Between a Rake and a Hard Place

The Royal Rakes #3

by Connie Mason, Mia Marlowe

When a royal's intended bride is kidnapped, only a rake can set things right...

Wealthy heiress Serena Osborne feels like her father is determined to sacrifice her on the marriage altar. The Duke of Kent is negotiating for a bride, and the wickedly appealing Sir Jonah Sharp is sent to woo the Lady Serena on the Duke's behalf. It only muddies the waters when she succumbs to Jonah's charm. Repeatedly. But Jonah has a secret agenda—to prevent the marriage at any cost.

When Serena is kidnapped in a desperate attempt to force the royal betrothal, Jonah realizes his new agenda is to secure a bride—for himself.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Adult

348 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

Connie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.

Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.

In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.

In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.

Reviews

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SPLENDID! SOMETIMES, HISTORICAL ROMANCES DON'T FOCUS MUCH ON THE SENSUAL PART OF THE STORY - SEX. IT'S ALWAYS TOUCH AND GO, OR NOT VERY DETAILED BUT THIS AUTHOR CERTAINLY DIDN'T SKIM THAT PART AND I LOVED HOW OPEN THE CHARACTERS WERE WITH EACH OTHER. NO PRUDES HERE!

JONAH may have been blackmailed to deflower the virginal Serena in order to stop her impending engagement with the Duke of Kent but, he's also never expected himself to fall for the passionate woman. Jonah and Serena's relationship and courtship was anything but conventional, and I loved every moment because it allowed them to be who they were in front of each other and love each other for their own faults. To me, Jonah's a man of mystery. To be frank the author doesn't give up much details about his background aside from his past which instigated the whole story, which is such a shame because he's still 35% lacking from being 3-Dimensional. But, I'm not complaining because he's such a sporting gentleman who cares deeply for Serena and that's enough for me. I love how honorable and selfless he can be for her sake, and my favourite quote from him is 'Sometimes it's not that the cat doesn't dare to look at the king, but that he musn't' - referring to his love for Serena, a woman of higher positing in society. Jonah's a second son who earned his baronetcy by being an assassin for the crown. Though he has his own wealth, he cannot offer Serena a life equal to that of a Duchess, and this makes him hesitate to offer for her right away. I enjoyed how he indulged Serena in her escapades and my favourite scene was when she was drunk and so cute & cuddly with him. To be fair, drunken scenes are my favourite because when 'in vino veritas' right?

SERENA is a charming heroine. She may not be the best, but she's lively in itself with enough passion for life, curiousity and the guts to go for it. Despite being a woman of the ton, she's determined to live out some things she's never tried before, BEFORE getting married to the Duke and living out a mundane life. The story opens with her dressing up as her male cousin and entering Boodle's, a gentleman's club to try out their coffee and try to live a day in a gentleman's life. Of course, that was interrupted when Sir Jonah stepped into her life, made a bet with her and then called her out on her identity. After that, her father urged him to act as a guard for his daughter when she's to travel out to the countryside before her engagement. That period of time allows her to form a bond with Jonah and for them to indulge in a few passionate tête-à-tête which was utterly sensual and detailed, I'm glad the author never made Serena into a shy, virginal miss but one who's not shy to explore sex and the male's anatomy.

OVERALL I started this book without any expectations but I'm glad it made my Sunday evening so much better and I guess I'll be reading more from this author soon.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book to read. Serena is one of several young women in line to become the wife of one of the royal princes. While she's not excited about the idea she knows her duty to the family and will do so if necessary. However, she's got a bucket list of things she wants to do before she's trapped in marriage, if she can manage it without getting caught. She starts out by disguising herself as a man and sneaking into Boodles gentlemen's club, but is discovered by Jonah. Rather than give her away, he helps her escape before she is unmasked.

Jonah has been watching her for several days. He is being blackmailed into stopping any chance she has of becoming a royal bride. He initially thinks she's like all the other debutantes, but soon realizes that she is smart and adventurous. He finds himself being talked into helping her with her list.

