Lady Asherton is proper, lovely and... lost. Widowed and just turned thirty—her recent engagement promises an unexpected chance to become a mother at last.
The Rake
The Marquess of Rockingham is gorgeous, exciting and loyal to his family. He's never met a woman he can't have, and the world is at his feet.
He is young—too young.
She's engaged—to his uncle.
Two unlikely lovers are faced with a choice. Risk everything and embrace the passion of a lifetime or give in to society's expectations and endure the ashes of regret?
Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination. After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
Oh. My. God! I loved this book! I am so glad Icame across this author. This book was excellent! The best book I have read in a long time. Sebastian is the perfect hero, sweet, kind, loving. And Maggie was his perfect heroine. I love the older woman/younger man trope and this was done so perfectly. I laughed, I cried and I absolutely fell in love with Sebastian. Side note: all of my favorite hero’s seem to be named Sebastian. This book was achingly romantic. The hero and heroine both had so much to overcome and in each other found the perfect person to help them along the way. I enjoyed every word and in a world so upside down right now this allowed me a few hours of escape. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book by Ms. Anders.
The main characters of Margaret and Sebastian were very engaging. Margaret desperately wanted a child and she was lonely. She also wanted passion in any future marriage. Margaret wondered whether she could get it with her future husband, George. Sebastian is a younger man and also George’s nephew. Sebastian has his own dreams of sailing in his ship to see the world. He has no plans to marry. Margaret and Sebastian are attracted to each other, although Margaret worries about the age difference. Sebastian is quite the tease! Then there is George to consider. This was an excellent read, emotional at times and there are a number of problems that need to be overcome before a happy ending can be achieved.
Widowed young, Lady Asherton has not ruled out remarrying. As long as she can land a gentleman who is kind, steady and mature... Sebastian Wright, London's most disreputable rake, is none of the above. Why is it then, that she cannot stop thinking about this most inappropriate Marquess?
My review :
When pressured by time, will a woman make the right choice ...
What I do love with Mrs Annabelle Anders’ stories is that they go straight to the point, and from them the narrative unfolds, with all its ups and downs. And while I know it is a romance so there will be a happily ever after, I never know in which journey she will transport me, nor the many roads I will have to run with the heroes. And like always she swept me of my feet with two larger than life heroes, I was so sad for Margaret to see her selling herself short because of her age, she thinks she has no other prospect and is already lucky with this one offer, when her intended is a man who is pretending only to look for the perfect representation of a wife, one to take off all the duties to manage a household and keep him company in the evenings the years go by, a pet in some sort. When she only longs for a child of her own, the great failure of her first marriage, but her desperation also blind her to the shortcomings of her prospective fiancé. Sebastian, what to say about him... Despite his young age, he learned too the hard way and unfairness of life, he too rated the bitter savior of loss, and so young it was imprinted in his body. His own tragedy matured him to understand the plight of the poorer and the despondents, why he wants to change things and learn about the world. And while, he sees himself as unable to face loss again, once he enters in a willing friendship with Margaret, he can’t shake her out of his system. She disrupts everything he intended, and he can’t loose focus. He is amazing man, beautiful inside and out, kind, caring, compassionate with a naughty touch. It is through his contact Margaret will find her own will power to take her life in hand and make a difference. He will open up her eyes when she will reopen his heart.
One more heartbreaking tale of getting the courage to face life with its risks and pains. 5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Lady and the Rake is another wonderful addition to the Lord Love a Lady series from Annabelle Anders. Although it’s the sixth book in the series, it also works perfectly fine as a standalone. For those who have read the prior books, however, it’s extra enjoyable as it tells the story of a character that has been in the background for a while.
As with every Annabelle Anders book, Lady and the Rake pulled me in from the start. The chemistry was wonderful, the storyline was gripping, and there was plenty of emotion packed into the story. I was wearing a stupid smile with every page, as is usually the case with the author’s work, and I could not put the book down.
