The Art of Ruining a Rake

Scandalous Spinsters, Book 4

By: Emma Locke

Narrated by: Marian Hussey

He wants her, she wants revenge.

Practiced rake Roman Alexander never meant to seduce his best friend's sister. He certainly never intends to do it again. The handsome scoundrel has never felt more compelled to be a better man. But the damage has been done, for his buttoned-up spinster refuses to marry a bounder like him - and maddeningly, she doesn't seem to like him. Nevertheless, he can't seem to forget her, or her passionate response to his kisses. How much danger could there be in one more try?

Practical headmistress Lucy Lancester naively believes her charming rogue has moved on to his next conquest, leaving her free to cherish their one night together for the rest of her bluestocking days. Until the afternoon he arrives at her school intent on proving their one night together wasn't enough - and this time, the scandal can't be contained. Well, two can play at that. How hard can it be to ruin a rake?

©2015 Emma Locke (P)2016 Emma Locke

A story of trust and reform

If you could sum up The Art of Ruining a Rake in three words, what would they be?

Trust, reform, family.

What other book might you compare The Art of Ruining a Rake to and why?

An Honourable Wish because they both feature men who wish to reform their lifestyles in an effort to win their ladies' hearts. They also have families who play an important part in their stories.

Which character – as performed by Marian Hussey – was your favorite?

Roman, He certainly experienced a variety of emotions in his effort to reform his character and to make Lucy believe that he really did love her. Roman also has to deal with problems with his youngest brother as well as increasing the family wealth.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think it was towards the end when Lucy declared how she felt about Roman.

Any additional comments?

This story had quite a few strands running through it, not only the romance between Lucy and Roman but also the interaction of the characters in each family. As usual Marian narrates the story in her entertaining way, different voices for each character, also different accents.
I received a free copy for an honest review.

It opened slowly

This story gathered momentum but erotica was a little over done in places.

If you are into erotica you will enjoy this book.

UGH! This was a struggle to get through! Just No.

Well, this was a real struggle to get through. The hero, Roman was the male courtesan in this story and trying to change his ways and redeem himself. She seduced him for revenge against all the women, ruining herself. I didn't care for it at all.

This book was very long. I keep thinking the books in this series will get better. Nope, they don't. Seem to be getting worse. I have to give up on this author. Sorry. The story line and plot was not good. The characters were just too hard to even like.

As for the narration, it was fantastic! I love Marian Hussey. She is an amazing narrator (she couldn't even help this story) She does such a good job. The men sound like men, and everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and has very nice reading voice.

F for story
A +++ for narration.

Bluestocking makes him want to be a better man

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Roman Alexander, never meant to ruin his best friend's sister. Twice. But there they were, on the desk,in flagrante delicto, when the door opened. Lucy Lancester was fired from the girls' school she founded, and her name was linked with the Marquess in the rag sheets and she is turned out of polite society. When Lucy declines his offer of marriage--twice--Roman must take a cold, hard look in the mirror and face that he does not like the shiftless degenerate he has become. After falling prey to his wiles not once, but twice, it is clear enough Roman's imagination is not running away with him, so why did Lucy seduce him in the first place if only to rebuff him later? Is there any hope for him to ever win her heart? Can Roman change his habits and be worthy of him in her eyes? Society's? His own?

This story is by turns delightful, laugh-out-loud funny, and yet poignant and painful as Roman grapples not just with his relationship with Miss Lancester, but also with his brothers and making a place for himself in their business. The dialogue is inspired, and the depth of Roman and Lucy's characters is rare. I am looking forward to reading more books in the Naughty Girls Series.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

If you could sum up The Art of Ruining a Rake in three words, what would they be?

In three words I would describe this book as exciting, passionate, and feel-good.

What other book might you compare The Art of Ruining a Rake to and why?

There is no comparison because each book in this genre by any author may have similar storylines, but each character is straight from the author's mind, and no two author's minds are the same. Each regency romance that I read, from any author, and I read and/or listen to a lot, are absolutely unique in their own way.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't say which was my favourite scene without giving spoilers, suffice to say that there were some very emotional moments that thanks to the narration were made even more poignant.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I smiled a lot, and I did feel sad at times, but nothing extreme. That said, I did listen to the book in bed, my husband sleeping next to me, and I had to be careful not to wake him up.

Any additional comments?

A beautiful story, wonderfully narrated by Marian who is one of my favourite female narrators.