Friday, May 5

Audiobook Review: The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh


Author: Eva Leigh
Narrator: Zara Hampton-Brown
Title: The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes
Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Pages: 367
Published:  February 22, 2022
Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 
When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?

Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.

In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.

Review:
Been meaning to check out something from this author. I feel like I have been seeing books by this author everywhere. So I grabbed this one. Bonus points....it fits a couple of challenges ;)  

We follow Kieran and Celeste. Due to the results of Kieran's latest antics, his father has issued an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. That seems unattainable since he is London's most inveterate scoundrel and rake. With the help of his friend's sister, Celeste, he will clean up his reputation and find a wife. However, Celeste will only help if he secretly takes her to rowdy gaming halls, wild parties, and sensual art salons. During their day and night exploits, they will realize there is more than lust between them. 

I adored both Kieran and Celeste. Kieran is def a rake and Celeste is great in any circle. Poor things have had some parent issues. Kieran's parents have lost faith in him years ago and think he can't redeem himself. Celeste's Dad came from nothing and he doesn't want to lose good standing. Sure, he wants her to have the best but he has put her in a gilded cage. I felt bad for them and it is so obvious that they are meant for each other. 

Awww I want to skip book 2 and get to book 3. There are two side characters that need a second chance and they won't have it until the third book! Sobs! I do want to read book 2, but sobs the beginning of this made me sad. I want that side couple to find each other again. I did want to smack Celeste's brother....idiot man. He has to really make it up to his ex. 

But yes, you can't help but route for the main characters and side characters. This was fun. There was a tiny bit of external drama, but it was easily resolved. Slightly TOO easy and unrealistic in my opinion. I think I would've liked some more mountains for these guys. 

The narrator was great. I would listen to more by her. Her voices were distinct and fun. 

In the end, I liked the characters, but I think I would've liked a hair more drama or a better resolution. It was way too easily solved. I am curious about the next two in the series though. I adored all characters including the side characters. 3 stars from me. 






Challenge(s):
- #20 for Audiobook challenge
- #14 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Rake" in title

2 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I have read some of her books, but, yeah I can¨t remember now

Carole Rae said...

I need to read more