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The Rake Review #8
An Heiress for August
London’s most notorious rake needs to wed.
August Wade was never meant to be the Duke of Courtland. Now he’s inherited the title from his uncle along with the poorly managed ducal estates. After months of attempting to remedy the situation, August concludes that he must wed an heiress. Specifically, Miss Hazel Dartmont, only child of an obnoxiously wealthy textile merchant. Not only is Miss Dartmont wealthy, but she is several years on the shelf and far beneath him socially. She will be thrilled to draw the attention of a duke. Desperate, even.
Miss Hazel Dartmont is an expert at avoiding marriage.
Hazel only accepted the invitation to Lady Talbot’s house party to escape London and the attentions of an overly amorous gentleman. As a wealthy heiress, albeit one with a pedigree most of society turns their noses up at, Hazel is accustomed to being targeted by every desperate dandy in London. Now well past marriageable age, Hazel delights in her independence and has no intention of ever taking a husband.
Not even the rakish Duke of Courtland can change her mind.
An Heiress for August is book 8 in the multi-author series The Rake Review. If you enjoy watching some of London's most notorious scoundrels getting raked over the coals, then be sure to collect all twelve bachelors in The Rake Review!
August Wade was never meant to be the Duke of Courtland. Now he’s inherited the title from his uncle along with the poorly managed ducal estates. After months of attempting to remedy the situation, August concludes that he must wed an heiress. Specifically, Miss Hazel Dartmont, only child of an obnoxiously wealthy textile merchant. Not only is Miss Dartmont wealthy, but she is several years on the shelf and far beneath him socially. She will be thrilled to draw the attention of a duke. Desperate, even.
Miss Hazel Dartmont is an expert at avoiding marriage.
Hazel only accepted the invitation to Lady Talbot’s house party to escape London and the attentions of an overly amorous gentleman. As a wealthy heiress, albeit one with a pedigree most of society turns their noses up at, Hazel is accustomed to being targeted by every desperate dandy in London. Now well past marriageable age, Hazel delights in her independence and has no intention of ever taking a husband.
Not even the rakish Duke of Courtland can change her mind.
An Heiress for August is book 8 in the multi-author series The Rake Review. If you enjoy watching some of London's most notorious scoundrels getting raked over the coals, then be sure to collect all twelve bachelors in The Rake Review!
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
341 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
41 books632 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
July 14, 2024
August Wade, Duke of Courtland, inherited poorly managed ducal estates. After an unflattering article in a gossip paper exposes the state of his affairs, he must wed an heiress quickly! Textile heiress Hazel Dartmont is an expert at avoiding marriage. She is accustomed to being targeted by every desperate dandy in London, but her past with August comes to a head at a house party.
An Heiress for August is book eight in a multi-author series. Each book stands alone but are connected by the societal paper, "The Rake Review."
The book begins with August and Hazel as children, and they get off on very bad footing indeed! I honestly had a very hard time liking August throughout the story. The author shows a different side to him later on, but it was too little too late for me, especially when it didn't really show him making amends to the heroine (and continues to use a meanspirited childhood nickname). Hazel had her own likability issues, but they made sense as everyone treated her poorly until she had money. Her sour temperament was due to her circumstances. I struggled with the characters really falling in love vs just attraction, and that was a tough hump to get over. Despite that, it was a very easy read and I love the Ayers' writing style. I would recommend this book to any readers who liked Sophie Jordan's The Duke Goes Down (another story where the characters disliked each other from childhood).
Tropes: Spinster, Rags to Riches, Unexpected Inheritance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity/House Party
Steam: 3
* I read an ARC and this is my honest review.
An Heiress for August is book eight in a multi-author series. Each book stands alone but are connected by the societal paper, "The Rake Review."
The book begins with August and Hazel as children, and they get off on very bad footing indeed! I honestly had a very hard time liking August throughout the story. The author shows a different side to him later on, but it was too little too late for me, especially when it didn't really show him making amends to the heroine (and continues to use a meanspirited childhood nickname). Hazel had her own likability issues, but they made sense as everyone treated her poorly until she had money. Her sour temperament was due to her circumstances. I struggled with the characters really falling in love vs just attraction, and that was a tough hump to get over. Despite that, it was a very easy read and I love the Ayers' writing style. I would recommend this book to any readers who liked Sophie Jordan's The Duke Goes Down (another story where the characters disliked each other from childhood).
Tropes: Spinster, Rags to Riches, Unexpected Inheritance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity/House Party
Steam: 3
* I read an ARC and this is my honest review.
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August 2, 2024Now Live on Amazon!
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July 23, 2024
Le sigh, I destroyed this book. August is a little bit of a douche but he is going through it. He was saddled with a dukedom that he didn’t want after coming back from war with an injury and slight PTSD. Hazel’s not perfect either she has a real bone to pick with everyone as a defense mechanism. With the third act break up I was “I support women’s wrongs”. This was sexy, made me kick my feet and giggle, and gave me emotions when we got our HEA. I really liked that Hazel was older(34), older than the MMC, and a non-virgin. I need Eliza and Everhearst book immediately. Thank you to the Author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
“He wasn’t used to being ignored by the fairer sex. One could not be a legendary debaucher of women and a notorious libertine if women shunned you.” August inner thoughts
“He wasn’t used to being ignored by the fairer sex. One could not be a legendary debaucher of women and a notorious libertine if women shunned you.” August inner thoughts
did-not-finish
January 9, 2026DNF @ 24%. Another casualty of my half reading slump. This was okay but I didn’t like either of the main characters enough to keep reading.
August 1, 2024
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the 8th book in the Rake Review series and as the others, it can be read as a stand alone story. This starts many years before when the MCs are children and establishes an animistic relation between the two MCs, with 9 year old August as the spoiled brat nephew of the Duke of Courtland, menacing the children of the local village and Hazel, the 13 year old daughter of the local draper, who steps in when she could no longer stand by while August bullies the locals. But in the end no one is willing to take her side against August and his august uncle, the Duke, and it was rather strongly suggested by the vicar that her family leave the local village rather than offend the ducal sensibilities any further.
The story resumes two decades later, at a house party. August, has grown up to become a renowned pleasure seeking rake with no expectations of inheriting the dukedom. He is also a veteran, and injured in the fight against Napoleon. To escape his memories and trauma, on his return, he has thrown himself back into his rakish ways. Unfortunately he is roused from his pleasures by his cousin, to find out that her brother, the duke, has died, leaving him to inherit and unwanted title and an impoverished estate. Despite being unprepared, he throws himself into rejuvenating the estates, but to no avail, as the debts are crippling and the only way out is through wedding an heiress.
At the top of the list is Hazel Dartmont, a low-born commoner, the daughter of a draper. After her family was forced to leave their village, her father joined with his brother and they found their wealth through trade. But despite that, Hazel is still bitter about their losses, as her mother died shortly after they left the village, and later, her scorn for the aristocracy is further supported by the way she and her family are treated, despite their wealth. Instead, she dedicates her life as a spinster, to aiding charities, including those for veterans. There, she makes some friends amongst the more liberal members of the Ton, and is invited to a house party, where she meets her childhood nemesis, August.
August goes to the party with the intent of seducing and compromising one of the heiresses on his list, at the top of which is Hazel. What he does not expect is that he would like her so much and cannot bring himself to do ill by her. But he has his past to overcome with her, as well as her poor opinion of fortune hunting peers to begin with.
A steamy enemies to lovers, differing social status/social prejudice, reverse age gap romance. Kathleen Ayers is on my must read list for entertaining stories and I did enjoy this short story.
4 stars out of 5
This is the 8th book in the Rake Review series and as the others, it can be read as a stand alone story. This starts many years before when the MCs are children and establishes an animistic relation between the two MCs, with 9 year old August as the spoiled brat nephew of the Duke of Courtland, menacing the children of the local village and Hazel, the 13 year old daughter of the local draper, who steps in when she could no longer stand by while August bullies the locals. But in the end no one is willing to take her side against August and his august uncle, the Duke, and it was rather strongly suggested by the vicar that her family leave the local village rather than offend the ducal sensibilities any further.
The story resumes two decades later, at a house party. August, has grown up to become a renowned pleasure seeking rake with no expectations of inheriting the dukedom. He is also a veteran, and injured in the fight against Napoleon. To escape his memories and trauma, on his return, he has thrown himself back into his rakish ways. Unfortunately he is roused from his pleasures by his cousin, to find out that her brother, the duke, has died, leaving him to inherit and unwanted title and an impoverished estate. Despite being unprepared, he throws himself into rejuvenating the estates, but to no avail, as the debts are crippling and the only way out is through wedding an heiress.
