When a young lady is ruined, her friends vow none of them will ever be ensnared by a scoundrel again. They will resist every gentleman’s charms even—and especially—if it means gaining a reputation for being impossible to woo. It will take extraordinary rogues to break their rules...
It will take nothing less than the promise of a heart-stopping, breath-catching, happily ever after to woo Lady Minerva Halifax into marriage, but that dream seems doomed. She only attracts money- and position-hungry rogues because she’s the daughter of a wealthy duke. Then her friend’s dashingly irrepressible brother, Evan Price, is injured showing off at a house party, and Min ends up caring for him. As unexpected sparks flash between them, she wonders if Cupid may finally be circling.
Evan foolishly falls for his reluctant nurse, but he knows he doesn’t stand a chance of winning her hand without a title. Min is forced back onto the Marriage Mart by her parents, and Evan returns to filling the hollows inside himself with daring adventures and fleeting flirtations. He suddenly finds himself the most desired bachelor in Bath—except by the one person he really wants.
But when an absolute scoundrel swoops in to claim Min, Evan must bare his heart and risk everything or chance losing her forever.
Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
In the beginning the story is a slow starter. It did pick up at the house party after all the house guests have arrived. From the beginning Min and Evan consumed the whole book with their flirtatious banter and their romance. I love the story of two friends who have known each other their whole lives find love with each other. The story is very entertaining not only with the main characters, but other characters that have devious motives. Will the devious motives cause conflict across the outskirts of London? And will it divide families that most have built strong relationships with? Readers certain parts of the book were intense. Those moments I guess call the plot twist and they are amazing. The characters all showed their faces during these moments. The dialogue among them was clear. It truly helped with the emotional moments that came from the characters. The details of the story was imaginative and sensitive to my imagination. The romance is pure between the characters. It shows the different plights that a couple can face. This a wonderful romantic story that I took the time to read and enjoy. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
This is my 58th book by Darcy Burke. I have been reading her since 2015. I consider her one of my favorites and since then I’ve read all her books, I just wait for her next new release to come out. I have really been enjoying this series. I have Book 1 on my favorite books read list for Jan, 2024, Book 3 favorite books read list for July, 2024 and Book 3 favorite books read list for Oct, 2024. Can't wait to read this one.
This was such a good read. I loved Min and Evan. Great couple. Great story. Their chemistry was great. I loved their personalities. As usual from Darcy Burke, just a great read.
Lady Minerva Halifax isn’t opposed to marriage—she simply refuses to settle for anything less than true love. As the daughter of a wealthy duke, she’s wary of suitors drawn more to her title than her heart, and after witnessing her parents’ toxic, loveless union, Minerva has little faith in the institution itself. Add to that her staunch commitment to the "Rogue’s Rule," a pact she and her friends made after one of their own was wronged by a nefarious rogue, and it’s clear Minerva’s standards are sky-high.
Enter Evan Price, her friend’s charming, irrepressible brother whose penchant for mischief lands him injured at a house party. Minerva finds herself as his caretaker, and what starts as mild exasperation soon blossoms into something far more intoxicating. Sparks fly, hearts flutter, and Minerva begins to suspect Cupid might finally have her in his sights.
Evan, utterly smitten, knows Minerva is out of his league—after all, he doesn’t hold a title. Yet, his honor prevents him from pursuing her outright, believing he’s not worthy of the duke’s formidable daughter. Still, his heart refuses to listen to reason. He is also keeping a secret that if it is not resolved will destroy any potential hope her him and Minerva.
As Minerva navigates unexpected family secrets and her mother’s relentless pressure to marry for status rather than affection, she’s forced to confront her own desires. Her brother, Sheff has married for love, and their mother strongly dislikes her daughter in law, because she is not from a titled family. Her mother’s obsession with appearances and social standing adds tension, painting her as a formidable antagonist who prioritizes reputation over her daughter’s happiness. Her actions deeply frustrated me, I disliked her quite a bit, particularly because she created a rift between Ellis and Minerva, which I hope will be mended in a future book.
The author has once again woven a captivating tale in this delightful series. Minerva’s fierce independence and Evan’s heartfelt devotion create a romance that’s both tender and thrilling. With layers of family intrigue, secrets, heartfelt confessions, and the undeniable pull between two hearts destined to collide, this story is as enchanting as it is emotionally satisfying.
