When the Marquess Needed Me

by Lydia Lloyd

The Marquess of Leith is notorious for never keeping a mistress longer than two weeks. While society views his rule as evidence of his depravity, he sees it as the best way of ensuring that his personal affairs remain neat and tidy. Therefore, when his best friend, Montaigne, asks Leith to take Miss Beatrice Salisbury as his next mistress, everything in him protests. Beatrice is too rustic, too opinionated, and far too shrewd.

Ever since she was ruined six years ago, Beatrice Salisbury has been living happily in the country with her mother and siblings, free from the constraints of society. But now financial calamity has struck, and her ancestral home is in jeopardy. So she turns to the only money-making scheme within her becoming a courtesan.

From the beginning of their stint as man and mistress, nothing goes according to plan. Leith is not at all the libertine Beatrice imagined, and her appetites awaken wild desires that he has long denied. Soon, their physical entanglement has become so much more—but will they be able to make their love last for more than a fortnight?

Genres: Historical Romance

406 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2025

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot]

A little birdie told me this one had an MMC with below average assets and I’m am beyond intrigued.

[Lan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW?!? I will read anything that Lydia Lloyd writes. After reading Monty and Olivia’s story I was NOT a Leith fan. And yet, somehow he is so loveable?? His flaws and poor decisions make sense once you understand him a bit more. Beatrice may be my favorite FMC. She’s whipsmart and knows exactly what she wants. Swoon. Truly everyone who enjoys historical romance (or even just romance!!!) should read this series.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my 4th book by Lydia Lloyd but I have really loved all the other books in this series. They were so well written and a great read so was super excited to see another from this series come out. There are so many authors I've read that had 1 book come out in a series and then never had a book 2 which is so weird to me. She is too good not to be writing more.

I really liked this book. It was a fun read. I liked Beatrice and Leith and how they were with each other. I liked that she brought him out of his shell. It's funny when I went into my personal document to write a note about this book, I saw for Book 3, I had written good read; liked a lot; tons of sex. That is exactly what I was going to write in my review :) Overall a good series and a good read.

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

I have been anxiously awaiting the last Rank Rake’s story since we first met this foursome. Known as the tastemaker when it comes to mistresses, Leith only keeps a courtesan for 2-weeks. When his best friend Monty asks him to help out a distant cousin by taking her on as a mistress, Leith knows from the start this will be a problem. Bridget is not like any woman he’s met before and he can tell from first blush she might be the one to completely unman him.

Leith & Beatrice
Leith is so different from his fellow rakes, his aversion to mess and general stuffy attitude have been a real turn off in the last few books. That said, I always knew he must have deeper layers, or at bare minimum some reason for why he is the way he is. For being such an unlikable character, it was hard not to….like him. Beatrice, while seemingly his opposite at first, similarly struggles with maintaining control and processing emotions around love. She was a character who became more lovable the longer we spent with her, that by the end you know she’s the perfect person for our repressed boy.

I absolutely loved this story of the last and hardest to love rake (at least for me). While Monty was a terribly misunderstood character, Leith is everything he outwardly presents. But when you realize it stems from his insecurity and need for order, he’s someone you can’t help but root for. To watch his growth throughout the novel was so well done, and really felt realistic for his character. If he was going to fall in love, this was how it was going to happen and Beatrice was going to be the one to make it happen. While she was a deeply flawed character I found myself annoyed with at times, she also has her reasonings. Largely coming from her status as first daughter and caretaker. Overall it was such a great romance, I loved the exploration into their fantasies and watching both of them unravel so compellingly. The ending felt like a satisfying conclusion to the series and I can see Lydia dropping potential future story nuggets in the epilogue. Can’t see where she goes next!

Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own, etc.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 This one had so many tropes and micro tropes that I love. Starchy/rigid hero, oldest daughter shouldering all the responsibility, deadline for relationship, not open to love, get it out of our system, hero falls hard, healing through intimacy. See? A lot and they all worked so well together. I loved it and ate it up, not wanting to say goodbye to Thomas and Beatrice.