I loved Serena and Jonah together. They have great chemistry that builds as the book goes on. They also have some great conversations that show just how well suited they are for each other. Serena is willing to do what her father wants, but she also wants to live a little before she does. Her initial meeting with Jonah shows her that she can trust him with her secrets. I loved seeing her surprise him with her list and what she wants help with. Jonah is conflicted. He knows what he has to do in order to prevent scandal from ruining his family. But he is fascinated by Serena and her zest for life. He wants to help her with her list, any of which would ruin her if found out, but finds himself wanting to protect her from scandal, not cause it.

As the two of them spend time together they get closer. The love is a relatively slow growing one. Serena sees an honorable man who seems to be haunted by something that isn't letting him be happy. She also finds herself thinking about him far more than is wise for someone in her position. Her feelings for Jonah are growing and the idea of a royal marriage is losing its appeal by the day. I loved seeing her get Jonah to open up to her and how much she wanted to relieve his pain. Jonah's work for the government has worn him out. He's not so sure anymore that everything he did was for the better and it is eating at his soul. As he gets to know Serena he starts to care for her and doesn't want to cause her harm. I loved the way he did everything he could to help her with her list (and then some!) without risking her reputation. His love for her really shows in the way he wants her to make her decision without any pressure from him.

This also concludes the ongoing mystery through all three books. We finally learn the story behind the battle that has created the problem for the three heroes. The bad guy is unmasked and stopped through a very interesting twist in the plot. The final confrontation was very good and I liked the way it turned out, especially Serena's part and what she said.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena Osborne is in the running to become the Duke of Kent's bride. She comes from a wealthy and high titled lineage. But Serena has dreams to fulfill before her life becomes that of a future king's mother. You might call it a bucket list of unconventional and unladylike actions, but I'd say its down right fun. It seems every time Serena finds herself in trouble she is saved by Sir Jonah Sharp.

Between a Rake and a Hard Place was a lively historical romance. The characters are fresh and completely engaging. Watching Jonah unwillingly fall for Serena's witty and authentic spirit was extremely entertaining. If you are looking for a sweet, fun and quirky historical romance, Between a Rake and a Hard Place is the book for you.

I received this ARC copy of Between a Rake and a Hard Place from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 7, 2013.

Written by: Mia Marlowe
Series: Regency Rakes
Sequence in Series: 3
Page Count: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
ISBN-10: 1402272464
ISBN-13: 978-1402272462
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Historical Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe's entertaining and collaborative historical Royal Rakes series, this was my favorite.

The premise of this series is based on historical fact. It takes place in 1818, when the three ducal sons of King George competed to wed and birth an heir…the next King of England. Unbelievably, the newspapers called it the Hymen Race Terrific.

The three heroes in the Royal Rakes series were all blackmailed in a questionable war incident to ruin the potential bridal candidates so that the royal line couldn’t continue.

The story starts out right away with mischief and excitement. Lady Serena Osbourne, a candidate to become the mother of the next King of England, has a long list of Forbidden Pleasures she wishes to try, the first being to pose as a man and gain access to an exclusive gentlemen’s club. She meets Sir Jonah Sharp when he helps her escape the club after her ruse is discovered. He later ends up helping her to accomplish her list. This plot reminded me of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean but, in this story, Lady Serena is a very strong young lady, the daughter of a marquis, not an awkward and unconfident woman. She knows her duty yet she is determined to live her life on her own terms before she fulfills her commitments. I admired her strength and determination to follow through on her adventures and it is interesting to watch her strive for more from her life than mere duty.

For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1hCsEhX

[SOS Aloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was a rake among scholars, and a scholar among rakes. - Thomas B. Macaulay

Three times is especially charming in BETWEEN A RAKE AND HARD PLACE, Book Three in the Regency Rakes series by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe. This “dream team” of romance authors delivered a saucy heroine, Lady Serena Osbourne, who is curious about life outside the strictures of the ton. She is aided by a sexy hero, Sir Jonah Sharp, who is tasked by two powerful men. The first, an ambitious politician, is blackmailing Sharp to ruin Serena’s chance of a Royal Wedding. The second, Serena’s father, is bribing Sharp to protect Serena in the final leg in the race to wed a Royal Duke. The resulting adventure of these fated lovers is a sweet romance laced with passionate interludes. The crème de la crème – the witty dialogue would easily entertain Violet, the Dowager Countess from Downton Abbey.

