Her Rake Fiancé: Dukes and Secrets, Book 2

Dukes and Secrets #2

by Mariah Stone, Shane East (Narrator), Justine Eyre (Narrator)

Powerful lord. Infamous rake. Forced into a fake engagement with a wallflower…that leads to true love.

Lord Richard Seaton will do anything to find his missing brother—even confront criminal lord Thorne Blackmore. Thorne’s price for information? Something Richard’s wounded heart vowed never to marriage. And not to one of the stunning debutantes chasing him but to Thorne’s bluestocking sister, Jane.

Shunned by the ton thanks to her scandalous brother, Miss Jane Grant runs a school that saves Whitechapel children from the gallows. Unwilling to abandon her students for marriage, a fake engagement is her only escape.

Jane offers to dig up the information Richard needs before the wedding. But they must keep their deal a secret or endanger Richard’s family and face Thorne’s wrath.

Narrated by the award-winning narrator, Audie finalist, and Earphones for excellence in narration winner, Shane East, and Justine Eyre, a classically trained actor and narrator has been honored to receive a coveted Audie Award and multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency Romance

Audible Audio

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!

Reviews

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved It! From the first page to the last you will spellbound by Her Rake Fiancé. Mariah Stone's stories are always interesting with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end. It's emotional ride that keeps you that keeps you turning the pages, passion and great dialogue with a few parts that will have you laughing. Ahhh...the game of love can be a tangled web for Lord Richard Seaton as he looks for answers of his brother who the family thought dead. The only person who would know is criminal lord Thorne Blackmore who will only answer Lord Richard's questions if he agrees to the one thing Blackmore demands of him, to marry his sister, Jane Grant. What's a confirmed Rake to do... agree to the marriage. The plot brims with tension building twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next that bring this read together perfectly!

[Sisis Cálix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este está mejor que el anterior y al menos aquí no se llaman por el título (creo que porque el protagonista no menciona si tiene título) eso sí no son nada desagradables y quiero saber que pasó con Spencer.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariah Stone is a new author for me and this is only my 3rd book by her. I couldn't put Book 1 down it was so good, so decided to get the complete series. I don't read book descriptions so I have no idea what I'm reading when I start a book but I assume it will be about some of the characters from previous books :). Makes for a more interesting read, I think. :)

I enjoyed this story. Not my favorite of the 3 so far. I just wasn't feeling the characters as much as the other books. Richard and Jane were written well and the story written well, I just felt they had no chemistry and she seemed super boring. Even though he was in the other books, he didn't have a huge role so you didn't really know much about him and still didn't know much in this one. Excited to read the next two books.

[Catherine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I have to admit that I’m hooked on this series by Mariah Stone. The biggest secret of the series thus far being the unanswered question of what exactly happened to Spencer Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton…

The two main characters in this story are Lord Richard Seaton, Spencer’s youngest brother and Miss Jane Grant. She’s the legitimate daughter of a baron but her illegitimate older brother Thorne Blackmore’s notorious reputation effects her standing with the aristocracy. Thorne enters into a bargain with Lord Richard that he hopes will rectify this and restore Jane to her rightful place amongst the ton. Jane just wants to teach the children of Whitechapel. The resulting Cinderella-like storyline is a page turner that leaves the reader wanting more.

I know I personally can not wait for the next installment in the Seaton family saga!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Richard Seaton will do anything to find his missing brother—even confront criminal lord Thorne Blackmore. Thorne’s price for information? Marriage to Thorne’s bluestocking sister, Jane.
Miss Jane Grant runs a school that saves Whitechapel children from the gallows. Unwilling to abandon her students for marriage, a fake engagement is her only escape. Jane offers to dig up the information Richard needs before the wedding. But they must keep their deal a secret or endanger Richard’s family and face Thorne’s wrath.
The second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I highly recommend reading in order as this is turning out to be a very good series indeed. Strong characters & a very well paced storyline had me hooked. In fact I was drawn in from the start & read it straight through. I loved both Richard & Jane & loved their journey to a HEA littered as it was with twists & turns. I love it when a wallflower tames a rake!
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Holly Ortega · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good , not great

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She, Jane Grant, with her missing steps and her blushing cheeks and her nervous, shaking hands. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. The kindest, bravest heart. A princess among thieves, commanding children, dogs, and men armed with knives.

4.5 stars!

I loved the beginning of this novel so much! This story continues the quest that began in book 1 with Preston, the new Duke, searching for his brother, Spencer. Richard, the third brother, is determined to find out where Spencer is no matter the cost--which is how he ends up engaged to Thorne Blackmore's sister. Richard believes Thorne to be responsible for Spencer's disappearance, so Thorne leverages his sister's acceptance into society via Richard for information regarding his brother. And thus the pretend courtship between Jane Grant and Richard Seaton begins.