This was the last in the series and had a great second epilogue bringing in all the MC and a lot of side characters from the series. The majority of the story focuses on Thomas and Beatrice and the side characters pertaining to this story. So I think it could still be read as standalone.

I enjoyed the side characters on their own merit and also how they were used for Beatrice’s character progression.

But what I enjoyed the most is the exploration and healing of intimacy and desires. It was refreshing and I loved that it was the heroine that had the skills and confidence. The hero isn’t a virgin but a notorious rake and as this story points out, that doesn’t always mean you can’t be vulnerable or lack confidence. This dynamic was intriguing and I loved how it played out.

It’s a high heat romance and I liked how each experience furthered the story. Thomas (lucky for us) had a lot to work through.

When the Marquess Needed Me is the fourth book in the Rake Chronicles series. It could be read as a standalone.

There are nine encounters with some scenes featuring toys, BDSM, and back door play.

I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout. All opinions are my own.

[Eleonora · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a redemption ARC this book is for you. I never doubted Lydia Lloyd but I thought it was extremely difficult to make me like Leith, especially after what he pulled with his own best friend. This is for sure an uncoventional romance but for how Leith was written I couldn’t have seen it happening any other way. It was fast but believable. He and Beatrice were two adorable weirdos who matched each other freak. At the end you couldn’t help but wish the best for Leith with his big feelings and big fears.

As usual this was very spicy and I enjoyed it. In particularly I loved the small dicks rep, I looove when an hero is insecure and finds the best sexual partner for him.
My eyes were leaking during the final part, oh my god the tears. The second epilogue pulled at my heartstrings and I didn’t need that.
The polyamorous trio was out of the blue and while I love how inclusive Lloyd's books are and that the author wanted to make the reader understand that such partnerships has always existed, I needed more about these secondary characters.

This was an apt finale for the series. I loved seeing all the main characters together in the epilogue. It was a very difficult feat to wrap up the series and give Leith the happy ending he deserved and Lloyd managed it.

Thanks to Lydia Lloyd for thr ARC. Out May 8

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Leith is the final one of the Rank Rakes to find love, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting his story since the beginning. Leith is known as a tastemaker who keeps mistresses for two weeks and two weeks only. Beatrice plans to be one of said mistresses and learn from him so she can earn the money she needs to save her family’s home, but she quickly finds out that Leith is not quite what he seems.

This book contains all the heat I have come to expect from Lydia Lloyd—in fact it is truly an erotic romance, as the sex journey is as important as (and important to) the love journey. But it also is heart-achingly tender and sweet. Leith is down bad for Beatrice, and I loved that he fell first. I also enjoyed that they made a habit of open and honest communication.

This book had everything I want in a historical romance and then some. I hope Lydia Lloyd will still be writing for many years to come.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[Mafe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empezó bien pero a la mitad se torno como repetitivo; además no me gusto la actitud que tomó la protagonista con el heroe porque la sentí muy inmadura y el final me parecio un poco apresurado.

Calificacion final: 3.5 estrellas 🌟

[purely.romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

CWs and CNs at the end.

It is finally time for the last Rank Rake to get his story, and oh, what a deliciously satisfying story it was! The last book in Lloyd’s Rake Chronicles gives us Leith’s happily ever after, and we get to see the notorious “I only keep mistresses, and for no more than two weeks” marquess get his, shall we say, comeuppance when faced with the determined Beatrice. Every single thing about Leith’s arc had me cackling and laughing.