Once again, Darcy Burke has written a book I throughly enjoyed, this series continues to hold my attention, and I cannot wait for the next one. If you are a fan of historical romance you will find much to adore here. Dive into this beautiful narrative, uncover the secrets behind the “Rogue’s Rule,” and let Minerva and Evan’s love story sweep you off your feet. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Wow, what a story. I have been waiting for Mim’s story, and it was well worth the wait. Lady Minerva is one of the women who thought up the “Rogue’s Rule” after one of their friends was ruined by a rogue. Eight friends promised to not let another rogue harm any of them. But as fate and love doesn’t always come when we want or with whom all but three of the ladies is now married to what use to be rakes. Mim, short for Lady Minerva, daughter of a duke has turned down several offers for marriage. Her parents hate each other and everyone knows it, her and her brother, Shelf grew up in a very unhappy home. Shelf has since found the love of his life; Jo a woman who his mother hates. Her family is far from being members of the ton. Min has been told by her mother her time is running out and she will be married by the end of the season. While at a house party in the country, she runs into Evan Price. He is the best friend of her brother, and she is his sister's best friend. She is happy to have a friend at the party. When he is hurt while riding his horse, Merlin doing tricks for the guys, Min steps in to care for him. Neither Evan nor Min could have known what was coming. Many secrets, misunderstanding and out and out evil will keep these two on their toes. As they wade thought problems with her mother, a truly nasty person who kidnaps her, along with family secrets that leaves her missing her best friend that has always been there for her. So many twist and turns and tons of hurt feeling, and misunderstanding. Can love solve all or are our couple lost to each other? Her mother is a nasty piece of work. How could a mother do what she does? Only way to find out is grab a copy and get started reading! I couldn’t put it down and read in one day. I loved the story but was confused and hurt by how Ellis acted toward Mim. As close as they had always been it made no sense to me. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
How is Lady Minerva, a duke’s daughter surrounded by rogues and fortune hunters, and thoroughly disillusioned by her parents disastrous union, ever to find a man worthy of her heart? Nursing her injured friend at a house party is a nice reprieve from the vultures, and the man is comfortable company – even if he is a rogue. Kissing him, however, not so smart. After years of casual friendship, a week of tlc and a kiss open Evan’s eyes – and heart – to a future he wasn’t ready to consider. But who is he? No title, a rakish reputation and a scandal looming. Nothing a Lady would ever consider husband material, and certainly not Min. But when Min’s family life takes a devastating turn for the scandalous, she turns to Evan for comfort – only to suddenly find him the most popular bachelor in Bath. Amidst all the anger and hurt, she’s in no mood to make decisions about the future – until her parents force her hand...
An engaging friends-to-lovers romance with a hefty dose of emotional family drama and impending scandal. Their longstanding acquaintance afforded this couple a nice frankness. No dancing around, no miscommunication, just a bit of confusion. This young woman may be formidable, but who can blame her feeling a little lost when chaos erupts on every front all at once? And he has his own well-meant mess to clean up. Add a conniving viper, and yes, a grand heroic rescue becomes inevitable – and he does it so beautifully! What do you call a golden retriever fake rake? A cinnamon roll? Evan is a dashing flirt and a daredevil, but he comes from a solid warm nest with strong values. He’s no rogue, he’s a rock! A very capable rock who can’t resist when his Lady demands a little “experience” – yummm! I really enjoyed seeing the old duke’s redemption arc from the previous book continue in this one. Mommy dearest, however, deserved a little more suffering in my opinion. All in all, a grand addition to what is already a marvellous series, and I can’t wait for Ellis’s and Pandora’s happy end!
I received an ARC from the author as part of their Review Team and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own. Until the Rake Surrenders is the fifth book in Darcy Burke’s Rogue Rules series. It can be read as a standalone, although I did more or less enjoy some of the prior books, and the friendship between the female leads of the series over all the books is very much a strong point. I didn’t entirely know what to expect with Minerva, but I ended up really liking her personal arc. Her parents each have their share of personal issues, with them each having been unfaithful to the other, and the fallout of these indiscretions was arguably what drew me in the most about the book. And seeing Minerva’s mother pressure on her daughter to marry for social mobility as opposed to love, while observing the results of just that in the family dynamics made me feel so much sympathy for Minerva as she grappled with it all. The one silver lining of all of this is that she does have a close relationship with her maternal half-sisterEllis, , who was raised with her as a companion, and served as a positive female friendship, in addition to the bonds forged in prior books. Upon reading the book title, I gave a giant sigh, as a very by-the-numbers “reformed rake” storyline prompted me to DNF book 4 of this series. However, Evan isn’t necessarily a rake in the traditional sense, although he’s not a saint either. But he’s well-intentioned and good-hearted, and I did like that he wanted the best for Minerva, even trying to keep his distance from her due to not believing himself to be good enough for her. And with their shared history, with the friendship between them and their siblings, it served as a solid foundation for the deepening romance. This was an enjoyable read, and I’d recommend it to readers searching for steamy historical romances!
