Taming of the Rogue

Those Very Bad Fairbanks #1

by Alyssa Clarke

Meet the Fairbanks—a family struggling to adjust to becoming newly rich when they have been naughtily doing whatever they wanted their whole lives! This scandalous middle-class country family hadn’t expected their eldest sibling to inherit an Earldom and their grand aunt, who intends to transform their no good, dissolute reputations into models of propriety!

Those Very Bad Fairbanks tell stories of a family as they navigate the intricate waters of the ton! Some will yearn for the excitement and wonder of tonnish life; others will be determined to stay true to their wild and scandalous life. But all will find love that will bring them to their knees!

Colin Fairbanks, the newly minted Earl of Celdon, is in a quandary. The ‘Very Bad Fairbanks’ is a family of impetuous and effervescent spirits, between them creating a series of scandals before they even debuted in town. For the sake of his family, he must appear to fit in with the highest echelons of society. To do this, he needs a respectable wife.

With each lesson in etiquette with his tutor, Miss Hermina Fernsby, Colin soon realizes perhaps his countess has been sitting right under his nose. But a spirited and unconventional Mina knows better than to risk her heart with a rogue and isn’t’ going to make it easy...

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Novella

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2021

About the author

Alyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.

When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.

Reviews

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A Review in 50 Words or Less...

- An utterly loveable rogue, a family of scandal-courting eccentrics, a most properly improper lady, a few etiquette lessons, and an unlikely liking made for this damnably cute bite-sized romance which leaves a smile on your face.

Alyssa Clarke comes highly recommended from me for the sugary sweet kind of historical romances that have just a dash of spice to keep things interesting.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit slow in some parts. Otherwise, an okay read.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has started off good. 4.5 stars ⭐️
This Lord has a Big family. Mostly sisters. He employs Mina to help the family to fit in with the Ton. Looks like many scandals will have to be avoided as his sister are mischievous.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mina will help Colin prepare his huge family (12 siblings) to enter the ton, as they lived humbly until Colin inherited an earldom from a distant relative.

For a novella of about 90 pages, the plot is satisfactory. In reality, Mina only helps Colin and meets two of his sisters. Throughout the book, the story deepens our curiosity for the next book, about one of the sisters (Fanny) and Simon.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read.
Not a whole lot of depth but cute.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Fairbanks, the newly minted Earl of Celdon, is in a quandary. The ‘Very Bad Fairbanks’ is a family of impetuous and effervescent spirits, between them creating a series of scandals before they even debuted in town. For the sake of his family, he must appear to fit in with the highest echelons of society. To do this, he needs a respectable wife.
With each lesson in etiquette with his tutor, Miss Hermina Fernsby, Colin soon realizes perhaps his countess has been sitting right under his nose. But a spirited and unconventional Mina knows better than to risk her heart with a rogue and isn’t’ going to make it easy.
This is a fun and exciting book. Mina and Colin are just the best couple. Alyssa Clarke has written another great Novella.

[T.A. Burke]

DNF after a few pages. Heavy-handed expression of the trope imo

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novel, but it wasn't my favorite from Alyssa Clarke. I have liked a majority of the novels in her Wagers and Wallflowers series but this beginning novel from the Fairbanks series was just okay. I didn't really feel a connection between the main characters Colin and Mina. I think this book had potential, but I needed a bit more romance and build up between them. I had a hard time believing that their relationship wasn't just happening because it was easy. I wanted to believe they actually had fallen for each other and the course the book took really didn't show that to me.

I am curious though about the rest of the series and the other siblings. I think it has potential to be a good series so I'm going to continue on hoping it gets better!

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saw a rec for this one but I found the plot all too similar to so many other books/series. This is a novella introducing the family's circumstances and the H gets his bride. It's short sweet read.

[Kelly Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a 2.5 stars out of 5. I really wanted to like this book but everything just happened so fast and I just wanted more. This would have benefitted from being an actual novel rather than a novella. The whole book takes place in about a month which is just too quick. I also think Mina and Colin were interesting characters and we learned a lot about them individually but I felt like I didn’t really get to get to know them together. It seemed like they just fell in love with each other because that was what the author wrote rather than showing us why they love each other. I wanted more of their etiquette lessons and more pining and heated glances and brief touches!

[Darbella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mina and Colin. A quick and easy read. I liked it. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Liz (lizreads15) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing series starter by Alyssa Clarke! I absolutely loved this book! Colin is the new minted Earl of Celdon. He has 11 siblings and is in need of a lady to help show him and his family how to properly act around the Ton.. He hired Mina after reading her book and seeing her advertisement. They fall in love and he proposes but she declines because she feels she's not good enough for him.. He definitely let's her know that she's the perfect person for him! I can't wait for book 2! If the epilogue is any indication, we're in for a funny whirlwind!😍🙌

[MooseGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colin has recently become the Earl of Celdon. A distant relative, he is a little unprepared for London society, and his family are all a little rough around the edges. Knowing they all need to do better, he hires a woman to teach them all how to behave. Mina's job is to teach Colin how to be a gentleman in order to help him find a suitable wife and make his family more respectable. Unfortunately, the rogue is far too charming, and she has to work hard to resist him.

