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You know what they say about Prince Charming—he’s all charisma and arrogance until he falls head over heels right into the arms of his sworn arch-nemesis.

Psychologist Dr. Lux Stone is book brilliant, men clueless. Due to a massive glitch in a dating app’s data collection, she’s got the ego-bruising statistics to prove it. Unfortunately, when she vents by criticizing the advice given in a popular column on dating, it goes viral. Her boss demands she prove the author’s advice is faulty or lose her dream job.

Scott Landshire, a prince by birth and a rake by design, has ditched the uptight shackles of royal life to become a Relationship Columnist at the fashion magazine, Naked Runway. When an opinionated psychologist questions his credibility—and his dude card—he’s forced to prove her wrong or say goodbye to his platform, his visa, and his dignity.

Can this unlikely duo find love, or will their epic public battles crush their careers and hearts?

Get your copy of RAKEish now and embark on a delightfully chaotic enemies-to-lovers rollercoaster!

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

13 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Wells

20 books101 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,072 reviews41 followers
June 11, 2024
This author is new to me. Another spontaneous choice - I adored the cover, and grabbed it. There have been times when this has led to my disappointment, but fortunately, that is not the case here. The text flowed smoothly, and its originality and delightful nature made it a joy to read.

Much to my surprise, I discovered that this author has a collection of paranormal romances in their back catalog, a genre I seldom venture into. But, after having a good time with this one, I think I should give the others a go!

Scott is an entertaining and rebellious individual who, for now, managed to escape an arranged marriage in his homeland. He is able to find employment as a columnist specializing in bad boy relationships for the fashion magazine, Naked Runway. Not everyone agrees with what he advises. Dr. Lux Stone, a psychologist, is facing difficulties in her dating life and criticizes Scott’s column on her radio show. She was caught off guard when he called into the show and issued a challenge (which she should have probably turned down).

The dynamic between Lux and Scott is marked by sassy and contentious exchanges, as they make a concerted effort to overlook the undeniable sizzling chemistry between them. In order to avoid spoiling anything, I’ll just say that there are many significant reasons why they should stay apart, as their connection poses a threat to their jobs and much more. Hidden within the story is a haunting witches’ curse that has plagued Scott’s family for countless generations, leaving them in a constant search for the whereabouts of the hidden antidote. Well, someone knows where it is, and is being sneaky about it! I really enjoyed the mystical aspects in this storyline, and how things fell into place. The HEA was perfect for all involved, and I ended the read very satisfied.

Taking a risk on this author was worth it, and I’ll definitely be diving into more of their books.
Profile Image for Maggie Packard.
119 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2024
*free ARC review*

the whimsy just gets whimsy-er (whimsier?) in this (stand-alone) sequel… but suspension of disbelief aside, it was a very sweet and fun read for me. definitely recommend if you’re willing to lean into the corny, whimsy, even arcane elements of the storytelling that were only briefly (forgettably) touched on in the first book. #lovetheirlove and all.
Author 2 books1 follower
Read
May 19, 2024
I've been sitting with this book for a few days now, trying to determine how I felt about it. There were some things I genuinely enjoyed:

* It is a massive love letter to romcom movies. It pays homage to several.
* Ms. Birdie is a hoot.
* This book hits a lot of the film romcom tropes on target.

There were also however a few things that hampered my enjoyment.

* The word "rake" appears on almost every page to the point of distraction, and this book takes place in present day.
* I had trouble empathizing with and cheering for the main characters.
* I was very confused by the curse - it rang discordant with the tone of the rest of the book.

Because of this, I'm choosing not to rate the book at all because I genuinely can't decide what criteria to use. I mean, I read the whole thing in two days, so it was entertaining. But at points I struggled with the pacing and the different threads of the plot. There's so many of them - Scott and Lux's bet, Ms. Birdie's Fairy Godmother stuff, Scott's motivation to stay in Manhattan, Lux's self-image issues and career prospects, the Landshire curse. I think the book needed about 100 more pages to really explore some of these storylines.

I will also say that I might be missing some context because I haven't read Vogueish, which is the first book in the series, but this one reads like a standalone.

That being said, if you like romcoms, you'll probably find something to enjoy in this book. Give it a shot.
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,544 reviews
May 21, 2024
Rake-ish is my 1st book by this author, and I enjoyed it. The story follows  Dr. Lux Stone, a psychologist who, on her radio show, criticized the dating advice given by Prince Scott Landshire in a popular magazine. This causes quite an uproar, which plays out over social media, and she now has to prove his advice is wrong or lose her job. On the other had Prince Scott has to train her to find herself a 'rake', thereby proving his advice sound or lose his job. 