BETWEEN A RAKE AND A HARD PLACE is a satisfying end to the ongoing mystery in the Regency Rakes series. Yet it is a standalone book which will delight Regency fans with a jaded hero saddled with emotional baggage and a curious heroine willing to lighten his load.

I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden pleasures and duty collide!_______3 1/2 stars

In this third and final of the Regency Rakes series set in 1817, we meet the last officer, Sir Jonah Sharp, being blackmailed by Fortescue Alcock over the crushing English defeat at the Battle of Maubeuge, just prior to Waterloo. Jonah's brother officers, Lord Nathaniel Colton and Lord Rhys Warrington, having staved off the threat of ruin by the despicable Alcock, are helping Jonah clear his name of the intrigue and treachery that has been whispered at, but unproven. Jonah must prove his innocence or tarnish a young woman's reputation to avoid his family's name being dishonoured by the scandal.
This time we watch the road Jonah travels as he tries to avoid manipulation by the leech Alcock. Fortescue's grand plan is to bring ruin to another of the contender's for the Royal Bride. For his services Alcock has promised evidence of treachery, or at least evidence of the truth about the doings at Maubeuge.
The trio has learned that a man who can assist is at Portsmouth. Unfortunately Lady Serena, the bride contender, unwittingly takes a hand in obscuring their search.
Based on the true search for a royal bride to secure the English throne for one of the unmarried sons of King George III, vulgarly referred to by the press at the time as 'Hymen Race Terrific.'
Jonah, Lord Nathaniel Colton and Lord Rhys Warrington worked during the war effort at the instigation of an organization called the Triad. They were assassins for their country.
His work has wrung Jonah out. He hides a damaged soul, having been called on to take lives as he has. Serena lightens his way.
Lady Serena Osbourne is an unusual young woman. She has a list of things she wants to do before she makes the political marriage of a lifetime. A marriage she sees as her duty and an opportunity to guide a future leader of the nation.
A list 'of hidden pleasures' that she wants to fulfill before country and duty intervene.
Item 1: Wear men's clothing in public
Item 2: Gain admittance to an exclusively male club
Item 3 etc. etc.
Jonah rescues Serena from a potentially scandalous situation when she attempts the first two items on her list. Fortunately for Jonah's mission their relationship looks set to develop in a rather more interesting way than either of them conceived.

A NetGalley ARC

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between a Rake and a Hard Place is the third book in the Royal Rakes series by Mia Marlowe and Connie Mason. Serena Osborne is a wealthy heiress who feels like her father is determined to sacrifice her on the marriage altar, but is resigned to her fate. Serena just wants to have a few crazy adventures before she is married. Sir Jonah Sharp comes to her rescue on one of her adventures, but has ulterior motives. He is being blackmailed into stopping the marriage, but finds himself falling for his mark. The pair each have their own agenda, neither of which includes falling in love. But as we know, things rarely go as planned.

Between a Rake and a Hard Place is a case of the promoted summary being completely different from the book.Thankfully, the book was wonderful and while not as full of daring do as the blurb promises, it is still great fun. Serena is a woman with intelligence, and independent spirit, and a sense of duty to her family. Jonah is a man of honor in service to the king. As Serena makes her way through a list of things to do before marriage, without finding herself on the wrong side of society's favor, Jonah is trying to stop the marriage while not ruining a woman he has come to care for. I loved the slow burn and development of their relationship. The characters are great, and well developed, as are the historical settings and complications. This book also wraps up the mystery in the larger story arch from the series about the possible treason charges.

I enjoyed Between a Rake and a Hard Place was a fun and entertaining read. I really enjoyed Serena's character and the way she looked at the world. I would recommend this book to regency romance fans and highly recommend it to those that have read the two previous books in the series. The read is quick, with fun and romantic moments that took me away from the winter weather that just wont seem to leave.

