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Romancing a Rake #2
Her Rogue of a Duke
A rake's dilemma. A blue stocking's desperation. A scandalous deal under one roof…Lady Francesca hopes for a normal life. But when her father suddenly dies and her whole life is uprooted, she has no option but to seek temporary shelter from the man she despises most, her neighbor, the insufferable Duke Joshua…
Duke Joshua is a notorious rake, who would happily go to extreme lengths to bed a lady. But when it is his irritable neighbor, Lady Francesca, showing up at his door, seeking refuge, it may just be his worst nightmare come to life…
Until they strike a Joshua will aid Francesca in finding a suitable husband to have her out of his estate sooner. Except, with a hot-blooded lady trapped in his home, he is not sure for how long he can resist her…
Each book in the Romancing a Rake series is a standalone story of 60,000 words that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Duke Joshua is a notorious rake, who would happily go to extreme lengths to bed a lady. But when it is his irritable neighbor, Lady Francesca, showing up at his door, seeking refuge, it may just be his worst nightmare come to life…
Until they strike a Joshua will aid Francesca in finding a suitable husband to have her out of his estate sooner. Except, with a hot-blooded lady trapped in his home, he is not sure for how long he can resist her…
Each book in the Romancing a Rake series is a standalone story of 60,000 words that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2024
181 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 11, 2024
I need to get the incongruities off my chest. . . how can she travel in pouring rain with moonlight illuminating her path? How can roses AND tulips be blooming in autumn? How can he know she's stubborn or tenacious without KNOWING her? They barely know each other, take a meal together, or walk in the garden together yet he knows her? How could Francesca be so beautiful in stunning brand new gowns and she doesn't have a full dance card?
I would have liked to get to know EVERYONE better. Who is Benedict? Lady Susan?Gerald? Townsend? The first Francesca? Who are these people?
On the upside, Joshua was quite likeable but what was he doing spending so much time with Lady Susan if he wasn't courting her? Was he really a rogue? In what way? He seemed quite decent to me apologizing for Lady Susan's bad behavior, taking in his neighbor without explanations, providing a wardrobe to Francesca just because. . .
Francesca was likeable and quite uninhibited for a virgin with seemingly little social experience. I liked their forthright sex talk. The sexual encounters were steamy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would have liked to get to know EVERYONE better. Who is Benedict? Lady Susan?Gerald? Townsend? The first Francesca? Who are these people?
On the upside, Joshua was quite likeable but what was he doing spending so much time with Lady Susan if he wasn't courting her? Was he really a rogue? In what way? He seemed quite decent to me apologizing for Lady Susan's bad behavior, taking in his neighbor without explanations, providing a wardrobe to Francesca just because. . .
Francesca was likeable and quite uninhibited for a virgin with seemingly little social experience. I liked their forthright sex talk. The sexual encounters were steamy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 4, 2024
Wow, what a story! A little bit of everything that makes a story really great. Intrigue in what Francesca is hiding, suspense in will she finish what she has too before evil cousin, Gerard finds out. Anticipation waiting to see if Joshua will believe evil, lying Susan. So hopefully I’ve sparked your interest. Lady Francesca loves to read romance novels. Her and her father live quietly on land belonging to Duke Joshua. They lost most of everything when the Duke of Elmcroft, Joshua, took back land that was where most of her father's funds came from, Oak vale Meadows. Francesca has known Joshua since they were children, she was in love with him once. Now all he has for her is dislike. He has never been nice to her in the last five years or so. Five years ago, Joshua was betrayed by the woman he was deeply in love with and had an accident that he was saved from by an angel with long blonde hair and heavenly voice. He has been looking for her ever since, knowing he will marry her at once when he finds her. The plot thickens when her father dies suddenly without being able to change his will. If she is not married before her evil money-grabbing cousin, Gerard finds out she will lose everything. Having no one to turn to, she must ask Joshua for help. He is shocked to find her on his doorstep. With her not wanting to tell him everything they come to an agreement, he will help her find a husband and she will leave him alone. Humm, a beautiful young lady alone with one of biggest rakes in England and he is going to leave her alone?? There are so many twists and turns in this book, our couple can’t leave each other alone, their passion and desires for the other is off the charts. As they spend time, learn more about the other, will they follow their hearts or lose out on what could have been. With help from his friend Benedict and added problems with Gerard and sneaky Susan who wants the duke for herself also the Lord she thought would save her turns out to be a scoundrel. Can they learn to trust each other. Will Joshua ever find his missing angel? Trust me, once you start reading you can’t put it done. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
January 29, 2024
I loved this book…
Lady Francesca Nightengale is desperately needing a place to stay for a few weeks due to being told it was not safe to stay in her own home. The only place she can think of is a neighbor’s home, the Duke of Elmcroft. Five years previously the Duke, Joshua, reclaimed some land that Francesca’s father thought belonged to him. That caused a feud between the two families but this is also a very important part of the book.