I loved how organically and effortlessly the attraction begins. Both Jane and Richard feel like outcasts in their own world and struggle to find their place. Richard was such a sweetheart. Even though he has had his heart broken once before and is loath to love again, he cannot help but fall for Jane's strength and caring nature. However just like book 1, I found myself frustrated with how apathetic the heroine came across during their "breakup scene". My heart broke for sweet Richard when Jane literally crushes his hope and love, and her apology did not make up for it. I would have liked a more substantial ending, but overall I enjoyed this one and look forward to Calliope's book🖤

Tropes: fake relationship, marriage of convenience, cinnamon-roll rake hero, outcast heroine, he falls first, hurt/comfort, class difference, opposites attract, murder mystery, found family, will they/won't they, slow burn, steamy🔥

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

I enjoyed this story overall. It was a good addition to the series. I think I was looking forward to it a little too much though because I don't feel like it lived up to my hype. It was insta love, fake engagement, and arranged marriage. This all sounds weird put together, but it did work for this book. I just kind of wish it wasn't so much insta love. I'm not saying that I hate that trope, since it's the story of my life, I just wanted a little more from it if that makes sense. Overall, I did enjoy the book and think it was a good addition to the series. I'm excited to see what's next.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you a thousand times over to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!!

“He was the embodiment of her every romantic fantasy”

“I find myself wishing to become a bad boy as long as I have a governess such as you to teach me manners.”

“Can you not see,” he murmured as he kissed her face, “that I want to give you as much pleasure and happiness as you can take.”

As expected after falling in love with the first book in this series … I found this one absolutely amazing! It felt like the perfect continuation in a story that gripped me from the first page and for a family that completely caught me off-guard with their wit and their reciprocal love and devotion. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other and for their loved ones and once again they all proved it to me. In a book about forced marriage that then becomes marriage of convenience, with forced proximity and spicy times, we also have enemies to lovers and he DEFINITELY falls first!! This time it was Richard’s time and when he met Jane … I’m sure he was not expecting to fall for her so deeply and irrevocably. He was a rake and a rascal but at the same time he was such a cinnamon roll who was left heartbroken once that I just couldn’t help but fall for him !!!! And Jane … that young woman was such an inspiration and so so sweet and so naive sometimes but also so strong in her believes and her love for her brother (guess he did deserve it in her eyes) and for the people she loves. She is determined to create a better life for people without the means to achieve it and it’s so amazing to read. Also when it comes to the romance … this book was the definition of a slow burn !!! Nothing happens … but then everything does and it was so well built !!!! I loved every second of torture I felt with these two!!!
Romance aside though, I loved how more in-depth the author went into the whole Spencer’s drama and mystery and I honestly can’t wait until the next book in this series !!!

“And he realized, with a terrifying clarity, that he was falling for her.”

“Though it wasn’t truly an obligation anymore—far from it. Seeing her had become as necessary as breathing.”

“You’re mine. You’ll always be mine. Mine to love, to cherish, mine to marry.”

[Mel Weisbecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheeeesh I am a sucker for historical romance!

I don’t know why because I genuinely despise the constraints and judgments of The Ton but maybe that is why I enjoy these novels so much because they are usually stories of moving within them.

Classic tropes include arranged marriage, social turmoil, fake relationship.

This story in particular has an amazing, headstrong, caring fmc who wants to make her own way in the world helping kids as a teacher regardless of what anybody else has to think about it. The way she goes after what she wants and still sees herself as shy is very relatable!

The author did a fantastic job at making you sympathize with the mmc despite his rake-ish ways and his seemingly devil-may-care attitude. Which is not easy to do with me!

I actually adore all the character building and connecting happening and can’t wait to see how everyone’s stories continue on together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hope Vollm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I was sold at fake relationship. And this one was so good.

I loved the whole plot. Jane has opened a school for children in whitechapel with the help of her kind of… criminal overlord brother. Richard literally stumbles in looking for said brother. Because Richard is looking for his brother. Anyway, the criminal overlord brother says he will only help if Richard and Jane get married so she can take her place in society that she lost when their father died.

Richard and Jane decide to pretend to be engaged while trying to find out about his brother and also convincing everyone they are engaged.

I liked both characters a lot. Jane had such a passion and purpose and that was really good to read. She was super likable. Richard was trying to find his purpose and I really liked that as well. I’m excited to see what happens with that in future books! I felt like their relationship was really believable and I was excited to see how it played out.

Ask, low key hope Thorne gets a book.

Thanks to Mariah Stone for an arc! All thoughts and opinions are honest!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Rake Fiancé by Mariah Stone is the roguish story of Richard and Jane. His brother was presumed dead…but, new information indicates...perhaps not! The information will only be provided under one condition, Richard must marry Jane.

