The Rake to Reveal Her

The Ransleigh Rogues #4

by Julia Justiss

The Soldier Next DoorDominic Ransleigh lost more than his arm in battle he lost his reason for living. Returning to his family seat, he shuns all society. If only his beautiful, plain-speaking tenant Theodora Branwell wasnt so hard to ignoreSince her fiancs death on the battlefield Theos devoted herself to caring for soldiers orphans.Shes powerfully attracted to Dom, but knows all too well the consequences of temptation. Is Theo, whos survived so much, brave enough to reveal her secret to her handsome wounded neighbourRansleigh Where these Notorious Rakes Go, Scandal Always Follows

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Harlequin, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Julia Justiss grew up breathing the scent of sea air near the colonial town of Annapolis, Maryland, a fact responsible for two of her life-long passions: sailors and history! By age twelve she was a junior tour guide for Historic Annapolis, conducting visitors on walking tours through the city that was a hotbed of revolutionary fervor. (Annapolis hosted its own tea party, dispensing with the cargo aboard the "Peggy Stewart," and was briefly capital of the United States.) She also took tourists through Annapolis's other big attraction, the United States Naval Academy. After so many years of observing future naval officers at P-rade and chapel, it seemed almost inevitable that she eventually married one.

But long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, she read about them, transporting herself to such favorite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. From plotting adventures for her first favorite heroine Nancy Drew she went on to write poetry in high school and college, then worked as a business journalist doing speeches, sales promotion material and newsletter articles. After her marriage to a naval lieutenant took her overseas, she wrote the newsletter for the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Before leaving Tunis, she fulfilled her first goal: completing a Regency novel.

Children intervened, and not until her husband left the Navy to return to his Texas homeland did she sit down to pen a second novel. The reply to her fan mail letter to a Regency author led her to Romance Writers of America. From the very first meeting, she knew she'd found a home among fellow writers--doubtless the largest group of people outside a mental institution who talk back to the voices in their heads.

Her second goal was achieved the day before her birthday in May, 1998 when Margaret Marbury of Harlequin Historicals offered to buy that second book, the Golden-Heart-Award winning novel that became THE WEDDING GAMBLE. Since then, she has gone on to write fourteen novels, three novellas and an on-line serial, along the way winning or finalling for historical awards from The Golden Quill, the National Reader’s Choice, Romantic Times, and All About Romance’s Favorite Book of the Year.

Julia now inhabits an English Georgian-style house she and her husband built in the East Texas countryside where, if she closes her eyes and ignores the summer thermometer, she can almost imagine she inhabits the landscape of "Pride and Prejudice." In between travelling to visit her three children (a naval officer son stationed in Washington, DC, a textiles and design major daughter who cheers for University of Texas at Austin, and a mechanical engineering major son also at UT Austin) keeping up with her science teacher husband and juggling a part-time day job as a high school French teacher, she pursues her first and dearest love--crafting stories.

To relax, she enjoys watching movies, reading (historical fiction, mystery, suspense) and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.

Reviews

[Julie]

The Rake to Reveal Her by Julia Justiss is a 2015 Harlequin Historical publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once more Julia Justiss writes a historical romance with depth, feeling, plus an inspiring story that will leave you feeling happy and uplifted.

War is just an awful thing, no matter what era of time or what the circumstances. The survivors suffer the aftermath in a number of ways. For Theo is was the heartbreak of losing her fiance, then the death of her father. For Dom it was coming back disfigured and without one of his arms. He was unable to enjoy his horses any longer, and all the activities he had once taken pleasure in no longer held any joy for him. So, he has retired to the country to recuperate and spend a little time alone.

But, a chance meeting with the unconventional Theo opens up a new world for Dom, but Theo also opens up his mind and his heart to this refreshing young lady and her work in caring for the orphans of soldiers. But, Theo has a secret, a secret so explosive it could undermine all her work, change Dom's opinion of her, and could result in the loss of a very special young man in life. Will Theo's secret be revealed? Will Dom turn his back on her? Or will he come to her rescue?