This was an entertaining, extremely hilarious opposites attract, rom-com that I read in one sitting. It's a story that shows what you think you want, might not necessarily be what's perfect for you, and if you take a second glance, you might find what you missed. 

Lux and Scott were great characters, although I will admit I found Lux to be a bit judgemental and uptight, but as we get into her backstory, we get more insight into her character.

I loved the banter between Lux and Scott, and as the story progressed, I loved the chemistry as they started seeing each other in a different light. 

This novel was a play on Cinderella but with the author's own spin, but we got a fairy godmother,  a curse, an evil stepmother, and even a prince. I also loved the nod to popular rom-com movies.

The story did have me laughing out loud several times, and we are given some wonderful secondary characters.  It was a fun read, and I would recommend it to lovers of romantic comedies.
Profile Image for Chantelle Perez.
121 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2024
This book started off very slow for me and took me a while to get into and even then, it was just an ok read.

In the simplest terms, a psychologist doctor that believes love should be based on more than looks says as much on her podcast, which is in complete contrast to the columnist for Naked Runway, who is a Prince from Shiretopia, who is also known as a “rake” (honestly, still not entirely sure what this is, a man whore? a male escort? a man that just enjoys a different woman on the regular? All of the above?).

This was all over the place, we had an ancient curse, a “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” type challenge, fairy godmother, an arranged royal marriage, meddling stepmother, a medium talking to people on the other side of the veil. There was just a whole lot going on in this book. I guess it worked together, but it was also a lot to keep up with.

I didn’t hate the story, but I don’t know that I would read it again. The nightmare penis part was funny and I did enjoy that. The writing was done well.

Overall, I’m giving 3 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency. These opinions are my own honest thoughts.
115 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2024
Lisa Wells' second book in her Naked Runway series was a welcomed return to the Fairy Godmother Project. Enjoying the first book in the series, Vogueish, I was looking forward to Rakeish.

Strengths of the second book included great characters with laugh out loud moments. The saucy nightmare was so outlandish and fun that it really helped the characters connect in a more unique way. Definitely a fun and unique part of the book.

Lux and Scott are overall two strong characters who had well developed character arcs and baggage. I loved the chemistry the two had as he tutored her in the ways to attract a rake and all the ways he showed him her own way to look at the world.

The motivation behind Scott's wicked stepmom could be flushed out more. And there is a magical thread in here which is new to the Naked Runway world which I felt like I was missing some pieces of the dogma to fully understand.

I wish we would have seen more connections with the characters from Vogueish to make the two books in the series feel more connected. But ultimately I enjoyed Rakeish.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bee.
426 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2024
The Beauty of Second Glances

Luxury Stone wants to be loved for who she is, not what she looks like. However, men are visual creatures and it makes her sad that she can’t bend the will of mankind to her view of the perfect man. Even more interesting, she has decided to judge Scott, a columnist at Naked Runway, as non-marriage material because of the persona he displays in public. Pot meet kettle. Her rantings on the beauty of second glances came back to bite her in so many funny ways.

Ms. Birdie was back with her well-intentioned meddling. Even Isabella and the motley crew of Naked Runway got to play a role in this fun story. We even got a cameo by the Manhattan Knitters Club from another of the author’s funny stories, “Her Night In Shining Armani”. I loved that Scott was funny and patient with Luxury as they navigated all the potholes to their HEA. They were made for each other.

Funny romance story #2. Loved it. Love this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,900 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2024
With their jobs and reputations on the line, Dr. Luxury Stone and Prince Scott Landshire find themselves in an enemies-lovers situation that kept me following the funny twists and turns of their feud. Who would come out on top by proving to be right? With Fairy Godmother Program pulling strings and a strange curse making things more difficult, Lux and Scott get the chance to take a second look at what they had previously considered impossible. I was very entertained by their banter and the aspects they discussed which were sometimes logical and other times laughable. Lux, with a strong personality and points of view that I found sometimes dramatic, turned out to be a good match for a super charming Scott, sure of his resources, determined, but at the same time manipulated by forces beyond his control. I was struck by how the attraction between them developed and how each one struggled to avoid succumbing. Naturally I laughed a lot at the situations Lux found herself in and her sarcastic comments. A force to be recon with!

507 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2024
“I’m going to take you to places you’ve never thought to dream of, Doc,” Scott said. “I’m going to make you forget every polite, gentle touch you’ve ever known.”

