If You Give a Rake a Ruby (Jewels of the Ton, #2) in Reading Romances

Aug 21, 2012 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley, shana-galen

Warrick Fitzhugh needs the help of the lovely Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery but since she surrounds herself with friends and lovers at all times he has a hard time finding a way to speak with her. So he does the only thing left to him...he sneaks into her bedroom and proceeds to reveal the secrets of Fallon's past, the secrets she wants to stay hidden. Fallon sees no other choice than to help Warrick find the information he needs and they start on an adventurous hunt for the truth of who wa Warrick Fitzhugh needs the help of the lovely Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery but since she surrounds herself with friends and lovers at all times he has a hard time finding a way to speak with her. So he does the only thing left to him...he sneaks into her bedroom and proceeds to reveal the secrets of Fallon's past, the secrets she wants to stay hidden. Fallon sees no other choice than to help Warrick find the information he needs and they start on an adventurous hunt for the truth of who wants Warrick dead and once part of that is revealed, it turns Fallons life a bit sideways. Throw in a smoldering attraction between Fallon and Warrick and this couple strives to find a way to see if this attraction is real...or part of the chase.

I know I can always turn to Shana Galen for fast paced, sexy adventurous romances and this is exactly what this book delivers! Warrick is determined, bossy and dangerous and has a strained relationship with his family following his decision to become a spy, which caused the death of his brother. Fallon is honest, clever, kind, brave and ready to take on anyone who gets in her way of what she wants. Together they make a good pair but I did feel like their relationship was a bit rushed. So much happens in just a small amount of time and I would have liked to have seen a bit more development with their relationship before they acted on their desire for each other. I'm not sure I completely believed the 'I love yous' when they came. Beyond that though, this book was a fast, fun read and I love how secrets are revealed at a pace that you just keep reading...until midnight without even noticing as it was very easy to get swept away by the action. We get a good look at Fallon's fellow Jewel of the Ton, Lily and I am very anxious to learn about her secrets and to have a resolution to the overall mystery arc between these three books. While not necessary to read the previous book, When You Give a Duke a Diamond, I do think this book is stronger having read it first. Overall, not my favorite Shana Galen book but still a well written, action packed, surprising, steamy romance that deals with the issue of the heart and of family. 4 stars

eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley
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Mar 13, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-historical-romance, time-england-regency-1811-1820, theme-espionage

If You Give A Rake A Ruby is the second installment in the Jewels of the Ton series. I have grown to greatly admire this author and the beautifully written stories she creates. This new series has surprised me, and I have to say that I could hardly wait to get my hands on this one. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this one from my local library. After reading the first one, I could wait to read Fallon's story. I have always had a soft spot for Fallon. At first she appears to be proud and aloo If You Give A Rake A Ruby is the second installment in the Jewels of the Ton series. I have grown to greatly admire this author and the beautifully written stories she creates. This new series has surprised me, and I have to say that I could hardly wait to get my hands on this one. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this one from my local library. After reading the first one, I could wait to read Fallon's story. I have always had a soft spot for Fallon. At first she appears to be proud and aloof, but there is so much I enjoyed about her. The story is bit of a spy story, and it got its claws in me from the beginning.

Fallon, is one the two jewels of the Ton left, after her friend Juliette's marriage, she feels a bit envious of her happiness. Fallon has a murky past, a past that is about to catch up with her. When Warrick comes to her and confronts her, and threatens that unless she works with him, he will reveal who she really is. Fallon is shocked that she is being blackmailed, and even more surprised that Warrick was able to dig into her past as well informed as he apparently is. Warrick works for the Foreign Office as a spy, and must find the man responsible for threatening the lives of his fellow spies. He is desperate to get to the truth and destroy the danger to himself and others he has long served with. When he meets Fallon, he is astounded by her beauty and willfulness. In the beginning, his plan is to use her as bait, to get to the bottom of this mystery. But when he starts to fall in love with Fallon, his motives change, to protecting her. However her father is after them both, and only when Fallon will accept and trust in Warrick's love, will they be able to defeat those that threaten them and those that they love.

Overall I fell in love with this latest installment of the Jewels of the Ton!! This story is about the second Jewel, Fallon, who tends to wrap around your heart from the beginning. Warrick is a bit of a rascal, which I loved about him. He has led a dangerous life, but he has a soft spot for Fallon. At first he has a bit of a rough edge, however we see the protective side of him. What I would give to have a man like him at my side, I wouldn't fear anything. Fallon is strong willed and a fighter, but she does struggle with a bit of self doubt. As you learn where she truly comes from, you see where she has gotten her strength. There is such a passionate connection between Fallon and Warrick, this story tends to put you through a emotional ringer, but I will warn you it has a bit of a small cliffhanger, that really surprised me, and I wanted to scream "NOOOO" It can't be over yet!!! But it was, and yet I felt fully satisfied by the end of reading it. A Tale full of adventure, mystery and drama that is bound to get you bouncing off the walls in anxiety. WELL DONE!! ...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Dana Alma rated it it was amazing

Applause for If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen! Galen proceeds to delight readers in the second installment of the Jewels of the Ton! This spine-tingling romance will thrill readers as they are swept into another race to find the identity of a killer. Galen presents us with Warrick, an enticing and divine male that will have you hanging on his every action and word. Fallon will charm you with her abilities and confidence especially set in this time period. She is one of a kind and the che ...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Melody May (What I'm Reading) rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, netgalley, historical

Originally posted on What I'm Reading

We continue the saga of the Jewels of the Ton trilogy with If You Give a Rake a Ruby. In the last book When you Give a Duke a Diamond we were left wondering who is Lucifer and why he was after some particular diamonds. Well, the plot thickens as we learn more about these particular diamonds. Let me say they are not just ordinary diamonds, but Diamonds in the Rough.

Warrick Fitzhugh just happens to be one of the Diamonds in the Rough (a spy, technically a reti Originally posted on What I'm Reading

We continue the saga of the Jewels of the Ton trilogy with If You Give a Rake a Ruby. In the last book When you Give a Duke a Diamond we were left wondering who is Lucifer and why he was after some particular diamonds. Well, the plot thickens as we learn more about these particular diamonds. Let me say they are not just ordinary diamonds, but Diamonds in the Rough.

Warrick Fitzhugh just happens to be one of the Diamonds in the Rough (a spy, technically a retire spy) and needs the help of Marchioness of Mystery, Fallon. She just happens to be the key to help him find out why Lucifer wants to whack-off all the Diamonds in the Rough.

Fallon is definitely the Marchioness of Mystery, since no one really knows where she comes from. Everyone in the ton believes she could the daughter of some great, but the simple truth is a daughter of a pickpocket and a whore. Yet Warrick found out her background and is using it to get what he needs. You could say he's blackmailing her, but that's a terrible word. Plus, she is key to find her father Joseph Bayley, who she believes is dead. Dun, dun, dun. Yep, the plot has definitely thicken in this story.

All right, I must say compare to the last story this has become a little more darker and sinister. However, still just as good. With so many twist and turns it adds the mystery whats going to happen in the next book and are we going to find out who is behind the sinister plot to kill off the Diamonds in the Rough?

I love Fallon, because she's not the typical tall willowy young woman, but petite (ok she's short, nothing wrong with that). Even though she's a courtesan, she still has insecurities. Especially, when she comes in contact with Warrick. When she's around him, Fallon starts to believe she could have a family with him. However, she has to keep telling herself it's not possible.

Warrick is an awesome hero. He's describe as not being beautiful in a conventional way, but there is something about him that makes him unique. I love that he has scars and not the ones you can see (even though he does have those too), but emotional scars. Somehow he is able to cope with them better when Fallon is around.

Those two make a fantastic duo and I just love the story. I love how Ms. Galen has made the story even more intriguing and makes you want to know the mystery behind the sinister plot. Seriously, I can't wait to see who the evil villain is and how the Countess of Charm is to help in the next story. So, I hope you get a chance to read this story and wait with me to find out the conclusion to Jewels of the Ton trilogy. You know I'll be anxiously waiting for it. Till next time.

Copy provide by NetGalley via Sourcebooks
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Dec 22, 2012 Aislynn rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebook, netgalley-read, historical-romance, read-in-2013

When it comes to secrets, no one keeps them better then a spy. And sometimes secrets, lies and who we really are can catch up with us. Life hasn’t always been easy for the Marchioness of Mystery, and Fallon has no idea the trouble Warrick is about to bring into her life.

Nothing with the ladies in the Jewels of the Ton series it quite what it seems. We meet Fallon in the first book, but only as a side character to Juliette and William’s story. An intriguing character, who not only keeps the men o ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Heather Book Savvy Babe rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley

Once again, Shana Galen delivers a great read with If You Give a Rake a Ruby. The Jewels of the Ton series is centered around three sparkling, illustrious courtesans who are not what they seem. I loved book one, When You Give a Duke a Diamond and I was very eager to pick up book two and learn The Marchioness of Mystery's story.

Fallon is a woman with secrets and a hidden past, much like her friends, the other Jewels of the Ton. In this story, her past comes back to haunt her, and with it a determ Once again, Shana Galen delivers a great read with If You Give a Rake a Ruby. The Jewels of the Ton series is centered around three sparkling, illustrious courtesans who are not what they seem. I loved book one, When You Give a Duke a Diamond and I was very eager to pick up book two and learn The Marchioness of Mystery's story.

Fallon is a woman with secrets and a hidden past, much like her friends, the other Jewels of the Ton. In this story, her past comes back to haunt her, and with it a determined, unrelenting Warrick Fitzhugh. Book one set the stage for intrigue and plots to kill men who were in the intelligence business, Warrick included. If You Give a Rake a Ruby picks up that plot line and Warrick's life is in danger. Because of Fallon's shady past, Warrick needs her to ferret out those plotting to kill him. Warrick confronts Fallon to make her help him and places her in danger right along with him, but once he has her, he realizes that he may not want to let her go.

I love the intrigue and the characters in this series. They are all vividly portrayed and I get drawn into each of their stories. I love Fallon, she can take care of herself, she fights back and is no shrinking flower. She worked hard to gain independence and earn her life, despite coming from a nasty childhood. In book 1, Juliette had spunk, but Fallon has even more of a fierceness to her that I loved. As for Warrick, it took some time for him to grow on me. At first, he is determined to get his way at any cost and puts Fallon in danger. His feelings for Fallon are up and down, and all over the place for most of the book. He is attracted to her, but he had difficulty figuring out what he truly wants. Both Warren and Fallon have to go through hard, dangerous times to sort out the threat and face their pasts.

I really enjoyed this story, it is fast paced and full of intrigue that kept me engaged. The romance was there, but I did not feel as much of a connection between Warrick and Fallon than the characters in the first book. Both characters tried to keep each other at arm's length, especially Warren, and their hot and cold dance irritated me at times. Also, Warrick is not really a rake. He actually works/has a career (not too common in HIstorical Romances) and he is not as much of a womanizer as the title would suggest. But, the title is catchy, so I guess it works.

If You Give a Rake a Ruby is a solid read and it helped set up the next installment in the series. The third Jewel of the Ton, Lily, plays a role in this book and has a mysterious connection to Warrick. I am so excited to learn of Lily's past and how she came to be one of the Jewels. I am definitely going to be reading the third book of the series, and more by Shana Galen in the future. Shana Galen is a gifted writer, her characters and stories pull me in and leave me wanting more.

Historical Romance fans, I highly recommend the Jewels of the Ton series. I don't think that you absolutely have to read the series in order. However, both books in the series are excellent and you don't want to miss book 1. Plus, when you read the books in order, you will have a better understanding of the characters and the players in the intrigue that surrounds them.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Lisa Jo rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, physical-collection, keeper

Shana Galen has another spectacular jewel on her hands with her latest release IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY. The second installment in her Jewels of the Ton series is a sexy and mysterious Regency romance that readers will love.

It's not an easy task to parade around the ton as a notorious courtesan in high society. Yet Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, has it down to an art. No one knows much about her and she prefers to keep it that way. Her past is as mysterious as the names of her lovers, yet Shana Galen has another spectacular jewel on her hands with her latest release IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY. The second installment in her Jewels of the Ton series is a sexy and mysterious Regency romance that readers will love.

It's not an easy task to parade around the ton as a notorious courtesan in high society. Yet Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, has it down to an art. No one knows much about her and she prefers to keep it that way. Her past is as mysterious as the names of her lovers, yet one man knows the truth. Warrick Fitzhugh knows her reputation is largely exaggerated and knows things about her that she thought were impossible to discover. Now he needs her help investigating a threat by a dangerous crime lord to the Foreign Office...even if he has to seduce her to do it. Warrick was determined to use her as the leverage and bait he needed, but the only thing she may succeed in capturing is his heart.

Fallon and Warrick will definitely keep you on your toes. These two are such a dynamite pair it's absolutely impossible to not fall in love with them. Warrick has a blunt honesty and constantly speaks exactly what is on his mind. It will make you laugh and sometimes even leave you shocked. Shana Galen creates the perfect dialogue for him throughout the story that lets you know his character perfectly and love him for it. He is a man of impulses and resourcefulness that makes him utterly charming. It's a perfect mix because Warrick's most appealing trait is his determination, and the strength he uses to fulfill his goals.

Fallon on the other hand is an extremely strong heroine, yet she is surprisingly delicate emotionally. She's ready to face any battle against any foe with Warrick, but can't see enough value in herself to believe she deserves more from life. You see how she has built this stable situation around her that isn't everything she wants, but it feels like it's enough. Her character grows a lot in this book as she sorts out what she really wants and desires, but she also realizes that she deserves love and happiness just like any other lady. She gives the novel that sustaining dose of heart. Fallon shows how her weakness became strength.

While the characters alone are great, together they are sizzling hot. IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY is simply a super sexy historical romance. Ms Galen gives readers a couple that can't keep their hands off of each other and has wonderfully scorching chemistry. Their romance doesn't start off soft and sweet...it starts off passionate and demanding. It is completely delightful to read. Yet shortly after that, the softer sides of their romance start to bloom and you can feel the depth of their relationship. Ms Galen plays on your emotions perfectly to get you fully engaged in their romance, yet still gives you enough passion to make your toes curl.

IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY is a great complement to the first novel in Shana Galen's Jewels of the Ton series, When You Give A Duke A Diamond. This can be read alone, but I don't know if I would recommend it. This novel sets up the story for the last of The Three Diamonds, the delightful and secretive Lily, so you may want to go into this knowing the entire background. Yet if you don't want the back story and just want to read a great historical romance, this is still the book to pick. At the heart of this story is a wonderful couple and the rest of the details will sort themselves out.

IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY lives up to the passionate, exciting and dazzling stories readers have come to expect from Shana Galen. It should go without saying at this point, but I highly recommend this novel. It is a captivating read with plenty of drama and romance to leave you desperately wanting more. It's a lighthearted read that is plenty of fun, but it is also an emotional journey that will captivate you completely. Through all the excitement and all the passion, you will see this novel is really the best gem of all.

Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews ...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Jo (My House of Books) rated it liked it

3.5 stars

This series just gets better and better. If You Give a Rake a Ruby is the second book of Ms. Galen's Jewels of the Ton series and focuses on Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery. Warrick Fitzhugh is chasing a mystery in terms of an investigation for the Foreign Office, so he enlists Fallon's help. The two spend more and more time together, and as luck would have it, they fall in love.

I really enjoyed Fallon and Fitzhugh's banter throughout the book. I also liked that Fallon's childhood i ...more

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