At the top of the list is Hazel Dartmont, a low-born commoner, the daughter of a draper. After her family was forced to leave their village, her father joined with his brother and they found their wealth through trade. But despite that, Hazel is still bitter about their losses, as her mother died shortly after they left the village, and later, her scorn for the aristocracy is further supported by the way she and her family are treated, despite their wealth. Instead, she dedicates her life as a spinster, to aiding charities, including those for veterans. There, she makes some friends amongst the more liberal members of the Ton, and is invited to a house party, where she meets her childhood nemesis, August.
August goes to the party with the intent of seducing and compromising one of the heiresses on his list, at the top of which is Hazel. What he does not expect is that he would like her so much and cannot bring himself to do ill by her. But he has his past to overcome with her, as well as her poor opinion of fortune hunting peers to begin with.
A steamy enemies to lovers, differing social status/social prejudice, reverse age gap romance. Kathleen Ayers is on my must read list for entertaining stories and I did enjoy this short story.
4 stars out of 5
August 1, 2024
In just 212 pages, Kathleen Ayers creates a thoroughly detailed regency tableau, rich with an entire cast of characters new to long-time readers of the author.
Lady Talbot is hosting a summer house party before “the season“ begins. It will offer matchmaking mamas an opportunity to pair off their maiden daughters and everyone else a chance to pursue a dalliance—as one does at a country house party.
August Wade, the new Duke of Cortland, and his cousin Lady Eliza have secured an invitation so that August can be put close to eligible ladies with a dowry large enough to rescue the nearly bankrupt Dutchy he has recently inherited. He’s hoping to land the biggest dowry held by textile heiress Hazel Dartmont. Even with Cortland‘s deplorable reputation as an unrepentant rake, the Duke and his cousin are confident that the strident spinster, unwelcome in most circles of the Ton, will fall willingly at his feet and solve all of their financial woes.
Unbeknownst to Cortland, he and Hazel Dartmont already have a history. Their paths crossed 19 years earlier, when he was only nine and she was thirteen. He was a grieving, bullying child, and she was a tall and awkward young teen with a strong sense of justice. Their interactions drew the attention of the sycophantic local Vicar, who “suggested” she and her family leave the quiet village because they had displeased the Duke by chastising his nephew. She’s still salty about it.
Reading a historical romance where the FMC is over 30 is always refreshing.
Because she is no blushing virgin, the banter between the FMC and the MMC is full of fun and clever innuendo.
The female relationships on the page also have depth and realism, often lacking in HR. Frequently, most female interactions are rooted in a mother-daughter relationship, a maid-mistress relationship, or some sort of female rivalry. Lady Maria Talbot and Hazel have genuine affection for one another, with no avarice or jealousy.
The intimate scenes are hot, explicit, detailed, and very well written-never gratuitous. The steam should propel the story further in a well-written, high-steam romance, and Ayers consistently delivers.
I’ve read every single word this author has published. She has several series worth reading, but they are all set in the very late Regency or early Victorian eras. This is her first true Regency romance I’ve read. It’s part of a 12-book series written by 12 different authors.
I highly recommend this book and hope to see these characters resurface in the author's future writings.
Lady Talbot is hosting a summer house party before “the season“ begins. It will offer matchmaking mamas an opportunity to pair off their maiden daughters and everyone else a chance to pursue a dalliance—as one does at a country house party.
August Wade, the new Duke of Cortland, and his cousin Lady Eliza have secured an invitation so that August can be put close to eligible ladies with a dowry large enough to rescue the nearly bankrupt Dutchy he has recently inherited. He’s hoping to land the biggest dowry held by textile heiress Hazel Dartmont. Even with Cortland‘s deplorable reputation as an unrepentant rake, the Duke and his cousin are confident that the strident spinster, unwelcome in most circles of the Ton, will fall willingly at his feet and solve all of their financial woes.
Unbeknownst to Cortland, he and Hazel Dartmont already have a history. Their paths crossed 19 years earlier, when he was only nine and she was thirteen. He was a grieving, bullying child, and she was a tall and awkward young teen with a strong sense of justice. Their interactions drew the attention of the sycophantic local Vicar, who “suggested” she and her family leave the quiet village because they had displeased the Duke by chastising his nephew. She’s still salty about it.
Reading a historical romance where the FMC is over 30 is always refreshing.
Because she is no blushing virgin, the banter between the FMC and the MMC is full of fun and clever innuendo.
The female relationships on the page also have depth and realism, often lacking in HR. Frequently, most female interactions are rooted in a mother-daughter relationship, a maid-mistress relationship, or some sort of female rivalry. Lady Maria Talbot and Hazel have genuine affection for one another, with no avarice or jealousy.
The intimate scenes are hot, explicit, detailed, and very well written-never gratuitous. The steam should propel the story further in a well-written, high-steam romance, and Ayers consistently delivers.
I’ve read every single word this author has published. She has several series worth reading, but they are all set in the very late Regency or early Victorian eras. This is her first true Regency romance I’ve read. It’s part of a 12-book series written by 12 different authors.
I highly recommend this book and hope to see these characters resurface in the author's future writings.
August 2, 2024
Well this book just got me out of a slump! It’s great when a new to you author delivers the exact amount of banter, the exact amount of animosity, the exact amount of steaminess you need, and that’s exactly what Kathleen Ayers did with An Heiress for August.
I’m a sucker for a rivals to lovers romance and this book started with a bang introducing us to Hazel and August who have disliked each other since childhood. Some things change with time and age, but Hazel could never forget the white-haired pudgy bully who stole sweets from children and whom she blamed for forcing her family from their hometown. Now a house party some twenty years later reintroduces them; Hazel as an heiress to a draper’s fortune, and August as the reformed rake heir to a bankrupt dukedom. He’s in desperate need of a wealthy wife, and has every intention of wooing the lady with the largest dowry. She is happy as a spinster with no intention of marrying since her previous suitors have only seen her as a fortune to be acquired.
These two had the best banter that only two stubborn people can have when they each are unwilling to give up what they desire. Their meet-disaster is too funny and rakish August wisely uses it as a way to challenge Hazel. I loved their interactions—August growling and making eyes at Hazel from across the table, Hazel pretending she isn’t completely blown away by August’s glow up. Their chemistry is off the charts which of course leads these enemies to lovers, because he wouldn’t be a reformed rake if he didn’t at least try to seduce Hazel.
What I loved about this book: August gives the word rake reason to be talked about in the gossip papers. He is gifted in the art of bedding women, but anytime a woman can reform a rake, no less a woman not known for her beauty or body, I’m here for it. There is a beach scene that will live rent free in my head and Ayers writes intimacy scenes really well. For a short book, I felt like I really knew the MCs and their motivations. I also think the miscommunication trope is handled very well. What we remember as children isn’t always the full truth, but just once piece of the story.
The August Rake Review has made me want to go through Ayers’s backlog and I’m also hopeful that Eliza and Everhurst will get their own story. If you’re looking for a quick enemies-to-lovers romance with a reformed rake, non-virginal FMC, and a whole lot of witty dialogue with super sexy scenes, you’ll be delighted to read An Heiress for August. A big thanks to Kathleen Ayers for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
I’m a sucker for a rivals to lovers romance and this book started with a bang introducing us to Hazel and August who have disliked each other since childhood. Some things change with time and age, but Hazel could never forget the white-haired pudgy bully who stole sweets from children and whom she blamed for forcing her family from their hometown. Now a house party some twenty years later reintroduces them; Hazel as an heiress to a draper’s fortune, and August as the reformed rake heir to a bankrupt dukedom. He’s in desperate need of a wealthy wife, and has every intention of wooing the lady with the largest dowry. She is happy as a spinster with no intention of marrying since her previous suitors have only seen her as a fortune to be acquired.
These two had the best banter that only two stubborn people can have when they each are unwilling to give up what they desire. Their meet-disaster is too funny and rakish August wisely uses it as a way to challenge Hazel. I loved their interactions—August growling and making eyes at Hazel from across the table, Hazel pretending she isn’t completely blown away by August’s glow up. Their chemistry is off the charts which of course leads these enemies to lovers, because he wouldn’t be a reformed rake if he didn’t at least try to seduce Hazel.
What I loved about this book: August gives the word rake reason to be talked about in the gossip papers. He is gifted in the art of bedding women, but anytime a woman can reform a rake, no less a woman not known for her beauty or body, I’m here for it. There is a beach scene that will live rent free in my head and Ayers writes intimacy scenes really well. For a short book, I felt like I really knew the MCs and their motivations. I also think the miscommunication trope is handled very well. What we remember as children isn’t always the full truth, but just once piece of the story.
