Meet the SOCIETY OF SIRENS—three radical, libertine ladies determined to weaponize their scandalous reputations to fight for justice and the love they deserve… to publish explosive memoirs exposing the powerful man who ruined her. Her ideals are her purpose, her friends are her family, and her paramours are forbidden to linger in the morning.
He’s not looking for a summer lover…
Adam Anderson is a wholesome, handsome, widowed Scottish architect, with two young children, a business to protect, and an aversion to scandal. He could never, ever afford to fall for Seraphina. But her indecent proposal—one month, no strings, no future—proves too tempting for a man who strains to keep his passions buried with the losses of his past.
But one night changes everything…
What began as a fling soon forces them to confront painful secrets—and yearnings they thought they’d never have again. But when Seraphina discovers Adam’s future depends on the man she’s about to destroy, she must decide what to protect… her desire for justice, or her heart.
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The Rakess wasn’t what I’d expected which isn’t a bad thing since I enjoyed it. It’s very feminist in nature which I absolutely adored. I loved the main characters, Sera and Adam as well as the secondary characters. I’m very much looking forward to reading their stories. I definitely recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Edelweiss
A truly unusual and fascinating book. The author modeled the heroine after Mary Wollstonecraft and the strong feminist views come through clearly. The hero is a perfect antithesis for the heroine — he is kind and accepting. Their situations cause both of them to question assumptions about themselves.
The writing is excellent, a notch above the usual. I thought this book was compelling and it caused me to tear up several times. I will watch anxiously for the next book due to a little cliffhanger at the end of this one. The Rakess was written with great sympathy for the plight of women, but offers hope at the same time. I loved it.
ARC provided through Edelweiss
I’m reading more Historical Romance, which was one of my goals for myself this year. I’m proud of myself for reading more of this genre. I came across the first book to Scarlett Peckham’s new series Society of Sirens from the publisher, and the synopsis sounded intriguing. It’s about three ladies that are about living their life the way they want as radical, libertine ladies. The society around them, especially men, do not like these ladies. The first book in Scarlett Peckham’s new series follows Seraphina Arden, who is one of the Society of Sirens in the story.
Female Protagonist: Seraphina Arden was one heroine I was not used to reading in a historical romance. She’s a Rakess, which like a Rake. She’s on a quest to change women’s rights. She’s also trying to raise funds for her cause, and the memoirs she is working on at home will eventually be published. Those memoirs are going to tell her side of how a powerful and rich man ruined her. The townspeople that hate her so much will realize that she lives her life the way she does due to how she was treated. The person who ruined her needs to be dealt with in the story, and believe me, it finally happens when the truth is revealed. She shouldn’t be hated on like they keep doing to her. I felt for her what she went through in the past and what continues to be done to her.
Male Protagonist: Adam Anderson was the character I enjoyed most in the story since he was a sweet, nice guy. He’s not a Rake, which is what I’ve come across in Historical Romance books. He’s a widower who has two children that he is trying to raise with the help of his sister. He’s not out trying to find women. He’s making a living as an architect. He ends up coming across Seraphina Arden in the story, and that is when he’s world turns upside down. He’s not used to women like Seraphina. I felt for Adam in the story when it came to dealing with Seraphina. He still loves his wife that passed away and loves his children.
Storyline: The storyline is introducing the Society of Sirens, in which Scarlett Peckham did a remarkable job on the introduction part. Readers will be introduced to the other Society of Sirens in the story since they play a role in helping Seraphina deal with some troubles that she encounters. Most of those troubles don’t come until about 60% into the story. The beginning of the story focuses on Seraphina and Adam’s fling with each other during the summer. It was not as intriguing to read their constant back and forth about their fling. There was the drama that Seraphina was dealing with the story, especially when it came to certain men in the town trying to drive her away. Adam was determined to find out who was behind hurting Seraphina. I don’t want to go into much detail of the storyline. Be prepared to not only deal with Seraphina and Adam’s drama. There is another person that Seraphina cares deeply for in the story that has her troubles. I will say this I enjoyed the ending of the book when everything came together finally.
Steaminess: The story was steamy when Seraphina and Adam did hook up.
Cliffhanger: There is somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end. Although, the next book dives into another Society of Siren’s story. I wonder if the author will touch base on what happened to a specific character at the ending.
Standalone or Series: Series. I would recommend reading in order. This book has other drama in it, dealing with another female character and her family drama.
Do I recommend this book? I would recommend it to other Historical Romance readers and fans of Scarlett Peckham. The book only gets three stars from me, but that’s due to the story, not grabbing my attention until almost towards the end. There was also the issue of the main characters having communication issues. That’s one of my biggest concerns in stories. I don’t like it when characters can’t communicate with each other. One of the most significant issues came toward the end of the book where Seraphina wanted to keep something from Adam, instead of telling him. It drove me bonkers. Just tell him, Seraphina!!!!
