The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a fast-paced historical romance. The author quickly grabbed my attention in the beginning but struggled to keep it about the middle of the book. I’m glad I stuck with it because I did end up enjoying it. If you enjoy mystery and historical romance I would recommend giving it a shot.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146825610-the-rake” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683207351l/146825610._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146825610-the-rake”>The Rake</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18689207.Ava_Bond”>Ava Bond</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6509229501″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Historical romances are quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. This is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour series and it was a good one. It started off with a bang when our female lead, Margot Keating, finds out that she is not the daughter of the vicar but a Duke! Unfortunately the Duke ends up being killed during a break in and his last words are urging Margot to catch the culprit. When chasing the culprit through the neighboring house she runs into Lord Beresford. He has quite the reputation due his unorthodox parties, his good looks, and most of all his unwillingness to be married. These two are thrown together and form an unlikely relationship on their hunt for a killer, missing diamonds, and a map. They also have intense feelings for each other but will they act on them or continue to be in denial?
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this historical romance from author Ava Bond. The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonor duology. Miss Margot Keating travels with her sister to London at the request of the Duke of Ashmore. Upon arriving the Duke reveals a secret to Margot. Before Margot has a chance to learn more the Duke is murdered. Margot asks the Duke’s neighbour, the Earl of Langley, to help her solve the Duke’s murder. I loved the banter between Margot and Langley. Their growing feelings for one another was captured perfectly. The writing is so well done that I could visualize the lavish parties and scenes of historical London and the beau monde. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series!
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author, and I fell in love with their writing style! I’m so excited that this is the first installment in the series because I am on pins and needles to see what is in store for us next. This is a fast-paced historical romance that grabs you from the very first chapter. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but well worth it! The plot is intense, there is drama abound, and a few steamy encounters to fall in love with. I loved that the main characters are almost polar opposites which makes their attraction even more intriguing. I found myself giggling at a few different situations which is always fun when reading in public. The second book cannot come fast enough, and I feel the second half of this year may just inch by until release day!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While I’m not generally a fan of historical romance, this book went racing into the plot and kept me engaged from the start! After Ava’s life is turned upside by finding out her father is not who she thought he was as a vicar, but is really a DUKE! She goes from the life she has known for 28 years to everything being upended overnight. After meeting her father, the Duke, that same evening he is taken from her when he steps in front of a shot that could have taken her life AND is trying to locate stolen diamonds. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, she meets Lord Silvester, Earl of Langley – the legendary playboy known for just how wild and crazy he prefers to spend his single rich man life.
Although they’re completely opposite, they do say opposites attract…and the two are desperately attracted to one another but they are both determined to fight it. In the midst of it all, they work together to avenge the Duke, find the missing jewels, and maybe circle back to that attraction they keep denying?
Full of fast paced drama, mystery, suspense and adds intrigue, tension, chemistry, feelings and heat – and it made me laugh at multiple points. Beautiful world building, wonderful storytelling. Looking forward to book 2!
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting book. I did enjoy it. Elements of mystery, romance and old London (Lords, Dukes, and all of that drama), as well as a strong female lead in Margot. I loved the full cast of characters and all the details that set the tone and painted quite a picture of the different scenes throughout the book. Definitely has some spice in the romance aspect, but far more of it is based around the mystery that Margot and Lord Langley find themselves needing to solve. It was quite easy to get sucked into the story right from the beginning. Overall, I liked it and would be curious to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel was well written, however, I do not get the “English” vibe from the writing. I was also bothered by the author calling Margot an “Amazon”. I am a taller/larger woman and if someone called me that, I would not be happy. Otherwise, I loved the story and the characters.
The book was easy to read and follow. The characters were relatable and I fell in love with them as soon as I read about them. The banter between the two main characters is fun and just makes them that much more real. The author does a great job keeping your attention throughout. I cannot wait to read the second in the series.
Review by @aware
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Margot Keating has had a good life in the country, but a summon from London makes her leave, along with her young sister, the comfort of it. What that letter will do to her whole life was far beyond her wildest imagination.
Lord Langleys is the most scandalous and hedonistic rake of the ton, with a reputation in shambles and not a care in the world he spends his days indulging in pleasures. Oh but such is fate that in a night of boredom his life will meet the ones of an amazon, that will take his thoughts and life far beyond his expectations.
A romance full of mystery and unexpected turn of events.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146825610-the-rake” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683207351l/146825610._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146825610-the-rake”>The Rake</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18689207.Ava_Bond”>Ava Bond</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6505137728″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me, and I was in the mood for a historical romance, and it is what I got alongside mystery, murder, debauchery.<br />The characters are entertaining and largely likeable, they have their issues but don’t we all. The Author has managed to describe a world that is historically good and shows things in an interesting light.<br />We meet Lord Beresford (Silvester) and he uses his title to the best of its ability in his rather ostentatious lifestyle. It is true in this book that opposites attract and he is intrigued by the unknown Margot, who is a polar opposite to his ways. They are drawn to each other as Margot works with the Lord to solve the question of who killed the Duke.<br />I will certainly be looking for more in this series.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Daughter’s of Dishonor series. This is a historical romance but also so much more than that, there is mystery angst, danger, chemistry.
The author did an amazing job of transporting the reader back in time to that period.
Margot Keating is a vicars daughter, she travels from Berwick with a secret that she needs to protect at all costs. She tries not to draw attention to herself but fails miserably when she finds herself involved in a murder mystery and a case of missing diamonds.
And she also catches the attention of a certain Rake.
Lord Silvester Beresford is well know for his handsome looks and charm but one thing he has not intention of doing is falling in love. That is until Margot Keating crosses his path.
Can these 2 opposite people work together to solve the murder mystery and the case of the missing diamonds? And could Margot be the women who can change Silvester’s way of looking at women. Could she be the one he will settle down and change his ways for?
I do enjoy historical romances and with the added twist it a murder mystery really made this a book I couldn’t put down.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this historical romance. You are immediately thrown into the adventures as Margot and her sister, Elsie, make their way from the countryside to London only for Margot to bear witness to a murder and to give chase to the person who committed the crime. That chase leads her through the Earl of Langley’s back door and into a world she knew nothing about. As Margot enlists Langley’s help in trying to catch the murderer, these two are thrust together in an exploit that is filled with twists, turns, desire, angst, mystery, secrets, suspense, and danger. As Margot and Langley work together to solved the Duke’s murder, they begin to question whether or not they actually have more in common than they first believed. I really enjoyed their witty banter and the overall push and pull of their relationship. I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great way to start a new historical romance series with such an intriguing first book! The Rake is such a magnificent read full of life, love, and mystery that it had my emotions on a roller coaster ride throughout the story. I love that this takes place in a time when the women wear such beautiful ball gowns, and the men dress up in such dapper outfits. This was such a fun period that the author chose to base her story on, and the details she uses are factual, making the story much more enjoyable. There were moments where I was so scared for our main character’s life, she is just so fearless, that she runs headfirst into some frightening situations with no concern for the consequences of her actions. The budding romance between the two most unlikely main characters is so awesome to watch as it unfolds, you just never know if the outlandish neighbor will be able to win over his Amazon of a woman, or if she will listen to the warnings of his terrible character, from all the household members, as well as the talk of the town. Add in the mystery of why someone was murdered at the beginning of the storyline, and what the mysterious map leads to, makes for such a great read that will have you not wanting to stop reading until the very last page, and even then, you’ll be left on a cliffhanger for the next book in the series.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is the first in a series. It is set in 1813 and is about Margot Keating. She travels to London with her sister Elspeth to meet her biological father. No one knows that the Duke of Ashmore is her father, and no one can know. Margot follows an intruder and meets Lord Silvester Beresford, the Earl of Langley. From there, Silvester and Margot embark upon an adventure together. I enjoyed the mystery of the story but not its “steaminess” as it seemed a bit far fetched. Overall, an enjoyable historical fiction.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rack was impossible to put down, so I finished it in one day. It starts with Margot Keating going to London to find out her relation to the duke. She is instead met with the murder of the duke who sends her on the trail of the mystery of the family’s hidden diamonds. On the same night, she walks into an orgy thrown by the next-door neighbor, Langley, who is the biggest rack in London. Margot now sets off to find the diamonds and the dukes’ murderer with the least likely help, Langley. Things only get better from here so be prepared for a slow build with satisfying spice. I loved Margot’s character due to how strong and independent she is, she doesn’t believe that she needs a man in her life. Can she be the one to tame this rack? I can’t wait to pick up the next book, The Duke, because it ends on a cliffhanger. This will not be the last book I read by Ava Bond!
