The Rake Who Loves Me

Scandalous Gentlemen #2

by Dawn Brower

Lady Violet Keene has secretly loved Zachariah Barton, the Marquess of Merrifield for a while. The marquess doesn’t seem to notice her so she decides to give up on that dream, especially since they bicker more often than not. When a scandal threatens to destroy her reputation she has a decision to make. Live with the ramifications of it or marry the one man she’s always adored without a promise of love in return.

Zachariah doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Violet, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about her or that he’d fail to protect her if necessary. Love doesn’t have to be a part of their bargain. They’re both better off without that fickle emotion.

They both have choices to make, and only time will tell if love will become a part of their lives

Genres: Regency, Historical

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2022

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com

Reviews

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book, and I loved the main characters.
Heartwarming romance filled with mystery, intrigue, secrets surprising twists, and of course, love secrets.
.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming read about Violet and Zachariah. It is a fairly short and quick read/listen that is interesting. I like the characters and the plot is engaging.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review.
-All through the book, I kept thinking that I already read this story. Some paragraphs I remembered word for word too, like the scene in Scandal Lane. Yep, I've read it in "Christmas Rogues and Scandals #2" back in November. The author should have put a note about this - I don't like wasting my time reading books twice. I gave it a 5 stars then, so it's down to 4 now.
-It's Violet and Zachariah's turn to fall in love amid a Christmas season but not without a bit of scandal between them.
-Much repeats. By 15% we are already told at least 5 times that they actually never speak civilly, only fighting about anything that comes up. Or at 30% we have also learned multiple times that something is not quite right but they don't know what.
-Now that I've read book #1 and #2 I understand that the beginning and end of the books are from the other books before and after. Such a waste! The story could have been much longer without all these.
-Predictable, sweet, fun dowager (his), good father (hers), great friends.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning His Heart . . .

I truly enjoy this author’s books and am delighted to read this one. Although Lady Violet Keene has feelings for Zachariah Barton, the Marquess of Merrifield, all they do is snipe back and forth at each other. She finally decides to ignore him and move on.

But when her reputation is in danger of scandal when a woman walks in on them kissing, would she be willing to marry Zachariah even though she thinks he will never love her? As for Zachariah, he doesn’t feel he deserves her, but he is willing to protect her reputation and marry her, even if they will never experience real love. Will they learn to communicate honestly with each other and find out that love has always been there right from the start?

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Violet Keene had loved The Marquess of Merrifield for a long time but has given up on him because he is rude and a boor. Lord Zachariah, one of the Scandalous Gentleman, loses a bet and the wager means he must ‘socialise’ with a respectable Lady of the Ton. No prize for guessing who his friends nominate. Winter in London is cold and unsocial and the Keene sisters plan a Christmas Ball, which all the Scandalous Gentleman will attend. An enjoyable yarn. Looking forward to the next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Violet has loved Zachariah the Marquess of Merrifield in secret but he doesn't seem to think of her that way. Zachariah has feelings for Violet but he doesn't think he's good enough for her. When Violet decides to move on and find someone else when a scandal breaks causing them both to marry. Little did they know love wins out in the end giving them a chance at true love. The Rake Who Loves Me is book two in the Scandalous Gentlemen series and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annoying Heroine and Sister

This is a peculiar little story that I wasn't really wild about. The heroine and her sister are just too bold for women of the era, chancing their reputations over silly little things like strolling unchaperoned on a walkway known as a site for naughty assignations. I don't like bubble-headed heroines! I did find it amusing when the hero asked her father for her hand, not specifying which sister he was interested in until dear old dad asked him to!

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Zachariah loses a bet, penalty is to socialize with a respectable lady of the ton. He friends pick the eligible Miss Violet. Scandal ensues when another lady walks in and catches them kissing. Zachariah is willing to marry Violet to save her reputation. The story is a novella. It is entertaining, and well written. The characters have their own unique personalities. The narration was well done. I received a free copy of this audiobook from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet and Zachariah make snide comments to each other until his friends dare him to be cordial to her. While spending time with her he discovers shared likes and attraction. I read this story previously in a romance collection and would have liked more added to it about their whirlwind relationship with a quick change of feelings.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating continuation to the series

This is a very captivating clean story that is a great addition to this amazing series. The characters are brilliantly crafted, and have a few misconceptions to overcome. This is a story you will find very difficult to put down.

[Lauren S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sisters from Book 1 are featured in Book 2 as they get a taste of the manipulations of the Ton. Events, holiday preparations and bets fuel the plot as a happy ending is in sight. Recommend reading the series in order.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Scandalous Gentlemen Series, a Regency Romance. Violet and Zachariah's story is sweet and heartwarming. Harry Frost did a good job bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was splendid. It was marvelously written. I cannot wait to read the next one. This one was perfect. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book the first time I read Violet’s story of love, attraction and passion with her Rake.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Keene has loved Zachariah Barton, Marquess of Merrifield, for quite a while, but she has decided that there is no hope they can have a happily ever after. He either ignores her or criticizes her, and they argue constantly. When he loses a bet, he is to talk to and make friends with a lady. The chosen lady turns out to be Violet. He isn’t very good at it at first, but along the way, he begins to see her in a different light. Can he convince Violet that he has changed, and that she is the one for him? A quick enjoyable story with entertaining characters and a happily ever after. The narration is very good.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was just okay. A lot of the situations and dialogues were awkwardly written. There wasn’t any witty banter or chemistry- they were just rude to each other. Then he suddenly does a 180 and he’s in love. It just all happened too fast but that would have been redeemable if the dialogue and characters would have been better. It had potential but just didn’t get there. Not sure if this is a one-off.

[Aurore B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was quite alright, but I kept left with the impression that I missed a big chunk of the story. Should have maybe extended a little bit the story.
I mean the hero change his views so fast, I had a little bit of difficulty to buy it.
But the writing is pretty good, so, not completely a lost of time.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love denied, but can not be suppressed. Denial of deep affection causes friction when acceptance leads to HEA. Excellent book to read in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Zach & Violet’s book. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.