The next lush, romantic novel in the Regency romance series, The Rakes of St. James, from New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey! There may be times when a gentleman is desperate to gain a lady’s attention, but a gentleman would never resort to desperate measures to obtain it. –A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is guardian for his … Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is guardian for his sweet, younger sister. Due to his misguided past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James, Hawk is hoping to avoid the Season by securing a match for her before it begins. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, but for one infuriating–and unexpectedly intoxicating–obstacle: the intended groom’s own sister, Miss Loretta Quick.
Having narrowly avoided her own arranged marriage to an unacceptable nobleman, Loretta is determined that her dear brother–a gentle, good-natured soul–should marry for love. Matching wits with Hawk may be her greatest challenge yet. . .until she realizes it may also be her greatest pleasure. For the young duke’s irresistible charm has not only begun to crumble her stubborn resolve, it has claimed her heart in true love as well in To the Duke, With Love.
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Maybe 3.5 stars
I liked this installment of the Rakes of St. James, but I didn’t love it.
The Duke of Hawksthorn “Hawk” wants to spare his sister, Lady Adele any heartache his past prank may cause her in the season by having her betrothed before it starts and he has found the perfect match for her, Mr. Paxton Quick, there is only one thing standing in his way……..Paxton’s sister Loretta.
Banished to the country after refusing to marry the man her uncle chose for her, Loretta is determined to make sure her beloved brother is not forced to marry against his will.
These two have an instant connection, but Hawk isn’t looking for a match for himself and Loretta has taken a vow to never marry. But neither can deny the pull of attraction between them. Hawk finds ways to see Loretta and when he finally asks her to marry him, she refuses, holding fast to her vow.
Hawk will have to find a way to convince Loretta to set aside her vow or lose the only woman he has ever loved.
The book is well written, but it is very “put-downable”, there is no real conflict, drama, angst or villain, and nothing keeping them apart save Loretta’s insistence at adhering to a vow she was forced to make. There is a bittersweet side plot involving an orphaned boy and a host of charming secondary characters, a lot of sexual tension and one or two semi-steamy love scenes and finally a HEA. This is the second story in the series, but it could absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an Uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
This was a delightfully sweet read. It was well written, the characters were well developed and the story stayed on-point throughout. There was an excellent supporting cast along with the main hero and heroine. One thing that I loved about the book was the lack of forced drama and hand-wringing angst. It was a sweet, forward moving love story – and I really liked that.
This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The author gives enough of the background of the Rakes of St. James that you aren’t left wondering what is going on. The Rakes of St. James are three Dukes who caused a notorious scandal when they were much younger. They didn’t mean to, it was just that they were young, drunk and unthinking when they came up with a bet. ‘A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady’ had just been published and the three of them were laughing over it when they decided to wager on one of the passages in it. It said that a gentleman should never write an ‘anonymous admirer’ letter to a lady. So, they decided to write an anonymous letter to each of the twelve new debutantes making their come-outs that year. They asked the ladies to meet them, unchaperoned, at a particular secluded place. All of the ladies showed up and when word of what happened accidentally leaked out, reputations were damaged. Now, years later, the Dukes have their own sisters to bring out and they have to protect them from repercussions of that long-ago, ill-advised bet.
Adele Knox, the sister of Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn (Hawk) is to make her debut this season and Hawk wants to assure that she doesn’t suffer any consequences from his long ago bet. He’s come up with the perfect solution – and Adele likes the idea. He’s going to arrange a betrothal for her before the season even begins. He’s researched and inquired and observed and thinks he has found the perfect candidate. Now, he just has to approach the young man, Paxton Quick, and see if he is amenable to the alliance.
Loretta Quick’s uncle has banished her to live at his remote estate – she’s never allowed to leave except for a once-a-year visit to his estate for Christmas. She’s not even allowed to go into the local village – she is required to stay at Mammoth House and not leave. What had she done to be punished so severely? She had walked out on her bridegroom who was waiting at the church. She’s been banished there for three long years and is sure she’ll never be allowed to leave.
When Hawk arrives at Mammoth House to speak with Paxton, he finds Loretta instead. There is insta-lust between the two. I thought that occurred a little quickly even for a romance novel. The insta-lust, kissing, etc. all happen within the first 10% of the book. One thing that made me giggle was the line (only 1% in) “She looked pure, sweet, and completely untouched by masculine hands”. I pictured her walking under a black light and handprints glowing or something.
