Stevie‘s review of The Ruin of a Rake (The Turner Series, Book 3) by Cat Sebastian
Gay Historical Romance published by Avon Impulse 04 Jul 17
I’ve read this series somewhat out of order, and in doing so missed picking up on a little of the continuity in terms of who the various characters are in relation to the main couple in each book. On the other hand, all three novels stand well enough alone in and of themselves, and so there’s no problem with a reader picking up this third instalment as their introduction to the Turner family and their various acquaintances. Indeed, this book has few direct links to the Turners, dealing as it does with collaborators and relatives of Lawrence, the Earl of Radnor, co-hero of the second book in the series.
Julian Medlock is determined that he and his scientifically minded sister should be fully accepted by Society, in spite of their recently acquired money and childhoods spent overseas, and so does everything he can to appear more respectable than any other gentleman about town. He is, therefore, horrified when his sister takes up with the infamous Lord Courtenay, recently returned from a dissolute life on the continent and rumoured to be the inspiration behind the notorious book currently wowing and horrifying everyone in town: The Brigand Prince of Salerno. Courtenay’s main reason for being in town, however, has nothing to do with creating scandal and everything to do with gaining permission to visit his nephew now residing with his father, the Earl of Radnor, who has banned the pair from having any contact unless Courtenay mends his ways.
Julian has his own reasons for being interested in Courtenay, much as he tries to resist them, and is less than impressed when his sister demands that he ensure Courtenay’s rehabilitation into Society. As the pair spend time together, Julian comes to see that many of Courtenay’s faults have more to do with his generosity towards those around him – whether they deserve or are otherwise entitled to a share in his wealth or not – and less as a result of any outright badness in his character.
It was apparent from the outset that this pair were going to reach an understanding that led to them both moving upwards in society. While I enjoyed seeing Julian in action, as he sorted through Courtenay’s finances and weeded out the deserving from the undeserving beneficiaries of Courtenay’s gifts, Courtenay himself never fully grabbed my attention. In fact, I was far more intrigued by another romance that was going on in the background of this book: that between Julian’s sister and her long-estranged mixed-race husband. I would love to see that pair get a book of their own.
All in all, my least favourite book of the series so far, although I shall be looking out for whatever the author brings us next.
Grade: C
Summary:
Rogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.
Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.
As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.
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