Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November

The Rake Review #11

by Shana Galen

He may be Mr. Notorious…Three weeks in November. Munro Notley told himself he need only survive twenty-one days in London, then his niece would be married, and he could disappear again. He’d been wandering Europe for years now, ever since Beatrice Haddington Barnet rejected his offer of marriage and wed his best friend instead. Now Notley’s brother, the viscount, has demanded his attendance at the family wedding, and Notley just wants to survive the social whirl without acknowledging her. It’s a brilliant plan…until Beatrice, now widowed, is standing before him and Notley makes a drunken confession he can’t take back. But she’s the one with the nefarious scheme. Beatrice knew she made a mistake almost as soon as she said her wedding vows. Despite being in love with Munro Notley, she’d rejected his proposal because of his reputation as an irredeemable rake. It turns out her husband was the true rake. A few years after their marriage, he was shot in a duel over a courtesan. Beatrice has vowed never to so much as look at a rake again. When she reads in The Rake Review that Notley is back in London for her niece’s wedding, she plans to stay as far from him as possible. But once she sees him, those broad shoulders and that smoldering smile stir up old feelings. He still wants her, and she can’t deny she wants him too. Can he pass five wicked tests and claim her five scandalous prizes? Beatrice will not trust a man so easily this time. If he wants her, Notley will have to pass not one, but five tests. For each challenge he passes, she’s offering a tantalizing reward. But Notley will not have an easy time of it. Beatrice’s wicked tests will prove once and for all whether Notley’s sobriquet as Mr. Notorious is well-deserved or whether he’s reformed his rakish ways.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Second Chance Romance, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Novella

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.

Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 48th book by Shana Galen. I have been reading her since May 2017 and I consider her one of my favorites. I know I'll always get a good read with her. I have been liking this series with the different authors and different stories each month.

I really liked this story and the characters, Munro and Beatrice. I liked the concept. They had great chemistry and sex was hot. I thought she got good depth for such a short read. I wish it would have been a bit longer just because it was so good. I wanted more of them.

[Tabetha Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice and Monro are given a second chance. A lovely read!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible story from the beginning to the end.

He is back from the Continents to attend his nieces wedding but he is also hoping maybe he convince the woman he loves that he is a reformed rake and that it is because of her that he is, and that the reason why he left London all those years ago was because he couldn't stand to see her being married to his best friend.

She is determined to get through helping her plan her niece in law's wedding with a smile on her face and avoid the one man who's on everyone's tongue, the man she's ever really loved but he is a rake just like her husband and will never fall for the charms of a rake again.. Or marry a rake again.

Once put to the test by her, he is able to resist all temptations and she is able to see that he isn't the same man he used to be despite the rumors.. And she won't lose him again..

The sparks fly between them once they let go of past hurt and past misdeeds..

This was an all nighter for me..

I can't wait to read the final book in the rake review!!

I received this book as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Munro Notley has lived abroad for several years but returns to England for his niece’s wedding. He left when Beatrice Haddington Barnet rejected his offer of marriage and wed his best friend instead. However on his return he features as the November Rake in the Rake Review where scandalous accusations are made not only about his person! But also how he has lived whilst abroad. Beatrice knew she made a mistake almost as soon as she said her wedding vows. Despite being in love with Munro Notley, she’d rejected his proposal because of his reputation. It turns out her husband was the true rake, he was shot in a duel over a courtesan. Beatrice has vowed never to so much as look at a rake again. But once she sees him, those broad shoulders and that smouldering smile stir up old feelings. He still wants her, and she can’t deny she wants him too & after his drunken proposal she issues five challenges.
The eleventh book in this brilliant multi author series & another fun, entertaining romance. I loved both Munro & Beatrice, they’d loved each other for years but could she trust him? Munro is a revelation & nothing like the man reported in the Rake Review & as he passes each challenge Beatrice is thrown into a quandary. Then the wedding is upon them & Munro is leaving the next day, what is Beatrice to do? An absolute delightful novella, which I read in a sitting
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

New month, new Rake Review! Can you believe that the eleventh book in the collection is already releasing, Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November by Shana Galen?!?!

Monroe Nutley has been travelling the continent since the woman he loved married his rakish best friend… he is now been summoned back home to attend his nieces wedding when he finds he has an opportunity for a second chance with his one true love!

Beatrice didn’t marry Monroe when she had the chance years ago and chose his friend and has regretted that decision ever since but now as a widow risk her heart or her happiness another union!

Munro will do anything to get Beatrice back, including proving he’s a reformed rake by avoiding five temptations she sets out in front of him… but will be successful aversion of these temptations really prove to Beatrice that he’s a changed man? Will she ever be able to trust him?

I really liked how Shannon managed to make a slow burn second chance romance in the compact size of a novella. I felt all the angst and desire as Beatrice and Monroe play their little games and reconnect!

