Leanne H. (lunnara) - , reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
After having read MANY historical romance novels with a bit more substance and intriguing plot lines in the past, I found this book to be very lacking and am surprised at all of the positive reviews and/or lack of less than positive reviews. Honestly, the plot wasn't particularly interesting to me.
A "plump and plain" 28-year-old spinster, Calpurnia Hartwell, hits midlife crisis and decides to rebel and live a little. She creates a list of 9 items to do:
1. Kiss someone-passionately
2. Smoke cheroot and drink scotch
3. Ride astride
4. Fence
5. Attend a duel
6. Fire a pistol
7. Gamble (at a gentleman's club)
8. Dance every dance at a ball
9. Be considered beautiful. Just once.
She gets the notorious rake, the Marquess of Ralston, a man she has had an infatuation with for 10 years, to complete #1. Ralston agrees to kiss her but only if she will (with her impeccable reputation) present to society, his recently-discovered half-sister. They strike a deal and the rest of the book is mostly about Ralston himself attracted to Calpurnia and Calpurnia going on one escapade to another to complete her list, as well as helping his half-sister make her debut to the ton.
The minor plotlines were weak facades. It's very obvious that the whole book is centered on developing the romance between the two main characters. Although that's what romance novels are usually all about, I generally like to read books that actually have a real story and substance to them besides focusing on always getting the female and male leads together all the time. I think romance books like these are what give romance novels a bad name.
Also, I'm not even going to mention how many times the author alludes to the main character's physical appearances. I highly respect books which can reveal the beauty of a person and get readers to like a character without constantly mentioning a their perfections and imperfections. Ironically, a main point in this book seems to be seeing beyond the cover of a book, but it's hard when the author keeps referencing the main character's "cover". I found it to be hypocritical and superficial. This was more of a pity-me book. And honestly, when most of the story is simply about poor-old-me-who-isn't-the-belle-of-the-ball-but-is-nice-generous-kind-and-perfect-in-every-way-so-why-shouldn't-I-deserve-a-hot-handsome-titled-rich-man, I get a little bored and my eyes will start rolling. It was just so clear that there really was no story to this except the plain, plump girl going on unusual escapades and getting the attention of the handsome marquess.
Seriously, the whole facade of a story regarding launching the marquess's half-sister out into society is a bit weak considering he chose Calpurnia for her perfect reputation and throughout this, she is constantly doing things on her list to tarnish and endanger her reputation. AND the marquess catches her several times but just goes along with her plans. The author describes the marquess as a cynical, jaded, serious, stereotypical titled lord so this just doesn't make any sense. If he's like that, then he's dealt with a bunch of women who have smoked cheroots, drunk scotch, etc, etc. I didn't find anything interesting about Calpurnia.
The writing style of this book isn't bad, but the author does throw in a few SAT words to make the book seem a lot more intellectual than it really is. No offense, Ms. MacLean, but I would recommend sticking to your YA audience.
A "plump and plain" 28-year-old spinster, Calpurnia Hartwell, hits midlife crisis and decides to rebel and live a little. She creates a list of 9 items to do:
1. Kiss someone-passionately
2. Smoke cheroot and drink scotch
3. Ride astride
4. Fence
5. Attend a duel
6. Fire a pistol
7. Gamble (at a gentleman's club)
8. Dance every dance at a ball
9. Be considered beautiful. Just once.
She gets the notorious rake, the Marquess of Ralston, a man she has had an infatuation with for 10 years, to complete #1. Ralston agrees to kiss her but only if she will (with her impeccable reputation) present to society, his recently-discovered half-sister. They strike a deal and the rest of the book is mostly about Ralston himself attracted to Calpurnia and Calpurnia going on one escapade to another to complete her list, as well as helping his half-sister make her debut to the ton.
The minor plotlines were weak facades. It's very obvious that the whole book is centered on developing the romance between the two main characters. Although that's what romance novels are usually all about, I generally like to read books that actually have a real story and substance to them besides focusing on always getting the female and male leads together all the time. I think romance books like these are what give romance novels a bad name.
