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A Rake's Midnight Kiss

(Sons of Sin #2)

Anna Campbell (Goodreads Author)

3.81 · Rating details · 1,525 ratings · 190 reviews

It Takes A Lady

Brilliant scholar Genevieve Barrett knows how to keep a secret. Her identity as the author of her father's academic articles has always been her greatest deception—until a charming housebreaker tries to steal the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel from her. She doesn't reveal that she recognizes her father's devastatingly handsome new student as the thief himself. ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 395 pages

Published August 27th 2013 by Forever (first published January 1st 2013)

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Oct 01, 2012 Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

WOW! I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Anna Campbell is known for her intense, emotional stories but A RAKE’S MIDNIGHT KISS is much lighter in tone. It reminded me of Loretta Chase’s books …romantic, sexy and funny…a winning combination. This book was pure joy to read from the first page to the last!

Oh, how I loved Richard and Genevieve! They were just the perfect match for each other and are definitely joining my list of all-time favourite Romancelandia couples.

Richard is such a wonderful romantic hero. ...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it really liked it

Shelves: time-england-regency-1811-1820, genre-historical-romance

Sir Richard Harmsworth, has had to work very hard to gain respect as a member of the Ton, despite the fact he is a bastard. When he learns that a certain artifact, a jewel, will prove his legitimacy, his goal is to obtain it no matter the cost. Genevieve, is a scholar, and is the writer behind all of her fathers work. She hopes with the Harmsworth Jewel that was given to her, by a elderly woman who was always kind to her, that she will create a name for herself and have a career. She is content Sir Richard Harmsworth, has had to work very hard to gain respect as a member of the Ton, despite the fact he is a bastard. When he learns that a certain artifact, a jewel, will prove his legitimacy, his goal is to obtain it no matter the cost. Genevieve, is a scholar, and is the writer behind all of her fathers work. She hopes with the Harmsworth Jewel that was given to her, by a elderly woman who was always kind to her, that she will create a name for herself and have a career. She is content in being a spinster, until a certain rake comes along and stirs a hidden passion in her. Richard has come to seduce Genevieve into his bed, to gain the jewel, but as the progresses further into his seduction, he starts to lose his heart to her. Can he still go through with his plans or will the lovely Genevieve be his future?

A Rake's Midnight Kiss is the second in this fantastic series that Campbell has created for us. Ever since I read the first book last year, I was hooked. I fell in love with the first one, so I had super high expectations for this one. However despite how much I enjoyed it, I think I was expecting a story to make me fall in love again just like"Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed" did. There are quite a few things that I did enjoy about it. And it still was a lovely romance that kept me hooked all the way through. The beginning set the stage for the story in such a perfect way, I couldn't have imagined it any better. There is a scene of Genevieve being robbed, only the robber doesn't know she is at home and she surprises him, and oh boy.....did this scene definitely made me laugh and stir up all kinds of senses. It took my breath away and I guarantee you won't have any problem getting started with this one. We see Richard slowly seducing Genevieve, in very creative and playful ways, you just want to trade places with the heroine so you can experience it too. The heat in the story isn't explosive or anything, its more of a gradual journey for them both, and the scenes were a bit steamy but not over much...just perfect for the style of this author and the way the story turns out.

The characters in this story were such fun. Richard, is a rake and a rogue but a fun one. He isn't all serious or anything, to me he was as playful as a kitten and passionate as any grown man would be. We definitely see his faults first hand, but he makes up for it in many other ways that I am sure will delight the reader. The heroine was stubborn and very "Bluestocking" and I loved how Richard uses creative ways to soften her up. She has never been courted really, and has always known books and study and scholarly pursuits. It was very interesting seeing a different side to Genevieve blossom in ways you don't expect from the beginning. We do see the other sons of sins in this book. We see Jonas and Sid-and they added some flavor to the story and it was fun seeing their involvement in helping this couple work their issues out since they have already obtained their HEA. Then we see Cam who is the next book. And oh boy, did he give me tingles in anticipation for his book--should be a whopper. There is a villain in the story but the villain isn't fully realized until later half of the book, so his involvement in the story definitely adds a edge of suspense and tension that you don't expect in the beginning but will blow you away in the end!!!

Overall A tender romance that is guaranteed to pull at the emotions and make your forget about reality and you live in the precious moments between Genevieve and Richard. BEAUTIFULLY DONE!! ...more

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Jul 18, 2013 Jonetta rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley-arc

Quick summary
Genevieve Barrett is a bluestocking, secretly the academician behind her father's reputation as an antiquarian. Richard Harmsworth is the heir to his family's legacy but has lived under the cloud of his questionable paternity. Legacy has it that the heir would have possession of the Harmsworth Jewel and Richard believes if he can get it, he'll have earned the legitimacy he's sought for most of his life.