I love regency period romance that steps away from the marriage mart, balls, earls, dukes and all the rules of society. In this case we have Theo, a woman who has seen much and lost much, but who has a big heart, a straightforward and plain spoken manner, who has made a choice in taking in an orphaned child as her own that very could prevent her from marrying, since most men wouldn't consider to marriage to a woman with an orphaned child in tow.

The effect Theo has on Dom is incredible. She draws him out and gives him a new, loftier purpose in life. Dom also has a profound effect on Theo who is having a hard time giving her heart to someone again after her fiance's death.

This is a tender romance, featuring characters with charm, humor, and fortitude. These days I can't find too many regency era novels that employ this type of depth, and as always I thank any author who will adhere to the social and moral laws that were in place in this era, while giving her characters a more progressive thought process. The story is not overly angsty, but still builds tension and is proves true romance is not just about the physical display of affection. These characters show how the real power of love can have such a positive effect on each other and how that love spreads out to others who need love and support. I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it to lovers of regency romance, but also to anyone who enjoys a wonderful feel good story.

4.5 rounded to 5

[Jaci]

Great Book!! I loved it!! Julia Justiss knows how to tell a excellent story!! The story is about a man who has just come back from war. Dominic Ransleigh lost his arm and one of his eyes at Waterloo, and has retreated to one of his families estates to recover and be left alone. He doesn't know what he is going to do with the rest of his life. Before the war he bred stalions and steeple chase horses, but now with only one arm and reduced visibility, he cannot stay on the kind of horses he bred.

Theo Branwell is a the daughter of a soldier who died at Waterloo, she not only lost her father she also lost her fiance. Her father left her with enough money for her to open a home and school for war ophans. She is totally dedicated to her children and their cause, and will do anything to protect them.

They meet when Dominic gets thrown from his horse and Theo comes upon him walking her horse because her horse was spooked by a runaway stallion. Which turns out to be Dominics horse. She takes him and in one glance she knows he is a war veteran who has not recovered from his injuries mentally or physically. What follows is Theo encouraging Dominic to live his life again and find a path that will make him happy. Little does she know the path Dominic decided to take.

This is the fourth book in a series, now I am going to have to go back and read the other three. I really like Julia's writing sytle, keeps you turning the pages.

Received ARC for honest review.

[April]

#4 in the "Ransleigh Rogues", but can be read as a stand alone.
An absolute delight to read! I loved the characters, their challenges, secrets, the premise of love, healing, forgiveness and romance. A beautifully crafted tale of a solider, scandal,Rakes and the women that loves them. Can two tortured souls find their HEA?
Be prepared for a wide range of emotions, tears are forthcoming! Fans of Regency Historical Romance,romance in general will be absolutely delighted with "The Rake to Reveal Her". Well done!


*Received as part of a giveaway*

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating:Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Susan]

Loved this book about two people who have survived the war, but with challenges to their futures. Dom has come home to Suffolk, minus and arm and an eye. Before the war he had bred and trained hunters and now finds himself unable to do what he considered his life's work. While regaining his health he also has to figure out what to do with his life. He has done his best to avoid contact with all his neighbors, until he encounters Theodora on the road, after he was dumped by his horse. She recognizes him as a returning soldier, encourages him to take care of himself, and fusses at him when he is less than polite to her.

Theo is the daughter of a soldier and grew up following her father to all his postings. She had also been engaged to another soldier. While following them she had also begun caring for various soldiers' orphaned children, and when her father and fiance both died, she came to England. Having been left enough money to do as she wishes, Theo has decided to begin a school to train these orphans for a better life. She wants to lease a building on Dom's land to do so.

I loved both Theo and Dom. Theo, having grown up in the army, has little use for the niceties of polite society. She is honest and blunt, saying what she thinks and pursuing her own dream. After losing her fiance, she has no interest in risking her heart on another man. She will devote her energies to her school. In their first encounter, Dom has been unseated from his horse and left dazed in the middle of the road. Theo has also been tossed by her horse, which was startled by Dom's horse running by. She asks for help remounting from Dom, who replies rather rudely, and she turns around and fusses at him. They part on less than friendly terms. Later, each feels they owe the other an apology, and when Theo shows up at Dom's home to inquire about leasing a building, they make their apologies and come to an agreement. What neither expects is the instant and strong attraction they feel for each other.

