Devon’s review of Never Romance a Rake (Neville Family Trilogy, Book 3) by Liz Carlyle
Historical Romance released by Pocket 22 Jul 08

Liz Carlyle can always be counted upon to deliver. I haven’t read all of her books, but I have read a number of them. She writes great characters and passionate, romantic stories. Her novels are meaty and often a bit dark. Carlyle deals with the darker side of nineteenth century social system-the strictures placed upon people by birth, ethnicity, classes and money. No fake rakes here. The heroes and heroines of her books have troubled pasts, and are in need of love and the redemption it provides. Never Romance a Rake looked to be another compelling read, and Sybil has raved about it. So was it “the historical of the summer?”

To be honest, I don’t read enough historicals these days to feel qualified to make a judgment. But the book was a satisfying read with much to recommend it. The hero, Baron Rothewell (Kieran), lives a dissolute existence. His troubled child- and young adulthood have left him so damaged that he spends all his time drinking, gambling and consorting with shady sorts. At one late night session, he is startled when the slimy Comte de Valigny offers up his daughter as a prize. He is intrigued by the woman’s beauty and fiery demeanor, and wins the hand in order to keep her from going to a total creep. Kieran has now won Camille’s hand in marriage, although he doesn’t think he wants it.

Camille was great. She has had a rough life herself, with two amazingly self-centered parents. Now all she wants is the baby and the financial stability that marriage to Kieran will provide. No stranger to dealing with outsize personalities, she is more than a match for Kieran. She speaks up for herself and stands up to him and others. But she also had a kindness and an empathy that shone through. She and Kieran had great chemistry and I really wanted both them to get their HEA.

But something kept this from being a keeper for me. I think it was Kieran. He was very troubled, and has almost ruined his health. I liked him, but I was a bit put off. He acts like a dick for awhile, and I was just like, eh. The gambling drunk thing doesn’t really sweep me off my feet. There was also a familiarity about the proceedings: the troubled rake, the daughter being gambled away.The book definitely kept my interest. I liked Camille in particular and was intrigued by the larger cast. I’m going to go back and read the other two in the trilogy now. While it’s not among my favorites, I don’t think that fans of the author, or readers looking for an angsty historical, will be disappointed.

Grade: B

The Summary:
Baron Rothewell lives a dark, shuttered existence by day, and a life of reckless abandon by night. Scarred by a childhood filled with torment and deprivation, Rothewell cares very little anyone or anything. His life on the edge of ruin suits him—until he meets a man who just might be his nemesis. The Comte de Valigny likes to play deeply and dangerously, but Rothewell’s recklessness is undeterred. Until one night when de Valigny wagers something just a little more valuable than gold.

Mademoiselle Marchand is a desperate woman in a strange land, and her pleading eyes seem to swallow Lord Rothewell body and soul—assuming he still has one. Now the baron must play his hand with the utmost care, for at last something meaningful is at stake . . .

Read an excerpt here

The other books in the series: