Comments on: Review: The Rake, Mary Jo Putney

By: Victoria Janssen

Victoria Janssen — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:48:04 +0000

I should reread this one. ONE PERFECT ROSE was my first Putney, and I have very fond memories of it; THE RAKE was my second, and set me firmly on a path of glomming.

My other faves of hers are RIVER OF FIRE (Regency artists, with bonus post-Napoleonic Wars angst!) and DANCING ON THE WIND (the rest of that series, the “Angel” books, are consistently good).

By: Kristie(J)

Kristie(J) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:37:05 +0000

I think they probably were a bit more explicit in The Rake as TRATR was a traditional regency and they are a bit milder in that department. But it was the more in depth knowledge of Reggie and Alys that I appreciated most about The Rake. Also, it was explained more clearly WHY he inherited Strickland and why he was so torn about it.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:07:30 +0000

Janine, Got it bookmarked. Thank you!

Kristie, thank you for the info on the difference between the two versions. I was curious about that. I also read that the sex scenes were ramped up. Is that true?

Taja, Thank you for those recommendations!

As an aside, I thought no one would read this review of such as old book, but it’s the best thread yet! Thanks everyone!

By: Taja

Taja — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:48:05 +0000

I liked “The Rake” and I agree, the last chapters didn’t keep up with the ones before. And I second Janine’s recommendations: “Uncommon Vows” is one of my favourite medievals, and “Shattered Rainbows” is really good too (the first part especially; I thought the ending a bit much).

By: Kristie(J)

Kristie(J) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:37:30 +0000

I love this one!! I’ve read (and own) both The Rake and The Rake and the Reformer. I had to do both because I read The Rake first, then wanted to see the difference between the two. The Rake has more background information the The Rake and the Reformer and is a bit more padded. But both are very enjoyable.

By: Janine

Janine — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:35:09 +0000

Oh, forgot to add:

http://used.addall.com/ is a good source for finding out of print books.

By: Janine

Janine — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:33:54 +0000

Really? I knew the Gaffney was out of print but I had no idea about Beast. What a shame!

That’s one good thing about e-books — backlists are going to stay in print longer.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:20:19 +0000

Ana — Thank you so much for recommending The Rake. It was a great read!

Janine — I will add those to my list. You know, both the Gaffney and the Ivory you recommended are out of print — I had to win them on EBay!

It’s inevitable that the shiny and new will attract attention, but it would be a real shame to lose some of these enduring classics forever.

By: Janine

Janine — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:47:26 +0000

My favorite Putney is Uncommon Vows. I don’t think you’ll find it on the AAR Top 100 — it’s a somewhat controversial book and not everyone’s cuppa — but I love it.

I also love much of the Fallen Angels series. One Perfect Rose is the last one, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. IMO they are even better when read in order. Shattered Rainbows, the one about Stephen’s brother, is my second favorite of hers.

By: Ana

Ana — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:26:13 +0000

Oh you read it! Isn’t it , in parts, a wonderful book? I loved how she dealt with Reggie’s addiction , I was on the edge of my seat rooting for him.

I agree with you 100% on that 2/3 of the book is firmly on DIK but the last 1/3 was way too tidy for my tastes.

In any case, I highly Recommend The Rake.