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Only a Rake Will Do

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Grace Snowdon knows what she wants in a husband: a man who is handsome, a good kisser, love, and a rake. Determined to find the perfect match during her debut season, Grace won’t settle for anything less—especially not the steady, far-too-proper Earl of Sidmouth.

Arthur Osborne, Earl of Sidmouth, has loved Grace since the moment he saw her. His plan to woo her with romance and devotion seemed foolproof—until he discovered she craves something far more fiery. Determined to prove he can be everything she desires, Arthur steps up his game, risking it all to show Grace that love is more than a checklist.

As Arthur brings the heat, Grace begins to question everything she thought she wanted. Will she recognize the perfect man standing right before her—or will her search for passion blind her to the love she’s always needed?

Note: This is quick, steamy short with 3+ explicit scenes, and a family who has awkward conversations and walks in on each other!

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, He Falls First, Spectacled MMC, Cinnamon Roll MMC (w/ a naughty side), Determined/Misguided FMC, Scholarly MMC

*This book includes characters that also appear in my Unlikely Betrothal Series! Each book in the series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and read in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 1: The Earl and the Vixen
Book 2: The Rake and the Muse
Book 3: The Marquess and the Earl
Book 4: The Viscount and the Wallflower
Book 5: The Duke and the Widow

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

96 people are currently reading
251 people want to read

About the author

Christina Diane

27 books201 followers
Christina Diane writes Regency romances that are fast-paced, high-heat love stories where the banter bites and the bad boys never behave. An international bestselling author, Christina blends historical settings with modern a modern flair, crafting irresistible tales of spirited heroines, forbidden liaisons, and brooding alphas who’d ruin your reputation and your bedsheets.

If you crave scandal, seduction, and a dash of emotional darkness…welcome to your new obsession.

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5 stars
146 (44%)
4 stars
65 (19%)
3 stars
78 (23%)
2 stars
34 (10%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels).
1,267 reviews1,700 followers
December 2, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 (This was short and cute! Not a ton of angst)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (There was some build up, but it’s a shorter novel and they fall into each other pretty easily)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, 24% (chapter 2 of 8) but it’s a short story so it doesn’t feel as long as 24% in haha
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 months later
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: I have seen Christina Diane sharing news about The Earl and the Vixen (out at the end of November) and I was curious about her writing so I decided to try this one while I wait for that book to come out.
Mains: This is a M/F relationship featuring a cishet hero and cishet heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)


“Point out your chamber window to me,” he said.
Without thinking, she pointed to indicate which one would lead to her room.
He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Leave it unlocked tonight.”


Should I read in order?
I believe this is Diane’s debut, and it’s fine to read alone!

Basic plot:
Grace is focused on finding someone that meets her qualifications for a husband – handsome, good kisser, love, and a rake – and she is missing what’s right in front of her.

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1817
- bespectacled hero
- hero loves first
- midnight window knocks
- unrequited longing
- shorter story
- higher steam – 3 full scenes within a shorter page count

Ages:
- hero is 24, the heroine is around 18

First line:
Grace Armstrong, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Snowdon, rushed away from her brother’s study after walking in on something she didn’t understand between her brother, Elias, and his wife, Lydia.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this quick and spicy read! I thought it was pretty cute and I am a sucker for any kind of unrequited love, especially from a hero.

In this novel, our heroine Grace gets a bit too focused on her requirements for a husband. I loved how Arthur shows her what’s right next to her and how wonderful it can be – even if he’s not the rake of her dreams. And I’m always swooning for midnight window knocks 🫠 🫠

Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one!

Endearments


Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,822 reviews363 followers
January 9, 2025
3.25 stars!

Only A Rake Will Do is a short historical romance sure to give you all the warm fuzzies. Grace is finally in her debut season and is determined to match with a rake. Arthur is a man on a mission to make Grace fall in love with him. He is the quieter and steadfast alpha male with a dirty mouth in the bedroom. Grace is about to find out what she wants isn’t what she needs.

“The key difference between me and the rakes you have heard so much about is that I will take none of my own pleasure from you without the commitment that you are mine forever.”


