The Knave of Hearts audiobook

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth BoyleBook Five of the Rhymes with Love seriesPublisher: AvonPublication Date: January 26, 2016Rating: 4 starsSource: eARC from Edelweiss***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***Summary (from Goodreads):In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes With Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman's hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication ...Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack's dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother's scandalous past have become the ton's latest on dits. Lavinia's future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.Alaster "Tuck" Rowland admits he's partly to blame for Lavinia's disastrous debut. But it's not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he's placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into one of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set society astir?Tuck's motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.What I Liked:Upon finishing book four, I knew that the wait for book five would be torture. As much as I loved Piers and Louisa, I couldn't wait to read all about Lavinia and Tuck. The pair proved to be adorable and so well-matched! Proper miss meets scoundrel - a knavish fun-loving rake. I loved If Wishes Were Earls and The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, but I think this fifth book is my favorite of the three! I haven't read books one or two (yet). This book is told parallel (ish) to book four, The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane. While Piers and Louisa are bickering and falling in love, Lavinia and Tuck are attempting to curb Lavinia's disastrous debut into society. Tuck has always been making wagers, on just about anything, and in a drunken state, he wagers that he'll be able to turn the Tempest sisters into Diamonds on society. But the Tempest sisters are true country misses, with a scandalous mother to boot. Tuck has his work cut out for him, and he is determined to help Lavinia win over society and marry a proper man. But something else is at stake, and it isn't proper at all.Ahhh, Tuck. He was hilarious in book four, and I adored him even more in this book. He's got the charm, the good looks, the swagger, the humor, but he's also a good guy, despite his knavish reputation. He has something hanging over his head - not going to Spain (to war) with Piers and Poldie. Poldie died and Piers was badly injured, but Tuck remained home. Why? You'll find out in this book! I fell in love with him even more, after learning why he didn't go.Did I mention that I love Tuck? I really do. He makes a wager on the Tempest sisters, which Lavinia and Louisa know nothing about. Lavinia thinks that he is being a noble gentleman, helping her learn to dance, trying to help her garner a better reputation after a terrible night at Almack's. Even though he made that wager, believe me, he wants the best for Lavinia for an entirely different reason, as he starts to fall for her!Lavinia is so proper and formal and obsessed with fitting into society and finding a good match. We know this from book four, in which Louisa was the one who didn't care to find a match, but Lavinia was all for it. It surprises everyone, especially Lavinia, when Louisa marries before Lavinia. But Lavinia has been falling for the knave that is Tuck Rowland, despite her best efforts. Lavinia is so proper but she hides a rebellious, naughty nature. I love Tuck and Lavinia together! He is so wicked and she is so proper, and it's hilarious to see them interact. Lavinia is always correcting him, and Tuck is always trying to get her to loosen up. It's obvious to pretty much everyone, how much the pair cares for each other, and it's fun to watch.There are some steamy scenes in this book! Remember, Lavinia is all about being proper and whatnot, but she and Tuck are pretty explosive together. It takes a bit to get to the physical part of their relationship, but they are fire!I LOVE the ending! I wasn't worried about a happily ever after at all, but I love how it came about. I love it when the hero isn't groveling and chasing after the heroine - in this book, Lavinia takes the reins and runs after Tuck. Which I LOVED. And the way it was done was wonderful! I adore the ending so much, and this book in general!What I Did Not Like:I can't think of anything specifically! Not to say that nothing bothered me (I'm sure something did, at some point), but clearly not enough for me to remember. Which is fine by me!Would I Recommend It:I highly recommend this book! Even if you've not read any of the Rhymes with Love books, start with this one! If you're a historical romance fan in general, this is a good one.Rating:4 stars. I loved this book! I am sooo curious to find out whose book is next. Roselie's? (Piers' sister.) Brody's? ... Both? In any case, I can't wait for July!

This book has a lot going on: a framing story, long-lost relatives, a "She's All That"-style wager, card playing, dancing, masquerading, and a couple of weddings.⁠ Yes, all of those things appear, but no, none of them get much in-depth time on the page.⁠We really appreciated the intersection between this book and the previous in the series (The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane). New perspectives on events from that book This is a flashy book that is a lot of fun but without much substances. Take your own personal preferences into account when reading it!18-Word Summaries:Laine: F*ckboi lives up to the reputation he didn't earn by saving a "ruined" woman he should've ruined faster. ⁠⁠Meg: Not only does Tuck abandon Lavinia on the dance floor, he makes a wager on her marriage prospects…⁠

I really enjoyed this book, it was very funny and witty. Lavinia is clumsy and always quoting proper manners she seeks out in a mate. Tuck meets none of those expectations, he's a knave, but they still fall for each other. Fun, quirky book.