When Francesca ends up on the Duke’s doorstep you know she is very apprehensive about being there but she does not have a choice about that. The Duke has her enter his home even though he is very confused but he does not ask any questions.
The part of the book with Joshua letting Francesca stay in his home was almost like a fairy tale to me.
Francesca is confused with his kindness as he wants her to be very comfortable staying in his home and even buys her gowns so she has some beautiful dresses to wear to some balls coming up.
As you keep reading you will see how their relationship grows, but as we know the road to true love is never smooth, but we know that in the end they will definitely get their happily ever after.
There are some beautifully written love scenes that will make you want to read every word of what is happening between the two and not skim through like in some books you read.
Of course there are some mysteries to read about plus some twists and turns but all of that makes you want to keep turning the pages to see how everything turns out.
There is also a character in the book called Benedict that is a best friend of Joshua’s and I would love to see him have his own book.
I am part of Claire’s ARC team and I was given an ARC copy to read of this awesome book.
Lady Francesca Nightengale is desperately needing a place to stay for a few weeks due to being told it was not safe to stay in her own home. The only place she can think of is a neighbor’s home, the Duke of Elmcroft. Five years previously the Duke, Joshua, reclaimed some land that Francesca’s father thought belonged to him. That caused a feud between the two families but this is also a very important part of the book.
When Francesca ends up on the Duke’s doorstep you know she is very apprehensive about being there but she does not have a choice about that. The Duke has her enter his home even though he is very confused but he does not ask any questions.
The part of the book with Joshua letting Francesca stay in his home was almost like a fairy tale to me.
Francesca is confused with his kindness as he wants her to be very comfortable staying in his home and even buys her gowns so she has some beautiful dresses to wear to some balls coming up.
As you keep reading you will see how their relationship grows, but as we know the road to true love is never smooth, but we know that in the end they will definitely get their happily ever after.
There are some beautifully written love scenes that will make you want to read every word of what is happening between the two and not skim through like in some books you read.
Of course there are some mysteries to read about plus some twists and turns but all of that makes you want to keep turning the pages to see how everything turns out.
There is also a character in the book called Benedict that is a best friend of Joshua’s and I would love to see him have his own book.
I am part of Claire’s ARC team and I was given an ARC copy to read of this awesome book.
February 29, 2024
A fun story with a fairy tale plot
This book is very entertaining and well written. I liked the characters and the originality of the story.
Francesca and Joshua have been known to each other since childhood, she and her father live on a portion of Joshua's land, and she once fancied herself in love with.
Joshua had a pretty unfortunate and dramatic accident, luckily he was saved by an unknown lady, his "angel". Ever since his accident he has been determined to find his angel and marry her...he can't let her go
Francesca is in a tough situation and she needs help. Her father has passed on and his heir risks her inheritance and home as her father never updated his will. She needs to turn to someone as her cousin is threatening her.
She turns to Joshua because there is no one else and shows up to his residence asking for his protection.
Joshua turns out to be quite the nice gent seeing as their families had a rift, he offers her not only protection and shelter but kind of offers her experiences she never had. During her stay at his home he gives her attention, new wardrobe, she gets to attends balls. They get to spend time with one another and Joshua begins to see her differently, he starts to actually see her.