Heart of the story
Richard has confirmed that Genevieve owns the Jewel and he ass ...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Caz rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-regency, aar, 4-stars, arc, romance-1800-1850

I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars in my book!

We first met Sir Richard Harmsworth, sophisticated, charming and devastatingly handsome man-about-town, in the previous novel in this series, Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed. Like his friend Jonas Merrick, the hero of that story, Richard is similarly tainted by the slur of bastardy; although in Richard’s case, he is legally entitled to his baronetcy as his mother was married to Sir Lester Harmsworth at the time of Richard’s birth, and Sir ...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Mary - Buried Under Romance rated it really liked it

Posted on my blog: http://www.buriedunderromance.blogspo...

Anna Campbell broke hearts with Midnight's Wild Passion, induced tears with Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, and now has charmed her way onto a grand pedestal with this mesmerizingly sweet, sensual romance of two kindred souls who are both diamonds in the rough.

Sir Richard Harmsworth is a rake, a baronet, and undeniably a bastard. It was enough that he grew up with a highly promiscuous, uncaring mother, but even more that the ton scorns hi Posted on my blog: http://www.buriedunderromance.blogspo...

Anna Campbell broke hearts with Midnight's Wild Passion, induced tears with Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, and now has charmed her way onto a grand pedestal with this mesmerizingly sweet, sensual romance of two kindred souls who are both diamonds in the rough.

Sir Richard Harmsworth is a rake, a baronet, and undeniably a bastard. It was enough that he grew up with a highly promiscuous, uncaring mother, but even more that the ton scorns his every action and lashes at him with contempt. Unlike his friend, Camden Rotherrnere, Richard’s armor is not to thrive for perfection, but to don a mask of nonchalance and feign disinterest to the world; this armor is not as durable as it seems, as Richard seeks to find the legendary Harmsworth Jewel and declare himself the legitimate heir to the baronetcy. After six months of investigation, he has finally located the jewel…with the vicar’s daughter Genevieve Barrett who absolutely refuses to sell it. Richard, for all his roguish charm, disguised himself as a student of medieval history, planning to set up a slight flirtation with Genevieve for his jewel…except he did not know how serious this flirtation would soon become.

Richard and Genevieve both share a sharp wit and biting humor. Upon their first “official” meeting -Richard’s masked break-in to Genevieve’s house for the jewel notwithstanding – verbal daggers were drawn, Richard’s charm only serving to infuriate Genevieve. It was only until he revealed his natural character that affability was achieved:

“This time he laughed out loud. The sound was attractive. Open. Joyful. Genuine. ‘You defeat me, Miss Barrett. How am I to work my wiles when you undo me at every turn?’” (Loc 721/5647)

However, this is somewhat short-lived, as Richard could not reveal himself to Genevieve for the greater goal of securing the jewel. For someone of his intelligence, I had hoped he would perceive the gem that is Genevieve and through her affection and care become his own power, and he did that, though it took a good while of the story. Genevieve I admire more than Richard, for her understanding, resourcefulness, and act of self-sacrifice for Richard, while he behaved at times an inconsiderate rogue. That is not to say Richard did not experience a journey either, for he did, and it made him honorable in the truest sense, but at the point that can only be fully appreciated near the end of the story.

Despite this, this story has all the adventure, fun, and lightness (up to a certain point) that marked its originality among the rest of Anna Campbell’s darker themed works. While I do not know whether her last Sons of Sin book starring Cam Rothermere will be as light and frothy as this one, it will certainly be a fantastic treat to behold romance readers.

Plot: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Structure: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
...more

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Dec 04, 2015 Becca rated it liked it

I think Anna Campbell has a beautiful way with words. Her books contain many words I have to look up on my Kindle, and she often creates scenes that do a wonderful job of painting a picture for me as a reader. While that skill typically pairs well with a plot that propels me through a novel, I am sad to say this story was missing that element.

Genevieve Barrett is a prickly but beautiful spinster who is working hard to make a name for herself in the publishing world instead of letting her spinele I think Anna Campbell has a beautiful way with words. Her books contain many words I have to look up on my Kindle, and she often creates scenes that do a wonderful job of painting a picture for me as a reader. While that skill typically pairs well with a plot that propels me through a novel, I am sad to say this story was missing that element.

Genevieve Barrett is a prickly but beautiful spinster who is working hard to make a name for herself in the publishing world instead of letting her spineless father steal all of the credit. To do so, she is revealing secrets about the Harmsworth Jewel, a lovely medieval artifact that Richard Harmsworth wants to get his hands on to stop the constant jabs that the ton aims at his illegitimacy. Unfortunately for Richard, Genevieve won't sell. Thus, Richard resorts to a disguise to charm the jewel from her (this disguise lasts through much of the novel..I think if I remember correctly over 50%). However, small town living changes Richard and he begins rethinking what he wants in life, while Genevieve reluctantly falls for him. It was an interesting premise, but for some reason, it read slowly. I never found myself plowing through pages or gushing over the characters. I could put the book down any time and I did so on occasion to read a novella.