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a delightful blend of charm, fun, and swoon-worthy moments. Both main characters were incredibly well-written—their witty banter had me laughing out loud, and their undeniable chemistry was pure magic. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. The story had me running the gamut of emotions, from moments of pure joy to deep sadness.

I especially admired how Lux embraced self-love, even when it stemmed from past trauma. Her determination to go after what she wants, without hesitation, made her such a compelling character. And then there's Scott—talk about total book boyfriend material! The ending? Absolute perfection. I didn’t see it coming at all, and it was a wonderful, satisfying conclusion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Benison.
580 reviews16 followers
May 21, 2024
Cute Book with Several Simultaneous Entertaining Tropes and Characters

This was a cute book and a quick read, that had a lot - and maybe sometimes too much - happening all at once. Without restating all of the plot points, there was a MC rivalry, slow-burn romance, curse, attraction, arranged marriage for the secret prince to his best friend's girl, threatened job security and loss of visa, a "fairy godmother" - all of which were quite fun but also often difficult to keep track of. That said, I liked the MC's Lux and Scott, enjoyed their banter, and eventual opening up to each other, and slow burn attraction. And I enjoyed the "escape" of the fairy-tale curse, and royal wedding. The book is part of a series, but is easily read as a stand-alone, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Lili.
843 reviews48 followers
May 26, 2024
The title fits the book perfectly, I think.
Despite the fact that some people find the word "rake" outdated, I think no other word can incorporate the whole concept of a charming, handsome, wealthy, serial uncommitted "dater" in a better way - not to mention this kind of person has and will always exist. Saying "person" is strange, I know, but I can't really find the feminine equivalent of the word - its provenance amongst the British aristocracy makes us think of a man, despite the world changing so much since.

Add the "ish" to "RAKEish" and there! - it suggests the nuance, the doubt and the intrigue that made me pick up this book.

The storyline is a modern fairytale and the banter is entertaining - if you want to relax into this insta-love-ish opposites attract enemies-to-lovers story go ahead, it's good.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jeanne Chepko.
341 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2024
Witty, sarcastic and a bit cliched!

Dr Lux Stone, a psychologist/academic gets into a war of words with Prince Scott Landshire (Rake) over dating advice he writes for a magazine. Lux, very set in her ways wants to find true love that will last, she was passed up by over 3,000 on a dating site. Scott the consummate rich playboy in NYC, says he can't fall in love due to a centuries old curse. Is he willing to take a second look and is she willing to give his advice column another look?

We find ourselves in a contest between the two to see if his advice for her will land her a "rake". Enter the fairy godmother, quirky team doing her makeover, a spirit communicator, wicked stepmother and even a conversing cat!

The characters are fun, with wild banter and laugh out loud moments. Definitely an opposites attract… or are they really so different.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
773 reviews
June 5, 2024
Love this series and Lisa Wells romantic comedies.

RAKEish is an enemies to lovers rom com.

It made me laugh out loud,cry,swoon,

warmed my heart.

Loved the banter and chemistry between Prince Landshire Scott and Doc Lux.

When Lux insults Scott's column in naked runway on her morning show and they both get into a heated debate live on her show they are both at risk of losing their jobs.

They both end up working together to save their jobs.Lux has to get a rake to fall in love with her and Scott has to give her advice on how to achieve it.

Along the way they both fall in love with the help of Ms Birdie their very own fairy godmother.

They reach their happily ever after,but not without heartbreak.

Absolutely loved this rom com and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Kamila Mykhailiuk.
1,449 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Beautifully written and easy to read.

Lux Stone is a psychologist. She’s brilliant and very intelligent. By criticizing the advice given on dating in a popular magazine, she is given an ultimatum. Prove that the advice is faulty or lose her job. Scott Landshire is a prince. He ditched all of the royal privileges to be a Relationship Columnist for the fashion magazine. He needs to prove Lux wrong or he risks losing absolutely everything.