This was cute with a little sexy spice. That’s the best way I can describe it. Grace is naive and kind of silly at times but her upbringing is the cause of that I suppose. Arthur is just a good guy. Period. Enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,792 reviews130 followers
January 9, 2025
I just started reading this author. This is only my 2nd book by her. I saw her book when I was downloading another new author and also ran across her on a FB takeover in one of my steamy book groups. She says she is spicy. Book 1 was super short so would like to read a bit more.

This was a cute super short read. I enjoy this author.
Profile Image for Vassa.
673 reviews37 followers
Read
November 15, 2024
Dropping at 25%, because the writing is super bland.
Profile Image for Erin.
10 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
A spicy read that can be finished in one afternoon! I loved the characters and found myself lost in the story. A definite must-read if you need some spice in your life from a wonderfully written book!

I loved Grace’s innocent determination and openness… it was refreshing. Arthur is the kind of man you dream of finding! I cannot wait to read Christina’s next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stevie Sparks.
Author 11 books301 followers
November 23, 2024
I really liked this little book!

It's my first Christina Diane book, so the writing style was a little new to me, but it's cute, spicy, and has a pretty cover. What more do you need?

Favourite line (the line that hooked me):

“Point out your chamber window to me,” he said.
Without thinking, she pointed to indicate which one would lead to her room.
He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Leave it unlocked tonight.”

Profile Image for requiemz.reads.
172 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2025
“The key difference between me and the rakes you have heard so much about is that I will take none of my own pleasure from you without the commitment that you are mine forever.”

Unrequited love meets a young woman on a mission.

Christina Diane’s debut Regency era novella is a bundle of fun and cuteness that is sure to make your toes curl and heart flutter.

I kinda adored MMC Arthur. He’s determined, quiet, steady and supremely masculine— not at all what Grace believes she wants, however. During her first London season, she has a checklist a mile long and is single-minded in the notion that only a rake will do. I found her to be quite silly at times, likely due to her age but Arthur more than made up for her failings. Total swoon-pot! Yum!!! There's something irresistible about a man who hyper-focuses on one woman and will stop at nothing to make her his own.


“Point out your chamber window to me,” he said.

Without thinking, she pointed to indicate which one would lead to her room.

He leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
“Leave it unlocked tonight.”


My thanks to author Christina Diane for entrusting me with her ARC baby✨

Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, given freely and without incentive.
27 reviews
August 6, 2025
A bit crude

It was okay. The sexual talk among sisters, including a fourteen year old, is offputting. Later, there is a fair amount of crude talk and walking in on couples having sex.

Of course, this is a novella, but I still wouldn’t call the main characters friends, as they’ve only seen each other a few times before the very short romance officially begins.

Anachronisms bother me and there are some, including misusage of a few words. The punctuation is good. A lack of possessive apostrophes is a bit annoying but not overwhelming.

I’m giving it 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Nae.
746 reviews
July 4, 2025
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Genres, settings, categories, themes: historical romance (M/F), novella, regency England

💗 Tropes: 💗
> Friends to Lovers
> He Falls First
all about tropes here

Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger

Format: ebook (e-arc)

🔽🔽🔽

Overall ratings

Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶 sex is probably more than half the book, since it's so short, but it's still fairly euphemistic
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)

~ Plot ~ 1/5 🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑
~ Pacing ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 if you want a 30 min short story
~ Romantic connection ~ 1/5 🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑

🔽🔽🔽

📝 Review/Notes 📝

It’s pretty much all out there and over in the first 16 pages. Less than 30 min read.

It’s not really so much a book as it is a super short story with sex. There’s no real dialogue between the characters, we are just told they talk and get along fabulously. No tension or build up. I wanted to like it bc it’s an e-arc and the author seems cool from her authors note in the beginning, but I want to be honest.

The MC reads very young and I couldn’t tell you anything about the H except that he wears glasses (and that’s tied to him being scholarly) and he immediately falls in love with the h.

🔽🔽🔽

🤠 Recommended for: a reader looking for sex scenes between people who are in love
Profile Image for Sherley's Reading Corner.
299 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this short read. Though less than 100 pages, the author was able to create a full picture of not only the main characters, Grace and Arthur, but I also felt like I was able to get a sense of who the secondary characters were as well. And though short, the plot was well developed, and the world building was well done.

