RAKES AND RASCALS IS GOING ON A HIATUS

DUE TO FAMILY ISSUES, RAKES AND RASCALS WILL BE ON A HIATUS FOR THE TIME BEING.

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SCOUNDRELS OF ST. JAMES SERIES by LORRAINE HEATH

I first read this series many years ago and it has remained one of my top favourite series ever since. I have read it a number of times since but never reviewed the books. Now I have an excellent excuse to re-read the series as part of my Retro Reviews feature.

Clearly inspired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, it tells the stories of Lucian, Jack, Frannie, James and William, who all grew up on the streets of London as members of Feagan’s ‘merry little band of ne’re -do- wells‘. Their lives are irrevocably changed when it’s discovered that Lucian is the lost heir to the Earl of Claybourne.

BOOK 1

First published in 2008

They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

BOOK 2

First published in 2008

London’s most notorious rogue—decadent, depraved, forbidden…

The ladies of the ton won’t stop whispering about deliciously wicked Jack Dodger—once a thieving street urchin, now the wealthy owner of London’s most exclusive gentleman’s club. There’s no pleasure he hasn’t enjoyed, no debauchery the handsome scoundrel won’t provide for the lords who flock to his house of carnal intrigue.

London’s most virtuous lady—honorable, uncorrupted, and all too human…

Olivia, Duchess of Lovingdon, would never associate with such a rogue. So when Jack is named sole heir to the duke’s personal possessions, the beautiful, well-bred lady is outraged. Now, Olivia is forced to share her beloved home with this despicable man.

Caught between the devil and desire…

But Olivia’s icy disdain is no match for Jack’s dangerous charm. His touch awakens desire. His kiss demands surrender. She will struggle to bar Jack from her heart…but her body, coveting divine release, will not let her bar him from her bed.

BOOK 3

First published in 2009

A Devilish Duke on a Quest for Pleasure…

Frannie Darling was once a child of London’s roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own—safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.

To bed her but not wed her. That’s what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release… and a wicked, wonderful surrender.

BOOK 4

First Published in 2009

She Sought Revenge But Discovered Desire.

On a quest to avenge her sister’s death, Eleanor Watkins never expected to fall for the man following her through pleasure gardens and into ballrooms. But soon nothing can keep her from the arms of the sinfully attractive scoundrel, not even the dangerous secrets she keeps. Strong, compassionate, and utterly irresistible, James is all she desires. But can she trust him enough to let herself succumb to all the pleasures that midnight allows?

James Swindler has worked hard to atone for his unsavory past. He is now as at home in London’s glittering salons as he is in the roughest streets. But when the inspector is tasked with keeping watch on a mysterious lady suspected of nefarious deeds, he is determined to use his skills at seduction to lure Eleanor into revealing her plans. Instead, he is the one seduced, turning away from everything he holds dear in order to protect her—no matter the cost to his heart.

BOOK 5

First Published in 2014

William Graves is the last of Feagan’s scoundrels. A onetime grave robber turned royal physician, he has devoted his life to saving others—because he knows there is no way to save himself. Especially not around a lady like Winnie. Though undeserving of her touch, he cannot resist. His passion cannot be tamed…even in the face of certain danger.

Winnie, the Duchess of Avendale, never knew peace until her brutal husband died. With William she’s discovered burning desire—and the healing power of love. But now, confronted by the past she thought she’d left behind, Winnie must face her fears…or risk losing the one man who can fulfill all her dreams.

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NEW REVIEWS AND RETRO REVIEWS

I have now re-posted all the 5 Star reviews posted on Goodreads since closing the blog in September 2019. Future reviews will relate to books I have read since re-opening the blog on 5th September 2021.

have now

I intend to continue this feature, which was originally introduced in September 2019. There are books I read many years ago, long before I started writing reviews. It will give me an excuse for re-reading those I loved and reviewing them. Hopefully, I can tempt you to read some gems from the past.

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RAKES AND RASCALS IS RE-OPENING!

