A scandalous reputation. Hunter Wakefield, the Earl of March, famously christened The Magnificent Earl by the Rake Review, is determined to avoid the parson’s mousetrap. Spending his days gambling and drinking away his father’s fortune, the last thing Hunt wants to do is play the hero. But when his reckless cousin assumes Hunt’s identity to snare and ruin an innocent, Hunt has no other choice but to clear his name and save the girl. However, the company of her infuriatingly beautiful, sharp-tongued older sister is most unwelcome.
A shocking attraction. Miss Adelia St. George loathes rakes—especially those who smile like they can imagine you beneath them. The illegitimate daughter of a duke, she has no interest in love; her only goal is to protect her younger sister from men like the Earl of March. But when her sister elopes with an imposter, Delia is forced into an alliance with the sinfully handsome and very real Earl of March.
A journey of passion. The road to Gretna Green fans the fire between them—heated touches, forbidden glances, and stolen kisses that taste of forever, is everything that Hunt and Delia fear. As the adventure ends, true happiness is just a whisper away. Will the journey forge a promise that is too delicious to deny, or will everything be left unsaid on the road to Scotland?The Magnificent Earl of March is the third book in the multi-author series The Rake Review, Season Two!
This book three in The Rake Review Seanon Two series was a delightful, captivating spicy historical romance. The drama, action, childhood trauma, intrigue stolen identity, a nefarious cousin, spice, many emotional issues, and plenty of plot twists that kept me very entertained. From the moment the characters literally ran into one another at a ball, an exciting life changing adventure began. I enjoyed their witty banter and strong, delicious chemistry that, despite society and other hurdles, they found their way to a beautiful forever love. I highly recommend reading!
So Cecilia Rene is a fairly new author. This is only my 8th book by her. I started reading her in Sept 2021. From what I've read so far, I have loved her storylines and the characters. Her books have been well written and she put just the right amount of angst, anger, sex and love in all the right places.
I liked this story. I liked Hunter and Adelia. I wish there would have been a bit more depth in their characters. I would loved to have known more about them other than what was already told. It was a quick read but overall a good read.
The Magnificent Earl of March by Cecilia Rene, and part of the Rake are view series, is a magnificent read! Delia and Hunt are the perfect couple in every way and wonderful characters. Their chemistry sizzles on the page and so does their passion. I loved this story!
This was a great addition to this new series of The Rake’s Review.
Hunter (Hunt) Wakefield, the Earl of March was the latest rake to be wrote about by Belle in the scandal sheet “The Rake’s Review”. This was a problem for Hunt for the newly titled Earl as his father had put a clause in his will that if his son brought disgrace to the family name the title and the earldom would go to his cousin Augustus. He is one of a very few titled men of African origin.
Miss Adelia (Delia) St. George is the illegitimate daughter of a duke. Her father provides for her but she never sees him. She has a half sister, Margaret who she loves dearly. They are close and Delia is very protective of her. She is aware that she will probably never marry as she would not be accepted by the upper class as her mother was a courtesan and as her father is a duke, she is too highly regarded to the lower classes. She has learnt to be rude and outspoken as a defensive mechanism to protect herself.
Both have issues with one of their parents and it has defined their views of love and marriage. When Margaret runs off with someone she thought she loves and who loves her, Delia has to find her. As the man who is whisked Margaret away is Hunt’s cousin, both Hunt and Delia rush together to catch up with the couple. Along the way Delia’s curt attitude is on form as they try conversation, in the end silence is preferable. She starts to thaw along the way. Hunt is infatuated by her, something he never thought would happen to him. A shock accidental meeting with someone from Delia’s past brings a new perspective to Delia and her relationship with Hunt. Will they be able to find happiness together?
The two both have personal issues and attitudes they have to address in order to find happiness. They both have a lot of personal growth throughout this story. It also is a steamy read. There was also a lovely epilogue, which I always feel is needed in any book. It finishes the story for me and I am always delighted when there’s one.
I really enjoyed this newest rake in the series and this is the first book I have read by this author. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work and the newest rake for April.
I received a special copy of this book from the author for an honest review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.
Hunter "Hunt" Wakefield, Earl of March, is polished, charming, & saddled with a reputation he didn’t ask for, he is determined to avoid matrimony… until his cousin’s treachery forces him into hero mode. His mix of honor, frustration, & slow‑burn fascination with Adelia makes him irresistible.
