To Be or Not to Be... Read #1/Books From the Backlog #146

Each month, I will post up a pair (or more) of books. I would like you to vote on a choice. Yes! You will have the job of telling me what to read from my pile each month. I welcome your vote no matter what reason you choose (frivolous, serious or otherwise) that particular book and do share your reason in the comments just because I’m nosy. I will of course share my thoughts on the book itself in my review post.

This month, I'm combining my TBR vote with my weekly Books from the Backlog post hosted by Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books.

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

I went off historical romance without even realizing, but I love it and, even more relevant, I’ve still been piling them on the TBR pile. So, this month’s genre picks are Historical Romance’s Rakes.

Candidate #1

Ruined by a Rake by Erin Knightley

#1 All’s Fair in Love

Blurb:

It started with a kiss.

When nine-year-old Eleanor Abbington first met her uncle’s new stepson, Nicolas Norton, the boy rudely stole a kiss from her that set the tone for their contentious and competitive relationship. It wasn’t until years later when Nick introduced her to fencing that they finally had a proper outlet for their frequent arguments.

Having just emerged from mourning following her mother’s death, Eleanor is exactly where she wishes to be at the age of four-and-twenty: an on-the-shelf spinster and unofficial companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her ambitious uncle has other plans for her future. On the eve of his house party, he lays down his ultimatum: either Eleanor marries the man of his choosing, or he'll force her seventeen-year-old sister to do so instead.

When Nick unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep after a two year absence, Eleanor is in no mood for their normal banter. Seeming to know exactly what she needs, Nick challenges her to pick up the foil once more. During their pre-dawn matches, he shows her just how strong she can be . . . and exactly how much he’s changed since leaving. But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake.

Candidate #2

The Notorious Rake by Mary Balogh

#3 Waite

Blurb:

The Lady and the Libertine

Lord Edmund Waite was everything that Lady Mary Gregg despised in a man. He was lewd, lascivious, mocking—the most notorious and successful rake in the realm. Happily, Mary had nothing to fear from this lord of libertines. A bluestocking like her could never tempt a man whose taste ran to pretty playthings for his pleasures.

How startled Mary was to find herself the object of Lord Waite's determined desires. But even more surprising was her reaction to his shocking advances. How could she remain a lady with this man who knew so well how to make her feel like a woman?

WHY DID I PICK THESE?

Both have been setting on my shelves for over five years now. I bought The Counterfeit Rake when I was collecting any Mary Balogh's I came across in thrift shops, yard sales, and used books. And, the Erin Knightley was a freebie that I added after enjoying some of her books.

So, leave a vote for whichever takes your fancy in your comment. And, may the best rake win!