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!
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Readability: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I combined a few acts into one flame so might feel hotter to you) Humor: Yes, a bit Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine More character focused or plot focused? character How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast When mains are first on page together: take a bit – not until 19% in (chapter 2 of 15) Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after Epilogue: Yes, 4 months later Format: voluntarily read an e-book copy given to me by the author (Thank you!) Why I chose this book: I have wanted to read Cece forever and she reached out and asked if I wanted an e-copy of the book to try so I said yes! Mains: Hunt (Hunter) Wakefield (Earl of March) and Delia (Adelia) St. George – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine (Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order? I think this is fine alone.
Basic plot: Delia must rescue her sister from the scheming Earl of March – but when she lands on the Earl’s doorstep she finds everything is not what she thought.
Give this a try if you want: - historical romance – late Georgian – 1822 - London setting - Earl hero - bastard heroine – she’s the daughter of a Duke and a courtesan - he’s 6’ 2” - mistaken identity - road trip - class difference - shorter novel – goodreads has it under 200 pages - higher steam – 3-4 full scenes in a shorter page count
Ages: - heroine is 25, hero is 29
First line: The cold March air punched Hunter Wakefield, the sixth Earl of March, across the face like a bareknuckle boxer as he staggered out of Sinners Gaming Hell.
My thoughts: This was my first Cecilia Rene and I am so, so pleasantly surprised! I found this novel quick paced and so delightful. Hunt and Delia’s interactions were funny and I loved how obsessed Hunt was right off the bat.
I haven’t read a road trip in awhile and this gave the perfect opportunity for close proximity that I love (especially because these two get a bit of a slow start being on page together). A wonderful cast that has me anxiously awaiting Reg’s story.
Few random reading stats for this author # of books read: This is my first Average rating from me: 5 stars Favorite book: This one by default
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here: Overall: How I felt about it everything considered! Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.) Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?) Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story? Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch. Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective. Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgment (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (5) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio! Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)
These are quick reads and quite enjoyable. Hunter is a twin born to an older mother. His father was not suppose to have children with his wife. He was suppose to have his brother’s son as his heir. Disappointment with his wife for birthing a son and daughter when he did not want them. He neglected his wife and Hunter and his sister. Delia was the illegitimate daughter of a Duke and a courtesan. She was dumped by her mother at 7 years old at her father’s house. She never saw her mother for 18 years. Hunters cousin was told he was the heir, but once Hunter was born he was not. He tried to discredit Hunter. Delia’s half sister Margaret thought Augustin (Hunters cousin) was Hunter and was imagining a romance with him. They ran off using one of Hunters coaches. That is the beginning of Delia and Hunters romance. It’s fun quick and romantic. It’s a story about accepting yourself and valuing yourself and not worrying about others prejudices.
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!
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 🤞🏼
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!
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.
I have read several of Cecilia’s books and they are never disappoint. She has a way of making you feel like you're part of the story. The last thing Hunter Wakefield wanted or needed was to be in The Rake Review. He is furious that whoever the belle is that writes it has picked him this month to ruin his life. Both him and his twin sister were a total surprise to their parents. His father was in his sixties, and his mother was over childbearing years at forty-five; she had been married for ten years without having a child. Their marriage was for her money as his father was almost broke and friendship. When he and his twin sister were born, his father wanted nothing to do with him and could overlook his sister as she was a girl and would not ruin his plans. His nephew, the son of his twin brother, Augustus, was raised by him to be the next Earl. Hunter knew his father hated him but with his mother’s love, his sister Helen, and two servants, Sampson and Walter, and his horses he couldn’t care less. He lives his days doing what he does best, gambling, drinking, womanizing and spending his late father's money. At over six feet with light green eyes and warm brown skin he truly is magnificent. When a young lady runs into him at a ball, he is shocked by her beauty and fire as she refuses to tell him her name, blaming him instead for stopping her fall! Adelia St George doesn’t need anyone to tell her that London society wants nothing to do with her. She has known all her life since her mother left her at age seven that she was not wanted. Her father, a duke, took her in and provided for her along with her half sister, Margaret, who was legitimate. Her stepmother never let her forget her mother was his mistress. Her only role in life is to keep Margaret who is spoiled and knows nothing of life out of trouble. Margaret is in love with the rake of the mouth, the Earl of March. All she can do is go on and on about him. Adelia doesn’t think too much about it as her sister is romantic. Till the morning after the ball and she is given a note stating she ran away with the Earl to Granta Green! Poor Adelia she is in for a shock when she goes to Hunters house to stop this wedding and get her sister to find out the handsome man from the ball is the true Earl and is rotten cousin just took her sister! Let the game begin. These two will learn so much on this trip, find out what is important and what is not. Their past and future will be decided with a lot of secrets, disappointment, tears and laughter too, and tons of heat also. You will not be able to put this book down. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest and really long review(the book just had so much going on) and am freely giving it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the third book in the “Rake Review” series, Season Two. It’s a historical “strangers-to-lovers” road trip romance featuring elements of “enemies-to-allies-to-lovers,” mistaken identity, and class disparity. The well-written plot is fast-paced and brimming with emotion, childhood drama, obstacles, humor, action, and lots of steamy love scenes. Delia and Hunt are endearing protagonists who are both outsiders in society. Hunt is on his mother’s side of African descent and his legitimacy is being questioned, and Delia is the illegitimate daughter of a duke and also of African descent. Aside from the off-the-charts chemistry between them from the start, they understand each other and can empathize with each other’s pain. I really liked the banter and the dynamics between them. Hunt’s mother, his sister, and his two stablehands were also very likable.