Dom is slowly coming to terms with his injuries. He realizes that he can't continue with what he did before the war. He isn't really bitter, but he feels rather lost. When he returned from the war so grievously injured, he broke off his engagement feeling that he was no longer the man he used to be. He's pretty much hiding out at his home, avoiding contact with everyone. His encounter with Theo starts bringing him back to life. He's attracted to her, but he's not ready to think about marriage, and Theo is not a woman to have an affair with.

I loved the way that they admitted their attraction, but also agreed that it could go nowhere. They began to develop a strong friendship. Dom found Theo's straightforward attitude very appealing and being around her made him feel better about himself. She has a matter of fact way of encouraging him to look at his current life as a new challenge rather than dwelling on what he can no longer do. He was also amused by the way that she would gain his assistance in everything from leasing his building to finding people to help with her orphans. At the same time, Theo was having a hard time staying away from Dom. She finds him incredibly attractive in spite of his injuries. She is also more comfortable with him than anyone else because of their common experiences. Their hearts start to open to each other, but their experiences have them resisting the pull.

A twist from Theo's past brings Theo and Dom together in an unexpected way. Theo has to overcome her fears of loss and that she would be ruining his life. Dom has to find a way to convince Theo that, far from ruining his life, she has saved it. I really enjoyed Dom's methods and seeing how his full support and understanding of who she is finally helps her believe.

The secondary characters in the book were really great too. I liked Theo's aunt and how she is there for Theo through everything. I loved her attitude toward Dom also. My favorite secondary character was Jemmy, one of the orphans. I loved his confidence in his own abilities and his determination to go after what he wants. I also loved his protectiveness toward Theo, especially at the beginning. It was fun to see his attitude toward Dom change. I really liked his part at the end, when he tracked down Dom to get his help. I didn't like the complete absence of the other Rogues. I would have liked to have seen them share in Dom's happiness.

I also had a bit of a problem with the cover. It's really beautiful, but the depiction of the hero was not accurate. Though you can't see the right arm (or lack thereof) the man on the cover does not have an eye patch, nor does he appear scarred in any way.

[Louisa Cornell]

I actually finished this book in one day because I am in love with the Ransleigh boys! Julia Justiss is a master at showing love at the height of its power. In The Rake to Rescue her she shows us the power of love to lift us out of hells of our own making or the making of others. In The Rake to Reveal Her we are shown in the most tender, poignant and thoughtful fashion the power of love to reveal who we truly are, who we are meant to be - to the last person to know – ourselves.

We meet Dominic Ransleigh sitting on his arse in the middle of a dusty lane after being thrown from a horse he had no business riding in the first place. Yes, I am in love with Dominic Ransleigh. Oh, don't get me wrong. He's handsome and he knows it. He's dashing and charming and he knows it. Or at least he did. Waterloo has left him scarred and missing an arm. Had he not been so handsome and charming before perhaps his battle scars would not have hit him so hard. But he was and they have. Everything that made him who he was is gone, or so he believes. He has every right to withdraw from society and wallow in his fate.

What I love about him is he doesn't, at least not for long. He has a sense of humor about himself, enough to take a set down from a rather plain young lady and realize he probably deserved it. A chance encounter, in which he appears as he sees himself - shabby and obviously a cripple. When his lady tenant asks him for help and berates him for not giving it. he should be more than a little angry. Instead he realizes the sharp-tongued lady in the dowdy riding habit may be right. All he has to do now is figure out what to do with his life after every plan he ever made is shot to hell. Well, that and how to track down the woman who has awakened every part of him with a sharp tongue and a determined stride as she walks away.

Unlike Dom, Theo knows exactly what she is meant to do. The life she planned was cruelly taken from her when her fiancee died at Waterloo. She refuses to live the life everyone has chosen for her. She knows who she is and what she is meant to be and she pursues it with determined devotion. She has narrowed her options to a single purpose. Her very attractive neighbor is sin in buckskins and boots, but she has paid a price for passion in the past and it has no place in her future. You have to love a woman who will do whatever it takes to keep children safe and loved. And you have to hurt for a woman who has defined her reason for living with such ruthless acuity she denies herself even a chance of joy. Too bad her determination, sense of self and unselfish devotion to something larger than herself attracts Dominic Ransleigh like a moth to a flame. A very seductive moth at that.