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well this was my first story from the author and as a fan of historical fiction, this book did not disappoint! I will definitely be checking out her other series and waiting for the next book in the series to come out! Margot is a wonderful heroine and I loved how strong willed she is, despite her station in life. She is trying to stay under the radar, but when her birth father she just met is murdered and a piece of a treasure map stolen, she immediately jumps into action. She accidentally meets the Earl of Langley, when she follows the killer into his house, interrupting his naughty time. She immediately stays calm, despite her attraction to him, which attracts him to her. He agrees to help her on her hunt for the killer and the map. The author writes a really well written historical romance with characters you will fall in love with and some really fun twists and turns with the mystery. I can’t wait for the next one!
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. This is the first book of the amazing series called The Daughters of Dishonor. I have been reading more historical romance books but this one was very interesting. You are going to fall in love with these characters right from the start. I could not book this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
Margot Keating is a country girl and her father is a vicar. She feels like she will never find the love of her life. Margot is so excited when she finds out that she is going to London. She is getting to settle for their first night when she hears about a murder of a Duke. Margot is the first on the scene to solve this murder. She is then paired with a very handsome Lord Silvester and she feels something that she never felt before. Will Margot find something more than the killer or will she get herself in even more trouble?
Review by @heatherbass
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rake by Ava Bond is the story of Silvester “Langley” and Margot.
This novel has it all…. A little bit of a murder mystery and treasure hunt and an underlying steamy romance with great sex scenes and risqué behaviours. I found this novel hard to put down and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 to continue the story and find out what happens next.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour series by Ava Bond.
Margot- On the same day she meets her birth father for the first time he is murdered. Margot witnesses the murder and with his dying breath, he asks her to go after the murderer and take back the stolen piece of a map.
Langley- An Earl who lives next to the Duke. He is known for his parties and not wanting to settle down.
Margot asks Langley for help with the treasure map/ finding the murderer and during their time together love blossoms.
I don’t normally read historical romances or even mystery novels, but this one came highly recommended by someone who is so I gave it a try. While I did read it, and enjoyed parts of it, I don’t think I can give this book the review it deserves (or stars). It is very well-written and an easy read. It was a good book to get me out of my reading slump.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a well written and interesting historical romance story that really comes to life. As I turned the pages, I was pulled into the mystery surrounding the whole story and couldn’t wait to find out what the author did with the characters.
This author is one I am only recently familiar with but I have enjoyed every book I have read so far, with this one being no exception. The historical knowledge really came through in this book for me and I think it added an extra layer to the story. I loved the connection between the characters and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I was drawn into this story right from the start; if this book is any indication for the rest of the series, I am already looking forward to it.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Rake is the first book in the Daughter’s of Dishonor series by Ava Bond. This is a fun historical romance, set in 1813, which has all the historical elements, tone, and feel that really enabled this story to come to life. I was transported through time to follow alongside the characters as their story unfolded. The story is charged with intrigue, suspense, mystery, chemistry, tension, angst, secrets, drama, danger, sizzling encounters, humour, a quest, and emotion- making for an engrossing and memorable read.
Margot Keating travels to London for the first time- she’s a sensible, wholesome country girl, the daughter of a vicar, who is in for quite the adventure, the likes of which she could never have predicted. When a murder occurs on her first night in town, she takes chase, and is drawn into an investigation that pits her against a wily killer- where a bit of a cat and mouse games ensues, leading her on a merry chase all around the city. The stakes are high, with not only her life, but her reputation, and ‘future’ also at risk. She is determined to get to the bottom of it all and uncover the truth- something she feels might be achievable, especially now she has an unlikely ally along for the ride. Lord Silvester Beresford, the Earl of Langley, owns the town house next door to where Margot is staying. Her pursuit of a killer led her stumbling through his back door- and into his ‘world’. His reputation as one of the ‘fastest’ young men in town who indulges in all the hedonistic pleasures found in wine, women, and cards is notorious, and provides him with a ‘buffer’ against all the matchmaking agendas that abound around the ‘Ton. But he finds himself drawn into a dangerous escapade that warps his usual responses and leads to something he never anticipated. And so the adventure begins….
I really enjoyed this story, and can’t wait to dive into Book #2, The Duke- due for release in December…. It’s setting up to be a superb read, following Margot’s sister, Elspeth, and the mysterious ‘Duke’…. Bring it on!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ava Bond!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond. This has never been my favorite genre but his author has changed that 100%. This is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour Series and I loved it so much. It’s the story of Margot who has a secret about her birth and she can’t let that secret be known. She decides to travel to London with her sister to meet her father no sooner than she meets him than she finds him dead. Trying to chase down the killer she runs into Lord Silvester who doesn’t have on pants. Finding a request from her recently deceased father she turns to Lord Silvester for help in following a map. As they spend time together their attraction is off the charts. Margot knows that Lord Silvester is nothing but a player but she can’t help being attracted to him. Becoming confidantes and friends they develop much more than a friendship and work together really well. Can Margo keep her paternity secret from Lord Silvester so she doesn’t ruin her reputation? Can they find who killed her father? This is such a fun historical romance with a thrilling mystery as well.
