How to Ravish a Rake (How To Series #3)

Apr 01, 2012 thuy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 52-books-in-52-weeks-2012, e-arc, netgalley, historical, romance, review-written

How To Ravish A Rake is the third book in Dreiling’s How To series. I haven’t read the other books in the series so I didn’t have any expectations going into this. While I enjoyed Dreiling’s writing, I didn’t like this book as much as I was hoping. The pacing for the first half of the book felt really slow. I almost gave up at one point but kept going and the story finally picked up. I also got a bit tired of Amy’s inner monologue. She kept worrying about the same things over and over again.

Wil...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Kati rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicals, 2012-reads, arc, favorite-books, books-i-own, 2012-reviews, books-with-reviews, own-on-kindle, regency-rockstar-author

***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***

*ahem* Kati has done another limerick that might make you cringe because it's as awful as Charles Osgood's poetry (see: How To Seduce A Scoundrel)

There once was a rake named Will
Who rang up a large gambling bill
An heiress he must claim
To pay for his game
But in the end their secrets they must spill

Kati: Ah! So we finally get Will and Amy’s story. Totally NOT disappointed. But then again, Aunt Hester stole the show along with g...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction, historical-romance

Vicky is truly a very gifted and talented writer of Historical Romance! Amy Hardwick is a character we can all admire as she breaks away from her shyness and leaves the wall flower behind. As she begins to enjoy the success of her fashion designing dreams, Amy's path crosses with that of Will "The Devil" Darcett and nothing will ever be the same again. Witty, sassy, and captivating to the very end! And although this is the third book in Vicki's "How To" Series, each book can easily be read apart...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Niina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge, absolute-favorites, absolutely-beautiful, fun-and-witty, hot, romantic-and-great, historical-romance-love

Amy Hardwick knows all too well the reputation of William Darcett, also not quite so affectionately called "The Devil", and she's steering clear away from the handsome rake. She's on her last Season and decides to make this one to deviate from the earlier Wallflower years. And she succeeds becoming the fashion darling of the ton with her beautifully designed gowns.

Will is cut off from his heritage and cannot no longer travel abroad away from his meddling family. To cook up a scheme to get out of...more Amy Hardwick knows all too well the reputation of William Darcett, also not quite so affectionately called "The Devil", and she's steering clear away from the handsome rake. She's on her last Season and decides to make this one to deviate from the earlier Wallflower years. And she succeeds becoming the fashion darling of the ton with her beautifully designed gowns.

Will is cut off from his heritage and cannot no longer travel abroad away from his meddling family. To cook up a scheme to get out of the mess he's gotten himself into he and his scoundrel friends think seducing Ms. Hardwick an heiress to 50 000£ upon marriage might just do the trick. But who knew he might have actually have few decent bones in him after all.

Seduction, schemes, courting and betrayal make this novel a must read!

I have found my new favorite Historical Romance author! Vicki Dreiling writes a fun, lively set of characters in an era that could leave a modern girl cold, Amy and Will battle their wits and wills against each other in a game of seduction, betrayal and love in 1818, and it's addictively readable! I have to say I'm picking up the two in the series before this!

Even though How to Ravish A Rake was the third in the series that I haven't previously read, it was a brilliant stand alone, even the previous characters weren't too serial, they felt like genuine supportive cast - but I imagine the people who have read the novel one and two it's wonderful to see them again... because I do wait to see Amy and Will in the next novel!

The plot was excellent, it was filled with little subplots and with lots of witty lines and dialogue, charming manners and seduction. For a Historical Romance this was very fast pace and active, and I liked it a lot, not too many chats over tea for me, I need the action! And How To Ravish A Rake had it!

Both Amy and Will were lovable, even though thoroughly handsome Will was questionable there for a while, he seriously was a rake and had very little care for anyone else's feelings, but then doing the right thing suddenly changed him in my eyes and even though he didn't reform then and there he become lovable instead of just interesting. And Amy, I was so rooting for her and her little business with the dress maker!