[Trudy Miner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last in the series of the Royal Rakes, Lady Serena Osbourne is being pursued as marriage material by the much older Duke of Kent. Sir Jonah Sharp is assigned to see that she's seduced and thus unable to marry the duke. However, his first meeting with the lovely Serena is in his club where she's passing herself off as her cousin dressed in trousers and a fake moustache. Rescuing her from certain scandal, Serena surprises Jonah by demanding that he teach her to smoke a cigar! It was then Jonah realized that Serena was no ordinary woman, easily seduced and forgotten and he soon found himself fascinated with her. A house party at her country home proved to be the best place for furthering his agenda and saving his family from scandal if he failed but Jonah realized that he had fallen in love with his assignment instead. As the noose tightens around Jonah and his other two friends, can they find out who set them up all those years ago before they are all ruined?

What an enjoyable series! I read them all and enjoyed each one. This book was the best of them all I think because Serena was so different from most young women of her days. However, each of the men who had to overcome the supposed taint of that terrible day were courageous and honorable men. The authors wrote an excellent series!

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I was a huge fan of the premise, it's a dastardly thing to do. It's one thing if he is just an ass, but because some told him to seduce her. Not cool man. But for some reason it did work.

Serena wants to live a bit before maybe becoming a royal duchess. The Hymen race as the papers have dubbed it is on. She knew what she wanted to she was sure to get it. I liked her spirit.

Jonah is meant to seduce her cos he is being blackmailed. I was a bit torn between poor guy and don't do it! But since this is a romance it was obvious that he would fall in love with her and when he did seduce her it was cos those ants in his pants told him to.

These two lead each other on a merry dance. But all the time there is that darkness in the background, he must ruin her or be ruined himself.

A fun and passionate romance.

[Arshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the last book in the series and it was a really good ending!! Serena was an amazing character. She was really funny and her zest for life was infectious! She has made a list of things she wants to do before her marriage to the Duke of Kent, all she really wants to do is live her life on her terms. Sir Jonah Sharp has been charged with the task of making sure that this match falls through. However, from the beginning it is quite obvious that he is enchanted by Serena. The only problems standing in their way is the royal match and Sir Jonah's lower birth.

[Helen Heavey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Ending...

The ending saved the book for me. The love story of Serena and Jonah was ordinary at best. There were hardly any real characters in the book, except the two of them. I did not read the first two books in the series and perhaps that would have made me appreciate this novel more.

[Meranda Semeniuk-Wappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic series! Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe put together a great series! I didn't see the ending coming at all!! I hope that they come together again in the future so then there would be more action and adventure in their books!

[Sara Kalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the three

This was my favorite of the trilogy and I was a satisfying end of the series. I liked the spunky heroine.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5

[Judy Youn · Rating 5 out of 5]

End to a great series. Full of passion , mystery and well written characters

[Caron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you LOVE Bridgerton you'll love this too.

[Alyssa Plano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun quick read

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

cuuuuuuute with excellent chemistry

[SidneyKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

What's that smell? Could it be the heroine's feet?
Between a Rake and Hard Place, by Mia Marlowe and Connie Mason, is the third and final book in the Royal Rakes trilogy - and I think the best. For those of you who don't remember the plot-line that has drifted through the series, here it is. The Hymen War Race Terrific, or looking for an heir to the throne of England that was done by the Dukes of Kent, Clarence and Cambridge, the eventual "winner" being Kent with the birth of Victoria. While the story about the race was true I have my doubts that any regular person of aristocratic birth was ever in the running. This would be because of all the small noble houses spewed all over Europe at the time. There would have been plenty of small royal houses willing to marry their daughters off to the three old reprobates who were the English Dukes. Nonetheless, there are three hot rakes who have been blackmailed into seducing the three aristocratic women - one in each book. And that is it, in a nutshell.

In this story, our hero/seducer is Jonah - and by the way there is a sub-plot weaving through the stories of these three men trying to prove they are not traitors. Anyway, I liked Jonah a lot - he's the best of all three of the men in the series. His internal conflict as he slowly falls under Serena's spell was wonderful to watch. There is some pretty powerful writing filled with some very vivid and poignant dialog.

As I consider Jonah the best of the three heroes, I also consider Serena the better of the three heroines in the series, although, in the beginning I had my doubts. You see, when she is first introduced to us, she is dressed in men's clothing trying to pass herself off as her cousin. I thought maybe we were going to be led down the silly girl-disguised-as-a-guy-and-never-found-out path. But, that didn't happen. Our hero is on to her right from the start; in fact he's been following her - he just doesn't know the why she's doing what she's doing. And the why part is one of the reasons I liked this story so much.