Until the Rake Surrenders by Darcy Burke Rogue Rules #5
Friends of one another’s siblings and friends of one another who suddenly find that there might be a spark between them that should be pursued ~ Will the spark lead to a HEA for Min and Evan?
What I liked: * Lady Minerva Halifax: younger sister to Lord Somerton, discord between her parents, leery of marriage without love, prefers action to sedentary pursuits, good friend, caring, attracted to Evan * Evan Price: works at the treasure, rogue, recently involved in a scandal, loves his family, good friend, trick rider, gambles and wins, attractd to Minerva * Ellis Dangerfield: orphan, companion to Minerva, learns news that changes her life * The premise of the series and the forming of the Rogues Rules Club * The fact that so far, the club members have all fallen for rogues that reform for the women they fall in love with * Catching up with the couples from previous books * Being glad that I did not live in this era with all of its rules for women and the expectation that one had to marry to have security and purpose * The open honest communication between Minerva and Evan * That I believe Min & Evan will be happy together * That even though the story is somewhat predictable it was also a fun easy escape and way to spend the day * Wondering what will happen in Ellis’s story that will follow this one
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like – especially Lord Spilsby and Minerva’s mother * Thinking about how miserable many married couples must have been knowing that marriage was “for life” even if they were abused, miserable, or wanted to be free
Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
3.5 another great addition to this series. We probably know FMC (Minerva) best out of all the women since she’s had a strong presence throughout the series so far. We know she’s had dwindling marital prospects because of her high standards, but also that her fear of marriage makes a lot of sense given the parents she has been dealt. We meet her again at the beginning of the season at a house party where she reconnects with MMC (Evan), spends time with him when he is injured, and maybe starts to finally feel passion, and more? Evan for this part has always said he’s too young to consider marriage but in light of a scandal not of his own making, his new feelings for Minerva aren’t exactly unwelcome. Their friendship progresses sweetly and their steam feels earned - I was impressed at how Burke managed to balance it with all the drama these MCs are dealing with it the background of their romance!
I do think the 3rd act twist felt a little unearned in that perhaps one of the key players should really have been at the house party for things to come full circle (felt like some of the folks in the party were red herrings to be honest).
I also don’t know how I feel about the introduction of a new member to the club at this point in the series - we’ve known and loved Ellis and Pandora for some time now so it’s hard to imagine Iona getting the same degree of attention before her book comes around. Perhaps if we see her book last? Although it would be more typical of the last book to end on the couple who started everything off (Bane and Pandora). I’m also curious to know who Iona ends up with - could Burke be planning on splitting up Pandora and Bane and in fact pairing them with different people? that could be an interesting twist on the usual second chance romance we would expect from things like this. Oh well tbd in 2026 I suppose!
I love a good story of two people who have known each other or been friends for a long time finally finding love with one another - it's my favourite trope.
I enjoyed Minerva and Evan's love story.
Lady Minerva isn't against marrying, she just wants a love match. She wants to find someone who loves her, not her money or status in life. Her family's position within the ton seems to attract all the suitors who are only interested in one thing and it's not her. She has also witnessed her parents toxic relationship her whole life so she has some pretty high standards and expectations for herself.
While at a house party, her friends mischief making brother Evan is injured and she finds herself playing nursemaid. They spend a lot of time with one another and they are drawn to each another - the sparks fly between them. There is lots of flirtations and fun banter between these two but there is more developing than just attraction. These two fall hard but both of them have obstacles to over come before they can follow their hearts.
Evan is head over heels for Minerva but he isn't titled and he also has a secret, both of these issues create an internal conflict for him but not enough to stop him from following his heart.
Minerva finally feels that it's her turn, she's finally found what her heart desires but her mother is a big problem, she is controlling, vicious, and calculating enough to prevent her daughter from having a true love match.