Also, I'm not even going to mention how many times the author alludes to the main character's physical appearances. I highly respect books which can reveal the beauty of a person and get readers to like a character without constantly mentioning a their perfections and imperfections. Ironically, a main point in this book seems to be seeing beyond the cover of a book, but it's hard when the author keeps referencing the main character's "cover". I found it to be hypocritical and superficial. This was more of a pity-me book. And honestly, when most of the story is simply about poor-old-me-who-isn't-the-belle-of-the-ball-but-is-nice-generous-kind-and-perfect-in-every-way-so-why-shouldn't-I-deserve-a-hot-handsome-titled-rich-man, I get a little bored and my eyes will start rolling. It was just so clear that there really was no story to this except the plain, plump girl going on unusual escapades and getting the attention of the handsome marquess.
Seriously, the whole facade of a story regarding launching the marquess's half-sister out into society is a bit weak considering he chose Calpurnia for her perfect reputation and throughout this, she is constantly doing things on her list to tarnish and endanger her reputation. AND the marquess catches her several times but just goes along with her plans. The author describes the marquess as a cynical, jaded, serious, stereotypical titled lord so this just doesn't make any sense. If he's like that, then he's dealt with a bunch of women who have smoked cheroots, drunk scotch, etc, etc. I didn't find anything interesting about Calpurnia.
The writing style of this book isn't bad, but the author does throw in a few SAT words to make the book seem a lot more intellectual than it really is. No offense, Ms. MacLean, but I would recommend sticking to your YA audience.
Juliana (philippaj) -
Helpful Score: 5
~ YAY!! FINALLY A GOOD NEW RELEASE, A WONDERFUL NEW AUTHOR, AND A FANTASTIC SHY-WALLFLOWER-HEROINE (4.5 stars) ~
SUMMARY:
"Plain" and spinsterish 28-year-old Lady Calpurnia "Callie" Hartwell is sick of being seen as an old spinster, on-the-shelf, passive, and uninteresting - and thus THE LIST is born. On this list of nine things are activities that normally-shy Callie would never have dared to even contemplate, let alone actually do (gamble at a gentleman's club, drink scotch, smoke a cheroot, attend a duel, kiss someone passionately, etc.). Her partner in crime becomes Gabriel, Marquess of Ralston, the notorious rake whom she has secretly had a crush on for ten years.
Gabriel - unlike most HR heroes, of course! - is completely opposed to the idea of love due to his parents' disastrous marriage. He is somewhat elusive and inaccessible, and does not easily open himself up to others or have the approachable demeanor that his twin brother does. A recently discovered half-sister has left him in a quandary, as her background will make it hard for the ton to accept her. So who better to help him launch her in society than the spinster with the perfect (-ly boring) reputation - who happens to conveniently have shown up at his house in the middle of the night seeking a kiss. Callie, on her end, wants to live life and experience some adventure; she is more than willing to help with Gabriel's sister, so a deal is struck and the rest is history!
This book has wonderful leading characters, great supporting ones as well (especially the siblings - they're stellar), there were many laugh-out-loud scenes, the witty banter and teasing between Gabriel and Callie will leave you smiling, and the tension/romance was great.
REACTION:
So great to find a new author and it was wonderful to finally read a good "new release" book after such a string of bad ones by some of my favorite historical romance authors. MacLean has a new book coming out again soon - October 26th to be exact - and I can't wait (!!!). The book is TEN WAYS TO BE ADORED WHEN LANDING A LORD (yes, are we sensing a pattern here with the titles?) and it will feature Gabriel's twin brother, Lord Nicholas St. Justin, and Lady Isabel Townsend (who we have not yet been introduced to). We also have Gabriel's sister's and Callie's brother's books to look forward to!
SIMILAR BOOKS:
I'm a big fan of the shy-wallflower-intelligent-plain heroines - I know, unlike almost every other historical romance reader out there ;-). Anyway, here are more of my favorite books that have the same type of heroine; they're not in order of preference, but they were all 4-5 star reads for me:
~ Lisa Kleypas --- DEVIL IN WINTER, DREAMING OF YOU
~ Suzanne Enoch --- ALWAYS A SCOUNDREL, LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL (this book doesn't totally fit into the category, but the books are similar and it is one of my top five favorite HR books of all-time)
~ Christina Dodd --- ONE KISS FROM YOU, RULES OF SURRENDER, THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS
~ Julia Quinn --- ROMANCING MISTER BRIDGERTON
~ Sabrina Jeffries --- A NOTORIOUS LOVE
~ Judith Ivory --- THE PROPOSITION
~ Jane Feather --- THE LEAST LIKELY BRIDE
SIDE NOTE:
Oh, and P.S. did I mention how FABULOUS it was to finally have a character named Juliana whose name is spelled the same way as mine and is NOT one of the book's evil characters?!?! Totally looking forward to her romance with what we can only assume will be the horrid Duke of Leighton.
