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Book Review of Barely a Lady (Drake's Rakes, Bk 1)

Barely a Lady (Drake's Rakes, Bk 1)
Barely a Lady (Drake's Rakes, Bk 1)
Author: Eileen Dreyer
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on + 98 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9


I enjoyed the first few chapters because the story was so engrossing. The characters were lively and believable. But then reading on, I got to know the hero Jack. I came to find him immature, petty, and close-minded. I liked the heroine Olivia ("Livvie"), but could not understand what she found in the hero. Yes he's good looking and romantic. But he's weak through and through. Of course as with all love stories, he redeemed himself. Not enough, though. Not nearly enough. This was a total mismatch.

I was also dissatisfied that Jack never fully regained his memory and it left a lot of holes. He and Livvie had been estranged for more than 4 years, so there was a lot to be filled up and explained. The events were patchy and explanations inconclusive.

Other than that, I though the author wrote wonderfully, using colorful description, and rich characterizations. This was a historical romance and I didn't find any anachronisms. I've been having a surfeit of that lately and this one bucks the trend.

If you're looking for an engrossing romance with a hero to die for, skip this book. If you're looking for an author who can write historical fiction without romance, try this one.