In fact, it came together so well I did not mind that the ending felt a bit quick to me. Although it was quick, it played in with details that had been shared earlier in the book, ensuring things came together in a wonderful way.
All in all, another fabulous read from Annabelle Anders.
Young widow Lady Margaret Coats, Countess of Asherton, would like to marry again in the hopes of having children of her own. She wants, or at least thinks she wants, a steady, mature gentleman she can have a steady friendship with. Too bad it is her intended's nephew whom she can't stop thinking about.
Lord Sebastian Wright, Marquess of Rockingham, is a known rake, charming and much desired by all the ladies, especially given his fortune and the fact that he is the heir to a dukedom. But there is more to Sebastian than meets the eye and as he and Margaret develop an unlikely friendship, she finds herself even more confused about her impending betrothal and her inconvenient attraction to the younger man.
There may be what some consider to be spoilers ahead. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I must say it was very high on angst and emotion, and I tend to dislike angst, but that did also serve to make the characters very real. Both Sebastian and Margaret had past issues and pains to work through but I really liked them together. Margaret annoyed me a bit with her inability or refusal to truly stand up for herself, though she did grow and improve some in this as the book went on. Although it did work for these two, this book did feature a pet peeve of mine: the separation, which I never much like, but, to be fair, in their circumstances it did serve to help these two gain perspective and grow, both as individuals and as a couple. This was a great read and I look forward to more in the series.
Lady and the Rake by Annabelle Anders This story turned into a heart pounding emotional ride following beautifully flawed characters who had experienced similar devastation and loss. One wanting to try again and the other sworn never again, which interfered with the new love they had both just found for one another. This turned from what I thought was going to be just another regency house party, into a beautifully written, emotional ride, I couldn’t put down until the last page...Sigh. I recommend this beautiful historical romance to everyone who loves a steamy romance between two similarly damaged people who end up as only they deserve! Happy Reading♥️ Content: Adult, steamy romance with explicit description.
Starring Margaret Coats, Countess of Asherton and Sebastian Wright, Marquess of Rockingham. Wrong bed and Older Heroine/Younger Hero tropes.
I swear, all of Annabelle Anders’s books should come with a warning: “Ugly Cry AF guaranteed.... must have Kleenex.” I’m always a sobbing mess after I read her stories... and it’s an absolutely beautiful thing!! Once again she leads us by the heartstrings as we go along with Sebastian and Margaret’s road to HEA... and I love it!!
Sebastian starts out seeming very young and easy-going... but as the book progresses, you learn he is a man who has depth, felt loss, and has noble ambitions. He is SO my book boyfriend at the moment. He just made me feel warm and fuzzy every time he was on the page... I love him so much!!
Margaret is a little bit more reserved, but Sebastian’s exuberance is reminding her how to be carefree again. Margaret actually punched me in the heart feels because she’s courageously putting herself out there after life has given her so many tragedies. I wanted to give her a hug. But I love that she found her purpose and came into her own in this book. She totally deserves every happiness coming her way.
This is the sixth book in the Lord Love a Lady series. I loved every single book in this series.
Annabelle Anders always pushes me outside my reading comfort zones. She tackles themes that I don’t normally gravitate towards... but when she’s writing them, I’m an ugly crying mess afterwards!! THAT’S why she’s one of my favorite Keeper Shelf author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 5 stars Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.
Lady And The Rake, by Annabelle Anders, is available at booksellers on 3-31-20. Rake is book 6 in Ms Anders Lord Love A Lady Series. This has been my favorite couple so far of the 6 I've read. I truly liked them and was happy they did get a HEA. It was touch & go for part of the story. We've got a tad bit of a cougar going on in Margaret, our hero is 6 years younger. To the best of my recollection this is only the 2nd book I read with a reverse couple. In most historical romance books the men are older, some way older. That aside, it's a sweet story and an enjoyable read.