I wish I could tell you about all the things I loved, but that would giveaway too much and I want you to live this through with Amy and Will, but there are tons and you won't be disappointed! The seduction, schemes, courting and betrayal make this novel a must read for all Historical romance lovers!(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE by Vicky Dreiling is an exciting historical romance set in 1818 London. Book three in the “Courtship Capers”,see “How to Marry a Duke”,and “How to Seduce a Scoundrel”. “How to Ravish a Rake” is the story of Amy Hardwick,a wallflower who is friends with characters from the other two books,has dreams of making a love match,intelligent,lonely and the last person Will “The Devil” Darcett would want to marry. But he needs a profitable marriage and Amy is a heiress after all. His...more

like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Christopher rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review was originally posted on The Historical Romance Critic.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I have a theory about Vicky Dreiling - it seems to me that she very intentionally sets out to keep her books a step removed from typical regency romances. I doubt I'll ever forget the first book I read by her, How to Marry a Duke. Not only do I recall absolutely loving the storyline, but the plot involving a matchmaking spinster was quite different (in a very good way) from most historicals I had read. Now, with...more This review was originally posted on The Historical Romance Critic.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I have a theory about Vicky Dreiling - it seems to me that she very intentionally sets out to keep her books a step removed from typical regency romances. I doubt I'll ever forget the first book I read by her, How to Marry a Duke. Not only do I recall absolutely loving the storyline, but the plot involving a matchmaking spinster was quite different (in a very good way) from most historicals I had read. Now, with her latest novel - How to Ravish a Rake - she attempts to take the oft used marriage of convenience between a rake with a secretly good heart and a wallflower who strives to be more to a whole new level. And, for the most part, she succeeds. Dreiling creates very human protagonists, an engaging storyline with unique elements, a believable HEA... and she does all of that while avoiding common pitfalls of the genre. She also includes some great comedy from time to time. The half star deduction comes in because, while she does manage to bypass the aforementioned pitfalls, she does so at the cost of making substitutions that were slightly lacking in their own way.

One of the things I really loved about How to Ravish a Rake was how Dreiling wrote the characters. Although the heroine has a shy personality, she cannot be defined merely as a retiring wallflower. She is twenty-two year old woman who tries to seize her last season to become more confident and outgoing, and not settle for a country vicar who feels they would be "comfortable together". Plus, she takes pride in her burgeoning skill of what amounts to fashion design. The reader gets invested in her thoughts and emotions as she tries to deal with society and then later with her unexpected marriage. The hero, admittedly, should be somewhat familiar to readers. He's a twenty-six year old charming rake who is a wastrel, had a hard childhood, and does have a conscience, only it's buried deep. Dreiling still manages to add a little extra humanity to his character, though, as a man who loves his extended family but feels very smothered by them.

The story itself stays fairly true to the description. The hero and heroine start out with a slightly antagonistic relationship, merely in the sense that the heroine is smart enough not to fall for the hero's charms. He does try to seduce the heroine early on in the story, since she's somewhat of a heiress and the money would make his life much easier, but is more or less relieved when she rebuffs his attempt (his conscience pricks at him). Later, they accidentally get locked in a cellar overnight; a the marriage of convenience results not long after. One interesting facet of How to Ravish a Rake is that the novel forced me to recognize how a wallflower and rake would realistically feel in that situation. The heroine, true to her character, is worried about how things will turn out. It's not just the physical intimacy she's scared about, she understands her life is undergoing an unexpected major change and has to figure out how she wants to handle her new responsibility (ie. being married). As a result - even though she is physically attracted to the hero - she doesn't immediately jump in bed with him. She knows that the only chance of making the relationship work is if deeper feelings can be developed between them before the lust burns out. Therefore, she convinces the hero to court her for several weeks without consummating the relationship. The hero, meanwhile, tries to be fairly courteous to the heroine but isn't sure how much he will really be able to reform his rakish ways. His confusion on the situation is probably compounded by the fact that he really wants to bed his wife. So they spend quite a bit of time with each other, have meaningful talks, cause each other to laugh from time to time, have increasingly intimate moments, and - naturally - fall in love.

Which brings me to the romance conflicts. Marriage complications arise from time to time (as would have to happen with a developing relationship), which need to be handled. Dreiling also sets up two major secrets quite clearly (the failed seduction and then also that the heroine is slightly involved with trade). Neither of these elements, however, get handled in a typical fashion. Instead of constant frustrations between the hero and heroine, they actually sit down and talk through the smaller things (quite frequently, actually). Likewise, when the big reveal occurs at the end the heroine stops herself from running off and hiding. Instead, she waits and confronts her husband. At the same time, though, these alternative resolutions have a downside. For one thing, I felt the dialogue during their "talks" felt a bit stilted and forced. It also took some of the steam out of the final resolution - because there was nothing misunderstood at that point, all the characters could do was decide to move past their hurt feelings and continue to love each other. Which is actually probably closer to what would happen in real life, but nonetheless didn't come out as satisfying as more conventional endings.

