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American Heiresses #3

An Interview with a Rake

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An Interview with a RakeShe scored him zero on her marriage assessment. Fate had other calculations in mind.

Miss Abigail Sears, American heiress and devoted scientist, has created the perfect formula for matrimony—her meticulously designed "Husband Compatibility Assessment." With her stepfather's ultimatum hanging over her head like a guillotine, she has until season's end to secure a husband of her choosing before he selects one for her.

When Abby witnesses Viscount Julian Lockhart in a dawn duel, he fails her assessment spectacularly. Dueling tendencies? Automatic disqualification.

"Passion cannot be quantified, Miss Sears," Julian murmured, his gaze holding hers with maddening confidence across the dinner table.

"Everything can be quantified, my lord," she countered. "Even your spectacular unsuitability as a husband."

But the carefully controlled experiment of the Rothbury Abbey house party yields unexpected results when a violent storm strands them overnight in a hunting cottage. Scandal erupts, a hasty marriage is demanded, and Abby makes the shocking choice to refuse—even at the cost of her reputation.

With London society turning its back on her and passage booked to America, Abby believes her scientific approach has failed her completely. Meanwhile, Julian, who never intended to marry at all, discovers that the one woman who refuses him might be the only one he cannot live without.

For a woman determined to marry by science and a man who scorned the very idea of matrimony, their greatest discovery may be that love follows no formula at all.

The third captivating installment in the American Heiress series, perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, and Julia Quinn.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

3 people are currently reading
4 people want to read

About the author

Violet Sinclair

36 books7 followers
Violet Sinclair is obsessed with all things historical; ballrooms, fancy gowns, and Regency England. When she's not traveling with her boys, you can find her writing sexy stories and dreaming of her next journey poolside beneath the Florida palm trees.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Jaye.
23 reviews
May 3, 2025
I have to say that the title alone intrigued me, and the prologue with Abigail Sinclair’s formula for finding the perfect husband sealed the deal. It was fast-paced, funny, and self-assured in the way only someone inexperienced in love and relationships could be. It’s the perfect plot device!

The first chapter starts with a bang, literally, when Abigail Sears encounters two men dueling at dawn. She was out observing butterflies, you see, which is her scientific hobby of choice. Abby doesn’t walk away unnoticed. A tall, elegant man with “wintery-gray eyes,” the winner of the duel, chases her down and demands her name. She’s a wrinkle, a loose end, and he wants to deal with her. Abby doesn’t reveal her name, but does reveal she’s American (although, that has little to do with the plot).

Turns out Abby is going to be spending a good deal of time with this dueling rake, Julian Lockhart. He is an ever-present figure because they have mutual friends, and he’s guiding his sister through the London season.
This season is weighing heavily on Abby’s mind because her stepfather is insisting she marry by the end of it. She has cleverly devised, and hopefully perfected, her husband-finding method. Rest assured, it’s all very scientific. Abby is certainly reliant on it.

Over the course of some interchanges, Abby reveals that she’s created this formula, shares the metrics with the other ladies, and they all put it to the test. Obviously high jinks ensue. From interviews with witty and biting banter to races to scavenger hunts, potential suitors are put to the test.

As Abby’s examinations continue, Abby, who was at odds with Julian from the start, finds herself desiring each him. Despite all attempts to be logical and rational, the reality that emotion could eclipse reason shakes her and the method she thought was impermeable.

There are good bones in this story. Sinclair’s writing style is good and falls in step with what is expected for the historical romance market. There’s a lot of well-written emotion, and I really liked the cast of side characters. However, I was left wanting. There are some inconsistencies, especially in the falling action, and the stakes don’t ever feel particularly high.

Also, what the hell does everybody look like? Julian is tall with gray eyes. What’s his hair color? I read the first two chapters TWICE trying to find out. Other characters are also not described. What a character looks like is not a formality! Who is Jamie Fraser without red hair? Who is Harry Potter without untidy dark hair, wonky glasses, and scar? Who is Miss Havisham without her tattered wedding dress and frail figure? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills because I clearly desire this, and it’s consistently left out of works being published today. This one takes the cake. I’m envisioning everyone, but, ultimately, I’m just doing this author’s work for her, which is not immersive and totally lame.