Margaret Coats, widowed Countess of Asherton, is only days away from her 30th birthday. She had a comfortable marriage that ended tragically. I won't tell you how, see for yourself. She doesn't want to spend the rest of her days alone & has gotten caught up with a dowry hunter by mistake. His good-looking, witty, charming nephew, Sebastian Wright the Marquess of Rockingham, may be only 24 but boy is he fun. Sebastian is my favorite historical hero name & he doesn't disappoint. Since neither is a virgin we get a little more steamy sex scenes than normal. That's ok with me. Sebastian has his own tragic past that hasn't been dealt with properly. It will make you cry. He needs to face it and grow up a little. They fall in love fast but then as time passes they grow to like each other too. It makes their HEA sweeter and deserved. Happy reading.
Margaret Coates, Lady Asherton is a young widow who has not ruled out remarrying. As long as she can land a gentleman who is kind, steady and mature, she is being courted by George Kirkley who although older seems to fit the bill. The pair of them are guests at her brother Hugh Chesterton, Viscount Danbury’s (Lady at Last) house party. Sebastian Wright, Marquis of Rockingham, is none of the above. He’s sent to the house party by his mother to give a heirloom ring to his uncle George so that George can give it to his betrothed if Margaret accepts him. Margaret is having second thoughts about marrying George so decides to sneak into his room to see if there can be passion between them, however to her embarrassment it's not George she finds but Sebastian, which leads to one of the loveliest romances I’ve read in a while. Another well written page turning read that grabbed me at the first page & left me sighing at the end. The characters were very well portrayed but then the author doesn’t do two dimensional. I loved Maggie but adored Sebastian, he was younger than her & totally sighworthy. The road to their HEA wasn’t smooth but it was highly entertaining & took me on a gamut of emotions from laughing to crying. I loved that we caught up with past characters, whilst this is the sixth book in the series it could be read on its own but I’d highly recommend reading the series in order. A lovely, lovely romance My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Age is but a number.... Annabelle Anders has done it again, written a story that pushes the boundaries that grab your attention and runs away with it. One can tell this author's writing always come from the heart and her characters come to life through her words.
I seem to have a new book boyfriend every time I read a new book but Sebastian will forever have a special place in my heart. Even though he's younger than the heroine, he has known loss and pain and he is in no way immature. My heart also went out to Maggie, she has also known loss and pain, and all she wants is the chance to be a mother. Sebastian has vowed never to be married and have children....when you read the reason why, be prepared with tissues beside you. Theirs is a story that will linger in my heart for a long time to come. A beautiful and emotional story as only Annabelle Anders can write.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Not my favourite couple, as the heroine seemed a person who leaned on others, and just floated aimlessly through life. There were reasons, but she started as a weak person to me. The H was immature, and while he wanted her, he wasn't prepared to put her needs above his. Fair enough, but it wasn't enough to keep my interest. When I tried this a 2nd time, I go distracted by the missing ring, to the detriment of their story. Fortunately I did enjoy the last part of their story, where she put her grief and loss aside, and finally saw her own value. He took time to understand what he'd lost by not valuing her enough. He needed time to mature, so this was the right outcome. I liked it but didn't really like either of them, but I'll read it again in a few months and think I'll enjoy it more.
I would have given this 4.3 stars if I could, but I'm adding the 0.7 because it's so refreshing to have an age gap where the FMC is older!
This book is really very sweet. You can see the push and pull caused by both MCs' differing life goals and you can also feel their palpable chemistry. The ending is quite near and the angst isn't too much. I breezed through this book because it was well written and simply delightful!