There is a lot of drama and plot twists, lots of obstacles from family and secrets - it was a really enjoyable read
I received an ARC from the author, thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
The author has delivered another fabulous romance in Until the Rake Surrenders, the fifth installment in the Rogue Rules series. This novel follows the spirited Lady Minerva Halifax, daughter of a wealthy duke, and the charming yet untitled Mr. Evan Price, her friend’s irrepressible brother & Min's brother's best friend. Min, weary of fortune-hunting suitors, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Evan after he suffers a fall from his horse at a house party, forcing her into the role of caretaker but also allowing her to escape from the marriage mart. Sparks fly, but societal expectations and family pressures threaten to keep them apart. As Min is pushed back onto the marriage mart and Evan buries his undeniable longing, their relationship faces its greatest test when a true scoundrel enters the picture. Evan must risk everything to prove his worth—or lose Min forever.
The author's storytelling shines with rich character depth, emotional intensity, and a beautifully crafted romance that keeps readers invested until the very last page. Min and Evan’s journey is filled with heart-stopping moments, witty banter, and genuine chemistry, making this a must-read for fans of historical romance. The novel’s lush setting, compelling conflicts, and expertly woven themes of love and self-worth elevate it beyond a simple love story, cementing Burke’s reputation as a master of the genre. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another beautifully written, highly entertaining, historical romance from the pen of Ms Darcy Burke that I thoroughly enjoyed. This time, it is Lady Minerva (“Min”) Halifax’s turn to find true love and marry. Her family has been pushing her to do so seeing as she has had several seasons under her belt but has yet to commit to any of the eligible young men. The main reason for this is that Min is part of the “Rogue’s Rule” where the members have sworn to marry for love only after one of their friends was ruined by a rogue!
Min has everything a society mama could want for her daughter, she is beautiful, posed, and from a wealthy family, being the daughter of a duke. Unfortunately for Min, her parent’s marriage has left a lot to be desired, and she is trying not to let history repeat itself.
Her brother, Sheff, married the love of his life, Jo, a woman Min’s mother hates, simply because she is not from a wealthy, titled family. Her mother is determined to see Min married by the end of this season. Min agrees to attend the house party and when she meets Evan Price, a friend of her brother, she is happy to have at least one friend there. During the party, Evan, being his usual silly self, shows off and this gets injured and spends the rest of the party being tended by Min. This allows them to be in proximity of each other and get to know one another, slowly falling in love.
Of course, they failed to consider the lengths which Min’s mother will take to help “lead things along” where her daughter is concerned. Lots of interesting strong characters, sparks flying, secrets to be told, misunderstandings to unravel, etc., etc., etc., along the way that will keep you interested.
I received an ARC from the author with my thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.
We have Lady Minerva Halifax sister to the Dukes heir from the previous story! She detests Rogues and she believes Evan Price is definitely on the Rogue list! But after Evan’s accident she spends quite a bit of time nursing him and she uncovers hidden depths! But she must journey onwards to Bath to try and deter her mother from her match making schemes to snare her a titled Lord! Most of the titled Lords character definitely does not match their actions! There is a lot of Chemistry between Evan and Minerva aka Min! Min is very firm about Rogues and love ad she should be with her lovely, vindictive and secretive parents! I don’t condone the Dukes actions but to love and have your love unreturned his painful! I was very surprised by the Duchess but with her spiteful actions I should not have been! Now back to Evan and Min! I don’t think Evan understood his favor for a friend was going cast such a cloud over him! Especially after he realized how much Min means to him! Can these two have a HEA when the Duchess works with a sniffling idiot to compromise her daughter! The Duke is perceived as selfish for reaching for his own happiness!? I really think the children are being little selfish! Secrets have a way in coming out and when they do…. We shall just saying some very interesting times are ahead! As always I love this author and het way of drawing you in so that you want another Epilogue! Bravo and well done! I received anARC copy for my unbiased opinion!
Until the Rake Surrenders is the fifth novel in Darcy Burke’s Rogue Rules series of Regency romances. The series follows two groups of friends, the titular rogues and the girls determined to resist them, but each story focuses on one couple and can be enjoyed on its own.
Neither Lady Minerva Halifax nor her friend’s brother, Evan Price, think they want to marry, but both are being pressured to marry by their parents. When Evan is injured at a house party that Min is also attending, she volunteers to nurse him, and the two grow much closer. It was fun to watch their feelings grow as both try to avoid falling in love. But when both are rocked by scandals, and Min’s mother tries to force her to marry someone she detests, can they find a happy ending together?
