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Farthingale #3

Rules for Reforming a Rake

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Daisy Farthingale protected her sister by taking blame for a scandalous incident that occurred during her sister’s debut season and now embarks upon her own entrance into society with a slight tarnish to her reputation. No one trusts her judgment when it comes to men, but Daisy is determined to redeem herself in the eyes of her beloved family by marrying the most honorable man she can find... unfortunately, she finds herself falling in love with London’s most notorious rakehell, Lord Gabriel Dayne, a disreputable wastrel who may be spying for the French! What’s a girl to do? Fortunately, Daisy has gotten her hands on Lady Forsythia Haversham’s Rules for Reforming a Rake.

Gabriel Dayne, younger son of the Earl of Trent, has spent the war years cultivating his image as a knave and drunken rakehell to hide his true occupation as a spy against Napoleon’s forces. His missions on the Continent have taken a harrowing physical toll as well as an emotional one. Sent home to recover from gunshot wounds acquired in a skirmish (though most of London Society believes he was shot by a jealous husband), he’s determined to enjoy the wastrel reputation he’s taken great pains to develop, for he soon expects to be recalled to battle. But the dangers he encountered in Napoleon’s war pale in comparison to the danger he faces from Daisy Farthingale, the beautiful slip of a girl who creates havoc with his heart from the moment he sets eyes upon her.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2015

About the author

Meara Platt

106 books815 followers
Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

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5 stars
537 (52%)
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328 (32%)
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120 (11%)
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21 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,868 reviews106 followers
November 21, 2015
This was a good read which was fun to read. I really liked the characters but I would have appreciated if his family troubles would have been resolved at the end. This left me a bit lost as his feelings about this matter were quite serious.

Daisy was delightful although a bit fluffy sometimes

Nevertheless I enjoyed reading it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
985 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2023
Wonderful story of Daisy Farthingale, yes a member of the infamous Farthingale family and Lord Gabriel Dayne, rake of the first order. Daisy has been trying to get her family's trust back after "the Incident" and falling for Gabriel is the worst idea for that to happen. Loved these two together, the family dynamics and the intrigue. Highly recommend.
228 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2018
I love the Farthingales!

Daisy’s story is as full of the Farthingale escapades as the previous two books of the series! I highly recommend his series for its witty and enchanting and charming characters. Love them all!
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,515 reviews141 followers
November 17, 2018
I do loved this book, probably my favorite of the three I have already read, even if I do not follow the series order but the stories of the 5 sisters from the eldest to the youngest.
Daisy is the middle one, she was presented as the perfect caring one in Rose and Laurel stories, but she is resented by her family because of an event occurring during Laurel’s romance, I do not really understand why the facts were not cleared, whatever, it is what drove her to the present situation.
While the first books had their smiling moments, I laughed a lot with this one during the first part, when Daisy and Gabriel were playing cats and dogs. The gherkins and cucumbers discussion was hilarious. And the citations at each chapter opening were delicious antithesis of the same chapter contents.
Then the more the story is carried out, the more the plot is thickening.
Gabriel sacrificed a lot to become the perfect spy, he is known as rakehell or rogue, gambling, drinking and whoring while he works to confond traitors. For this, he turned his back to his family, having to hurt their pride to do his duties to the crown. Until he meets Daisy, she with her caring way and ability to see beyond the facade, turned his life upside-down. Let him to want to run away and turn back at the same time. She is his Achilles’ heel. Near her, he is helpless.
I’m not a great fan of women unable to articulate two words or to string together two ideas when around handsome men, as it is the norm in many romance and much more in historicals, hopefully Daisy didn’t stay too long an empty brain, and she was even able to stand her ground.
I was a little disappointed by the harshness of Daisy’s parents, breaking all their rules of love and care because of one mistake she was blamed for.
Now I’m curious to see what awaits the twins.
Profile Image for ✩ Yaz ✩.
582 reviews3,011 followers
June 10, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Farthingales are a charming ton! I mean mostly the girls and the children!

This is another book I thoroughly enjoyed. The slow-burn romance was heart-fluttering and the characters were fantastic.