And so their public battles begin. I absolutely loved their chemistry and passion. They compliment each other very much.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies then you’re going to love it.
Profile Image for J.
4,096 reviews21 followers
May 25, 2024
This is book 2 in Wells' Naked Runway series and can easily be read as a standalone. A wonderful rom-com read. Read like a movie playing out before me with our main characters Lux and Scott. Well written with great wit and banter. Loved the sweet romance with a bit of heat but amazing chemistry. I love a book that can make me bust out loud in laughter and this book did the trick - more than once. When I get strange looks from strangers when I'm reading, I know it's a win and well - this one's a definite win! Well written with smooth flowing storyline I couldn't get enough of and can't wait for what Wells will write next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
515 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2024
This book was like a great romcom movie. Scott is a Prince turned dating advice columnist for a popular magazine. Lux is a psychologist who had a radio show. She criticized his advice over the radio after he swipes by her dating app profile. In order to keep their jobs they have to work together. He has to help her see that is advice spot on. It shows how opposites really do attract and should give them a chance. Or else you might miss out on your Mr. Right or Miss Right. I do have to say that she came off as a little bit jusgmental and really uptight. But in all I did enjoy this read and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Claire.
589 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2024
This was the first time I have read anything by this author and I absolutely loved it! This book was part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and was able to understand everything. This was such a fun enemies to lovers story and I really enjoyed both Lux and Scott and the banter they had with each other. They each had a goal to disprove the other and the back and forth they had together was great. Would highly recommend this if you want a fun read. Thank you to Lisa Wells and The Author Agency for the ARC of this story.
Profile Image for Kristin .
553 reviews
May 29, 2024
If you like rom-coms, the likes of the movie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, you'll truly LOVE this book. It's very reminiscent of that.

Dr. Lux, a psychologist, disparages Prince Scott and his advice column. It puts her in a precarious position. She has to PROVE him wrong or lose her job. As such, HE must now prove her wrong or lose his job. Oh my!!

The antics that ensue had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt and I couldn't stop turning page after page. It's a fun, humorous and entertaining book that fits perfectly in the Naked Runway series. I patiently await book #3.
44 reviews
November 2, 2024
fairy tales in modern times

What a wonderful story! Like a modern fairy tale with a magical secret twist. Kept me on edge till the very end, at some point making me wonder when they would find they way to each other!

The rake price is lovable and cheeky whilst Doc (or Lux) is an extremely relatable “plain Jane” looking for true love that is not superficial and will keep her safe. This rollercoaster of a book torpedoes that and sends her on a wild adventure. Absolutely loved it
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
709 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2024
A cute and sweet romcom. Opposites attract, enemies to lovers and even a prince!
Bad boy and good girl vibes, plus a bet thrown in the mix.
The banter between Lux and Scott was priceless and left me full belly laughing at times. Spice wise, the story was on the low side with only one scene, but man when it finally happened, it was spicy!
Some bumps and turns along the way, but have no fear this does have a happy ending.
I recommend giving this book a read. It may surprise you 😉
Profile Image for Carly.
173 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2024
What a fun story!

I absolutely loved both main characters and they were full of personality and quirks that keep me engaged in the story. I enjoyed the twist of the curse and how organically Lux and Scott went from enemies to lovers.

My only qualm was the overuse of the term "rake." It appeared on nearly every page and felt a bit forced after awhile.

I recieved a free ARC of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Janis Gharras.
82 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2024
This story was tons of fun. Best described as a contemporary fairy tail, complete with a Prince Charming and a wicked witch. Like most fairy tails you have to suspend your disbelief to fully appreciate this story. I loved the humor, the character development and the sexiness of this story. I really enjoyed this escape from reality. I'll be ready more from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
10 reviews
May 23, 2024
Best banter!

I love the witty banter Lisa Wells writes for her characters! It will make you laugh outloud! She creates interesting characters and always finds a way to include characters from other books which I absolutely love. It makes if feel like you are part of a bigger story/world that will keep going. Great job once again!
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,030 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2024
Loved this story. There are many hilarious moments, most especially all the scenes alluding to Lux’ nightmare. Scott and Lux are great characters once you get past the initial impressions. I hope there are more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,950 reviews
May 21, 2024
Who doesn’t love a bad boy and good girl couple. Lux and Scott are such a great combination, great banter, great connection and the spice was on the low side, but you hardly noticed because the characters were great.
Profile Image for Jeanne Feeney.
176 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
Another fantastic read of the Naked Runway series. This fairy godmother project with Ms. Birdie will have you grinning with the witty banter and enemies to lovers story. This modern day fairytale will touch your romantic soul.
728 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2024
Smart and sassy

The banter is top notch and the attraction sizzling. Love Lux and her over analyzing ways and Scott’s rakieish attitude. Opposites attract and lightning strikes. Delightful read with a side of heartwrenching drama.
2,034 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2024
Excellent sequel in this hilariously fun and romantic series!! I loved the 1st book and loved this one even more!! I can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,831 reviews19 followers
July 26, 2024
Oh my goodness this was so good. Not only did we get an incredibly great romp but the comedy had me laughing til I cried numerous times. I can not wait to read book three.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,226 reviews85 followers
July 21, 2024
Opposites-attract romantic comedy! I liked it.. Quirky, funny, and very entertaining..
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