You see, our heroine has made a list of things she has to do before she is forced to marry the royal duke. When the reason is revealed, I actually felt a tear forming. Without giving too much away, all I want to say is that the bond between a mother and a daughter, no matter how short their time together, is well-written and I promise you, it will pull on your heart-strings.

A distraction. There was a moment in the book where my mind pondered the pristine world of romance. You know that world, the one without hairy legs and armpits. The one where women don't have visits from mother nature unless there is a baby. The one where no one seems to have bad breath except the villains. And, people can go for days without visiting the bathroom. Well, we have one of those occasions in this story. You see, our hero is going to seduce our heroine with his masterful hands. He's going to do a massage, eventually on her thighs. But first he will massage her feet. In order to do that he must remove her boots. Now, she's been in those boots almost all day and I really don't know what the condition of her feet were before she stuck them in those boots, but I've been around my share of feet coming out of boots and let me tell you they can be mighty odoriferous. Yep, feet can be downright stinky, and this guy's going to rub his fingers all over those smelly-feet. I know if it were me, I'd be trying to do all in my power to keep him from touching my funky toes. This is one moment I'm glad romance books are not scratch and sniff.

Back to the book. The characters in this story are well-developed and even with all the angst and melancholy our couple are very charming. They work well together and I had no doubts that their HEA was one that would really work. They balance each other.

I wish I could say that this was a perfect book, but there was an incident in the book that I found mildly distasteful. Maybe it's just me because I see it used as a comedy ploy in movies a lot., but I don't like to know about people's bodily functions or, more to the point, their loss of muscles that hold those bodily functions in place. I didn't understand why it was necessary to let us know that the villain could not hold anything in when he was being hung over the side. Didn't add anything to the story; we know he's a creep so I'm not sure what this was meant to show. I don't find excrement funny in movies and I don't like to read about it in my books. This is the romance world, after all, and none of that exists.

Other than that slight hiccup, this was a good romance with a delightful story and, in my opinion, the best of the three in the series. And, I hope Mia Marlowe and Connie Mason will work together again, because I have enjoyed their partnership.

KaysBlog

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Yesterday, I finished Between a Rake and a Hard Place by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe. We have finally arrived to the last Royal Duke, the Duke of Kent. Now the Duke of Kent has decided that he might pursue Lady Serena Osbourne. Now it's Sir Jonah Sharp's job to see that it does not happen. Anyway, I had a hard time getting into this particular book, and I really did enjoyed the first two. However, this one just took a little longer to dive into.

Anyway, we have Lady Serena Osbourne who wants to have a few adventures before her life is change forever. Now some of her adventures don't go according to plan. Let's be honest, most adventures never go according to plan, but you just go with the flow. However, she has made it a goal to attempt to keep her list and at the same time try to avoid scandal. Scandal would be a terrible thing, after all she is being courted by royalty.

Now Jonah needs to stop this marriage from happening. To be perfectly honest, I never felt that Jonah was a real rake. I mean nothing really stood out saying he was a rake. Yes, he was charming, but that pretty much the extent of his rakishness.

After finding her at his gentleman's club, he found the perfect way to get her to be alone with him and slowly gain her trust. However, he starts to get to know, and he realizes he has a hard task ahead. Partly because he admires her drive to accomplish these tasks and sees more that just a beautiful young woman.

Yes, I did have a little trouble getting in Between a Rake and a Hard Place, but once they were out in the country I really started to enjoyed the story. I found that there relationship was able to blossom more without the watchful eye of the ton. I really liked how Jonah tried to find another way, so he could give Serena an option to choose her own destiny. Overall, not a bad read and I really liked the part when Serena and Jonah went to the gypsies. So, if you want to see what path Serena choose, you might want to give Between a Rake and a Hard Place a go.

Favorite Quote from the book:
"The Weaver of all life casts down many threads to us. Which strand we take up, which strand we tossed away, how we decide to knot or befoul or create something beautiful with those we use---it is up to us. We have been given a gift. A terrible and wondrous gift. Over and over again, we must choose."

