becks4books's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
astro1626's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maisiebee's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jdurney's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shunsicker's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
faerietrails's review against another edition
3.5
Having loved The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen earlier this year, I was delighted to see its sequel coming out only months after. Charles delivers another charming Regency novel of unlikely romances and dark secrets.
Overall, this novel is much more grounded than its predecessor. It deals with many of the logistics and issues of having power, and Rufus and Luke have very obvious flaws that lend to their characters. Most of the main characters have realistic arcs, especially Luke processing the abuse he experienced at the hand of his father and the consequential trauma.
It was often repetitive with its premise, constantly rehashing everyone's claim to earldom, which is sort of the main plot but not really? It's the antagonists' goal to prove a rightful, but for most of the novel, it is dismissed by the main characters anyway. The motivation is understandable, but they're the only ones worried about it and they come off presumptuous and annoying.
I was immediately rooting for the romance from the first page Rufus and Luke met, as they had such incredible chemistry. I wish the tension had dragged on a little longer, with a few more in-between moments that showed their feelings developing. Also...could she have chosen a sexier name than Rufus?
A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel can be read on its own, however I highly recommend The Secret Lives of Country Gentleman for both context and it being a more well-rounded novel, in my opinion.
Overall, this novel is much more grounded than its predecessor. It deals with many of the logistics and issues of having power, and Rufus and Luke have very obvious flaws that lend to their characters. Most of the main characters have realistic arcs, especially Luke processing the abuse he experienced at the hand of his father and the consequential trauma.
It was often repetitive with its premise, constantly rehashing everyone's claim to earldom, which is sort of the main plot but not really? It's the antagonists' goal to prove a rightful, but for most of the novel, it is dismissed by the main characters anyway. The motivation is understandable, but they're the only ones worried about it and they come off presumptuous and annoying.
I was immediately rooting for the romance from the first page Rufus and Luke met, as they had such incredible chemistry. I wish the tension had dragged on a little longer, with a few more in-between moments that showed their feelings developing. Also...could she have chosen a sexier name than Rufus?
A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel can be read on its own, however I highly recommend The Secret Lives of Country Gentleman for both context and it being a more well-rounded novel, in my opinion.
pannamarchewka's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rcpope's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
breezyreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0