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The Vicar and the Rake

Society of Beasts, Book 1

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The Vicar and the Rake

By: Annabelle Greene
Narrated by: Cornell Collins
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About this listen

As a young man, Sir Gabriel Winters left behind his status as a gentleman, turning his back on his secret desires and taking a self-imposed vow of celibacy. Now he's a chaste, hardworking vicar, and his reputation is beyond reproach. But, try as he might, he's never forgotten the man he once desired or the pain of being abandoned by his first love.

Edward Stanhope, the duke of Caddonfell, is a notorious rake, delighting in scandal no matter the consequence. With a price on his head, he flees to the countryside, forced to keep his presence a secret or risk assassination. When Edward finds Gabriel on his estate, burning with fever, he cannot leave him to die, but taking him in puts them both in jeopardy.

With the help of a notorious blackmailer, a society of rich and famous gentlemen who prefer gentlemen, and a kitten named Buttons, they might just manage to save Edward's life - but the greatest threat may be to their hearts.

Contains mature themes.

©2020 Annabelle Greene (P)2020 Tantor Historical Historical Fiction Regency Regency Romance Romance Heartfelt
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Got a bit boring at times and the performance was average to say the least... what was with that voice on the kid?! sounded like an octogenerian!!

Pretty good story but drifted a bit

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Love this historical gay romance, a well written and historically accurate tale. Loved the couple.

Beautiful historical romance

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the story was a typical romance with plenty of angst and passion. nothing wrong with the story but I had hoped for more depth

lovely narration, mediocre story

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It’s 1818 in Surrey and Sir Gabriel Winters has eschewed his noble heritage, working hard as a country vicar, in a deal to keep the peace between God and his sexuality. He won’t admit it to himself, but he also keeps a torch burning for his childhood friend, Edward, who abandoned him years ago. Edward Stanhope, Duke of Caddonfell, lives a scandalously decadent life in London as a member of the notorious Society of Beasts, bedding whomever he chooses, leaving his older brother to constantly bribe, threaten, or blackmail those involved to save Edward from prison or the noose. Only this time it seems Edward’s latest peccadillo can’t be swept under the carpet, forcing Edward to hide out at his family country estate, just across the forest from Gabriel. But can oil and water ever mix?

I always enjoy a good historical romance and this has a lot of twists and turns as well as the spice of danger. Gabriel was decent, hardworking, and compassionate while Edward was a reprobate character just begging to be rehabilitated. The romance between them crackled with chemistry and sexual tension. The other main characters, Edward’s stony brother, his insolent manservant, Gabriel’s sensible sister, and the endearing urchin Ginger, were also compelling and enjoyable. I’ll look forward to the rest of the series, each showcasing one of the Society of Beasts. 🎧 Cornell Collins is my go-to historical-romance narrator. His voice, accents and pacing suit this type of story so perfectly!

Lots to love about this twisty regency romance!

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