The August Rake Review has made me want to go through Ayers’s backlog and I’m also hopeful that Eliza and Everhurst will get their own story. If you’re looking for a quick enemies-to-lovers romance with a reformed rake, non-virginal FMC, and a whole lot of witty dialogue with super sexy scenes, you’ll be delighted to read An Heiress for August. A big thanks to Kathleen Ayers for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this one! August, poor man has suffered a lot, first being wounded and almost dying at war, then inheriting a crumbling estate and crippling debt from his cousin. He just can't catch a break. One thing I really liked about him was the fact that he couldn't be deceitful. Multiple times he could have ruined Hazel, but chose not to, and then he was in the process of telling her the truth, that he needed her dowry, but he still loved her. That to me alone proved him a worthy hero.
Hazel was sort of termagant, and there were moments in this where I saw her emotional immaturity. Especially when she says something to August that I had a hard time forgiving as a reader. I liked that she was strong and independent but showed her softer side in special moments with August. However, towards the end I had some issues with her behavior. I'm really glad Eliza kind of put her in her place, and it forced her to be a little introspective and realize she is not always right. This is the only thing that kept it from being 5 stars to me.
Overall, a really nice read! Hoping to see a book about Eliza.
I really enjoyed this one! August, poor man has suffered a lot, first being wounded and almost dying at war, then inheriting a crumbling estate and crippling debt from his cousin. He just can't catch a break. One thing I really liked about him was the fact that he couldn't be deceitful. Multiple times he could have ruined Hazel, but chose not to, and then he was in the process of telling her the truth, that he needed her dowry, but he still loved her. That to me alone proved him a worthy hero.
Hazel was sort of termagant, and there were moments in this where I saw her emotional immaturity. Especially when she says something to August that I had a hard time forgiving as a reader. I liked that she was strong and independent but showed her softer side in special moments with August. However, towards the end I had some issues with her behavior. I'm really glad Eliza kind of put her in her place, and it forced her to be a little introspective and realize she is not always right. This is the only thing that kept it from being 5 stars to me.
Overall, a really nice read! Hoping to see a book about Eliza.
May 15, 2025
I love Kathleen Ayers' writing. This is my 27h book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 but didn't picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and now she is one of my top favorite authors. For my birthday last year, my DIL bought some of my favorite books by her and was able to get her to personally sign them for me. What a fantastic gift and I'll always treasure them.
This is a series that has one book come out the 1st of every month for each month of the year and each one is a different author.
I loved August and Hazel. I loved this storyline. I loved their characters. The more I read the more I loved it. Kathleen Ayers does it again. Definitely adding to my August favorites read list. So damn good.
This is a series that has one book come out the 1st of every month for each month of the year and each one is a different author.
I loved August and Hazel. I loved this storyline. I loved their characters. The more I read the more I loved it. Kathleen Ayers does it again. Definitely adding to my August favorites read list. So damn good.
July 20, 2024
The August Rake Review is 🥵🔥
He was a bully as a child and a rake before he went off to war but now that he is back from the war, all he wants to do is forget about what happened during his time on the battlefield however now he has inherited a dukedome that's on the brink of bankruptcy if he doesn't wed a heiress very soon. And the heiress he has chosen just happens to be the one he bullied as a kid.
She is the daughter of a draper, she's taller than most women, she's not afraid of anything most of all she's not afraid of bullies or dukes, she's not afraid of scandal either after all she's a spinster with a fortune and she's not going to be a victim of fortune hunting title mongrels.
At a summer house party after not seeing each other for over 20 years they finally meet again after the last time they had a fight and sparks of a different kind fly between them, one that neither of them excepted to happen, she wanted only a dalliance with him and he only wanted her money. However fate has placed them in the same place for a reason, and fate brings them together despite the fact the difference in their stations.
This was a delicious enemies to lovers story.
I definitely enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I can't wait for the next book from Kathleen Ayers.
I can't wait for the next Rake Review.
I received this book as arc in exchange for an honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
He was a bully as a child and a rake before he went off to war but now that he is back from the war, all he wants to do is forget about what happened during his time on the battlefield however now he has inherited a dukedome that's on the brink of bankruptcy if he doesn't wed a heiress very soon. And the heiress he has chosen just happens to be the one he bullied as a kid.
She is the daughter of a draper, she's taller than most women, she's not afraid of anything most of all she's not afraid of bullies or dukes, she's not afraid of scandal either after all she's a spinster with a fortune and she's not going to be a victim of fortune hunting title mongrels.
At a summer house party after not seeing each other for over 20 years they finally meet again after the last time they had a fight and sparks of a different kind fly between them, one that neither of them excepted to happen, she wanted only a dalliance with him and he only wanted her money. However fate has placed them in the same place for a reason, and fate brings them together despite the fact the difference in their stations.
This was a delicious enemies to lovers story.
I definitely enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I can't wait for the next book from Kathleen Ayers.
I can't wait for the next Rake Review.
I received this book as arc in exchange for an honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
August Wade & Hazel Dartmont met when she was a lanky thirteen & he was a podgy nine year old, she ended up hitting him for stealing sweets from other children. Now twenty years later they meet at Lady Marie Talbot’s house party. August was never meant to be the Duke of Courtland, now he’s inherited the title from his cousin along with an almost bankrupt duchy. After months of attempting to remedy the situation, August concludes that he must wed an heiress. Specifically, Miss Hazel Dartmont, only child of an obnoxiously wealthy textile merchant.
The eighth book in what is a brilliant multi author series & this addition doesn’t disappoint in any way. The characters are wonderful, they ooze depth, the chemistry sizzles & the banter is delicious. I loved both August & Hazel both had hidden depths & secrets, they locked horns at every meeting but the air sizzles at each encounter too. I devoured this engrossing romance in a sitting & yes I loved it. I truly hope Eliza & Everhurst have their story & soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The eighth book in what is a brilliant multi author series & this addition doesn’t disappoint in any way. The characters are wonderful, they ooze depth, the chemistry sizzles & the banter is delicious. I loved both August & Hazel both had hidden depths & secrets, they locked horns at every meeting but the air sizzles at each encounter too. I devoured this engrossing romance in a sitting & yes I loved it. I truly hope Eliza & Everhurst have their story & soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
August 5, 2024
This is book 8 of the 12 book The Rake Review series. I’ve really been liking the series so far.
This story starts with the main characters as children. The MMC, August, was portrayed as being extremely unlikeable. Ultimately, I found it hard to like him throughout the book. Later in the story, we’re given context as to why he acted the way he did, but I never felt that he was fully redeemed.
Because of the way August had treated Hazel in the past and the degree to which she didn’t like him, I didn’t quite buy how quickly she was attracted to him and how easily she fell into bed with him. I just had trouble believing that theirs was a love story instead of a lust story.
I did really enjoy the house party setting. The banter was top notch, the enemies-to-lovers trope was done perfectly, and there was a secondary character I would love to see more of. I also liked the fact that the heroine was older and sexually experienced.
I love Kathleen Ayers and her writing style is wonderful. She’s one of my auto-buy authors, and I can’t wait to read more from her.
This story starts with the main characters as children. The MMC, August, was portrayed as being extremely unlikeable. Ultimately, I found it hard to like him throughout the book. Later in the story, we’re given context as to why he acted the way he did, but I never felt that he was fully redeemed.
Because of the way August had treated Hazel in the past and the degree to which she didn’t like him, I didn’t quite buy how quickly she was attracted to him and how easily she fell into bed with him. I just had trouble believing that theirs was a love story instead of a lust story.
I did really enjoy the house party setting. The banter was top notch, the enemies-to-lovers trope was done perfectly, and there was a secondary character I would love to see more of. I also liked the fact that the heroine was older and sexually experienced.
I love Kathleen Ayers and her writing style is wonderful. She’s one of my auto-buy authors, and I can’t wait to read more from her.
July 31, 2024
Every spinster heiress dreams of marrying a duke, don’t they?
Hazel & August
He’s the duke’s nephew - an entitled bully piglet at first sight, but there’s more to this boy than meets the eye. She’s the local draper’s daughter - tall, gangly and the only kid brave enough to stand up to him, but her efforts backfire and her family is driven out of town.