As a fun little bonus for readers of the series, I was happy to see a cameo appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Beauclerk from One Fine May!

This book epitomizes, what I expect from the Rake Review! Great chemistry, plenty of steam, and a complete thorough plot and a tiny package! The Rake Review remains one of my monthly highlights!

Thanks to author, Shana Galen for my review copy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I loved this, it’s my favorite trope - second chance at love. Munro Notley left England for the Continent after Beatrice Haddington rejected his proposal of marriage and took his best friend as her husband. Her reason was that Munro was a rake and she didn’t trust him, but she didn’t believe that his friend was a worse rake, but soon found out how wrong she was. Now Munro has returned to London to attend his niece’s wedding and begins to hope maybe he has another chance with Beatrice, since she’s now a widow. The latest Rake Review features Munro, which has lots of speculation about his rakish antics and doesn’t do much to assure Beatrice he’s not the rake he’s accused of being. He’ll have to convince her she can trust him, so he accepts her proposal of five nefarious tests, with five scandalous prizes. It was fun watching Munro figure out that he was being tested and focusing on the ultimate prize - Beatrice, no matter how tempting the tests were. And of course Beatrice has a hard time resisting the irresistible Munro, who she’s never stopped caring about. Some of their scenes together were steamy indeed, but they worked to break down the barriers between them very well. I was glad to see them finally realize they could have a second chance to get it right and have a happy future.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really come to love reading a new installment in The Rake Review each month and am sad that only one month remains in 2024!Shana Galen offers up a perfectly delicious rake identified by the Brazen Belle whom may or may not have a piercing on his nether region, garnering the eyes of the tón a little below the belt (quite literally). As Munro Notley discovers, most everyone reads the scandal sheets and it doesn’t matter that he’s been on the continent for years—one bit of gossip is all London needs to fuel the fire. If only Beatrice Harrington Barnet didn’t read the Rake Review…

Munro has been in love with Beatrice for years, but she chose his friend not him to wed instead. Now a widow, Munro seeks to prove his worthiness to Beatrice and she agrees that if he can pass her little tests, she will permit him more and more favors with her. I loved seeing a hero work to garner the heroine’s affection. Of course test after test Munro passes, but the fun is in seeing how Beatrice reacts with each test and how she slowly starts to grant him access to her heart. I enjoyed Munro and Beatrice’s banter, their chemistry and their playfulness. And of course I loved the intimate scenes; you have a widow who never truly knew her husband physically and a hero who just wants to prove to her how amazing she is and how worthy she is of receiving pleasure and attention. Shana Galen is definitely an author I will pick up again. I tore through this story and felt she did an excellent job setting up the final novel as well—just who will the Brazen Belle be? I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 rounded up
Steam: 🪭🪭.5 Open Door

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rake met his match!

I would have to agree with Munro that seeing your best friend marry your crush/love would be devastating to the heart - best to run away and try to forget than have the pain of seeing them happy. Fortunately, Beatrice is no longer married to the said friend and is a widow. The perfect opportunity arises and throws them in each other's path many years later. For her she needs to learn to trust herself and be open to the possibility of true love. While Munro has been patient, never letting his true feelings stray from her, even if he was a continent away and being the rake The Rake Review reported him to be.

I was hoping the piercing The Brazen Belle stated was true, but it was not.

I'm looking forward to the last and final Rake to be named in December!

[Patricia King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November
The Rake Review, Book 11
Shana Galen, author

A spicy story of a second chance at love. I enjoyed reading this tale of Beatrice and Munro.

The storyline was endearing and cute. Unfortunately, it's a cat and mouse game that Munro must play with Beatrice if he wants to win her over. Can he do it? Will he do it? Or will he continue to roam around Europe after his niece's wedding?

This was a fun, light afternoon read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a one-night read for me. Such a fun historical romance novella. Great pacing, satisfying love story. This is a winner and a great addition to The Rake Review series!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and good historical details in this novella. It was a quick read that I enjoyed, with an engaging H/h, but there's not a great deal going on re plot. Lots of steamy romance scenes.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

November’s Rake Review selection is a quick one, but quite enjoyable. Munro Notley returns to London after seven years abroad to attend his niece's wedding and is immediately targeted by the Brazen Belle for reprobation. She talks about his reputation as a rake and alludes to a silver “ornament" he may have had attached to a certain part of himself. This certainly gets everyone's attention, and he can feel all eyes on a certain part of his anatomy whenever he appears in public.

Munro left London after the woman he loved, Beatrice Haddington, refused his proposal and married his best friend and fellow reprobate Solomon Barnett. Now widowed, Beatrice is just as beautiful as ever and Munro cannot deny that he still loves her. The reader learns that Beatrice is his brother's wife's younger sister, and Judith is very protective of her. She doesn't trust that Munro has changed his ways. Although Munro still wants to marry Beatrice, Judith discourages her from trusting him.