I do not know if it was because it was a busy weekend but I had a more difficult time to immerse at first in this story but by the end I did enjoyed this read as much as the previous book.Plus I hoped to see the romance about Lord Charleston and Lady Avenue find its conclusion.Whatever, it was an entertaining and funny read with a prim and proper young miss letting things go loose to find her true self while the hero has to reconcile his past with the present and accept he can’t change what was done but still go on.Lavinia is the twin of Louisa, the heroine of The Viscount Who Lived Down The Lane. While one is meddling and want to have nothing to do with society, the other wants to fit even if it means silencing her inner self.Lavinia lives by lists, compilation of what is proper to do and above all to avoid scandal and gossip but all the lists will never be able to prevent the walking-scandal they are by simply being their mother’s daughters.It was painful to watch them being shunned and all those by link associated to them.Alaster Rowland or Tuck, Lord Charleton presumptive’s heir lives with his wits and a small allowance to make ends meet, and most of the time it is not enough. And things get worse when he wagers everything on a drunken night. Now is he to transform a rejected lady in a diamond of the first water.I loved Tuck, he is loyal to the heart to those he cares and accepts to be seen as someone he is not if it means protecting them. He makes mistakes, lot of them but he never gives up.Lavinia at first was not my favorited of the twins but she grows up during the story, going from the rigid miss to a young woman who will throw everything she thought right to the window to get her man even when he deceived her.In all, a full of actions romance with some very funny moments.

Anticipating a spectacular season, Miss Lavinia Tempest never anticipated being ruined and marred by her mother's scandelous affair. Because of that, she now holds herself to a created list of proper rules, a list where none of the rules prepare her to lose her heart to everything that is improper, especially to well-known Knave, Alastar "Tuck" Rowland. Although Tuck means well with trying to right the wrongs that he has done to Livvy, he finds that in all his teaching, he becomes the student in the school of love. He means well and sacrifices himself to make right for all that he loves, including Livvy...a piece of tarnished coal that is tried by The Ton leaving her a radiating diamond in the end.Elizabeth Boyle has done it again with this book in the series. One very bad wager, secret ancestry, and true love makes this story a delightful read. It is witty, funny and the main characters are quite funny in various parts of the book. The chemistry between the main characters is refreshing having one character staying true to keeping the proper etiquettes of society and the other risking it all in society because he has nothing to lose or to give except his heart. Truly enjoyed this novel and give it 5-stars.

Loved this book and loved seeing our heroine come into her own! Plus seeing Tuck make his way. A fun and adventurous story!

Love this series! Great narrator!

This is only my second read from the Rhymes With Loves series, having unknowingly started the series in the middle with The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane (TVWLDTL). Luckily that previous book featured Louisa Tempest and Viscount Wakefield, who are featured heavily in this book as it happens somewhat contemporaneously with TVWLDTL. It's my understanding that most of the series can be read as standalones... however I would recommend reading TVWLDTL before this one since it involves twin sisters and concurrent events. Plus, TVWLDTL was super cute so you won't regret reading it at all.Anywho, this installment of the series focuses on the other Tempest sister, Lavinia. The Tempest sisters are aptly named whirlwinds of bad luck and chaos. Grace, their name is not. Their tendency toward clumsy klutzy mishaps has earned them the cut direct from the bon ton on their very first outing of the season. Poor gels, I would have been on the outs right beside them with my tendency to trip over flat surfaces. However the scandal hits these girls even harder when people start bringing up their mother's past deeds, and two less-than-stellar gentlemen start a wager over the girls at White's. Lavinia was a likable heroine despite her penchant for the aforementioned unfortunate mishaps - I think those actually endeared who to me more as I could definitely relate. Lavinia (Vivi to her sister, and Livy to our hero) has striven to be a proper lady since she was about 10 years old and saw her mother running off with their dance instructor. She keeps lists of proper behavior and has read numerous etiquette books to gain knowledge of how to behave. The knave of the story is Alastar "Tuck" Rowland, an untitled gentlemen who is the heir to his uncle's barony. Tuck is actually the match that set fire to the Tempest ruination, as he abandoned Lavinia in the midst of the dance floor, causing her to stumble and knock down other dancers like dominoes. Once Tuck became embroiled in the aforementioned wager, the terms required that he turn Lavinia into a diamond of the first water within a fortnight. Tuck has the reputation of being a knave and scoundrel, however Livy sees underneath the rumor and facade to the lonely brokenhearted man. His character was a good example of things not always being as they seem, and proof of why you should not listen to rumors. His past actions were definitely more honorable and altruistic than the ton bandied about. As a result, I quite liked him as a hero and rooted for him the whole book.The attraction between Tuck and Livy unfolded steadily over the course of the book as they were forced to spend time with one another to make Livy the success that Tuck had wagered on. My favorite aspect was seeing Livy stop hiding behind her ideals of propriety and showing her true self - a stylish and intelligent young woman who could trounce everyone at cards. She was also willing to fight for her hero when his insecurities got in the way of their future. I have really enjoyed the books that I have read of this series thus far, and I plan to go back and read the earlier installments as soon as I can fit them into my reading schedule. I will mention that I listened to TVWLDTL in audio, and it was just as enjoyable as reading it. The narrator did a fabulous job. So I may do the earlier installments in audio as well.I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames.