All-in-all, Vicky Dreiling's How to Ravish a Rake is a worthwhile read. It may not have topped my admiration of How to Marry a Duke, but it holds it own as a well-written book with some uniquely impressive elements.

Buy it on Amazon (less)

like · see review

Apr 07, 2012 Vanessa Booke rated it 4 of 5 stars

How to Ravish a Rake is the third book in the ‘how to series’ and although I haven’t read the previous two books How To Ravish a Rake was a wonderful stand-alone romance filled with humor, romance and fashion. This is the first book by Vicky Dreiling that I’ve read and I really enjoyed her ability to build the anticipation throughout the story. I loved Amy she was shy and overall a loveable character and she made a great fit with Will Darcett. Although the story concept was similar to many histo...more

like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” - Dr. Seuss

HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE is a delightful romp into the heart of a wallflower. From Page One, Amy Hardwick grabs the reader’s attention, if not sympathy, as she breaks out her shyness. She gains confidence as her fashion designs win over the ton. As she enjoys her success, she attempts to stays clear of Will “The Devil” Darcett. Amy’s efforts are in vain as fate keeps throwing the unlik...more

like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Jan Crow rated it 5 of 5 stars

Vicky Dreiling has done it again. She’s provided the reader with a five star night of entertainment with friends.
Amy Hardwick has gone to London to spend the season with her friend, Georgette, who she suspects will marry her beau, Beaufort this season. Amy has grown from the shy wallflower that we met in How To Marry a Duke, to a young lady dancing at the balls and showing off fashionable gowns that she, herself designed.
However, it is at one of these balls that she finds herself locked in a...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenges, blog-tour, historical-romance, netgalley

We first met Miss Amy Hardwick in How To Marry a Duke, when the shy wallflower was chosen to compete in the courting challenge to marry the Duke of Shelbourne. As we catch up with Amy, she's now entering her last season and she's determined to shed her wallflower status. She doesn't think she'll find herself a husband, but she hopes to use her fashion sketches and dresses as a way to spotlight herself and become something a little more.

Will Darcett is bitter that he's been called home by his fam...more

like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Taryn rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned-books, romance

Amy is trying to throw off her wallflower image. And she wants NOTHING to do with William "the devil" Darcett.
However, Will wants everything to do with her. He finds her fascinating. After they both get 'stuck' in a strange position, they are forced to marry to keep Amy's reputation intact.

SPOILER ALERT: Where the book gets really strange is when they're trying to be in a 'dating' relationship, and then there's a weird subplot where Amy is getting paid for dress designs and then ANOTHER subplot...more

like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 Mary Gramlich rated it 4 of 5 stars

HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE by Vicky Dreiling

Do you feel my love even when we are not together?

Amy Hardwick was reconciling herself to spinsterhood and building a career as a fashion designer. This was happening in a time when women were expected to be married not career minded, yet Amy knew she should have some income just in case. That just in case turned out to be the man she is now married to Mr. William Darcett.

Will is an infamous rake that started out with the intent of using Amy and her money to...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 12, 2012 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

How to Ravish a Rake was an excellent read. It was hot, engaging, and brilliant. It helps that I have a inclination for romances about a married couple falling in love. This one is definitely a worthy addition to the list of greats in that area.

For one, Amy is very admirable yet still seems real. She has her flaws but she does her best to overcome them. I love how she set out to reinvent herself and managed to very successfully. And after she and Will are forced into a marriage to avoid scandal,...more How to Ravish a Rake was an excellent read. It was hot, engaging, and brilliant. It helps that I have a inclination for romances about a married couple falling in love. This one is definitely a worthy addition to the list of greats in that area.

For one, Amy is very admirable yet still seems real. She has her flaws but she does her best to overcome them. I love how she set out to reinvent herself and managed to very successfully. And after she and Will are forced into a marriage to avoid scandal, she doesn't back down and do what society expects her to do (live a separate life from Will after popping out an heir). And she doesn't back down from Will either. They are an adorable couple and I loved seeing them together.

That brings us to our delightful hero, Will. He is interesting in the best way possible. Not only is he a delicious love interest but he is also a dynamic character that will manage to surprise you a few times. And he is so sweet to Amy. Despite the odd circumstances of their marriage, he rises to the occasion and becomes a perfect husband to Amy.

Now, about the way they were forced into the marriage...
They were found in an uncomfortable situation and they had to get married to stem the impending scandal. That whole situation that they were caught in was hilarious. It was so funny and so cute. It made me laugh when they found themselves in the sticky situation. I don't want to say what happened and ruin the surprise so I'll just conclude with: you will love it. It's just the perfect situation to bring this quirky couple together.