Beatrice, afraid to admit she loves Munro while very attracted to him, puts him off by deciding to create a series of challenges to test whether he can be trusted to be faithful. He dubs it the Nefarious Scheme and bargains to receive a prize for each of the five challenges, the final one resulting in her agreement to marry him. Beatrice hesitates to agree because Solomon was never faithful to her and she can't go through that again. But as Munro reminds her, he warned her that would happen. She chose Solomon because she didn't love him as much as Munro and considered him the safer choice. Now, she struggles with the fear that if Munro cheated on her it would destroy her.

Munro passes the first three challenges before realizing he'll never be able to overcome Beatrice's fears. Only she can do that. He tells her that he has already put aside his pride and confessed his love to her twice. He explains that if she rejects him again, he'll pack up his pride the day after the wedding, take his things, and hop on a ship, and she'll never see him again. Now, it's up to Beatrice to overcome her fears and grasp the potential happiness that's being offered to her.

Beatrice isn't inherently distrustful and she's not being difficult to hurt Munro. Solomon hurt her deeply when he almost immediately resumed his debauched ways. She refused to allow him in her bedroom when he betrayed her, and he died of the pox. Because he was best friends with Munro, she fears he might do the same. She wants to share her body with him but hesitates to share her heart.

Munro is on to Beatrice and always stops just before their encounters can lead to what she wants. She actually thinks she can have sex with him and get him out of her system. He wants the bigger prize—marriage and a lifetime with her. He almost always acts the perfect gentleman, except when he doesn't, and he inevitably leaves her craving more of him. Of course, he craves her just as much, maybe more so, but he has the discipline to keep his eye on his ultimate goal. Up until the every end, we don't know if he'll succeed.

The story moves along at a good pace and the main characters are well-developed. Secondary characters are more two-dimensional, enough to make me wonder about their stories. I especially wonder about the apparent love match between his eighteen-year-old niece and her much, much older new husband.

Overall, I enjoyed this quick yet emotionally satisfying store and I recommend it.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and the Rake Review team for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I am sad to see that we are almost at the end of the Rake Review - this has been a fun multi-author series to read and I have enjoyed the short stories of the Rakes, and how they have all reformed after succumbing to love.

November's rake is an aristocratic younger son, Munro Notley. Years prior, he had actually fallen in love, and gave his heart wholly to a young woman, Beatrice. The object of his love was affianced to his best friend at the time, but Munro, a noted rake even then, hoped to be able to persuade Beatrice to turn her heart to him instead. For one, he knew that his friend, Sebastian, despite having the better reputation, is exactly as much of a rake as Munro was reputed to be, if not more so. For another he knew Sebastian did not love Beatrice, and would not be faithful to her, whereas he would be. But Bea spurned his love, and not being able to tolerate seeing his love wed another, Munro left England and has been traipsing across the world since, hoping to forget Bea.

However, his travels have come to an end, as he is forced to return to London to celebrate his nieces wedding. Right on the heels of his return, he is skewered as November's rake by the Brazen Belle, outlining his rakish history and his supposed debauchery around the Continent, including a story about a silver decoration around a delicate piece of his anatomy. This makes him the centre of some sordid speculation on his return to Society -particularly a certain part of him anyways.

In the years since his return, Bea has become a widow, and because of her sister's marriage to one of Munros' brothers, they are forced to confront each other during the family celebrations. Bea, however, is filled with doubts and has no wish to be involved with rakes again, especially after discovering that she chose wrongly and was betrayed and embarrassed by her husbands repeated infidelities. Because of this, she distrusts Munro, even when he declares his continued love for her. For him to prove himself, she sets up a series of tests that he must pass to earn her trust, and likewise, Munro sets up a series or prizes she must award him when he passes her tests.

A second chance romance in which a rake proves that he is not only a reformed rake, but maybe was not that much of a rake to begin with. Bea, however, was quite badly burned, and despite Munro passing her tests, finds it difficult to believe in his faithfulness. Munro becomes fearful that she may never trust him, and if she spurns him again, he has plans to hightail it out of London and back to Italy and beyond to nurse his broken heart. Bea eventually admits she does love and desire Munro, and knows that she must take the risk to trust him or risk losing him not just again, but possibly forever.

A lovely second chance at love story with a bit of humour, and a bit of loving family interference that feels very familiar.

4 stars out of 5

Now I am curious... is the Belle going to be revealed to us come December?

[Nazmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr Notorious and The Nefarious November is the 11th book in the multi author series The Rake Review. It can be read as a standalone as the only thing that connects the stories is that the heroes of each book feature in a gossip column by anonymous author The Brazen Belle outing them for their rakish behaviour. But this is a fun series so I do recommend you go back and read them all.
November’s rake is Munro Notley. Munro has spent the last seven years on the continent after his love rejected his proposal and married another. He is back for his niece’s wedding but has no intention of staying. This resolution goes out of the window the minute he sees Beatrice again and makes a drunken confession. Now widowed, Beatrice almost immediately regretted choosing the wrong man over Munro. But she has major trust issues since Munro still has a reputation of a rake. Her husband repeatedly betrayed her and she just cannot trust that Munro will not do the same. She devises a series of wagers to test him – which if Munro passes will grant him scandalous prizes. Can Munro pass the tests and prove that he will remain faithful unto her?
I have mixed feelings about this story. Second chance romances, particularly ones where the heroine chooses another over the hero is not a favourite trope of mine. But the premise is ok and the story is well written.
Surprisingly I preferred Munro over Beatrice. He showed his feelings from the start and has never stopped loving her. He did not stay celibate but his reputation is greatly exaggerated. He is open about his intentions towards Beatrice and does all he can to show her that he has reformed [although I’m not sure there was a lot to reform in the first place]. Beatrice spent the whole book mistrusting Munro when to be honest he never really gave her cause to. She was influenced by rumours and her sisters bias against him. It was nice that it was Beatrice that eventually went to Munro to cement their relationship.
What I did not personally like is that in each of the tests Beatrice keeps sending women to seduce Munro – seemingly random encounters with beautiful women. It got a bit repetitive. Also Munro each time is tempted till he remembers that he doesn’t want to be with anyone except Beatrice which I found a little bit ick. He shouldn’t have to remember and he shouldn’t be affected. But that is my personal preference and probably not realistic.
I liked the family dynamics and the fact that Munro’s family is so warm and loving towards each other. I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’m looking forward to the finale of the series when The Belle will finally be revealed!

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Beatrice Haddington made a decision that cost her the love of life and brought her years of heartache when she rejected Munro Notley’s proposal and married his best friend. She rejected Munro because he was a rake and she was sure he would break her heart by being unfaithful, instead she married Soloman Barnet, who was also a rake, but swore he would change for her. He didn’t and to make matters worse, Munro left England. But now she is a widow, and he is back for their mutual niece’s wedding. When he makes it clear that he still wants to marry her, she immediately declines, still sure he is a rake and will only break her heart. He swears he has changed, and she offers him a way to prove it. If he can resist five temptations to prove he has changed, then she will marry him.

Six years ago, Munro Notley fell in love for the first time in his life and bared his heart and soul to Beatrice the night before her wedding, begging her to runaway with him. She refused and he was unable to see the woman he loved with another man, he left England and if the gossip was to be believed continued his rakish lifestyle on the continent. When his brother orders him home for his niece’s wedding, he can’t refuse. He knows Beatrice is now a widow and dreads seeing her again, causing him to drink more than he is used to. In his inebriated state, he stumbles into the ladies retiring room and comes face to face with the only woman he has ever loved and proceeds to say way too much and even renews his offer of marriage. But Beatrice isn’t having it, and instead offers him an alternative – she will test him and if he can resist the temptations, she will give him a reward for each test he passes and if he passes all five, she will marry him. And so, the games begin!

I loved this second chance romance and was rooting for Munro right from the start. My heart broke for him and while I could understand Beatrice’s reservations, I did think she was a little unfair to Munro and let her fears control her for too long. This is a story is a lovely second chance romance filled with healing, trust, steamyish love scenes, delightful banter, great secondary characters, a wonderful cinnamon roll hero and finally a sweet ending and the beginning of their hard-won HEA. This is part of an author collaboration series but could easily be read as a standalone title.

4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profligate, self-serving and untrustworthy - that is what society thinks of Munroe Notley. It's what society has always thought of him. It never really bothered him until he fell in love.And when he finally laid his heart bare and confessed his feelings, she didn't believe him. Instead, she chose his best friend who convinced her he was ready to settle down. Unable to stick around and watch the woman he loves with another man, Munroe leaves on an extended tour never planning to return.

Reformed Rake's make the best husbands, but only if they actually reform. Beatrice Barnet learned this the hard way. She found out early on that the man she married would never change and would remain a Rake until the day he died. That day came sooner than expected. Now a widow, full of regret and doubt, her first love returns with his reputation from long ago fully intact, helped along by the latest Rake Review publication. He still claims to love her, but she knows first hand that Rakes will never change. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Second chance romances are not my favorite but Shana eased my anxiety right at the beginning when these two actually talked! Their first conversation got to the heart of the matter with both of them confessing their present and past feelings and why they did what they did 7 years ago. I loved Beatrice's test of five temptations with five rewards with an end date approaching that escalated the plot perfectly. There were times that I felt so bad and frustrated for Munroe with his fight against rumors and at times I was a disappointed in Beatrice for her doubts and believing in rumors and the bias of her family. Her hesitation is understandable though, as were the feelings of "flight" that Munroe couldn't let go of.There is a bit of a mystery in this story that I admit I was hoping would end differently! 😆

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I liked both of the characters and felt that they belonged with each other. It was paced so smoothly with a perfect balance of them being alone with their thoughts and them spending time together. This is a bit of a slow burn but is so rewarding when they finally do give in to their passions. The two full scenes are sensual and explicit. I always appreciate when an author gives the H's POV "in the moment" and Shana does this so well!

This is my first book by the author (shocking, I know!) and I'm so happy to add an author to my TBR with a lengthy backlist!

I received an early copy from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rake’s Review series is coming to its end but each of the books have been written beautifully. This one is no exception. I will be sad to see the end of this collaboration of excellent authors, I have been introduced to amazing new authors I might not have looked at before and really enjoyed their work, I’ve also rediscovered authors who I have read before but have been reintroduced to their wonderful writing. This a second chance romance read.

Mr. November in the Rake’s Review is Munro Notley, a second son and a reformed rake (supposedly). He left his home and his beloved family in England, years ago, moving to the Italy after the love of his life, Beatrice marries his best friend Solomon (who was also another rake).
He is back on English soil years later because he has been summoned home by his brother Arthur for the wedding of his niece. He also will be seeing Beatrice, who is now a widow and is the sister of Arthur’s wife Judith.
His Rake’s Review, which landed just a few hours after landed, has been scathing and even suggesting that he has had an intimate piercing while he was away. Everyone has read it and all wants to know what is lurking under his breeches. He just has to survive a month here and then he can go back to his life in Italy.

His first reintroduction to Beatrice wasn’t as he planned it to be. But he realises he is still madly in love with her. Beatrice has put a strong protective shield around her heart and has no plans to have anyone break through it. Munro has other ideas though and his dedication in trying to show Beatrice he’s a changed man is so lovely to read. He would be devoted to her if she would give him a chance. She gives him five tests to prove he has changed and in return for each test he wins, he gets a prize (all that involves getting closer to Beatrice). Will reformed rake submit to the temptation put in front of him or keep strong for the woman he thinks he loves.

This is a wonderfully witty, slow burn with lots of steam nearer the end story. I really enjoyed reading this book. Munro is a great character, he’s very sincere and he’s ready to commit to Beatrice from the start. Beatrice doesn’t want her heart broken, she married a supposedly reformed rake and that was enough for her. Munro always had her heart but her sister Judith and the gossip she’s been hearing finds her doubtful that Munro can avoid the temptation of other women but the sizzling tension between them from their first disastrous encounter and throughout the book was immense. As I was reading I could see they were so meant to be together if Beatrice could learn to trust, but her lonely marriage to Solomon made her lose trust in men completely.
The secondary characters fit seamlessly into the story and are a great fun to read about. It’s a low angst read which warmed my heart to read.

I received a special copy of this book from Bookfunnel. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my this is the next to the last book of the Rake Review! All of them have been so good. Will we ever find out who the author is? I know I will miss having them to look forward to the first of every month. If you have not read the series yet you really need to do so. Munro Notley is in London after wandering Europe for six years only because his brother, Arthur forced his hand. His niece, Lavinia is getting married to a Duke He is old enough to be her father or grandfather what was his brother thinking! He keeps telling himself he only has to survive 21day then he can return to Europe. Lavinia is so happy to see him as is his brother but not his sister-in-law, Judith who is the sister of the women he loved. Munro has only loved one woman in his life and she rejected his offer of marriage for his best friend. Beatrice Haddington Barnet broke his heart because of his being a rake. Beatrice knew she had made the biggest mistake of her life even before the ink was dry on her marriage license. She had listened to others and rumors and lost the true love of her life. Now she will have to be around Munro during the wedding. Munro is out to prove to her he has changed and is not anything like what the Brazen Belle wrote in the papers. Worst is the women printed he had something added to his cock! Now where ever he goes both men and women are staring at his trousers! This will not help in his plan to get Beatrice back. Beatrice sets up five test he must pass and he will not know when or where they will be. He agrees with his own rules for each test he passes he get a prize of his choice. Oh, my. These two have a lot of past to overcome, no help or unwanted help from family members and the ton watching too. Both love the other and both don’t want to get hurt again. They only have till the wedding to over to sort it all out or Munro is leaving. He can’t be around Beatrice if she is not his. This is a very fast-moving story of second chances, secrets untold, twist and turns, love, desire and passion. What a read. Be sure and not miss it. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. This whole series is a must read and can be read in any order. Better if read in order.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November* delivers a delightful, romantic journey filled with humor, passion, and redemption. Munro Notley, once heartbroken after Beatrice Haddington Barnet rejected his marriage proposal, returns to England with a tarnished reputation as a notorious rake. Despite being in love with Munro Notley, she’d rejected his proposal because of his reputation as an irredeemable rake. It turns out her husband was the true rake. Years have passed, and Beatrice, now a widow, is faced with rekindled feelings for the man she once loved but couldn’t trust.

