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She wants her freedom…

Clara Whitney is desperate to leave London and return to her native Virginia. She'll do anything, even if it means striking a deal with the most notorious earl in England, to get what she wants. How could she anticipate just how much his melting kisses and knowing hands would tempt her?

He wants her…

The Earl of Ravenscroft is infamous for his prowess in the bedchamber and for earning his living by entertaining bored society widows and wives. When the innocent and lovely Miss Whitney seeks him out with the daring proposition of a marriage in name only in return for a generous share of her dowry, Julian accepts. After the vows, however, he isn't ready to part with his prickly Southern belle. At least not without taking her to bed.

A restless rake no more…

Julian knows the game of seduction all too well, but this time, the rules are different, and he just may lose the one thing he thought he no longer had to give. His heart.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

1733 people are currently reading
439 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Scott

123 books1,572 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

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5 stars
846 (49%)
4 stars
561 (32%)
3 stars
240 (13%)
2 stars
50 (2%)
1 star
23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
February 5, 2018
Restless Rake by Scarlett Scott is book Five in the "Heart's Temptation" series. This is the story of Clara Whitney and Julian the Earl of Ravenscroft. I have read the previous book but this is easily a standalone book.
Clara is an American in London living with her father and Step Mother but she wishes to return home to Virginia. Clara comes up with a scene to offer Julian one hundred thousand pounds to marry her but after they marry she leaves for Virginia.
Julian is tired of being 'bought' by women and whoring himself to keep himself and his family from being taking to the poor house. Julian has been selling himself since he was a young man and turns down Clara's offer quickly. But when her father, Jesse Whitney comes busting into his home to take his daughter and put a end to whatever she is up to....Julian changes his mind. For Jesse Whitney is a very wealthy man and Julian knows there is more to be gain by this marriage that what Clara had offered. But what started out a a solid business or marriage of convenience quickly starts turning into something more. There was an instant attraction between the two but the more that they got to know the other...the more their feelings grew...could either of them walkaway now?
I really enjoyed this book and seeing them come to their happy ending.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
July 20, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for SassyLeg.
547 reviews
October 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Scarlett Scott is actually a “comfort read” for me.... all her stories have a good pace, witty banter and so much steam!!! 😉
Profile Image for Janet.
5,202 reviews66 followers
February 8, 2018
Clara Whitney, an American heiress is desperate to leave London and return to her native Virginia. She'll do anything, even if it means striking a deal with the most notorious earl in England, to get what she wants. Julian Danvers The Earl of Ravenscroft is infamous for his prowess in the bedchamber and for earning his living by entertaining bored society widows and wives. When the innocent and lovely Clara seeks him out with the daring proposition of a marriage in name only in return for a generous share of her dowry, Julian accepts.
Jesse Whitney, Clara’s father insists on a fortnight’s courtship. Julian acts the gentleman & even before the wedding this very likeable couple are falling in love. However Clara is determined to return to Virginia until Julian is attacked & almost killed. A lovely read the pace is very good & both Clara & Julian are strong characters. Julian has a very low opinion of himself & it takes Clara to help him find his worth. There is someone out to spoil their burgeoning love & they need to be stopped. This is the fifth in the series but easily could be read on it’s own, I’m now eagerly waiting for Bo’s story

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
574 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2024
3 1/2 stars
Very hot, formulaic and didn’t engage my heart. Maybe too modern in behavior, her character didn’t work for me. She was bold, brave, followed her heart and he fell hard for her. He had been selling himself to survive for years, felt worthless and tried to be noble for her. I really liked how direct she was with him about her feelings, no games. Then the drama of the attack and then HEA. It was all just ok.
68 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2018
COULD have been good..


Maybe, but Scott's love of cursing turned me off ..using God, Christ or Jesus as curse is an insult to me as a Christian and install yo my intelligent.
Profile Image for Shruti.
428 reviews81 followers
June 5, 2021
Oh Lord!!
This is grand.
You so do not want to miss it.
Thoroughly entertaining.
Very very highly recommended!!!!
58 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2020
Gratuitously crude

I nearly stopped reading this quite early on because of all the unnecessary vulgarity but it did get better. Overall quite a good story with lots of heartfelt romance and an HEA, but I find sex scenes are generally more titillating without so much coarseness.
Profile Image for ToriLovesHea’s.
537 reviews98 followers
January 13, 2022

I enojyed this one, but I also didn’t love it.

Clara Whitney wants to leave England return to her native Virginia. But her father, Jesse, refuses to allow it. Clara comes up with a scheme to marry Julian, Earl of Ravenscroft, in name only, secure her dowry, and return home. But when someone starts to target her new husband, Clara finds she might not can leave as easily as she first thought.

I liked the premise and I liked the characters. Julian was a very broken character that needed someone to see the worth in him and Clara needed someone to let her spread her wings a bit. I truly didn’t expect the culprit to be who it was! The reasoning behind their murder plot was well thought out and made a lot of sense! I liked Clara’s relationship with her dad. It was sweet to see how much he cared. Scarlett Scott is really good at writing beautiful prose and love declarations. She also really knows how to get into a characters thoughts and emotions without telling everything at once! Love that! Her spice is also so freaking good!!

However, there were some plot points that just didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I love feminist takes on historical romances. But Clara completely throws her plans to push for women’s voting rights to the sideline after like? A few weeks of knowing Julian? Where they never really have an actual conversation about anything? It just sort of felt like the whole suffragist aspect was thrown in just to be there? It really took this from a higher rating down for me for that alone. I just didn’t get it. It could have been a really cool plot point.

Also, there’s a whole aspect of Julian’s history where an adult woman payed him for sex when he was 14 and it was just kind of…glossed over? That’s a child?? It wasn’t glorified it anything and the characters talk about it with disgust but I wanted that woman to get hit by a carriage and it was just sort of dropped. It really threw me off. I get it was the 1880’s and no one really viewed things like that in the context that we do in 2022 , but it still icked me out.

I’m rounding up to 3.5 stars because I liked other parts of this. But those two major parts just took me out of the story. Not bad. But not my favorite.
Profile Image for The Duchess of Hollywood.
216 reviews
August 28, 2023
5⭐️
Clara longs to return to her home in Virginia, but her father refuses to allow her stating that London is their new home. Desperate for America, Clara will do anything to get herself on a boat home. Even marry an earl who’s desperate for funds(Clara is $$$). Once a married woman, Clara can do as she pleases and that is leaving that horrible place.
Julian, the Earl of Ravencroft has been left with the crippling debt of his dead father’s making, leaving him to support himself as well as his two younger sisters. Who are both a handful to him. They all share the same mother— but they are all fathered by different men. Which is not well received by the ton. Their family is known for the scandal and drama making it hard for his sisters in society. Julian’s only income is providing “services” for widows and scandalous wives.
When Clara knocks on his door proposing that they have a marriage of convenience in name only, all Julian can do is but laugh in her face—- then kiss her. Clara will be a married woman, free to leave London and Julian will be able to stop his… job and help give his sisters proper society seasons. After thinking on it, he accepts.
Not knowing the true intention for these plans, Clara’s father (who’s pissed at Clara for seeking Julian out) insists they have proper courtship to convince the ton that they are a couple desperately in love.
And what do you know! They begin to fall in love.
After their wedding, Julian is attacked one night outside of their home, Clara starts to worry for his safety as she in love with him. Believing that his attacker could be a jilted lover or a cuckholded husband of a former client, Julian and Clara will do anything to get to the bottom of this.
But in never knowing what true love or intimacy is because he grew up in such a dysfunctional home, Julian keeps Clara at an arms length even though he truly loves her. When the real attacker is unmasked, he will risk his life to do anything to protect the woman he loves.

I loved this! 10/10, 5⭐️ across the board. I have a such soft spot for Julian! He was so broken and hard on himself, and Clara’s love just put him back together, this was cute — and steamy.
I will say this over and over, Scarlett has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Please, if you’re reading this, never stop writing. You’re magic🪄
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,915 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2018
Clara Whitney wants to return home to Virginia. She has devised a fool proof plan, or so she thinks. That is how Clara finds herself propositioning one of London's greatest rakes. All he has to do is agree to marry her in name only, and she can accomplish her goal. Easy enough, right?!