If you wish to read without thinking, this would be a pleasant novel. But there were too many issues that left me uninspired. 1. The author has a tendency to have flippant, self absorbed males (my 3rd book in this series and it will be my last). 2. So you lost a twin on your birthday, lost your husband on your birthday and lost your baby a few days later. And he lost his wife and baby. Not that these things are impossible nor even improbable,but it was just a bit much. 3. Who is Robinson Caruso?? Is that David Caruso's brother? Surely she could not have been referring to Robinson Crusoe? And that novel published by Daniel Dafoe almost 100 years apart was not written by the same author as the Swiss Robinson family, unlike what is implied when the latter is first mentioned. 4. The ills of poverty in NY when she lived in London. I could not suspend my incredulity at the stupidity of Margaret's observations. England was struggling with poverty and social unequities for centuries before America existed. 5. Finally, back to the selfishness of both the Hero and Heroine. Why should his unwillingness to give up his plans to travel out his lack of desire to start a family be proof of the absence of love? That's idiotic and implies female supremacy in romantic ties. Why couldn't she travel with him and forgo her desire to have children? People could live each other and want different things. Frankly, she could have followed him and settled down if they had children. There were no ties keeping her in England. Also, why is her errant fiance held in disdain for doing exactly what she was doing. She wanted him for her own purposes regardless of what he wanted. At the same time, she pursued a flirtation with his relative. She was prepared to jilt him and he did it first. He may not be a Saint, but she was as much a sinner. And his circumstances were not of his own making. She can't claim the same defense. 6. By what right did she, her brother, or the hero believe they were justified in being so cavalier about a priceless heirloom. Ugly or not? It was his property, given in contemplation of marriage and upon the dissolution of the betrothal, would have to be returned. He would have a right to file suit. All in all, there is something about the writing that is appealing. However, against the many flaws, I simply can't recommend this novel as a good read.
I loved it, couldnt put it down... Until he left her for over half a year. As another reviewer recently said its a pet peeve for some, and it was for me. For me it just seemed to make the feelings more one sided, even the ending didnt make up the separation. Apart from that it had great chemistry, pace was right and the villian was a guy you loved to hate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a fantastic, emotional, romantic tale Annabelle Anders has woven in this book. The story, the wonderful couple, the revisiting of past characters were such fun on this bumpy road to happiness!
Margaret Coates, Lady Asherton is an almost 30 year old widow but after of 8 years of marriage, to a man she had know all her life, she did not achieve the one thing she always wanted & that was children. She still hopes to find a kind man to marry that is in need or want of children. She is being courted by an older gentleman in his 50s, George Kirkley, but will he meet her qualifications - he has asked her to marry him, how will she respond? Margaret & George are at a house party hosted by her brother, Hugh Chesterton, Viscount Danbury - she will give him her decision before the end of the party.
Sebastian Wright, Marquis of Rockingham, is a well known 24 year old rake, that just radiates his maturity, sexiness & charm from every bone in his body & the nephew of George Kirkley. But as they say "you can't tell a book by its cover", Sebastian goes a lot deeper that his rakish reputation - he has a passion of the way workers are being treated & an enthusiasm to see it through, plus taking his new ship he is building to New York. He does not wish to be at this house party but his mother begged him to bring the family heirloom ring to George for when or if Margaret accepts his proposal.
Margaret needs to find out if George is interested in having children or can even perform the necessary act. She decides to sneak in to his bedroom & seduce him to be sure they can have passion between them. However; one problem arises, so to speak, it is not George she is naked in bed with but his nephew, Sebastian & oh, what a lovely mistake it was. This encounter takes the reader on a humorous, sweet & spicy journey with a man who has vowed never to marry or have children & a young widow who thinks she is too old for him & only desires children of her own. When they parted, I felt so sad for Maggie & the letters that Sebastian wrote sent me to tissue time.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Lady and the Rake Lord Love a Lady series, Book 6 Annabelle Anders, author
Wow! Wow! Wow! A steamy, yet extremely sensual and loving story.
There are a couple dynamics to categorize this new story of Ms. Anders. There's the older woman, younger man dynamic, but for me, this story was so much bigger than this. It was a story of a young woman coming to terms with her life, seeking out what she wants out of life, accepting what is placed in front of her, and, in the end, making due with what she has.
Lady Margaret Coates, Countess of Asherton has been widowed for four years. Shortly after loosing her husband, the Earl of Asherton, she gave birth to a stillborn child. Her mother was her saving grace. As if this were not enough, Lady Margaret's mother then passes away. Lady Margaret throws herself into helping others. Now about to turn thirty years old, her brother and sister-in-law request her presence at their home, as they wish to throw her a grand birthday celebration. Hence, the story begins at Land's End, England in 1828, at the home of Lord and Lady Chesterton, Viscount and Viscountess Danbury.
Lady Margaret is set on having a child of her own. Thusly, she has agreed to marry Mr. George Kirkley. However, Mr. Kirkley is considerably older then Lady Margaret. Will he be able to give her the child she desperately wants? In lies a story that will make you laugh at all the antics, feel the pain and loss that Margaret has suffered, yet enjoy the tenderness and ride the steamy sensual relationship she ends up getting herself involved in. But wait! There's another man in the picture. And he's the nephew of Mr. Kirkley. Lord Sebastian Wright, Marquess of Rockingham arrived late to the house party, as he brought with him the family heirloom engagement ring for his uncle to give to Lady Margaret.
Read this enchanting story to find out all the details. I promise you will laugh at the silly moments, encourage Margaret to stand her ground and enjoy in the lovely described afternoon strolls, picnics and swimming excursions. Likewise, there are moments of tenderness and love between two people, as they share their loses and pain with one another, coupled with steamy sensuality. There is so much depth to this story, it amazes me. Just when I think Ms. Anders can't write a story any better, she pulls yet, another out of her hat and makes it better then the last.
I give this book, 5 stars, easily. Wonderful story-line with a well developed plot and supporting narration. Character development is skilled with many supporting characters returning from previous stories in the series. Scenery is so well described, it puts the reader, in the moment, with the characters of the story. Lastly, the story is written with such finesse and realism, the reader is able to feel the emotions as they are written for the characters themselves. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. This is my review and I do so voluntarily. I was given an advanced review copy of the book. I also opted to purchase a copy as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sometimes a forbidden love can the most exciting and passionate!!
Every time I get a book by Annabelle Anders I find myself leaning into the story for a better view. I fall into every one of her tales like I'm watching from behind a curtain. Every. Single. Time. This one was no exception, and this one stole a tiny piece of my heart as I closed the book.
Margaret felt as though she was heading into spinsterhood and she wanted more. She wanted a child, a companion in which to spend her days and although wanted love and passion it wasn't topping her list of necessities. But deep inside, she wanted passion and before she married her (informally) betrothed, she wanted to see if sparks would fly. And they did, but not the way she expected.
Sebastion was the nephew to Margaret's fiance and was so taken by Margaret, he couldn't wash her from his mind. She was by all means a walking contradiction....a Lady and proper in every way, intelligent, talented, and exciting to be around. How delicious was it that she had such passion hidden beneath when behind a closed door?
I cannot comment further without divulging spoilers so let me say this, I had a full range of emotions while reading this book. I found it comical in the beginning, an honest mistake anyone could make and the way Sebastion pushed her beyond blushing made me laugh. When the passion unfolds, I found myself cheering them on, wanting the best for them...the Ton be damned!! Then there was one part where I found a knot in my throat I had to swallow around and was upset when I had to put the book down for the day. One thing I promise you, no matter how much of a sleuth you may consider yourself, you will never foretell what's around the corner in one of Annabelle's stories. Every time I think I know what's going to happen, she turns me into another direction. I dump everything I'm doing and everything I'm reading when I get a hand on one of her books and couldn't choose a favorite among them if I had to. They're ALL that good. She'll always remain at the top of my "want" to read list!!!
What happens when a case of mistaken identity happens at a house party?
Engaged to a man 20 years older than her own "advanced" age of almost 30, Margaret, the widowed Lady Asherton, is just looking to find comfort and companionship...and maybe have a child to hold and love. With a pending betrothal to Mr. George Kirkley, she has a chance at motherhood. But unsure of her intendeds, hmmm, masculine urges, she is encouraged by her sister in law Penelope to take him for a test drive before agreeing to making the betrothal public. Alas, her attempt at seduction goes awry! In the best way possible!