I respect that Violet Sinclair has completed several works and put them out for all the world to consume. I truly think she has the ability to be in the stratosphere because she writes well, the pacing is great, the banter is exceptional, and the premise was so good! All I’m saying is the suspension of disbelief is pretty high in this genre. If Sinclair tweaks some of these issues, she’ll be good to go.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free and leaving this review of my own volition.
178 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2025
This is another deliciously stunning page-turner in Violet Sinclair’s American Heiress series. Abigail Sears is being given one last season to find a husband or be forced into marriage by her stepfather. Abigail’s real interest is science and particularly the study of butterflies, and she has decided to apply a scientific method to finding an appropriate mate. However, while at a house party at the Duke and Duchess Rothbury's estate, she meets Viscount Julian Lockhart under scandalous circumstances (he was dueling after being accused of harming the reputation of a girl). She doesn’t give him away to the rest of the guests, but he is definitely off her list of prospects. It’s just unfortunate that she is physically attracted to him. All the ladies at the house party love the idea of questioning the gentlemen to determine their various qualities, and the game is on.

Ms. Sinclair deftly weaves delightful dialogue, characters, and elegant settings into an exciting and swoony story that has some mild spice but manages to stay in the sweet genre. There is a brilliant debate established for the gentlemen to argue for which is the most necessary in a marriage – passion or stability. Abigail, who has engineered all this, is quickly learning that passion is something she wasn’t expecting. And Julian Lockhart, despite his reputation as a rake, is stunned to discover that Abigail is unlike any other woman he has ever met. The characters are well matched for their intelligence and intensity. It is marvelous to watch them match wits. Such a terrific read!!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Chantal.
74 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2025
Abigail Sears is now going into her third season. Her stepfather told her that she has to find a husband before the season ends or he would find a husband for her. Abby has a fascination with butterflies and decides to find herself a husband just like butterflies do it; by careful consideration and observations. She rated all the men and in the end the gentlemen with the best score would be her husband.

After filling in all the scores, she doubts if this is the right way to find a husband. So together with the Dowager Duchess of Radcliffe she comes with the Gentlemen Trials. The men compete in different games to impress the ladies. During the last game, Abigail gets paired up with Lord Lockhart. When they get stuck in a storm and have to stay at an old cottage together, they both know that they are compromised and have to get married. Will Abby accept this marriage out of duty or will she make her own decisions on who to marry?

This is the third book in the American heiresses series and once again it didn’t disappoint. This book is a clean regency romance with a strong female main character. I really liked Abby and Lord Lockhart. I also liked that the characters from other books made an appearance in this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a clean regency romance.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️: 4,3
🌶: no spice
111 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2025
Hang on to your hats as Abigail Sears takes her scientific method into the world of matrimony. She is drama, she is all science, she is daring, she speaks her mind, she is American. Of course, she also is an heiress. Get ready British Rakes as she encourages a method of assessment that makes for some remarkably interesting discussions. Who knew that when unleashed, other Ladies would join in this assessment, with tweaks of their own. No rake is left behind. Julian and the other men at this house party are hapless targets. Well, Julian Lockhart is not hapless, he loves to get Abigail riled up. She loves dramas, mostly. As in every good rom-com, there are misconceptions, misunderstandings, and surprises. Of course, Julian and Abigail cannot quite figure out what is happening to them. Abigail and Julian were made for each other, they just need to figure it out. No need to worry, while Abby and Julian uncover surprising feelings, they remain their feisty selves to the end. What a great read, so much fun. The supporting characters were wonderful and gave the story so great moments. A big shout out to Eleanor for taking up the torch of scientific assessment. Enjoy this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
314 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2025
Violet Sinclair delights readers with "An Interview with a Rake", part of her American Heiresses series. The action takes place in a favorite location of mine, the Regency house party. This unique setting offers activities such as archery, dancing, games and more. Attendee and amateur lepidopderist Abigail Sears develops an extensive and detailed chart for determining marital compatibility. What can possibly go wrong with this scientific approach? Lord Julian Lockhart is vehemently opposed to this method, and sets out to prove her system inaccurate.