This was an unexpected treasure of a story!! I don’t normally care much for historical romance, but this one captured me, heart and soul! Jane is almost spinsterish. Richard is a rogue and a rake. Lots of tension and shocks!! Thoroughly enjoyable read!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book follows on from the first book it can easily be read and enjoyed it you haven’t read book one.

The book’s description says it all
“Powerful lord. Infamous rake. Forced into a fake engagement with a wallflower…that leads to true love”

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested the whole time.

I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.

[Jenna Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the first book and the writing was definitely better

[BarbarAzza Brioscina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I regency salva domenica

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Worth Reading This One!
Gosh! Another wonderful story in this series. This time its about Richard and Jane and their families and how they work to overcome all obstacles in their path to reach their happy ever after.
This fast paced story is really well written and it has some very interesting characters going about their business to bring us an absolutely un-put-downable book.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and my voluntary review is recorded above.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing from the first in this series, the story is about a couple who do not feel like they belong. She is intelligent, caring and will work for the betterment of poor children. He is on a mission to find his brother but he is also compassionate and protector. Together, they have to navigate the complications of love, society and family loyalty. The secondary characters are intriguing enough to have their own story and the mystery of the missing brother continues! Excellent series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book two of the series and carries on the timeline after book 1, following the story of Lord Richard Seaton after the shocking discovery that their older brother, thought to have been killed months prior, may actually be alive. Thorne Blackmore, notorious crime lord, who runs the notorious hell and brothel, Elysium, had been hired to arrange for the beating of his eldest brother, Spencer. They had believed that beating lead to his death, but it has come to light that the body found in Spencer's clothes was not that of Spencer, and Richard is determined to confront Thorne and get information.

Richard is the third son of the Seaton family, and as such, feels rather useless, neither the heir nor the spare, nor the adored only daughter. He seems to suffer from a lack of identity/purpose, and perhaps feels a bit unloved, especially after having had his heart broken when he caught his fiancee betraying him years before. Since then, he has bandaged his broken heart, and purposelessness through drink, and slutting about with the widows and unhappy wives of Society. It is unfortunate that he decides to confront Thorne after a night of such debauchery as he gets lost in Elysium and ends up storming into the back of the building, where Thorne had built a schoolhouse for the Whitechapel children, for his sister, Miss Jane Grant.

When the handsome, but obviously rather used-looking lord invades her schoolroom, Jane is less than impressed, having already had a rough and chaotic morning with a room full of misbehaving children who see no value in being in school. Jane is the legitimate daughter of a baron, and the beloved half sister of Thorne. After the death of her father, she lost her home as Thorne could not inherit as he was not legitimate, but he made sure that his sister was cared for. However, they soon found out that because of her association with the crime lord, she was rejected by "polite" Society. But neither did she belong in Whitechapel either, being seen as too good, a princess, but also untouchable as the sister of the powerful Thorne Blackmore. Jane is dreadfully lonely, and wanted to have a greater purpose. When she observes the lives of the children in Whitechapel, she is determined to try to give them an education to help them rise above their poverty, than turn to a hard life such as thieving, which, if caught, could lead to young children being hung for the crime.

When Richard finally confronts Thorne, he finds that Thorne decides to bargain for the information. If Richard wants to know what he knows about Spencer's disappearance, he has to marry Thorne's sister Jane, and help reintroduce her to Society and the lifestyle she is supposed to live. Richard and Jane are aghast at this plan, but are left with no real other options by Thorne. Richard does not want to marry and give up his lifestyle - he no longer believes in love and wants nothing to do with marriage. Jane feels she does not belong in his world anymore, and knows that if she were to wed, she would not be able to continue with her dream to help the children of Whitechapel be educated and have a chance at a better future. They decide to work together, with Richard pretending to be the doting fiance and taking Jane about, while Jane seeks the information he needs.

As they spend time together though, Richard sees Jane's strength and beauty and starts to fall for her, coming to realize that he loves her more than he ever loved his previous fiancee, and starts to want a future with her, despite their plan to break the engagement. Jane likewise starts to fall for Richard as well, but continues to see herself being rejected by Society because of her relationship with Thorne, and she refuses to give up her brother, and refuses to taint Richard and his family by association.

I enjoyed this story until the last quarter where Thorne and Richard have a significant confrontation leading to a duel. I just did not buy into Thorne's outrage or motivations for his confrontation. First he wants Richard to marry Jane and manipulated them into that situation. Then in the end, he feels Richard ruined Jane therefore Jane will not marry Richard? Which would actually ruin her more in the eyes of Society, which he wanted her to be a part of again? Especially not that Richard has fallen in love with her, wants to marry her, and Thorne apparently loves Jane and wants her to be happy??? But now Thorne tears them apart, and forces Jane to be further exiled from Society as well as be apart from the man she has fallen for?? I was good on the story except for that part of it.