Leith has been the most mysterious and closed-off of the four friends throughout the series, and after the events of the previous book, I was curious to see how we would understand him better and get a closer glimpse of his motivations. On the one hand, seeing the way bodies and sex and masculinity are discussed, even in playful and well-meaning ways amongst his friends, and how it shapes his understandings over what is expected, had me wanting to hug him. The novel quietly makes a resonant point about how notions of what is “normal” can deeply impact people even if they appear confident in every other way. On the other hand, I loved seeing Leith truly meet his match in Beatrice. Quite used to women seeing him as eligible, and even somewhat powerful and mysterious, Leith is nonplussed by this young woman, who, not only calmly proposes being his mistress herself, but clearly is more experienced in some ways than him, and is surprising him at every turn. The twist on the typical kissing lessons trope was done so well in this novel, and Lloyd adds so much substance that tells us more about each character through every exchange they have–yes, even the many intimate scenes. It was immensely fun to see Leith, who I was reading as somewhat neurodivergent coded, having to reexamine assumptions he had made about himself, about women, and about Beatrice herself, and in doing so, find a version of himself that brings him more peace and contentment.

I also adore Beatrice and might actually go to war for her. The circumstances under which she finds herself in this situation with Leith invoke so much sympathy, but I also couldn’t help but admire her practicality, her ability to make the best out of not-so-great situations, and her loyalty to the people she loves. Her family was a joy to see, and I loved their interactions and the closeness we see between them. I also enjoyed how Lloyd continues to give us the kind of heroines modern-day readers appreciate, and one who is likely closer in reality to a woman of Beatrice’s class and status. The novel comments on the very real financial problems many families outside of the ruling classes faced, all while infusing it with so much heart, laughter and growing tenderness between two beautifully imperfect characters. While Beatrice is spunky, capable and deeply independent, she also has to learn to lean on people and realise asking for help is not a weakness.

This was such a fun way to wrap up the series, and I really am going to miss these characters. Like the other novels in the series, I loved how much the four men and their long friendship played a role in each of the books, as well as across all four books. Their relationships, the way they show up for each other, even how they fight and disagree and make up, made up such an important part of each arc, and I appreciate how that brotherhood did not play second fiddle to the romances, but enhanced the characters’ narratives.

A truly wonderful series and, now that it is all complete, one I cannot recommend more. Congratulations to Lloyd on her debut series, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

CWs: Brief mentions of the death of a parent; brief mention of suicide

CNs: This is a historical romance set in London during the early 19th century. Tropes include kissing lessons, courtesan to lovers, and class issues. This novel is also high-heat and contains several on-page sex scenes, including some light BDSM.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This appears to be the final book on the series, and centers on the remaining Rank Rake, the Marquess of Leith. Leith has a lot of guilt and a lot to make up for, especially in his own mind, after his part in his best friends' heartbreak came out. To make up for that, when Montaigne makes an unusual request of him, he feels obliged to agree. Beatrice Salisbury introduces herself to Montaigne as a distant cousin and seeks his help. Because of heavy debts that have come to light well after her fathers' death, Beatrice must figure out a way to make large amounts of funds to save their beloved estate, and prevent her family from becoming homeless, and her younger brother suffering debtors' prison. She and her half sister travel to London with the plan of Beatrice becoming a much in demand courtesan, since her reputation was ruined long ago, and she is not of high birth. Because of his notoriety, the noted success of his mistresses after he is through with them, as well as his well known habit of not keeping a mistress for more than 2 weeks, Leith is chosen by Beatrice to launch her way into the demimondaine of London.

They are two very strongminded individuals with very clearly defined views of themselves and the world around them. This story breaks Leith and Beatrice down and rebuilds them, as the their relationship changes them and how they perceive themselves. Leith, despite his well built walls and armour, has deep-seated insecurities and fears which are the reason he does not seek deeper intimate relationships outside of the Rakes and his mother, and it has been eating at him to see his close friends find love and are moving beyond what he shared with them before. The rift with Montaigne especially eats at him and because of his desire for redemption he takes on Beatrice as his mistress, with the intention for it to be in appearance only.

But Beatrice wants to learn from the apparent expert in affairs, so that she can become a successful courtesan to wealthy nobility and tears away Leith's resistance. But their affair reveals some unusual proclivities and some rather stunning vulnerabilities that open Leith and Beatrice to more than a 2 week affair.