The plot had a lot of twists that I won’t discuss because I don’t want to spoil any surprises. The story is told from the main characters’ dual points of view, which works well. They’re both good people, and I enjoyed watching them discover the depths of their feelings for each other and pursuing their own happiness while trying to minimize harm to others.
This fun and exciting story featured a friends to lovers/forbidden romance, witty dialogue, and lots of drama. I recommend it to historical romance fans who enjoy occasional sexually explicit scenes.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
Until the Rake Surrenders by Darcy Burke is a historical romance with great bones. This is the fifth book in the series called Rogue Rules. In short the premise of the book is that rogues are not husband material, do not trust them or believe them ever. The story includes two people who are not likely to get married, but who are put into a position that might force the issue.
Evan Price is a dashing rogue. He is irrepressible and determined to find his way forward. At a party he was showing off the tricks he could and his foot got caught in the stirrups of his horse and he was dragged unconscious before the horse was stopped. Lady Minerva Halifax witnessed the accident and ran out to help him. She ended up taking control of the situation and got Evan all set up in the nearest manor while she took care of him. It helped him heal, but helped her avoid some of the rogues at the house party.
Lady Minerva Halifas’ mother was disgusted with her daughter. She was determined that Min would marry an appropriately titled person, no matter his temperament or behaviors. She even - well you will need to read that on your own.
Evan is not titled and therefore below Min’s class, but loved Min. Min didn’t care about titles like her mother and wanted Evan. So conflicts occur and are stirred up by busybodies and Min’s mother. Until the Rake Surrenders by Darcy Burke is a good read.
Another book in the Rules for Rogues series, this one was both sweet and hot. Lady Minerva, a duke's daughter, is being pushed to marry but isn't truly interested. Her parents' awful marriage sits like a lump in her stomach, and as a result, she doesn't trust marriage unless it is a result of love rather than business. "Min" doesn't have much faith in a love match as she believes that most men are rogues and to be avoided. She has learned this from her friends and their life experiences. Evan Price is a good friend of her older brother and has a reputation as a rogue. He is not a lord but a man of good family and wealth. Evans recently had a spot of trouble in London and, as a result, decides to get out of town to a country house party where he runs into Lady Minerva. While both attend the party, Evan becomes injured, and Min takes it upon herself to act as his caretaker. This is when the romance begins. As the two are in close proximity, the heat ignites, feelings change, and a slow burning ember becomes inflamed. There is intrigue, an interesting plot, and plenty of good old-fashioned passion. I read the book from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon. I recommend this book and the series as it's been so much fun. I read this as an arc, but my opinions are my own.
I was looking forward to Lady Minerva Halifax's story. For me, she is simply one of the most captivating characters in this series, and knowing that she is so emphatic about running away from all the rakes and scoundrels in the city makes it all the more interesting.
The friendship between these girls, who saw one of their friends being defamed by one of the rakes, is strong, and their rules - although funny - express well their desire to simply protect themselves.
But of course, one at a time ended up finding love in the arms of a reformed rake, which makes it difficult for the rest to understand this logic, and sometimes, impossible not to wonder if they would personally find love.
Well, in Min's case, the man in question literally appeared at her feet in need of help. He was injured, and after all, he was her brother's friend.
Evan Price, without a title, really needed help, and as charming as his new nurse was, he knew that without a title he wouldn't even get a dance with her at a ball. Min's parents were encouraging—if not forcing—her to find a suitor soon, but how was she supposed to find someone when the candidates were so boring, and the only one who was really interesting was a rake?