THE RAKESS by Scarlett Peckham is the First book in the Society of Sirens Series. This is the story of Adam Anderson and Seraphina Arden. This was a different twist on the leading lady who is the actual ‘Rake’ after being ruined. Seraphina has embraced her role but has also set to get back at the men that who have did her wrong. Adam is a widower with two children who is actually a honorable man. Adam and Seraphina go into an agreement to enjoy each other with no commitment. But just after the first night feelings start to take off between the two. But of course there are obstacles that have to get through to find a their ending. I totally enjoyed their story with its different take on the leading lady. I hope to read more from this author soon.
Meet the SOCIETY OF SIRENS—three radical, libertine ladies determined to weaponize their scandalous reputations to fight for justice and the love they deserve…
Seraphina Arden’s passions include equality, amorous affairs, and wild, wine-soaked nights. To raise funds for her cause, she’s set to publish explosive memoirs exposing the powerful man who ruined her. Her ideals are her purpose, her friends are her family, and her paramours are forbidden to linger in the morning. Adam Anderson is a wholesome, handsome, widowed Scottish architect, with two young children, a business to protect, and an aversion to scandal. He could never, ever afford to fall for Seraphina. But her indecent proposal—one month, no strings, no future—proves too tempting for a man who strains to keep his passions buried with the losses of his past.
I did wonder about this book from the title but the blurb sounded intriguing so I thought I would request an arc. I nearly gave up as I found the beginning to be slow but once I was well into the book the pace did quicken & I found the second half to be much better. I liked Sera & Adam but didn’t love them, they were a couple who fell in lust & boy did they act on it. However I found it hard to believe that love developed. A steamy read but I felt there wasn’t much of a story to support the steam.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
“I was the kind of girl who’s offered money, not redemption.”
Seraphina is a radical, a complete liberal and feminist woman. You can just imagine all the scandal Sera’s life just by being how she is and standing firm on her beliefs, especially the scandal that comes with having lots of lovers at every turn. I loved Sera’s determination to bring equality, and show that woman can do the same thing as men. Not only that, her passion for helping women in need also spoke volumes for me.
She goes back to her childhood home, to write her book that will surely bring down the man ruin her. What she wasn’t expecting was meeting the nice and gentle Scottish single-father down the road, and ultimately growing feelings for his family.
“The loss of you reduces me.”
I personally enjoyed this story a lot. I think it’s because I really wasn’t expecting much, except for the feminism, which I’m glad was shown greatly. I also loved the slow-burn romance! It was so seductive, sweet, and tender. Adam is a wonderful and patient man, whom I think put up with a lot of Sera’s attitude, so props to the guy! Him being so forgiving was exactly what Sera needed, to show her he’s not giving up, to show her he’s seen her worst and is still there for her.
My dilemma was with Sera’s character and her way of drinking her way to blacking out. I just didn’t feel like that’s how Sera should have been. I expected a strong character, with a good head on her shoulders when I read the title, The Rakess. Another dilemma I had was with the pace of the novel. I felt it was slow and a bit dragging. Every single time I had already reached the halfway point, I’d look at the percentage and realized I still wasn’t even close.
“Sirens, you see, are not born thirsting for justice. Sirens are made.”
I adored Sera’s friends:, Thais, Elinor, and Cornelia! The fierceness, the fire, the determination they all had brought so much humor to the story! Plus, their friendship was an amazing bonus, with so much care for one another.
Overall, The Rakess is a great start to this series, one I’m so looking forward to reading more of.
Ok so I thought the blurb sounded very interesting because I thought it would be different for me to read something that’s not your average historical romance book. Think of it as a gender swap instead of a “Male Rake” you have a “Female Rakess.”
Sadly for me, the book in the beginning dragged big time just to get the momentum of the story going. 2nd half is way better than the first. Overall, I couldn’t see the connection of the main couple. It just wasn’t for me and it seemed very flat. I applaud Scarlett for writing something different. Although I will be debating about continuing this series.
Scarlett writes well and I will say I did enjoy “The Duke I Tempted”, I have added her other Indie titles to my TBR.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I had been hearing good things about Scarlett’s books and bought one. I saw this one on NetGalley and the premise sounded so good I decided to read it. Unfortunately, it really fell flat for me. I love the idea of the society of independent women, basically women rakes, but that was about it. The writing was nice, a little too flowery for me with several five dollar words (which is not bad as it does improve vocabulary but I thought they were there for shock value). Adam was boring and Sera was really a drunk, and the story just went on and on. Unfortunately, I skimmed the last half of the book and some passages were intriguing.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
You know it’s going to be an epic book when you’re hooked by the Author’s Note!
Seraphina made a choice to become infamous for a cause rather than let society hide her away. Adam is a father trying to support his family as best he can but also find that missing something. Neither trusts themselves when it comes to matters of the heart but their desires won’t be denied.
This book is stunning in its perfection. Challenging the idea of the rake vs the ruined by flipping the trope but also through Seraphina’s writing throughout. The ecstasy and devastation of hope is beautifully and emotionally explored against a backdrop of incredibly hot and erotic intimacy.