I rather enjoyed this story. I rather hated Leith after his part in the break up of Montaigne and Olivia is revealed. This story reveals his emotional reliance on his friends and his deeper insecurities. The story goes on a bit about his own focus about his physical lack, and how his fears about it have affected his life, and that seems to be such a sad and reductive reason for not seeking out more fulfilling relationships. But the development of his relationship with Beatrice was sweet as he opened himself to more in an affair than he allowed in a past, and it opened him up to more, including hoping for love and a family. Beatrice and her own sexually open and adventuresome nature initially appalled Leith, but he really needed to get out of his own head - and his own pants. So she challenges him and together they explore and grow together and this is openly explored in graphic detail on the pages. So this story involves graphic sex scenes - but it is a rather amusing exploration from almost chaste, clothes-still-on, with not even a candle on, or a cuddle after tupping, to light BDSM.

So I found this story very amusing when a so-called rake is revealed to be the biggest hidden prude, with a huge size complex that overwhelms his mind and life. But thoroughly enjoyed how his world and his views about himself and love/relationships is shattered and rebuilt for the better.

4.5 stars out of 5

[Kate Krizanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️. I’ve never read a regency romance, or what some folk refer to as a “bodice ripper” (although the bodices in this book are always removed with care soooo🤷🏻‍♀️ lol) but I saw a clip on the ole clock app from the author about a particular thing I enjoy so I said “let’s give it a whirl”. I understand this is the 4th in a series but I had no problem reading it as it’s an interconnected stand alone. I enjoyed this enough to maybe go back and read the others out of order.

Leith and Beatrice are both very likeable and you can understand their separate issues of the times. Her being “damaged goods” and him being misunderstood as a rake/lothario but very insecure about the size of his unit. Which..needs to be said as an avid reader of dirty bird books, this is refreshing. I kid you not when I say the book I finished earlier this week had a MMC who needed 2 hands and days of stretches to be with his woman. Like wtf is that? Doesn’t even sound enjoyable atp. So to have a guy who is not king of the locker room (or whatever they have in regent times) and make this something he’s insecure about as a handsome and rich man, is endearing. So is Beatrice’s willingness to help him build confidence. And in turn, every encounter is supposed to help Beatrice learn what men of a certain pedigree like in their paid escorts since this is now her way to save her family land-become a paid escort because she is not a pure woman so naturally, zero men would ever want to marry her. Oh how the times have changed in a mere 2 centuries huh? Yeesh.

But I enjoyed this story a lot. And while it takes place in England in the 1800s, the author still was able to make the writing flow so the slang and talk of the times is still understandable to readers. You can tell she is well educated in the period and able to transport you pretty effortlessly. While Beatrice’s pride brings on the always hated 3rd act break up, it’s hard to watch it play out in those times even more than contemporary romances because it takes 3 days and letters someone might not receive to even grovel! Ugh. I read this one pretty quickly and will go back to read the others. Which might be weird considering I may not like Leith in those considering his storyline but at least I know he redeems himself! And if the author continues the series, I will pick those up as well. This was a good starting point for regency romance for me! 😍

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Lydia Lloyd’s historical romances, she always has such a great old-school vibe to them, and this one was the icing on the cake for her rake chronicles series!

When the Marquess Needed Me really throws the reader for a loop when we are introduced to our latest heroine, Miss Beatrice Salisbury, who has come to London to force her third cousin into an introduction with his best friend, the infamous rake, the Marquess of Leith to become his latest courtesan and teach her the rules of the trade!

Well, financial restraints force Beatrice into the situation, obligation and guilt force lead into accepting this no winners proposition. How can he make amends with his best friend, while betting his third cousin?

To make matters worse, Leith isn’t the libertine and rake the scandal sheets have made them out to be… Thus seeing the tables turn, and the teacher becomes the student!