Lord Sebastian Wright, Marquess of Rockingham is sent to meet his uncle and pass on a family heirloom to give his betrothed. Never did he expect to wake up to a lady in his bed, but what a pleasant surprise! Until he realizes that the lady in question is seeking his uncle George. Who is the mystery lady? And will he get a second chance with her. Once he learns that his mystery lady is his uncle's intended, his intrigue grows into a quest to make her realize that his uncle is not the man for her...he is. But he is 6 years younger than he, and that proves to be an issue for Maggie. How can he convince her that age doesn't matter?
Filled with lots of humor, some sexy heat, and a plethora of fabulous characters, Lady and the Rake is Book 6 in the Lord Love a Lady series by Annabelle Anders. True to form, the characters are complex and complete, making you feel for them in the best way. Her dialogue, as always, is witty and crisp, with lots of snappy remarks to keep your interest. Even though this is book six, you can still read it a a standalone novel, but I am betting you would want to go back and read the first five books as well once you get a taste of the glory that is Anders' writing.
I am a huge fan of Annabelle Anders, and I was lucky to be given an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book for review. Thank you Annabelle for all you do!!
I honestly don’t know if I have read the earlier books in this series. I have read and enjoyed other books by Annabelle Anders and so I signed up to read advances from her and this is my first. I did not feel like I was missing out by not remembering earlier books, this one stands on its own just fine. If you have read the earlier books, several characters continue here. Margaret is Hugh’s sister, Penelope’s sisters-in-law, and Rose’s friend. Most of the story takes place at Penelope and Hugh’s estate in Land’s End.
I LOVED it! This book is just lovely. The love story between Margaret and Sebastian is so sweet and the characters are so wonderful that I stayed up way too late reading the whole book in one sitting. I don’t like to write spoiler reviews so I won’t give it away, but here’s a bit of the setup: Lady Margaret is a childless widow just about to turn 30 who is afraid her chances of having children are disappearing. She agrees to marry George, an older gentleman, because she so desperately wants a family. In fact, her mission for children is so important to her that she decides, since George isn’t very affectionate, to test drive her prospective groom to make sure he can get the job done. She sneaks into his bed late at night, and is happily surprised at the passionate reception she gets. Right up until she realizes it’s not George’s bed she snuck into, but his nephew Sebastian’s. Things get complicated at that point, as they will.
Margaret and Sebastian are so nice, you just root for them from the start.
Disclosures: as sweet as the story is, it’s not clean, so if you don’t like your books steamy, give this a pass.
Along with all the other books in this series, “Lady and the Rake” is a heartfelt and entertaining read. This is book 6 of the Lord Love a Lady series by Annabelle Anders.
Margaret Coates, widowed Countess of Asherton is about to turn 30 and longs for a child of her own. She has concerns regarding her betrothed, Mr. George Kirkley, who is at least 20 years older. Her sister- in- law persuades her to seek her answers in a somewhat unconventional way. Those of you familiar with Penelope can only imagine!
Sebastian Wright, Marquess of Rockingham is the 24 year old nephew of Margaret’s betrothed. Despite his reputation as a rake, he is very perceptive and wise beyond his years. He does not happen to be a fan of Margaret’s betrothal to his uncle.
This is a beautifully written story about a woman finding the courage to live life on her own terms and the younger man willing to assist her. Along the way Sebastian also makes some life changing decisions. While an easy familiarity grows between them, they also have combustible chemistry. They care about each other enough to allow the other to follow their dreams.
Several characters from the previous stories in this series make an appearance. Many of them happen to appear in one of my favorite, somewhat crowded scenes in the book. You’ll know of what I refer to when you read it (wink- wink). Surprising twists, intense longing, spicy interludes and several snickering moments come together to make Margaret and Sebastian’s story a must read. You will absolutely fall in love with this couple.