Two decades, a war and two inheritances later, and a country house party puts them once more in each other’s orbit. She’s now an heiress with no title - devoted to charity, unwanted by Society and hunted by broke noblemen - and he’s a duke in need of a fortune, a libertine rake of the worst kind and a man deeply scarred by war. She recognises her tormentor at once, even though he’s grown into a dashing Viking. It takes him a beat longer to figure out she’s his Stork, and then his conscience kicks in…
This is an intriguing, multi-layered childhood enemies to lovers romance. A riveting fast-paced novella with class difference, trauma, growth, loyal friends, a fierce cousin, a scarred hero and a contrary heroine who sure knows how to hold a grudge. Two passionate and obstinate individuals butting heads and hearts, sizzling steam, witty repartee, tears, regrets and reason. Add some unfriendly competition, jealousy, rumours and disdain, and you get an emotional ride with a moving and very satisfying happy end. An excellent read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
And now I can’t help but wonder what happens with Eliza & Everhurst... is there a sequel, or perhaps even a new series in our future? I sure hope so!
Hazel & August
He’s the duke’s nephew - an entitled bully piglet at first sight, but there’s more to this boy than meets the eye. She’s the local draper’s daughter - tall, gangly and the only kid brave enough to stand up to him, but her efforts backfire and her family is driven out of town.
Two decades, a war and two inheritances later, and a country house party puts them once more in each other’s orbit. She’s now an heiress with no title - devoted to charity, unwanted by Society and hunted by broke noblemen - and he’s a duke in need of a fortune, a libertine rake of the worst kind and a man deeply scarred by war. She recognises her tormentor at once, even though he’s grown into a dashing Viking. It takes him a beat longer to figure out she’s his Stork, and then his conscience kicks in…
This is an intriguing, multi-layered childhood enemies to lovers romance. A riveting fast-paced novella with class difference, trauma, growth, loyal friends, a fierce cousin, a scarred hero and a contrary heroine who sure knows how to hold a grudge. Two passionate and obstinate individuals butting heads and hearts, sizzling steam, witty repartee, tears, regrets and reason. Add some unfriendly competition, jealousy, rumours and disdain, and you get an emotional ride with a moving and very satisfying happy end. An excellent read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
And now I can’t help but wonder what happens with Eliza & Everhurst... is there a sequel, or perhaps even a new series in our future? I sure hope so!
September 22, 2024
Childhood nemesis become much more! Another great addition to the Rake Review series!
August 1, 2024
Hazel is a 34 year old textile heiress who has a huge chip on her shoulder. August is a 29 year old veteran of Quatre Bras who has inherited a bankrupt dukedom.
These two encountered one another in childhood, and it was hate at first sight. Hazel has not forgotten.
Now, at a house party, August is pursuing Hazel at the recommendation of his solicitor. She is very prickly, but August has had a glow up.
I really enjoyed this book, and Hazel and August. However, I wish it had been longer. The Rake Review books seem to have a page limit, but the characters in this particular installment could easily have sustained a much longer book. I definitely would enjoy a few more chapters post wedding, for example. Or some more on Eliza or Lady Talbot.
I love Kathleen Ayers’ writing and this book is no exception. The characters are well developed and the banter is on point. This is a moderately steamy book, so if you’re after clean, this isn’t.
These two encountered one another in childhood, and it was hate at first sight. Hazel has not forgotten.
Now, at a house party, August is pursuing Hazel at the recommendation of his solicitor. She is very prickly, but August has had a glow up.
I really enjoyed this book, and Hazel and August. However, I wish it had been longer. The Rake Review books seem to have a page limit, but the characters in this particular installment could easily have sustained a much longer book. I definitely would enjoy a few more chapters post wedding, for example. Or some more on Eliza or Lady Talbot.
I love Kathleen Ayers’ writing and this book is no exception. The characters are well developed and the banter is on point. This is a moderately steamy book, so if you’re after clean, this isn’t.
July 17, 2024
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. It’s part of a multi-author series, The Rake Review, and I’ll be honest, I’ve loved every one of them. I had trouble putting this one down and ended up reading until almost two a.m. when I’d promised myself to stop before one. When I started this one, I wondered, how could the author possibly make August Wade a sympathetic character? It was a long time coming, but when it came, I was satisfied. I now empathized and liked him, even if he was a bit of a jerk and a bully at nine years of age. A few years older than him, Hazel Dartmont was the only one willing to stand up to him, and because he was a Duke’s nephew, she and her family paid the price. He dubbed her “Stork” because she was so tall and skinny, while she made fun of him for being an overweight, greedy pig. This included snorting at him whenever he passed by.
Fast forward about 20 years. August is now, unwillingly, Duke of Courtland. Driven into the ground by his cousin prior to his death, this kingdom August inherits is overwhelmingly in debt and falling apart. He also takes responsibility for the prior duke’s younger sister, Eliza, who is of marrying age but no longer has a dowry. He has sold everything he can, and still, creditors keep coming for more. His solicitor tells him the only way to save the dukedom is to marry an heiress. He’s provided with a list of potential brides and is instructed to convince one of them to marry him, thus saving his family’s legacy. Since he spent so much of his life as a shameless libertine, this could be difficult.
Meantime, Hazel’s family has amassed a significant fortune. As the only survivor, she is extremely wealthy and has vowed to never marry because she knows men are only after her money. Hazel is no shrinking violet. Outspoken as a child, she has grown to be even more opinionated and independent. She donates generously to charities so the London elite are forced to endure her presence, even though her lineage is far below theirs. Luckily, she has made one particular friend who has remained her staunchest supporter, Lady Maria Talbot, a young widow. When Maria hosts a house party, Hazel agrees to attend because Maria is her best friend.
At the same time, Eliza manages to finagle an invitation to the party for herself and her brother. August decides her must entrap the “heiress” to secure the money he needs. It’s not so easy as that because Hazel is not some innocent debutante. Worse, the minute she sees August, she recognizes him and is horrified that he has grown up to be so attractive. She’s 34 years old and has had her share of lovers; she keeps fantasizing about August, then chastising herself for it. When he first catches sight of her, he does not recognize her or even realize she’s the heiress, but he is immediately intrigued. Once he realizes her identity, he is even more determined to seduce her.
No one at the party is yet aware of August's financial difficulties, but it was just printed in The Rake Review, so it’s only a matter of time before everyone will know. Interestingly, without naming names, the mystery writer of the review mentioned Hazel as the number one target for August. This is not going to go over well.
Hazel assumes the worst of August at every turn, making false assumptions about him that he genuinely does not understand. She works with injured veterans and their families. Why would she be so dismissive of him when he is also an injured veteran? When he finally realizes why she has such animosity toward him, he decides to show her he’s a changed man, but he doesn’t tell her he knows, saving that tidbit of information for later.
The interactions between Hazel and August are realistic and make sense, based on what they think they know about one another. Their banter is clever and funny, with August employing one innuendo after another. In fact, there’s a funny bit of wordplay when Hazel reminds him that he thinks she’s beneath him, and he tells her he often thinks of her beneath him. They’re both smart characters, which is something I like in MC’s.
Hazel has carried a lot of misconceptions about August for the past 20 years. She’s ashamed to realize how wrong she was. As the relationship changes and they grow to care for one another, it’s clear that August’s initial motivations will be revealed and cause Hazel to reject him. When that does happen, both are devastated. Oddly, I didn’t get too caught up in their emotions. I don’t know if that’s a reflection of the writing and the author’s ability to convey them, or my mood. I knew that, before it was too late, they would find one another again and have their HEA. It may have taken a little longer than I expected, but what was really surprising was the catalyst that drew Hazel to hear August’s side of the story, rather than assuming the worst.
I’m giving this book five stars because I really enjoyed it. It’s an interesting story with two main characters who despised one another as children. I was surprised that Eliza was portrayed as the same snob that Hazel assumed August would be while August had changed and didn’t view others as beneath him anymore.
Fast forward about 20 years. August is now, unwillingly, Duke of Courtland. Driven into the ground by his cousin prior to his death, this kingdom August inherits is overwhelmingly in debt and falling apart. He also takes responsibility for the prior duke’s younger sister, Eliza, who is of marrying age but no longer has a dowry. He has sold everything he can, and still, creditors keep coming for more. His solicitor tells him the only way to save the dukedom is to marry an heiress. He’s provided with a list of potential brides and is instructed to convince one of them to marry him, thus saving his family’s legacy. Since he spent so much of his life as a shameless libertine, this could be difficult.
Meantime, Hazel’s family has amassed a significant fortune. As the only survivor, she is extremely wealthy and has vowed to never marry because she knows men are only after her money. Hazel is no shrinking violet. Outspoken as a child, she has grown to be even more opinionated and independent. She donates generously to charities so the London elite are forced to endure her presence, even though her lineage is far below theirs. Luckily, she has made one particular friend who has remained her staunchest supporter, Lady Maria Talbot, a young widow. When Maria hosts a house party, Hazel agrees to attend because Maria is her best friend.
