Much More Than a Rake

This is a delightful story about two people who do not fit the expected mold of the ton. They find themselves working together in an unlikely alliance. Michael is determined to succeed so he can win Clara. With his reputation, the road ahead will be rocky. Clara does not want to marry a man, much older than she is, duke, or no. The path ahead will not be easy. Her family decrees the duke is who she must marry. Can Love find a way? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As the third son of the Duke of Kennet, Lord Michael Ashton knows that he has no real place in society, and when the woman he thought he loved, and loved him, leaves him when she realises how little power he has, Michael spirals out of control. Now, years later, he has been brought back into the family fold, but still lacks purpose. That is, until he meets Clara. Lady Clara Durham is the youngest, and only unmarried, daughter of the Earl of Beckcott. She's not someone who relishes in being in society, and would rather be at their country estate with her beloved animals. When her kitten, Pockets, flees one night, and is found at the Ashton family home, Clara and Michael meet, and the sparks fly. However, a third son with no role is not enough for the daughter of an earl, especially not one who a duke wants to marry.

I read this book a while after I'd read books 1 and 2, and had forgotten a little about the family, but not long into the book I was fully enmeshed in the Ashton family once more. Michael only just returned to his family after 4 years in a binge state, and is struggling with his sobriety just as his mother has a stroke, and his brother causes a scandal. As the family tries to regroup, Michael meets Clara, and it's clear they are made for each other. I really felt for the pair, and the forces at play that were trying to drag them apart. Clara's mother was a piece of work, and the Duke of Wykeham was a heinous character. Whenever those two were around Clara, they just treated her awfully, and it was with Michael when she was able to be free, and be herself. The Ashton family really embraced her, and the camaraderie between Michael and Robert was great to see. I'm pleased with the way the family all truly came together, and how they were in the final pages. A lovely end to the series.

This was the first book in the series that I read and a little context would've helped my understanding. I really enjoyed it though. Might go back and read the rest of the series as well.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read a story about finding love. Michael is the youngest son and he has had a rough four years. He is coming out of it but prefers the horses to being around people. He meets Clara in a mud puddle behind their stables. She is a friend of Rose's. Robert wants to start a school for boys to help them make something of themselves. Maybe by having horses to care for and train they can help the boys and Micheal too. Clara is to be married to a Duke who is widowed and much older than her. He think he knows everything because he is a duke. With the trouble his family has had her father thinks the duke is the best spouse until his eyes are opened. Clara and Micheal belong together.

Nothing But A Rake by Abigail Bridges is a true love story between two unexpected people, one of whom had a reputation as a rake. Lord Michael Ashton was at the wedding of his older brother. He had been called away from his life to attend gatherings just like this one, shepherding his sister through her season. His father wanted him to straighten up; fly right; marry a lovely, appropriate girl; and settle down. He wasn’t so sure. Every morsel of his body was calling out for a drink. His mother was there to stop him. Then he met this woman, on the street. It turned out she lived nearby. She was beautiful. They had known each other as children, but he didn’t remember. She was embroiled in scandal. It turned out she had tripped at a ton function and was now blacklisted. He was a scandal as well, so he didn’t worry too much about that. She had the most gorgeous hair. But, it was never to be. The idea was to find someone blameless so that each of them could become blameless by proxy.

What a wonderful story. He had fallen for someone less than perfect and she had fallen for him. Her father was giving her no more time and had all but affianced her to a duke. The duke was testing her. He knew she wanted Ashton but believed himself the winner in all things, including her. The competition was a keen one and more than entertaining to watch. She made a comment. Ashton misunderstood and took off. It was over. She had managed to dissuade the duke but had nothing left for herself, so she happily moved to her father’s country estate where no one cared if she was scandalous. She cut her hair to shoulder length and raced across the countryside on her horse. She was as happy as she could be. Until one day. There he was. What would happen next? Would she have to stop riding? Two people fated to be together. Was it not to be? Terrific story with terrific characters.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Nothing But a Rake by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are wholly my own. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AbigailBridges #NothingButaRake

Nothing But a Rake by Abigail Bridges is the third book of Ashton Park. Four years ago, Lord Michael Ashton was jilted by the woman he loved. He fell into despair and left his family. He has now been called back and faces an ultimatum. Lady Clara Durham is too round and smart for Society’s tastes, and this causes her marriage prospects to suffer. With her father’s health failing, she agrees to marry the Duke of Wykeham. Clara does not want to marry the prickly widower. Things take an unexpected turn when Clara’s kitten Pockets escapes down an alley and Clara trips into a mud puddle behind Kennet stables. Michael, the third son of the Duke of Kennet, immediately comes to Clara’s assistance. He is fascinated by this woman who shares his love of horses, hunts with a peregrine falcon, and cares more about her kitten than the mud all over her. It becomes quickly clear that Michael and Clara are well-suited. But the couple’s path to happiness is wrought with obstacles that could mean ruination and life or death.

This was a really fun and sweet read. Michael and Clara’s chemistry was palpable right away. The book did have its share of sad or distressing moments, but overall it was funny and very romantic.