Miss Adelia "Delia" St. George is fiercely protective, whip‑smart, & gloriously unimpressed by Hunt’s rakish reputation. As the illegitimate daughter of a duke, she’s carved out her own place in society & has no patience for men who threaten her sister’s future, or her own peace of mind. Watching her walls crack is delicious.
Supporting Cast is led by the standout, Augustus, Hunt’s villainous cousin, whose impersonation scheme sets the entire plot in motion. His attempt to steal Hunt’s identity & ruin an innocent girl is as despicable as it sounds & seeing him receive his long‑overdue comeuppance is deeply satisfying.
When Adelia’s younger sister elopes with a man pretending to be the Earl of March, the real Hunt has no choice but to intervene & Delia refuses to let him go without her - after all her sister is the innocent young lady & Delia won't back down. What follows between the two of them is a lively, tension‑filled road trip where two people who absolutely do not want to work together find themselves drawn irresistibly closer. The banter crackles, the attraction simmers, & the stakes rise as they race to prevent scandal & expose Augustus’s deception. There’s just enough angst to keep the pages flying, balanced with humor, heat, & heart.
This book is a delightful addition to the multi‑author series - well‑written, character‑rich, & wonderfully paced. Hunt & Delia shine together, their chemistry electric & their journey deeply satisfying. The villain pays for his wickedness, the HEA lands perfectly, & the entire story feels like a treat from start to finish. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
They say March comes in like a lion, and Hunter “Hunt” Wakefield, the Earl of March, certainly roars when the infamous Rake Review christens him The Magnificent Earl. Determined to remain a carefree rake with no intention of marrying, he plans to continue his rakish ways—until fate intervenes.
When Hunt’s reckless cousin impersonates him in society to lure an innocent debutante into an elopement, Hunt is forced to intervene to protect his reputation. That’s when he meets Miss Adelia St. George, the fiercely protective illegitimate daughter of a duke, who is determined to shield her younger sister from ruin. Upon learning her sister believes she’s running away with the Earl of March, Adelia insists on accompanying Hunt to stop the impending scandal.
From the moment Hunt first glimpses Adelia—who refuses even the courtesy of an introduction—he is captivated. Their road to Gretna Green is a whirlwind of close quarters, sparkling banter, and irresistible chemistry. Hunt’s deepening sense of honor and responsibility makes him impossible to dismiss, and even the cautious Adelia finds herself drawn to his charm. Heated touches, forbidden glances, and stolen kisses fan the fire between them, turning every mile into a delicious torment.
As they race to prevent her sister’s ruin, passion and duty collide. When the journey ends, true happiness is only a heartbeat away. Will Adelia listen to the whispers and walk away from Hunt to protect his name or take a chance on a happiness with him?
Another charming installment in The Rake Review series, this book offers everything I adore—endearing characters, a dash of angst, sizzling attraction, and timeless themes of honor and passion. It kept me hooked from the first page to the last. I cannot wait to read more in this amazing series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Delightful, sizzling road trip romance as it should be!
Dumped on her father’s doorstep as a little imp, the only thing her mother ever gave Adelia were her infamous looks. Now, fully grown and her younger half-sister’s chaperone, she’s attending her first London Season – but it seams her story arrived well ahead of her... Hunter is an earl, wealthy and suave, a rogue about town happily spending his late father’s fortune on women and vice – until the Brazen Belle made him her next target. On the one side his greedy cousin looking to disgrace him, on the other the momsters of the ton – and one misstep could cost him everything. And then her sister elopes with a man pretending to be him...
Their meet-cute was absolute rom-com brilliance! She grabs the bull by the horns... and puts him out to pasture! Quite a blow to his ego, but also a lasting first impression. And his ancient stablehand duo is hilarious; worth their weight in pure gold, grilling and teasing him, sharing their wisdom as loving grampys do.
On to the chase; they have a wedding to stop! Nothing like the close confines of a road trip to get to know one another. Thoroughly 😉 I loved Delia’s feisty fierce vs insecure and vulnerable combo! At first Hunt’s never sure if he wants to hate or hug her, but he catches on, feels her pain, recognises himself in her – and the way he steps up and boosts her confidence is gorgeous! In return she shows him his life moto “nobody defines you, but you” is more true than he believed. She gives him the key to let go of his past – even if she herself can’t let go of hers so easily.