At the same time, Eliza manages to finagle an invitation to the party for herself and her brother. August decides her must entrap the “heiress” to secure the money he needs. It’s not so easy as that because Hazel is not some innocent debutante. Worse, the minute she sees August, she recognizes him and is horrified that he has grown up to be so attractive. She’s 34 years old and has had her share of lovers; she keeps fantasizing about August, then chastising herself for it. When he first catches sight of her, he does not recognize her or even realize she’s the heiress, but he is immediately intrigued. Once he realizes her identity, he is even more determined to seduce her.
No one at the party is yet aware of August's financial difficulties, but it was just printed in The Rake Review, so it’s only a matter of time before everyone will know. Interestingly, without naming names, the mystery writer of the review mentioned Hazel as the number one target for August. This is not going to go over well.
Hazel assumes the worst of August at every turn, making false assumptions about him that he genuinely does not understand. She works with injured veterans and their families. Why would she be so dismissive of him when he is also an injured veteran? When he finally realizes why she has such animosity toward him, he decides to show her he’s a changed man, but he doesn’t tell her he knows, saving that tidbit of information for later.
The interactions between Hazel and August are realistic and make sense, based on what they think they know about one another. Their banter is clever and funny, with August employing one innuendo after another. In fact, there’s a funny bit of wordplay when Hazel reminds him that he thinks she’s beneath him, and he tells her he often thinks of her beneath him. They’re both smart characters, which is something I like in MC’s.
Hazel has carried a lot of misconceptions about August for the past 20 years. She’s ashamed to realize how wrong she was. As the relationship changes and they grow to care for one another, it’s clear that August’s initial motivations will be revealed and cause Hazel to reject him. When that does happen, both are devastated. Oddly, I didn’t get too caught up in their emotions. I don’t know if that’s a reflection of the writing and the author’s ability to convey them, or my mood. I knew that, before it was too late, they would find one another again and have their HEA. It may have taken a little longer than I expected, but what was really surprising was the catalyst that drew Hazel to hear August’s side of the story, rather than assuming the worst.
I’m giving this book five stars because I really enjoyed it. It’s an interesting story with two main characters who despised one another as children. I was surprised that Eliza was portrayed as the same snob that Hazel assumed August would be while August had changed and didn’t view others as beneath him anymore.
July 16, 2024
August & Hazel. I loved this book. Hazel is the draper's daughter and August is nephew of a Duke. They meet as children. His parents and sister were sick and dying and he was sent to live with his uncle for a summer. He was angry and mean to the other kids around. He was bullying and stealing bags of candy from the kids around him. Hazel stepped in and ended up punching August. She got in trouble and the local vicar visited her parents and told them that they needed to move to another town because the Duke was mad at them for Hazel punching August.
Fast forward 20 yrs. August returns from his tour in the military and a very bloody battle that took the lives of some of his troops and left him with some scars. His cousin Edward died and August inherits the dukedom. The estate is bankrupt after Edward overspent and made terrible investments. August needs to marry an heiress to save the estate, his tenants, etc. The estate's solicitor gives August a list of heiresses. His cousin Eliza secures them an invitation to a house party after finding out that a few of the heiresses will be in attendance. Hazel is at the top of the list and is August's target.
He arrives at the house party but doesn't realize that he and Hazel have history. She isn't impressed with his attempts to become acquainted with her despite him being a duke and people fawning over the title and potential to become a duchess. It isn't until a bit later when she reveals to him that she knows him as a stealer of candy that he realizes she is the girl from his childhood that he called "Stork". She is taller than most women and lanky. She isn't too tall for August though.
Their banter with each other is fun and the chemistry between them was excellent. You can see that her being an heiress is going to cause some problems between them. She distrusts everyone because she has always been dollar signs to any potential suitors.
I love Kathleen Ayers' characters. Hazel is unique in that she is older than August. How often do you see that in historical romances? She's also tall and not the typical debutant. She also isn't a virgin. She's had partners but she doesn't come off a easy. Usually the role of classy women that enjoy the company of gentlemen is for women that are mistresses, widows or bored married women. Hazel is none of those. She's classy with a bit of not caring what other people say about her. She doesn't try to force people to like her or pretend she's someone else. All around I love her character. I also love the vulnerability she shows when she's fallen for August but overthinks things when she finds out he needs an heiress to save his estate.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
Fast forward 20 yrs. August returns from his tour in the military and a very bloody battle that took the lives of some of his troops and left him with some scars. His cousin Edward died and August inherits the dukedom. The estate is bankrupt after Edward overspent and made terrible investments. August needs to marry an heiress to save the estate, his tenants, etc. The estate's solicitor gives August a list of heiresses. His cousin Eliza secures them an invitation to a house party after finding out that a few of the heiresses will be in attendance. Hazel is at the top of the list and is August's target.
He arrives at the house party but doesn't realize that he and Hazel have history. She isn't impressed with his attempts to become acquainted with her despite him being a duke and people fawning over the title and potential to become a duchess. It isn't until a bit later when she reveals to him that she knows him as a stealer of candy that he realizes she is the girl from his childhood that he called "Stork". She is taller than most women and lanky. She isn't too tall for August though.
Their banter with each other is fun and the chemistry between them was excellent. You can see that her being an heiress is going to cause some problems between them. She distrusts everyone because she has always been dollar signs to any potential suitors.
I love Kathleen Ayers' characters. Hazel is unique in that she is older than August. How often do you see that in historical romances? She's also tall and not the typical debutant. She also isn't a virgin. She's had partners but she doesn't come off a easy. Usually the role of classy women that enjoy the company of gentlemen is for women that are mistresses, widows or bored married women. Hazel is none of those. She's classy with a bit of not caring what other people say about her. She doesn't try to force people to like her or pretend she's someone else. All around I love her character. I also love the vulnerability she shows when she's fallen for August but overthinks things when she finds out he needs an heiress to save his estate.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
I was intrigued from the start by this story's unique beginning. I wondered how the events in the Village of Pensford during August Wade's and Hazel Dartmont's childhoods would factor into the plot.
August, the 9-year-old nephew of the Duke of Cortland, is an unholy terror. Shorter and pudgier than other children, with almost white hair and striking turquoise eyes. He steals candy from the village children due to his sense of entitlement and condescending nature, always looking for a fight. Everyone fears the duke's wrath, so they tolerate his behavior—except for Hazel, the 13-year-old daughter of the village draper. Tall, freckled, and not a member of society, she refuses to accept his misbehavior and stands up to him, indifferent to his aristocratic status. He taunts her by calling her "stork," and she retaliates with names like "brute," "stealer of sweets," and "Lord Doughball." Their deep animosity results in her family being asked to leave the village.
I am still pondering how their childhood events will tie together, but the author did an amazing job of making everything make sense and answering all my lingering questions.
Twenty years later, August and Hazel meet again at a house party hosted by Lady Talbot. Now the Duke of Cortland, August has inherited a title he doesn’t want and an estate near bankruptcy. He needs to marry an heiress, and Hazel, with her large fortune, tops his list. Although she recognizes him immediately, he doesn't realize she is his childhood foe, “Stork.” Despite her lingering resentment, she is drawn to him, and he is equally captivated by her, though unaware of her identity at first. Their interactions are humorous, passionate and full of tension, but has Hazel to reconsidering her aversion to marriage, especially after he tells her he doesn’t want them to part. August plans to reveal his financial troubles to Hazel, but she discovers the truth from the Rake Review, leading to an ugly confrontation and her departure from the party.
This captivating story, filled with hidden motivations, childhood traumas, witty banter, and heartfelt emotions, kept me engrossed. The author's masterful writing took me on an emotional journey, evoking happiness, sadness, angst, and heartache, and brought the wonderful characters to life, making it a truly magnificent tale. I received a free copy this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review, all thoughts and opinions are my
August, the 9-year-old nephew of the Duke of Cortland, is an unholy terror. Shorter and pudgier than other children, with almost white hair and striking turquoise eyes. He steals candy from the village children due to his sense of entitlement and condescending nature, always looking for a fight. Everyone fears the duke's wrath, so they tolerate his behavior—except for Hazel, the 13-year-old daughter of the village draper. Tall, freckled, and not a member of society, she refuses to accept his misbehavior and stands up to him, indifferent to his aristocratic status. He taunts her by calling her "stork," and she retaliates with names like "brute," "stealer of sweets," and "Lord Doughball." Their deep animosity results in her family being asked to leave the village.
I am still pondering how their childhood events will tie together, but the author did an amazing job of making everything make sense and answering all my lingering questions.
Twenty years later, August and Hazel meet again at a house party hosted by Lady Talbot. Now the Duke of Cortland, August has inherited a title he doesn’t want and an estate near bankruptcy. He needs to marry an heiress, and Hazel, with her large fortune, tops his list. Although she recognizes him immediately, he doesn't realize she is his childhood foe, “Stork.” Despite her lingering resentment, she is drawn to him, and he is equally captivated by her, though unaware of her identity at first. Their interactions are humorous, passionate and full of tension, but has Hazel to reconsidering her aversion to marriage, especially after he tells her he doesn’t want them to part. August plans to reveal his financial troubles to Hazel, but she discovers the truth from the Rake Review, leading to an ugly confrontation and her departure from the party.
This captivating story, filled with hidden motivations, childhood traumas, witty banter, and heartfelt emotions, kept me engrossed. The author's masterful writing took me on an emotional journey, evoking happiness, sadness, angst, and heartache, and brought the wonderful characters to life, making it a truly magnificent tale. I received a free copy this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review, all thoughts and opinions are my
August 3, 2024
This is a stand alone book and another great one by Kathleen.
Not only is the book well written, entertaining, and steamy, but this enemies to lovers story has a lot of surprising aspects to it.
This story starts off with our H&H growing up alongside one another even though they come from different worlds. August is part of the aristocracy, Hazel is from the working class and both are completely different in character.
Their story doesn't start off amicably, they have a really tough start and with no love for one another.
Fast forward to the future and both have led very differing lives
August returns home from war and he of course is suffering the effects and throws himself into raking about until he receives some unexpected news - he's inherited a Dukedom he doesn't want and whats worse than an unwanted Dukedom, an impoverished one.
Although he throws himself into trying to fix the Dukedom, no amount of dedication will help, it needs a vast some of money to save it and he doesn't have it.
How does a penniless Duke fix his estate? marry an Heiress. August plans is to find one that is desperate, one who would never consider to say no and the perfect candidate is Hazel. Hazel is a very wealthy heiress but not only is she very much on the shelf, she also is a commoner.
Hazel isn't the perfect heroine, she's very liberal, she is tough, distrusting, and bitter. The life she has lived has caused her to build protective walls. Her family and herself were not treated very well and this created the person she has become.
Not only is she quite the spitfire but she also will do anything to avoid marriage, especially because they are all after her money, not her!
Hazel and August meet up again at a house party. Although they have a past and are enemies there is an instant spark between them.
August plans to do whatever he must to gain her agreement to wed, even if he needs to compromise her and Hazel isn't a fool, she knows he wants her only for her money.
As they spend more and more time with each other they both start to see beyond their history, what they thought they knew, and both start falling hard for the other.
This was a really great story. One of personal growth with both H&H, forgiveness, passion, and a HEA.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Not only is the book well written, entertaining, and steamy, but this enemies to lovers story has a lot of surprising aspects to it.
This story starts off with our H&H growing up alongside one another even though they come from different worlds. August is part of the aristocracy, Hazel is from the working class and both are completely different in character.
Their story doesn't start off amicably, they have a really tough start and with no love for one another.
Fast forward to the future and both have led very differing lives
August returns home from war and he of course is suffering the effects and throws himself into raking about until he receives some unexpected news - he's inherited a Dukedom he doesn't want and whats worse than an unwanted Dukedom, an impoverished one.
Although he throws himself into trying to fix the Dukedom, no amount of dedication will help, it needs a vast some of money to save it and he doesn't have it.
How does a penniless Duke fix his estate? marry an Heiress. August plans is to find one that is desperate, one who would never consider to say no and the perfect candidate is Hazel. Hazel is a very wealthy heiress but not only is she very much on the shelf, she also is a commoner.
Hazel isn't the perfect heroine, she's very liberal, she is tough, distrusting, and bitter. The life she has lived has caused her to build protective walls. Her family and herself were not treated very well and this created the person she has become.
Not only is she quite the spitfire but she also will do anything to avoid marriage, especially because they are all after her money, not her!
Hazel and August meet up again at a house party. Although they have a past and are enemies there is an instant spark between them.
August plans to do whatever he must to gain her agreement to wed, even if he needs to compromise her and Hazel isn't a fool, she knows he wants her only for her money.
As they spend more and more time with each other they both start to see beyond their history, what they thought they knew, and both start falling hard for the other.
This was a really great story. One of personal growth with both H&H, forgiveness, passion, and a HEA.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2024
An Heiress for August by Kathleen Ayers
The Rake Review #8
Delightful enemies to lovers romance with assumptions, misinformation, and other issues to overcome before August and Hazel are able to achieve their happily ever after.
What I liked:
* The prologue with very young Hazel and August at a lawn party that introduced the main characters and set the stage, in a way, for their future encounter
* Hazel: draper’s daughter, wealthy, charitable, has a chip on her shoulder, disliked/envied by the ton, believes that she is only wanted for her money, has given up on love and marriage…mostly
* August: the nephew and cousin of the previous Dukes of Courtland, commissioned officer, survived Quatre-Bras, valiant, has nightmares/PTSD, needs a fortune to refurbish his Duchy
* Maria Talbot: widow, married for love, Hazel’s friend, hostess of the house party
* Eliza: August’s cousin, knows the estate needs money, has her eye on someone other than Hazel for her cousin, and has some past issue that I am curious about related to Everhurst
* Everhurst: ex-military, admires August, good friend, admirable person, and seems to still be interested in Eliza
* Wondering if and when Eliza and Everhurst might get a book of their own
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That though it took awhile to warm up to and be able to see August and Hazel together…gradually as more was uncovered…I couldn’t see them with anyone else
* That I cared about and became invested in the outcome of the romance and would have loved to have had an epilogue to see how the couple are in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The machinations, scheming, and rudeness of some in the ton
* The desire of some parents for status more than the happiness of their children
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Rake Review #8
Delightful enemies to lovers romance with assumptions, misinformation, and other issues to overcome before August and Hazel are able to achieve their happily ever after.
What I liked:
* The prologue with very young Hazel and August at a lawn party that introduced the main characters and set the stage, in a way, for their future encounter
* Hazel: draper’s daughter, wealthy, charitable, has a chip on her shoulder, disliked/envied by the ton, believes that she is only wanted for her money, has given up on love and marriage…mostly
* August: the nephew and cousin of the previous Dukes of Courtland, commissioned officer, survived Quatre-Bras, valiant, has nightmares/PTSD, needs a fortune to refurbish his Duchy
* Maria Talbot: widow, married for love, Hazel’s friend, hostess of the house party
* Eliza: August’s cousin, knows the estate needs money, has her eye on someone other than Hazel for her cousin, and has some past issue that I am curious about related to Everhurst
* Everhurst: ex-military, admires August, good friend, admirable person, and seems to still be interested in Eliza
* Wondering if and when Eliza and Everhurst might get a book of their own
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That though it took awhile to warm up to and be able to see August and Hazel together…gradually as more was uncovered…I couldn’t see them with anyone else
* That I cared about and became invested in the outcome of the romance and would have loved to have had an epilogue to see how the couple are in the future
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The machinations, scheming, and rudeness of some in the ton
* The desire of some parents for status more than the happiness of their children
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 22, 2025
I'll admit that while I could kind of see where she was coming from, I got really frustrated at all the assumptions Hazel made about August. Not only after she realized who he was, but even before that. Just because he was a duke, she made a sh*t-ton of assumptions about reasons and everything.
It was interesting seeing August and the differences between him at nine and the present. Seeing the way he'd changed and his reasons for everything. His guilt over stuff that happened at Quatre Bras was immense, but the stories that Everhust told definitely showed the parts of August he didn't want people to see. It was also interesting seeing as things evolved for him regarding Hazel. Yes, he admitted that at first, his interest was purely the fortune. Then he spent a little time with her and was starting to wonder. Then he realized she was Stork and he wondered a bit more.
Like I mentioned, Hazel frustrated me a bit. While I get her feelings, especially since at 13 she didn't have any way to know that it'd been suggested they leave purely because the Vicar was a brown-noser, that doesn't give her the right to judge everyone against a single interaction from a summer 20 years ago. I may have been frustrated at Eliza's attitude regarding Hazel, but I did like that she called Hazel out at the lecture. I did like the fact that she apologized to Everhurst and admitted she'd allowed her on preconceived prejudices to color the stuff she was hearing from Garland.