Beatrice, determined not to be hurt again, gives Munro five challenges to prove he has reformed. For each challenge he passes, she’s offering a tantalizing reward. But Notley will not have an easy time of it. Beatrice’s wicked tests will prove once and for all whether Notley’s sobriquet as Mr. Notorious is well-deserved or whether he’s reformed his rakish ways.

These tests not only add excitement and tension to the story but also reveal the emotional depth of both characters. Munro’s commitment to winning her back, despite his notorious past, shows his growth, while Beatrice’s vulnerability adds a heartfelt layer to their love story.

I loved that Munro might have been a rake but he was a man that fell in love and never lost the love he had for Beatrice. It was sad, that she didn’t give him a chance because they lost precious years together and she endured a terrible marriage.

Shana Galen's writing perfectly balances sizzling chemistry with tender moments, making Munro and Beatrice’s second chance at love both entertaining and deeply satisfying. The clever challenges, the wit, and the undeniable connection between the them ensures an engaging and rewarding read. I highly recommend this truly delightful romance.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and this voluntary review reflects my honest opinions.

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 2 out of 5]

\\\\\ 1.5 \\\\\
Oh boy, this is a serious case of I should have DNFed. And don’t get me wrong, the writing isn’t bad, it’s really just that this was NOT for me at all.

I’m going to be 100% honest, when I read books I’m a jealous and possessive b****. While I am aware that men have urges and are turned on by multiple women, I just don’t want to know about it in my books. To me, it’s her and only her. I find nothing swooning or interesting in having naked woman thrown at the hero in every chapter, only to have him fighting SO HARD to not f*** them…. Sorry, but it just makes me furious at both MCs all the time. These challenges were disgusting me to be honest. And let's be real here, our heroine is acting this way because she supposedly doesn't want to get her heart broken, but she obviously already loves the hero and has for years so to me, it's like she's trying so hard to get her heart broken. What's the point really... I cannot understand.

I also am the worst public for second chance romances. I cannot stand a story where the heroine chooses someone else over the hero… And especially not because she was afraid to love the hero. What a stupid reason to me. She literally broke this man’s life because she was such a coward? How can you choose to protect yourself by breaking someone you are supposed to love? I simply refuse. To me, she truly deserves to stay alone and unhappy till the end of days, thank you.

She then has the nerve to reproach him to have gone on with his life, and says she cannot trust him all because of HER FREAKING MISTAKE btw. I cannot express how frustrated this got me. I’m sorry. I just, I can’t. And don’t get me started on the judgmental sister, mind your own damn business. And while I'm super mad at people for judging the hero because they kind of made him this way, it was hard for me to not judge him as well. The whole book was always borderline cheating, and it's truly one of the few things I just cannot endure in my romances.

Anyway, let’s stop here because I honestly feel myself getting angrier by the minute. All in all, I think this author is one I would like to try again with another trope for sure but this one wasn't for me.

Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
We have Mr Munro Notley recently featured in the rake review as returned from the Continent and having pierced his male member!
He reportedly visited over half of the brothels in Europe!
He is in London for his nieces wedding and wanted to avoid Beatrice Haddington-Barnet. She is also the niece as her sister Judith is the bride to be mother! I certainly did not like Judith and the part she played in this debacle! I believe things could have been resolved much sooner and a whole lot better without her!
Beatrice married Munro best friend both were rakes but she believed Solomon Barnet who only wanted a trophy!
Beatrice paid dearly for that mistake and listening to the wrong people!
Munro couldn’t take the pain of watching them so he left for Europe and stayed away.
Beatrice tests his reform to see if he can pass there are also 5 prizes hopefully with them in wedded bliss! But Beatrice is afraid to trust again and when people are afraid they act foolishly!
Munro has way more patience than I would! He didn’t even realize the first event was an actual test! When he is ready to depart after the wedding realizing that Beatrice will never trust him! He also is in despair because his sister in law and brother believe the worst about him!
What will it take for Beatrice to realize she played it “safe” was one of the worst decisions of her life! The man is gorgeous and definitely could have had anyone else! Is it too late Munro definitely threw in the towel but there is one more test yet to take!? Bravo
I love these Rake Reviews! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Munro Notley is a notorious rake. He's been traveling to Europe for a while, but now he must return for his niece's wedding. He knows as soon he returns he will meet the only woman he loved, the one woman who refused to marry him.