SUMMARY:
"Plain" and spinsterish 28-year-old Lady Calpurnia "Callie" Hartwell is sick of being seen as an old spinster, on-the-shelf, passive, and uninteresting - and thus THE LIST is born. On this list of nine things are activities that normally-shy Callie would never have dared to even contemplate, let alone actually do (gamble at a gentleman's club, drink scotch, smoke a cheroot, attend a duel, kiss someone passionately, etc.). Her partner in crime becomes Gabriel, Marquess of Ralston, the notorious rake whom she has secretly had a crush on for ten years.
Gabriel - unlike most HR heroes, of course! - is completely opposed to the idea of love due to his parents' disastrous marriage. He is somewhat elusive and inaccessible, and does not easily open himself up to others or have the approachable demeanor that his twin brother does. A recently discovered half-sister has left him in a quandary, as her background will make it hard for the ton to accept her. So who better to help him launch her in society than the spinster with the perfect (-ly boring) reputation - who happens to conveniently have shown up at his house in the middle of the night seeking a kiss. Callie, on her end, wants to live life and experience some adventure; she is more than willing to help with Gabriel's sister, so a deal is struck and the rest is history!
This book has wonderful leading characters, great supporting ones as well (especially the siblings - they're stellar), there were many laugh-out-loud scenes, the witty banter and teasing between Gabriel and Callie will leave you smiling, and the tension/romance was great.
REACTION:
So great to find a new author and it was wonderful to finally read a good "new release" book after such a string of bad ones by some of my favorite historical romance authors. MacLean has a new book coming out again soon - October 26th to be exact - and I can't wait (!!!). The book is TEN WAYS TO BE ADORED WHEN LANDING A LORD (yes, are we sensing a pattern here with the titles?) and it will feature Gabriel's twin brother, Lord Nicholas St. Justin, and Lady Isabel Townsend (who we have not yet been introduced to). We also have Gabriel's sister's and Callie's brother's books to look forward to!
SIMILAR BOOKS:
I'm a big fan of the shy-wallflower-intelligent-plain heroines - I know, unlike almost every other historical romance reader out there ;-). Anyway, here are more of my favorite books that have the same type of heroine; they're not in order of preference, but they were all 4-5 star reads for me:
~ Lisa Kleypas --- DEVIL IN WINTER, DREAMING OF YOU
~ Suzanne Enoch --- ALWAYS A SCOUNDREL, LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL (this book doesn't totally fit into the category, but the books are similar and it is one of my top five favorite HR books of all-time)
~ Christina Dodd --- ONE KISS FROM YOU, RULES OF SURRENDER, THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS
~ Julia Quinn --- ROMANCING MISTER BRIDGERTON
~ Sabrina Jeffries --- A NOTORIOUS LOVE
~ Judith Ivory --- THE PROPOSITION
~ Jane Feather --- THE LEAST LIKELY BRIDE
SIDE NOTE:
Oh, and P.S. did I mention how FABULOUS it was to finally have a character named Juliana whose name is spelled the same way as mine and is NOT one of the book's evil characters?!?! Totally looking forward to her romance with what we can only assume will be the horrid Duke of Leighton.
Kim H. (rubberducky) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I hate to criticize because I know that this book is currently getting a lot of rave reviews, but whatever the charm, it was totally lost on me. It basically read like a 432 page romance novel cliche. To call it something I've seen before is really an understatement. It would actually be more appropriate to ask where I HAVEN'T seen it before. You certainly couldn't include in that any one of numerous books by Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, Jo Beverley, etc. etc. etc...
A plain-ish, plump-ish debutante falls head over heels for a rake (the hero, Gabriel St. John) in the midst of her spectacularly unsuccessful come out season. Nevermind that she spies him in a somewhat graphic clench with another woman, or that she's basically gone from his memory two seconds after he turns his back on her. Cupid has fired his arrow and she's going to nurse a deep & abiding love for him for the next ten years. Oh goody...
Flash forward ten years and Callie (the heroine & confirmed spinster) drafts her infamous list of nine scandalous things she would do if there were no consequences to face, starting with #1, kissing - Gabriel of course - so she sets out to accomplish this by sneaking into his house (and his bedroom).
I can't believe I spent ten minutes trying to figure out how many times I've seen this plot before. I settled on somewhere between 10 and 100, and then finally decided it hardly mattered. The fact is that I have seen it before, and pretty much everything that follows, from the bargain that Gabriel & Callie strike for her to sponsor his illegitimate sister in her own debut (in exchange for helping her to fulfill the items on her list), to his growing respect & attraction to Callie as a truly unique & beautiful woman in her own right.
Yeah, I know - it gave me a bit of a headache too...
As premises go, it's not a bad one, even if it's familiar. It would have been nice however, if there had actually been something unexpected on Callie's list. Nothing anachronistic like water-skiing, mind you, but something NOT involving things like dressing as a man and gambling in a gentleman's club, attending a duel, riding astride or fencing. Somewhere along the line it went from somewhat tediously familiar to so annoyingly predictable, it was like brushing my teeth with aluminum foil.
To be absolutely fair, I don't think I'd have been so critical of this book, had I read it 5 or so years ago, and well before I'd read a dozen other wallpaper historicals just like it.
Unfortunately, it comes well on the heels of a great many other stories nearly identical to it in plotting & writing style - hence the term "wallpaper". In light of that, I can't call it anything approaching fresh or innovative, or the author's voice distinguishable from that of a dozen others who continually churn out book after book just like this one. I would say that Maclean is a very competent writer for a relative newcomer to this specific genre, but in terms of originality, she's just one more in an already cumbersome list of meat & potatoes writers, cranking out formulaic regency fluff.
Not that formulaic regency fluff doesn't have its place...
If nothing else, it's a guaranteed easy & unchallenging read, and you don't have to think a lot or always be paying attention lest you miss something really integral to the plot. Not everyone likes to be kept on their toes, as they must be when reading a Sherry Thomas or Meredith Duran - in other words, crafty, intelligent writers who like to throw their readers a few curves.
This book, and Sarah Maclean, will appeal to many because her writing is straightforward & uncomplicated, and it won't keep you up, red-eyed & anxious until 4am. It's also relatively clean and error free - which there is a lot to be said for as well. As long as you aren't looking for anything that tests any boundaries or takes you, as a reader, outside of your usual comfort zone, I think you'll be well served here.
I personally rate it a solid C - in other words, just ok.
Sensuality Rating: R
A plain-ish, plump-ish debutante falls head over heels for a rake (the hero, Gabriel St. John) in the midst of her spectacularly unsuccessful come out season. Nevermind that she spies him in a somewhat graphic clench with another woman, or that she's basically gone from his memory two seconds after he turns his back on her. Cupid has fired his arrow and she's going to nurse a deep & abiding love for him for the next ten years. Oh goody...
Flash forward ten years and Callie (the heroine & confirmed spinster) drafts her infamous list of nine scandalous things she would do if there were no consequences to face, starting with #1, kissing - Gabriel of course - so she sets out to accomplish this by sneaking into his house (and his bedroom).
I can't believe I spent ten minutes trying to figure out how many times I've seen this plot before. I settled on somewhere between 10 and 100, and then finally decided it hardly mattered. The fact is that I have seen it before, and pretty much everything that follows, from the bargain that Gabriel & Callie strike for her to sponsor his illegitimate sister in her own debut (in exchange for helping her to fulfill the items on her list), to his growing respect & attraction to Callie as a truly unique & beautiful woman in her own right.
Yeah, I know - it gave me a bit of a headache too...
As premises go, it's not a bad one, even if it's familiar. It would have been nice however, if there had actually been something unexpected on Callie's list. Nothing anachronistic like water-skiing, mind you, but something NOT involving things like dressing as a man and gambling in a gentleman's club, attending a duel, riding astride or fencing. Somewhere along the line it went from somewhat tediously familiar to so annoyingly predictable, it was like brushing my teeth with aluminum foil.
