just wasn't the tantalising morsel I truly wanted. Don't see myself picking this up again.
99p on amazon.
The main characters really couldn't keep their hands to themselves when they were alone together, it got so ridiculous I found myself laughing as I rolled my eyes.
Plenty of plot holes, but it made for some light reading, just wasn't the tantalising morsel I truly wanted. Don't see myself picking this up again.
99p on amazon.
November 7, 2022
Enjoyable story with Lucian St Claire, a rake. He certainly knows how to charm the irresistible Grace Hetherington. When they are caught in a compromising situation, he has no choice but to make her his bride.
Loved this (2009?) story. My 99th Carole Mortimer read! 4☆
Loved this (2009?) story. My 99th Carole Mortimer read! 4☆
July 23, 2025
genuinely why the fuck
August 26, 2010
– I truly struggled with scoring these two titles. They were so deliciously bad that I teetered back and forth between a 1 and the Keeper Shelf. In reading thousands of romances over the years, I’ve never read such laughable prose with the exception of The Italian’s Rags-to-Riches Wifeby Julia James. Both are Harlequin titles and the overuse of exclamation points just makes my internal editor shriek in pain. There are over 100 of the little beasties just waiting to pop out and steal your breath.
So why did I think about putting these titles on the Keeper Shelf? Because the author makes up her own WORDS. Yes, snig-lets via Carole Mortimer. For example:
‘Lord Tillton?’ Jane gasped at his accusation. ‘I detest Lord Tillton! He behaved most disgracefully towards me during dinner—to such a degree that in the end I had to pierce his wrist with my fingernails in order to stop his pawing of me beneath the table. Besides which, he is a married man!’ she added frowningly.
Hawk’s mouth twisted scathingly. ‘Summer house parties like this one are notorious for the night-time assignations of people who are indeed married—but not to each other.’
I mean, can you get any better than this? And she stacks them one after another - the overuse of adverbs is hysterical. I found myself greedily turning the pages to gorge myself on paragraph after paragraph of sloppy prose and hilarious:
‘They obviously no longer offer such refuge,’ he pointed out coldly, unpityingly. ‘I will bid you good-night, Miss Smith.’ He turned away, and this time he did not look back, did not hesitate as he strode purposefully back to Markham Park.
I’m surprised he didn’t trip over piles of commas and exclamation points on his way out.
These books are painfully, deliciously, awfully bad and I loved every word. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
So why did I think about putting these titles on the Keeper Shelf? Because the author makes up her own WORDS. Yes, snig-lets via Carole Mortimer. For example:
‘Lord Tillton?’ Jane gasped at his accusation. ‘I detest Lord Tillton! He behaved most disgracefully towards me during dinner—to such a degree that in the end I had to pierce his wrist with my fingernails in order to stop his pawing of me beneath the table. Besides which, he is a married man!’ she added frowningly.
Hawk’s mouth twisted scathingly. ‘Summer house parties like this one are notorious for the night-time assignations of people who are indeed married—but not to each other.’
I mean, can you get any better than this? And she stacks them one after another - the overuse of adverbs is hysterical. I found myself greedily turning the pages to gorge myself on paragraph after paragraph of sloppy prose and hilarious:
‘They obviously no longer offer such refuge,’ he pointed out coldly, unpityingly. ‘I will bid you good-night, Miss Smith.’ He turned away, and this time he did not look back, did not hesitate as he strode purposefully back to Markham Park.
I’m surprised he didn’t trip over piles of commas and exclamation points on his way out.
These books are painfully, deliciously, awfully bad and I loved every word. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
August 31, 2016
Horrible writing. Every page had at least two or three exclamation marks. The characters must ALL be very excitable/shocked/angry.
I also found the story to have way too many holes. One minute she hates him and the next she loves him because she knows he's 'suffering' internally. And then the next minute she hates him again (when he has done nothing wrong).
Grace as a character is so annoying. I want to smack her. I know she is supposed to be young and all raised in the country so doesn't know the rule of 'Society' but at time she just seems to disagree for the sake of being a brat and disagreeing! (haha did you see how I used the exclamation mark there?!) <--and there.
