ARC Review: If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s an alarming amount of action that makes for a very quick and easy read. But I can’t say the romance between Warrick and Fallon was the best aspect of this book. ~ Under the Covers

Fallon is known as the Marchioness of Mystery. Her secrecy about her past makes her one of the most celebrated courtesans in the ton. Men are interested in knowing more about her, but there is one man who has seemed to uncovered her past without her knowing. Fallon will do anything to keep her past a secret, even if it means giving into the blackmail and trolling the London streets at night in dangerous places.

Warrick Fitzhugh is a spy who will do anything to get what he wants. Even if it means seducing the sensual courtesan to gain what he desperately needs. In a journey that is filled with danger and mystery, Warrick and Fallon soon find themselves wanting to get to know each other.

IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY is the second book of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen. I would definitely recommend reading the first book because the Three Diamonds are really the shining stars of this book. Readers will definitely get a better sense of their friendship if read in order.

While I enjoyed the first book immensely, I can’t say this book held the same appeal. There was one big thing that fell flat for me here. I simply didn’t fall for the hero. Warrick is a very determined man who will do anything to get his way…even if it means upsetting the heroine, Fallon. Though I know that Fallon can hold her own and isn’t exactly forced to do Warrick’s bidding, I did feel as if some of her choices were limited because of Warrick. He blackmails her, then forces her to troll the dark streets of London just so Warrick can get what he wants.

Unfortunately, I didn’t believe in the chemistry between Warrick and Fallon. Warrick seems too rough and demanding, while Fallon just tried to keep up with all the action. She even breaks a rib and though Warrick tends to it momentarily, the next moment they are off again on some adventure.

As a result, I don’t think there was a good balance between the action and the romance. Within the first 100 pages of the book, there’s an alarming amount of action that makes for a very quick and easy read. Galen does do a spectacular job on that part and I have to say that the action definitely surprised me in the best possible way.

So while the action kept me reading, I can’t say the romance between Warrick and Fallon was the best aspect of this book. However, I do enjoy Galen’s plotting and pacing because some surprises are in store for the reader.

Overall, IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY is an action-packed novel, but probably not my favorite of the series.

*ARC provided by publisher

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[about-author author=”Shana Galen”]