I was gifted an ARC by the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Lady and the Rake, book 6 of Annabelle Anders Lord Love a Lady series, is a phenomenal read. With every book in the series I think they can’t get any better, but Anders has outdone herself this time! Lady and the Rake is the story of Margaret, Lady Asherton. And although we get to revisit many past and we’ll loved characters, in this tale we meet new and interesting g characters in the hero Sebastian Wright, the Marquess of Rockford.
When you want something desperately, how much would you be willing to give up in order to achieve it? That is the dilemma that Margaret, Lady Asherton, faces in her quest to become a mother. She’s accepted a proposal from Mr. George Kirkley a perfectly acceptable man 20 years her senior. Then she meets George’s nephew Sebastian Wright. The instant attraction that flares between them is sizzling!
Typical of Anders writing, her characters are written with such strength and depth. Both have known tragedy and great loss in their life, but in each other found the perfect person to help them move past their grief, fear and loss. A beautiful friendship blossoms between this pair, but it is not enough to keep them together when they want different things. The journey to discovery for Margaret and Sebastian is a roller coaster of emotions that will make you laugh and cry. Keep your tissues handy. I loved this book, and this series, though each may be read as a stand alone.
Wow, just wow—a spicy, hot love story to make us forget about the world for a while!
Well I absolutely adored Sebastian and Maggie’s story! Margaret or Maggie to Sebastian, is Lady Asherton and her past has not been easy. The deaths of her husband, stillborn child, and Mother have hit her hard. Hidden away the last 4 years, she is about to marry George. That’s when she meets Sebastian, George’s nephew, in the strangest of places—his Uncle’s bed. Although she is not in love, she wants children therefore she is set on marriage to George. Sebastian, Marquess of Rockingham, is a rake to the highest degree and will inherit a dukedom. But just like Maggie he has also seen a lot of tragedy and is looking to make changes to his life and those lives he will be responsible for as a duke. This story has a lot of heat 🔥🔥🔥, a heroine older than the hero ♥️♥️♥️, a little mystery, a plot twist I didn’t see coming, a lot of heart wrenching feelings, some reformative themes along with some silliness, and a happily ever after that will brighten your day! I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. I bought book 2 of this series because I love that trope. Well, I went back for book 1 and now own the entire series!!! I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest review, BUT on release day I bought it because it’s just that good! Thank you Annabelle for stimulating my quarantine!
Turns out Margaret is a spicy and adventurous lady!! We met her previously in the Lord Loves a Lady series and I didn’t imagine her quite this way. That said I LOVE that she has these hidden depths.
Abigails story is still my favorite but I think Maggie’s might come in at a close second. She’s a widow who wants children, and is trying to forge any path for herself that will lead to her happiness. She is strong and almost as brazen as Penelope haha. Also can I say just how much I adore the fact that she snatched up a younger man!!
The author brings up some social issues of the time in a really good way as well, which I appreciated. This particular book is a touch spicier than some of the others but I loved it. The only thing I think I found odd, was the hero’s previous love situation. Married at 18 to a 16 year old as an aristocrat??? I mean yeah I guess it’s possible it’s historically accurate but seemed out of place. It didn’t detract from the book though.
The whole time I reading the second half I kept chanting to myself, get your shit together Sebastian COME ON!!! Thankfully he does <3
Margaret, Lady Asherton has been a widow for 4 years, is soon to be thirty and ready to do what ever is necessary to be a mother. George an untitled older suitor has asked for her hand but since he has never been married before she needs to make sure he is up for the task of creating a child before she agrees to announce their engagement. What better way to accomplish this then to sneak into his bed and see if everything functions as it should. Sounds like a great plan until she goes to the wrong room and get in bed with his 24 year old nephew Sebastian the Marquis of Rockington.
This romance is packed full of hope, longing and dreams forgotten and reawaken by love. Sometimes the mistakes in life can change your life's course and set you on the path you were meant to travel as it did for Margaret and Sebastian is this must read addition to the Lord Love A Lady Series.