Hunter Wakefield, the Earl of March, is annoyed that he’s been named “Rake of the Month” in the latest issue of *The Rake Review*. Ever since he was born, he’s been hated by his own father, who wanted Hunter’s beloved cousin Augustus to be his heir; and because he is a titled man of African descent, he faces prejudice and hostility. That is why Hunt decided long ago, as a form of revenge against his dead father, never to marry and instead to enjoy life to the fullest. However, another scandal could cost him the family fortune, which would then pass to Augustus. Adelia St. George, the illegitimate daughter of a duke and his mistress, who was abandoned by her mother as a child and raised by her father and his family, has long since come to terms with her illegitimate origins and the hostility directed toward her. Delia has accompanied her beloved legitimate younger sister Margaret to London to look after her during her debut season, even though, as an illegitimate child, Delia is a misfit of society and is subjected to inappropriate advances from men. When Margaret elopes to Gretna Green with her suitor, whom she believes to be the Earl of March, Delia is determined to do everything in her power to prevent Margaret from facing ruination. Together with Hunt—whom she despises as a rake—she sets out to find her sister and Hunt’s cousin, who has been impersonating the Earl of March, in order to embroil Hunt in a scandal. During their journey, however, neither of them can resist the sizzling attraction between them any longer…
All in all, a very enjoyable addition to the series, featuring lovable characters, action, intrigue, heart, humor, and heat—one I’m happy to recommend!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
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.
I don’t know how it happened but I read about April’s rake before reading “The Magnificent Earl of March”, not that it matters, The Rake Review books are all standalone stories. Cecilia Rene is the author behind March’s installment in this absolutely wonderful, multi-author, historical romance series. This book involved one of my favorite tropes, which entails being on the road and in close proximity. Anything can happen away from the eyes of the ton. Hunter Wakefield, “Hunt”, is the notorious Earl of March. He was an unrepentant rake, gambler, and drinker. It is unfortunate he had a stinker of a father and cousin. Both men negatively impacted Hunt’s adult life. He swore never to marry. When Hunt careened with Delia St. George at a ball, everything in Hunt’s life, and of course Delia’s, changed. Delia was a great female lead character, she was strong and forthright, forceful and protective. She had to live her life the best way she could being born on the wrong side of the blanket. Delia had to deal with constant whispers and sneers for something she had no control over. Delia and Hunt’s chemistry was potent from their first encounter. They made a wonderful pair, they understood each other as no one else ever did. This story had Hunt and Delia chasing after Augustus Wakefield, Hunt’s unscrupulous cousin, and Margaret St. George, Delia’s innocent sister. Augustus stole Hunt’s identity and was passing himself off as the Earl of March to Margaret, intent on ruining her and prompting a scandal everyone would think was caused by the real Earl. The fast moving plot captured my interest from the beginning and never let up. The heat and passion between Hunt and Delia was super sexy and erotic. I was glad that Delia didn’t hold back or become shy. This is a great story that is easy to read with well written characters and a satisfying happy ever after. Definitely recommended for lovers of historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
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.