This is the start of another series, and it does have promise. I was a little disappointed in the length of this book. The other books weren't particularly long, but this one seemed shorter. As a result, I felt we missed a lot of opportunities with this story. The relationship almost seems to come out of nowhere and it suffers for that. I liked the Fairbanks family, and I hope future books have a little more detail.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Loved Colin, made me laugh. A short story, but a lot going on. Entertaining read. 4☆

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just didn't work for me. First off, from the beginning, you're thrown into a story halfway through. Colin Fairbanks apparently found out that he was a distant relation and heir of a recently deceased Earl. He moves to London with his mother and 11 siblings, and apparently they're all wild. And they live with the dowager countess (and oddly, the beginning says Colin has her eyes, which makes no sense because he shouldn't be her blood relation) who has apparently been pressuring them to fit into society, including Colin finding a wife. Colin also apparantly already has a mistress, even though he's only been in the Earl for like 4 months.



After that in the first chapter, we move over to Mina, who has been shunned by her family and lives with her Aunt. (You find out why at the end of the book, but it's pretty obvious what it's about). Despite her not being in the ton, and only being the daughter of a minister, who left her family when she was 16, she's supposed to be some sort of expert on how to behave in society. She is supposed to have even wrote a book on it, which makes even less sense considering her station.



The relationship moves at lightning speed because the book isn't that long, which on its own wouldn't be too bad, but the author decided to set up a bunch of the other books that will be following this one, so that really takes down the time that can be dedicated to Colin and Mina.

In the end, I just didn't care about these two. There isn't enough development in here, and honestly I had a hard time buying into the backstory and situations.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Fairbanks the oldest of twelve siblings in the "Bad" Fairbanks. The dowager countess of Celdon has demanded her newly appointed Earl of Celdon ~follow the rules that govern of aristocrats in society. The 1st & foremost to find a suitable wife to be his Countess.
Colin Fairbanks, has to deal with The reputation of his family being known as the ‘Very Bad Fairbanks’. Colin has taught his siblings, to defend themselves, protect others & be independent of their thoughts. His mother has never forced societies standards because they were never part of the aristocrats. Now that the family has inherited the title & lifestyle that must have proper decorum & present female virtues & gentlemanly duties. .

Colin has hired Miss Hermina Fernsby,: Author of "A Lady's to Proper Etiquette & Charm" to tutor his siblings the proper decorum of society. He didn't expect to find a enticing young woman to help teach him the waltz. While preparing his sisters with manners, etiquette & decorum. Starting with Lady Lizzy & Lady Fanny. Both who themselves are leading scandalous secret lives.
However, the moment he meets the beautiful Miss Hermina sparks fly. Could his perfect match be none other than the tutor teaching him the rules of engagement of proper etiquette?

Can Miss Hermina Fernbsby meet the task & tutor the "Bad" Fairbanks.
Or will the loveable Rogue protect, & corrupt his teacher & make her his Countess & respectable wife that is needed for his new duties? Will Mina open her heart to allow this true gentleman protect her forever? I love this series & continue to enjoy the high sprits & convictions of the Fairbanks clan!

[Cait M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
It's not the best Alyssa Clarke book I've read. Pretty shallow storyline. Quite a short read, so there is not much chance of character development happening, though.

Colin is the newly minted Earl of Celdon. The reader is reminded a few times that he's a "loveable rogue." The devoted head of an incredibly large brood of siblings who have been dubbed " those very bad Fairbanks" because of the scandals surrounding the family.

Colin is looking to pave the way for his family into the ton's good graces . He hires Mina, a young lady (24) who has written a book on etiquette, to instruct them all on polite behaviour, etc.

The job offer is quickly accepted by the gentily impoverished Mina, who, against her better judgement, proceeds to become captivated by the loveable Colin. Colin is attracted to the prickly and proper Mina and wants to make her his wife. Mina's position in Society is far below Colin's, and she has to overcome her feelings of inadequacy and also a bad experience in her past before she eventually begins to take Colin seriously.

This book was a disappointment for me after reading quite a few of Alyssa's other books and enjoying them all. The story was just too short. Mina seemed to go from proper and decorous to making out with Colin on the library couch way too quickly to be reasonable for me.

This book contains steamy descriptive love scenes.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful start to a series by this author. I really enjoyed this book & it had all the elements that work for me - well-written, good pace, interesting story, lovable characters & most of all, it left me smiling & happy I read the book. I am really looking forward to meeting the entire Fairbanks family to see how "bad" they are - it is going to be a fun series.

Colin Fairbanks has gone from country gentleman to the new Earl of Celdon - a position he never thought to be put in & for the sake of his 11 younger siblings, he must learn how to comport himself & be approved by the highest in society. To do this, he has employed an etiquette tutor & he is on the hunt for a respectable wife.

Miss Hermina "Mina" Fernsby live with her viscountess aunt, but they are desperate for money, so when she receives a letter from Colin Fairbanks seeking an etiquette tutor, she is thrilled for the chance at a interview & the large sum he is willing to pay.

