The Rake's Daughter

Brides of Bellaire Gardens Series, Book 2

By: Anne Gracie

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must find Clarissa a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in London's aristocratic circles.

However, the girls are devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal if Izzy's parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. To Leo's frustration, nothing will convince them otherwise. Even worse, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.

Called away to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Izzy and Clarissa have launched themselves into society—with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society to protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious, and intoxicating Izzy.

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Anne Gracie (P)2022 Tantor

Thank Heavens! Anne Gracie finally found a great narrator!

Anne Gracie always brings an original and fresh take on Regency romance. This story is especially poignant with the love and fierce bond of two sisters. I also enjoyed her portrayal of Aunt Olive, and the description of the neighborhood shared garden.

Enjoyed and hope for more!

first listen of this author. I hope there will be more of this series!

Beautiful narration as always by Christine Rendel

I love Anne Gracie’s books, and this series narrated by Christine Rendel is a delight. Love her characters, pacing, and beautiful, clear diction.

I just Love 💕 this book

Anne Gracie is an amazing author I love all of her books and this one did not disappoint. Thank you AP

Not as good as the first one

Hero was a jerk. Story drug on and on. Great premise but just kept dragging on. She’s not worthy of me and I’m too good for her. It was irritating

Too long

Story could have been told on less time. Unneeded details with no influence on the story.

Descended

I thought it was going to be fun. But a few chapters in, it started throwing in long bouts of repetitive internal thoughts and, my least favorite, over-explaining. I truly don’t need an explanation about what someone is reacting to that only happened one page ago. Ridiculous. I’m an adult…I can keep up. I played it on a fast speed and skipped through the tedious internal thoughts. There was modern phrasing. The narrator was very good. The sister’s relationship and some of the side characters were enjoyable. SPOILER: SPOILER: In between all those irritating sloppy writing habits, there was the typical sparring couple, a lustful MC, who was emotionally abusive up to the end, and unoriginal storylines. This book had some real disappointment in the main characters and a big ick on how they finally come together. TRIGGER WARNING: There is a disturbing callousness about a suicide that sounds almost gleeful at the end.

DNF

The MMC is an insufferable misogynist. I'm sure he has some sort of awakening later in the book but I got half way and couldn't deal anymore. Not an enjoyable listen.