This novel is SO much fun. Sinclair has a wonderful way with words. Her characters are engaging, insightful and intelligent. Banter between all the party attendees is clever and witty. Marital arguments ensue, yet they're rather amusing. This is not a particularly serious tale, although in the end, it does prove a point. "An Interview with a Rake" is not entirely devoid of intimate content. As there's much debate about Abigail's compatibility chart, there's frequent innuendo, plus a non-detailed bedroom scene near the end. While I personally prefer a completely clean read, the author's prose is so enjoyable that it's worth 5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Angela Brannon.
142 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2025
This was such a sweet little regency romance. I really enjoyed it. I liked the FMC Abigail and her determination to use the scientific method to find a husband. She discussed this at a high society house party and got several other women involved, to hilarious results.

The MMC Julian is a confirmed bachelor who gets drawn into Abigail's hijinks along with his equally headstrong sister. I loved his character as he becomes a victim of Abigail's scientific social experiment and comes up dead last in all her categories, proving his unsuitability as husband material, much to his dismay.

I loved the house party so much. I wanted to be a part of it. Even as drama and scandal unfold, I held out hope for Abigail and Julian. Her ostracism from society broke my heart as I am a rule breaker and totally felt her pain. The road to the HEA was a very rocky one, and I hated to see it come to an end. I hope the author writes more in this series, as I fell in love with all the American heiresses in the 3 books so far.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,514 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2025
Very well written, full of drama, intrigue, love, society, emotions, passion, forced matrimony, butterflies, duels, twists and an American. Abigail (Abby) is an American Heiress that comes to London to find a husband. Julian is in London for the season with his sister. They are invited to a house party where they meet for the first time. She is out in the garden early in the morning looking for a special butterfly when she witnesses a duel. Of coarse a duel is illegal so Julian tries to explain some of it to her. Abby is using the house party to rate the gentlemen there to see if any fit what she wants. You have the return of the Dowager Duchess and some others from the earlier stories. So exciting to have them back again. All these characters are witty, multidimensional and just down right great. Would strongly recommend to all.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Tales Untangled.
1,153 reviews23 followers
April 24, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Genre: Historical Romance, Fade-to-Black Romance, Regency Romance
Spice Level: Obscure fade-to-black
Language: A few minor curses

AN INTERVIEW WITH A RAKE had me laughing with all the scientific experiments to choose a husband. I think other readers will find this book funny too.

The characters are interesting and varied. The women feel a little more developed overall, and the men are foils. The Regency setting of a house party felt authentic along with many of the attitudes surrounding women and marriage.

There are incidents of head-hopping, but I followed along without a major problem. This is not what I would call a sweet romance because there's more than a kiss.

I enjoyed this book and recommend this to readers.

Happy reading!
95 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2025
Abigail Sears an American bluestocking who has three weeks to land an English husband or her stepfather will marry her off to someone of his choosing. Julian Lockhart is caught duelling by this innocent miss and is drawn into her alluring sphere whilst at the same house party. The sparks fly between them as they engage in more than the usual fare. She raises scientific questions in regard to marriage that the rest of the party consider leading to confusion and rethinking about what successful relationships should look like. Pretty soon Julian and Abigail are thrown into a delicate situation which tests their true feelings and leads to their HEA. A worthy tale with two lead characters who are strong angels determined. Not to be missed.
Profile Image for Danette.
880 reviews
July 8, 2025
The title is more scandalous than what is written in the book. No steam.
Heck, I just about fell out of my chair when I read this towards the end of the book…..“She pressed a hand against her abdomen, remembering the fear that had gripped her in the weeks following Rothbury Abbey—the terrifying possibility that she might be carrying Julian's child. The relief when her courses had arrived, followed immediately by a hollow emptiness she hadn't expected.”

I was like, 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧?! There was absolutely no sex in this book! No “fade to black” indication either! 𝗪𝗧𝗛 is she talking about?!

Skip this one, folks.
1,912 reviews17 followers
March 15, 2025
It’s a fun read with Abby using a scoring system to determine who would be a suitable husband. There is humor throughout the story as things don’t always go as planned. I loved the two main characters, Abigail and Julian and it was fun watching them butt heads. The story is well written and full of humor. The story was very entertaining and at places I laughed at the scenes unfolding in front of me. I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mrs LIR Linda.
384 reviews13 followers
March 28, 2025
A very pleasant and uplifting read. I liked the main character and her scientific approach to marriage. Sadly her tests do not really work as all the eligible gentlemen are playing a game to get a lady with a large dowry. The story follows Abigail and Julian and how they dislike each other and are then thrust into a compromising situation……….. Abigail spurns the obligatory offer of marriage and ends up being shunned - she wants to flee and then………………..

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
972 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2025
Unusual period female reawakening.
This is a very entertaining, well-written story about the lack of rights, prospects of unmarried women and their dependence on male relatives, along with their need to get married, if they want to avoid being destitute. The author managed to introduce a few brilliant female characters with wit, bravado, who have the determination to marry for love rather than for a business arrangement. The book has a HEA and I highly recommend this novel.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,660 reviews46 followers
March 9, 2025
An Interview with a Rake is Book 3 in the American Heiress by Violet Sinclair. I find that this author is able to write clean Regency romance stories that are interesting and very romantic. Abigail has a scientific mind and knows much about butterflies. Viscount Lockhart is bringing his sister into society. I found this book to be so enjoyable. The characters are well written and the romance is hot. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
387 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2025
A truly engaging and entertaining story of a young woman with a passion for science and a gentleman intent on mischief. Abby is a fully independent American woman who challenges Julian, an English Lord. The combination is funny, witty as well as delightfully entertaining. Well written and sweet with duels, twists, banter, drama and so much more.

This author delivers over and over again so if you are new to her works, know you won't be disappointed.
113 reviews
June 2, 2025
This is the love story of Abigail and Julian. This is a lighthearted romcom that I enjoyed so much. Abigail must marry before the season ends and is angry so she comes up with a list of requirements that potential candidates must meet. The other young ladies at the house party find out and take up list. Mayhem ensues. A very delightful read. It does not disappoint
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
941 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2025
I love this authors writing, but I hope the copy that is published has a lot more editing done than my copy. Familiar characters are always welcomed, you, the reader, feel part of the world created by the author. As usual there is fun mixed in with strong emotions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
440 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2025
Faced with a deadline, Abigail Sears devises a survey to help her identify her best option in the marriage mart. However, she finds she is drawn to a young man who fails her tests. What a dilemma! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed the way the story unfolds at a well-attended house party.
Profile Image for Ann.
200 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2025
An original approach to choosing a spouse by a Bluestocking who needs to get married asap to a man of her choosing or have her spouse chosen for her. What ensues is at times comical and with lots of witty dialogue. Well written story with a happy ever after ending.

A+++++
1,393 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2025
principles
I loved Abigail for her brains and her ability to stand up for herself, but she needs to learn that there is no scientific explanation or solution to everything, especially when feelings are involved. I enjoyed her and Julian´s story to their HEA.
Profile Image for Jill.
461 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2025
The story and plot are really good. I liked Abby's character a lot. Julian has such a sense of honor. I struggled with some inconsistencies in the book which led to confusion in trying to figure out what was happening in the story.
Profile Image for Deb.
399 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book but it needs editing. Some parts were repeated and some parts were left out. Apart from those things Julian and Abby's love story gave me the happy ending I wanted.
Profile Image for Marisa.
1,652 reviews
June 4, 2025
la chica de las mariposas para llegar a la conclusión de que el corazón no tiene fin
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