Coming to London to be introduced to society and find a husband was Lavinia Tempest's dearest wish. Unfortunately, her dazzling debut was ruined with a tumble at Almack's and a scandal her mother caused years ago. Lavinia's sister, Louisa has found love and happiness and while she is happy for her sister, she still feels a bit out of sorts. Lavinia is determined to be a proper lady and to follow her list of dos and don'ts, but can she overcome the shadows that are trailing her and find happiness of her own.Alaster “Tuck” Rowland, Lord Charleton's nephew and heir, is known to be a bit of a ne'er do well. Many believe him to be a coward that abandoned his closest friends by not joining them in war and he does little to prove them wrong. He wagers that he can turn Lavinia into the finest lady, but is surprised to find himself entranced by her. Elizabeth Boyle is one of my favorite historical romance authors, The Knave of Hearts reinforced why I like her books so much. She spins a tale of romance with characters that you want to meet and know first hand. She knows how to weave bits of humor with the drama and romance without becoming slap-sticky. Tuck and Lavinia had great chemistry, and I couldn't wait for their HEA (happily ever after). I loved the way they interacted and kind of wish that they came together physically earlier in the book... Tuck had great intentions as he turned Lavinia into a lady, but he saw that what he loved most about her was when she was herself.I also liked how this book retold part of Louisa's story in Lavinia's voice. It's fun to see other characters perspectives of different situations. *This book was given to me by the publisher for honest feedback

Lavinia Tempest has had high hopes for her season, but after a disastrous dance at Almacks with Tuck Rowland her prospects are dropping and her dance cards are empty. After being shunned by the Ton, and alienated by Society Lavinia is ready to give up and go to the country.Tuck has made a wager, the knave that he is, that Lavinia will be a lady of the first water and the darling of the season. Tuck must rally some forces to assist Lavinia in becoming popular, but also keep his wager secret from her.With some unconventional help in the form of Tuck Rowland's mother and "Uncle" Hero, Lavinia discovers herself and her own personal power, but will she loose hope when she discovers Tuck's secret wager on her future. For those who have read through the Rhymes with love series, The Knave of Hearts happens along the same timeline of The Viscount Who Lives Down The Lane #4 that followed Louisa Tempest's story. By getting both sister's points of view about the same timeline in the series is a delight to read, because you see what is happening from both sisters.With some fabulous writing and captivating characters, Elizabeth Boyle does it again with her Rhymes With Love Series. If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, don't worry, pick this book up anyways and you can work your way back through the rest. This series is delightful all the way through and this book can help heat up those January Nights with its tension filled characters.​This book was a delight to read all the way through.

Lavina has tired to do everything in her power to have a successful season. However, with one dance her chances of a good match are ruined. All of this is one person's fault. Alaster Rowland is barely accepted by society, his uncle is sponsoring the Tempest sisters for a London season. He knows he isn't good enough for Lavina but his mistake costs her. He also makes the mistake of betting that he can make Lavina into an Original. I call it mistake not because she has no chance but because when is it ok to make bets like this?!The story was cute and the journey for the two characters was very interesting. I liked the different perspective for the twins. They were so close but with both of their romances they hid a lot of details from each other. With all of these characters and their stories intertwining, it was a fun read! I loved it.

The Knave is another wonderful and funny historical romance by Elizabeth Boyle. Lavinia Tempest and Alaster Tuck are two adorable characters with a one big problem.When Tuck let Lavinia fall on the Almack's dance floor, he ruined her chance of a spectacular season. Now he needs to save her reputation and try not to lose his wager too.This is a page turner romance that keep you entertained with fun characters and great plots.Thank you Elizabeth Boyle

If you ejoyed the fourth Rhymes of Love book, The Viscount who Lived Down the Lane as I did, definitely read this one. Some of the time overlaps, just from Lavinia's point of view rather than Louisa's.