Gabriel is another bachelor who fell victim to the Chipping Way curse. And this time, to his luck, his stars aligned with Daisy Farthingale.

Daisy Farthingale has always kept her head in the clouds yet her charm and pure heart were effective at melting down the adamant walls Gabriel built around himself. Despite his rakish reputation, only Daisy was able to see right through his false persona.

How peculiar it is when two polar opposites, end up being the most appealing couple whom are head over heels for each other.
Profile Image for MooseGirl.
792 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2020
In spite of several issues, I have been enjoying these books. However, one thing is driving me absolutely insane. What's with the book order? I like to read books in order, and I've been reading these in the order stated. Sadly, the books are written in random order! This is Daisy's story... and in a previous book she was already married and had a child! The series is constantly jumping back and forward, so people are oddly married and not married on a fairly random basis. Also, why haven't the children's ages changed during this jumping back and forward several years?

Please, please, please, renumber the books in this series so they make sense!
Profile Image for Kam.
117 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2018
The story was fun and this was an engaging read. I think I’ll move on to reading book number 2 (as the series is written backwards in terms of the age and relationships of the Farthingale sisters).

Not sure if it was just my mood, but I wasn’t that keen on the characters of Daisy and Gabriel and some of the extended family. The constant use of certain words also started to grate after a while e.g “muggins”
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,836 reviews46 followers
September 20, 2016
FINAL DECISION: I found this book so interesting because it was a different take on a plot that I have read before.  The characters were so likeable that I was completely satisfied to sink into their world and see how their difficulties would be resolved.

THE STORY:  Daisy Farthingale is determined to find the perfect suitor in order to regain her family's regard.  Daisy voluntarily took the blame for an attempted elopement (but it wasn't her).  Her family no longer trusts her opinions regarding men.  Daisy's determination is challenged when she meets Lord Gabriel Dayne, rake and wastrel extraordinaire.  Despite her best intentions, Daisy finds herself attracted to Gabriel and she just senses that he is a better man than his reputation suggests.  Gabriel is indeed a better man but purposely cultivates a terrible reputation in order to disguise his missions as a spy against the French.  Gabriel cannot risk getting close to Daisy even as he finds her irresistible.  Gabriel must stay away from Daisy for both their sake.

OPINION:  What strikes me most about Platt's Farthingale series is how likeable the characters are.  In every book, the characters seem like they would be people that I would enjoy meeting.  I also enjoy how each Farthingale sister is so different from the others.

In this book Daisy is the middle sister who wants to make things better.  She even took the blame for her older sister's attempted elopement.  That act by Daisy has placed her in a difficult position in her family.  Although completely innocent, she is distrusted by her family.

In fact, Daisy and Gabriel are both seem incorrectly by their family.  Both have taken on actions not their own in order to protect.  Daisy to protect her sister; Gabriel to protect his country and those he loves.  It is therefore unsurprising that each recognizes something in the other and sees something beyond reputation.  This equivalency is done with deft care and a great deal of subtlety.

The romance is so sweet and I especially enjoyed how Gabriel is given reason to hope for a future by Daisy.  He is a damages soul that is healed by the gentleness and vivacity of Daisy.  I liked Gabriel a great deal and I loved that Daisy does not give up on Gabriel despite all indications.  She wants true love and when she finds it, she becomes determined.

This is not my favorite in the series, but it is really good and I look forward to going back in time and reading about Daisy's older sister.  (We should also learn about the attempted elopement which gets Daisy in so much trouble).

WORTH MENTIONING:  I find the fact that this book is a prequel to the other two books in the series fascinating.  The remainder of the sisters' stories will be told in reverse order.  What I like best about it is how rather than knowing about the past and having to wonder about what happens to the characters in the future, the future instead is already known and the past has many secrets.  This is a different way of building a series and I find it intellectually interesting what techniques Platt is using.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  RULES FOR REFORMING A RAKE is the third book in the Farthingale series.  The book is actually a prequel to the first two books and thus can be read as a true standalone.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
175 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2015
After three books, I've finally figured out why I don't give Meara Platt's book higher ratings. Its in her characters. Though the stories are good, the author has a knack for writing characters who I SHOULD like, but don't.