Julian Danvers, The Earl of Ravenscroft is tired of being paid off for his services to lonely women. He wants more from life. When Clara approaches him with her offer, he wants to refuse and almost does until Clara's father shows up. Suddenly, Julian finds himself agreeing to marriage and even negotiating for a partnership in her father's company. All that's left to do is convince Clara to stay and take a real shot at marriage to him. What Julian isn't counting on is losing his heart to her in the bargain.

RESTLESS RAKE is entertaining from beginning to end. The secondary characters even manage to steal a little of the spotlight throughout the book. All in all, the primary characters, Clara and Julian, hold the reader's attention. Both want two very different things and have to overcome many obstacles to see eye-to-eye. RESTLESS RAKE never has a dull moment. Historical fans are sure to love it.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,708 reviews22 followers
July 1, 2018
Well, Scarlett Scott has done it again & written a superb Book 5 in this series! I have enjoyed all the stories in this series & wouldn't be able to pick a favorite because they were all so different. This book had me hooked on the first few pages & our hero, Julian, Earl of Ravenscroft, was a wicked rogue that had been nothing but a whore since the age of 14 but he was so handsome, witty, sexy & you couldn't help but like him. Our heroine, Clara Whitney, an American was lovely, strong, fearless & determined in her plans to go back to her home in Virginia. Then they met & all the fun, danger, murder plots, bribery, lies, romance, love & a lot of spice took place & led them to a grand HEA! I enjoyed Julian when we met him earlier in this series & he was so easy to like & I hoped he would find his happiness. I highly recommend this series to all historical romance readers - you won't be disappointed in any of the books in the series & can be read as stand alone but I enjoyed reading them in order & recognized some of the characters as they came forward to the next book.
2,431 reviews22 followers
February 8, 2018
The humorous dialog and witty retorts had me snickering a few times in this story. Julian is crass and makes no bones about it. Love his character. Clara, an American, gives back just as good. Just when you think this story is about Julian needing money and frankly not really caring about anyone and Clara’s only goal is to get back to Virginia, the story turns. There were a few left turns that had me scratching my head but on the whole the story is really nice. They come to love and care for one another and are willing to sacrifice for each other. I know, a plot point that is done many times but because of their character difference, it made for a really feel good story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
2,453 reviews28 followers
February 8, 2018
I loved this book! It caught me at the first page. Julian, Earl of Ravenscroft, was such a likeable, wicked rogue, the things he said to Clara when trying to shock her. Clara was an equally determined and quite fearless lady. I enjoyed the banter and the gradually awareness of something deeper than initial attraction. Just as things appear to go smoothly, there is an unpleasant experience. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will certainly look out for more to read. The next book in the series looks to be another very good read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for TL Mayhew.
Author 23 books372 followers
February 17, 2018
I didn't want to put it down.

The author does a great job of making you fall in love with the characters and an era we can only experience through history books.

Our hero Julian is described as tall dark and handsome and has the confidence of a man that knows what he wants yet struggles with self worth. Our heroine Clara is a strong beauty that doesn't heed to expectations of how a lady should act. She wants to do things her way and doesn't let anyone tell her otherwise. And when these two get together, be ready for some heat. The chemistry is off the charts.

Overall I felt this was a great read. Highly recommend.
493 reviews
July 25, 2020
Daring heroine? Especially from one's home state! The courageous heroine and the hopeless rake theme is taken to depths beyond most. Ravenscroft has had to do the unmentionable to have funds to support his two sisters and keep his estates afloat after being left in debt at the age of fourteen. Clara's friend Bo, sends her to him as the perfect foil for her scheme to get back to her beloved Virginia, a sham marriage to get her generous dowry. Needless to say it doesn't work out that way. The main plot is good; the surprise ending is great. Now I've got to read Bo's story! The preview was laugh out loud funny and compelling.
Profile Image for Laura Shipley.
Author 12 books20 followers
August 17, 2020
This book had everything I love when I read and write romance. It has the dark, troubled main character who is trying to hide from love, thinking he is too broken or scarred to be worthy of love. The main female, Clara is determined to get back to Virginia, a point made several times throughout the book. Of course we all know she can't go back, otherwise there will not be a happily ever after for our lovers. I enjoy a story where you can feel the characters falling in love; the barriers are slowly broken down. The scenes between the sheets were on fire!! I loved this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a steamy, historic read!!!
Profile Image for Lynn.
936 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2023
The Rake and the Virginian

Julian, the Earl of Ravenscroft was left a pauper by his parents, and was led into making a living on his remarkable good looks at an early age tending to widows and lonely wives.

Clara Whitney wishes to leave London and return to Virginia in the United States, so she comes to Ravenscroft to make a deal. She offers him marriage and a generous dowry if ownly he releases her afterwards to return to Virginia.

The Earl agrees to the marriage, but with his charming ways manages to not agree to allowing her to return to Virginia.

This was part adventure, a wonderful romance and I enjoyed it very much. Another win for Scarlett Scott.
352 reviews
August 28, 2020
Oh My!

What an amazing read! I was pulled in by the bad boy Earl and Clara right from the beginning. Each of them was so complicated, yet so intriguing, I just had to see where their story would lead. And I was not disappointed; there were enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages as the story continued to build. I’ve not read a lot of this author’s books, but she certainly has a gift for story telling! I am certainly looking for another of her books to read. Hot, steamy, real life characters and an intriguing plot line - what more could you want?
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,708 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2020
Clara was determined to return to Virginia to live. Her father had brought her to England after her mother died. But even as she neared her majority her father refused to let her go. So she devised a plan. She would bride a man to marry her and they would split her dowry. After the wedding she would leave him he could get the marriage annulled and they would both have the money they needed to live on. However Jillian upon seeing her decided he wanted both her and her money. But someone is trying to kill them.
Profile Image for Angela Hammond.
10 reviews
June 17, 2020
A very good read. Very steamy if you dont like those screans dont read.

I actually liked this character. And for me that is everything. I loved how they came together and the dynamic was. Believable. I didn't like how the story was not very full of characters or intrigue. But if you are looking for a good steamy Saturday night date look no further. Julien will keep you warm. Hope you enjoy.
2,322 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2020
Very Enjoyable!
I have to read more from this author! She writes in a way that makes one want to read regardless what is going on around you. She also has the ability to paint pictures with her words and I love that.
Julian and his "Little Dove", Clara have a 'push-me, pull-you' type of relationship right from the very beginning, sometimes serious and sometimes downright amusing and I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.
Definitely a story to be read!
Profile Image for Heidi Meaton.
144 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2021
Hidden gem

Well I wasn't expecting that! Usually series of stories lose their appeal as they go on but there are a few exceptions and this is one.
Brilliant story line, very emotionally charged characters and very well written. No loose ends and it all makes sense. Great use of secondary figures for. Previous books and a very welcome read.
I expect nothing less from Ms Scott but this one is worthy of a review. Brilliant!
29 reviews
October 15, 2022
A Broken Hero!

It was quite a good read with the hero (Earl of Ravenscroft-Justin) not the usual alpha male…he was a man-whore, who was self-deprecating and a heroine who has all the American female trait—-Clara. I gave it 4 stars as it could have been more well-developed with the plot given better depth around Clara’s acceptance of who and what Justin was….love the story nevertheless as it had a sinister/mystery undertones.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
November 25, 2022
👌👌

This book was absolutely AH-MAZING! Typically, when I cannot put a book down, I get aggravated when I have to; however, as I waited to finish this book, I just became more and more hooked! Now, I don't normally recommend books from sites such as goodnovel, for I feel like an individual end up paying more in coins then the book is actually worth; BUT for this story and the way it draws you in, I will make an exception!! 😍😍
Profile Image for Sandy N.
626 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2018
This is my first book from Scarlett Scott and the first in the series that I am reading. What a treat. I absolutely loved it. Very engaging characters. Lovely pace. Amazing writing. Great chemistry between the two heroes. I'll definitely check out the other books in the series and from the author.
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.
Profile Image for Elena.
891 reviews24 followers
July 27, 2018
I can Honestly say I am a new fan of this author.
I've been reading this books out of order and I got everything even though I guess reading them in order would probably give a better experience.
Lovely characters, I Loved Julian's internal monologues!!! they had me cracking both in laughter and of sadness.

Awesome books!
937 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2020
A bit too melodramatic for my taste but it had mystery and mayhem aplenty with someone trying to kill the Earl - plenty of suspects and his new wife who can shoot the hat off a man at 20 paces! When unsuccessful at killing the Earl they then attempt to kill his new wife! Things are chaos but a happy ending is had by one and all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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