Since closing my blog in November 2019, I have continued to have so many visitors that I have decided to re-open Rakes and Rascals with some changes.

I will be reviewing personally purchased books in the following genres – Historical Romance, Historical Fiction and Historical Mystery.

Only reviews for books that I can highly recommend (5 star rated) will be posted.

I will no longer be using a sensuality rating because relevant details will be contained in the body of the review.

I’m also reading other genres, so the posts probably won’t be as regular as they used to be, but I hope that you will discover some books of interest. 😊

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RAKES AND RASCALS IS NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED

Just a reminder to say that the blog is now officially closed but all the existing posts will still be accessible for the time being. Once again, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to making this blog such a success over the past seven years.

Wendy and I will continue to post reviews on Goodreads. 

 

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TIME FOR CHANGE…

Over the past few months, I have found that my priorities are changing. For the last seven years, my focus has been on reading, reviewing and blogging, and all the other things I used to enjoy have very much taken a back seat. My cake-baking has been almost non-existent (much to my husband and son’s disapproval); my collection of 1930s and 1940s movies has been gathering dust, and it’s been years since I picked up a pair of knitting needles. So, with my 73rd birthday fast approaching, I thought it the perfect time to make some major changes in my life.

Firstly, Rakes and Rascals will be closing down with effect from 1st November 2019. The blog will remain live for the time being and all posts will be accessible, but there will be no new content after 1st November..

(Wendy and I will continue to post future reviews on Goodreads and Amazon)

Secondly, for the past few months, I have been experiencing a reading slump and, although I won’t be abandoning Historical Romance altogether, I feel that I want to diversify and explore other genres.

Finally, I would like to say a HUGE thank to:

All the readers and fellow bloggers who have loyally followed and supported Rakes and Rascals over the years, without whom this blog would not have been so successful.

My friend and fellow reviewer, Wendy Loveridge, for her invaluable contributions to the blog.

The authors who have contributed to and supported the blog over the years, with a special mention for those brave authors who were willing to share their most embarrassing moments in my series of “In the Spotlight” interviews.

 

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RETRO REVIEWS – A NEW FEATURE FROM THIS YEAR

We have decided to add Retro Reviews as a new feature from 2019. We both have memories of older books that we read and loved in years gone by and will now have the pleasure of re-reading and reviewing them. Hopefully, we can introduce you to some gems from the past.

We will also be reviewing books that have been languishing on our TBR lists for far too long!

 

 

 

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RAKES AND RASCALS IS TAKING A CHRISTMAS BREAK

We would like to wish everyone…

Carol and Wendy will be spending time with their families over the holiday period and won’t be around  until 2nd January 2019 when the blog will be up and running again. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Rakes and Rascals.  

 

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WE ARE TAKING A BREAK AND GOING TO THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE RETREAT 2018

**RAKES AND RASCALS WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSING DOWN FROM TODAY, THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, AND NORMAL SERVICE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER.**

Regular visitors to the Rakes and Rascals blog will recall that we attended the first ever Historical Romance Retreat, held at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington State in 2016. We are excited to be attending again and, this year, it is being held at the Mission Inn, a historic Spanish-mission style hotel, in Riverside, California.

Once again, we will have the opportunity to mingle with lots of authors and fellow lovers of historical romance as well as hanging out with some lovely Facebook friends, both old and new.

There are exciting events to look forward to including Historical Presentations and Workshops, Afternoon Tea, a Speakeasy Club, a Highlanders and Highwaymen Gambling Night, a Book Signing and Historical Fair, culminating in a Grand Masquerade Ball on the last night.

 

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NORMAL SERVICE HAS NOW BEEN RESUMED

We are now ensconced in our new apartment but, as you can see from the photo, everything is still in a state of organised chaos. We do, however, have access to the internet which means I can post on Rakes and Rascals again. Over the next few weeks, I ‘m hoping to catch up on reviewing the books I read before the move and there will be more ‘In the Spotlight’ author interviews as well.

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