The ending was sweet and fairly standard. My only issue was how Amy reacted to certain news about Will and Will finding out certain news about her. She overreacted to epic proportions only to cave in quickly the next morning (after all her bags had been packed). I could see why she was bothered by it, but I didn't think it warranted all that drama.

Besides that, How to Ravish a Rake is top notch in historical romance.
Loved it!

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, for-review

As many of you know, historical romances are one of my all-time favorite romances, so I knew I was going to like this one. I mean, look at the cover! So, as you can probably guess, I really enjoyed How to Ravish a Rake!

No matter what historical romance I read, I always love the main character. Amy is just an awesome heroine and I loved her whole story. She was used to being the "wallflower" at the balls, but this season she has come out of her shell and is determined to change. The fact that sh...more As many of you know, historical romances are one of my all-time favorite romances, so I knew I was going to like this one. I mean, look at the cover! So, as you can probably guess, I really enjoyed How to Ravish a Rake!

No matter what historical romance I read, I always love the main character. Amy is just an awesome heroine and I loved her whole story. She was used to being the "wallflower" at the balls, but this season she has come out of her shell and is determined to change. The fact that she designs such gorgeous dresses is a really cool added aspect onto her character, making me like her even more (especially since I'm in love with the dress she's wearing on the cover!). And her friends are a really great part of the story. The main characters often don't have best friends, so Georgette was a great character to get to know and hear about her own romance troubles. Amy's relationship with Will (aka the Devil) is what made me really like this book.

They're relationship in the beginning is all about Will taunting Amy, calling her "Red" and just being his normal devilish self. But when he really starts to care about her is when I really start to fall for him. They're just so cute together and I couldn't get enough of them!

I love the whole world Vicky Dreiling created with the societal rules of that era. With the women having their "seasons" to find a husband, there's always drama when they want to find the one who gives them butterflies instead of listen to their stubborn, no-nonsense mothers. As much as I wish I could go back to this time period and wear the fancy dresses and attend the balls myself, I guess I have to be contempt with reading about it (which is perfectly okay with me if they end up being as awesome as this book!).

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but How to Ravish a Rake was great on it's own. If you're a fan of historical romances like me, pick this one up! I know I'm going to be checking out the rest of the books in this series as soon as I can :)(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Betty rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Vicky Dreiling, but it will not be my last. This was a charming historical romance that once started, I could not put down. Will, our hero, starts out as a very arrogant and self centered noble. He is the youngest in a large family and as such has learned to focus on his own needs. Amy, the heroine, has been "out" in society for several years, but has managed to be allowed one more season. She has resigned herself to marrying the man back home that she...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 16, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars
After a string of unsuccessful seasons, Amy is beginning to give up hope on the love match she has dreamed of. She's always been too shy to attract a man at any of the London balls, but this year, she is determined to make a change. Armed with the beautiful dresses she designed, she finally finds herself apart from the other wallflowers and enjoying her first taste of acclaim.

Will is the youngest son in his family. He has played his hand to the fullest, gallivanting around the world and...more 3.5 Stars
After a string of unsuccessful seasons, Amy is beginning to give up hope on the love match she has dreamed of. She's always been too shy to attract a man at any of the London balls, but this year, she is determined to make a change. Armed with the beautiful dresses she designed, she finally finds herself apart from the other wallflowers and enjoying her first taste of acclaim.

Will is the youngest son in his family. He has played his hand to the fullest, gallivanting around the world and flitting from woman to woman. But now, his older brother is forcing him to settle down, withholding his allowance and making him take a job. Will hopes to win the money for more travels at a gaming hell, but ends up in debt instead. He either has to go back to his brother for help or find a wealthy bride to help him pay off his debt.

He thinks, at first, to find his fortune with Amy. She proves too savvy to be compromised, however. and in the end he realizes what a mistake that would have been. As luck would have it, the two actually do end up compromised, though completely by accident. So they end up married anyway.

Amy is devastated that her dreams of true love have been dashed, but she vows to make the best of her marriage. Will agrees to set aside his rakish ways to court her while slowing introducing her to the pleasures of a physical relationship. And it starts to work. Unfortunately, they are both keeping secrets from one another... secrets that are like timebombs waiting to go off and blow their new relationship to bits.

The thing is, neither of their secrets would have really been a big deal if they actually communicated with one another. These two are just so gun-shy and unable to really trust each other that it almost like they were each waiting for something to screw it up. It was frustrating because the only true threat to their happiness was their own trepidation.