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Margot is traveling to London with her sister to meet her biological father. At the Duke’s house, she hears a struggle and discovers an intruder fighting the Duke. When Margot grabs a poker from the fireplace, the intruder aims his gun at her. The Duke jumps to block the bullet. The intruder tries to get a map from the Duke’s hand but it tears. Margot pursues the man into the garden door of Langley’s house, stumbling into an orgy. She sees the killer run upstairs. She tries to follow but Langley, sans pants, blocks her path. Langley attempts to charm Margot, but threatens him with the poker before leaving.
The Bow Street Runner and Mr. Holt don’t listen to Margot. Langley drops by while the men were present. He orders the attorney and runner to find the killer. Margot, despite not trusting the handsome rake, agrees to his offer of assistance. However, his offer has two conditions: they must coordinate the search together and she owes him a real kiss. Mrs. Bowley enters the room and runs Langley off. Mrs. Bowley believes Margot is a debutante and Margot fears this would become an expensive venture. She sends her sister, Elsie, to Cornwall to find the duke’s heir/ She fears Elsie could be hurt by the killer and the inheritance depends on the heir coming to London.
Langley is hesitant to take Margot to the first mark on her map. Limestone was known for criminal activity. After dressing in a dark cape with a hood, Margot and Langley travel to the East Side until they arrive. Langley sends his men inside the inn while escorting Margot towards the clock. Frustrated to find the gate locked, the pair are about to kiss when a man exits the inn. Margot recognizes him immediately. She tries to challenge him to give her the rest of the map. She had brought a kitchen knife with her to defend herself. Suddenly Langley knocks her to the ground and covers her as the sound of a gunshot goes off. The man had pointed his gun at her through his coat jacket. Margot hadn’t seen his actions. Langley’s driver stated that they had seen the man remove a key from the clock.
Now they knew what they were searching for. Unfortunately, many of the places on the map would require Langley to attend society’s balls, ruining his reputation as a libertine. Why does Margot intrigue him so much? It was different with her than his previous flings. How is Langley different from what his reputation is? Despite her claim of not looking for a match, why do his charms make her think of desire? Does Elsie find the heir?
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this historical romance story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details that made the story come to life. This is a well written story about secrets, never falling in love and how opposites attract. Margot has a secret that no one can find out about and the Earl of Langley. They team up to find out the truth about the duke’s death. This is where the story heats up. Not only what they find out about the duke but what they find that they have more in common than they realize. I enjoyed their characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable and have great chemistry. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow throughout. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and easy to read. This is a great romance story that has some suspense to it as well. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour series by Ava Bond. Ava is an unknown author to me which is why I decided to give it a go. Historical romance is not really my thing but every now and then I don’t mind reading one and I usually end up liking it as I did with this one.
The Rake is an opposites attract tale full of secrets, lies, murder, mystery, treasure maps, jewellery heists, bastard children, debauchery, and wanton Rakes.
Lord Silvester Beresford makes no bones about what he is and uses his charm every chance he gets but when a strange and beautiful woman runs into him, he finds more than he bargained for.
Margot maybe the daughter of a vicar but she is new to the sight before her when she chases after a potential murderer.
If you like historical romance with a murder mystery, then The Rake is for you. I look forward to reading the next book to see if I get some answers.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Though I normally don’t read this genre, I found this one quite enjoyable. There was a little of everything: steamy romance, murder mystery, etc. This story had me hooked right off the bat. These two characters felt so opposite that I had to read to see what happened. The writing was good. The characters had such unique personalities. Lots of drama and action make this a romance mystery that I would recommend.
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~ AMAZON ~
Ava Bond has been a fan of regency romances since discovering Georgette Heyer on her grandma’s bookshelf–before moving onto Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Kleypas and Beverly Jenkins as well as dozens of Mills and Boon novels during her teens.
She studied Literature at university and has been writing since her early twenties. Ava lives in Scotland with her family and small cat, Gwendolen.
Author Interview with Ava Bond
