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4.0
Only Rakes Need Apply
ByPublisher Description
A sexy new series begins as three daring Regency ladies each seek lovers with no strings attached . . . and find even the most unfettered hearts can get tangled up in passion.
What’s a woman to do when her husband has departed but her . . . desires . . . very much remain? The only thing Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding misses about her late spouse, a notorious gambler and adulterer, is his expertise between the sheets. After two years donning mourning dresses, it’s her turn for some frisky fun. But with no intention of remarrying, how can she find the right devil-may-care rogue for the job?
Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance . . .
The anonymous newspaper advertisement leaves little to the imagination, and has the gentlemen of the ton wagering who is the temptress taking applications—and measurements!—to fill a most enticing position.
Thanks to an unexpected inheritance, confirmed bachelor Julian Laurent is free to indulge his passions—including the occasional seduction of married ladies. Still, he is appalled to discover his longtime friend, Carenza, is behind the public proposition. Surely Julian can prevent a damning scandal by pleasuring the lady to her heart’s content. After all, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. . . . But as their sensual escapades tumble into a dangerously addictive game, might their friends-with-benefits arrangement take them from bedding to wedding?
What’s a woman to do when her husband has departed but her . . . desires . . . very much remain? The only thing Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding misses about her late spouse, a notorious gambler and adulterer, is his expertise between the sheets. After two years donning mourning dresses, it’s her turn for some frisky fun. But with no intention of remarrying, how can she find the right devil-may-care rogue for the job?
Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance . . .
The anonymous newspaper advertisement leaves little to the imagination, and has the gentlemen of the ton wagering who is the temptress taking applications—and measurements!—to fill a most enticing position.
Thanks to an unexpected inheritance, confirmed bachelor Julian Laurent is free to indulge his passions—including the occasional seduction of married ladies. Still, he is appalled to discover his longtime friend, Carenza, is behind the public proposition. Surely Julian can prevent a damning scandal by pleasuring the lady to her heart’s content. After all, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. . . . But as their sensual escapades tumble into a dangerously addictive game, might their friends-with-benefits arrangement take them from bedding to wedding?
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesOnly Rakes Need Apply Reviews
4.0
“What a delightfully fun read! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I binged this book in a day.
In this regency-era novel, the widowed lady Carenza finds herself in need of a lover. She jokes with her friends about placing a personal ad in the paper, but to her horror and surprise her friend went ahead and placed the ad! Now her wealthy (and handsome) friend Julian has to help her save her reputation, and maybe help her out with her needs along the way.
This book was steamy for sure, maybe a 3.5/5 on the spicy scale. Carenza and Julian have a fabulous frienemies-to-lovers romance. Their fights only make their relationship even hotter. But Julian has enemies that are hoping to ruin him as well, and chaos and hilarity reign supreme. I laughed out loud quite a few times and chuckled throughout. I could've done without some of the mean-girl antics, but what regency novel is complete without jealous biddies causing trouble?
The book gets a bit dark towards the end - if you have triggers about abuse or pregnancy loss maybe read with precaution. But as in all romance, we do get our HEA in the end!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.”
“This was my first Kate Pearce book. I don't read a ton of historical romance but this was cute.
Carenza is a widow looking for some fun after her husband dies. Her friend posts an advertisement for a...companion...in the local newspaper: an advertisement Carenza wrote in fun and didn't expect to be published. Of course she'll be ruined should her identity come out, but never fear: her long time friend Julian steps in to not only protect her name but fill the role.
Only Rakes Need Apply is a low-angst, steamy historical romance. There's a little suspense in terms of "who is after Carenza and why" too. Carenza and Julian must also address their internaal struggles in order to be together.”
“From scandalous to heartbreaking, Pearce grabs hold of the senses. Julian and Carenza push the boundaries of romance with a passion that burns bright and emotion that runs deep.”
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