Oh my! I absolutely loved Leith and Beatrice so much! Both of these characters are completely against love and do not believe in it. They’ve had hers and transgressions in the past, that has broken their hearts in this regard, but slowly, and surely these two grow on each other, and it is an absolute delight to watch! I’m not always a fan of people and characters not believing in love or outright rejecting it, but this pairing was made for each other and it couldn’t have turned out any better!

As I said before, I absolutely adore Lady Lloyd’s writing and I can’t recommend When the Marquess Needed Me enough! My only other recommendations to read the rest of the series as well because it’s such a great read!

Thanks to author Lady Lloyd for the review copy.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to the Rake Chronicles, When the Marquess Needed Me, was absolutely everything I needed, and some things that I didn’t know were necessary (for me) to finish up this sinfully delightful series. Frankly, everything you’d want to know before picking up this book can be found within the cover description blurb. Can it be read as a standalone? Yes, you could, but you’d be missing some amazing stories, couples, and secondary characters that put the final chef’s kiss on the entire series.

Leif hasn’t been the most likable person in this series. (That’s an understatement.) Yet as we get to see what drives him, his attitude makes sense, and watching the changes that Bea brings to this insecure man is a wonder to watch unfold. Both are extremely stubborn in their own ways, and they are a perfect fit for each other as they balance the relationship with their differences.

When the Marquess Needed Me is a spicy, steamy, emotional, and intense story, one that lingered long after the final page was read. If you enjoy a reformed rake, super spicy, tender at times romance, then this story and this entire series would be perfect for you. I’d happily recommend this story to any reader (not only Historical readers) who enjoys a well-written, engaging, emotional, at times, intense Historical Romance with characters who will capture your heart.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This steamy story about Beatrice and Thomas (Leith) was definitely a breath of fresh air. It had an original plot that I had not encountered before which is always exciting. The connection and friendship between the four friends was endearing and entertaining. From the very beginning, Leith, was a hero that I found myself empathizing with right away. His character was rigid and difficult at times, but there were always hidden reasons for his actions. The process of him working through his issues was interesting and endearing. Beatrice, on the other hand, was not very likable as a heroine. The character was abrasive and a bit manipulative. It made the relationship seem so one-sided, and she a--eared ungrateful. The scales were balanced at the very end so the HEA was deserved by both. This friends/enemies to lovers novel is a good read if you like a he falls first theme with several steamy scenes that include a bit of experimentation, and you can get pass an annoying heroine if the character bothers you. Overall, the book contained really good characters and deep relationships with meaningful dialogue. I do think it seemed a bit long and wordy at times.

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

[HfbR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Thomas Balfour, the Marquess of Leith, and Beatrice Salisbury. Beatrice’s family owe a debt of ten thousand pounds after her fathers death, and she decides to become a courtesan in order to raise the funds to clear the debt. She contacts her distant cousin Monty who is Thomas’s best friend in order to get an introduction to Thomas, a renowned rake.

Thomas owes his best friend Monty a debt, and when Monty asks him to make Beatrice his mistress for the next two weeks he’s not in a position to be able to refuse. His initial impression of Beatrice is dislike. She’s wearing an outdated gown and everything about her clashes with his love of an orderly life, but a debt is a debt…….

This is the fourth novel in the Rake Chronicles series, and it can be read as a stand alone, although I plan to read the other books in this series too. It’s described as ‘high heat regency romance’ and it is very steamy throughout. It also has a good story, so all in all an enjoyable read, just don’t lend it to the mother-in-law!.

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

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the previous books in the series, I was not sure how Leith would get his redemption arc and I wasn’t sure I was going to forgive him. He comes off as he does in the previous books in the beginning, concerned about what society thinks and lives is life pushing the boundaries only in acceptable ways. He has a lot he is dealing with and has some really interesting developments about his worth around his insecurities, forgiveness, and acceptance. I don’t think he is my favorite male lead in this series but he has the most growth. I am glad that we got a good conversation with him and Monty. I liked Beatrice, she was wanton and knew what she wanted and she made sure to get that. What that is, her turn with the in demand Leith. I loved her family, this author really has a way of making you care about each character in the books. This book is very steamy as all the books in this series are.

