Lord Rakehell

By: Virginia Henley

Narrated by: Priscilla Carson

Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

Some men thrive on scandal.

Lord James Hamilton, heir to the Duke of Abercorn and newly appointed attendant to the young Prince of Wales, is in no rush to find a wife and take on a more responsible life. A lover of all things pleasurable, James has earned his reputation as a rakehell of London. But when a feisty beauty piques his interest, James finds himself obsessed with learning more about her, and even contemplates making her his own.

Lady Anne Curzon-Howe has long been besotted with her dear friends' handsome elder brother, James-ever since the moment he compared her to a wild Irish rose. While Anne has many suitors, the elusive James is the only man who draws her fancy. But Lord Hamilton's rakish ways are notorious for a reason, and convincing him to love only her will be an incredible-albeit rewarding-challenge.

©2013 Virginia Henley (P)2014 Recorded Books

History Lesson, Scandal, tied off w a Romance bow!

I really enjoyed this book! But if I had known more about the book and its cover was more representative of the actual story.... (the hot guy on the cover really doesn't represent what kind of book this is :-) I may not have listened to it in the first place.

I know it sounds crazy....but I almost felt like I was listening to a dramatized historical documentary. I know that it is fiction based on some reality, at least the characters who were based off real life royals. I happen to LOVE history and I guess that is why I ended up enthralled in the stories of scandal, royal life, and the slow blooming romance. The actual STORY outside of any romance was quite interesting. I found myself just as interested in all the elements of the story as I was in the romance between the main characters.

I did LOVE the main characters. Lady Anne and Lord James are GREATLY developed and some of the best most likable characters I have encountered in a long while.

The narration was very good. At first I thought I might not like the narrator, but after an hour I found she was perfect for this book. She does male and female voices very well.

This is not an action packed romance fest. It is a slow in the beginning ...picks up speed in the middle and then near the end has you completely captivated not wanting to pause the book.

The book actually got me to look up the history of Queen Victoria, King Edward and Alexandra of Denmark.

The romantic element of the book is there and there is much flirting and dancing around the attraction which did get a bit frustrating at times, but once it got going it was a beautiful romance. The "steamy scenes" were not vulgar and although quite descriptive at times...very tastefully handled. But this book is NOT all filled with "steamy scenes" so if that is what you expect or want...this may not be the book for you. This book was more of a "proper romance" than a sexy rip your clothes off kind of book.

If you love stories of the Royal family...if you enjoy scandal and mystery..and a sweet and saucy romance....you will most likely enjoy this book.

History lesson not romance

Would you try another book from Virginia Henley and/or Priscilla Carson?

Yes, I have and liked other books from both.

What could Virginia Henley have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Drop half of the book and add more romance.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I liked the narrator, she did a great job.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I had several emotions through out the book but never a lot at once.

Any additional comments?

I found the first half of the book boring and almost pointless. I have loved some of Virginia's books in the past but not this one. I wish I would have listened to other peoples reviews. The book end abruptly and I said "that's it? You've got to be kidding me." I did enjoy a glimpse of past characters from past books.

Long and no romance

I should have listened to the reviews. Good lord, we heard more about the Royals of England/Wales whichever more than I wanted to know. We could have done without all that and get to Ann and James' story and romance with a little intrigue thrown in. Priscilla has a good reading voice but her male and female interpretations were killing me! Could have gotten a better book with this credit!

Beautiful historical romance 🌟

Beautiful historical romance, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, there is a lot of history here and a lot of narrative is devoted to royal family relationships and intrigues but in no measure it can be called a history lesson. Historical facts and events harmoniously weaved into a story and represent the setting for beautiful romance. In my humble opinion, this book is what historical romance should be and it is definitely a class above the costumed romances by modern authors..... This book can be read as a stand alone but I found it more interesting to read in order as many of the characters were first introduced in the previous book The Dark Earl.