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cheye13's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
So far the pattern of Sebastian's trilogies is that I like each successive one more than the previous. I liked these two leads together and the side plot with Julian's sister was entertaining. The epilogue was a bit twee, but I wouldn't be reading romance if I didn't like cheesey scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Chronic illness
Minor: Gun violence and Grief
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
5.0
I think this one is my favorite of the series. I do so love seeing a rake redeemed, then found family!
hotfry'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
4.0
everything i ever wanted from a historical romance titled “ruin of a rake”
reclusivebookslug's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I was obsessed with Courtenay from the first moment I read of him in the previous book, but Julian was a bit dull to read.
max_the_lesbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes the best comfort books are gay regency romance novels.
gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Cat Sebastian has turned into an auto-buy for me and The Ruin of a Rake pretty much sealed the deal. Lord Courtenay is as calculated and smooth as Julian is emotionally awkward, but somehow they both bring out the best in each other as they work towards a common goal: reuniting Courtenay with his beloved nephew, Simon.
I have to say that I adored Julian. Despite not being the most outwardly emotional or empathetic person, he does care - he just cares in his own way. Courtenay is easier to love in this book, with all his sexy louche-ness and his idgaf attitude, but it's Julian who made me smile with his sharp tongue and his rather surprising sharpshooter skills. In any case, I loved them both and thought their HEA was beautifully understated and lovely.
Recommend.
Cat Sebastian has turned into an auto-buy for me and The Ruin of a Rake pretty much sealed the deal. Lord Courtenay is as calculated and smooth as Julian is emotionally awkward, but somehow they both bring out the best in each other as they work towards a common goal: reuniting Courtenay with his beloved nephew, Simon.
I have to say that I adored Julian. Despite not being the most outwardly emotional or empathetic person, he does care - he just cares in his own way. Courtenay is easier to love in this book, with all his sexy louche-ness and his idgaf attitude, but it's Julian who made me smile with his sharp tongue and his rather surprising sharpshooter skills. In any case, I loved them both and thought their HEA was beautifully understated and lovely.
Recommend.
florcis512's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
heabooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this one and read it pretty much in one sitting. I was nervous about Courtney’s character because I’m not a big Rake or Rogue fan but I ended up loving his newly found desire to live a better life. The writing was absolutely fantastic and just sucked me right into the story. There were all kinds of unexpected personality traits that kept the reader on their toes.
Courtney’s life had me desperate to give him a hug and make things better. He might have made his reputation but when he wanted to do better, he faced a lot of challenges. Julian was a perfectly stuffy, slightly pompous gentleman that acted as a great foil for Courtenay. The role reversals of Julian and Courtenay when they’re in the bedroom. I loved that they were opposite of what you’d expect from their outer personalities.
However, Eleanor and Standish’s relationship was a bit off putting only because I’m a very up front person. Their behavior fits the time period of historical romance very well, but it’s the type of behavior that generally keeps me away from reading historical. All things considered though, they are side characters.
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Favorite Quotes:
In the past Courtenay had generally preferred warm, affectionate sorts of people. Medlock was made of ice and thorns, venom and gunpower.
Courtney’s life had me desperate to give him a hug and make things better. He might have made his reputation but when he wanted to do better, he faced a lot of challenges. Julian was a perfectly stuffy, slightly pompous gentleman that acted as a great foil for Courtenay. The role reversals of Julian and Courtenay when they’re in the bedroom. I loved that they were opposite of what you’d expect from their outer personalities.
However, Eleanor and Standish’s relationship was a bit off putting only because I’m a very up front person. Their behavior fits the time period of historical romance very well, but it’s the type of behavior that generally keeps me away from reading historical. All things considered though, they are side characters.
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Favorite Quotes:
In the past Courtenay had generally preferred warm, affectionate sorts of people. Medlock was made of ice and thorns, venom and gunpower.