I really loved this sizzling story! From witty and quick, to incredibly touching, to scorchingly hot; I felt all the feels! These two connect so seamlessly, so fast and on so many levels, and the road trip setting made it believable. I was completely enthralled!
Marvellous, magnificent 😉 and I’m kinda hoping we’ll get Helen & Reg’s story too sometime soon 🤞🏼
The Magnificent Earl, Hunt Wakefield was a surprise baby to his father who had already planned on his nephew Augustus being the heir. From the day he was born, with his twin sister, his father accused them of being bastards. But thier mother hadn't had any lovers. Now, the old earl is dead and while Hunt is the official heir, his cousin continues to reject that fact. An added distraction to the situation is the fact that Hunt is black. That doesn't make his life easier. Adelia St George is a bastard born to a courtesan. As a young girl, her mother dropped her off at her fathers house and left her. Her father, the Duke, to ok her in and while her father and stepmother ignored her but she became very close to their daughter, Margaret who was dreamy naive girl. The most interesting a but this book is that Adelia (Delia) is also black. I think he most exciting thing about this story is the fact that both main characters are black. Not only that, they might be ignored by some of the ton, for the most part their color does not play into how he are treated. When his cousin masquerading as the earl eloped with her sister to Gretna Green. Hunt and Delia begin a chase to catch them. Instead, the trip helps them fall in love. While they thwarted on marriage, they fund tier own Happily Ever After. And it was well with the wait!
Hunter Wakefield, the Earl of March, famously christened The Magnificent Earl by the Rake Review, is determined to avoid the parson’s mousetrap. But when his reckless cousin assumes Hunt’s identity to snare and ruin an innocent, Hunt has no other choice but to clear his name and save the girl. However, the company of her infuriatingly beautiful, sharp-tongued older sister is most unwelcome. Miss Adelia St. George the illegitimate daughter of a duke, has no interest in love; her only goal is to protect her younger sister from men like the Earl of March. But when her sister elopes with an imposter, Delia is forced into an alliance with the sinfully handsome and very real Earl of March. A delightful addition to this multi author series & I read it straight through. I really liked both Hunter & Adelia their chemistry sizzled, their banter was delicious & there was a road trip. A was glad Augustus got his just desserts. An engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed but I was surprised at the route they took towards Scotland. I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
What a delicious tale of Hunt-the Earl in The Belle’s sights for March, and Delia, the illegitimate daughter of a Duke who hides her pain behind a smart mouth and angry facade. How they meet is adorable and her rejection of him, rather funny. They both have parental issues that shaped them into who they were. I enjoyed their banter, their chemistry, and their protectiveness of each other. Augustus is a real bear of a villain and it was gratifying to see him brought down. What I did not like was the liberal use of the f-bomb. It is totally unnecessary and destroys the story for me. There are other ways to “shock” the reader without such crude language. Thus the 4 stars. A quick read with enjoyable characters and well plotted story.
I received this story for free and these are my own views
We have Miss Adelia St George aka Delia a Dukes daughter born on the wrong side of the blanket but loyal to a fault of her legitimate but foolish younger sister. Hunter Wakefield, the Earl of March, famously christened The Magnificent Earl by the Rake Review, is now sought after more than ever! But he has wish to marry. He runs literally into Delia at a ball but she refuses an introduction! This sets off a series of events that are humorous and steamy. These two have lots in common! Hunter aka Hunt has never been told no and by a gorgeous woman that suddenly appears from his dreams to his drawing room! I was certain Delia would be foolish and do some noble sacrifice but Hunt and a longed for reunion with her birth mother certainly sets her straight! Beautiful couple and the fact that I share a similar heritage!! Bravo well done! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
I loved this story of Hunter, the Earl of March, and Delia. She was the illegitimate daughter of a Duke and a courtesan, and he was the unwanted heir of African descent. This story touched on the racism and classism in society, feeling unloved by parents, finding and knowing your worth, and finding the person you are meant to be with forever. The story had witty banter, deep conversations, villainous relatives, an attempted elopement, a race to stop it, family secrets, and a HEA. This love at first sight, forced close proximity romance was full of surprises, steamy scenes, and lessons in self acceptance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this book was absolutely fantastic!! This book had fabulous witty banter with a fun and very entertaining road trip!! Hunt and Adelia were truly meant for each other and their chemistry was awesome!! My heart went out to both of them for everything they went through growing up. I loved how in the end they didn’t let how they were raised define them rather they forged a path together full of love and happiness. I thought the book was well written and you could really feel the emotions that Hunt and Adelia were going through. The secondary characters were delightful and really added to the story. It is a must read if you are looking for an excellent road trip story!! I highly recommend this book!!