I loved the FMC, Grace. Her humor and naivety were so enjoyable at the beginning of the story, and she had me laughing up a storm with her inquisitiveness and her requirements for a husband. However, by the end of the story, I loved how she was able to grow and get a better understanding of what constitutes love and a better husband.

Arthur was just swoon worthy. He was indeed a cinamon roll MMC, but don't let that fool you! He knew exactly what it took to make a girl happy, in the best way! 😉🤭 This one was steamy!!! 🔥🌶🥵

This was my first read from this author, and I must say, it was quite enjoyable! It was short, sweet, and steamy! 10/10 I would definitely recommend! I can't wait to read more of her work!
Profile Image for Belle Svoboda.
52 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2025
I want to thank the author due to me receiving a complimentary copy from Christina Diane via Via Voracious Readers. I love how the author places the story in the 1800s and keeps her tone, fashion, and slang, and mindset in this time period many authors struggle to do this it is a hard feat due to us being in the 20th century so the author did a lot of research for this book and definitely excelled! If you love Bridgerton this book is for YOU it is a spicy version! . I absolutely love the romantic spark between Grace Snowdown as she goes into her season to be wed. Grace knows what she wants and is only a rake will do. A “rake” is a term for a handsome, experienced man our current day slang for playboy. Christina Diane hooked me in the first chapter, and that says a lot due to I never read historical romances, I usually read romantasy so for me to rate this five stars means a lot! I am a hard critic and you will LOVE this book even if you don’t typically read Historical romances. The author has great character development and world building this story blew my mind!
Profile Image for Megan.
794 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2025
This is a short, spicy Historical romance with a bespectacled and academic Earl, Arthur and debutante, Grace.
They meet at a house party earlier on the year and get along famously. The London season has begun and Grace is being launched into society to search for a husband but she has a list of criteria she wants in a husband, amongst the list is rake! She has heard from her sisters that rakes make the best husbands and she therefore strives to find herself one.

Arthur has been in love with Grace since they first met and has his work cut out for him to persuade her that he is the man she is looking for.

This charming tale is a fun story and there are a few sexual scenes as Arthur proves what a rake does. Both characters were endearing and this was a lovely short read.
Profile Image for Jen.
659 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2025
At only 1.5 hours, Only a Rake Will Do isn't the deepest story. But it was a nice introduction to Christina Diane's writing style and some of her characters that seem to be part of a series that I might look into. it was a cute friends-to-lovers story and honestly, I could have used a bit more to round out the story.

CC Kline's narration was just middle of the road for me. I had to speed up the replay once I realized it was just too slow at normal speed or me. Once it was moving a little faster, I was able to enjoy the story more.

It's not the best historical romance I've ever read, but it's also not the worst. I'll probably give a longer story a try to get a better feel for Ms Diane's character and world building since it was pretty non-existent in this short story.
Profile Image for Bookish Bowen.
803 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2025
2.75⭐️
🌶🌶
Vibes
- Meh, Already Forgot

I should have slept instead
I read this instead of taking a nap, my time would have be better spent napping. It wasn't bad, it was just bland. The historical setting added to Grace's naiveté which was kind of annoying, she came across like a silly girl holding on to childhood ideals (then again she is only 18). The writing was only okay. Arthur was the only thing about this that I liked. He was trying to be a perfect gentleman but when he learn that isn't what she wants he shows her exactly how much he craves her. Everything else wasn't for me.

Tropes
-Friends To Lovers
Profile Image for Desi Stowe.
Author 5 books64 followers
November 7, 2024
Short read, great intro into Christina's writing!

I've recently learned I love novellas for hectic times in life.

This story revolves around Grace, who is a bit naive but knows what she wants (or thinks she knows what she wants) and I respect that.

Great character development for a novella where you don't really have time for much depth.

Arthur is a great character, both desirable and relatable.