I really liked both Loretta and Hawk. At first she sounds like a shrew and he seems arrogant, but that is over within the first couple of chapters. The more you get to know them, the more you like and admire them. I really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them get to their HEA.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Two honorable characters who experience love at first sight. Can Hawk convince Loretta to free herself from her former vow and seek a lifetime of love?
Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn “Hawk” is known as one of the Rakes of St. James due to a long ago wager between him and his 2 best friends. Hawk is also the guardian to his spoiled, younger sister who is having her first Season and he wants her engaged before it begins. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, but upon meeting the man’s sister, Miss Quick, she proves to be an aggravating but intoxicating obstacle to his plan.
Miss Loretta Quick left her groom standing at the altar because it had been an arranged marriage, then she was banished to the country and not seen for nearly 3 years. Loretta is determined that her happy, always smiling brother should choose his own bride and marry for love. But standing toe to toe with Hawk and speaking her mind gives her so much joy in her lonely life. His challenge to war brings her untold pleasure and one she has to deny because of a forced vow. Hawks persistence and irresistible charm has her defenses crumbling and her heart soaring to claim her one true love, a Rake of St. James.
Full review posted at Reader’s Edyn on 020420
Loretta Quick is basically living a life of exile. Having fled from an arranged marriage, leaving her intended at the altar, her Uncle has sent her to the country to live. Assuming the solitude will eventually send her begging a way back into society, he waits. But Loretta knows full well the ramifications of the decision she made and has found peace with her solitary life she is confined to. Her brother, Paxton, spends some time with her and overall, things could be much worse than they are. Given her intense disapproval of arranged marriages, when the shockingly handsome, utterly delicious Duke of Hawsthorne shows up at her door seeking a betrothal contract between her brother and his sister, she must maintain her ground. An arranged marriage will NOT be happening as long as she draws breath. Unfortunately, no one else seems to be siding with her views and the Duke is determined to make this match prior to the start of the season. He isn’t accustomed to losing. Rather than having to convince the intended parties, Loretta is the one needing convincing, swayed toward the idea that the marriage could be a good thing for all involved. There is also the small detail that if Paxton marries Hawk’s sister, she has many more chances to see Hawk. She can’t have him, but nothing can stop her from enjoying him.
Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorne has just come through a season with one of his best friends, the Duke of Griffin, and Griffin’s twin sister’s debut. He saw everything Griffin went through and helped to protect his sisters. Now that his own sister’s debut is upon him, he refuses to go through the same debacle. Determined to make a match for her prior to the first ball of the season, he sets out to convince Paxton Quick to marry his sister; except he ends up facing off with the enticing and steadfast Loretta Quick. She’s trouble for him and he knows it, but that doesn’t stop him from devising ways to not only ensure the betrothal is made, but also steal time alone with Loretta. The betrothal ends up being easier work than anticipated, the impossible challenge becoming finding a way to make Loretta his. Challenge accepted. If only he can figure out how to break through that foolish vow she made and convince her that she isn’t shirking her responsibility by following a path to happiness and the dreams she never dared to hope possible.
I’m sorry – I just realized that Hawk has a name. I am shocked because I never found a name for Griffin in the first book, other than his title. I don’t recall Hawk’s name ever being mentioned other than the first line in the book. Throughout the book he is never once called by it – always by his title or simply, Hawk. Dang if I wouldn’t have preferred Loretta to call him by his first name. How in blazes did I miss that? In any case … Finally! We are given several glimpses into the relatively unknown – continually mentioned in the first book of the series – elusive until now … A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady. The book that created The Rakes of St. James themselves. Each chapter includes a rule from the book, which is quite amusing and somehow relates to the events of each chapter. I found this element to the plot quite a fun addition and consistent with the first book of the series; foretastes of noteworthy advice peppered throughout each book’s entirety.