Beatrice Barnet knew she had made a mistake when she refused to marry Munro. But she knew his reputation and thought her heart would be broken. Now, as a widow, she meets him again and her plan is to avoid him. If only it could be that easy. As soon as she sees him, her heart starts beating again. The thing is, she still has her doubts and in order for him to prove himself, he must pass her five tests. In return for her tests, he challenges her to give him a wicked awards. With every passed test, the awards became steamier and steamier. I loved how Munro proved to her, he was worthy of her love. He really wanted that second chance and, in my opinion, he deserves it. Beatrice finally saw that he was not the rake everyone paints him to be. Most importantly, she still loved him despite the years apart. The only problem was that she was still guarding her heart. Until she realizes if she doesn't give him anything in return, he may leave her forever.

I am sad to see that "The Rake Review" series is almost at its end. But I will still remember all the wonderful novellas I read. The most interesting part is yet to come, and I really hope that they will finally reveal to us who exactly the Belle is. After all, the last novel comes in December 😉.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Beatrice and Munro's story.

***I received an ARC from this author and my review is given voluntarily***.

[_bookish_book_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Munro Notley is coming back to England from the continent for his nice wedding. He is not happy about that, considering that the second he steps in his country, he appeared in The Rake Review. His plan is to power through the wedding and be on his merry way. But that actually changes when he meets his old flame, the love that rejected him in the past and chooses a different man to marry. Beatrice is not impressed with Munro. She regrets that she married a man that turned out to be a rake, and now she does not believe that Munro is any different than her late husband. To make it difficult and hopefully discourage Munro from any romantic shenanigans, she wants to test him and see if he changed. 5 tests, 5 temptations, one invitation to her bed if she loses.

First chapter gave me hope, was funny and clever. I was actually excited, that maybe this will be next fantastic read. Unfortunately my hopes were shattered in the next two chapters where the whole premise of the book was revealed.

The idea for the plot maybe was good, but the execution is bad. 142 pages is way too little to pull it off. It just makes no sense at the moment. There is no build up to the romance whatsoever. I dare you to go and look for it with the magnifying glass. No build up makes all smutty scenes just ridiculous. To be very honest, it was painful to read and awkward.

The plus of this story is Munro, he is a true rake, and I mean a TRUE RAKE. This man... I wanted to wash him in holy water, he has close to zero morals, and wants to jump on everything that is moving. He is very unlikeable but I think this is what a rake is, right?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eleventh book in The Rake Review series by the twelve Brazen Belles authors. Shana Galen has penned a well-written, second-chance romance that is enjoyable and heartwarming. Munro Notley, aka Mr. Notorious, so named because of his alleged debauched shenanigans as a rake, returns from the Continent after being away for seven years, for his niece's wedding. He is counting the days - twenty-one to be exact - until he can make his escape back to Italy, but almost as soon as he sets foot on English soil, the Brazen Belle calls him out for his past rakish behavior as well as a possible pierced delicate part of his anatomy. Not only does he have to deal with the ton's scrutiny of his physical person at every turn, but he dreads running in to his past - and only - love, widowed Beatrice Haddington, who broke his heart by marrying his best friend several years ago. Ironically, Beatrice's older sister, Judith, is married to Munro's older brother, Arthur, the Viscount Notely - which makes avoiding his former flame quite impossible during the family wedding festivities. Not only are old simmering passions set ablaze once more between Munro and Beatrice, but all their hurt feelings and distrust come along for the ride as well. Can Munro win over Beatrice, the only woman he has ever truly loved? Can Beatrice trust that Munro is indeed a reformed rake, who was never as deceptive as her husband had been and who will not hurt her again if she allows him back into her life?

This was a fun novella and another solid addition to The Rake Review series. I enjoyed the more tender moments between Beatrice and Munro, when they were opening their hearts to each other again, rather than she testing him and he, trying to avoid every temptation thrown his way to prove his reformed ways to her. I wanted a little more to their journey and for Beatrice to trust Munro a bit earlier than she did. I also wanted Big Sister Judith to soften a little more toward Munro, especially since she was his sister-in-law. Still, it was an enjoyable, quick read, and it set the stage for the next book (is it, in fact, the final book?) in the series well. Who is the Brazen Belle? And why is she so prickly? I'm looking forward to her eventual unmasking!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Carmel Zumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Notorious or Munro Notley as he is known is the latest target for the Brazen Belle. He has been identified as rake extraordinaire leaving many women in his wake and having adorned his “you know what” with a silver piercing. This latter detail makes him uncomfortable as he is in close uncomfortable review by all that know of the article and come in contact with him.
Beatrice Haddington Barnet is the love of his life who rejected his offer of marriage years before because she feared he was no good. She then went on to marrying an even more dubious man and suffered at his treatment before being left widowed.
Notley’s brother, the viscount, has demanded Munro’s attendance at his daughter’s wedding. So with little choice he plans to stay three weeks in the country before returning to the continent and decided to keep well away from the gorgeous widow Beatrice. But fate has other plans.
Beatrice also determines to stay away from him until the wedding is behind them but the her old feelings prove too strong. She is drawn to him and he wants her for his very own. She just cannot trust that he will truly care for her. So Beatrice devises five tests for him to prove he has reformed his rakish ways. Will he succeed or she default? What a ride this is! Such a hot, sweet romantic romp to a satisfying HEA. You won’t be disappointed!

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Munro Notley must put his best foot forward in this entertaining second chance romance.

As always, I enjoyed the author’s writing style, with plenty of witty banter and well-developed characters (even for a novella). I really liked Munro. His feelings for Beatrice were very clear from the start, as were his reasons for leaving. And this time, Beatrice threw him just enough crumbs to keep him from running again. He was funny and honest and very determined to win Beatrice back.

Beatrice was a little less likable. Her “tests” for Munro felt slightly vindictive at times and she was definitely expecting him to fail. Part of me felt that Munro deserved better. Beatrice’s motivation was to see if she could trust him again after her dismal marriage experience, but Munro was also burned by the whole situation.

All that being said, this was a delightful story with plenty of deliciously charged moments between Munro and Beatrice. I can highly recommend this if you like steamy historical romance. It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of this charming series.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review is also on Hooked By That Book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this great steamy story of love the second time around, can a rake convince a widow that he will always love and be faithful to her alone.

From the moment Munro Notley met Beatrice Haddington at her come out ball he loved her and strived to court her and convince her that he would set aside his rakish ways and reform for her. However unconvinced and scared of getting her heartbroken she marries his best friend. Devastated Munro leaves for the continent only to return years later for his niece's wedding to find Beatrice a widow and still as alluring and as devastating to his heart as she was when they first met. Terrified that he will break her vulnerable heart she sets him 5 nefarious tests to find out if the rumours and gossip is true or not. Soon Beatrice and Munro embark on a sensual and steamy journey of rediscovery, can Munro convince Beatrice that he will always be faithful to her and only her when she sets him up with tests that throw beautiful willing women at him. Even if Munro passes her tests will he ever get her to trust him with her most important possession her heart and her love.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brazen Belle has named our November Rake and it is Mr. Munro Notley better known as Mr. Notorious. Munro has been summons home for his niece's wedding and he can’t believe he is immediately named the current rake of the month. He left years earlier since he could not watch his best friend marry the woman he loved.

Beatrice Haddington Barnet refused to marry Munro years earlier and instead married his best friend Solomon. A decision she regretted almost as soon as their marriage started. She has vowed she will never marry another rake again.

When Munro sees Beatrice again he ask her to marry him since he has always loved her. She is not sure she can trust him, so she decides that he must pass five tests first. Will he pass the tests and will she learn to trust him?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Munro and Beatrice’s story which was a lot of fun!! I loved how they both were able to put the past behind them and move forward to their future together!! I highly recommend this book!!

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time the hunter gets captured by the game

Once upon a time she turned his offer down and married his best friend, but what she thought to be the safer bet, turned out one big crushing disaster. Now she’s a widow and he’s back in town; the irredeemable rake who holds her heart, but will never claim it unless...
Five challenges to prove his virtue.
Five scandalous prizes should he conquer them.
He’ll never resist - she’ll make sure of that - no matter how tantalising his victories...

~ Beatrice & Munro ~
A fascinating duo playing a very amusing and passionate game of cat and mouse, and the idea of time running out made it all the more thrilling! She gets caught in her own game, he masterfully turns the tables and, as expected, nothing worth winning ever comes easy.

I loved this novella start to finish!
A full story - past, present and future - with beautifully layered characters, grand emotions and plenty of naughty fun and steamy delight. But it’s not all fun and games, these two are playing for keeps, and they play dirty. Brutal honesty, vulnerability and raw desire - he’s all in, but he won’t beg, and she’s torn. To jump, or not to jump...
The pacing, the style, the colour, the teasing, quick wit and sarcasm, the mutual pining and the mesmerising chemistry between these two - this was a delicious little page-turner that felt just right!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this author’s misfortunes favorites series and that made me excited to read this addition to the rake review. I think that our rake is an easier man to love than those MMCs. Muron is a reformed-ish rake. He is a man that loves Beatrice and wants to prove to her she is the one for him. Beatrice understands that women are not treated as people if their families and husbands do not bestow that on them and after her first marriage. She is not willing to marry again just to marry because she understands the risks. I loved Beatrice. I liked that she wasn’t a virgin and wanted Muron in a carnal way while she worked out her feelings for him. I liked that her sister was protective of her. Muron, somethings I really liked about him such as when he was young and in love he wasn’t a rake. Her tests, I wished even his inner thoughts had been a little more pure. The overall strong family was just a lovely thing to read. I am so excited for December I really want the MFC to be the Belle. I want that soooo much. Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.