The Ruin of a Rake

The Ruin of a Rake (2017) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series)

Set in England in 1817

Lord Courtenay has a reputation of the worst sort–as a rake, libertine, and wastrel.

Courtenay was effectively stranded in London, a city populated by people who thought him a monster. He had spent the last of his money getting here, and his affairs were in too much confusion for him to figure out when, if ever, he could expect his coffers to be replenished.

Julian Medlock has spent years building respectability. To be accepted by polite society. He had money, which made it easier, but respectibility was something he had to work for–unlike those who inherited it with their titles.

Julian felt about Courtenay’s looks the way radicals thought about money: that it was deeply unfair and problematic for one person to possess such a disproportionate share.

Julian is also a prig.

There were parts of this story that felt a bit forced. First was Radnor keeping Courtenay away from his nephew, Simon. I can see him not wanting Simon to spent time with Courtenay in London, but forbidding visits in the country seems excessive for the Radnor we met in the previous book.

Then there was the book that supposedly caused all the problems. It’s not a bad plot device, it’s just that I’ve read it done better.

Then there was the final disagreement between Courtenay and Julian. I didn’t get why Courtenay walked away but then was willing to take Julian back on any terms.

But, it was worth reading despite that.

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Rating: 7.5/10

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