I did like watching these two fall in love, despite their personal foibles. Will actually mends his rakish ways rather quickly and is a very good husband throughout. I enjoyed his wooing of Amy and I found myself as charmed by him as she was. There were sexy times and some comic relief too, which made the story even better.

The book is peppered with familiar characters from the previous two books in the series, but this works well as a standalone. I liked it. But I must acknowledge that the ending felt a bit abrupt and I would have liked a few more pages to take me into their HEA. 3 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 19, 2012 Michelle Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, historical

I think my fav of the series so far
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...

Completely loved How to Ravish a Rake!

I got so wrapped up in How to Ravish a Rake that I read it in a day, non-stop. The hero, Will was delicious and Amy was just delightful. I loved the romance formula that author, Vicky Dreiling concocted in this ravishing story. She choose a novel approach instead of writing the usual overused conflict where the protagonists try to avoid their mutual feelings towards one another. It wa...more I think my fav of the series so far
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...

Completely loved How to Ravish a Rake!

I got so wrapped up in How to Ravish a Rake that I read it in a day, non-stop. The hero, Will was delicious and Amy was just delightful. I loved the romance formula that author, Vicky Dreiling concocted in this ravishing story. She choose a novel approach instead of writing the usual overused conflict where the protagonists try to avoid their mutual feelings towards one another. It was a breath of fresh air to read that the couple recognized that they had to be together and instead the wedge was a secret that could potentially destroy each other's tender trust. Toss in that situation with their newly coerced marital status and it made for a thrilling page turning experience.
Oh how I loved it.

I had lots of smiles while reading How to Ravish a Rake. Will's family provided the majority of the grins but Will did a great job himself. He is not such a serious character and did a terrific job of handling some tough situations. Will received some wonderful advice from his older brother, Hawk and I highlighted a few of them because they were was so sage.

"I've made bad mistakes, as you know, but what counts is how you deal with it afterward."

"The circumstances of your marriage aren't important. It's what comes after the wedding that matter."

Those are definitely quotable statements that can be used no matter what time period you are in.

Will really takes that advice to heart and makes the most out of his situation with Amy. Just as Amy does. I felt bad for the pair being forced into a marriage after their innocent and accidental overnight encounter. It was a joy to read about Amy blooming from that shy wallflower to a desirable confident woman. I also loved that her change came from within herself and not credited to a man.

For a couple that would not have been considered good match, there was a lot of romance throughout their story.

How to Ravish a Rake also treated the readers to an awesome secondary story between Georgette and Beau. Their story was different but no less interesting. What a bonus.

Teasers: Wine cellar, marriage courtship, sexy poetry reading while he held her, picnic(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 Karen rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was more like 2 1/2 stars... not horrid, but not particularly amazing, either. An average read.

I quite liked Will, but Amy was sort of... colorless (really-- the author never bothers to describe her in the book, past belatedly inferring that she has red hair. The first time Will referred to her as "Red," I thought it was for her blushes, because her hair color was NEVER MENTIONED. How can you spend half a page describing dresses, and never bother to let the main character look in a mirror?...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Lynelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in Vicky’s How To series and was my first book of hers that I have read. I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I was finished I downloaded and also devoured the first two books, How to Marry a Duke and How to Seduce a Scoundrel.

Amy Hardwick is very shy, her last season and she is determined to get over her shyness and overcome her status as a wallflower. She struggles with great anxiety to approach groups and gets tongue tied when everyone is speaking at once. I liked...more This is the 3rd book in Vicky’s How To series and was my first book of hers that I have read. I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I was finished I downloaded and also devoured the first two books, How to Marry a Duke and How to Seduce a Scoundrel.

Amy Hardwick is very shy, her last season and she is determined to get over her shyness and overcome her status as a wallflower. She struggles with great anxiety to approach groups and gets tongue tied when everyone is speaking at once. I liked how Amy may be quiet and shy, but she is very observant and can see right through Will’s charms.

Will “Devil” Darcett enjoys his reputation as a rake. He has a maddening family who are trying to get him to settle down instead of always leaving and traveling. Everything seems to come easy for Will. He’s the youngest child of his family and has often been over looked so he was able to do whatever he wants. Until his family tries to settle him, he tries to fight against it and makes some poor choices and finds himself in a predicament. At first I thought Will’s friends seem to be bad influences and push him to follow through with their plan even when Will argues against their ideas. I will say that I developed a better esteem of his friends as the book goes one.