Also, there is a cute terrier gifted to Jane by her brother, so sweet and his name is Hercules - I am always a sucker for a cute dog. He has some significant presence in the beginning, but then sort of fades away later in the story. That was a bit of a let down for me, being insanely in love with animals in stories that I am.

The mystery of Spencer gets some new facets in this story, but is in no way solved, but obviously moved along, possibly with some new characters and the desire for involvement by other members of the Seaton family, which leads me to want to read the next book in the series.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Annis-Bücherstapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sehr unterhaltsamer historischer Liebesroman…

Miss Jane Grant ist die Tochter des verstorbenen Lord Grant, jedoch wird sie aufgrund ihrer Herkunft und dem Ruf ihres Bruders in der Gesellschaft gemieden. Das missfällt Thorne und so nutzt er die sich ihm bietende Möglichkeit, Jane an Richard, Bruder eines Dukes, zu binden. Jane ist davon gar nicht so begeistert, denn sie baut gerade eine Schule für arme Kinder auf. Sie kann sich gar nicht vorstellen, die liebe Ehefrau zu spielen. Außerdem hat Richard den Ruf eines Lebemannes. Was sollte er mit der schüchternen Jane anfangen können?

Jane mochte ich von Anfang an. Sie ist gebildet. Sie weiß, was sie will und sie sagt, was sie denkt. Sie setzt sich für die Armen ein und möchte den Kindern eine gute Bildung ermöglichen, um ihren andere Chancen zu eröffnen, jedoch ist das als Frau in der vorherrschenden Zeit gar nicht so einfach. Aber Jane gibt nicht auf und man kann spüren, wie viel Spaß sie an ihrem Job hat, auch wenn es eine ganz schöne Herausforderung ist. Im Umgang mit Richard fand ich Jane niedlich. Zwar war sie einerseits ein wenig eingeschüchtert, hat es sich andererseits aber versucht, nicht anmerken zu lassen. Mir hat gut gefallen, dass sie versucht hat, sich ein eigenes Bild von Richard zu machen, auch wenn sein Ruf ihm vorausgeeilt ist. Jane reflektiert sich und wächst an ihren Herausforderungen und sie ist unheimlich sympathisch.

Richard mochte ich auch. Er soll ein Lebemann sein, jedoch habe ich ihn so nicht wahrgenommen. Vielmehr hat er ein ziemlich großes Herz und versucht seine Lieben zu beschützen. Um seinen Bruder zu retten, würde er auch eine Ehe mit der Tochter von Thorne eingehen, einem der berüchtigsten Verbrecher der Stadt. Schnell gelingt es Richard hinter die Fassade von Jane zu sehen und erkennt, dass sie etwas Besonderes ist und anders als die Frauen des ton. Wie er sie neckt und umwirbt fand ich niedlich und unterhaltsam. Aber es dauert auch einen Moment bis er sich auf seine Gefühle einlässt. Doch er lernt seine größte Lektion. Auch Richard ist äußerst sympathisch.

Alle anderen Figuren haben mir auch gut gefallen. Es gibt ein Wiedersehen mit Preston und Penelope, aber auch Calliope. Ich freue mich sehr darauf noch von ihr zu hören. Sie ist eine interessante Figur. Aber auch Thorne fand ich interessant und seine Entwicklung hat mir gefallen.

Die Handlung fand ich sehr gelungen. Es wurde eine ansteigende Spannungskurve mit vielen kleineren und größeren Konflikten entwickelt. Mich hat es durchweg im Buch gehalten und ich fand es zu keiner Zeit langweilig. Die Entwicklung der Liebesgeschichte hat mich sehr gut unterhalten und ich finde die beiden passen auch fantastisch zusammen. Die gewählten Themen fand ich interessant und gut bearbeitet und das Ende hat mir gut gefallen und hat mich zufrieden zurückgelassen. Zwar ist es grundsätzlich eine in sich geschlossene Geschichte, doch dreht sie die Reihe um den verschollenen Bruder und so wird die weitere Suche im Grunde angekündigt.

Der Schreibstil gefällt mir sehr. Alles liest sich sehr flüssig und angenehm. Sprachlich passt es super in das Genre und zu dieser Geschichte. Die Dialoge sind unterhaltsam und authentisch und machen die Figuren noch lebendiger. Die Beschreibungen der Settings und die atmosphärischen Beschreibungen haben mich in die Geschichte eintauchen lassen. Alles ist sehr detailreich und bildhaft beschrieben. Und auch die Darstellung der emotionalen eben fand ich sehr gelungen. Ich konnte mich super in die Figuren hineinversetzen und sie in ihrem Denken und Handeln nachvollziehen.

