Reviews

The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian

sagittariusreads_'s review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lifeand100books's review against another edition

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4.0

While not my favorite of the trilogy, I did still enjoy these characters. I was especially happy with how Julian "defrosts" as a character and how Courtenay grows up. Great character development. Sebastian is now an auto-buy author for me.

norwayellesea's review against another edition

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5.0

Another eagerly anticipated novel by Cat Sebastian.

The Brigand Prince of Salerno, a novel and the talk of the ton. It's this season's source of much gossip, as rumours circulate that the inspiration for Brigand Prince is Lord Courtenay, whose name and reputation are usually linked to scandals. He may have been back in London for a short time, but news of his ways has reached the father of his nephew; a boy he helped raise before the death of the child's mother; his sister. When Julian Medlock decides to assist the poor chap in regaining his social status, he does not realise he will be the one to benefit most.

Julian Medlock's sister, Lady Eleanor Standish has befriended the scandalous Lord Courtenay. Much to his despair. He himself believing the dashingly handsome rake to be his sister's lover. When it becomes clear his assumption is wrong and discovers the gentleman needs accepting back into society, Julian begins a campaign to aid the man. However, despite his attraction to his subject, he wouldn't have believed that his feelings for him would ever be reciprocated.

I found The Ruin of a Rake a little slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the protagonists and the scene's set. Yet, I wasn't discouraged because Cat Sebastian's other novels are sufficient enough proof that once the pace of the narrative picks up, you're helpless to stop yourself from becoming fully engrossed in the storyline. With witty dialogue, comes highly entertaining, delightful protagonists. In addition, an equally colourful band of supporting characters add humour.

If you've read Ms Sebastian's other books, you'll see there's a cross-over of many characters and in this book specifically, it was a distraction for me because I was desperately trying to remember them from previous books, rather than concentrate solely on the current narrative. You don't need to read these titles to enjoy this one. Not knowing additional character information isn't relevant to this novel. Those issues aside (for me), I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy, Regency romance.

If you love historical romance and looking for something a little diverse, these M/M novels come highly recommended. All are standalone and are exquisitely written. They all have a gentleman and rogue romance and are all equally enjoyable.

4½ stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Impulse via Edelweiss+***

rebeccabadger's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition

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5.0

As you might expect from me at this point, with every book in this series I was like "no, *this* one is my favorite." I didn't expect to like Julian or Courtenay. What little was shown of them in the end of book 2 wasn't favorable. But damn if I didn't absolutely fall for Julian. He's just.. the best. And his dynamic with Courtenay was everything I could have wanted. Honestly, I'd happy read slice of life novellas about their lives forever following the conclusion of the series. And speaking of conclusion: that ending? So. Freaking. Sweet. I am dead.

cyhr04's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jenlouisegallant's review against another edition

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4.0

This was the first m/m historical fiction I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I hope to read some more some day. Julian and Courtaney managed to balance each other out nicely and helped each other grow and better themselves in terms of their flaws. That's the kind of romance I like to see.

livruther's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.0

this was well-written, ofc. cat sebastian writing a bad book? inconceivable!!! the characters just weren’t my personal fav, and i think julien should have apologized more for the things he said thought and said abt courtenay in the beginning 

katreniah's review against another edition

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5.0

Yet another fantastic book in a wonderful series. My only complaint is that I finished it way too quickly! :-)

balletbookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

An excellent installment in this series. It's also very different because so much of the conflict with this couple is internal rather than external (no one's sneaking about investigating blackmail, no one's hiding out from murderous criminals) and very rooted how one behaves in Society. Medlock and Courtnay make a compelling couple, the straight-laced social climber and the reckless hedonist. Plus cats. (Dear Author: I'd like to know what's up with Lady Montbray and her companion, and Oliver and Georgie's sister needs a HEA, too.)