For instance, their mother Sophie. In all the books, she's supposedly loving, lets them be their own, takes in and cares for all Farthingale relations, has a loving relationship with her husband... etc etc... We should love her BUT she was quick to believe the worst of her daughters and judges and criticizes them, seems to care more for other family relations other than her own and blames her own daughters when something goes wrong for caring for said relations own children. She was a truly condescending character IMO.

Then there's Aunt Julia. The widow of their deceased uncle who died in war. She's left with a son to raise but is supposedly too wrapped up in her grief to do it. Oh how I wish the author would have stuck with making her a bit more sympathetic. Instead she selfishly pawns her son and his troubles to daisy or whoever is in charge of him. Her son is crying out for his father, running out of houses and climbing trees to get to heaven to see him and Mrs. Platt wants us to believe that Julia is so wrapped in grief to deal with it so she blames others. Well where is this grief when she's out shopping, making house calls, trying to find a new husband. I really could have done without her character in this book or at the very least, a NOT so happily ever after for her!

Then there's the Daisy herself. So guilt ridden of the incident (which took forever and day to be revealed) yet keep running into dark areas with gentleman. She's brave enough to d everything under the sun and moonlight but not brave enough to speak up for herself. Ugggh!! The frustration!

And last but not least!!! All Ms. Platt heroes have the same MO. Maybe not back stories but they all are so dense and everything is so drawn up and melodramatic.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bev Ross.
1,004 reviews13 followers
May 29, 2015
Daisy does it!

Omg! Each book gets better and better! I love the Farthingales all of them! I really like Uncle George! It seems like he stays calm cool and collected! And he loves his nieces and doesn't rat them out! And Gabriel was a hoot! Ian tried to warn him and he thought it was ridiculous! Until he met Daisy! And what a meeting! I really liked how honest Daisy was with Gabriel he never had a chance! I'm going to go back and re-read lilys story and Dillys until the next one comes out that's how good this series is!! Meara Platt is one awesome author! I can't wait for the next one!! And I don't care if she does them backwards you have to write what speaks to you! I get it ! Brilliant!I can't recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Cynthia Prosser.
101 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2018
I found I was conflicted on whether I liked this book or not. Overall it was an engaging story, with likeable and real characters, and a bit of mystery/intrigue to give the story spice. However, I found there to be too much time spent on longings and feelings regarding the other of the pair. As with any romance there will be digressions into longings and feelings but to wade through pages and pages of it gets tedious - to the point that if I had not promised a review I would have abandoned the book. That being said there was the bit of mystery/intrigue with a dash of history that was the frame of the story. Those parts moved right along and gave the characters depth and showed them to be interesting people. The author writes well and has an enjoyable style.
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author 165 books405 followers
November 19, 2015
Daisy and Gabriel stole my heart from the very beginning and have not giving it back. I loved every page turning moment of their story and cannot wait for the next Farthingale book. The plot was entertaining and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed the witty banter and the secondary characters were wonderful too. I highly recommend this book!
1,378 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2020
I purchased this as part of a multi author bundle called SCANDALOUS SCOUNDRELS.

I loved the enjoyment this story brought me. If you are a stickler for true Regency feel, you may be disappointed, but I wasn't. I needed a story that made me laugh, warmed my heart and where the character's came to life and this was perfect for what our world is facing today. I wanted escape and this story gave it to me and more, hence the 5 star rating.

Our H is acting the part of a major Rake and his family is so disappointed in him, but he is really a spy. The h has taken the fall for another sister and is seeking the approval of her family, who is in the dark. I didn't feel the h was a doormat, just someone trying to keep a secret and turn her family around. She is too caring, very loyal and is the first one to help. They made the perfect couple.

There is lovemaking, within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 and some liberties prior to marriage. The h is in love with the H but he is trying to keep her safe and attempts to distance himself from her but their paths always cross. Romance and HEA are slow in happening, but the journey was well worth it.

I loved the banter in this story. The stories are mainly written backwards - this being story 3 and the h's twin sisters are 15 in this one. I really enjoyed them and purchased their stories which is books 1 and 2 - confusing I know. Since there are cross over character's as in most series, still is a stand alone.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, interesting secondary character's, romance and a tad of spice. I wanted to know what happened to the villains in this story, maybe I'll find out in the next book. (ljb)
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews220 followers
June 30, 2018
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

This book started out hilarious–I was on a flight and literally started laughing out loud, because of course the comedic timing is spot on. It should be harmless, a nice rake walks down the street–but its not just any street, its the street where the Farthingale sisters live–which basically mean it’s a death trap or so it’s been called, a marriage trap.

Obsessed. I loved Daisy’s book even more than Laurel’s, probably because I really appreciated the love story between Gabriel and Daisy and how they tried to avoid one another while at the same time not realizing that the ENTIRE time they were together they were basically courting.

Gabriel is a bit of an anti hero, the type of male you cheer for because he’s so dang humble and willing to accept the dirt from society without taking any of the splendor or awards actually due him. I LOVED him and I loved how Daisy saw through all of that, she figured him out, saw too much, which of course made him want to push her away but as they start to get closer to one another they realize that Daisy’s past may be coming back to haunt them–which is a very bad thing since Gabriel isn’t really some degenerate rake–but a war hero hell bent on saving every innocent bystander he can.

Gabriel couldn’t have been written better and Daisy was brave–which I love in a female heroine. I loved this story, every juicy part.
Profile Image for Lori.
515 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2020
What a Ride!

Oh these Farthingales! Meara Platt takes you on a thrill ride with the Rules for Reforming a Rake, book 3 of the Farthingale series. Daisy Farthingale is the middle sister, and the peacekeeper in the family, but from the first page, when she meets Gabriel Dayne, she turns everything upside down. Instead of being the good girl and doing as she’s expected in this her debut season, she seems to be breaking the rules and making bad choices. Gabriel’s reputation is that of the dissolute rake with no intention of marriage, but then he walked down Chipping Way and met Daisy. Daisy is the only one to see the real Gabriel and he’s begin to wish for things that he can’t have. I love Platt’s characterizations, not only the her and heroine, but also the secondary characters in the story, the many Farthingale family members, and Lady Eloise Dayne. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,515 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2018
I love this series - I haven't had so much fun reading as I have had in reading the first 3 in the series & can't wait to start #4! Daisy Farthingale & Gabriel Dayne are the perfect couple & Meara has such a way of making you absolutely love her book characters; whether main or secondary. I love all the sisters & Uncle George is so funny, kind & loving. I won't rewrite the story as it has been done many times in prior reviews but suffice it to say this is a wonderful series & the books can be read as stand alone & they are written in reverse order but Meara writes as her characters call to her. I highly recommend this book or the whole series to everyone for a laugh out load time with some tears, romance, spice & HEA's.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,515 reviews18 followers
January 8, 2020
I love this series - I haven't had so much fun reading as I have had in reading the first 3 in the series & can't wait to start #4! Daisy Farthingale & Gabriel Dayne are the perfect couple & Meara has such a way of making you absolutely love her book characters; whether main or secondary. I love all the sisters & Uncle George is so funny, kind & loving. I won't rewrite the story as it has been done many times in prior reviews but suffice it to say this is a wonderful series & the books can be read as stand alone & they are written in reverse order but Meara writes as her characters call to her. I highly recommend this book or the whole series to everyone for a laugh out load time with some tears, romance, spice & HEA's.
Profile Image for AZsenorita.
233 reviews
September 29, 2022
Gabriel & Daisy

I’m really enjoying this series about the Farthingale sisters. They are all bright stars in their own right. This story is one of espionage secrets and and romance despite both H & h not admitting it. It’s steamy 🔥 with one instance of passion including a few magical kisses. There’s a villain of course in a treasonous suitor and family. But the h is very clever and begins to unravel the truth about H and never falters in her faith in him. They both fall madly in love and after a few harrowing occurrences they get their HEA. I liked that there weren’t any dark issues other than the fear of being caught by the enemy which was lighthearted. The characters were lovely. I would recommend.
Profile Image for Anissa.
270 reviews
June 22, 2017
Heartwarming thrilling tale

Meara Platt weaves a funny heartwarming tale of true love! Her characters are so full of life and personality. She has a way of making you fall in love with not only the main characters but all the side characters as well!
Daisy falls for Gabriel despite his horrible reputation. She see beneath the act and knows he is a brave loving man. Gabriel does all he can to stay away from her but fails miserably. When Daisy is in trouble he comes to her rescue! The rest of the family are back including those feisty twins. This is a series you don't want to miss!
92 reviews
April 26, 2023
Rules for Reforming a Rake (The Farthingale Series Book 3) Meara Platt

The characters were well developed, Gabriel trying to not make a commitment to Daisy. To keep her at arms length, to protect her. Daisy wanting to believe the best of him, and trying to convince her family and his, he was a good person. Why can't he love her as much as she'd loves him, and tell her, he loves her. Danger threatening them more than one, bust they must persevere. The Far thing sales are a overwhelming family, not always agreeing on actions of the daughters. Amazing love concurs all problems most of the time. I enjoyed this book, A must read.

Profile Image for Elaine.
3,647 reviews90 followers
July 10, 2019
Meara Platt is a new discovery for me, having only read three books in this series so far (although I have just purchased another five books). She is becoming a favourite author.
I was delightfully surprised by this story - I enjoyed it so much.

There is just one thing that I don't understand though. I think you need to read this series backwards, as in #6, 5, 4, etc. Otherwise, the stories do not run properly, although having read #3, I think I'll just "go with the flow" now. Just got to get your head around it!
5☆
Profile Image for Maddy.
788 reviews
March 9, 2018
I read the author's notes on why the order of books is backwards, but I still dislike all those spoilers and time jumps. I just couldn't enjoy them. Obviously not my thing. I understand that some drama was necessary to thicken the plot and so on.. But this is my least favorite book in the series so far.

Cover - 5
Plot - 2
Hero- 4
Heroine - 3
Avoiding cliche - 2
Romance - 3
Fluency - 2
Ending - 3
-------------
Overall - 3
248 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2020
Loved the characters and the story

This book was one of my all time favorites. I fell in love with this hero and heroine and their story. I am always so happy to read about reoccurring characters. It has intrigue, humor, lots of romance with some steam. To make this short but sweet, it is a winner.I am reading and loving everyone of this author’s books. I find best to read this and her other series in order, but not absolutely necessary
426 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2022
Chronologically the third book in the series.

I liked this one, it was a quick cute read.

My biggest complaint was the lack of relevance of the villain. They are barely in the story and their motivations were never explored.

The heroine's family was the biggest antagonist and I wished the author had included a scene of them realizing how badly they had been treating her. It would have been cathartic.
194 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2023
Reaction

I loved this story. Daisy meets disreputable Gabriel Dayne after he saves her young cousin. They both try to resist each other, he because of his work for the Crown and she is trying to reform her image with her family. Each encounter finds them more drawn to each other against their good sense. It isn't until his work catches up to them, he has to do the honorable thing which is what they both want. An enjoyable story of one of five sisters.
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,421 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2017
Rake

I really enjoyed this book. This is a good series. Lilly's story is my favorite. Daisy and Gabriel are a perfect match. She is sweet, kind hearted and a take charge kind of person who is very loyal. Everyone thinks Gabriel is a waste, but Daisy sees through his cover. I enjoyed their exciting adventure. On to the next book. ☺ 👏
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,421 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2019
Love

I adore the Farthingales. Meara Platt has done an outstanding job on the characters. Daisy was as headstrong as the other Farthingale women. Gabriel was loving, kind, and rake that needed to meet his match. It's a little weird that the series goes in reverse order, but still spectacular. Definitely ready to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,689 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2021
Rules for Reforming a Rake (The Earth in-game Series Book 3)

The love story of Daisy and Gabriel. Gabriel is known as a rake and his family wants him to change. But if they know what he is doing they would be very worried. Then he meets Daisy and his world is turn upside down. Can a spy love?
Profile Image for Jazzysmum.
644 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed the third offering in this series.
There was great chemistry between Daisy the family peacemaker and Gabriel the supposed rake.
Lots of action which made the story gallop along.
Daisy was poorly treated by her family, especially the mother and the rather selfish Julia.

However a good addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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