Von mir erhält dieses Buch eine ganz klare Kaufempfehlung (5/5 Sterne), weil Jane und Richard super sympathisch und ein niedlicher Pärchen sind, weil die Handlung unterhaltsam ist und weil Settings und Atmosphäre sehr bildhaft und lebendig beschrieben wurden. Außerdem macht der Schreibstil einfach Spaß.

Vielen Dank an Mariah Stone und Sandra Latoscynski für diese Geschichte.

[Nazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in Mariah Stone’s Dukes and Secrets series, Her Rake Fiance is a great addition to the series. Following on from the surprise plot point at the end of the first book, Lord Richard Seaton is on a quest to find information that will lead him to his missing eldest brother. After having thought him dead, Richard will do anything to discover what happened to his beloved brother. His trail leads him to the lord of the criminal underworld – Thorne Blackmore. Blackmore is dangerous but his price for more information is truly shocking – he demands that Richard will marry his sister to give her the respectable life she deserves. Backed into a corner Richard agrees but Miss Jane Grant is not at all what he expected her to be.
Miss Jane Grant has been shunned by polite society ever since her father died and she made her home in Whitechapel with her illegitimate half-brother Thorne. She is happy where she is and has finally realised her dream of opening a school for the children of the slums. She absolutely does not want to marry the rakish Lord Richard. Coming up with a plan to fake their engagement while Jane secretly tries to get hold of the information before the wedding, both Jane and Richard realise that maybe they are not ill matched at all. But can they both overcome their uncertainties and Thorne’s wrath to achieve their happy ever after?
I really enjoyed Richard and Jane’s story. Richard is seen as the typical rake about town but the story peels away the layers and we see the man beneath. Jane is a great heroine. She was very young when she lost everything and had to adjust to life in a completely different world. She is determined to make a difference in the life of the less privileged. I loved that she made Richard see that his life could have a purpose. Their romance developed over the course of the book and their gradual falling in love was natural. I loved that Richard realised his feelings first but his delay in declaring himself was believable. Jane’s reluctance to give up her perceived security with her brother was also understandable.
The mystery surrounding Spencer’s disappearance is the thread that links the series and each addition adds another clue. This really adds another dimension to the story. I loved the development of the secondary characters – especially Calliope and the mysterious Thorne – and the introduction of intriguing new characters like the Nightshade twins, Brace and Lord Kelford.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Mariah is a new author to me starting with All Duke and Bothered and I am really enjoying the world she is creating.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One should read book one first before starting this book. This series has a mystery of what happened to Spencer, the former Duke of Grandhampton. Starting with book one we get clues that help lead us to the answer. Each book is also about a couple that may or may not find what they need and have a happy ending. This second book is about Lord Richard Seaton, one of Spencer's brothers. He will do anything to help find his brother even to the Lord of Whitechapel, Lord Thorne Blackmore. The King of the underground. Richard knows that Thornes men did something to his brother and means to find out what. What he did not except was a marriage offer in return for the information! Thorne’s love of his life is his sister. She is a bluestocking miss who lives half in the light of the ton and half on the wrong side in white chapel. Thorne wants her to be welcome in society which he never will be. If she was to marry the wealthy and know the family of a Duke, her place in the ton would be set. A couple of major problems with this plan, Jane doesn’t care about the ton at all. She wants to help people, mostly children, to have a better life. She wants to set up a school and teach the children of the poor to read and write so they can have a better life. As June and Richard find themselves stuck in Thorne’s game, they both come up with their own plan. With the help of June] s dog, Hercules and the children of her school using some of things she picked up by watching Thornes. Both set out to find answers about Spencer. Neither planned nor thought where this new plan may take them. Or what would happen if her brother found out. As they spend time together their views and thoughts of the other change and so does their plan just a little too late to stop the wrong people from finding out. Ruining everything. This is a fast paced read with lots of action, passion, love and misunderstanding. Loved the characters, Thornes men, Brace, Morgan and Tristan are great. All of Richard’s brothers, sister and family. Jane’s friends from Whitechapel and mostly the children... will make you laugh and cry. This book has a lot of steam for those who like to know. I received an ARC and want to thank the author. I can’t wait to see whose story next. I 'am guessing it will be Calliope, Richards very un-ton like sister. You don’t want to miss this series it will keep your heart and mind involved. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers should read the first in this series; otherwise, the connective tissue that links these books will be lost.]. This book follows “All Duke and Bothered” in which Preston Seaton finds out that his eldest brother Spencer has not been murdered, after the family exhumed the body of a stranger. The mystery surrounding his whereabouts is hoped to be discovered through the last person reported to have Spencer roughed up - Thorne Blackmore, owner of Elysian. The youngest brother, Lord Richard Seaton, readily agrees to take on the task of finding Spencer, the former Duke of Grandhampton.
Initially reluctant to share any information regarding Spencer, Thorne Blackmore makes Lord Richard an interesting proposition - a match between two worlds, Mayfair and Whitechapel. Thorne asks Richard to marry his sister, Miss Jane Grant, so that she might take her rightful place in the ton, instead of being being further ingrained in the slums of Whitechapel, where he rules. Jane and Richard acquiesce. On the day of the wedding, Richard will lose his freedom but gain information on his missing brother and Jane will lose her new school in Whitechapel. Neither is happy about the current arrangement, but the couple make their own secret deal.