Besides that best author’s note I’ve ever read, seriously don’t sleep on that!, one of the early moments that sold me on this book were the classic historical romance scenes of meet cute followed by the rake being a rake with their current lover. Normally the hero meets the heroine, is intrigued by her, and then goes off to his established assignation with his mistress/lover but keeps thinking about the heroine. Scarlett Peckham does NOT disappoint on this scene!
I also feel in love with the other Sirens, Marianne (who needs a story too!), and the kids. The found family and blood family were the perfect foils for Seraphina and Adam and their journey of love.
I can’t not wait for more!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Unapologetically unrepentant. Sirens are made.
A must read for every woman tired of the same old trite male fantasy of an experienced man and a virginal young girl.
Rakess is ruthlessly clever, refuses to conform to the industry norms (set up by men) and that is so refreshing and very much needed for a reader wary of the same story told a thousand times over. Ironically, it’s an ode to a woman who trailblazed two hundred years ago, Mary Wollstonecraft, the original bad A.
Seraphina takes her pleasure like a man, is unrepentant and deliciously bold. She’s both the rakess and a ruined woman trying to save her mentor Elinor.
Adam is her unlikely match in every way. He’s her perfect foil.
Highly recommend because we need more well crafted literature that speaks to a woman’s fantasy, not a guys. Rakess is well written, lyrical and descriptive in a way that engages all your senses.
I’ve loved this author from her Secrets of Charlotte Street series, so when she announced her new series Society of Sirens starting with book 1, The Rakess, I couldn’t wait to get my hand on it. It is inspired by a real historical figure, Mary Wollstonecraft, an English writer, a philosopher, and an advocate for women’s rights in the late 18th century. The concept of a trope reversal, a female rake, and a glimpse into history of how women were unfairly treated and suffered from the cruel judgments from a male-dominant society are truly intriguing. This book deals with some heavy topics regarding women’s health that were quite common during this period of time, so reader discretion is advised!
After Seraphina Arden’s future was utterly destroyed, leaving her with tremendous loss and grief, she was determined to share her personal experience to advocate for gender equality and to help other fallen women by providing them with shelter and support. Her reputation made her a radical in the eyes of society, and together with her broken and guarded heart, it would be almost impossible for any man to get close to her. While she fancied sex and taking lovers, that was all to it, no feelings involved and no attachment expected…
Adam Anderson was a widow with two young adorable children. While doing a renovating project for Sera’s neighbor, he got a chance encounter with the infamous rakess. His focus on his work and his children was threatened by the irresistible attraction toward Sera. Their chemistry was off-the-charts steamy since they both enjoyed bedsport! But the constant reminders of what were at stake kept them from facing their true feelings. Sera was definitely not an easy woman to love, to the point of my frustration to her abominable treatment to Adam, but he was kind and caring, patiently peeling off layer after layer to reveal a compassionate and tender woman inside. Especially after realizing how much she had gone through, he was determined to be there for her, to love her regardless of her resistance and her reputation.
This book covers the process of self-healing, of overcoming trauma, and the beautiful friendship and support that help them through. While it started off quite slow for about one quarter of the book, it proceeded strongly and was so captivating that it kept me awake until 4a to finish it. Once again, Ms Peckham’s talented writing skill portrayed amazing character development, and their transformations along the rocky paths to overcome their fears to get to their HEA. I’m looking forward to the book in the series featuring another “ruined” lady in the Society of Sirens.
A 4.5- read for me!
*Special thanks to the publisher for sending me the ARC via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.*
Release date: April 28, 2020.
I liked this book, really I did. I felt I could have liked it a lot more though. Let me break it down.
I love, love, loved the feminist themes in this book. Peckham demonstrates numerous ways in which women were treated/mistreated at the time. It is interesting to think of how things have changed (and how they haven’t) and because of that I certainly think this book would be great for a book club read. A LOT of discussions could come out of it!
So, why didn’t I love this book?
It was the characters. I didn’t hate them, but I just didn’t love them either. Seraphina was smart and could be charming and witty – just like any other rake really – but also bitingly sarcastic, condescending, and a mean drunk. I’m generally irritated by those character traits in a male rake (score one for feminism?). Also, and this is solely my own issue, I kept comparing her to my favorite rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent from Devil In Winter. Very unfair of me to compare Sera to Sebastian, I know, but there you have it. As for Adam, he seemed a bit of a lapdog to me. I’d get so annoyed every time she’d treat him like shit and he’d go back for more – just like I would with the female to the male rake. So, I guess when it comes to gender-role swapping, the things that annoy you will do so whether it’s a woman or a man.
Or at least they do for me!
A few thing to note that, for me, didn’t detract from the book but may for others? I saw a few early reviewers mention trigger warnings regarding the miscarriage/infant mortality issues. I didn’t feel it was overly graphic or gratuitous, but I haven’t been personally affected by either. Also, the language is quite salty, so if you’re not prone to dropping f-bombs as I am and you don’t care for foul language you might not care for some of the dirty talk.
All in all, an good read that could have been better.
I won an ARC from the publisher.