To be absolutely fair, I don't think I'd have been so critical of this book, had I read it 5 or so years ago, and well before I'd read a dozen other wallpaper historicals just like it.
Unfortunately, it comes well on the heels of a great many other stories nearly identical to it in plotting & writing style - hence the term "wallpaper". In light of that, I can't call it anything approaching fresh or innovative, or the author's voice distinguishable from that of a dozen others who continually churn out book after book just like this one. I would say that Maclean is a very competent writer for a relative newcomer to this specific genre, but in terms of originality, she's just one more in an already cumbersome list of meat & potatoes writers, cranking out formulaic regency fluff.
Not that formulaic regency fluff doesn't have its place...
If nothing else, it's a guaranteed easy & unchallenging read, and you don't have to think a lot or always be paying attention lest you miss something really integral to the plot. Not everyone likes to be kept on their toes, as they must be when reading a Sherry Thomas or Meredith Duran - in other words, crafty, intelligent writers who like to throw their readers a few curves.
This book, and Sarah Maclean, will appeal to many because her writing is straightforward & uncomplicated, and it won't keep you up, red-eyed & anxious until 4am. It's also relatively clean and error free - which there is a lot to be said for as well. As long as you aren't looking for anything that tests any boundaries or takes you, as a reader, outside of your usual comfort zone, I think you'll be well served here.
I personally rate it a solid C - in other words, just ok.
Sensuality Rating: R
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
1813 England
Cute story. Lady Capurnia Hartwell goes on a mission to break rules and "discover" herself as she is now 28 and on the shelf.
I liked the story line fine enough. The h/h were together a lot, the dialogue was nice, the protangonist didn't steal the story.
I just wish the characters would've been a little stronger. As the heroine progressed, she did become less passive, but I would've enjoyed more umph from the start. The hero is better, but I still wanted a little more - maybe for him to feel more chemistry with her from the start??
That said, the prologue was sweet and the ending was great.
Cute story. Lady Capurnia Hartwell goes on a mission to break rules and "discover" herself as she is now 28 and on the shelf.
I liked the story line fine enough. The h/h were together a lot, the dialogue was nice, the protangonist didn't steal the story.
I just wish the characters would've been a little stronger. As the heroine progressed, she did become less passive, but I would've enjoyed more umph from the start. The hero is better, but I still wanted a little more - maybe for him to feel more chemistry with her from the start??
That said, the prologue was sweet and the ending was great.
Helpful Score: 2
Great Read. Didn't want to put it down.When Callie's younger beautiful sister gets engaged Callie decides it is time to change her life.To stop being the plain "PASSIVE SISTER".Callie is out for adventure and Ralston must go along with her to help protect her,to keep her from getting cought. Callie has loved him from the time of her "coming Out". Ralston doesn't beleive in love until Callie slowly and little by lttle works her way into his heart.Until the very end when he is losing Callie does Ralston realizes that he loves her.
I hope the author writes about Ralston's newly found younger sister ,Julianna.Maybe even put her together with the snobbish Duke of Leighton??????
I hope the author writes about Ralston's newly found younger sister ,Julianna.Maybe even put her together with the snobbish Duke of Leighton??????
Jessica B. (brandonsmama) -
Helpful Score: 2
All I have to say about this book is LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT! I could not put this book down! It was a great read and the story flowed so easily. Can't wait for the next book by this author!
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Helpful Score: 1
When her sister's engagement is announced, Lady Calpurnia Hartwell decides that she will no longer be the "passive" sister. Callie has always followed society's rules. Now she has made a list of nine rules she wants to break (drink scotch, dance every dance at a ball, kiss someone passionately), but she may need some help with some of them. So, she approaches Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston, and asks him for a kiss. Gabriel is shocked by the request, but agrees on one condition...Cassie must help his new-found sister enter society.
I loved this book. It was so much fun. Callie and Gabriel are both wonderful characters. Callie has adored Gabriel from afar for years and doesn't think he would ever notice her. Gabe is a cynic who doesn't believe in love. But getting to know Callie while trying to keep her out of trouble, makes him see her in a different light.