Lady Leek was a miserable old bat, and part of me wished there could have been some interaction after Hazel and August married. Even a quick "Oh, it's you." type thing. But considering that Coraline had run off, I guess that was its own kind of justice(?).
I was definitely curious about Eliza and Everhurst! There's definitely a history there and I'm very interested to see how that plays out! Hopefully they get a story at some point.
It was interesting seeing August and the differences between him at nine and the present. Seeing the way he'd changed and his reasons for everything. His guilt over stuff that happened at Quatre Bras was immense, but the stories that Everhust told definitely showed the parts of August he didn't want people to see. It was also interesting seeing as things evolved for him regarding Hazel. Yes, he admitted that at first, his interest was purely the fortune. Then he spent a little time with her and was starting to wonder. Then he realized she was Stork and he wondered a bit more.
Like I mentioned, Hazel frustrated me a bit. While I get her feelings, especially since at 13 she didn't have any way to know that it'd been suggested they leave purely because the Vicar was a brown-noser, that doesn't give her the right to judge everyone against a single interaction from a summer 20 years ago. I may have been frustrated at Eliza's attitude regarding Hazel, but I did like that she called Hazel out at the lecture. I did like the fact that she apologized to Everhurst and admitted she'd allowed her on preconceived prejudices to color the stuff she was hearing from Garland.
Lady Leek was a miserable old bat, and part of me wished there could have been some interaction after Hazel and August married. Even a quick "Oh, it's you." type thing. But considering that Coraline had run off, I guess that was its own kind of justice(?).
I was definitely curious about Eliza and Everhurst! There's definitely a history there and I'm very interested to see how that plays out! Hopefully they get a story at some point.
August 3, 2024
New month, new Rake Review! The eighth book in the collection released this week, An Heiress for August by Kathleen Ayers and this one is perfect savour as we roll into the last month of summer!
The rake review foretells of the impending courtship between the last resort, Duke and the drapers daughter heiress…
I love this book starts off with a prologue where we see our hero and heroine as a nine year-old, spoiled little bully acting out against the world under the privilege of his uncles Dukedom and 13-year-old small town drapers daughter trying to stand up for the little guy!
Fast-forward about 20 years later, and the spoiled little bully is now the last resort Duke after inheriting a destitute him from his cousin and in need of an heiress… coincidentally After leaving that small town, the draper’s daughter is now the Draper heiress!
August , the Duke of Courtand and Miss Hazel Wade come face-to-face at a house party where August intends to seduce and marry her, not knowing of their past association. While Hazel remembers all too well that summer long ago and wants nothing to do with the Duke!
This was an absolute delight! I loved seeing August break down Hazel’s resistance and see a true romance bloom between them! Full of chemistry and steam, this was one of those books you can’t put down!!!
I also found myself getting wrapped up in August’s cousin Eliza’s star crossed relationship with Edgewood! I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for their story!
The rake review continues to be one excellent novella after another, and this one is the perfect hot summer romance!
I have been saying it every month, but make sure you grab yourself a copy of this months (and the past issues!) Rake Review! It’s a must read!
Thanks to author, Kathleen Ayers for my review copy.
The rake review foretells of the impending courtship between the last resort, Duke and the drapers daughter heiress…
I love this book starts off with a prologue where we see our hero and heroine as a nine year-old, spoiled little bully acting out against the world under the privilege of his uncles Dukedom and 13-year-old small town drapers daughter trying to stand up for the little guy!
Fast-forward about 20 years later, and the spoiled little bully is now the last resort Duke after inheriting a destitute him from his cousin and in need of an heiress… coincidentally After leaving that small town, the draper’s daughter is now the Draper heiress!
August , the Duke of Courtand and Miss Hazel Wade come face-to-face at a house party where August intends to seduce and marry her, not knowing of their past association. While Hazel remembers all too well that summer long ago and wants nothing to do with the Duke!
This was an absolute delight! I loved seeing August break down Hazel’s resistance and see a true romance bloom between them! Full of chemistry and steam, this was one of those books you can’t put down!!!
I also found myself getting wrapped up in August’s cousin Eliza’s star crossed relationship with Edgewood! I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for their story!
The rake review continues to be one excellent novella after another, and this one is the perfect hot summer romance!
I have been saying it every month, but make sure you grab yourself a copy of this months (and the past issues!) Rake Review! It’s a must read!
Thanks to author, Kathleen Ayers for my review copy.
July 20, 2024
August Wade, now the Duke of Courtland, has been called the Duke of Last Resort, due to his well-deserved reputation as a rake. Unfortunately, since his cousin, the last duke, left the ducal estates drained dry, it’s now August’s duty to marry a rich heiress to remedy the situation. Enter Miss Hazel Dartmont, a wealthy heiress, firmly on the shelf, who has no intention of ever marrying. Throw in the complication of childhood dislike, and August has his work cut out for him, convincing Hazel that he wants her for more than just her money. The story takes place at a house party, where August has a short time to convince Hazel of his regard, but it’s an uphill battle as soon as she recognizes him as the entitled brat that terrorized her when they were younger. Hazel is sure she dislikes him, but can’t help the attraction she has to the now grown-up and very attractive August. I really enjoyed their interactions, with Hazel well able to hold her own against whatever August said, but oh, how hard it was to resist whenever he got close. I loved that Hazel was a mature woman who had a mind of her own instead of a virginal young miss, and that August’s outlook changed dramatically after being injured in the war and then becoming an impoverished duke. This made for a delightful couple that I was rooting for throughout the story. I’ve been enjoying the Rake Review series very much and this one was definitely one of my favorites.
August 1, 2024
Another enjoyable read from Kathleen!
I grew to really like both Hazel and August and their dynamic. I wasn’t sure at first after seeing how horrid August was as a child but I loved the idea of childhood nemesis’ to lovers. August inherited an improvised dukedom he doesn’t want and is on the hunt for an heiress to marry. He’s kind of a jerk, a reformed rake and a healing solider - he’s got a lot going on and he grows a lot through the story because of course, there’s always another side to the story. I wish we’d learned a little more about August’s version of his childhood earlier and had him open up earlier but I still enjoyed the progression of the romance.
For hazel’s part, she is tired of being wanted only for her wealth, sees herself as undesirable and has a lot of defense mechanisms. I also really liked that they were a little older than usual (hazel is 34) and that Hazel was comfortable with herself and in the bedroom.
They’re introduction to each other as adults was hilarious and set the stage for their back and forth dynamic well. I loved their interactions and loved that he fell first. The conflict was expected but done well - I also really loved the setting of a house party and the background characters! I’m certainly hoping for an Everhurst and Eliza story
It was a very enjoyable read with lots of moments that had me falling in love with this story. If you like spinster, rages to riches, class difference, forced proximity and enemies (childhood nemesis’) to lovers then this is for you
I grew to really like both Hazel and August and their dynamic. I wasn’t sure at first after seeing how horrid August was as a child but I loved the idea of childhood nemesis’ to lovers. August inherited an improvised dukedom he doesn’t want and is on the hunt for an heiress to marry. He’s kind of a jerk, a reformed rake and a healing solider - he’s got a lot going on and he grows a lot through the story because of course, there’s always another side to the story. I wish we’d learned a little more about August’s version of his childhood earlier and had him open up earlier but I still enjoyed the progression of the romance.
For hazel’s part, she is tired of being wanted only for her wealth, sees herself as undesirable and has a lot of defense mechanisms. I also really liked that they were a little older than usual (hazel is 34) and that Hazel was comfortable with herself and in the bedroom.
They’re introduction to each other as adults was hilarious and set the stage for their back and forth dynamic well. I loved their interactions and loved that he fell first. The conflict was expected but done well - I also really loved the setting of a house party and the background characters! I’m certainly hoping for an Everhurst and Eliza story
It was a very enjoyable read with lots of moments that had me falling in love with this story. If you like spinster, rages to riches, class difference, forced proximity and enemies (childhood nemesis’) to lovers then this is for you
November 24, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve read this book, but I can safely say it is the second best one in the series so far (I still have to read November and December releases).
Kathleen Ayers excels in writing sexy banter, and the chemistry between Hazel and August was electrifying and hot.
Hazel, being a little prickly and difficult, was such a compelling character.
I enjoy well written hard to like at first heroines, and her character development was so engaging and rewarding.
My absolute favourite non-romance scene in the whole book was the conversation between Hazel and August’s sister.
The way Hazel acknowledged her own prejudice and reflected on why she behaved in a certain way was done so well.
The story in general was really fun to follow, the sexual tension was beautiful and joyful.
