Reading Roundup #23: Return of the Rakes!

That’s right, friends: we’re in full-swing historical romance mode this week, with rakes, scoundrels, and jaded aristos everywhere you turn! I needed some good fluff and swoon in the midst of all my mysteries, and these books delivered.

“Sebastian St. Cyr” #5-6 by C.S. Harris: Hero is finally getting more page-time and focus in the books, and it makes such a difference. Her brains, ruthlessness, and wit are just what the story needs, and poor broody Sebastian becomes twice as interesting and entertaining when they’re together. Now, if he’d just wake up and realize that for himself….

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase: This was my first Loretta Chase book, and wow, it was… something? The hero is an absolute nightmare, who, we are explicitly told on multiple occasions, is so emotionally stunted he can’t even understand his own feelings, let alone or express or deal with them in any sort of healthy way. An actual man-child. By all rights, I should have hated him, but honestly, I was having way too much fun cackling over his torment, as our fiery little bluestocking heroine leads him on a merry chase. I will put up with a lot from an insufferable male lead if I get to see him suffer for it, and, my, did he suffer! It helped, too, that the heroine was so totally, hilariously into his ridiculous behavior. There are problematic elements, of course, so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone… but I enjoyed myself immensely, just the same. Let the men suffer! (But only the bad ones – and let them have happy endings anyway, for the sake of our heroines.)

The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter by Mimi Matthews: Short and sweet, which is just what I needed. After two pleasant experiences, I’m beginning to suspect Matthews is a good go-to for likable characters and unproblematic plots. Some elements are a little under-explored, but I’m willing to allow that if it means I don’t spend half the book stewing in righteous fury or rolling my eyes. Sometimes simple hits the spot!

Then Came You (“The Gamblers of Craven’s” #1) by Lisa Kleypas: So, I started this series because Leah of Big, Bad & Bookish raved about the second book, Dreaming of You, and its hero, Derek Craven. Now, I know most romance series entries can be read as standalones, but I’m glad I started at the beginning with this one – both because it shows us very clearly who Derek was before and also because the main romance between Lily and Alex is some classic Kleypas, with sparks flying all over the place. Now, as my friends know, I have a hard time suspending my disbelief when kids are involved, so I did spend a good portion yelling, “Less sex! More searching for your lost baby!” Still, the sizzle and hilarity were a lot of fun, and I loved the characters and the world.

Dreaming of You (“The Gamblers of Craven’s #2) by Lisa Kleypas: Aaaand here we are with the reason I started this duology. Some of my favorite historical romances are about the people who aren’t aristocrats (seriously! there weren’t that many hot dukes hanging about! lol), and Dreaming of You does not disappoint. Sara and Derek both come from humble, though very different, beginnings, and watching them learn to understand and accept not only each other but themselves was both satisfying and entertaining. And yes, I do love Derek! But honestly, it was Sara who stole my heart, with her kindness and intelligence. The second half is more focused on them as a couple, but it was really the first half, in those early days of their relationship and her life in his world, that I liked best. I couldn’t get enough of the gambling house and its colorful inhabitants! I only wish we’d gotten more about what happened to them after the climax. So, thank you for the recommendation, Leah! Definitely worth the read.

And that’s it for this roundup! As always, happy reading!

–b