I will not spoil this wonderfully constructed novel with any further information, other than that which can be found in the first 2 chapters. Stone will have readers slowly turning pages to savor all the details about Richard and Jane’s disinterest in each other evolve into a slow burn passion. 💕. Readers will also enjoy learning about Jane’s brief childhood with her beloved brother and Richard’s love of his own family but uncertainty of his place within it. Once again, the author depicts terrific characters: a lovely, charming, prim Jane Grant whose dream is to educate the children of Whitechapel, and the rudderless, broken hearted Richard who finally heals that heart and realizes his own dream. There are numerous other interesting characters that support the richness of this novel: Thorne’s henchmen, the children at Jane’s school, and her dog Homer. This is a real treat and equally as good as the first novel in this series, if not better. Well worth 5 ⭐️, if not more ✨.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly Written Regency

I've read this author for years, and I really enjoyed her quirky and fun Highland time-travel romance series. Unfortunately, so far, I have not yet enjoyed either book I've read in this Regency series. Compared to the Highlander books, these are exceedingly poorly written. So much so that I actually wonder if a hired ghostwriter instead of the listed author wrote them herself. The tone and the understanding of the Regency world—including its manners and language—are so poor that I actually don't want to think this formerly beloved author has fallen so low. I know that the contemporary trend for self-published writers is to crank one out once a month or so, but if this series is truly written by the author, I suggest she takes some time off to study Regency manners, outfits, language, history, and everything she can get her hands on about the era. This book had some glaring errors, ones that literally made my eyes go wide and my eyebrows fly toward my hairline. One absolute gaff is having the heroine grab the sleeves of the hero's waistcoat. Umm, waistcoats don't have sleeves! They are vests … completely sleeveless. Multiple times, too, the characters think or speak a phrase that would not have existed in Regency times. They would not have used that particular phrase, given that the concept did not exist back then. Whenever I read those, I was jolted back to the modern world, something I don't want to do while I'm reading a Regency. As with the first book, she also got Regency manners completely wrong. In their meet-cute, the hero and heroine suddenly fly off the handle with each other, saying things people raised by aristocratic parents just would not say when speaking to another member of the Upper 10,000. The author also leaves too many things dangling. The heroine's brother apparently has some sort of deal with his sister that makes her go with his wishes on something she is foursquare against. I don't remember seeing this discussed, so it just made little sense. Regency is an immensely popular subgenre of romance, but this is such a poorly written one—even if it is by an esteemed author—that I in no way feel I can recommend it.

I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Jane Grant is trying to start a school for the children of the poor near the exclusive gentleman’s club, Elysian, which was owned by her brother Thorne who was born outside of wedlock, while she was born inside it. Now that her father, the Baron had passed around when she was 16, Thorne took her in and made sure that she was safe. His men all loved her because she read to them. Her dog, Hercules is very protective of her and one of the men that works for her brother, Reuben is watching over her with the children who are telling her to go back to Mayfair. Most of the kids should be working on the streets, as pickpockets and other things, which this schooling could save them from, because being caught, will lead to a hanging. Although, true, it was heartbreaking to see in the book. All of the people in Whitechapel knew who she was and that she was Thorne Blackmore’s sister.

Lord Richard, youngest brother of of the Duke of Grandhampton, they thought the eldest brother, Spencer was dead, when Preston became Duke. However, they have found out that he is not dead and are looking for clues on where to find him. He makes a deal with Thorne- marry Jane and Thorne will tell Lord Richard what he knows of what happened to Spencer. Jane doesn’t want to marry but as her brother is the last of her family, she figures she can talk Richard out of it later on. Richard is supposed to introduce her to the ton. We learn about a past engagement that went sour for Richard a few years ago. Jane wants to help the children of Whitechapel so that she doesn’t have to see children on gallows.

I was entirely fascinated by everything that happened in the book and not much was found out about what happened to Spencer, although it gave them a direction to look into. The women of the Duke’s family want to help, but of course, the menfolk don’t want them to get involved because it is ‘dangerous’. I want books about Thorne and his men, they are all fascinating and something about Ruby as well. Lol.