Another plus for this book is interesting secondary characters. I understand the next book in the series is about Gabriel's twin brother, Nick. I hope Cassie's brother will also have a book in the future. My rating: 5 Stars.
I loved this book. It was so much fun. Callie and Gabriel are both wonderful characters. Callie has adored Gabriel from afar for years and doesn't think he would ever notice her. Gabe is a cynic who doesn't believe in love. But getting to know Callie while trying to keep her out of trouble, makes him see her in a different light.
Another plus for this book is interesting secondary characters. I understand the next book in the series is about Gabriel's twin brother, Nick. I hope Cassie's brother will also have a book in the future. My rating: 5 Stars.
Mary R. (greatdanelover) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 131 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fun, entertaining read. The hero/heroine clash frequently, but always come back together. Plenty of humor and sensuality. I will definitely read her next book.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 1
Pure escapist smut, of course, but I don't think I've ever had so much fun reading a historical romance before. I haven't read enough HRs to notice tropes or whatnot (okay, that's so not true--there's always the whole rake + innocent virgin = reform and true love thing, but still), but I enjoyed the heck out of Callie and Ralston's interactions. Callie struggles relatably against her society's stifling rules. She is part modern woman, part enticingly vulnerable FEMALE.
In comparison, Ralston feels a little underdeveloped. I wanted to see more of how he comes to fall for her. We get quite a bit of internal monologue from Callie's POV; why can't Ralston have some of the same himself? Despite that, I thought the plot flowed, the "sex scenes" deliciously but not tastelessly so. Ralston and Callie have an incredible chemistry, and Sarah MacLean is an impressive historical romance writer, as I am happy to say after feeling lukewarm towards her YA historical debut, The Season. I am definitely checking out more of Sarah's future HR books!
In comparison, Ralston feels a little underdeveloped. I wanted to see more of how he comes to fall for her. We get quite a bit of internal monologue from Callie's POV; why can't Ralston have some of the same himself? Despite that, I thought the plot flowed, the "sex scenes" deliciously but not tastelessly so. Ralston and Callie have an incredible chemistry, and Sarah MacLean is an impressive historical romance writer, as I am happy to say after feeling lukewarm towards her YA historical debut, The Season. I am definitely checking out more of Sarah's future HR books!
Michelle R. (mreneerouser) -
Helpful Score: 1
Since I just (quickly) reviewed book 2, I thought I'd go back and (quickly) review book 1.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is one of the most pleasing, charming, make-me-laugh-out-loud, sexy, fun, heartbreaking, goofy books I've read in my short historical romance reading lifetime. It charmed the socks right off my feet. I've sent my copy of this book around my workplace and every person that reads it, comes back smiling.
You can't go wrong with that!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is one of the most pleasing, charming, make-me-laugh-out-loud, sexy, fun, heartbreaking, goofy books I've read in my short historical romance reading lifetime. It charmed the socks right off my feet. I've sent my copy of this book around my workplace and every person that reads it, comes back smiling.
You can't go wrong with that!
Willy W. reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 503 more book reviews
Fun book with lovable characters. A terrific first effort by Sarah MacLean. Story takes place in 1823 and feels right for the time. The characters are likeable and there are a number of interesting side characters whom one hopes will get books of their own later. There are a number of spicy love scenes that are sexy but not particularly unique.
Janet B. (jsue) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the heroine fun with her list of excitements. The secondary characters were fun and i look forward to reading their stories. There were some unexpected twists.
Carol M. (wrestlingmom) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
This is a awsome romance!
Judith M. (Zazen) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
The main characters were charming and interesting. The book provided a good outlook to the history and folkways of the time.
Duncan N. reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Good characters; interesting plot. Light and easy. A good read.
Ralston was entertaining and stubborn and arrogant yet somewhat predictable. Callie was pretty interesting and a bit unexpected.
Ralston was entertaining and stubborn and arrogant yet somewhat predictable. Callie was pretty interesting and a bit unexpected.
Jo V. (jovan) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 301 more book reviews
This book gets a wide range of reviews, though more love it than hate it. I'll admit that I don't read a tremendous number of historicals because I tend to find them repetitive, so I don't understand the folks who've said "I've seen this story before." That's pretty much a given for me whenever I pick up a historical, so the yard stick I use is whether I enjoy it. In this case I did. Though that doesn't mean the story is without flaws.