ARC provided by author

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book and I liked it, but I didn't love it.

I thought Serena was a good heroine, she was bold and I liked that. She was also compassionate and very likable but she was also a bit naive and self centered.

Jonah was a great hero - a bit tortured but not brooding. And of the three heroes in the series he seemed the least rakish - I liked that. I like a reformed rake as much as the next girl - but I have wondered how happy these heroines will be when every time they turn around they run into another woman their hero slept with...

The book did settle the whole treason threat hanging over Nate, Rhys and Jonah - with a nice little twist.

The two things that really kept the book from being a keeper where 1 - even though Jonah loved Serena and told several people - he NEVER told her (at least not that she was aware of), not once even when he was able to. 2 - no real epilogue - this was the end of a series, I want to know what happened to the others - I want to see the HEA I wanted to know if the heroes completely reconciled - did they all have kids etc.

All in all, a decent read and probably the best of the three. I would recommend reading all the books in order to really understand what is going on. It is well written and flows nicely. If you can get past the premise of the plot to ruin innocent women, the heroes will surprise you.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

BETWEEN A RAKE AND A HARD PLACE by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe is another exciting Regency Historical Romance. #3 and the final in the "Regency Rakes"/ "The Royal Rakes" trilogy. What a finale! Sir Jonah Sharp is in for a rough ride with Lady Serena Osbourne, for she is like on ther debutant he knows. Filled with plenty of adventure, action, passion, danger, a wicked wager, wickedness and romance. You do not want to miss the final in this brilliant trilogy by two very talented authors, Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe. The characters are memorable, engaging, witty with danger, spunk, and dripping with passion and sensuality. What a thrill ride! Loved it! Forbidden pleasure and danger may just get them both killed. Fast paced and again action packed. I can hardly wait to see what these two authors have in store for their readers next! Bring it on!! Well done!!! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two ladies can write a book, that's for sure. I loved this third and final book in the Royal Rouges trilogy. Serena was a great character and I loved her list of adventures that she felt she needed to have before she was locked in the royal cage. Jonah was an interesting man, one that tried so hard not to care, but let a slip of a girl get under his skin. I enjoyed going on Serena's adventures with them both and thought they made a great match. Looking forward to more books by these two authors.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Robina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Jonah starts out with less than honorable intent with Lady Serena Osbourne. Once he discovers the unconventional side of Lady Serena, he starts having feelings that he is denial about. Lady Serena seems to have her future plan (one that does not include Sir Jonah) but as with all things, seldom do our plans play out as we think. With a secret marriage, a royal Duke, trouser wearing and cigar smoking, assassins - this books includes all of the elements that make a good story one you cannot put down until it's finished!

[Samia Ruponti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters reminded me a lot of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake , the middle part was sort of boring, but the end was pretty good! specially the triad business. Finally, a hero who isn't tormented because of his very unhappy childhood!

[Kelli · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got almost halfway through the book, and then realized I just didn't care what happened next. The premise is the same as any other romance book, and the characters weren't easy to relate with.

It's a shame because this was the third book of the Royal Rakes series. I liked the first one a lot, but I don't remember the second one so I guess it isn't surprising that I lost interest by the third book.

[Tarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming in on the third book of a series is not always easy, but I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely be reading its predecessors! I was surprised that this was written in tandem, usually books by two authors always feel a little disjointed to me, like at times you can differentiate each author's voice. This one was seamless. It was romantic and touching, a fun read.

[Nise' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the Regency Rakes series. Jonah is being blackmailed with the treat of treason into keeping Serena from marrying a Duke. He is determined to do just that as well as clear his name. I liked him immediately and had a great time while he kept Serena out of trouble while checking off her forbidden pleasures list.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this engaging historical romance. The main characters, Serena and Jonah, were very likeable, and I enjoyed seeing their romance develop. There was some intrigue, and the storyline kept me completely entertained.

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I read the opening section of this novel, I knew I'd love it. Any woman who's willing to dress as a man and sneak into a gentleman's club as her cousin is an amazing character. Fun, quirky, and good a romp.