One fateful night determines their lives as they find themselves in a compromising situation, they must marry. Amy is nervous about being intimate with someone she barely knows so they make a courting wager. But as she falls more and more for his charms, she worries about him not being able to quit his rakish ways and breaking her heart if she allows herself to fall in love with him. The both make mistakes, but I’m glad that they don’t give up on each other.

Will and Amy made a great match and loved how their relationship evolved. I loved them individually as well together Will is very charming and I loved his humor and I fell in love with him. There were several times that Will made me go, awwwwww. I loved their inside jokes! Laurence *snickers* (You’ll have to read to know what I’m talking about). I loved Will’s family, they are crazy and supportive and overwhelming and I just couldn’t stop smiling/laughing when they were present them.

*ARC provided by NetGalley(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

After so many seasons, Amy realizes this year is her last chance for a love match she just needs to take herself away from the wallflowers long enough to be noticed. Designing and wearing her own one of kind fashion creations helps to pull her away from the wall but is it enough for her to catch the eye of a loving suitor? Being the second son Will has not aspired to much in his life. He’s ready to go out and tackle another tour of Europe, not living under the eye of his loving (smothering) fami...more

like · see review

Apr 04, 2012 Isalys rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, historical-romance, owned, arc

We met Amy in the previous installments of Vicky's "How To Series" so we know that she's shy, sweet and possesses a secret talent for designing gowns. However, in the face of her very last season in London, she is determined to shake off that wallflower image and make a love match. If she doesn't, then she'll have to return to her home in the country and marry a man who has offered her security, but not love.

William Darcett is the younger brother of our hero in "How to Seduce a Scoundrel". Known...more We met Amy in the previous installments of Vicky's "How To Series" so we know that she's shy, sweet and possesses a secret talent for designing gowns. However, in the face of her very last season in London, she is determined to shake off that wallflower image and make a love match. If she doesn't, then she'll have to return to her home in the country and marry a man who has offered her security, but not love.

William Darcett is the younger brother of our hero in "How to Seduce a Scoundrel". Known as "The Devil", he has earned his reputation as an unrepentant rake who lives to gamble and seduce women. During a gathering one evening, they are caught in a compromising position that threatens Amy's impeccable reputation. To Amy's chagrin, Will offers to marry her in an attempt to stop the London tongues from wagging.

Amy is truly one of the sweetest and most likable characters I've ever read. She has an inner strength that didn't shine until now and it was delightful seeing her unfold. Will was actually quite the opposite. Strong and crunchy on the outside with a soft, gooey center. As the baby of a large family, he was often dominated by his older siblings and so he sought to get away by traveling and carousing every chance he got. Together, they balanced each other beautifully.

Vicky has a wonderful talent for creating imagery. You can very clearly imagine the gowns, the balls, and the settings as she paints them for you. The story was nicely paced and contained no shortage of humor. One of my favorite characters is Will's Aunt Hester and she was responsible for several of the laugh out lout scenes! She is the aunt that speaks her mind without qualm for whether it's appropriate or not. In addition to the comedic aspect of the story, Vicky also gives a very steamy romance. There was always an attraction between Will and Amy, but it wasn't until Amy allowed herself to give into it that you realize how passionate she is.

This was a great installment to the series and I highly recommend it to those who like a side of humor with their heartwarming romances.(less)

like · see review

May 28, 2012 Regina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a very loving story between two people trying to make a bad situation good (marriage of convenience) while having to deal with their insecurities. An emotional account of their budding relationship, I thoroughly relished watching their mutual attraction and tender feelings build and gain ground as Will courted Amy. Of course, they each had their one big secret, but I thought Amy's was minimal compared to Will's, and yet he had the nerve to make a big fuss. Fortunately (and I s...more

like · see review

Apr 19, 2012 _yay_ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-stars, bad-boy, family, friendship, historical-romance

This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publish date: April 1st, 2012 Fiction – Adult: Romance: Historical
Grand Central Publishing (Forever)

Amy Hardwick promised herself to shed her wallflower image this season – her last one. She’s ready to wow the ton. Her parents wouldn’t outright say something or demand it, but they consider the town’s vicar a good match. Amy is shy and has trouble holding up her end of a conversation. Mindless chit-chat is not for her. Will “the...more

like · see review

Apr 10, 2012 Angelc rated it 3 of 5 stars

I've been hoping for one of the author's books to live up to her debut, but it hasn't happened yet. This book was okay, but it just wasn't on that fantastic level of her first book. There were aspects that I did enjoy about this story, but I think the focus on the bedroom scenes and the silliness of their wager left a bad taste for me.