There are some delicious secrets in this story and I will not divulge them here. What I will divulge is the brilliant sexual tension between two people who see through to each other's souls. Dom helps Theo to see she deserves more, she is more. Theo shows Dom who he is now was always there inside him. She's simply one of the few people to actually see it.

This is such a profound and sweet love story, one we can all learn from and see as all too real and wonderful. Dom and Theo, two people who were willing to settle for what life handed them, instead decide to settle for nothing less than everything they never dared dream they wanted. Their love illuminates. It becomes joy, sudden and unexpected joy, in who they are meant to be, who they truly are beyond the facades they present to the world. This is what romance is all about and Julia Justiss has shown herself to be a master of the genre again. Can't wait for the next one!

[Annette]

Dominic is feeling sorry for himself – and he is entitled. He lost an eye and an arm in the Napoleonic wars. Before he went to war, training hunters and riding horses was his entire life. Now he feels pretty sure he cannot stay on a truly spirited horse. He just got dumped by the side of the road and that was evidence he will have no life.

Theo is a young woman who also was involved in the war. Her father was an officer and she traveled with him from India and into the War. Her father was killed in the war and her fiance was killed in the war and she feels absolutely alone. To overcome her sense of loss, she has gathered a group of children orphaned by the war. She intends to teach them and care for them and help them create productive lives for themselves.

Dom is her landlord and when she explains what she wants to do with a barn on his property, he at first is only superficially interested. But, he feels a strong attraction to Theo. He admires her passion for her cause and her sense of humor.

Slowly but surely Theo and Dom become friends. Each of them feels a strong sense of attraction for the other.

Their conversations are fun and the two of them find that they have common goals. Both want to improve the lives of the people around them.

There is a busy body in the neighborhood who wants Theo and her school long gone. But, Theo is capable of charming her into becoming a supporter. And then there comes a bigger threat to Theo and her school than she ever expected.

Theo and Dominic are wonderful characters. She considers herself a strong enough person to go against all the expectations of society. She is so focused on her school and protection of her charges that she is unable to view anything in her way. She is smart and funny. Her secret was relatively easy to understand and it makes the reader learn to admire her even more. She convinces Dom that he can do anything he chooses with his life. She is a great motivator.

Dominic is a wonderful hero. He overcomes his fears and begins to believe that there may be things which will give him a sense of accomplishment. When he starts looking at his estate and seeing things which can be improved he gains purpose. Riding may be different but he can still ride. He becomes a new person. He is kind and understanding and considerate. And he is funny. His humor is lovely.

There are secondary characters who help make the story have texture and depth. Jemmy is a wonderful boy who cares for everyone around him.

The plot is well developed and the characters are created to be well rounded and human.
This is a very well conceived book which makes the reader turn pages to find what happens next. I enjoy Ms Justiss' work very much.

I received a copy of this book from the author with the hope that I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Regina]

I have to admit there is something so appealing about a hero who has some form of physical imperfection: a jagged scar, a pronounced limp, blindness. Something that changes his world so completely that he can no longer function in it the way he used to. Perhaps that is why I love beauty and the beast themes so much. While not exactly a beast, Waterloo-survivor, Dominic Ransleigh, does walk away from the battlefield minus an arm, an eye patch in place, and his confidence as a future horse trainer severely shaken. How could I resist him?

Yet, surprisingly, Dominic wasn't bitter or self-pitying. His main challenge, however, was in accepting that he wasn't able to continue the work that he loved. Another surprise was the independent and driven Theodora. Disillusioned by love and content with her single state, Theo diligently pursued her goal to open a school for military orphans. She had substance, lots of pluck, a happy attitude, and was more intriguing than other spirited regency heroines who think slipping out at night disguised as a boy as the ultimate in independent living.

I really enjoyed that, despite not wanting to get emotionally involved, Theo and Dominic didn't fight their attraction so hard or too long. These two liked each other, and their romance felt natural. Attraction quickly led to a lusty relationship, filled with passionate and graphic love scenes. Yep, lots of swoony reading, there.