I can’t wait to find out what happened to Spencer and what happens in the next books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tkmla · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Verlobt mit einem Rake“ von Mariah Stone ist der zweite Band ihrer mitreißenden Regency Romance Reihe Dukes & Secrets.
Lord Richard Seaton würde alles dafür tun, um eine Spur zu seinem vermissten Bruder Spencer zu finden, sogar die Schwester des berüchtigten Herrschers der Londoner Unterwelt heiraten. Lady Jane Grant lebte einst in Mayfair, denn sie ist die Tochter eines Barons. Doch nach dem Tod ihres Vaters ging ihr Erbe an die Krone und nur ihr älterer Halbbruder kümmerte sich aufopferungsvoll um sie. Mittlerweile ist Whitechapel ihr Zuhause, wo sie mit den ihr möglichen Mitteln die Lebensumstände der Menschen verbessern will. Ein Ehemann wäre da nur ein ärgerliches Hindernis. Also schließt Jane mit Richard einen eigenen Pakt, damit beide diese Zwangsverlobung so schnell wie möglich lösen können.

Man kann das Buch zwar unabhängig vom Vorgänger lesen, aber für das komplette Lesevergnügen und die gesamten Zusammenhänge, würde ich schon empfehlen, die vorgesehene Reihenfolge einzuhalten. Mariah Stone erzählt mit leichtem und flüssigen Schreibstil die spannende Geschichte der Familie Seaton weiter, die ungewollt ständig in Intrigen gerät.
Richard ist der jüngste Sohn der Seatons, der eigentlich nie irgendwelche Erwartungen erfüllen musste. Doch das macht sein Leben nicht unbedingt einfacher, wie man vielleicht anfangs glauben würde. Sein Herz hat er nach einer tiefen Enttäuschung fest verschlossen und nie im Leben hätte er gedacht, dass ausgerechnet ein unscheinbarer Blaustrumpf diesen Vorsatz ändern würde.
Jane ist ein herzensguter Mensch und es ist traurig, wie die Londoner Gesellschaft mit ihr umgeht. Sie macht aber das Beste daraus und hat längst ihren eigenen Platz im Leben gefunden. Ich mag sie unglaublich gern und wünschte ihr dringend ein Happy End, wie auch immer das auch aussehen möge.
Die Handlung ist spannend aufgebaut und auch die Lovestory von Jane und Richard ist wunderschön erzählt. Ich habe mit allen mitgefiebert und bin nun sehr neugierig, wie es mit der Familie weitergehen wird.

Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!

[Jessica Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was another fantastic read by Mariah Stone. I am absolutely in love with this series and I devoured this book in two days!

This story is a continuation, of sorts, from the events that happen in Book 1, All Duke and Bothered. Each couple gets their own story, but an overarching plotline starts in Book 1 and continues throughout.

After the discovery in book 1, Richard’s family is seeking answers and they’ve tasked Richard with finding them. When he meets with Thorne Blackstone, instead of answers he leaves engaged to Thorne’s sister Jane with the promise that if the wedding happens, answers will be given.

Jane doesn’t feel like she belongs in Richard’s world and gets Richard to agree to breaking off the engagement if she can get him the answers he’s looking for before their wedding date. However, the more time they spend together, the harder it is for them to admit that they’re not falling for each other.

I fell head over heels for Richard and Jane in this story! I loved that Richard fell first! I loved seeing Penelope and Preston again, and getting to know Calliope a little more. Her story is next and I'm so excited to see what adventures lie in wait. Not sure for her, but for the entire Seaton family!

I also really enjoyed the side characters that were introduced in this series. The way Mariah wrote them, and how involved they were in this story, makes me wonder what Mariah has up her sleeves for their characters; in future books in this series, or a completely new series!

After two books, Mariah has become a one-click author for me!

If you enjoy regency romance, I highly recommend you check this series out. I can’t wait to read more about the Seatons in future books!

Thank you Mariah for the advance copy!

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Dukes and Secrets series and the big question still is, "what in the world happened the night the Duke of Grandhampton reportedly was killed by a gang of thugs? Spencer Seaton, the deceased duke may not be deceased at all, his family has just discovered it was not his body that they buried last year but that of a stranger and there is only one person that can shed some light on the subject, the notorious criminal overlord, Thorne Blackmore. But when Spencer's brother, Richard, seeks to find Thorne at his nightclub he winds up with way more than he bargained for. Richard comes out of his meeting betrothed to Thorne's sister Jane! Jane is a spinster that once moved in the society of dukes and well bred ladies, but after her baron father died Jane has had to live with her brother Thorne, the Baron's illegitimate son and brothel owner. This has ruined Jane as far as proper society is concerned. Not seeing anyway in which she would become betrothed Jane dedicates herself to establishing a school in the ghettos of Whitechapel for the children of the poor, herself being the teacher at the school. She is not interested in marriage, especially marriage to an arrogant rogue like Richard Seaton. This is the beginning of a turbulent couple of weeks as Thorne has mandated a wedding as soon as possible for the unhappy couple.