I've loved the characters of Amy and Georgette since the first book in the series, so maybe I was hoping for more in "their story" (Amy gets to be the lead, while...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 3 of 5 stars

read my review on demonlover's

3.5 flames

Witty banter and a fun cast of characters lead this romantic comedy.

It’s a light and fun story. I really enjoyed Amy and her designs. Amy is a wallflower, she tends to be docile and sweet, kind and her shy exterior hides a brilliant mind for design. After feeling that none of the fashionable gowns ever made her look fashionable, Amy decides to figure out why. Studying fashion plates, and working with a modiste, Amy realizes she has quite the eye for fashi...more read my review on demonlover's

3.5 flames

Witty banter and a fun cast of characters lead this romantic comedy.

It’s a light and fun story. I really enjoyed Amy and her designs. Amy is a wallflower, she tends to be docile and sweet, kind and her shy exterior hides a brilliant mind for design. After feeling that none of the fashionable gowns ever made her look fashionable, Amy decides to figure out why. Studying fashion plates, and working with a modiste, Amy realizes she has quite the eye for fashion. She also realizes that not every girl will look fabulous in the same gown. So Amy begins to design her own.

This is Amy’s last Season, and she vows that while she may not be the most beautiful woman at the ball, she will be the most beautifully dressed woman there. And she is. Elegant, well-dressed, and still as tongue-tied as ever. Only one man seems to frustrate her so much, she is able to get around her shyness. Will Darcett.

Will wants nothing more than to leave his meddlesome family and go back to the Continent. His family, however, has called a family meeting and told him that he can’t go. They pressure Hawk (his elder brother) to cut off his funds. Will decides to win his freedom by winning at cards. Unfortunately for all his winning, he ends up in debt for 20,000 pounds! He knows Amy has a fortune, and if he compromises her, he can pay off his debt. Luckily, Will has a conscience, and after a botched shot at getting Amy alone, he feels that it is beneath him to marry her for money.

But they are found locked in a wine cellar (overnight) and they wind up marrying anyway. I feel like the first 100 pages were more about Amy and Will separately, than about Amy and Will together. It was a very slow romance, but a very fast marriage. This is where Amy tells Will she needs more than just lust, she needs to get to know him. They make a wager, and give each other 3 weeks to court, unless Will can seduce her first. I enjoyed the fun antics, the witty banter -I love Vicky Dreiling’s sense of humor, and how it shows in her writing.

This was a fun and light-hearted romance. I enjoyed it, although I felt that for a cast of characters who seems to be able to sit down and have very rational conversations, the two big giant secrets could have been talked about in one of the many family meetings and been done and over with.

***Thank you to the author and Grand Central for the review copy
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Rebecca (everyday reader) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Amy is a wallflower who has decided that this will be her last Season and is determined to get away from her unflattering reputation. She shares her dress design drawings and everyone loves them, therefore making her the fashion darling of the Season. Will, Hawk's younger brother, has returned home after years abroad with no profession, money, or ambition. He loses a bit of money gambling, and instead of pleading to his brother for help, he figures marrying an heiress is his only option. Will fi...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 17, 2012 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, from-publisher-author

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Known as a wallflower, heiress Amy Hardwick goes to London for one last season to try to change that and makes every effort to return eye contact, dance and do a bit more than wait in the wings and gossip. She has also decided to turn her hobby of designing dresses into a bit more. Although women are frowned upon for engaging in trade during the 1800's, she secretly cuts a deal with a dress maker and sees her creations cause a bit of a stir. The dresses she wears do...more MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Known as a wallflower, heiress Amy Hardwick goes to London for one last season to try to change that and makes every effort to return eye contact, dance and do a bit more than wait in the wings and gossip. She has also decided to turn her hobby of designing dresses into a bit more. Although women are frowned upon for engaging in trade during the 1800's, she secretly cuts a deal with a dress maker and sees her creations cause a bit of a stir. The dresses she wears does more for her visibility than anything she has tried before. Will Darcett also notices her and although Amy will have nothing to do with this notorious "devil", she does find herself intrigued by him. So when the two are accidentally locked in the wine cellar during a party, she finds her reputation is ruined and the two must marry. Which it seems works perfectly with Will's plans to marry an heiress to pay off his gambling debts. This is where the story really gets interesting!