Well written, full of drama, society, revenge, family, villains, love, feelings, intrigue, hate and class differences. Hunter Wakefield is the new Earl after his father's death. He, his mother and twin sister were abused after she gave birth to the twins. Their father tries to state that his wife had an affair and that the twins were not his. Hunter and Helen have his beautiful green eyes but are both dark skinned like her. The old Earl tried to get his nephew to be his heir and calls Hunter a bastard. Adelia is the daughter of a Duke but is a bastard. Her sister , Margaret is his real daughter by a different wife. The Duke wants the both of them to marry and sends them to London for a season. Delia knows that she will not make a good match and some other not so great marches. Margaret has done nothing but talk about the magnificent Earl and hopes to marry him. At a ball , she makes plans to elope with him but Delia finds them and stops anything from happening there at the ball. Delia finds her gone the next morning and heads to the Earls home only to find him there with his mother and sister. Hunter knows who has Margaret and both he and Delia take off after them. Augustus has her and plans to destroy Hunter for his own reasons. Has lots of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Really an enjoyable story to read. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
Adelia St. George was abandoned by her mother at the age of 7 when she took her to live with her father, The Duke of Cliffsbury. Though she missed her mother, Delia did love the fact that she had a younger sister, Lady Margaret, despite the fact that her stepmother didn't like her being a part of their family. After she reached her majority and started attending ton events, Delia learned that she was a bastard and unwanted by society as a whole. Due to her paternity, Delia did not have false hopes of finding love and marriage and therefore gave away her virtue in exchange for a few dalliances with a man she wasn't looking to stay with forever. As she and her sister, Margaret are in London so that Margaret's aunt Francis can assist her in finding a spouse, she literally runs into Hunt, the Earl of March. Initially she declined to be introduced to him and its only after her sister runs off with a man who is supposedly the Earl of March, does she realize the man she met at a ball is the actually Earl of March and she and him head toward Gretna Green alone in a carriage to try to save her beloved sister from ruin. Cecilia's installment to the Rave Review season 2 is hot and fiery and it ends with a HEA for Delia and Hunt.
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!!
This was a really fun read. The writing flows beautifully, and even with a few modern themes woven in, they never detract from the story.
The hero is refreshingly different from the typical Earl,he prefers working in the stables, isn’t nearly as prejudiced as most of the ton, and is under pressure to stay out of trouble for a year or risk losing the bulk of his inheritance. Enter the villain, his cousin Augustus, who devises a dastardly scheme to sabotage him and claim that inheritance for himself.
Our heroine is a Duke’s illegitimate daughter, raised alongside her half-sister. The sister is a dreamer—and, unfortunately, a pawn in Augustus’s plan.
When the two main characters are thrown together on a long journey, the forced proximity really brings their chemistry to life, even as they try to resist it. This leads to plenty of enjoyable banter, and an unexpected encounter at a coaching inn that makes Delilah reconsider her past and what she truly wants for her future.
This is definitely one of the best books in the series for me, and I’ll absolutely be seeking out more from this author.
From the moment they meet, Delia St. George and Hunter Wakefield, the Earl of March, feel that "ZING!" THE RAKE REVIEW PICKS Hunter as her next victim. Of African descent, he's been rumored to be a bastard, but he is the true heir, though his cousin, Augustus, takes every opportunity to say otherwise. When his cousin kidnaps Delia's sister pretending to be Hunter, it's a mad dash for Hunter and Delia to stop them before they reach Gretna Green. On the road, Delia and Hunter give in to their passion, but can Delia, born to a mistress and her lover, dream of a happy ending? The novellas, in this series of different authors and a rake for each month, are truly enjoyable reads. Explicit sex and language.
I had a whole review and then it deleted it. So basics.
I didn't like how she said she wouldn't end up like her mother - a peer's mistress - and that's basically what she achieved, except without the promise of getting anything out of it.
I thought it silly that they're trying to chase down a carriage -- in another carriage. Riding on horseback would have made a lot more sense, but then we wouldn't have had the carriage scenes (but still irritated me logically).
I did like how the two characters could relate to each other's shared experiences, which kind of made the insta-love a little more palatable. I did not like how she fled near the end, especially without saying a word to him. Just seemed so cowardly.
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!.
Delia and Hunt have let Society define who they are since birth. Called a bastard by his own father, Hunt becomes a rake and vows never to marry. Abandoned by her courtesan mother and ignored by her father a Duke, Delia is strong but broken. When the two meet sparks fly. This book had everything I look for in a good romance. It was fast-paced, had a well developed plot that drew me in from the beginning and dialogue that was engaging and of course HEA. A bonus is that the characters were relatable and looked like me! Cecilia Rene you did your Big One with this one, it was Magnificent! I'll be following you to see what you do next!