Revealing spoilers is not my thing, but unpredictable and interrelated elements make it challenging to divulge a little without giving away a lot. Therefore, you simply must read it to learn its secrets and enjoy the ride fully. My only beef is with the title. I mean, who comes up with vague titles that don't make sense, anyway? Still, The Rake to Reveal Her is the excitingly ending to the Ransleigh Rogues quartet. A thoroughly enjoyable and recommended read at 4 stars. Just don’t dwell too hard on the title.

[Monique]

I don’t believe anyone today writes more exquisitely than Julia Justiss! THE RAKE TO REVEAL HER is an almost and oddity: it’s an elegant, refined, beautifully written historical romance that feels completely real, with characters whom we feel we know. Ms. Justiss’ attention to period detail – be it the clothes, surroundings, customs or vocabulary – feels so real, that everything in the book comes to life. The characters are simply wonderful, well-rounded and complex: Dominic is a one-armed and one-eyed man, but still Theodora can see the beauty in him.

Theo is quite unconventional, and she is the strong character in THE RAKE TO REVEAL HER; Theo is a force of nature, but all the while remaining as proper as she can: she was raised for the most part in India and is not particularly at ease with English social customs. And Dominic is taken with her, even though he tries to resist: he doesn’t feel worthy of anyone.

I loved how Ms. Justiss brought Theo and Dom together; the romance progresses so naturally, and it was fascinating to be privy to both of them revealing bits of each other slowly, and growing closer.

THE RAKE TO REVEAL HER is a splendid romance, with very engaging characters, fantastic character development, and again, the writing is absolutely sublime!

[Miriam]

Liked the romance and the hero and heroine. Would have given 4 stars, but was distracted by author's seeming to forget her hero's handicaps! at least once, he miraculously had 2 hands again ("he cupped her face in his hands"), and his losing an eye seemed to be just a cosmetic issue - it never seemed to affect his vision for reading etc...

Pity, because I really did like the story and the characters.

[Melania Ramona]

4/5 stars

[Janet]

4.5 stars =The Rake to Reveal Her (2015) by Julia Justiss
.
This is book 4 of the Ransleigh Rogues Series. I believe it is the last book of that series, although 2 compilations of the previous books were published after this. It is also the only book of the series I have read and I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on anything for not having read the others. This is a Regency romance, set in 1816, but other than the traditions of the time if you like historical at all you should not have any issues if you don’t normally read books of this period.
.
To know what the book is about you can read the back cover. It does a good job of explaining the basics of everything you need to know. However, it really is deeper (but not in a heavy depressing way) than you might think from that. This was a wonderful book altogether about a totally adult (no over the top drama) slow growing friendship/relationship. The interactions between the H and h seemed real and tailored to them and the time so no insta-love, although an attraction was there from the beginning for sure. The slower buildup made it feel very much more authentic.
.
Now,Jeesh. Although these things are super minor (and not up to the author anyway) I did end up looking at the cover and started nitpicking problems with it.
.
Ok, This hero lost part of one arm and had an eyepatch from his service at Waterloo. I would think that at least the patch should be on the cover hero. It was never mentioned that he didn't need it anymore. The impression you received hearing about it at the beginning was that it was a permanent thing for him. It actually was only mentioned a few times at all in the book though. So no idea if it was supposed to be a permanent change for him along with all his other new challenges. And now that I am taking a look at the cover again she did not get married in anything close to white. Her dress was supposed to be green shot through with gold. I even went back and looked up the actual scene where it was briefly described. Oh well, these kind of things happen (often).

[Nancy Reynolds]

Another lovely story from Julia Justiss. Although this is the 4th in the Ransleigh Rogues series, it's the first one I've read. It stands alone and I really enjoy the characters of the feisty heroine, Theodora Branwell, and the recuperating soldier, Dominic Ransleigh. I really enjoy Theodora!

[Neelam Jha]

Amazing

[Sharon]

4.5 A lovely tale to finish an excellent series. You cannot help falling for this couple with their open hearts and strength to survive and thrive.

[NF]

A very tedious read.