I also loved the epilogue, the character with my name in it from the second book makes an appearance and I liked her so much.

[Vania - My Little Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

This is the last book in the series, and it certainly allowed us to understand Leith on a deeper level compared to the previous books as he wasn't an overly likeable character in those. Once I started reading this, I didn't see how he was going to win me over, but I slowly started to understand him, and from there, my love for him grew. Beatrice was a character I wasn't overly fond of at the start but again, as the book progressed, I realised these two were perfect for each other. She's headstrong and simply goes after what she wants. He's stubborn and just insecure and I love how they bring out the best in each other.

I enjoyed this book, far more than I anticipated, and I really liked how Lydia showed us that if two people are meant to be, they'll get through what's needed and be together.

I recommend reading this book especially if you read the previous in the series. Leith will become one of your favourite amongst the men.

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

[ikwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is officially my new favorite among The Rake Chronicles books. Beatrice is a heroine after my own heart: strong, smart, resilient, and unapologetically horny. Leith is deeply repressed, in great part thanks to his small peen, so he only has fully-clothed perfunctory sex with courtesans and won't allow himself to be vulnerable. In comes Beatrice, subtle like a wrecking ball, and Leith falls hard and fast. She helps him get in touch with his innate passion, and together they develop a deep intimacy, beautiful and kinky. Leith lets go of his judgement of others and becomes a better friend and a more empathetic individual, while Beatrice learns that she needn't martyr herself and can be loved for exactly who she is. Monty (Leith's best friend) and Olivia (Monty's wife) have significant secondary roles, as do Beatrice's family members who are new to the series. Overall, I adored this book. It pressed all the right buttons for me, and the spice was excellent. The way Leith and Beatrice enjoy each other is engrossing and very satisfying to read. A fantastic ending to the series.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh I really loved this finale to The Rake Chronicles series. Beatrice is the eldest and is in charge of her younger siblings living in the country. After her father’s death, she’s finds her family in a financial struggle. The only thing she finds to do for making money is to be a courtesan. She outreaches her distant cousin Monty who happens to be our mmc Leith’s best friend who also happens to be a Rake. Leith owns Monty a debt in which Beatrice will be his courtesan for 2 weeks. So in the beginning meet they’re for sure are a bit opposites but the more they spend with each other, their feelings grow. I loved the epilogue. I also love how Lydia adds fresh ideas to the scenes as it feels like something I haven’t read before. I can’t wait for what she writes next!


I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, full of society, intrigue, emotions, gossip, shame, secrets, steam, blackmail, humor, twists and turns. Beatrice is a young woman that was ruined years ago and now needs to come with an idea to make some money. She needs to support her family and pay off debts and comes up with an answer to become a courtesan. Leith is a Marquess who only keeps his mistresses for about 2 weeks as he doesn't want any complications. So when asked to help Beatrice, he can not refused. As they spend time together they both realize that feelings are coming between them. Both have very strange characters with struggles of their own. Add in some secrets and you have a great story. Would recommend to others.