Also, there is a lot of drama in here. Richard has some mommy issues, Genevieve has some daddy issues, and they both have creepy neighbor issues. The story just seemed to drag in places. The only reason I finished it was because some of the scenes were written so beautifully that I savored those enough to wade through a slower scene. This story most likely would have done better as a shorter novel. I don't think there was enough meat here for it to read like a tightly plotted novel. As a result, despite the beautiful prose, I can only give this 3.5 stars, which I didn't round up.

I am still fascinated by Richard's ducal friend, Cam, and will be continuing with the series to read his story. If you haven't read Campbell, I would highly recommend it, just don't read this one first because it doesn't showcase her skill as well as some of her others. ...more

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Jul 28, 2017 Ursula rated it really liked it

Shelves: adorable-heroine, independent-woman, sweet-and-sexy, virgin-heroine, bluestocking-heroine, historical-romance, adorable-hero

My first Anna Campbell book and I really enjoyed it! The writing was great- some lovely turns of phrase - and the main characters had lots of layers. The story is quite emotional and I even wiped away a tear at the end when our hero contemplated reconciliation with his estranged mother.
I really didn't like the hero, Richard (aka Mr Evans) initially and AC does a good job of portraying him as a shallow, vain, preening dilettante with a giant chip on his shoulder. So it is a real joy to see him ch ...more

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May 13, 2013 Alycia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance, 2013-5-star-reads, author-anna-campbell

This book is the second in Ms. Campbell's first series, Sons of Sin. I read this one first, I couldn't wait once it arrived, and I wanted to mention the caveat that it doesn't have to be read in order. The hero and heroine from the first book, (Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed) are mentioned briefly a couple of times. I never felt lost or that I was lacking in general information. The Sons of Sin are three friends with questionable heritage that made them all illegitimate in some way. Instead of le This book is the second in Ms. Campbell's first series, Sons of Sin. I read this one first, I couldn't wait once it arrived, and I wanted to mention the caveat that it doesn't have to be read in order. The hero and heroine from the first book, (Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed) are mentioned briefly a couple of times. I never felt lost or that I was lacking in general information. The Sons of Sin are three friends with questionable heritage that made them all illegitimate in some way. Instead of letting this label cripple their lives, these men have risen above what society expects.

Genevieve Barret, our heroine is a beautiful bluestocking. She quietly pursues an academic hobby in medieval history. She wants nothing more than to break gender barriers, become a public and notable historian and be free to lead an independent life. She expects to gain her entre into the academic world by writing an astonishing paper on the Harmsworth jewel.

Rector Barret, Genevieve's father is an easy character to dislike. He is selfish, childish, has a dubious academic career focusing on Edward IV's disappearing princes. He puts no one's needs or concerns above his own, least of all the protection of his daughter.

Sir Richard Harmsworth is the notorious Harmsworth bastard who leads an idle life, but still has trouble with society's label. He can prove his worth if only he could locate the missing Harmsworth jewel. An artifact that was passed down among his family that proclaims the heir. Of course obtaining the jewel is much harder than expected.

Richard masquerades as a country gentleman curious about studying history with the Rector. He knows of Genevieve and sees her as no major threat to obtaining the jewel and if seduction is needed, so be it. He quickly discovers that he has met an intellectual match wrapped up in a beautiful and fiery country woman. There is more to Genevieve and Richard then first meets the eye. They both are dimensional characters as revealed over time.

There is slight mystery to this story, attempted murder, a local country lord that is smarmy that you will read a lot of. What I loved about this book is the fact that it didn't take the hero and heroine forever to realize that they loved each other. No long drawn out cat and mouse games, just two lovers exploring love together and realizing that they can get through anything to be together. Campbell's story is written in a lighter vein, but it is very engaging. The love scenes are somewhat steamy. A Rake's Midnight Kiss is my favorite book by far from the author. She writes loves stories like this one exceptionally well. I plan on reading the first book of the series next. I recommend this book to all fans of the author and fans of historical romance. ...more

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Sep 11, 2013 Mei rated it liked it

Shelves: historical

I really love Ms. Campbell's writing and her deliciously dark and misteriously sensual books. I really do.

That's why I felt left down by this one... :(

There wasn't anything misterious, dark and only a small amount of sensual... A great pity!

I admit that the dialogue was the best feature of this book. The banter between Genevieve and Richard/Christopher was fun and witty and it is the only thing I enjoyed here and they bear the weight of all 3 stars.

The rest was lukewarm. The supposedly spark bet ...more

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Jul 28, 2013 Nas Dean rated it it was amazing

A RAKE’S MIDNIGHT KISS is a September 2013 release by author Anna Campbell.