If one is going to write an explicit romance, I expect one to do their homework and to know precisely where the hymen is located. In reality, the heroine would have been "deflowered" by the hero long before it's acknowledged in the book. The timing of her "deflowering" is a critical plot point for the story line, so it was a little tough to overlook.
Also, since her list included "attend a duel," the reader can see the story climax coming from miles away. Or at least from page 36. I really prefer not to know so early what's coming.
All that said, the story is well written. I liked the characters and, for the most part, the way the story played out. I'll probably read more from this author.
If one is going to write an explicit romance, I expect one to do their homework and to know precisely where the hymen is located. In reality, the heroine would have been "deflowered" by the hero long before it's acknowledged in the book. The timing of her "deflowering" is a critical plot point for the story line, so it was a little tough to overlook.
Also, since her list included "attend a duel," the reader can see the story climax coming from miles away. Or at least from page 36. I really prefer not to know so early what's coming.
All that said, the story is well written. I liked the characters and, for the most part, the way the story played out. I'll probably read more from this author.
Jill M. (wolfwattitude) -
I enjoyed Nine Rules to Break When Romamcing a Rake; it was engaging and a fast read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 1711 more book reviews
I loved this book, it was so fun to read, it made you laugh,tear up, cry and shout HA! The characters were wonderful, so real and relateable, the storyline was well paced and had everything in it for a super sexy romance with lots of twists. A great read!
Audra Z. reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Loved it! Great book from beginning to end. I can't wait to see more by this author!
Nikki R. (mysticotala) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on
I don't normally read romance novels, but I got this one based on a recommendation from a friend. I thought it was really fantastic! I finished it in a day because I just couldn't put it down. The characters weren't ridiculous and the writing was pretty decent. Great book. I would recommend it to people who enjoy historical romances and even those that don't!
Anne L. (darlingaunt) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Very predictable. We've seen all this before in better-written books.
Vanessa B. (daisythecat) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
It started out kind of slow, then all of a sudden it started getting really good and i ended up staying up all night to finish it. Can't wait for her next one!
Janice -
I thought it was okay for what it was, but it was way too long, dragged in the middle, and I wound up skipping to the end. I can't recommend it.
Marilyn K. (kilpat) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Just begin reading the author,and i enjoyed it.
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 1009 more book reviews
Bah humbug!
New author for me, thought I'd like, but man, I wasn't crazy about this book!
Callie just wants to live, so she is going to break some rules! My main issue is, I didn't connect to either character. I wasn't cheering for their story. I really didn't care. I don't know if it's the writing, my mood, or what.
One takeaway- I really want to know what, exactly, Callie used to bind her chest. I would never be able to bind mine enough to pass as a man (and as the books said, she is well-endowed)!
New author for me, thought I'd like, but man, I wasn't crazy about this book!
Callie just wants to live, so she is going to break some rules! My main issue is, I didn't connect to either character. I wasn't cheering for their story. I really didn't care. I don't know if it's the writing, my mood, or what.
One takeaway- I really want to know what, exactly, Callie used to bind her chest. I would never be able to bind mine enough to pass as a man (and as the books said, she is well-endowed)!
jjares reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 3266 more book reviews
This is a fascinating story about a spinster who is on the shelf (Lady Calpurnia) and a lord (Gabriel) who is a rake. The beautiful thing about this book is the fact that both characters grow and change. It is their interactions with each other that causes each to look at life differently. This isn't one of those books with the characters kissing in the first few pages and moving quickly on to the bedroom.
These people are like us; they change as they grow more aware. The reader sees the progression of each person's growing awareness of the other. Readers come to know the characters as the characters come to understand themselves.
My only complaint was the ending. It seemed rather abrupt. Otherwise, I loved the book.
Love by Numbers
** 1. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (2010)
2. Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (2010)
3. Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart (2011)
These people are like us; they change as they grow more aware. The reader sees the progression of each person's growing awareness of the other. Readers come to know the characters as the characters come to understand themselves.
My only complaint was the ending. It seemed rather abrupt. Otherwise, I loved the book.
Love by Numbers
** 1. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (2010)
2. Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (2010)
3. Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart (2011)
Georgia N. reviewed Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
really liking Ms MacLean