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

[K. King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was by far my favorite book to date by Lydia Lloyd. I thought the setup of Beatrice and Leith’s relationship was interesting, and I liked that it ended up being Bea who taught Leith a thing or two. However, their relationship was too insta-love for me, which I’ve found to be a common theme for this series. Leith goes from thinking sex is icky, but I can’t help myself, so I’ll just hook up with courtesans because it cuts out the mess (both bodily and emotional) to completely changing his views on sex and love after only a few days with Beatrice. I want the angst and big feels that come along with reading romance, and unfortunately, this book didn’t deliver. However, it’s Lydia Lloyd, so the spice is top notch.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leith is pretty much the most uptight and repressed sort of fellow I’ve ever read and basically beds all his mistresses completely clothed and in a perfunctory nature. It all changes with Beatrice though, who demands to be bedded with more skill and variety as she learns to be a courtesan. Of course, everyone gets their feelings involved and both of these people need to let go of their separate hang-ups, but it was really nice to see two people communicate well and let down their walls. Loads of spice, flirting, banter, and a whole lot of teary-eyed emotional support. Excellent conclusion to the series.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad that this is the last of the Rake chronicles series by Lydia Lloyd. I have absolutely devoured and enjoyed this series. Honestly, I hadn’t read historical romance in a while until I picked up the series with book one. The last of our rake crew Leith is about to get his happily ever after. He’s keeping a secret from his friends and the world, but coming together with Beatrice opens him up to the redemption that he desires. I really enjoyed the emotional growth that I saw in all of the characters and will continue to recommend the series to anyone who will listen.

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

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful novella introduces us to the lovely characters of Beatrice and Leith. The heroine is strong and values her independence. Leith is known as a libertine. Beatrice will offer to be Leith’s courtesan. But to our surprise, she has physical entanglement skillfulness. Leith, on the other hand, lacks confidence. She will completely change his current way of life. Each chapter deepened the plot and gave intricacy to the characters. This romance is humorous and spicy. The author surprises the reader up to the end. I absolutely loved the slow-burn love story in this book.

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

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Marquess Needed Me by Lydia Lloyd is the fourth book in The Rake Chronicles. This time the Marquess of Leith is as rowdy as his reputation. Needing to provide for her family Beatrice Salisbury decides to become a courtesan. Not the jog for her or any woman, if you ask me. Also, a very different personality from what Leith is accustomed to dealing with.

Beatrice and Leith find passion galore, but also roadblocks to a happy future that both throw up in the journey. Society may not be ready for these two but here they come.

[bookstosoothethesoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique premise for a historical and I ate this book up in a day!! I loved the sex lessons and that we get a hero who doesn't have a monster schlong. His insecurities about his equipment were so refreshing. If you love a bold heroine who goes after what she wants and a hero who falls hard and will do anything for her this is the book for you! I read it without reading the other books in the series so technically it can be done but I can tell there are several full circle moments that would have hit harder had I read the whole series.

[scarr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leith hires mistresses for two weeks only so his life doesn’t get messy? Beatrice is the cousin of one of Leith’s titled friends - this friend arranges for her to become Leith’s mistress but in name only - no fucking - so she can then go in to find other protectors. every man in this book was sexually possessive of the women in their families.

this book insists that a client would be the best person to train a new courtesan in the arts of companionship rather than actual courtesans - a premise that I find foolish! get this woman some colleagues! none of this made sense. anyway, read this as part of my mistress in historical romance project and now I am depressed.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Lloyd's The Rake Chronicles are for the keeper shelf and When The Marquess Needed Me is an outstanding 4th book of this historical romance series that absolutely can be read as a standalone but seriously why would you.

This is smart writing, page turning intrigue, tropes turned on its head, and heat mixed with passion in leaps and bounds.

5/5 - A must read for romance readers who love smart, spicy historicals

I'm grateful to have received a copy of this book via Booksprout ahead of the publication date and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told with such an unique point of view! Thomas has many insecurities about himself and needs to be in control of everything. When he meets Bea he has no desire to go along with her scheme. She sees him sneer and wonders if her wild plan can work. His sneer is not a sneer, but a cover. Their steam relationship is a fun romp filled with burgeoning trust and learning about each other. I received an advance copy.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking story of a marquess becoming the protector of a country woman in need of saving her home. Determined to be a courtesan in high society London, Beatrix asks her cousin and best friend of Leith for an introduction. She asks Leith to be her protector for 500 pounds. Leith is a different sort of rake as Beatric finds out. It is a fun and rather saucy story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.