The day Richard Harmsworth broke into the vicarage to look for the Harmsworth jewel was the most exciting day of Genevieve Barrett’s life. She felt something while being held in the burglar’s arms. After he locked her in and without taking anything from her home walked away, she was intrigued.

So, when she met Richard in the guise of simple Mr. Evans, she had the niggling feeling she knew him. Of course, she remembered h ...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley, anna-campbell

I thoroughly enjoyed this smoldering romance by one of my favorite authors! Genevieve Barrett is tired of living in her father's shadow and is ready to break free and show the world who really writes up his academic articles by publishing her research on the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel. Unfortunately, the jewel was left to her by an aunt and Sir Richard Harmsworth wants it back for himself and will go to any means to obtain it back...even steal. When the break in goes awry, he is drawn to the pr I thoroughly enjoyed this smoldering romance by one of my favorite authors! Genevieve Barrett is tired of living in her father's shadow and is ready to break free and show the world who really writes up his academic articles by publishing her research on the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel. Unfortunately, the jewel was left to her by an aunt and Sir Richard Harmsworth wants it back for himself and will go to any means to obtain it back...even steal. When the break in goes awry, he is drawn to the prickly Genevieve and devises a new plan that involves going undercover to seduce the lady and get the jewel back. What he does not expect is to have Genevieve help him find himself and fall hard for her. When a vile threat poses too great of a risk to Genevieve's life, Richard knows he must tell her the truth before it is too late. Will Genevieve be able to forgive the deceit and hurt that Richard has caused?

Reading an Anna Campbell romance is always guaranteed to make me smile, blush and devour the book to fast and wish I had not! This book accomplished all of that and more! I adored Genevieve with her appealing, clever, prickly demeanor she is just the right woman to help Richard see past the views of society to the man he truly is. She can see that his heart is heavily guarded due to his mothers indiscretion that lead to his birth and it has shaped him into the man he is today. Richard has grown up with being sneered at in society as all of society knows he is not the true heir, even if he was accepted by his father. She finds herself misjudging him just as everyone else has done but she gradually sees him for the kind, brave, perceptive handsome man he is. The only thing that really bothered my about the wonderful story was the deception. I understand why Richard did what he did but it is always a touchy subject for me, especially when he choose to finally reveal his true identity to Genevieve. I thought the villain aspect was well done and worked well within this story. Anna Campbell writes with her usual lush descriptions and smoldering passion and I got swept away by the delicious romance of Richard and Genevieve! 4 stars

eARC provided by Grand Central Publishing via netgalley ...more

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Sep 24, 2013 Abby Green rated it it was amazing

Anna Campbell is an auto buy for me. Loved this second story in the Sons of Sin series. Genevieve is a stunning, independent and sensual heroine. Richard is a gorgeous hero, full of layers and depths and sexy HOT. Can't wait for book #3. Cam's story. ...more

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Nov 25, 2020 Alex rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical-romance, romance, cringe, cringey-covers, wheres-the-lamb-sauce

To be honest, this book was pretty bland and generic. I'm starting to see a lot of the same tired plot points and characterizations in historical romances, and this book was just nothing particularly special.

Historical romances tend to include these things:
-a practical, (sometimes fiery or bubbly) heroine who is still pretty naive and ignorant when it comes to romance and who (sooner or later) throws caution/intelligence/rational thought to the wind due to their desire for the hero
-a hero who is To be honest, this book was pretty bland and generic. I'm starting to see a lot of the same tired plot points and characterizations in historical romances, and this book was just nothing particularly special.

Historical romances tend to include these things:
-a practical, (sometimes fiery or bubbly) heroine who is still pretty naive and ignorant when it comes to romance and who (sooner or later) throws caution/intelligence/rational thought to the wind due to their desire for the hero
-a hero who is either dark/broody (dangerous/scary) or a womanizer (enigmatic/charming) but is always more worldly than the heroine
-the hero becomes so obsessed with the heroine by the 65% mark that all he can do is wax poetic regarding how beautiful/special/passionate/amazing/insert adjective here the heroine is. His whole life becomes the heroine. Usually includes the hero doing some wacky protective shenanigans (that always end up saving the heroine)
-irredeemably evil (male) or bitchy/jealous (female) villain with about all the subtlety of an elephant

And I'm not inherently mad at these tropes- it's just that they are used in such a tired and bland way in a lot of the HR I've read. Anyway...

Genevieve Barrett is the daughter of a vicar and an academic, who is the secret brains behind her father's work. Richard Harmsworth is a bastard, but is inheriting due to being the only heir. His status as a bastard really rubs him the wrong way and hatches a bit of a harebrained plot to take back the legendary Harmsworth jewel which is supposedly only to be owned by the actual Harmsworth line, thus silencing the gossip surrounding his birth. Genevieve is in possession of said jewel, so Richard decides to go undercover in order to take the jewel from her.