[Rose Blue]

Theodora Branwell's beloved fiance and her father were killed in the war. The intense pain and grief have convinced Theo that she should never fall in love again. Because she loves children, she's now dedicated her life to setting up an orphanage. While on her way to visit the owner of a building she'd like to use for this orphanage, a runaway horse startles her, causing her to fall off her own mount. Unable to get back up on her own, she's happy to encounter a man, and asks him for help. Dominic Ransleigh is somewhat dazed after being thrown by his spirited horse. He has just returned from the war, suffering severe injuries, including the loss of an arm and an eye. Aside from his disorientation from the fall, he's amazed that a woman would ask him for help, as it's obvious he has only one arm. As he sarcastically informs her of this, she takes him to task, telling him how lucky he is to be alive and return at all, as many people didn't. Theo then storms off, not knowing that she has just told off her potential landlord.

After their encounter, both Theo and Dom think about their actions, and each believes they owe the other an apology. Theo even considers offering the "down on his luck" soldier a job at her orphanage. When she finally calls on Dom, she finds out who he is, and hopes he won't hold their first meeting against her. They both offer their apologies, and soon find a congenial working relationship and friendship. Since Theo had followed her fiance and father, she's very familiar with soldiers, and has seen many injuries, so she's not shocked or dismayed by Dom. He, in turn, feels very comfortable with her. Eventually, their camaraderie leads to attraction and some delicious kisses and encounters.

Theo and Dom are so perfect together. I loved watching their slow developing friendship turn to romance, though that's not what either of them wanted. Theo's encouragement helped Dom overcome some of his obstacles, and she steered him toward projects he could handle and enjoy. In turn, he helped her with her dream of establishing the orphanage.

When an unforeseen situation occurs, and Theo has to find a husband, and quickly, Dom has to decide whether he's ready to take a chance on a commitment, and, if so, will Theo even accept him?

Wounded warriors are guaranteed to tug at my heartstrings. I adore reading about genuine love helping to heal them. This story has plenty of warmth, passion, and emotion, as well as secrets and an odious villain. Though this book is part of a series, it is perfect as a standalone read. I enjoyed this one very much, and highly recommend it. Now, off to find the earlier books in the series.....

As published at Roses Are Blue. http://wp.me/p3QRh4-aW

[Angela Withrow TheArdentReader]

Theodora Branwell is one of those indomitable heroines that you just wish you knew! She is smart, capable and a bit stubborn, but also with the biggest heart!

She has followed the drum with her father into the depths of a terrible war. She has loved and lost, and she has come through it with an understanding of how to get things done. Maybe not with societies restraints in mind, but that is ok with Miss Theo.
Dominic Ransleigh is a war hero. He doesn't feel very heroic, but he has come home, minus one arm and the use of one eye. He is scarred in more than just the physical sense. He has come home to heal and try to figure out what to do with his life, now that he can no longer pursue the things he thought would carry him through his life.
Can these two people, who have been so affected by war, come back to England and make something of themselves before grief takes them over?
Dom has properties and money, so there is no worry there. Theo does as well. She knows what she will be doing. She has in her party some children. Orphans of the war that she has decided to take care of. She loves these children and will see what she can do to make their lives a little better.
Dom now needs to figure out how to go on.


They meet when Theo wants to rent a small building on Dom's property and the fun starts from there! Realizing they both feel the same comfort of shared experiences, things get a bit warmer from there.
There is something between them. Some spark of attraction. Neither wants to admit it, but neither one can forget it.

The characters in this book are very real people! Julia Justiss has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are one of the servants watching things play out. You are able to get so into the story that you forget it's a book. It is a wonderful way to write and I truly appreciate the talent it takes to write this way.
I would recommend this book to any Regency Romance lover! It is a bit hot in places!
I also love the cover of this book. The "regency feel" is wonderful!

*I received a copy of this book for my honest review*

[Trenchologist]

Overall positive. But it's a very gentle book without a lot of conflict, period. The leads like and are attracted to each each other immediately. They agree on what's important immediately. When the one hinge of conflict arises, they act on it almost immediately. These aren't complaints, but it does lessen the sweetness of the love story; at times it makes the sweetness seem saccharine. From moment-one when they meet their falling in love & being together is foregone conclusion (beyond the obvious this being a Romance), without quite enough bumps in their road to make you worry if they'll get there to HEAlandia. Her Big Secret isn't immediately telegraphed but easy enough to pick up on--and it's dealt with well, and just late enough in the book you believe the '​all is forgiven and understood'​ reaction. He's a bit of a paragon, but they hang a lantern on that so he's allowed to be, and it's refreshing this Rake turns into a Hero after war changes him.