I rarely read historical fiction but will be interested in what happens next in this series!
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,110 reviews16 followers
January 7, 2025
This novella is a very charming and original love story. All the characters were delightful and likable, and their witty banter made for much humor and entertainment. I found it very engaging and interesting with the thoughts on the heroines' notions of what she'd like in a future husband, and how in her first season she proposed to find him. I enjoyed the way season not only found him but also the delicious passionate love that came with him. The ending was beautiful. I highly recommend reading!
Profile Image for Perinwinkle G..
29 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2024
This was a super fun and fast listen. The narrator’s voice and accent worked well for the story. The MMC is very likable in the way he prioritizes consent and respects the FMC — even though she had some misguided ideas about relationships. It was impressive how Diane demonstrated character development and growth for the FMC is such a short format. Don’t miss it if you like regency themes and romance.
Profile Image for Sarah Hayes.
57 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2025
A quick fun read with historical flare. Grace still has many years before it is her turn for the season. She has been honing her list for what would make a husband- handsome, good kisser, love, rake. But when finally her season none seem to fit the bill. Or so she thought. At the ball, her dance card was full; however, no spark. Enter Arthur, a familiar face who recently visited her brother. Was her list wrong? Arthur sets out to win her over.
Profile Image for leila braga.
577 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2025
fiquei meio puta com a menina ter tido uma ideia de como o par dela tinha que ser aos 13 anos, baseada em nada, e cinco anos depois ainda ter a mesma ideia. querida, você passou dos 13 pros 18 e não aprendeu nada de novo no mundo? continua com a mesma cabecinha? faça-me o favor.

aí enfim, fiquei com muito abuso.
mas não é ruim, só não é muito bom também rs

mas é gostosin ;)
o hot é ó... =*
364 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2024
Loved the narration of CC Kline, who brings the steam to your ears.

Grace has a list of attributes she wants in a husband and has add rake to her list. Arthur Osborne is the Earl of Sidmouth. He has been in love with Grace for some time.
Will these two embrace the truth about each other. Spice all the way.
184 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2024
This is a short and steamy read/listen. CC Kline's narration with her British accent was spot on for this novella. Not much in the way of worldbuilding with this but you get to know a bit about the characters. Be prepared for steamy language and family members walking in on each other during sexual activities. No closed doors in this novella!
Profile Image for Bookish Lotus.
148 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2025
Cute, low angst story with a little spice. I found it just okay. I expected more build up to the connection between our characters and to see their relationship develop but things proceed quickly with is being told rather than shown how they ended up in love.
The book also concluded at the 73% mark and the rest was a preview for another book by the author, not a huge fan of that.
Profile Image for C.A.M. Hartmeyer.
Author 1 book4 followers
March 29, 2025
2⭐️
3🌶️

For a novella it was pretty decent, but I’m really not a fan of insta love. The timing a pacing felt way too rushed for me. I do think this author could have potential but this particular story just wasn’t for me.
I will be reading some of her other works in future though to see how I like them.
Profile Image for BookishMya.
1,088 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2025
This is a quick, fun story. Short yet satisfying with plenty of spice. Arthur is a complete sweetheart who goes out of his way to be everything Grace wants in a man. Grace has her list (while a little naive) but quickly learns that expectations can chance and still be agreeable. Fun characters and a good intro to a fabulous series.
Profile Image for Mette.
226 reviews
August 6, 2025
Grace is looking for a rake to marry because she wants a husband that has passion and loves to kiss. Arthur is madly in love with Grace but he is not a rake and doesn't wanna become one because he has only eyes for her. Grace is in lucky because Arthur is a very passionate man and is happy to show her
Profile Image for Albi (albireadingromance).
397 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2024
Such an enjoyable novella! I enjoyed the romance, the characters, humor, and the yummy spicy scenes. I look forward to reading more by this author. Under 100 pages, so perfect if you are wanting to try a new author or reach your reading goal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
152 reviews16 followers
November 6, 2024
This was a quick read as it’s a novella, with a sweet background early on of the FMC at home with big sisters. She knew what she wanted in a husband, and she made sure to let her feelings be known when a man asked her true feelings. It’s a great match with spice and a happily ever after.
2,409 reviews21 followers
November 27, 2024
Yes to Grace adding a rake to her list of suitable attributes for a husband. A super cute story with lovely characters. Who knew a nerdy fella would turn out to be the rake that Grace needed? I wish it had been longer but that is me. I loved these characters.
Profile Image for Rita.
6 reviews
December 6, 2024
Great very short read! Only thing I would change would be the excess of talk about sex between family members, particularly young teens, and them walking in on each other in very sexual situations like it was just normal. Kinda weird to me and unnecessary, but overall good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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