The premise was fun, and the first 50% kept me entertained enough, however past that the flaws of this book started to sink in.

Genevieve, for being book smart, is pretty naive and has her fair share of dumb moments, which were a bit frustrating. Although her dialogue was pretty biting and quick-witted, her actual deductive reasoning skills left a lot to be desired and her emotional intelligence was just not up to par. This was a bit frustrating because I feel like in HRs a lot of times heroines are so emotionally unintelligent and can't be rational, and this was the case with Genevieve. Sometimes her attraction to Richard prevented her from making good decisions. She's mad at him, then absolutely insists she must be with him, and then is mad at him again (when the plot needed some conflict between the two.) It's just not really interesting.

The last 50% became pretty melodramatic. There were a lot of grand gestures and feelings changing from chapter to chapter and I got whiplash. Richard becomes obsessed with protecting Genevieve and it's like he BREATHES and DIES for her. It got a bit too sickly sweet and the conflicts between the two were boring because the conflicts stemmed from the hero doing something problematic (aka lying about his identity in order to get the jewel) and then the heroine is *rightfully* mad but then takes him back a chapter later, which we all knew was going to happen. There is just not a lot of tension or interesting things going on thematically with these kind of conflicts.

Harmsworth was a typical HR hero, he was fine but forgettable and not particularly interesting. He was a bit cringe at some points but eh, what can you do.

As Gordon Ramsay would say: Where's the finesse? Where's the lamb sauce? ...more

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Sep 13, 2013 Nancy Goodman rated it it was amazing

Yes, I’ve said it before but it never gets old and it bears repeating. I love Anna. I love the way she writes, so full of emotion, heart and soul. Her characters feel, and because of her expressive, beautiful writing, you feel for them too.
So when Anna came out with her Sons of Sins series, I was right on that happy bandwagon. A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is the second of the trilogy (although who knows if there may be more…) and is the story of the scandalous Lord Harmsworth, who can’t live down the Yes, I’ve said it before but it never gets old and it bears repeating. I love Anna. I love the way she writes, so full of emotion, heart and soul. Her characters feel, and because of her expressive, beautiful writing, you feel for them too.
So when Anna came out with her Sons of Sins series, I was right on that happy bandwagon. A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is the second of the trilogy (although who knows if there may be more…) and is the story of the scandalous Lord Harmsworth, who can’t live down the scandal of his birth. For while he was acknowledged by his father as legitimate, the entire Ton knew better, as his father had not been in the country for well over a year. He wants to recover the famous Harmsworth jewel, which he believes can restore his family status by cementing his position as the family heir. Unfortunately, he doesn’t possess it and he discovers it is hidden, out in the country under the very studious nose of Miss Genevieve Barrett.
When Sir Richard discovers who has the jewel, he sneaks into the house to snatch it back, only he ends up snatching a kiss from a lovely lady. He then masquerades as a scholarly student, worming his way into her home and ultimately into her heart. It’s not an easy road to love, as Genevieve believes she is a spinster and is most untrustworthy of this strange man.
Who is is and why does he smell so familiar?
Genevive is a brilliant scholar, who has been writing her father’s academic articles for years, without credit to her name. She has been given the jewel and has no intention of giving it up, no matter how hard this mysterious stranger tries to seduce it out of her. Nor is she willing to marry and give herself and her jewel over to an odious Marquess.
When attacks on her home star occurring with frequency, she knows it is concerning the jewel. For only a moment, Genevieve believes Richard is gulity. Richard has his own ideas who the criminal is. I enjoyed seeing Jonas Merrick and of course Cam, the Duke of Sedgemoor back in the picture
(And being the shameless Book Slut that I am, I can’t WAIT for Cam’s book)
I won’t give the ending away, but it is a sweet moment for Richard when he realizes he has fallen for a woman who he normally wouldn’t have given a second thought to.
And, I will agree that this epilogue is probably the BEST ONE EVER…snuggle up with a big box of tissues and let the tears flow. ...more

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Oct 25, 2014 Molly rated it it was ok

This book was a little bit of a let down, considering how great the first one was and the spectacular work that the next book in this series is. I honestly got frustrated with about 30% of the story - right after the heroine gave it up to hero out of nowhere with no sufficient reasoning behind her sudden desire to do the opposite of what she had wanted up to this point. Not to mention the fact that she got furious that the hero had lied to her for the first half of the book, only to forgive and ...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Keri rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-historical, 2010s-read

While I don't think this 2nd book was as strong as the first book in the series, it was still a really good read. This was Richard's book. He was the slightly foppish natural child in the first book. Of course it was all for show and the ending was very emotional with Richard's mom and I wish that part could have been drawn out a bit more. Looking forward to Cam's book. ...more

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Dec 24, 2015 Ana rated it it was ok

Shelves: 21st-century, fiction, historical-fiction, romance, australian-literature

Out of all of Anna Campbell's heroes, I like Richard least. It's just that he knows he's doing something wrong and still he persists when he has little to gain or loose. He felt really childish and the couple was less interesting than I expected. Still there is no denying that this is a well written book, I just wish there was a little more tension and a better plot. ...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Helen rated it it was amazing

I so loved this story Ms Campbell has written another one that will go on my keeper shelf Richard is such a romantic hero and I fell for him instantly and Genevieve is so lovely, this is a story of seduction romance and excitement as Richard and Genevieve journey to their HEA a must read.