But, the Hero & Heroine are charming, flawed, and not cardboard. I appreciated and liked the different character choices made for the Heroine (she's a gentlelady but raised abroad, following the army camp in the wake of her soldiering father, making her plain-spoken and worldly). There is but one disaster, and it plays out as expected but that's fine, because it satisfies the characters each getting what they've earned/deserve.Quick thoughts: Great for a warm-fuzzy, undemanding read. Solid prose that moves along, although the book itself circled the same ground a few times. Mildly 'okay too ​too​' at turns with the rhapsodic / motivating inner monologues but eh, that's a quibble.

Made for a good evening's read and made me interested in what else Justiss has written.

[JoRead]

This is the 4th installment in the series but can definitely be read as a standalone with ease. Let me start off by saying that although the title says “Rake” it really is not about one. It's really more about a person trying to find a new purpose in life.
Dominic is a scarred soldier, both inside and out. He might have had his life all planned out at one point, with money to spare, a beautiful fiancée and a vigor to rival, he really had nothing more to ask for, but when he’s injured in war and looses one of his eyes, one of his hands, and most importantly, his self-confidence, he ends up feeling lost and confused.
While taking up refuge in the country in one of his family properties, charming and plain-spoken, army-brat of sorts Theo Branwell approaches him and weaves her way into his life and heart with her candor and sincerity. I loved how these two interacted from the get-go. It was funny that because both had just returned from foreign lands after so long, they both felt so out of place and being too formal felt almost unnecessary for them. And the fact she told him he found him attractive, and not to gain his admiration but to make him see himself as he was, made me like her even more. Despite Theo’s candor and the story twists, everything still maintained an authentic level of historical accuracy and felt in accordance to the times. Although this story is a lot less steamier than the previous in the series, the chemistry still worked for the main characters. I only wish I could see more of the rakes actually being rakes and more of them interacting in the same story.

** I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review **

[Linda]

I didn't realize when I read this book that it's the 4th in the series but it definitely can be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it: the author tells the story very well and the characters are immensely likable and only got better as the story progressed.

Dominic Ransleigh returns from the war wounded and bearing battle scars; losing an arm and an eye and retreats to his family's estate to recuperate and decide on his future. Before the army, he had spent all his time with horses intent on breeding the best hunters but his injuries mean he can no longer manage the high spirited breeds he once thrived on. He breaks off his engagement with his fiancee, the daughter of a duke, as he thinks it unfair to saddle her, with someone who will no longer fit into the world of high society.

Theodora (Theo) Branwell has followed the drum with her father to India & then Europe. Both her father and her fiance are killed in the war & she returns to England with a passel of war orphans intent on building a life for them. Independent and unconventional, she's straightforward and unpretentious.

The chemistry between Dom & Theo is amazing (& pretty hot!). I love how the characters developed. Dom finds a new, more worthy direction in life while Theo has to decide if she dares entrust her heart again. Ok, she has a secret too but I'll keep this spoiler free.

I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books!

[Jimnlori]

I'm in love with the Ransleigh Rogues! Julia Justiss knows how to write the perfect wounded hero that finds strength loving his lady. The Rake to Reveal Her is Dominic and Theodora's story.
I found the Ransleigh Rogues late. I started reading the series with the third book, but even though the books are connected they can be read as stand alone books. Julia Justiss reminded me why historicals are my first love in romance with this series.
I loved Theo and Dom's first meeting. It showed Dom's physical weakness, but with added humor. Dom's a returning wounded soldier from the war trying to grapple with not being able to do the things that he had always done his whole life.
Theo is also settling in the area after following her father and future husband around the battlefield before they were both killed.
Theo and Dom's attraction to one another starts almost from the beginning, but his plan is to keep all women at arms length and Theo plans on never falling in love again. The more they find themselves together their attraction grows and their relationship changes as well. They find that they truly enjoy spending time together and have some of the same interest. Now if they can only take that last step to their HEA.