Mina & Colin come to an agreement for her to tutor him & the 11 siblings for a year but as time goes by, Colin realizes that Mina is exactly the countess he wants and needs but it will take a lot of convincing for Mina to accept falling for a rogue like him & to risk her heart.

[Lauren Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it started out really well, and I was positive I was about to dive myself into a juicy story. The story was good, the characters were good, the writing was good. Unfortunately as soon as the characters meet all of that goes out the window. YAWN! All sense of mystery and intrigue seemed to go right out of the window. I know there is a certain amount of predictability with books of this genre, but I imagine we all like the anticipation. There was no ‘will they or won’t they’ get together. In fact it was almost cringeworthy how quickly it all devolved (for one it wasn’t until 60% through the book that we actually managed to have a scene outside of the house). Hermina although initially portrayed to be quite bright and strong minded ended up being a bit of a wilting flower in the face of a charming and handsome man. Come on girl, given you’ve already been through this once you should know better! It kind of ruined it for me and made it decidedly average.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contracts, Society, Romance:

First time reading Ms.Clark's writing and I loved it. The story was wonderfully charming and written intelligently. Nothing slow or dragging in this book.
I loved the flirtatious banter between Colin and Mina. Colin was caring and charismatic while Mina was sweet, smart, and just a lovely enjoyable person.
The plot was fun, and the romance had my upper lip perspiring towards the very thrilling and happy ending. There is a hint this might become a series that I would be looking forward to reading. A mystery awaits, I think.
A fun lighthearted romance for a mature reader.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to a new series! Alyssa Clarke always pulls me into her stories and this book is no exception. Great characters with an engaging premise. This book had me smiling and laughing out loud at moments. The characters are all well developed and full of intrigue. I absolutely loved Mina’s Aunt Imogen. We were introduced to the head of the ‘Very Bad Fairbanks’ children in this book as well as 4 of his sisters and two of his brothers and got to see their amazing bond and unconditional love for each other. I am REALLY looking forward to Fanny’s story next.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very bad Fairbanks, so far I’m enjoying this series. This first installment is for the eldest brother Colin he inherited a tile and wealth and needs an etiquette teacher to improve the family’s reputation in the ton. Mina is a lady who is in dryer straights to help provide for her aunt and agrees to help the family. What she didn’t expect was to fall in love. I love the family because no matter how they may make mistakes they are always there to support one another. I’m excited to read Fanny’s story.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite as planned.

Happily living in the countryside with his rather unorthodox family, including his 11 siblings, all comfortably ensconced within their well provided for household, the hero is unprepared to be told of his new job, that of being an earl!
Never having been exposed to the ton, he finds the entire family needs to be tutored in every facet of being lords and ladies. He hires a young lady that has written a book on the subject to provide the lessons. From their first interview, things progress in a remarkable way!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second series from Alyssa and the magic is still there. I love the idea of a large family that are all “very bad”. As the head of the family Colin must bring his family up to snuff for the ton. I think they should all be as bad as they want. Enter Mina who specializes in minimizing scandal and you guessed it, Colin starts to fall for Mina. Their dancing around each other is so much fun. I loved it and cannot wait for more very bad Fairbanks. I read this as part of KU.

[Rachel Isaacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, quick, sweet and a bit steamy. There wasn't much spice, but what was there was good. Sometimes the descriptions of clothes went into a bit more detail than I felt necessary, but all in all, there wasn't a lot of boring or unnecessary descriptions going on.

Not sure if I loved it enough to continue with this series myself, but it's definitely a good first novel in the series, and I suspect the antics of the 'Very Bad Fairbanks' are just getting started here.

[Ingrid Quitslund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant attraction

Talk about instant attraction, this book has it in spades. A delightful story of two meant to be together. What an introduction to the Fairbanks as their stories are bound to entertain. Colin, head of the family, puts his family first and his love shines brightly for his eleven siblings. Romance and humor fill the pages as Hermina strives to teach Colin ton etiquette.

[Julie ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

very bad Fairbanks

Totally read these out of order ….lol..but I have so enjoyed these bad Fairbanks now I know how they all started off by reading the 1st instalment lol..
This is a charming and sweet build up to a passionate and happy conclusion .
Although this is a shortish story it certainly packs a lot of charm and emotional depth.
Mina and Charles are excellent characters with fun personalities and are a joy to read .

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely challenge!

A lovely written challenge from both perspectives of the story! Newly dubbed Lord Colin Fairbanks has his hands full and the tutor he hires in Miss Hermina whose past mistakes have cost her her family but not her self respect will have you smiling and cheering them on to find their hea!

[Elizabeth Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read!

Finally a story that puts the ton in their place. Obsolete and ridiculous rules and regulations that were fostered by overbearing wind bags and gossips. Sadly these types of people exist today. If we ignore them maybe they will disappear. The only opinion a person should consider is from someone you respect and admire.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Taming of the Rogue ~ Those Very Bad Fairbanks ~ Book 1 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Miss Hermina Fernsby became the teacher for the new Earl of Celdon, Colin Fairbanks to help him and his family learn the ways of the ton. He inherited his new title after being a country gentlemen of means. Taming of the Rogue is a rather humorous novella with a happy ending.