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May 14, 2014 Tin rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014

It took me a while to finish this book because I couldn't stay immersed in the story of Richard and Genevieve and this puzzled me a bit because I love Anna Campbell and have enjoyed all of her previous books.

I loved the idea of the Harmsworth Jewel and the quest to restore it to the Harmsworth family, but I did not like the idea of Sir Richard's plan in order to do so. Deception in romance novels never sit well with me, but I usually read through those books because the action is almost always ...more

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Aug 06, 2017 Elaine rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, 3-stars

2.5 stars
I liked it but I didn't love it. The first half of the book bored me a little and I couldn't get into it. It just became one thing after another. The second half picked up but too little, too late for more than 3 stars rating. There was also just a little too much love/hate for me to enjoy this book better (too much "I hate him but I love him" for my taste). Also there was the "big misunderstanding" that could have been cleared up with an open conversation between the H/h. I really hate ...more

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Dec 24, 2020 G. rated it did not like it · review of another edition

I despised almost everyone in A Rake's Midnight Kiss. What's even worse, despite the harsh feeling it evoked, the story remained utterly boring. So, as far as introductions to new authors go, this one was easily among the worst. Hopefully, the other Anna Campbell book I own is at least a little better than this one. ...more

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Apr 26, 2020 Annie ⚜️ rated it it was ok

DNF. I just couldn’t get into it. The hero and heroine just bored me. Snooze. 😴

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Jul 29, 2013 Farrah rated it it was amazing

Full of intense romance, secrets, and surprises, this book was amazing! A Rake's Midnight Kiss was a brilliant historical romance. I absolutely loved it!

This book didn't lack in originality. From the bluestocking heroine to the semi-bastard hero who pretends to be a Medieval scholar while trying his hand at thievery. Add a romance, a thwarted suitor, and a neglectful father and you have this book. I loved that it managed to be unexpected. And the biggest shocker of all that we learn near the en Full of intense romance, secrets, and surprises, this book was amazing! A Rake's Midnight Kiss was a brilliant historical romance. I absolutely loved it!

This book didn't lack in originality. From the bluestocking heroine to the semi-bastard hero who pretends to be a Medieval scholar while trying his hand at thievery. Add a romance, a thwarted suitor, and a neglectful father and you have this book. I loved that it managed to be unexpected. And the biggest shocker of all that we learn near the end...wow, that was a surprise. I loved the originality of this book. It made a great book even better.

Genevieve was a very strong heroine. She's incredibly intelligent and determined to succeed in a field occupied by men. With every challenge that she faced, she refused to back down. But, she was also a genuinely nice person who knew when to forgive. She was a likable heroine and I thought she was great.

Richard was confusing. At times, I wanted to smack him upside the head for doing something so stupid, but I still couldn't help but adore him. After being ridiculed all his life for being a bastard that still managed to be an heir, he had a chip in his shoulder. He was born after his "father" had been away for 16 months (making him very obviously not his father's son) but his father still accepted him as his heir. He created a mask of charm and affability to pretend that all those barbs don't matter. But, they do and, after finally snapping after one comment too many, he decides to find the Harmsworth Jewel that would prove him the rightful heir. So, honestly, while I wanted to shake some sense into him for trying to steal back the jewel, I understood why he wanted to. And, I couldn't fault him for it. Besides, forgetting his ignoble quest, he was a sweet man at heart. He was determined to protect Genevieve and completely sweet to her. And, in the end, society didn't matter when it came to what he truly wanted. So, I thought Richard was wonderful. He was complex, but that's what was so wonderful about him. For me, he was perfect and I adored him.

The romance was hot! Genevieve and Richard had some serious sparks flying between them. And when those sparks ignited, it was fan-your-face hot. The chemistry between them was palpable. And they were also very sweet together. Just the fact that a bluestocking country miss and a polished society rake managed to fall in love was sweet and their feelings were obvious throughout the book. I thought they were a lovely couple.

The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were thrills as other people went after the jewel and put our couple in danger. And there was a huge surprise that came up at the end. I never saw it coming. All I have to say about it: the irony is overwhelming. The story was lovely and the ending was perfect. I can't wait to read more from this series because it's rapidly becoming one of my favorites.

A Rake's Midnight Kiss was a perfect historical romance! I loved everything about it. Lovers of romance, you have to read this book because it was perfection.

*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Books for a copy! ...more

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Jan 28, 2014 Caz rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-1800-1850, audiogals, audiobook, disappointing

I had a hard time rating this as an audiobook. I really liked the print edition and gave it 4.5 stars, but as an audio, it only rates 3.5 stars.

I read and enjoyed A Rake’s Midnight Kiss early in 2013 and was very much looking forward to revisiting it in audio format. I’d already listened to the previous book in the series (Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed) and will admit to having reservations about Mr. Ferguson’s narration, principally due to one particular vocal tick that got on my nerves after a I had a hard time rating this as an audiobook. I really liked the print edition and gave it 4.5 stars, but as an audio, it only rates 3.5 stars.

I read and enjoyed A Rake’s Midnight Kiss early in 2013 and was very much looking forward to revisiting it in audio format. I’d already listened to the previous book in the series (Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed) and will admit to having reservations about Mr. Ferguson’s narration, principally due to one particular vocal tick that got on my nerves after an hour or so. But I like to follow series and see if the performers develop and make changes to their interpretations from book to book, and I’m pleased to report the absence of the particular quirk that had so annoyed me before.

The hero of this story is Sir Richard Harmsworth, whom we met briefly in the previous book. Like his friends, Jonas Merrick and Camden Rothermere (hero of the next book), Richard has lived all his life dealing with slurs about his parentage. Although he is technically legitimate as his mother was married to Sir Lester Harmsworth at the time of his birth, Richard is not actually Sir Lester’s son, and everyone in society knows it. Even as a boy, he had to bear the taunts of his schoolmates, and as he grew into adulthood, he developed an ironclad defence mechanism, cultivating an even-temperedness and urbanity so that society believes him to be lazy and unconcerned about little more than his tailoring. Of course, having a thick skin doesn’t mean that the insults don’t sting, and when, on one particular evening, he is pushed beyond his limit, Richard vows to find the famous Harmsworth Jewel, an ancient artefact passed through the generations and always in the possession of the true heir to the Harmsworth name.

After searching for six months, Richard discovers the jewel is in the possession of Miss Geneveive Barrett, the daughter of a renowned medieval historian. She was left the jewel by Richard’s aunt, and has refused his offers to purchase it, so Richard hatches a scheme to pass himself off as a dilettante scholar by the name of Christopher Evans who wishes to study with Genevieve’s father. He thinks he will be able to persuade her to sell the jewel, or alternatively, seduce it out of her – but he has reckoned without the lady’s determination and tenacity.

The sparks begin to fly from the moment the pair set eyes on each other. Genevieve is immediately suspicious of the handsome charmer who is determined to flirt with her, and tries everything she can think of to put him off. In her innocence, she doesn’t realise that her put-downs and obvious displeasure in Mr. Evans’ company have exactly the opposite effect on that gentleman and only make him even more determined to succeed in his quest.

You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals.
...more

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Aug 15, 2013 Shauni rated it really liked it

Shelves: reading-romance-challenge, netgalley

In A Rake's Midnight Kiss Anna Campbell returns to her Sons of Sin Series. Complete with rich, lush backgrounds, sensual characters and intriguing storyline Ms. Campbell does not disappoint.

Genevieve Barrett leads a quiet simple life. Staying in the country "assisting" her father with his papers. No one knows that she is the true mastermind behind his brilliance. But one broken promise too many and Genevieve realizes that not only will dear old dad share the byline he is also encouraging her to In A Rake's Midnight Kiss Anna Campbell returns to her Sons of Sin Series. Complete with rich, lush backgrounds, sensual characters and intriguing storyline Ms. Campbell does not disappoint.

Genevieve Barrett leads a quiet simple life. Staying in the country "assisting" her father with his papers. No one knows that she is the true mastermind behind his brilliance. But one broken promise too many and Genevieve realizes that not only will dear old dad share the byline he is also encouraging her to marry his benefactor (insert creepy thug here). But Genevieve is a lady with a plan and has her own discovery to write about, the Harmsworth Jewel.

Everyone knows Richard Harmsworth is not the "real" heir to his title but his father claimed him and no one can legally gainsay him. But after years of being mocked and ridiculed finally sets Richard off and he decides to claim his heritage the only way he knows how. By claiming as nd controlling the Harmsworth Jewel. Now as 'll he has to do is convince some country miss to let him have it.

Richard comes up with the idea of infiltrating the Barrett household as a student of Genvieve's father, a foppish dilletente with no real direction. What he discovers in the Barrett household is so much more than a simple jewel. He finds pieces of himself that he hadn't even realized was missing. The more time he spends with Genevieve the less important the jewel becomes.

Of course the parish bully, I mean the vicar's patron, wants the jewel and Genevieve as well and he has no compunction as to how he gets it. Genevieve's spineless, greedy father, the vicar (yeah some man of God), is so busy looking out for himself he all but throws Genevieve into harms way. With a father like that no matter she doesn't trust men. But somehow Richard's endearing sincerity slowly gets to her.

