The Spinster and the Rake

Never a Wallflower

By: Eva Devon

Narrated by: Sasha Higgins

Edward Stanhope, the icy Duke of Thornfield, likes his life in a certain order. Give him a strong drink, a good book, and his dog for company, and he’s content. But when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, petting his dog, what starts as a request for her to leave turns quickly to a fiery battle of wits, leading to a steamy kiss that could ruin them both if they’re caught. So, of course, damn it all, that’s when Edward’s aunt walks in and, thereafter, announces Miss Georgiana Bly as the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Georgiana was content to be a spinster, spending her days reading and working to keep her family out of debt. But now her days are spent locked away with a growly duke, learning how to be the perfect duchess, and her nights are spent fighting her undeniable attraction to a man who was never meant for her. As their wedding day approaches, the attraction between them burns hot and fierce, but is it enough to melt the duke’s chilly facade?

©2021 Eva Devon (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Beautiful story

I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. HEA! The story does a beautiful job with unfolding the love between the Duke and Georgiana

Boring Love Story

A love story without much excitement or emotion. I found it quite boring. Only finished the book as I hate leaving something unfinished and kept hoping there would be something to make me laugh, cry, or get excited. Disappointing.

So boring

There's nothing in particular thats wrong with the story, just dull as all get out. Both main characters were stuffy and boring. Nothing really happens besides them 'doing their duty'. Thats what the story is about Regency English characters with curiously modern personal issues trying to figure out how to like each other. By the end, I am still not quite convinced these characters were in love. More like just doing their duty. *yawn*

A wonderful surprise.

Erica Ridley created a lens that allows us to see into a possible past. To see things we have now labeled and researched from the point of view over 200 years ago when things weren’t accepted or understood like now. And in the midst of a very special love story we see the authors understanding touch as she sheds light on something so misunderstood.

I was surprised by the narrator! I don’t believe I’ve never heard her before and although she really got the accents that I don’t even know but heard them as I imagined. Well done!

A couple of completely frank scenes with some heat, nothing dirty or prolonged.

Creditworthy? Yes!

Brilliant

Eva Devon has masterfully written about an issue that’s just been diagnosed in the past century. We’ve barely scratched the surface of its symptoms, and aren’t substantially close to treating it. It reminds me of Laura Kinsale’s “Flowers From the Storm” which so poignantly describes the inner workings of the mind of a stroke victim. All I can say is Wow. We are so quick to judge others.
This is a wonderful story that unfolds into a beautiful HEA. The characters are well-developed and most are likable. It also highlights the class differences of the era.
Sasha Higgins did a nice job of narrating, although her male voices could be deeper.