Their situation starts off as a convenient way to keep her safe but the friendship and attraction develops into so much more.
I really liked the characters. Francesca's strength and will power during a difficult time, the caring and protectiveness of Joshua. I loved the dialogue, angst, and heat between the H&H.
There is a lot going on in this book to keep one entertained
I received an ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
This book is very entertaining and well written. I liked the characters and the originality of the story.
Francesca and Joshua have been known to each other since childhood, she and her father live on a portion of Joshua's land, and she once fancied herself in love with.
Joshua had a pretty unfortunate and dramatic accident, luckily he was saved by an unknown lady, his "angel". Ever since his accident he has been determined to find his angel and marry her...he can't let her go
Francesca is in a tough situation and she needs help. Her father has passed on and his heir risks her inheritance and home as her father never updated his will. She needs to turn to someone as her cousin is threatening her.
She turns to Joshua because there is no one else and shows up to his residence asking for his protection.
Joshua turns out to be quite the nice gent seeing as their families had a rift, he offers her not only protection and shelter but kind of offers her experiences she never had. During her stay at his home he gives her attention, new wardrobe, she gets to attends balls. They get to spend time with one another and Joshua begins to see her differently, he starts to actually see her.
Their situation starts off as a convenient way to keep her safe but the friendship and attraction develops into so much more.
I really liked the characters. Francesca's strength and will power during a difficult time, the caring and protectiveness of Joshua. I loved the dialogue, angst, and heat between the H&H.
There is a lot going on in this book to keep one entertained
I received an ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
January 29, 2024
An unhappy in love hero Joshua who is full of pain and seeing no hope in sight. A dramatic accident and an angel who later turns out to be Francesca make him reevaluate his sad life.
She is a lady of reduced means who faces a grim future if she does not marry quickly upon her father’s tragic death. She needs temporary shelter and discretion. She needs to keep her true situation a secret.
Although he has always been indifferent Joshua now sees something very appealing in her and so the love game begins. He protects her reputation but also guides her in the ways of pleasure whilst she actively pursues a husband to secure her future.
Their encounters are heated and escalate until the truth comes around and fate drives them to their HEA.
This story was so romantic! I loved it. From the death defying beginning to the heart rendering end. Francesca is a beautiful vulnerable character who is in love with Joshua from the first. The treacherous cousin Gerard, the grasping Lady Susan and the detestable Liam balance out the tale and provide drama throughout! A wonderful epilogue to show where these two end up rounds it up nicely! Great work by Claire Devon.
She is a lady of reduced means who faces a grim future if she does not marry quickly upon her father’s tragic death. She needs temporary shelter and discretion. She needs to keep her true situation a secret.
Although he has always been indifferent Joshua now sees something very appealing in her and so the love game begins. He protects her reputation but also guides her in the ways of pleasure whilst she actively pursues a husband to secure her future.
Their encounters are heated and escalate until the truth comes around and fate drives them to their HEA.
This story was so romantic! I loved it. From the death defying beginning to the heart rendering end. Francesca is a beautiful vulnerable character who is in love with Joshua from the first. The treacherous cousin Gerard, the grasping Lady Susan and the detestable Liam balance out the tale and provide drama throughout! A wonderful epilogue to show where these two end up rounds it up nicely! Great work by Claire Devon.
April 14, 2024
En general el libro me entretuvo y tuvo momentos lindos, la pareja me gustó y sobre todo Franchesca fue alguém muy linda de leer. Pero lo que más falla para mí es la construcción de la historia y de dónde surgie. Tiene esta parte de odiar a Franchesca por el viejo resentimiento de una mujer a quien amo con el mismo nombre, pero nunca se explora realmente. La idea y presencia de la chica a quien corteja actualmente es igualmente vaga y no aporta nada, ni siquiera se explora y da más momento a los comentarios clasistas que tiene y el como la sociedad tiene eso en contra de la prota. Juntemos a ello el evento del accidente de Joshua y su obsesión por su ángel que nunca se construye bien.
En cuanto a Franchesca, comienza bien con el tema de la muerte de su padre pero no se termina de plantear y durante muchos momentos se siente distanciado del evento a pesar de que todo surgue de ahí. Su animosidad por Joshua se justifica más al final, pero durante mucho tiempo es simplemente un meh. 2/5 ⭐
En cuanto a Franchesca, comienza bien con el tema de la muerte de su padre pero no se termina de plantear y durante muchos momentos se siente distanciado del evento a pesar de que todo surgue de ahí. Su animosidad por Joshua se justifica más al final, pero durante mucho tiempo es simplemente un meh. 2/5 ⭐
December 19, 2025
A good book with a charming blend of warmth, wit, and emotional tension.
Francesca is a sweet, kind, and delightfully witty heroine, easy to root for and impossible not to like. She brings lightness and sincerity to every scene, even when faced with unfair assumptions.
Joshua, on the other hand, is a man with faults he must confront. His biggest misstep is holding a grudge against Francesca simply because his previous relationship ended badly and his former betrothed shared her name. His hurt and mistrust make him prickly, but beneath that lies a man capable of loyalty and depth once he allows himself to see Francesca for who she truly is.
Their dynamic is engaging: Francesca’s warmth slowly chips away at Joshua’s stubbornness, while Joshua’s journey toward letting go of the past adds emotional weight to the romance.
Claire Devon delivers another heartfelt story about second chances, healing old wounds, and discovering love where you least expect it.
Francesca is a sweet, kind, and delightfully witty heroine, easy to root for and impossible not to like. She brings lightness and sincerity to every scene, even when faced with unfair assumptions.
Joshua, on the other hand, is a man with faults he must confront. His biggest misstep is holding a grudge against Francesca simply because his previous relationship ended badly and his former betrothed shared her name. His hurt and mistrust make him prickly, but beneath that lies a man capable of loyalty and depth once he allows himself to see Francesca for who she truly is.
Their dynamic is engaging: Francesca’s warmth slowly chips away at Joshua’s stubbornness, while Joshua’s journey toward letting go of the past adds emotional weight to the romance.
Claire Devon delivers another heartfelt story about second chances, healing old wounds, and discovering love where you least expect it.
January 28, 2024
A Good Steamy Read
An enjoyable, well-written story. Duke Joshua had been rescued after a carriage. He did not know his rescuer but was determined to find her and marry her. Lady Francesca lived nearby. Her father died suddenly and she was being threatened by her cousin. She ran away and asked Joshua to protect her. At first, they had a stormy relationship but that gradually softened. Francesca knew she had to find a husband very quickly to save her from her cousin's threats. Joshua had not found his rescuer and even though he was falling in love with Francesca, he could not marry any woman who was not his rescuer. Will he find this elusive lady? Will Francesca escape her cousin's plans for her future? Will they be able to find happiness and security? Read on and enjoy.
An enjoyable, well-written story. Duke Joshua had been rescued after a carriage. He did not know his rescuer but was determined to find her and marry her. Lady Francesca lived nearby. Her father died suddenly and she was being threatened by her cousin. She ran away and asked Joshua to protect her. At first, they had a stormy relationship but that gradually softened. Francesca knew she had to find a husband very quickly to save her from her cousin's threats. Joshua had not found his rescuer and even though he was falling in love with Francesca, he could not marry any woman who was not his rescuer. Will he find this elusive lady? Will Francesca escape her cousin's plans for her future? Will they be able to find happiness and security? Read on and enjoy.
January 28, 2024
When the line between love and hate collide
A very original tale of a woman (Francesca) and a Duke ( Joshua) at odds with each other. He is looking for a woman who saved his life. She is looking for someone to marry or lose everything. The story in the middle is full of fighting, angst, betrayal and love everlasting. I felt many emotions reading this story, pain over her loss and betrayal by all she believed cared for her, fear as she runs to the very man she felt the enemy, anger over a debauched cousin and hope for a future she always dreamed of. I felt for Joshua, but some of his issues were of his own making. I would have loved to have seen a scene with Lady Susan on how she pulled off the stunt with Joshua, that felt somewhat unfinished. A very much of a page turner.
A very original tale of a woman (Francesca) and a Duke ( Joshua) at odds with each other. He is looking for a woman who saved his life. She is looking for someone to marry or lose everything. The story in the middle is full of fighting, angst, betrayal and love everlasting. I felt many emotions reading this story, pain over her loss and betrayal by all she believed cared for her, fear as she runs to the very man she felt the enemy, anger over a debauched cousin and hope for a future she always dreamed of. I felt for Joshua, but some of his issues were of his own making. I would have loved to have seen a scene with Lady Susan on how she pulled off the stunt with Joshua, that felt somewhat unfinished. A very much of a page turner.
January 29, 2024
Unexpected Love
Lady Francesca just learned her father died without up dating his will. Her cousin Gerald would get everything and her inheritance too. Her father solicitor told her she couldn't stay in the house, but to remain in the area.
Lady Francesca shows up at her neighbor the Duke Joshua. She told him he couldn't ask her why. Joshua is still looking for his angel that rescue him years ago.
While living at the Duke home they become close, but she knows she needs to marry. Joshua and Francesca come to an agreement to help find her a husband.
With her cousin Gerald and Lady Susan they both have there hands full. The man Francesca was planning on marrying keeps cheating on her.
Will Francesca and Joshua ever admit their feelings for each other? Sweet love story with obstacles along the way.
Lady Francesca just learned her father died without up dating his will. Her cousin Gerald would get everything and her inheritance too. Her father solicitor told her she couldn't stay in the house, but to remain in the area.
Lady Francesca shows up at her neighbor the Duke Joshua. She told him he couldn't ask her why. Joshua is still looking for his angel that rescue him years ago.
While living at the Duke home they become close, but she knows she needs to marry. Joshua and Francesca come to an agreement to help find her a husband.
With her cousin Gerald and Lady Susan they both have there hands full. The man Francesca was planning on marrying keeps cheating on her.
Will Francesca and Joshua ever admit their feelings for each other? Sweet love story with obstacles along the way.
February 22, 2024
what a drag
Where do I begin? Let’s see, the story itself is un-compelling. I should’ve stopped reading this book when he went on and on and on about his angel being blonde whereas the lady on the cover is clearly a brunette. That was the key that set precedent, and I am so disappointed I didn’t listen to my instincts. There were a few times while reading this book where I taught I couldn’t read?? the writing was so sloppy?? who is her editor?! The heroine is so bloody ANNOYING. It’s almost impressive how annoying she is. I don’t think I will ever read anything from this author again, truly lackluster.. for context, I read about 5 to 7 of these books a week. It took me a week to labor through this book and I am so upset I finished it.
Where do I begin? Let’s see, the story itself is un-compelling. I should’ve stopped reading this book when he went on and on and on about his angel being blonde whereas the lady on the cover is clearly a brunette. That was the key that set precedent, and I am so disappointed I didn’t listen to my instincts. There were a few times while reading this book where I taught I couldn’t read?? the writing was so sloppy?? who is her editor?! The heroine is so bloody ANNOYING. It’s almost impressive how annoying she is. I don’t think I will ever read anything from this author again, truly lackluster.. for context, I read about 5 to 7 of these books a week. It took me a week to labor through this book and I am so upset I finished it.
May 7, 2024
Misunderstandings that prolonged the journey to love….3.5 stars
This was an enemies-to-lovers story of Francesca and Joshua. After a tragic incident, Francesca had to go to her biggest enemy, the Duke, to ask for help. Once they lived together, they both realized that they were a lot different than they assumed. They formed a friendship and a love that they were no aware of until the end. I feel like in many ways she made the situation harder. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t trust him with her secrets. He was doing so many things to help her. They already had to endure outside forces against them being together so it was annoying that she was making it hard too by keeping theings from him, but they did get the HEA in the end.