I've read a few romances this one is for sure on the bottom of the list. For the annoying characters, horrible writing and lame story line I give it one star out of five.
I also found the story to have way too many holes. One minute she hates him and the next she loves him because she knows he's 'suffering' internally. And then the next minute she hates him again (when he has done nothing wrong).
Grace as a character is so annoying. I want to smack her. I know she is supposed to be young and all raised in the country so doesn't know the rule of 'Society' but at time she just seems to disagree for the sake of being a brat and disagreeing! (haha did you see how I used the exclamation mark there?!) <--and there.
I've read a few romances this one is for sure on the bottom of the list. For the annoying characters, horrible writing and lame story line I give it one star out of five.
Read
December 4, 2009#2 of 4 in The Notorious St. Claires
Regency
Society rules strike again! This time snagging Lucian St. Claire. There was just something about Grace Hetherington that made him forget caution landing him in a betrothal with her, one she most deifnitely does not want! Grace only agrees to be his convenient wife because she figures if she can put the wedding off long enough, everyone will know that nothing happened.
Forced together to keep up appearances (to keep the gossips quiet) soon proves that their attraction may be to hard to control.
Wonderfully wicked read. ;)
Regency
Society rules strike again! This time snagging Lucian St. Claire. There was just something about Grace Hetherington that made him forget caution landing him in a betrothal with her, one she most deifnitely does not want! Grace only agrees to be his convenient wife because she figures if she can put the wedding off long enough, everyone will know that nothing happened.
Forced together to keep up appearances (to keep the gossips quiet) soon proves that their attraction may be to hard to control.
Wonderfully wicked read. ;)
January 7, 2018
Really, definitely, utterly unimpressed. It's not just about the writing style (let's say opinions may differ on that one), it's mostly about the uneven and controversial flow of the story. So, okay, they start off hating each other, they are supposed to then fall in love. But they seem to be on a constant roller coaster of hating and wanting each other. And the usual kind of roller coaster, but a confusing and poorly stitched kind. Also, I can't really see the main character to be a possible person in existence ever. Unfortunately, I am not really certain I should explain why. Just a small note to add: people who suffer from PTSD and have nightmares because of it do not just grow out of it because they got horny!
September 24, 2019
Grace was one of the worst heroines I've ever encountered. Toward the end of the book, when she puts everything together, is the first time she shows any intelligence and insight. She was supposed to be strong-willed and smart, but she's anything but. She struggles against the strictures of society, but there is a point where the smartest thing to do is to just accept one's fate. She makes poor choices constantly, in the name of being "strong-willed" and hurts those around her. I wanted to smack her more than once when I was reading this book.
July 4, 2024
Nie mogę się rozstać z rodziną St. Claire i w każdym tomie jest coraz lepiej, mimo że nic nie przebije tomu 3, który czytałam przed laty i do którego mam sentyment.
Mamy tu sytuację, że Lucian spotyka przyjaciela w tawernie, który ma akurat pod opieką piękną pannę. Po kilku drinkach Lord nieopatrznie wpada do pokoju panny Grace i wynika z tego niezła kabała, która kończy się niechętnymi zaręczynami. Nasza para ciągle się kłóci i przekomarza, a w tle mamy rodzinne tragedie. Jest w porządku, szybko i harlequinowo.
https://www.youtube.com/@angelic_on_p...
Mamy tu sytuację, że Lucian spotyka przyjaciela w tawernie, który ma akurat pod opieką piękną pannę. Po kilku drinkach Lord nieopatrznie wpada do pokoju panny Grace i wynika z tego niezła kabała, która kończy się niechętnymi zaręczynami. Nasza para ciągle się kłóci i przekomarza, a w tle mamy rodzinne tragedie. Jest w porządku, szybko i harlequinowo.
https://www.youtube.com/@angelic_on_p...
December 7, 2017
NOT impressed
Listen, I have now had my first story by Ms. Mortimer that I did not like. It was if a ghost writer had written the story having not spoken with the author. The story was to slow and made no sense. Even worst, the title did not relate to the story. If I had read this book first, I would have never read any of The Notorious St Claire's series. Will not be recommending this book to anyone. Sorry.
Listen, I have now had my first story by Ms. Mortimer that I did not like. It was if a ghost writer had written the story having not spoken with the author. The story was to slow and made no sense. Even worst, the title did not relate to the story. If I had read this book first, I would have never read any of The Notorious St Claire's series. Will not be recommending this book to anyone. Sorry.
September 8, 2023
I forgot I read this before until I started reading it last week.
The writing style is generally quite enjoyable.
The main characters aren't terribly annoying. Grace is a bit boring despite the author telling us that she is interesting. Lucian is kind of irritating when he's overbearing or obtuse, but he is mostly OK.
The plot is mostly OK, until the very end, when it's finally just...resolved? The last few pages are kind of cringe.
The writing style is generally quite enjoyable.
The main characters aren't terribly annoying. Grace is a bit boring despite the author telling us that she is interesting. Lucian is kind of irritating when he's overbearing or obtuse, but he is mostly OK.
The plot is mostly OK, until the very end, when it's finally just...resolved? The last few pages are kind of cringe.
March 21, 2024
Loved it!
April 11, 2024
A frustrating read. Too much negativity between the hero and heroine.
August 28, 2025
An excellent read, a little longer than my preferred read length.
A little angst, a touch of mystery and a lot of fun and romance.
A good second novel in the series.
Read as a library eBook.
A little angst, a touch of mystery and a lot of fun and romance.
A good second novel in the series.
Read as a library eBook.
May 4, 2018
Love the passion, love the story, hate the ending (too sappy for me)
November 27, 2018
3 e 1/2
"Grace gli posò i palmi sulle guance e lo fissò negli occhi. «Amo tutto di te, Lucian, con tutta me stessa; non mi importa di quali demoni infestino le tue notti.» Sorrise. «Non potrei neppure concepire di amare qualcun altro.»"
In generale, mi è piaciuto più del precedente della serie ma ricalca un po' gli stessi schemi: lui sempre molto arrogante, lei un po' bisbetica sempre pronta a bisticciare anche se alla fin fine non ottiene granché XD Mi è piaciuta la piccola parte "gialla" relativa alla famiglia di Grace e mi ha fatto piacere ritrovare la famiglia St. Claire, l'irriverente Sebastian, la vivace Arabella e l'altezzoso Hawk, ora marito e padre. Mentre per Arabella già si intravede il suo lui mi chiedo chi metterà il guinzaglio a Sebastian, l'ultimo baluardo libertino della famiglia ahahah XD
"Grace gli posò i palmi sulle guance e lo fissò negli occhi. «Amo tutto di te, Lucian, con tutta me stessa; non mi importa di quali demoni infestino le tue notti.» Sorrise. «Non potrei neppure concepire di amare qualcun altro.»"
In generale, mi è piaciuto più del precedente della serie ma ricalca un po' gli stessi schemi: lui sempre molto arrogante, lei un po' bisbetica sempre pronta a bisticciare anche se alla fin fine non ottiene granché XD Mi è piaciuta la piccola parte "gialla" relativa alla famiglia di Grace e mi ha fatto piacere ritrovare la famiglia St. Claire, l'irriverente Sebastian, la vivace Arabella e l'altezzoso Hawk, ora marito e padre. Mentre per Arabella già si intravede il suo lui mi chiedo chi metterà il guinzaglio a Sebastian, l'ultimo baluardo libertino della famiglia ahahah XD
November 8, 2009
I enjoyed reading my first book by this author. I do however think they could have came together a little sooner. They off and on liked each other but never agreed to get along till the last 30 pages and then it all came together at once. So part of me felt like it took forever then when it happened I felt it was rushed.lol. I would like to find out more about this family though so I will read the next one and one before it.
Currently reading
December 13, 2011Note: I haven't finished this book yet. Will go back and read at a later date.
December 28, 2011
2.5 stars
April 24, 2012
The ending seemed rushed as the main plot was overshadowed by the subplot.
November 19, 2013
Besviken.
August 1, 2015
Enjoying her books
February 18, 2015
total fluff...
April 7, 2015
Suffers from its brevity.
April 23, 2010
THe ending felt extremely rushed. I prefer more balanced stories.
Want to read
September 30, 2015I am not able to read a book
November 24, 2016
A good vacation read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews