Murmur of Rain is a Gothic-tinged historical romance set in France and Haiti in the 1890s by Patricia Vaughn. Lauren Dufort is the daughter of a descendent of enslaved people in French Guiana and a white Frenchman. Her parents were deeply in love, but their marriage estranged them from society, so when Lauren is orphaned as a teen, she is raised by her paternal aunt, Claude, who runs a gentleman’s club, knowing that her mixed-race identity may keep her from ever making a love match in 19th century France. But when handsome Haitian Roget de Martier arrives at Claude’s club, Lauren is immediately smitten and he seems to reciprocate interests. There are hints of secrets about his past and family in Haiti, but when the rich gentleman proposes marriage instead of a mistress arrangement, Lauren’s head and heart both feel like this is her best chance at happiness.Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBluesky: @reformedrakesBeth’s SubstackChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
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1:11:04
The Moon in the Palace
The Rakes discuss The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randall. In response to the question what inspires or interests Dai Randall about a time period, she said: “To me, the period of time is not as important as the historical figure or the event itself.” This focus is evident in her the book that imagines the early years of Empress Wu. Known as Mei, she enters the palace as a teenager in 639 and becomes a concubine to Emperor Taizong. She falls in love with one of his son’s Li Zhi. As their lives are dictated by the emperor, they hide their relationship. Join our discussion about how we should characterize historical figures, how we define romance, political violence, and happy endings. Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBluesky: @reformedrakesBeth’s SubstackChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
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1:18:15
Rants and Raves
Previously released as a bonus episode on Patreon, Emma and Beth discuss the books they loved and hated from 2024:RavesThe Hidden Moon by Jeannie LinOne Burning Heart by Elizabeth KingstonThe Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh (related article by Emma “why now? why this duke?”)A Splendid Defiance by Stella RileyFast Women by Jennifer CrusieMedievals series by Madeline HunterRantsReading the Romance by Janice Radway (Longer rant by Beth “Is this 1984 romance scholarship the root of all the arguments I hate?”)Don’t Forget to Smile by Kathleen Gilles SeidelThe Earl Takes All by Lorraine HeathSeducing Mr. Knightly by Maya RodaleSupport us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBeth’s SubstackChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
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Notorious Pleasures
Notorious Pleasures is the second book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. Elizabeth Hoyt came onto the historical romance scene with her 2006 debut The Raven Prince. She writes strong characters who have opposing ideological centers to generate conflict. Lady Hero, the daughter of a duke, is set to marry Lord Mandeville, Thomas, in an advantageous society marriage. They will consolidate lands and interests and Hero can strengthen his parliamentary position . Her desire to marry Thomas comes about mostly so she can appease her brother, the one who arranged the match. Yet, it’s Thomas’ brother, Griffin, that catches Hero’s eye. The feeling is reciprocated and made all the more complicated by the gossip that Griffin seduced Thomas’ first wife.Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBeth’s TikTokChels’ TikTokEmma’s TikTokChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
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1:10:59
The Phoenix Bride
The Phoenix Bride is set in 1666 and Cecilia Thorowgood and David Mendes have both recently lost their great loves to the plague. David has thrown himself into his work as a doctor, taking on more clients outside his small Jewish community and Cecilia has fallen into a depression, staying at her sister’s London house and refusing to see company. Her sister employs David as a last resort, considering his medicine practice close to paganism. David seeks to heal Cecilia’s emotions as much as her health and they fall into a tenuous friendship that they both know has an expiration date. As Cecilia regains her will and strength, she seeks further connection with David, despite her sister’s restrictions on her movement in London and David’s religious identity. David is dealing with the loss of his best friend, Manuel, and unspoken romantic feelings he harbored for the man, as well as pressure to marry within the small community of Jewish Portuguese immigrants in London. Siegel writes an incredibly romantic love story the definitionally is a romance novel, but with an unconventional happily-ever-after.Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBeth’s TikTokChels’ TikTokEmma’s TikTokChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
Reformed Rakes is a historical romance novel podcast steeped in dissipation. Hosted by Beth, Emma, and Chels, this podcast is perfect for every pirate, second son, bluestocking, and viking who wants to hear more about the kissing books we love. We update every other Tuesday.
Ireland