Books › A beginner's guide to rakes
A beginner's guide to rakes
354 pages
A scandalous battle of wits where a bold widow and a notorious rake gamble with their reputations and their hearts.
What it feels like
This historical romance crackles with the buzzy, gossip-fueled energy of London high society. The narrative moves at a brisk, playful pace, drawing readers into a glamorous world of grand balls and exclusive gaming clubs. At its core, the story is a flirtatious battle of wits, pairing a fiercely independent widow with a notorious rake in a reluctant, high-stakes alliance. The mood is light but charged with romantic tension, as past indiscretions and present blackmail slowly give way to genuine vulnerability. The prose is lively and engaging, perfectly suited for the sharp banter between the leads. It will delight readers who crave a spirited, scandalous romance where the ultimate gamble is risking one's heart.
- Mood
- buzzy
- flirtatious
- glamorous
- Tone
- playful
- scandalous
- witty
- romantic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- second chances · scandal and reputation · reclaiming independence · the risk of vulnerability
- The writing
- Engaging and lively, capturing the gossip-fueled atmosphere of high society and the sharp banter of a reluctant partnership.
- The arc
- Moves from a transactional, blackmail-fueled alliance to a genuine, heart-risking romantic connection.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love historical romances featuring bold widows, reformed rakes, and a battle of wits that turns into a battle for the heart.
Content notes
- gambling
- blackmail
About the book
All of London is abuzz with the return of the utterly alluring, recently widowed Diane Benchley. Will she remarry? What will she do with her late husband’s fortune? Society is shocked by her announcement—at the Grand Ball, of all places!—that she plans to open an exclusive gentleman’s gaming club in the family mansion. But no one is more stunned than the Marquis of Haybury, Oliver Warren.
Years ago, Oliver and Diane shared a private indiscretion. Now Diane threatens to reveal Oliver’s most ungentlemanly secrets...unless he agrees to help her. A notorious gambler—and rake—Oliver is overqualified to educate Diane in the ways and means of running her establishment. But striking a deal with Diane might just be the biggest risk Oliver has ever taken. This time, the only thing he has to lose is his heart...
Description from Open Library.
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