This book is basically the first book retold – in the sense that you have a single Duke trying to live down a possible threat to his sister from a foolish act carried out during his rakish youthful years, never envisioning THAT bet would have drawn such attention and plagued him into his adult years. Certainly not that it could ever affect his sister in any way. In an effort to avoid possible retribution, Hawk endeavors to make a match for his sister prior to the beginning of the season and ends up walking right into a head-strong woman who challenges him at every turn and fires his blood like no other. Familiar, yes? I think I may have written those exact words in the previous review. There are some differences in the characters and their back stories, but ultimately everything is quite similar from Book 1 to Book 2. I still enjoyed my time with these characters and was pleased to revisit with characters introduced in the previous installment. The attraction between Loretta and Hawk was palpable and kept me engaged. Knowing how things played out in the first story, I knew what to expect with this one, which also followed the same path. While the intimacy is somewhat descriptive, I’d describe it as quite tame to what I have come across in more recent reads. Despite being a part of a series, I found that there was enough back story provided that someone could successfully read this story without becoming lost in the absence of knowledge from the preceding novel.
I suppose overall, I am a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong. I still very much enjoyed reading the book and getting to know the characters, but I felt that it was too similar to the first story. There wasn’t enough difference to really set book 1 apart from book 2. I am hoping such is not the case with the final book in the series as I plan to read that one next. This book is a great regency romance and those who enjoy HR are sure to find it enjoyable. However, they may also find it a bit redundant if they have read the series in order. Quite a pity given the high expectation I carried over from the first installment. So take it for what it’s worth. I don’t think anyone would be unhappy with this book, but disappointment could be inevitable given the parallel plot. I in no way am turned off from this author based on this revelation and plan to seek out other of her works to see what I think outside of this series as it is the only one I can currently speak to. I hope for better news with Rath’s story as I am looking forward to his HEA immensely.
Kindle ARC version provided by publisher/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.
Because of a bet among three rich and inconsequential boys, Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn, aka Hawk (he was one of the boys mentioned), had to be careful that his little sister, Lady Adele, was not the target of revenge.
For this, he was willing to find her a suitable husband before the Season began.
After researching for candidates, he went to Mammoth House to meet with Mr Quick, the nephew of the Earl of Switchingham.
However, Mr Quick was not at home, and Hawk had to deal with the host’s older sister, Miss Loretta Quick.
Loretta Quick had her own share of scandal.
Years ago, when her uncle arranged a convenience marriage for her, Loretta preferred to decline in a crowded church, causing her uncle to be vexed. Because of this, she was a prisoner in that country house, and had a vow never to marry again, ostracized by the Ton.
But Hawk was there on a mission and he never ran away of a challenge. Even more so when he finds himself facing the beautiful woman who is not afraid to tell truths in his face.
Hawk wanted a husband for his sister, but eventually found himself looking for a wife. A “wife” who could never marry.
———————
In the second book of the series Rakes of St James, the author decided to bring into the second plot a subject rarely commented on in the historical novels: the difficult life of those who did not have the opportunity in life or were born of families with possessions.
Loretta helps a boy who appears at her door, hungry and sick. But this truth is long overdue. The realization that you can not change the stripes of a tiger.
Interesting and harmonious main and secondary plots.
And now, comes the curiosity in knowing how the third friend will deal with the danger of revenge since he is the only one of the three who does not have a sister to protect.
5 stars
Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is one of the Rakes of St. James. He and his fellow rakes made a silly mistake when they we’re young and somebody is making mischief because of it. Because he has a sister about to make her debut Hawk wants to make sure she doesn’t suffer for his actions. He will arrange a marriage for her to an acceptable young man.
Miss Loretta Quick has lived a very quiet life in the country since she jilted a man at the altar. Her uncle who had arranged the marriage is punishing her for defying him. She vowed that she would never marry.
Her younger brother does his best to keep her company as often as he can but life in the quiet countryside is not for such a happy go lucky young man.
Our hero is a loving brother who knows where his responsibilities lay. The females in his life must be protected at all costs.
Our heroine is very softhearted and lonely.
A sweet historical romance with characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
This is part of a series but each book can be read on it’s own.
A lovely light read.
Publisher’s Description:
The next lush, romantic novel in the Regency romance series, The Rakes of St. James, from New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey!
There may be times when a gentleman is desperate to gain a lady’s attention, but a gentleman would never resort to desperate measures to obtain it.
—A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady
Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is guardian for his sweet, younger sister. Due to his misguided past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James, Hawk is hoping to avoid the Season by securing a match for her before it begins. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, but for one infuriating—and unexpectedly intoxicating—obstacle: the intended groom’s own sister, Miss Loretta Quick.
Having narrowly avoided her own arranged marriage to an unacceptable nobleman, Loretta is determined that her dear brother—a gentle, good-natured soul—should marry for love. Matching wits with Hawk may be her greatest challenge yet. . .until she realizes it may also be her greatest pleasure. For the young duke’s irresistible charm has not only begun to crumble her stubborn resolve, it has claimed her heart in true love as well in To the Duke, With Love.
My Thoughts:
I couldn’t put this well written book down once I started the read. I read the first book in this series earlier this year and I liked it very much so when this one became available I jumped on the chance for the read.
Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, Hawk, is the guardian for his younger sister who is about to make her come out. Due to some unsavory things that he and his friends did as youthful lords, he is very much afraid that others will use his past to cast scandal on his sister. Therefore he intends to find her a suitable match and get her betrothed before the season begins.
That hopeful match is Paxton Quick. Only one person stands in his way, Paxton’s older sister Loretta who is much opposed to arranged marriages due to the fact that she narrowly escaped one of her own.
Upon meeting Loretta Hawk is attracted to the reclusive beauty.
How will this tale proceed? Will Hawk and Loretta come to terms about the union of their siblings? Will they find their own Happily Ever After too?
I gave this well written title 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. There is an immediate attraction between our hero and heroine and it is bound to lead to intimacy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read for review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which i read and reviewed voluntarily.
Why are we at our best, when we are acting at our worst? Perhaps it’s the thrill of the challenge. A knee jerk reaction to insecurity. Or maybe, we long to be accepted for who we really are and not who others want us to be. My favorite characters are ones that challenge my mind while conversing with my heart. Those are the one’s that leave a lasting impressing on the soul. To the Duke With Love is what a love story should be. Not perfect, but true. Sloane and Loretta believe that they are unworthy of love, but long to help the people they care about find happiness. Ms. Grey has penned an insightful tale of sacrifice, love and happy endings. It takes a while to get there, but the trek is worth the wait.
In To the Duke, With Love, Amelia Grey’s second installment in her Rakes of St. James series the author takes a slightly different path from her usual and centers the story in a lonely, very isolated manor where the heroine, Miss Loretta Quick resides. I leave it to the reader to find out just why Loretta lives in such an isolated place. Amelia Grey also introduces the reader to a London street urchin who stumbles onto the manor property during a snowstorm. Reading about the background of a London street urchin definitely gives a different, darker view of this era. How Hawk, the Duke of Hawksthorne meets and falls in love with the lovely Miss Loretta Quick makes for an enjoyable read.
This was a fascinating read for me. The interaction between a rogue and an innocent had me anticipating what could possibly happen next. The author’s portrayal of the personalities of the Duke of Hawksthorne and Miss Quick is a masterful bit of writing. I really enjoyed this story!
To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey
The Rakes of St. James #2
Three young men made a wager…
A scandalous wager – at least society said it was.
Three young dukes gained the dubious “honor” of being named…
…The Rakes of Saint James.
Years later Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn is worried about his sister’s first season…there are rumors that his sister might have to face drama as he and his friends created for twelve young women with their wager. So, his plan is to have Adele betrothed BEFORE her season begins. Little does he know that the Quick family might provide him and his both the perfect matches.
From the first meeting of Loretta Quick and Hawk the sparks flew. There was a kiss but Loretta was way too smart to allow more. The book does finally see them together but it takes effort on Hawk’s part to achieve his heart’s desire. Adele and Paxton have a nice side story that may also provide a much tamer HEA at some point in the future.
There is another thread in the story of an orphaned street boy that appears at Loretta’s door. Hawk never really trusts him but does keep an eye on him. Loretta wants Farley to have a life and family that is more than he has known but whether or not he will be willing to make changes or even want to do so is left hanging a bit. It might be nice to hear what eventually becomes of him in the future.
I enjoyed the story and it was in keeping with the era but it did not overwhelm me or draw me in as some books do. I wondered how realistic Loretta’s situation would have been and how she could be so malleable and obedient to her uncle while also so strong willed when with Hawk. I found Hawk to be an okay guy but kind of wanted to know more about him and his regular life and what he enjoyed doing. All in all it was an okay story and I would like to find out what will happen to the third Rake of St. James when Duke Rathburne’s story is told.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars