waffley's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
haewilya's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite in this series. I think it is way better than the other books in this series. I liked the how the history of the Merridew sisters is presented here and I liked the strong elder sister, Prudence, who took it upon herself to look after her sisters. I loved the hero. But I have a weakness for funny/charming ones, so that's not an unbiased opinion (is there any other type?). I liked the second pairing and the third :P I wish there was more of them. Action filled and a bit farcical at times, it was such a delightful read. Definitely recommended.
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely masterful. I had SO much fun reading this book!! Smiling, giggling, jaw dropping, gasping. From a handful of pages, the author had shown the strength of character and depth of love between the sisters. I was already sold. But the way she wrote Gideon falling in love was just simply incredible. I was hanging on every word. This was such a joy to read.
I loved how lighthearted and fun this book felt even though it dealt with some very dark topics. That is another gift of the author. I’m just so shocked that I haven’t heard of this book sooner!
I loved how lighthearted and fun this book felt even though it dealt with some very dark topics. That is another gift of the author. I’m just so shocked that I haven’t heard of this book sooner!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Injury/injury detail, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity
No infidelity between the love interests just a brief part of the story.rushed's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
shadow_kissed's review against another edition
3.0
It is a great book and an easy read, however I found overly maddening how... stupid Prudence behaved. Her ridiculousness was astounding.
katdid's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, even though technically I haven't finished (my Kindle went to heaven at 98%) I don't think there will be any surprises . There was a lot to like here -- mostly Gideon tbh, who just kind of accepted that his rake days were over and was v fun in his dealings with Prudence. Prudence's inability to accept that Gideon was into her was bloody annoying It felt like a really long book! and, fair warning, there's barely any sex so if that's your jam you will be sorely disappointed probably. Also the word "distressfully" was used a LOT; I was like, That's not a word!!1! but googled and apparently it is? which was distressful.
Spoiler
(although I WAS suprised when Grandpapa turned up and kidnapped Prudence)Spoiler
-- the dude chases after your kidnapping grandpa, gets WHIPPED rescuing you, and you're still all like, But do you REALLY like me? I mean!!!ikepauh's review against another edition
4.0
Tags: rake and "plain" heroine, rake/experienced main character falls first/falls hard for the other main character, abduction, tyrannical grandparent, dead parents, fake engagement, madly in love hero who doesn't realise it and only has eye for the heroine, cute but bare secondary romance
The tags really shouldn't alarm you. The Perfect Rake is not an 80's or a 90's bodice ripper. It is a tale about the escape of 5 sisters from their wretched guardian and their journey towards emancipation from the old bat via marriage. The Perfect Rake focusses on the eldest sister who has always been the protector, the provider for her younger siblings.
A good start for a series. Fast paced to the very end. Appreciated the secondary romance although there was not much focus on it. Darling Charity and the Duke of D had just enough characterisation to lift them up from becoming furniture. Didn't mind it too much because I was taken up with the relationship of The Rake and Imprudence.
Horrid grandparent who I thought should have been dealt with more severely. I'll just rewrite that part in my mind for my own satisfaction. The Rake falls first and he falls hard. So attractive, so wonderful to witness his growing affection for Imprudence and to see him blunder his way through his courting of her.
Imprudence could be a conwoman for all the lies she tells in The Perfect Rake, wouldn't be a successful one though for the webs she weave seem to drive her further into a self-sabotaging pit. She is resourceful & highly independent and it was nice to see her have someone she could rely on as well on trying times after being the rock of her family.
Add: I am going to be adding "shag bag" and "a moment of blissful splendor" to my list of turn of phrases to use IRL.
The tags really shouldn't alarm you. The Perfect Rake is not an 80's or a 90's bodice ripper. It is a tale about the escape of 5 sisters from their wretched guardian and their journey towards emancipation from the old bat via marriage. The Perfect Rake focusses on the eldest sister who has always been the protector, the provider for her younger siblings.
A good start for a series. Fast paced to the very end. Appreciated the secondary romance although there was not much focus on it. Darling Charity and the Duke of D had just enough characterisation to lift them up from becoming furniture. Didn't mind it too much because I was taken up with the relationship of The Rake and Imprudence.
Horrid grandparent who I thought should have been dealt with more severely. I'll just rewrite that part in my mind for my own satisfaction. The Rake falls first and he falls hard. So attractive, so wonderful to witness his growing affection for Imprudence and to see him blunder his way through his courting of her.
Imprudence could be a conwoman for all the lies she tells in The Perfect Rake, wouldn't be a successful one though for the webs she weave seem to drive her further into a self-sabotaging pit. She is resourceful & highly independent and it was nice to see her have someone she could rely on as well on trying times after being the rock of her family.
Add: I am going to be adding "shag bag" and "a moment of blissful splendor" to my list of turn of phrases to use IRL.
readwithdee's review against another edition
3.75
This was the most historical romance to ever romance. Every single trope that I expected could be there - WAS there. And I loved it
00laura23's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Gideon and Prudence are interesting characters who are affected by their pasts. Throughout the story, they grow and develop – Prudence in strength and belief in herself and her worth. Gideon that love is something he can’t run from. I enjoyed their romance – watching them fall in love. The side characters were interesting and added to the fabric of the story.
I found the story was longer than it needed to be, but the right length for the many side stories that took place. I could have lived without a couple of them. The ending was fitting, given the start of the book and this couple. I’m looking forward to getting to see them in the remaining books of the series.
Gideon and Prudence are interesting characters who are affected by their pasts. Throughout the story, they grow and develop – Prudence in strength and belief in herself and her worth. Gideon that love is something he can’t run from. I enjoyed their romance – watching them fall in love. The side characters were interesting and added to the fabric of the story.
I found the story was longer than it needed to be, but the right length for the many side stories that took place. I could have lived without a couple of them. The ending was fitting, given the start of the book and this couple. I’m looking forward to getting to see them in the remaining books of the series.
el_catimi's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.5
5 stars for the banter of the first half - 2 for the drama drama drama of the second
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Rape