Fleet Street Scoundrel

The Rakes of Rotten Row #3

by Annabelle Anders

A feisty debutante and a determined earl...
When scandal threatens her brother, there is only one thing for Lady Caroline Rutherford to do. She'll use her wit and pluck to land a position at the paper that threatens to spread the rumors. Her family can't be ruined if the lies are kept out of print.
Mr. Maxwell Black, the Earl of Helton, took ownership of the London Gazette to reestablish the paper as a legitimate source of news. Unfortunately, the paper’s issues run far deeper than he ever imagined, and when help comes along, it’s from a most unlikely a stunning debutante.
The deeper they dig, the more dangerous their quest becomes, and soon, Caroline's very life hangs in the balance. He wanted to tell a good story, but he's embroiled in one of his own. Facing a diabolical mystery, he must also keep Caroline safe. Because this headline is breaking news, but it could break him.
And with love on the byline, he needs to decide…
Does he bury the lead and cut his losses, or put his heart on the line and make it front page news?

Fall in love with these six rakish fellows as you make your way through Annabelle Anders’ latest Rakes of Rotten Row.
Six London Gents wreaking havoc in Mayfair—one heart at a time.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.

After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car. 

At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.

And then the energy market dropped off.

And then my dog died.

I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!

To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!

www.annabelleanders.com
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Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle Anders is one of the authors on my "favorite authors" list. I find her to be a really good author with really good writing. She has great stories and good sex. I’ve read 48 of her books and have been reading her since 2018. I know that some of you who read my reviews know I really don’t say too much. Sometimes I'll see that a reviewer will repeat everything from the authors book description which drives me crazy. Personally, I don’t even read book descriptions anymore, even with a new author. That way I am totally surprised on all aspects of the story. I don't want any hints or spoilers of what may happen in the story which book descriptions will sometime give away. I might see a book description and it will say something like “When her husband is unjustly executed for treason…” or “She is sent to wed her reclusive betrothed, sight unseen”. I don’t want to know that before I read it. I feel I’m not as invested when I already know some things are going to happen. I like that I have no idea what the book is about before I start reading it. I know almost all the authors I read anyway and have read tons of their books, so for the most part I’ll get a good read. I am even reluctant to say too much in my own reviews as to not give any hint of what happens.

With all that being said, I really liked Caroline and Max's story. I loved their interactions and their personalities. I loved that they were "ton" but not "ton" :). Just an overall really good read.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing beats a rake and Annabelle Anders knows how to write the very best ones. Maxwell Black is the best of both worlds. He’s titled, but he’s also a hard-working man of business. He prefers the running of his newspaper to the lights of the ballroom. Caroline Standish is an outcast of the ballroom after tumbling into society, quite literally. Which makes these two quite the perfect pair of society outcasts. Working side by side, the chemistry heats up and all bets are off. Their story is full of mystery, subtle sneaking, and plenty of romance. I love that Caroline is not your typical Lady of society, she is tough, sweet and bold. She is not afraid to be herself and that is inevitably what Max falls for. He tries to shield himself from affection, thinking to protect others from his secrets because that is who he is at his core, a protector. One can’t help but fall for a man who puts others ahead of his own needs. A wonderful story full of excitement.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Caroline Rutherford is her brother's greatest defender, and when she overhears unfounded rumours about him, she considers it her duty to safeguard him & keep the rumours out of the newspaper. All she must do is land a job at the London Gazette. Maxwell Black, the Earl of Helton, took ownership of the London Gazette to re-establish the paper as a legitimate source of news. Unfortunately, he quickly learns that running a paper isn’t the same as running an estate. He needs help.
The third book in the series & another very well written, fast paced book with strong characters. I loved both Maxwell & Caroline, their attraction is immediate, their banter is a delight & the chemistry sizzles. There’s also mystery, humour & suspense so I devoured this lovely book in two sittings, loving every page. Once again the author has delivered
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleet Street Scoundrel. My fellow readers. Caroline and Maxwell quite possibly are the cutest couple that I have read so far. The story advances toward a love match a little slowly, but it’s the entertaining fun that happens before then that made this book a fun read for me. The plot does have the mystery that helps the book to be a most interesting read. I loved how the writer exposed the mishaps or mysterious occurrences happening at the paper each time that Caroline and Maxwell meet to discuss about articles to the paper.
I absolutely love a good who done it story and for me this book is one of them. I appreciate that the writer did their research and stayed as close as possible to the facts and information in relation to a printing press from that time period. The number of characters are rather entertaining. They certainly do make the gatherings entertaining among the nobility. The romance between Maxwell and Caroline is a slow burn, but it’s their inner most personal thoughts about their love interest that being excitement to the sure to come future romance.
My favorite parts though are when Caroline always called Maxwell out on mistakes or how he truly feels about her. This was an awesome read for me and I look forward to reading more. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Caroline Rutherford is a spirited and clever debutante who is determined to save her brother from a scandalous rumor that threatens to ruin their family. She goes to the London Gazette office, the newspaper that is behind the gossip, to apply for a job. She meets Mr. Maxwell Black, the Earl of Helton, who owns the paper and wants to restore its reputation as a credible source of news. She is hired as a society reporter but soon after she begins, Caroline and Maxwell embark on a dangerous investigation that leads them to a diabolical mystery and puts their lives at risk. Along the way, they also discover a mutual attraction that grows into a passionate romance.