I was given ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Margaret Sholders]

OMG! This is the best book Julia has written yet! She has given us a good twisty-turney story line. We travel all over with Theo who has marched to the drum following her father, a Colonel, and her fiancee Marshall, a lieutenant while trying to save orphans along the way. She was most careful of the baby, Charles. Then she lost both men to the war and has to return to England. Dom has lost an arm and an eye and still hasn't got his health back. They meet not knowing who the other is. Spoiler. He agrees to lease her a building for a school. They have a spark but both are skittish for another love. Spoiler. She has a huge spoiler following her and the only way out is marriage. She is afraid for her "children" and he is afraid of losing her. There are a lot of twists in this story and they all go in the right direction. I love this cover. I love this plot. These are the best people to follow. I so hope you will follow them too. They will drag you into the book too. Enjoy your read!

[Katy Booklover]

Lo stile di scrittura della Justiss mi piace molto così come mi piacciono le sue trame.
"Il ritorno del libertino" è, in realtà, il quarto romanzo della serie "The Rainsleigh Rogues", io l'ho scoperto solo leggendolo che fossero stati scritti altri romanzi prima di questo, con protagonisti i cugini di Dom, ma il fatto di non averli letti non ha precluso niente alla trama e la lettura non ne ha risentito. Per chi ne fosse interessato i romanzi della serie sono:
Sedotta dal un libertino
La spia francese
Una seconda opportunità
Il ritorno del libertino.
Si trovano sia separatamente che in due volumi: il primo si intitola Tradimenti e il secondo Piaceri.
Tornando alla trama di questo romanzo, come dicevo prima, mi è piaciuta molto così come mi sono piaciuti i personaggi principali, ben caratterizzati ed approfonditi nel modo giusto. Lettura consigliata alle amanti del genere per trascorrere qualche ora di relax.

[Judy]

This is the second book I have read in this series and really enjoyed it. The books are connected but can be read as stand alone books. Both Dominic and Theo suffer losses but this book shows how they overcome those losses. It delves into the deep friendship they have before they discover they are in love. I enjoy reading Julia Justiss's books. There is constant action and are hard to put down. I hope there are more books in this series. Maybe a Christmas novella where they all get together??? I would highly recommend this book. I was given an ARC for an honest review.

[Heather]

i have given an copy for my honest opionon

Julia Justiss once again has delivered a well written novel. A heroine with a secret and has suffered loss and heart ache and is blunt when talking , a wounded war hero who has to learn to live life to its fullest again have come together and without realizing it they help each other and fall in love which both had refused to ever do. Julia is a great author this is my second book i have read by her and her characters always seem to come to life as you you turn each page.

[Susan Beamon]

This is the final book of the Ransleigh Rogues, and one in which the other rogues are only present by reputation. I have been slowly savoring it, because it is the last and it is very sweet. Not that there isn't any spice because there is plenty of that. Only it mostly happens after the wedding or in memories. All of the things I like in a Regency are here: hints of scandal, an independent woman, a single untitled property owner, the marriage mart season, a wedding. It's also an interesting look into this world after a major war.

[Peggy Clayton]

This book hit a grand slam out of the park. It was so interesting and heartbreaking it also made me think about something that makes you go "Wow I never thought of that". Reading this broke my heart so I had to stop and clear the tears but there were good and sad tears.I am so glad that I was blessed to read this series that Julia Justiss has been writing it is one of the best!

[Harlequin Books]

"nother Justiss triumph, but unfortunately, the end of her Ransleigh Rogues series. This last book is an emotional, passionate tale of a wounded hero and the remarkable woman — with her passel of orphans! — who challenges him to begin living again" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: Ransleigh Rogues

[Tasneem]

Boring. Though the story is quite interesting and the characters fairly captivating, the dialogue and language was really, really pedestrian. I skipped through loads of the book because I just couldn't take it. I'm disappointed. Julia Justiss is a good writer and this is definitely not one of her better reads.

[Nancy Badger]

I loved the premise, with a smart-mouthed heroine and an injured former soldier. Their clash over her wishes and his infirmity, bouts of anger, which turned slowly into friendship, then sexual awareness, was a long, wild ride from page to page. Villains, children in need, and secrets made me guessing to the end where the plot was taking me. I enjoyed every page.