The only thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the prologue. There was a lot of very jarring language, and the whole bullying angle wasn't pleasant to read. I feel like Hazel and August could still be enemies then lovers, without the childhood bullying story arc. I don't know, I just didn't like it.
Otherwise, such a fun book. It had lovely sexy banter, prickly heroine and teasing hero, and a beautiful romance.
5/5 stars
Kathleen Ayers excels in writing sexy banter, and the chemistry between Hazel and August was electrifying and hot.
Hazel, being a little prickly and difficult, was such a compelling character.
I enjoy well written hard to like at first heroines, and her character development was so engaging and rewarding.
My absolute favourite non-romance scene in the whole book was the conversation between Hazel and August’s sister.
The way Hazel acknowledged her own prejudice and reflected on why she behaved in a certain way was done so well.
The story in general was really fun to follow, the sexual tension was beautiful and joyful.
The only thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the prologue. There was a lot of very jarring language, and the whole bullying angle wasn't pleasant to read. I feel like Hazel and August could still be enemies then lovers, without the childhood bullying story arc. I don't know, I just didn't like it.
Otherwise, such a fun book. It had lovely sexy banter, prickly heroine and teasing hero, and a beautiful romance.
5/5 stars
August 2, 2024
5⭐️ 1.5🌶️
“You may moan your dislike of me while I pleasure you. Does that suit?”
Yet another reminder of why I love Kathleen so much. This was a really quick story that has all the elements of what I love in regency romance without any one thing taking up too much focus or time. Its surface level for sure at only 200 pages but that’s why I liked it.
The prologue sets up nicely the animosity Hazel feels for August and titled men in general and likewise Chapter 1 quickly gets out the type of take August used to be. Neither make any excuse for who they are and for once we have a heroine who is not young (she’s 34). She’s self assured without coming off righteous. Their banter was delightful and their chemistry was clear. I loved how this quickly moved into some steamy moments without any awkwardness.
Why can’t I want you and your fortune?
The conflict was clear from the start, but didn’t necessarily create angst and I felt for both characters and easily saw both sides. August’s heartfelt confessions when Hazel went to find home in London were my favorite parts. 🥹 An all around delightful story
“You may moan your dislike of me while I pleasure you. Does that suit?”
Yet another reminder of why I love Kathleen so much. This was a really quick story that has all the elements of what I love in regency romance without any one thing taking up too much focus or time. Its surface level for sure at only 200 pages but that’s why I liked it.
The prologue sets up nicely the animosity Hazel feels for August and titled men in general and likewise Chapter 1 quickly gets out the type of take August used to be. Neither make any excuse for who they are and for once we have a heroine who is not young (she’s 34). She’s self assured without coming off righteous. Their banter was delightful and their chemistry was clear. I loved how this quickly moved into some steamy moments without any awkwardness.
Why can’t I want you and your fortune?
The conflict was clear from the start, but didn’t necessarily create angst and I felt for both characters and easily saw both sides. August’s heartfelt confessions when Hazel went to find home in London were my favorite parts. 🥹 An all around delightful story
August 5, 2024
4 1/2 stars
In childhood, Hazel Dartmont knew August Wade as a bully who took advantage of other children. She was willing to stand up to him, but she and her family paid dearly for it.
Fast forward to the present, and Hazel is a spinster heiress while August is a duke who inherited a bankrupt estate and needs an infusion of cash to save the dukedom. Hazel tops a list compiled for him by the family solicitor, but he doesn’t know she is his childhood nemesis.
August is in for a big surprise!
Ayers has written an engaging story with an unconventional heroine in Hazel Dartmont. She is not a sweet, young thing but a 34-year-old who knows what she wants and will not let Society tell her no.
I did not like August as a child, but we learn why he acted the way he did. As an adult, August is well-known for his past rakish behavior but his experience in war and ducal responsibilities have molded him into a different man.
Ayers gives us well-defined characters, and the attraction between Hazel and August is steamy but not without emotional turmoil. She has also whet our appetite for more about August’s cousin Eliza and Lord Everhurst.
In childhood, Hazel Dartmont knew August Wade as a bully who took advantage of other children. She was willing to stand up to him, but she and her family paid dearly for it.
Fast forward to the present, and Hazel is a spinster heiress while August is a duke who inherited a bankrupt estate and needs an infusion of cash to save the dukedom. Hazel tops a list compiled for him by the family solicitor, but he doesn’t know she is his childhood nemesis.
August is in for a big surprise!
Ayers has written an engaging story with an unconventional heroine in Hazel Dartmont. She is not a sweet, young thing but a 34-year-old who knows what she wants and will not let Society tell her no.
I did not like August as a child, but we learn why he acted the way he did. As an adult, August is well-known for his past rakish behavior but his experience in war and ducal responsibilities have molded him into a different man.
Ayers gives us well-defined characters, and the attraction between Hazel and August is steamy but not without emotional turmoil. She has also whet our appetite for more about August’s cousin Eliza and Lord Everhurst.
August 2, 2024
Kathleen Ayers has done it again. I really liked August. Much like the Duke of Ware ( another series, feel free to read)there is more to him then anyone one realizes. Even his childhood nemesis, who remembers him but he doesn't initially remember her. He is now a duke and his predecessor ran everything into the ground and he has no choice but to marry an Heiress - enter Hazel. But she's a draper's daughter, no blue blood in sight. So she's really not a good match. But does this stop our boy? Not a chance, his initial intent is to compromise her, but she's taken that choice away from him, so what to do? As Hazel fights the attraction, August continues to work his way under her skin. Hazel doesn't want to like him, after all he called her names when he was nine and he doesn't remember her. The last two chapters spell it all out. I loved it.
Do I see or hope that there might be a book for Eliza and Everhurst???????????????
If you like HEA, this book has it. I think you will fall a little in love with August too. Well done, Ms Ayers. Yes, I stayed up to finish it all in one day.
Do I see or hope that there might be a book for Eliza and Everhurst???????????????
If you like HEA, this book has it. I think you will fall a little in love with August too. Well done, Ms Ayers. Yes, I stayed up to finish it all in one day.
August 3, 2024
Another sensational story by this so talented author. Her storytelling has a way of putting you into the story so you can see the action right up front. Very well written, full of action, romance, emotions, love, steam, society, PTSD, war heroes, suspense, intrigue and twists. August is the new Duke after his cousin dies. He really doesn't want the title after he learns that the dukedom is bankrupted, leaving him a mess to fix. He's only chance is to marry a rich heiress. Hazel is the daughter of a clothier who was left a lot of money, making her the choice of many men who need money. She and August were childhood enemies before her family was made to leave the town where they were living. She blames him for that move. He returns from the war and runs wild causing many scandals. At this house party, they get to know each other rather well but for different reasons. After an unexpected encounter with his sister, she makes a decision to go see him and make things right between them. All these characters are multidimensional and fit this story. What a story to read. LOVED IT. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
August 4, 2024
An Heiress for August is an enemies to lovers romance. A thrilling group of multitalented authors this is book 8.
The H and h as children had a misunderstanding that got Hazel Dartmont’s family exiled from their home and village. Being the nephew of a Duke August Wade was a constant bully and thorn in Hazel’s side.
Twenty years later she is now London’s most sought after heiress and he is dubbed “Duke of Last Resort.” Unfortunately for August he’s inherited the title to Duke but is penniless, he needs her money. Drawn together at a house party where he’s to pick the wealthiest heiress (which is Hazel) they both realize they simply can’t keep their hands off each other!
This fast paced read takes you on a romantic journey as our hero and heroine learn to trust one another and risk their hearts for true love. As always, Ayers writes with emotion passion and dips into the heart of her characters true feelings and let’s not forget all the sexual tension! This is a perfect Sunday afternoon read!
I was gifted a copy by the author, this is my unbiased review.
The H and h as children had a misunderstanding that got Hazel Dartmont’s family exiled from their home and village. Being the nephew of a Duke August Wade was a constant bully and thorn in Hazel’s side.
Twenty years later she is now London’s most sought after heiress and he is dubbed “Duke of Last Resort.” Unfortunately for August he’s inherited the title to Duke but is penniless, he needs her money. Drawn together at a house party where he’s to pick the wealthiest heiress (which is Hazel) they both realize they simply can’t keep their hands off each other!
This fast paced read takes you on a romantic journey as our hero and heroine learn to trust one another and risk their hearts for true love. As always, Ayers writes with emotion passion and dips into the heart of her characters true feelings and let’s not forget all the sexual tension! This is a perfect Sunday afternoon read!
I was gifted a copy by the author, this is my unbiased review.
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