The book is a delightful and engaging read that combines mystery, suspense, humor, and love in a well-written and fast-paced plot. The characters are likable and realistic, with flaws and strengths that make them relatable and human. The chemistry between Caroline and Maxwell is sizzling and sweet, and their banter is witty and charming. The book also features some appearances from the previous couples in the series, which adds to the fun and continuity of the series. I highly recommend this read; it is a book that will keep you hooked until the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight to read a Historical Romance with a smart woman. Caroline has been reading The Gazette and is disgusted with the amount of errors she finds in it daily. A loose dog in the park has her first meeting with Mr Black and she mentions the issue not knowing he is the owner of the paper or that he is actually an Earl. She is determined to get a job at the paper to help proofread but she also hopes to reduce the number of falsehoods being written about her brother.
Being the only woman in the office she goes about being friendly to all the men. She recognizes that the errors are not mistakes but sabotage and works with Max Black to try to determine the culprit. While all this is happening, the two become attracted to each other. Max has vowed never to marry but Caroline is testing his promise.
As they get closer to uncovering the person with is creating the errors things become more dangerous and both Max and Caroline find themselves threatened. They must go through the dangers before they can get to their Happily Ever After.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed to take me a very long time to get into this book. I think some of that was due to the rather slow pacing and some was due to my annoyance with the heroine. Right or not, Caroline was unconscionably rude to Max, yet she doubled down on it constantly. I found her to be very immature and impulsive, and she compared her love interest to her brother a bit too often. It felt like it took forever for much of anything to really happen here and then I really enjoyed the last few chapters, especially when Max gave up fighting his feelings. After that, I really liked seeing these two working together to discover who was sabotaging the paper, but boy did it take a while to get there.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I’ve come to expect from this author and a happy ending. Good story, but I forgot about some of his buddies already.

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fleet Street Scoundrel
The Rakes of Rotten Row, Book 3
Annabelle Anders, author

What to say about this book? if you've read the description, well it says it all!

Another tantalizing story with a brave Lady leading the way. This next story in the Rotten Row Rakes offers a fisty and headstrong woman that is bend on saving her brother's life and her family's name from ruin. She's about to put her own life on the line in order to accomplish her goals.

The Earl of Helton has his own secrets to bare. will he keep them to himself? He prefers to be called Mr. not Lord. He's also bought the paper in hope of turning it into a honest reporting company. Will he be able to turn the negativity of the Gazette around?

As Lady Caroline and the Earl engage in their projects, an unsuspecting battle awaits them. Will this battle be the end, or will it be the glue that binds them together for life?

Read this well written and enjoyable novel. I highly recommend it.

I was gifted an Advanced Reading copy of the novel from the author. I leave this review of my own accord. Thank you, Ms. Anders for another beautiful, fun, mysterious and steamy story to dive into.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, VICTORIAN HISTORICAL DRAMA

Annabelle Anders has really given us a different group of men of ladies & men in this wonderful 5 STARS series. This is Book 3 that is an exciting & mysterious storyline that moves at a fast paced in this Series: The Rakes of Rotten Row, plus she provides a good BLURB. I found her characters to be well described & very interesting, with some from previous books.

I liked the way this author describes things such as the meeting in the park between Lady Caroline & the Earl of Helton, Mr. Maxwell Black along with the dogs Pip & Charlie. The details of him wearing glasses & the little dog with him Charlie wearing a pink bow, I found precious and smiled. Then her unfortunate fall at her come out.

These two are two individuals who are intelligent & strive to discover honesty or truth. They have this in common, it is more important to them than Ton parties. They both only participate in Ton activities for duty: her for her mother & siblings & him for his mother & his newspaper. Responsibilities they share the need to fulfill real or ones they put on themselves.

Unfortunately for Caroline & Max they are finding out very quickly they are drawn to each other. Indeed they find it almost impossible to stay away from each other. It has been so much fun & exciting reading this.

RECOMMEND

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone story full of surprises. I enjoyed the interaction between the H/h a lot. The banter was honest and funny at times. I especially enjoyed how they first met not really knowing who the other was.

There is a mystery to who is causing so much trouble for the H and his newspaper. The villain isn't known until the end and I was somewhat confused as to the reason behind the destruction. Plus the H has a major secret that he tells the h. You understand his reasoning for keeping it.

The h is loving and doesn't like to be out with a lot of people. She has a misstep at her debut and society treats her awful. I loved her honesty and it will break your heart how the Ton can be so unforgiving.

We also get a side story about the h's brother and this isn't resolved yet, as to why he's being framed.

Lovemaking outside of marriage and heat level 4 out of 5. I felt a connection to them so it was filled with love and passion.

Story has suspense, twists, nasty villain, violence and a nice pace to the story. No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, nice epilogue 4 months in the future, HEA, romance and steam.

I received ARC from Bookfunnel and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rotten Row group’s story continues. This can be read as a stand-alone, but the characters from the previous two books, and even characters from outside the series, appear, and the story of Standish’s family fire is part of this book too.

This is the story of Maxwell Black, Earl of Helton, newspaperman, and Lady Caroline, Standish’s sister.

Caroline is suffering after a dramatically bad debut, and Max really wishes he wasn’t an Earl. They have a meet-cute-ish at the park, where the dogs are charming and Caroline insults Max’s paper. She’s not wrong, there are problems at the paper. There is some mystery, some sneaking around, and some effort to help Standish fight the rumors about his family fire. Caroline is another of Anders’ typically plucky heroines, and Max isn’t really much of a scoundrel.

Anders’ books are slowly growing bigger and bigger plots, so there is a fair amount of story here, some of it unresolved (clearly setting up for the next installment, although there are no cliffhangers). The romance was slow to develop, and perhaps less the focus of the story than it has been in other Anders books. I didn’t mind, since there was still some romance and some steam, and the characters were engaging.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series.

I definitely have to say this is by far my favorite one so far.

Lady Caroline is opinionated and stubborn but she's also loyal to those she loves especially her family. She wants to find a way to help clear her brother's name, what better way to do it then to work for the very same newspaper who is writing rubbish about him?

Maxwell Black aka Earl of Helton the owner of the Gazette is also stubborn and opinionated.. But he has nothing to lose by destroying those in society. And he definitely doesn't care about his enemy's daughter and her secret agenda.