A cat-and-mouse game of who would get to the cheese first. 5 stars
My new favourite in the series! UNTIL THE RAKE SURRENDERS is a 'friends to lovers' romance that has it all: drama, passion, delicious banter that enriched their chemistry and a dollop of jeopardy thrown in for good measure. That had me fully invested and enjoying every moment with this pair, who just dazzled and shone when close. I just couldn't help but anticipate greatly their next encounter. I was hooked from chapter 3. The connection between Min and Evan was palpable. You could really feel the twinges of awareness spark brighter between them as it built and heated from the foundation of friendship to a new found awareness of each other. Subtly deepening, in each captured moment, that was made all the more enjoyable by the witty toing and froing of banter, their reflective musings and the family drama that threaded throughout the tale and threatened to pull them apart. It truly hyped up the emotion, enriched their bubbling desires and added a spot of levity and insight into who they are as people as they tried, but so delightfully failed, to give into the undeniable, passion fueled, attraction between them! Loved it; my favourite in the series so far!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
It will take nothing less than the promise of a heart-stopping, breath-catching, happily ever after to woo Lady Minerva Halifax into marriage. Then her friend’s dashingly irrepressible brother, Evan Price, is injured showing off at a house party, and Min ends up caring for him. As unexpected sparks flash between them, she wonders if Cupid may finally be circling. Evan foolishly falls for his reluctant nurse, but he knows he doesn’t stand a chance of winning her hand without a title. Then they spend time together in Bath & sparks fly The fifth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, the series follows a group of friends & siblings. I loved both Evan & Min & loved their journey to a HEA, which wasn’t easy. Scandal has meant Evan needs to leave London & there could be a huge scandal on the horizon for Min’s family. I loved the chemistry between the couple also they were friends who confided in each other. A very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story & as is usual for one of the author’s books I was loathe to put it down. My one quibble was that Min’s mother who was a real piece of work didn’t suffer enough I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Loved both the MC's and they just fit together from the start. A bonus is we get amazing secondary characters too.
The h's mother is the worse and talk about double standards. I did want the mother to pay some price for her actions. Were led to believe she would, but I wanted to experience her fall from grace.
I didn't think the h's father would have a change of heart as he did. Also, I wanted to experience how the H helped his friend. I didn't truly understand what his friend did, how it was discovered. Certainly, couldn't be because he was caught, otherwise the H wouldn't have helped out.
Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4+ out of 5. I did feel a connection to this couple, so it was filled with passion.
Some misunderstandings that were resolved quickly. No cheating by our MC, HEA, no cliffhanger, nice set up for the next story. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. I do recommend this story and series. This is a standalone story but you'd love to read about the h's friends in the previous books.
I received ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Easy read, likable characters (except for the villains) a kidnapping and family secrets revealed, including the mystery of Ellis's identity.
The characters of both Lady Minerva Halifax and Mr. Evan Price have been in the series since the beginning. Evan was new to their set and affecting to be a rogue to fit in. He also was mastering horse escapades and has no interest in the marriage mart. After getting in hot water by foolishly helping a friend, he is banished by his father from London and sent with his mother to a week house party at Longleat. He seems to have prosopagnosia, an inability to remember names and faces. Min is also attending the party. When Evan injures himself while doing his daredevil horse act, Min decides to keep him company, avoiding the rogues at the party and they become friends. Eventually they both realize that he was never really a rake and he is just what she has been praying for in a husband. Mrs. Lawler tries to ruin another young lady. And a new debutant is introduced. I looked forward to reading the next book about what happens to Ellis.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
A Reluctant Heiress. A Charming Rogue. A Love Worth the Risk. Evan may have the reputation of a rogue, but was he truly as reckless as everyone believed? It didn’t concern him—until he fell for Min. She’s his sister’s best friend, and he’s her brother’s closest companion, making their growing attraction all the more complicated. Even more daunting is Min’s reluctance to trust in love. Raised in a household devoid of affection, with parents who made marriage seem like a trap, she longs for something real—yet fears it may not exist. As Min and Evan grow closer, their friendship begins to shift into something deeper. But can Min open her heart to love when everything she’s been taught warns her against it? And will Evan, with no title or fortune to offer, be the one to convince her that love is worth the risk? Min’s emotional journey—from guarded doubt to the courage to trust her heart—makes this friends-to-lovers romance especially satisfying. I enjoyed this charming historical romance and would happily recommend it.
Fairly straightforward friends to lovers story, with a smidge of danger and drama. Lady Minerva is at a house party and knows that the hostess has been charged with matchmaking while her mother is not in attendance. Luckily or unluckily, her brother’s friend Evan is injured while doing tricks on his horse and Min plays the sister-friend card to go spend time with him while he’s recuperating. And while they’re together, they actually become friendlier and closer together. Fast forward a few weeks and they’re both in Bath for a mini-social season and Min’s mother is encouraging her to find a titled lord to marry. But she’s too busy thinking of Evan, even though her mother doesn’t approve. We get some family drama revealed related to Min’s parents and Evan is dealing with his own scandal. It was fun to read these two interact with each other and how easy their relationship developed out of their friendship. Definitely a solid read.
