A Rake of His Own by AJ Lancaster

A Rake of His Own

Fae prince meets reluctant gardener in a witty, steamy romance

Written byAJ Lancaster
Narrated byNicholas Boulton
Length13h52m
Release dateMarch 28, 2023
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.7 (4 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorAJ Lancaster
NarratorNicholas Boulton
Runtime13h52m
PublishedMarch 28, 2023
Rating★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 (4 ratings)
CategoriesLGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Gaslamp
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

A.J. Lancaster’s *A Rake of His Own* is a masterclass in blending sharp banter with genuine emotional stakes, all wrapped in a sci-fi fantasy setting that feels fresh rather than derivative. Marius Valstar, a botanist with zero patience for aristocratic nonsense, gets tangled up with the infuriatingly charming Prince Vale when a dead body and a magical mess collide in his greenhouse. Lancaster’s worldbuilding is deft—think *Pride and Prejudice* meets *The Magicians*, with a dash of *Greenhouse Gardening Monthly* asides that somehow make the alien flora feel tangible. The romance crackles with slow-burn tension, and the fae court politics are juicy enough to make even the most jaded listener’s ears perk up.

Narrator Nicholas Boulton is the secret weapon here, nailing the contrasts between Marius’ gruff pragmatism and Vale’s effortless, aristocratic insouciance. Boulton’s pacing keeps the dialogue snappy and the romance simmering, though he occasionally slips into a monotone during the book’s more action-heavy sequences. Still, his ability to shift between characters’ voices—especially the fae royal’s smarmy charm versus Marius’ grumbled one-liners—elevates the listening experience from good to great. If you’ve ever wanted a prince who’s equal parts insufferable and irresistible, this is your book.

Tags: m/m romance fantasy audiobookslow burn fae romanceenemies to lovers sci-fiNicholas Boulton narrationmagical greenhouse setting

Why Listen to A Rake of His Own?

  • Expert narration by Nicholas Boulton brings every character and scene to life across 13h52m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.7 stars by 4 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Nicholas Boulton’s narration carries this audiobook with a mix of elegance and grit that perfectly suits Lancaster’s world. His voice for Prince Vale is deliciously haughty yet vulnerable in the right moments, making the fae prince’s redemption arc feel earned rather than forced. But where he truly shines is in Marius’ gruff, no-nonsense delivery—every muttered curse or dry remark lands with the perfect mix of irritation and reluctant fondness. The pacing is tight, though I found myself wishing Boulton leaned harder into the humor during the greenhouse scenes; the deadpan works, but a little more warmth early on could’ve made the emotional beats hit even harder. The story itself is a delight—Lancaster crafts a romance that’s equal parts enemies-to-lovers and fish-out-of-water, with Marius’ botanical expertise providing a grounding contrast to the fae court’s intrigue. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, even if Vale’s initial arrogance grated on me more than it should’ve. My biggest critique? The supporting cast feels underdeveloped, leaving some subplots (like the political maneuvering) feeling rushed. Still, by the final act, I was fully invested in Marius and Vale’s messy, magical future. This is a romance for readers who love their love stories spicy and their worldbuilding immersive, but it’s Boulton’s performance that turns it from great to unforgettable.

Download: A Rake of His Own

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A Rake of His Own by AJ Lancaster is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Nicholas Boulton with a runtime of 13h52m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.