But despite that they are supposed to be enemies and they find they can't resist their mutual attraction to each other as they work together to solve and capture the person who is out to sabotage the Gazette.

I definitely enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end.

I received this book an advanced copy in exchange for a voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!

Fleet Street Scoundrel is absolutely captivating. From the first chapter I found myself thinking ahead trying to imagine what kind of a fix Caroline Rutherford would fall into next. She despised her life in the ton, trying to find her place and stand on her own. Maxwell was much the same. Living a lie, uncomfortable in his lot in life and trying to make the London Gazette profitable. The two were bound to fall in love.

We have additional facts regarding the opium trade. Reed, theEarl of Standish continues to fend off suggestions that he murdered his way into the earldom. Caroline’s staunch support of her brother, her loyalty and devotion to her remaining family draw Maxwell closer.

Excellent writing! Each book in the series moves us closer to fitting the puzzle pieces together. I can hardly wait for book 4.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleet Street Scoundrel by Annabelle Anders is the third book in The Rakes of Rotten Row. It features Lady Caroline Rutherford and Maxwell Black, the Earl of Helton.

Their meet cute is one of my favorites. Pip, Caroline’s brother’s border collie, caught sight of Maxwell’s mother’s yorkie, Charlie. I’m a sucker for romances with pets.

I soon realized that Caroline and Max were going to make me settle in for a slow burn. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of slow burns, but I’m thankful that I hung in there because the last 30% of the book made up for the wait!

This book also continues with the mystery of who murdered Max’s male family members. I don’t feel like there was much movement on that front, but I’m guessing that it will be solved in the final book of The Rakes of Rotten Row. Next up: Lord Winterhope.

I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed above are my own.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when Google alerted me to a new Annabelle Anders book!! I tore through this one. I love Annabelle Anders' writing. This is a delightful romance and a perfectly fluffy read.

Lady Caroline and Mr Black, the earl, team up to solve a mystery of sabotage on the earl's newspaper.

Lady Caroline, a relative ton outsider, goes to work for Mr Black to try to control stories about her brother. Their admiration for each other grows. Our hero is immediately drawn to her intelligence, genuine and open disposition and enthusiasm.

Minus one star for the slightly unbelievable and not super well-developed plot involving the newspaper, but I didn't really mind. The romance was lovely!

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a scoundrel but an impassioned do-gooder

Maxwell is determined to keep his secret and never marry. He holds a grudge against Reed Rutherford (read series in order) when Caroline Rutherford burst into his life. She snares his interest. She’s different , honest, stubborn, loyal, and courageous. She’s also kind, beautiful and independent. The story revolves around previous plot lines but introduces the new line about errors in the paper being published caused by sabotage. Caroline and Max work together to solve the mystery while falling in love. I would like more of this couple. I’m addicted to Ms. Anders books. They are always good. Can’t wait for the other books in the series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh dear, poor Caroline, she had a disaster of a come out and has been scorned by many ever since. She isn’t keen on balls and would rather the freedom of the countryside. She is determined to help her brother who is innocent of the rumours being spread around. Maxwell Black is the proprietor of the Gazette but he has a problem and also a secret. He is also the Earl of Helton. This was an entertaining read and I enjoyed the way Caroline and Max got to know each other. There is a mystery to solve and some characters from previous books also make an appearance. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Wonderful Writing!

Maxwell Black Earl of Helton and Lady Caroline Rutherford are destined from the start to have a hum dinger of a relationship.

He’s the new Owner of the local paper where problems abound, she is the Debutant who is determined to change things and reform the place.

Problems and sparks arise as soon as these two meet.
Can they progress in their aims and not fall in love, even when it seems, she becomes the target.

A brilliant book from Annabelle, bravo 👏🏻
I can’t get enough of this series., or this author.
One not to miss!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Darlene Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the plot. Having a member of the aristocracy having a job is always a nice change. Instead of investing or dealing in merchandise our hero, Max, bought a newspaper and is trying to turn it into a real newspaper, not just society rumors. Caroline is desperate to clear her brothers name and stopping the paper from printing anything about him seems like a good idea so she gets a job as a reporter. Max & Caroline have an instant attraction but sure do fight it. It's so nice when they finally get together, it's a bit steamy. An enjoyable read.

#FleetStreetScoundrel #RakesodRottenRow #AnnabelleAnders #ForAPennyPublishing

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner and interesting story.

Caroline had a disappointing debut and decided a wallflower was what she should be to save her sister's future, but was still determined to aid her falsly-accused Book 1 brother Reed.

Max, the evil (possibly) and initially unknown editor of the newspaper causing Caroline's family such angst listened to Caroline's disaparaging remarks on his "baby" (his newspaper), without revealing his identity.

Later they meet, sparks fly, and the "dance" begins.

Loving the intrigue in each book, as well as the re-emergence of the Book 1 and 2 characters.

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is absolutely fabulous. Both Caroline and Maxwell are loyal and loving to their family. They take on the troubles of their family and keep their secrets. Caroline is intelligent and so very lively. Maxwell lives two lives one as a lord and one as a newspaper owner. Caroline starts working at the paper to try and help her family. Neither would have thought that their time at the paper would change their lives so completely. Their story is sweet and fun yet also has an undercurrent of danger. You will enjo

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleet Street Scoundrel by Annabelle Anders is the third installment in her Rakes of Rotton Row series. Lady Caroline Rutherford and Maxwell Black, Earl of Helton grow closer as they work together to discover who is trying to sabotage Max’s investment. Their bond is such that they intuitively know what the other is feeling and needs. Annabelle Anders delivers the HEA we as readers all wish for, complete with a furry friend from beginning to end.

I received an E-ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one Fantastic story! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and won't let you go until the very end as in Fleet Street Scoundrel. Annabelle Anders has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with a great cast of characters, they hold your attention as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you into their story, passion, suspense and secrets. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and brings this read together perfectly

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Vulnerable but intelligent characters are not afraid to show their emotions and declare themselves beyond the physical.

Mr. Blacks Gazette is being sabotaged, and Caroline helps to uncover the mysteries behind it while wanting to protect her brother Reed.

Caro is a country girl now elevated to the ton. She does not fit in, really, but is amazing with her writing and editing and decides to help Mr. Black, who is really an Earl.

Things get hot, they get real, they get dangerous but eventually end well.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Caroline and Maxwell Black, an earl who owns a newspaper become involved when there are a lot of errors in his newspaper. He hires her to write the society column for the newspaper and be his eyes and ears at the office.
This is a fun, interesting book between a wallflower and an earl with a secret, neither of which ever plan on marrying.
There was great chemistry between them and the mystery at the newspaper made it a very enjoyable, entertaining read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute story within this series. Although I did not find Maxwell to be a scoundrel, I thought he was darling. He was so nice and cute and a dream. Caroline was such a great character. I love that she was independent and was really trying to help her brother. It is so great to read a story (I know this isn’t the only one) where family members go to great lengths to help their siblings. A great read for an afternoon.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle Anders is a great author and I always enjoy her books. This book is about Caroline and Maxwell, I loved how they first met (dogs were involved). Caroline wants to help her brother, Maxwell is the owner of a newspaper. There is mystery, danger, a villain, and love in this book, you will enjoy all the elements. I can not wait for the next book in the series (hopefully some more questions will be solved).
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Caroline and Max's story it is filled with love, attraction and passion as well as an underlying mystery that they must solve especially as there is a dangerous criminal spy in their midst. Not to mention the telling if a secret that Max guards which if it ever came to light could destroy all those he loves the most. It was also wonderful to catch up with all the other Rakes of Rotten Row too.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how Caroline knew her mind and was very intelligent. It did not take much to convince Max to work at his newspaper. They keep their identities secret and end up trying to find out who is sabotaging his newspaper. Max tries to convince himself he has no feelings for Caroline, but she makes it so hard. Great couple.