Min's (and Evan's) story was definitely worth the wait! Their friends-to-lovers story ticked all the right boxes--with some delicious close proximity, nursing an injured kind of/sort of/reformed(? maybe?) rake back to health, overcoming scandal, and finding love just in the nick of time (ugh, society and their ridiculous rules!) It was easy to root for these two to get together even before either of them suspected they would/should.
This story builds on the previous one, since Min is Sheff's sister and their family drama is ongoing--so I would absolutely recommend reading that one first. Actually, there is also a comeuppance for a bounder who antagonized Gwen--Evan's sister--in book 3 as well, so honestly, you might as well read the whole series. You'll thank me later :)
Plus, that way you'll be more than ready for Ellis's story once it releases! <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is a fun continuation of the family from As the Earl Likes. This one focuses on Sheff’s younger sister. Minerva, Min for short, is already being pushed around by her marriage-minded mother when she’s made fully aware of her family’s soap opera dynamics. While trying to avoid an unwanted push into marriage @ a house party, she ends up helping a family friend recover from an accident. Unfortunately the friend, Evan Price, has his own potential scandal looming. I like that as Min & Evan’s friendship grows, they confide in & help each other. They’re an easy couple to root for as they navigate things. This isn’t as much about drama between them, but more about the outside factors they have to battle to be together. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy. Can’t wait to find out where Ellis has been hiding. As we now know, the Rogue Rules only apply until they don’t. They’re probably more guidelines now :)
Rogue Rules Club, House Partys, Family Dynamics Galore: Book 5 of the series is an awesome Indepth story. Evan and Minervia take us through much turmoil before discovering that they have so much love for each other. A fantastic story that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very dramatic and dynamic ending. All of the characters were enjoyable and intriguing except this hatefully horrid mother which certainly added many insights to the Min's family dynamics. A really good romance story I truly enjoyed especially the sizzling passion that had my heart throbbing more than once. 💖Adult Advisory💋💋out of 5 📚Book Rating 4.5 rounded up to 5⭐ 🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
This is such an enjoyable friends to lovers story! Minerva is a Duke’s daughter that will not be forced into a marriage that is not a love match, and she most certainly will never marry a rogue. While attending a house party a friend’s brother is injured and she takes it upon herself to nurse him back to health. A sweet friendship is formed, that begins to turn into so much more. But she could never trust a rogue, and will not married a titled nob that she doesn’t love. Evan, our handsome rogue ( more rogue by reputation than by fact) is falling in love with Minerva but he knows that he could never be able to marry a Duke’s daughter. They have many obstacles to face before getting to their HEA, but the journey getting there was a delight!
Darcy Burke does it again, she writes a story I do not want to put down. This story is about Evan and Mini who are friends because of their siblings. They are at a house party where Evan gets hurt and Mini takes care of him and keeps him company while he is resting his ankle. While this is happening, they spend more time together and get closer and start to form feelings for each other. But there are problems, Evan does not want to get married, and Mini does not want to marry a rake. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
Loved this story. Darcy Burke never disappoints. When Min and Evan, who already know each other as his sister is Min's best friend and her brother is Evan's best friend, meet again at a house party, they get a chance to know each other better. Evan, who does stunts on horseback, loses concentration when he focuses on Min and her friends and takes a bad fall. Min steps in to "nurse" him and the rest is history. Lots of angst here with bad marriages, bad mothers, and bad rakes, but Min and Evan find out there is much more to the other than each had known. Although I received an Advanced Readers Copy, my opinions are my own and freely given.
I really enjoy Darcy Burke's books. Lady Minerva belongs to the group of ladies who does not marry rouges but some how they seem to marry and love reformed rouges. She went to a house party that her mother didn't go but she is wanting Min to find a husband there. She keeps telling her mother that she doesn't want a marriage like her parents but she wants to love her husband. Her brother's friend is there. Evan does tricks on his horse and while doing one his foot is caught in a stirrup. Min takes care of Evan while he is recovering. They find they are attracted to each other. Her mother does not want her to marry Evan because he does not have a title. There atr other things happening too.
Some authors you one click because you enjoy their writing style. Darcy Burke is one of those for me. I know with her books she will have realistic characters, a tight plot line and an enjoyable journey through the pages.
In this series we have been waiting for Min to have her day in the sun. Though I admit, a rake wasn’t in the cards for her. Until Evan walks through the door. Neither is looking for a romance, both have deep wounds that need to be healed. They know their relationship needs to be one of friendship. But their chemistry is undeniable, and what happens next. Whoo whee!