Reviews

The Rake by Ava Bond

ashleydvs505's review

5.0

Let me start by saying I’m not usually a fan of historical romance novels. This book has a very unique beginning and it grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let it go and I found myself truly enjoying the story. It is very fast paced and escalates quickly. It’s very mysterious and has a lot of adventure to keep you entertained. 

shannlynn's review

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This was my first book by this author, and I fell in love with their writing style! I’m so excited that this is the first installment in the series because I am on pins and needles to see what is in store for us next. This is a fast-paced historical romance that grabs you from the very first chapter. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but well worth it! The plot is intense, there is drama abound, and a few steamy encounters to fall in love with. I loved that the main characters are almost polar opposites which makes their attraction even more intriguing. I found myself giggling at a few different situations which is always fun when reading in public. The second book cannot come fast enough, and I feel the second half of this year may just inch by until release day!

aliciaknoke's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I enjoyed this historical romance from author Ava Bond. The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonor duology. Miss Margot Keating travels with her sister to London at the request of the Duke of Ashmore. Upon arriving the Duke reveals a secret to Margot. Before Margot has a chance to learn more the Duke is murdered. Margot asks the Duke's neighbour, the Earl of Langley, to help her solve the Duke's murder. I loved the banter between Margot and Langley. Their growing feelings for one another was captured perfectly. The writing is so well done that I could visualize the lavish parties and scenes of historical London and the beau monde. I can't wait to read the second book in this series! 

jlraffauf's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

This was an interesting book. I did enjoy it. Elements of mystery, romance and old London (Lords, Dukes, and all of that drama), as well as a strong female lead in Margot. I loved the full cast of characters and all the details that set the tone and painted quite a picture of the different scenes throughout the book. Definitely has some spice in the romance aspect, but far more of it is based around the mystery that Margot and Lord Langley find themselves needing to solve. It was quite easy to get sucked into the story right from the beginning. Overall, I liked it and would be curious to see how the rest of the series unfolds.

palomafe's review

adventurous medium-paced

3.0

 

Margot Keating has had a good life in the country, but a summon from London makes her leave, along with her young sister, the comfort of it. What that letter will do to her whole life was far beyond her wildest imagination.

 Lord Langleys is the most scandalous and hedonistic rake of the ton, with a reputation in shambles and not a care in the world he spends his days indulging in pleasures. Oh but such is fate that in a night of boredom his life will meet the ones of an amazon, that will take his thoughts and life far beyond his expectations.  

A romance full of mystery and unexpected turn of events.

 

tracyreadslots's review

4.0

A new author to me, and I was in the mood for a historical romance, and it is what I got alongside mystery, murder, debauchery.

The characters are entertaining and largely likeable, they have their issues but don’t we all. The Author has managed to describe a world that is historically good and shows things in an interesting light.

We meet Lord Beresford (Silvester) and he uses his title to the best of its ability in his rather ostentatious lifestyle. It is true in this book that opposites attract and he is intrigued by the unknown Margot, who is a polar opposite to his ways. They are drawn to each other as Margot works with the Lord to solve the question of who killed the Duke.

I will certainly be looking for more in this series.

meggs1717's review

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this historical romance. You are immediately thrown into the adventures as Margot and her sister, Elsie, make their way from the countryside to London only for Margot to bear witness to a murder and to give chase to the person who committed the crime. That chase leads her through the Earl of Langley's back door and into a world she knew nothing about. As Margot enlists Langley's help in trying to catch the murderer, these two are thrust together in an exploit that is filled with twists, turns, desire, angst, mystery, secrets, suspense, and danger. As Margot and Langley work together to solved the Duke's murder, they begin to question whether or not they actually have more in common than they first believed. I really enjoyed their witty banter and the overall push and pull of their relationship. I can't wait for the second book to come out.

caramellosdream's review

emotional informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Rake by Ava Bond is the story of Silvester “Langley” and Margot.  

This novel has it all…. A little bit of a murder mystery and treasure hunt and an underlying steamy romance with great sex scenes and risqué behaviours.  I found this novel hard to put down and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 to continue the story and find out what happens next. 

deb_j's review

3.0

 

The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour series by Ava Bond.

Margot- On the same day she meets her birth father for the first time he is murdered. Margot witnesses the murder and with his dying breath, he asks her to go after the murderer and take back the stolen piece of a map. 

Langley- An Earl who lives next to the Duke. He is known for his parties and not wanting to settle down.

Margot asks Langley for help with the treasure map/ finding the murderer and during their time together love blossoms. 

I don’t normally read historical romances or even mystery novels, but this one came highly recommended by someone who is so I gave it a try. While I did read it, and enjoyed parts of it, I don’t think I can give this book the review it deserves (or stars). It is very well-written and an easy read. It was a good book to get me out of my reading slump.

 

bwagner's review

fast-paced

4.0

I enjoyed reading this historical romance story.  This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details that made the story come to life.  This is a well written story about secrets, never falling in love and how opposites attract.  Margot has a secret that no one can find out about and the Earl of Langley.  They team up to find out the truth about the duke’s death.  This is where the story heats up.  Not only what they find out about the duke but what they find that they have more in common than they realize.  I enjoyed their characters and what they brought to the story.  They are connectable and have great chemistry.  I enjoyed watching their relationship grow throughout.  This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and easy to read.  This is a great romance story that has some suspense to it as well.  I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.