Review: A Must Read Historical Romance Serial Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 23, 2012
*I received this book for review from author. Since The Rake and a Recluse is a serial series, I have read and reviewed parts 1-3 together. Read the full review at: [...]*Review Thoughts on the series:Jenn LeBlanc's photography interspersed throughout the story only enhances the story. Illustrated novels are a very new concept (as far as I know, unique to Jenn LeBlanc), but with both visually stunning photographs and impressive writing Jenn LeBlanc has created a new format for a literary masterpiece.Each installment of this series is uniquely crafted to focus the storyline and engage readers. With the story broken into segments, the reader is able to really learn each of the characters and understand the setting. The reader is transported from the pages of the book into the story.Review for part 2:This segment picks up right where Freedom ends. The Duke is on his way to London, where he meets with his brother, Lord Peregrine Trumbull, the rake. Gideon and Perry discuss their lives and Gideon confesses that he is very drawn to his new "guest." As Gideon spends more time in London, he realizes that his thoughts are never far from Francine and he can't wait to return to her. Meanwhile, Francine is now free to roam the estate and she befriends the new architect, Shaw who is able to speak with her using sign language. The Duke and his brother arrive home in time to learn the truth of who Francine really is, and front then on, everyone's lives are changed.Found is once again an appropriate theme for this segment of the story. Not only is Francine's identity discovered, but both Francine and Gideon realize who they are to each other. They both discover their counterpart, and a new relationship is begun. The pull between the pair is electric, they communicate with every look, touch, and glance. With the new scene added in, the necessity for Gideon to behave in a "proper" manner is made very clear. There is so much to the overall story of the Rake and The Recluse, it is more than a love story of one couple. The Duke and his brother have a strong brotherly relationship and sense of family, they befriend the lower class architect, and Lord Trumbull suddenly has an entirely new set of responsibilities. As Found comes to an end, the stage is set for a new chapter in this saga, and I had to read part 3, Taken, immediately.