This is book 3 of the Ashton Park series. I have read the previous book and enjoyed it so I was excited to read this one I was not disappointed! Michael has been burned in love and has been set on self destruction ever since. He carries on in such a way, earning his reputation as a rake. Clara struggles with finding her place in society. She doesn't fit society 's mold of a typical ton miss. When Michael and Clara meet, they are taken with each other. Both are struggling in their own way to fit into society, and both have something to offer each other - hope and the possibility of love.
This was a lovely story and I enjoyed following Michael and Clara's journey. I couldn't help but fall in love with them and root for their happy ending. A well-written story with endearing characters, and I enjoyed it very much.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Lord Michael and Lady Clara have a rocky start to their HEA which separates them for four years and greatly impacts them both.
Clara's parents want Clara to marry this season, especially when a Duke shows his interest. This causes Clara to feel trapped.
Michael has lost his way and has been on a path of destruction the last four years. Fortunately, Michael has strong family support to help bring him back and on the right path.
This story gives you wonderful characters, scandals, humor, tears (you will need a kleenex), wonderful animals (especially Pocket), romance and so much more!

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC.

Full disclosure: this is not my usual genre, but it caught my eye. I am so glad I took a chance on this one.

The characters are well-developed and likeable. Clara is a rebellious, sassy woman of Society who loves the country, hunting, riding and her falcon, Maid Marian. Her figure is not ideal for the time (voluptuous vs. waifish), and her outspokenness is frowned upon.

Michael is tall, dark and handsome, but he’s also a recovering alcoholic and womanizer. His proclivities stem from being jilted four years earlier, and he has only just entered Society when Clara falls into his life. He is drawn to the wild and free woman with riotous red curls.

Clara’s parents are determined to marry her off, and Michael is not the man they envisioned for their daughter. However, they underestimate their strong willed daughter and her smitten pursuer.

This book is well-written, with only a few typos that hopefully get fixed in final editing. The descriptions and side characters are fleshed out and entertaining. In fact, I have already gone back and read books 1 & 2 (which are about Michael’s two older brothers and their lady loves). While this is technically the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

I adored this story! A true expression of the power of love. Lady Clara Durham’s parents have decided this is the season she will wed. After 4 seasons Clara often been embarrassed & ridiculed. She is not the average lady, not a spindle but a lady of generous curves with wild red hair and a rambunctious spirit. She is soon pursued by a Duke who wants her to prove herself worthy. This the match her parents choose, but Lady Clara has met Lord Michael Ashton, third son of a Duke with few prospects. But in falling for Lady Clara, Michael finds the will to put his efforts into action and prove himself worthy of her!
This story explores the determination of two souls in love who will do anything to be together. It also shows the strength and power of standing as a family against all else. The relationship between Lord Phillip and his son is beautiful. His speech on Michaels worth brought a tear to my eye. The love & passion between Michael and Clara shone through all else. She is fierce, determined and strong and he is stubborn, driven and equally determined. Together they can not be beat!

Four years ago, Lord Michael Ashton found himself penniless and abandoned by the woman whom he thought he loved at Gretna Green. When his father, the Duke of Kennet, forces him to return home and pull himself out of his depression, he does just that, but he is never quite the same. Yet when he meets Lady Clara Durham, a young woman, who he vaguely recalls as his neighbour, he finds himself absolutely captivated as she makes him feel alive again. Clara is struggling to find her place in society, as she is too smart and witty. With her father’s health declining and her mother determined for her to marry, it seems that her attraction to Michael cannot be allowed. Her parents are determined that she will marry the Duke of Wykeham, who is a man determined to marry her and bring about the fall, of Michael, the man that she finds herself falling in love with.
The Kennet family are a fascinating, and Michael’s story is another addition to this series. I loved Clara’s determination to do what is best for her, and her intelligence to accomplish the task, whilst staying true to her family. Michael, as one of the Kennet men, is honourable and sweet, as a man in love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Nothing But a Rake by Abigail Bridges.

I absolutely love Regency-era novels, so when I saw this novel I was sure it would be in my wheelhouse. For my own personal tastes, I would rank this novel 3.5 stars. Keep reading below to see what I both liked and disliked about the novel. Please be aware, that spoilers are included.

Likes:

Lady Clara and Michael were well-rounded characters who were both working to overcome obstacles in their lives.

Michael is so respectful to Lady Clara. Their interactions are always sweet, and when they separate you crave more.

The author did a good job of melding her writing style to match the regency era, while still being appealing to contemporary readers.

The happily ever after felt as though the characters worked to get there.

Dislikes:
I don't read regency-era novels to see 100% historical accuracy in the way in which women are treated. Novels are fiction, and to include outright misogyny is unappealing to me. Noting that Michael is a bad match due to his reputation would have been enough for me, without the added awful treatment of Clara.

Clara's mother is extremely abusive towards her. It would make sense that her mother was worried about Clara being unwed with her father's health, but forcibly trying to marry her to a man she saw be unkind and violent to her daughter, as well as striking her daughter is unforgivable to me. Additionally, her mother constantly emotionally abuses her, and her father never stands up for her. He tells her he loves her, but listens to his wife call his daughter ugly and other unkind things.

Clara's mother's attitude and unkindness toward her daughter are never resolved. She never apologizes for treating her badly, she never justifies it (not that she could), and I found it very hard to swallow that after everything else that has happened Clara is still written loyal and kind to her mother. Pass on that.

Clara's father's death was horribly written. I think it was meant to be tragic and sad, but the father was distant and cold most of the novel, knew that the Duke was a horrible person, and then dies after being told about his daughter's relationship with the man she loves. I did not care for this plot point.

TW: strain parental dynamics, recovering alcoholism

3 stars.

Overall it was a decent read. I liked that the heroine wasn’t thin, but her characterization didn’t rely solely how her weight affects her experiences. I liked that they were friendly with each other before falling in love. I liked the hero’s journey to finding his purpose. Most of all, I loved the Ashton family dynamics. I believe that was the the true star of the show.

I recommend reading the previous books first. Many of the characters from the previous books in the series showed up. I never read the other books, so I was a bit confused at some points.

Scandals, Duels, Thrilling Romance Story:

What an emotional and thrilling ride this romance story took me on.
Fantastic cast of characters that filled the pages with all kinds of different
emotional situations, lots of laugh out loud humor, scandals galore, deeply passionate.
This story is like a hot bevy of action, family unity, thrilling animals, a dastardly villain.
I feel in love with Pocket's the cat, the Dowager Duchess is a woot. The plot was
perfect, fast moving, a few adult fan worthy romance scenes.
The ending had me shedding a few tears, and a heart pounding need of forgiveness
that put a smile on my face and had my heart jumping for joy.
This was the first time reading anything written by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed
every bit of the book and would be most happy to read more from Ms. Bridges.
Adult Advisory:

The authors description of the book tells you about the characters and plot.
I'm giving my own opinion of why I enjoyed reading this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this one as the I did the last one but this one fell short for me.
Michael has been recovering from his alcoholism since he returned to his family.
Clara's father has promised her to a duke that she does not want.
Once the two meet they are determined to be together.
This plot felt slow and dragged on to long for me. There was no excitement in the book and the relationship was just okay.
The ending also fell flat and didn't work for me.

Two unlikely people end up together and their road to a Happy Ever after is not an easy one!

She is not like the typical young lady. She has more curves, more concerned with animals and does not want to marry the man her parents have picked out for her.

He had been jilted and went into rake mode but his family was pulling him back in to get him on the right path. He knows he will never find love. That is until he pulls the girl out of the mud puddle.

Enchanting and fun!

Okay, this one turned into a tear jerker. Be prepared to have the tissues close by.
Lord Michael Ashton is the third son of the Duke of Kennet. For four years he has been on a path of self destruction. The woman he loved and thought to marry left him at the anvil. Drinking, gambling and wenching, a true rake is his reputation. Lady Clara Durham trips and falls almost at Michael's feet. Their feelings for each other start to grow, but her parents are forcing her to accept the Duke of Wyndham's attention. This guy is really a horses you know what. Clara is rebellious and only wants to be with Michael. Unfortunately, his reputation with no financial support basically puts him out of the running. She won't give up. Michael is who she wants. Is Michael up to the challenge and willing to trust? I couldn't give this book anything other than 5*STARS.
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Lord Micheal Ashton is still struggling with dragging himself out of the bottle. After a heartbreak he abandoned his family but they have forced him back to society. Our hero's love of horses is the only thing keeping him going.

Lady Clara Durham has spent a few seasons hoping for a husband, but she's not like the fashionable debutante and there is someone making it worse. This year even her father is insisting she marry and has chosen the man for her.

Family relationships are the key in this story. Animals can help us cope when people get too much for us. All the characters in this series are strong and brave.

The books can each be read on it's own, but I think the series is best read in order. I've loved each one. A little sexy and a lot of fun.

Great fun.

Having read the first two books in this series, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was really looking forward to reading this romance. Whilst I loved the main characters and found myself rooting for them, regrettably the plot somewhat stretches the bounds of credulity, and the further I read, the more impatient I became. Fortunately, the novel does end on a good note together with a certain amount of humor brought about by the ailing dutchess. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The third son of the Duke of Kennet, Lord Michael Ashton left his family for a life in the darkest streets of London four years ago. Now his father has delivered an ultimatum, and Michael faces a steep climb out of the gutter. Lady Clara Durham struggles to find her place in Society as well. She is too round and too smart to please most aristocratic gentlemen, and far too quick with her tongue. But with her father’s health declining, Clara agrees to marry the Duke of Wykeham, a prickly man with ulterior motives. Everything shifts, however, when Clara’s kitten disappears down an alley. Clara darts after her, tripping headlong into a muddy puddle behind the Kennet stables. When Michael helps her up, he becomes fascinated by this unusual woman.
This is the third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I feel that to fully appreciate it it would be best to read the series in order. I really liked both Michael & Clara & was engrossed in their road to a HEA. I loved how Michael's family rallied round & helped him out of the gutter. A well written easy to read book, which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read