Let me start by saying ohh my March comes in strong!
Hunt and Delia both have been through so much from the very people who are supposed to love them, their parents.. his father and her mother.. and maybe they could have let that define who they are for the rest of their lives instead once they meet they take that hurt and mend each other.. because who cares about Society thinks when they have each other and fate, and scandal sheet put them together.
These two characters had the best chemistry from the beginning to the end.. it was dynamite from the very first meeting..
I can't wait to read the next book in the rake review and I can't wait to see what else Cecilia Rene has in store.
Thank you to Cecilia Rene for letting me read and review for an honest voluntary review.
My first time reading anything by this author and I must say I did enjoy the characters and the story. It started a little slow but by the middle it picked up to a good pace and kept improving as the relationship between Hunt and Adelia became much more involved to my delight which helped me raise my rating up Wonderful ending with both characters growing in depth. Hunter became my favorite as I watched him grow and develop his feeling towards Delia, The story had just the right amount of intimate passion that made me look forward to reading more from this author. Mature Advisory:3/5 Book Rating 3.7 rounded up to 4
Delia, daughter of a duke and courtesan has always believed she isn’t worthy of love—until she meets Hunt, the Magnificent Earl of March. When Delia’s sister Margaret elopes with Hunt’s cousin, the two are forced to chase after them together, and along the way their connection begins to grow. Hunt has never wanted to marry, but after meeting Delia he realizes he may have found his soulmate. It’s a beautifully story filled with longing, passion, the magic of love at first sight and two people discovering they are worthy of happiness together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the author described Hunt to the readers through the eyes of the Belle and then through Delia's eyes when they first bump into one another, I couldn't help but agree, this man was magnificent. The way he completely 180's his life upon meeting Delia and then telling her that it's impossible to fall in love in a sennight and then turns around and promptly does just that - swoon! And then when he proposes marriage and not a mistress situation, could I love a book boyfriend any more?!?! I admit that this was a bit of a slow start for me as the first two chapters didn't pull me in, but once Delia and Hunt met, I couldn't put this book down.
The Magnificent Earl of March is book three of The Rake Review Series.
There is so much love I have for this story. Delia and Hunter have an interesting first meeting. Then there is mistaken identity which causes a mess of things. Along the way of protecting her sister, Delia and Hunter become closer and the initial intense chemistry finally combusts between them. She was so caring of others that she was willing to give up everything for her loved ones happiness. Both Delia and Hunter are dealt a bad hand a birth, but due to circumstances outside of their control. I loved seeing them bond together and outmatch anyone who got in their way. Truly an amazing read!.
Super Story! A kidnapping (but not what you would expect), a chase and a tumbling into love is what you get when you read this story. I really liked the two main characters, so please will they can stand up and take a bow and a curtsy. I loved that they both had 'backbone' and weren't afraid to go after what they wanted. This was another very enjoyable book in the second Rake Review series and it is too good to miss. I have enjoyed reading an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
New to me author but as it was part of the series, I was going to read it. It is well worth the read. I loved both MC’s from the beginning. It didn’t take me long to figure out what the twist would be. A little angst, a little humor and some great steam. Well written with wonderful characters and a great HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Two stars for taking the effort and time to write a book. Why don't these authors look up words and phrases before using them in an historical novel?!! On page 4 "She objectified me like I was a fucking light skirt!”. FFS this word didn't come into use in this context until well into the 1900's, it is part of the modern feminist lexicon.
This is a new to me author and obviously apart from the overall theme, I was going in on this one blind. I thouroughly enjoyed this authors writing it was in a modern style but it didnt feel that way. Which i like in modern PR. I loved both mc's and loved watching them come together. For such a short book, i could have stayed for days. Read in one sitting.
What a delightful stories! You have a very special talent and I look forward to reading more! So thankful we have come a long way in life. But still a very long way to go. Thank you again for sharing your talent.