And Richard finally learns what is really important!

A wonderful book! A ny Regency era lover will enjoy every minute.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of A Rake's Midnight Kiss provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on August 27, 2013
...more

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Sep 02, 2013 Diane Peterson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance, rita-finalist, audiobooks

What a great book from Anna Campbell! A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is the second novel in her Sons of Sin series. It is an excellent, well-rounded book with humor, intrigue, passion and sentiment. I was undecided between 4 and 5 stars until near the end. After I sobbed through the last two chapters the book was quickly elevated to 5 stars. I have read and loved all of Anna Campbell’s books, especially the dark and angsty ones. This one has a lighter tone, but there are still issues to be dealt with.

Si What a great book from Anna Campbell! A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is the second novel in her Sons of Sin series. It is an excellent, well-rounded book with humor, intrigue, passion and sentiment. I was undecided between 4 and 5 stars until near the end. After I sobbed through the last two chapters the book was quickly elevated to 5 stars. I have read and loved all of Anna Campbell’s books, especially the dark and angsty ones. This one has a lighter tone, but there are still issues to be dealt with.

Sir Richard Harmsworth was a bastard. The stigma had followed him and haunted him his entire life. He has managed by living the life of a nonchalant rake. He concocts a plan to get his hands on the Harmsworth jewel, a family heirloom, and use it to establish his credibility. It turns out that the jewel was given to Genevieve Barrett, a bookish spinster and secret scholar. When Genevieve refuses to sell the jewel to Richard’s agents, he dyes his hair and takes on a new identity has a student wishing to study with Genevieve’s scholar father. Richard’s growing attraction to Genevieve causes conflict with the lies he has told. Genevieve never wanted to marry, but finds herself attracted to Richard (who she knows as Christopher Evans). Danger lurks as others become interested in the jewel as well. Can Richard and Genevieve find their way out of this complicated web to reach what their hearts most desire?

A Rake’s Midnight Kiss was pure enjoyment from beginning to end. The story itself was nothing unique or special, but the characters were given enough depth to make them multi-dimensional. Richard probably evolved the most, moving from a misguided, selfish dandy to becoming the decent, loving man that he was meant to be. Genevieve moved from a rather defensive old maid to a warm and loving woman without sacrificing her toughness and humor. Yes, there were some clichés we have seen a bit too often – swimming naked in the pond, a greedy evil villain, a really smart dog (I liked him) – but these plot devices were merely icing for a deep-down good story. It was clever, funny, touching and sensual all rolled into one. A book not to be missed. ...more

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Aug 30, 2013 The Window Seat rated it really liked it

I was a bit apprehensive as I began reading A Rake’s Midnight Kiss. The previous story in the Sons of Sin series was not one of my favorites; however there were particular scenes within the book that just stuck with me well past the initial reading. Anna Campbell is a well-known and loved author so I had to give her stories a second chance to engage me. It may be the lighter tone she brought to book two or it was my own willingness to be open about the story, but whatever the reason I loved A Ra ...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Melanie rated it it was amazing

By now the cat’s out of the bag, and you all know that Anna Campbell is one of my all-time fave-authors and reading and reviewing one of her books is a lot fun and it never-ever gets dull.

I knew she can right well developed three-dimensional characters, and this was no surprise, but what surprised me most about this book is how funny, almost slapstick comedy is in this read. I just couldn’t read fast enough, or laugh out loud more.

She gave us a fast pace, an interesting plot with twists and turn ...more

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Feb 19, 2015 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, overdrive-library

This is book two in the 'Sons of Sin' series by Anna Campbell. I must say when you see Ms. Campbell name on a book you know right of the bat you will enjoy that book. Ms. Campbell knows how to draw you in and keep you there.
Genevieve Barrett has been hiding that she is the one behind her father's academic articles. As a women they would not be taken seriously if read at all. But this help her and her father so she has continues to do so.
Sir Richard Harmsworth is a bastard but he tries not to l ...more

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Aug 23, 2013 Janga rated it it was amazing

This was so different from what I have come to expect from this author that I sometimes felt as if I needed to double check that I was reading an Anna Campbell book. It is both a quieter book and a more lighthearted one than the typical Campbell, but character is always the determining factor for me--and I loved these characters. The scholarly heroine is one of my favorite tropes, and I found Genevieve immensely appealing from the beginning. It took me longer to warm up to Richard, but he ended ...more

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About Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell

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I've written 11 multi award-winning historical romances for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins (available in print and digital) and 24 bestselling indie romances. I'm currently working on my new series The Lairds Most Likely, featuring roguish Scottish heroes and the lassies who captivate them. The first 5 books are now out: The Laird's Willful Lass; The Laird's Christmas Kis ...more