As an only child, Amy has had more freedom than most women in society during this time period but it also seems that she has a hard time coming to grips with how society limits her actions. She has the backbone to make Will behave and actually court her, through a fun wager of her own, that the story becomes a totally swoon worthy read! There are also many characters like Will's Aunt Hester, who add zest and plain spoken truth. She loves to put the family in their place. Will's sisters, Harmony, Patience and Hope are chatty and a bit overbearing but still loving towards their brother. This story is the third in a series, but you don't need to read the other two and it easily stands alone. It is wonderful how the Happy Ever After comes full circle for these two, who at first seem unsuited towards each other. You will find yourself googling the fashions described in the book during this time period since the descriptions are just scrumptious!

Overall, I adored how Dreiling worked in the mores of the 1800's and gave it a bit of a modern twist making the characters of Will and Amy actually make the best of a bad situation. Amy, although she is described as not that attractive, learns that with the right clothes, she can highlight her good points. I know Will is described as a rake and not caring about anything except his own pleasure, discovers a responsibility towards Amy and decides he does have a conscious after all. So far this is my favorite book in the series. Now, I haven't read about the next book in the series but I hope it isn't too far off since Dreiling has become one of my favorite historical romance authors!

(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 24, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book reminded me why historical romance was my first favorite genre as a young reader. I was immersed in the era immediately, from the dialogue to the detail when describing carriage rides, balls, and the popular fashions during the time. Not to mention my absolute awe at the strength these women had to have to find any kind of happiness on their terms. It was fascinating to me that one wrong word or gesture could have greater meaning than intended.

Amy Hardwick has one last season in Londo...more This book reminded me why historical romance was my first favorite genre as a young reader. I was immersed in the era immediately, from the dialogue to the detail when describing carriage rides, balls, and the popular fashions during the time. Not to mention my absolute awe at the strength these women had to have to find any kind of happiness on their terms. It was fascinating to me that one wrong word or gesture could have greater meaning than intended.

Amy Hardwick has one last season in London to shake off her wallflower image in hopes of finding a love match. If she doesn’t succeed she has resigned herself to returning to her home in the country to a suitor who will provide security but no love. William Darcett, also known as “the devil” due to his wickedly rakish ways, is caught in a compromising situation with Amy and he offers to marry her to save her reputation. But is Amy willing to risk her heart and future happiness with an unrepentant rake?

Amy is shy and gets tongue tied whenever she meets people for the first time but she’s determined to break her wallflower reputation for her final season and she gains confidence and attention from designing and wearing fashions she’s created. Wil is not looking to settle down, he’s happiest traveling and avoiding any kind of commitment. He prefers his pleasure without attachments. He’s honorable at the core and willing to marry Amy to save her reputation but doesn’t see the marriage changing his ways until Amy surprises him with a challenge that he can’t refuse.

This book is a fast paced romance that left me sighing happily and wishing for more. I found myself laughing out loud several times. The humor was nicely balanced with heartwarming romance between these characters. The supporting characters were enchanting and passionate in their own ways and added rich depth to the story; my favorite was Wil’s near deaf, outrageously funny Grandmother. The physical attraction between Amy and Wil was strong from the beginning and super-hot throughout the book. There was one particular “painting” scene that was incredibly sexy and unforgettable.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming romance with a touch of humor and fun.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 12, 2012 Zoe rated it 2 of 5 stars

At first I liked that it wasn't instant love, instant attraction kinda thing. Will and Amy seemed resolved to get to know each other better after being trapped in a marriage of convenience. But then it seemed as if all that was going on was major psychoanalysis. And when Will finally says 'I love you' to Amy, he can't stop saying it. One page has 3 to 4 I-love-yous.

I don't feel that Amy's omission of 'the compensation stuff' was wrong because she didn't even tell her friends Georgette and Julian...more

like · see review

Mar 29, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book all the way through, then I didn't like the ending at all!!! I liked Amy and enjoyed most of the romance. I loved Will and really enjoyed seeing his character develop and mature. The ending just really bothered me and didn't feel like it fit with the rest of the book. It just felt very forced and abrupt. Even though Amy was growing out of her shy personality, I don't see her reacting well with a scene in front of a huge group of Will's family and friends. And again, even...more

2 likes · like · see review

title link	preview: How to Ravish a Rake
avg rating	preview: How to Ravish a Rake Goodreads rating: 3.68 (627 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444978-how-to-ravish-a-rake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327882661l/12444978.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444978-how-to-ravish-a-rake?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling[/url]

How to Ravish a Rake (How To Series #3)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Vicky Dreiling

Books by Vicky Dreiling

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About How to Ravish a Rake