All the Annabelle Anders romances I have read have had original plots and can be read as a standalone but the whole series is delightful and not to be missed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy gifted to me by this wonderfully talented author.
Annabelle Anders delivers another excellent story with Lady and the Rake! I was laughing with in the first couple of pages of the book and in tears by the middle of the book. Margaret was engaged to be married to Sebastian's uncle but he only wanted to marry her for her money. Margaret and Sebastian grew close but Margaret thought Sebastian was to young for her. I loved Sebastian. He was a perfect hero and Margaret was the perfect heroin. They both had been married before and had both had tragedy in their first marriages but where Margaret wanted to be married again Sebastian didn't think he could live through the pain again that he went through with his first marriage. I loved how Sebastian discovered that he couldn't live with out her and traveled across the ocean to get her back. This is the 6th book in this series so I was excited to have all the characters back from the books before this one. All our old favorites show up again and it's like coming home.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
I love Annabelle Anders books. Any one of them grabs my attention and engages my emotions; this book is no exception. Margaret, Lady Asherton, was introduced in earlier books in this series and this book gives her an engaging story of her own. Margaret has experienced lots of grief and is edging towards the age of 30. She desperately wants to have a baby and thinks that she has met the man that can help her meet this goal but, what happens when she meets her intended’s nephew? Sebastian, the Marquess of Rockingham, is a younger man who is looking for adventure but not love. Can Margaret find the right man to give her a family? The twists and turns of this story, the heat and the longer timeframe were much appreciated and helped to create a very appealing and entertaining romance. I loved the epilogue and highly recommend this read for anyone who enjoys stories that pull at your emotions, contain some spice, feature varied well drawn characters and love historical romances.
Steamy and satisfying, this book has the biggest stamp of approval, 5 Stars.
I thank the Lord for gracing Annabelle with her gift of writing, this book, has the most charismatic hero I’ve read in quite a while.
Sebastian oozes charm and sex appeal. He gave me palpitations with his enthusiasm and passionate content in his correspondence (you’ll understand this when you read the book).
Margaret almost broke my heart, her past loss and outlook for her future were so sad, even so much as fearing a relationship with a possibility of love. Her one bright star was Sebastian, but could she be enough to keep him interested.
Adorable and so addictive this book ticks all the right boxes , it’s guaranteed romantic perfection.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Lady and the Rake by Annabelle Anders, is one of my favorite of her books yet. You meet Margaret, a thirty year old widow, who yearns for a child, who betroths herself to George a 50 yr old man, who is ready to settle down. All seems to go well with her settling for a marriage to George, until she meets Sebastien, George's 24 year old nephew. The passion that ignites between these two is amazing. I have never read a story quite like it. The gap in their ages, and the story of two broken people helping to put each other back together again makes for a lovely read... and did I mention the passion... All-in-all,I highly suggest you read it. It'll make you laugh one second, and wipe away your tears the next. It really is an enjoyable read.
Love love it! You can feel the heartache of Margaret. She wants to have children of her own and she lost not only her husband but also her child was born stillborn. She decides to marry again and have a family of her own. But she becomes more and more confused and not happy with her choice of bridegroom. You can just feel her pain, unhappiness and loneliness as you read and Sebastian's too. The spicey level is HOT HOT! So be warned of you are not into it. I personally love the spice level of this book. It has all the feels. It was well written. You will fall in love with Margaret and Sebastian. Another great book by Annabelle Anders!
This is book 6 in Annabelle Anders, Lord Love a Lady series. I believe this is her BEST so far. It is the best romance I have read this year. It is the very emotional and oft times funny story of Margaret, Lady Asherton, a widowed Lady, approaching 30, and Sebastian, Marquess of Rockingham, rake extraordinaire, aged 24. Their story is both beautiful and heart wrenching. I can’t say more because I don’t believe in spoilers. You must read this book. Thank you ms. Anders, you made me ugly cry, but I loved it!! I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own. Five stars