This book builds on the first in the series and though it can be read as a stan-alone I recommend reading them in order so as to get the complete overview of the plot and the dynamics amongst the characters.

This installment is as entertaining as the first, the chemistry is thick and sizzles between Richard and Jane. I was caught from the beginning and read it in one day, now I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.

I give 5 stars and recommend highly! Thank you to Mariah Stone and to Book Sirens for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. That said, there is a mystery that will cover the series that begins in book one. If a reader begins with book two, there are spoilers about the beginning of the mystery presented in book one. This book is written in third person.
Richard has spent the last five years as a rake. After having his heart broken, he behaved unlike a gentleman should. Now he is willing to do anything to get the information regarding his brother, Spencer. He will even marry a criminal’s sister. What most don’t realize, but Jane uncovers, is that under the rakish mask, Richard is a romantic with a hurt and vulnerable heart. Jane is intelligent, driven, and working toward her higher purpose of helping the poor in Whitechapel where she resides with her brother. I honestly loved her character. She was a surprise to Lord Richard as well. He never expected to fall for Jane or anyone else ever again. Her wit, fierce independence, passion, and compassion amazes and inspires him. Good relationships bring out the best in both partners. Jane inspires Richard to think beyond his privilege while Richard helps Jane blossom in the society where she has never been welcomed. Richard is protective of Jane but quickly realizes that she is no damsel in distress. She is a tough cookie that impresses him at every turn.
There are moments of passion and a couple of open-door intimate scenes. What I loved even more though was how just a slight touch of their hands against each other was enough to ignite flames. The writing of the story was beautiful. The plot was interesting. The characters were likeable and fun. I look forward to more books in the series and to seeing the mystery solved.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard is a gentlemanly hero.

Richard Seton has learned his older brother (the late) Duke of Grandhampton is alive! He will do anything to find him, even agree to marry the criminal Thorne Blackmoore’s sister Jane Grant. Jane has been shunned by the ton because of her relationship with Thorne her half-brother. She has found a calling in schooling the children of Whitechapel in hopes they will be able to overcome their situation and save their lives. She is not eager to return to the ton and has no intention of marriage. She proposes a fake engagement to Richard, and he accepts, mostly because he has no desire to marry after experiencing his own heartbreak.

I really enjoyed this quick-paced fake engagement with an element of suspense as Richard and Jane try to find information on his missing brother before the deadline of their wedding day. I’m addicted to this series and the added element of suspense to find out where Spencer Seton is has kept me enthralled, and I can't wait for the next story. Ms. Stone writes wonderful characters that captivate me from the beginning and hold on to me through the end. They are easy to like and connect with. I loved Jane, she bloomed from wallflower to what one could only call a bad a$$ of the Regency era. She can save herself and has a mission to do good for others. Richard won my heart from the beginning. Trying to do the right thing for his family and face the dangerous Thorne and the unknown, plus his buried heart of gold made me melt. The supporting characters are multifaceted, and I would love to see Thorne have his HEA. I want to solve the mystery of Spencer and learn his story. I’m also excited for Georgia’s story; she’s going to be a handful. I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

👩‍🏫School teacher in the slum or belle of the ton?

3.5-4🌟 stars
Loved the school children from impoverished families and the idea of heroine Jane's redemption from ignominy by her fake engagement bargain with Richard, brother of a duke and a man beset with feelings of inadequacy after his prior fiancee's cool betrayal and his bottom ranking in his aristocratic family's pecking order.

Richard was, for me, the more appealing of the two and he shows remarkable flexibility and acceptance to Jane's aspirations and feelings. Jane's older half-brother Thorne, who runs a scandalous nightclub, is an odd mixture of protective, indulgent family and spoiler as his actions, especially when related to Jane's acceptance by high society, often have an opposite, ruinous effect. His reckless actions brought the drama.

And, yes, there is definitely a scene in this Regency romance that harkens back to a famous shopping scene from the movie romance Pretty Woman. I'd say most of the plot and dialogue are Regency with some contemporary notes creeping in and a few steamy scenes to add spice.

I liked the story but found some of it OTT, particularly the last scene with Richard and Jane. Hot and heavy, fine, but the timing and setting totally made me shake my head in disbelief!

Yes, I hope to continue reading the series because I want to know what's happened to oldest brother Spencer and hope to learn more about how things fare with Jane and Richard further down the line. I like that the main characters in this series are closely connected but their stories can be read as standalone (apart from the mystery of Spencer's fate).

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.