This was an enemies-to-lovers story of Francesca and Joshua. After a tragic incident, Francesca had to go to her biggest enemy, the Duke, to ask for help. Once they lived together, they both realized that they were a lot different than they assumed. They formed a friendship and a love that they were no aware of until the end. I feel like in many ways she made the situation harder. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t trust him with her secrets. He was doing so many things to help her. They already had to endure outside forces against them being together so it was annoying that she was making it hard too by keeping theings from him, but they did get the HEA in the end.
January 31, 2024
What a romantic story! Lady Francesca (h) and Duke Joshua (H) give us a great ride to their HEA. This book has secrets, a villain and a villainess, lots of juicy hot love scenes and a great plot. All these things made this a tantalizing read that sometimes kept me irritated with the characters and swooning at the same time. Two great epilogues tie all of this together. It is a page turner. All of the books by this author never disappoint. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2024
No good deed goes unpunished
Joshua, Duke of Elmcroft, almost perishes in a carriage accident. He is saved in extremis by a woman, who then disappears without a trace.
Five years later, he is still searching for this ‘angel’. Francesca, the daughter of an impoverished baron appears on his doorstep. They have always despised each other, but her father’s death, which has to be kept secret due to a greedy heir, gives her no other choice. Joshua agrees, reluctantly, to help her in her urgent search of a husband. Soon, his lessons in the art of seduction devolve into something more.
Joshua, Duke of Elmcroft, almost perishes in a carriage accident. He is saved in extremis by a woman, who then disappears without a trace.
Five years later, he is still searching for this ‘angel’. Francesca, the daughter of an impoverished baron appears on his doorstep. They have always despised each other, but her father’s death, which has to be kept secret due to a greedy heir, gives her no other choice. Joshua agrees, reluctantly, to help her in her urgent search of a husband. Soon, his lessons in the art of seduction devolve into something more.
January 29, 2024
The heroine needs to get out of her home, but stay close by while her father’s will is straightened out. She goes to her neighbor for assistance even though they aren’t friends. The hero decides to help her find a husband. There are several obstacles including a cousin and another lady. I really felt for the heroine. The book had a storyline with several complications before the HEA.
April 28, 2025
A Lost Love/A Plan/But Love Came..
Lady Francesca receives bad news with no where to turn but a neighbor. And he agrees to help her in the art of seduction for a husband but finds himself falling for her in his search for his guardian angel. And he’s in for the biggest surprise of his life!!
Lady Francesca receives bad news with no where to turn but a neighbor. And he agrees to help her in the art of seduction for a husband but finds himself falling for her in his search for his guardian angel. And he’s in for the biggest surprise of his life!!
January 28, 2024
Hot and steamy
Claire has wrote a wonderful regency romance in Francesca and Joshua story that shows fate will bring two wonderful people together I enjoyed this story very much and would recommend it
Claire has wrote a wonderful regency romance in Francesca and Joshua story that shows fate will bring two wonderful people together I enjoyed this story very much and would recommend it
February 2, 2024
Another Rogue bites the dust!
A charming story of compassion overrides hatred. This story is filled with selfless acts and meaningful actions that make it such a great read. When a story makes you “feel” that’s a good sign of good writing.
A charming story of compassion overrides hatred. This story is filled with selfless acts and meaningful actions that make it such a great read. When a story makes you “feel” that’s a good sign of good writing.
November 5, 2024
This story had too many twists and turns and was much to steamy for me.
August 29, 2025
Josh and Frencheco
This was a good book and it kept my interest until the very end. This was a love story between Josh and his dudress.
This was a good book and it kept my interest until the very end. This was a love story between Josh and his dudress.
September 18, 2025
Enemies to lovers
I really enjoyed the interaction between Francesca and Joshua. Both the characters and the story had me enthralled, so much that I have received the bonus ending.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Francesca and Joshua. Both the characters and the story had me enthralled, so much that I have received the bonus ending.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews