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jackiehorne's review
3.0
Enjoyable, if conventional, Regency from stalwart Gracie. A new Earl discovers that he's been saddled with the guardianship of a 20-year-old heiress—and her illegitimate sister. And of course he finds said illegitimate sister stunningly attractive... The best part of the novel is the relationship between Isobel and Clarissa, the two sisters, one legitimate, one illegitimate, especially the opening prologue. Not much plot here, the character development is rather lacking, and improbable behavior goes unremarked (for example, Isobel, who, along with her sister, was raised in the countryside, without any education or even exposure to conventional society, somehow fits in quite well to the ton when she arrives in London). Pleasurable, if not at all memorable.
crayondall's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.75
naranjadia's review
4.0
Smexy Books review:
The Rake’s Daughter by Anne Gracie is a Regency-era romance that uses an unusual scenario to give us that riveting tension between love and societal expectations. The story begins with Clarissa and Isobel (Izzy) – sisters by a different mother, daughters of an ill-tempered, degenerate rake. Improbably, and through sheer force of will, they manage to grow up together on their father’s country estate, hiding Izzy from his eyes and his ire when he infrequently visits. When he dies, he leaves his “legitimate” daughter, Clarissa, under the guardianship of the Earl of Salcott, who is no longer the man he knew, but the man’s son of the exact same name, Leo.
Leo has spent a great deal of his young life missing out on the usual young man things, instead caring for ailing father and the family estate. The guardianship is thrust upon him and like every other burden in his life, he feels deeply responsible for shepherding Clarissa’s coming out in London society and getting her married so that she gets the inheritance her nasty father left her. But Clarissa comes with her sister, Izzy, who is a social liability.
What Leo does not count on is both the devotion and inseparability of the two sisters, and his attraction to Izzy, the bastard daughter, who categorically should be undesirable and out of sight. He wants Clarissa to debut by herself, because the ton cannot abide by a bastard. It is just not done. Of course, the sisters have other ideas. And Izzy is so attractive, and smart, and full of life. She really shorts circuits his brain and it is enjoyable to watch.
Leo’s fidelity to rules of society makes him a flawed character. I feel like in many historical romances I’ve read lately, it’s become a requirement that the hero and heroines can see beyond the conventions and morals of their times. But Leo spends most of the novel firmly in his time period, and I admit that makes him frequently difficult to like. In fact, at one point I felt he had dug himself such a significantly large hole with Izzy that he would never be able to fill it. Conversely, the ease with which Clarissa and Izzy subverted the expectations of society seemed a little glib.
I swallowed this novel whole. There are some wonderfully steamy garden scenes, and some fascinating secondary characters, like Leo’s aunt. I’m not sure I yet believe that Leo filled the hole he dug by the end, but he certainly made a start.
CW: allusions to sexual assault
Grade: B+
The Rake’s Daughter by Anne Gracie is a Regency-era romance that uses an unusual scenario to give us that riveting tension between love and societal expectations. The story begins with Clarissa and Isobel (Izzy) – sisters by a different mother, daughters of an ill-tempered, degenerate rake. Improbably, and through sheer force of will, they manage to grow up together on their father’s country estate, hiding Izzy from his eyes and his ire when he infrequently visits. When he dies, he leaves his “legitimate” daughter, Clarissa, under the guardianship of the Earl of Salcott, who is no longer the man he knew, but the man’s son of the exact same name, Leo.
Leo has spent a great deal of his young life missing out on the usual young man things, instead caring for ailing father and the family estate. The guardianship is thrust upon him and like every other burden in his life, he feels deeply responsible for shepherding Clarissa’s coming out in London society and getting her married so that she gets the inheritance her nasty father left her. But Clarissa comes with her sister, Izzy, who is a social liability.
What Leo does not count on is both the devotion and inseparability of the two sisters, and his attraction to Izzy, the bastard daughter, who categorically should be undesirable and out of sight. He wants Clarissa to debut by herself, because the ton cannot abide by a bastard. It is just not done. Of course, the sisters have other ideas. And Izzy is so attractive, and smart, and full of life. She really shorts circuits his brain and it is enjoyable to watch.
Leo’s fidelity to rules of society makes him a flawed character. I feel like in many historical romances I’ve read lately, it’s become a requirement that the hero and heroines can see beyond the conventions and morals of their times. But Leo spends most of the novel firmly in his time period, and I admit that makes him frequently difficult to like. In fact, at one point I felt he had dug himself such a significantly large hole with Izzy that he would never be able to fill it. Conversely, the ease with which Clarissa and Izzy subverted the expectations of society seemed a little glib.
I swallowed this novel whole. There are some wonderfully steamy garden scenes, and some fascinating secondary characters, like Leo’s aunt. I’m not sure I yet believe that Leo filled the hole he dug by the end, but he certainly made a start.
CW: allusions to sexual assault
Grade: B+
desertbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Both of the main characters had problems (he’s a snob, she’s selfish) and they transitioned from extreme dislike to extreme love so quickly that it was jarring. Not one of her best.
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
I loved this book, with its tight bond between Clarissa and Izzy and the unlikely romance between Leo and Izzy. The book opened with the heart-grabbing introduction between Clarissa and Izzy and didn't let go until I'd read the last page.
Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.
After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.
Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.
Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.
I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.
At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.
It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!
#netgalley
Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.
After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.
Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.
Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.
I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.
At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.
It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!
#netgalley
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful read for the ones who can’t help but to fall in love with wanting and being in love. Izzy and Rissa were splendid in this story. Two sworn sisters who stared down and faced the Haut Ton. Aunt Olive wasn’t so bad herself. For me the story reads so easily. That made the story more enjoyable to read. The entertainment of the two sisters joining forces made the story very entertaining. The romantic feelings between Izzy and Leo was humorous, but a little steamy. I enjoyed everything about the book,
erinarkin20's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie. It is the second book in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series but I think you can read this one even if you have not read book one.
Having recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he is now the guardian of an heiress. While not ideal, he is determined he will fulfill the commitment but he wasn't counting on her bringing along her illegitimate half sister with her and he's a bit perplexed as to how to handle the situation.
Clarissa (legitimate) and Izzy (illegitimate) were great. I loved how we got a glimpse of how they came to know each other and from day one, I could see the devotion they have for one another and it was a great aspect to the story. Neither wanted to hurt the other and weren't willing to compromise their relationship for the sake of what the aristocracy thinks is acceptable or not.
Leo empathizes with both but he does everything he can to make them understand what is / is not appropriate but when he goes out of town, Clarissa and Izzy take things into their own hands and essentially launch themselves into society and they do it successfully! With no way to go back, Leo must join in and support. What he doesn't count on is his own attraction to Izzy and sparks fly between them whenever they are together.
I enjoyed how Gracie built out the many relationships in this book. I also think the story itself was engaging and kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider picking this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he is now the guardian of an heiress. While not ideal, he is determined he will fulfill the commitment but he wasn't counting on her bringing along her illegitimate half sister with her and he's a bit perplexed as to how to handle the situation.
Clarissa (legitimate) and Izzy (illegitimate) were great. I loved how we got a glimpse of how they came to know each other and from day one, I could see the devotion they have for one another and it was a great aspect to the story. Neither wanted to hurt the other and weren't willing to compromise their relationship for the sake of what the aristocracy thinks is acceptable or not.
Leo empathizes with both but he does everything he can to make them understand what is / is not appropriate but when he goes out of town, Clarissa and Izzy take things into their own hands and essentially launch themselves into society and they do it successfully! With no way to go back, Leo must join in and support. What he doesn't count on is his own attraction to Izzy and sparks fly between them whenever they are together.
I enjoyed how Gracie built out the many relationships in this book. I also think the story itself was engaging and kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider picking this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
freya's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
emmawyn's review against another edition
closer to Mary Balogh's style of slow-paced writing. was fine, just wasn't in the mood