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May the Best Rake Win
He only meant to win a wager… not lose his heart!
Sir Kenneth Fraser is London's most outrageous rake—dripping charm, scandal, and far too much experience with ruined reputations. After all, every good cover story has a grain of truth to it, yes? But when his cover is almost blown at the Standish Ball—and Society is in danger of learning the truth about him—Kenneth proposes scandalous seduce London’s shyest wallflower. May the best rake win!
Only, quiet Miss Barbara Fokette is not what he expected. With clever wit, odd hobbies, and a personal library of antiquities that may hold the key to his latest assignment for the Crown, she’s far more tempting than any wager has a right to be.
Barbara has always preferred artifacts to admirers, and thus has found it useful to cultivate a reputation as a recluse, which allows her to stay off her twisted foot and spend time among her antiquities. But when the sinfully handsome Sir Kenneth starts whispering wicked promises between discussions of Egyptian funerary goods, she begins to wonder if adventure—and romance—might finally be within reach.
Too bad he’s seducing her for all the wrong reasons…
This hot, hilarious historical rom-com features a rake with a secret, a bluestocking with a truly unusual family, a scandalous wager, and one very improper use of a chaise longue.
Sir Kenneth Fraser is London's most outrageous rake—dripping charm, scandal, and far too much experience with ruined reputations. After all, every good cover story has a grain of truth to it, yes? But when his cover is almost blown at the Standish Ball—and Society is in danger of learning the truth about him—Kenneth proposes scandalous seduce London’s shyest wallflower. May the best rake win!
Only, quiet Miss Barbara Fokette is not what he expected. With clever wit, odd hobbies, and a personal library of antiquities that may hold the key to his latest assignment for the Crown, she’s far more tempting than any wager has a right to be.
Barbara has always preferred artifacts to admirers, and thus has found it useful to cultivate a reputation as a recluse, which allows her to stay off her twisted foot and spend time among her antiquities. But when the sinfully handsome Sir Kenneth starts whispering wicked promises between discussions of Egyptian funerary goods, she begins to wonder if adventure—and romance—might finally be within reach.
Too bad he’s seducing her for all the wrong reasons…
This hot, hilarious historical rom-com features a rake with a secret, a bluestocking with a truly unusual family, a scandalous wager, and one very improper use of a chaise longue.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 11, 2026
This is my 20th book by Caroline Lee. I started reading her in July, 2021. Caroline Lee writes cute HistRomComs. Her characters sometimes say things they didn't say back them but it's always so cute. I have read season 1 of this series and now enjoying season 2.
I liked Kenneth and Barbara. I really like a "bad" boy and bluestocking story. Always makes me smile how "seasoned" he can be and fall this smart, different woman. Cute read. Really loving this series.
I liked Kenneth and Barbara. I really like a "bad" boy and bluestocking story. Always makes me smile how "seasoned" he can be and fall this smart, different woman. Cute read. Really loving this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me say that May's Rake is definitely a winner, who doesn't love a rake who takes a wagger and sees that wagger as the best thing that has ever happened to him?
Barbara Fokette is a genius when it comes Egyptian artifacts to the point where she can spot a fake right away.. whereas avid collectors just don't.. and most people in London thinks she's a plain Jane, a wallflower but underneath it all she's intelligent and passionate.. except for one person once he gets to know and he turns her world upside down.
Kenneth Fraser is a known rake and he is known for his scandalous ways in England however what they don't know it's all a cover for the home office.. and now he has to seduce a plain Jane and ruin her so he can find a traitor however that plain Jane turns out to be the woman who is more than a mission.. with her intelligence about Egyptian artifacts and her passionate nature how could he not want her for his own?
What was supposed to be a simple meeting and a courtship of sorts, Barbara and Kenneth find themselves going from helping each other with learning about artifacts, solving a mystery to needing each other more than they need their next breath.
I can't wait to read the next book in the rake review.
I also can't believe I haven't read anything from Caroline Lee in awhile because I forgot how funny her books are.. this book was incredible! I will definitely be diving back into her books ASAP!
Barbara Fokette is a genius when it comes Egyptian artifacts to the point where she can spot a fake right away.. whereas avid collectors just don't.. and most people in London thinks she's a plain Jane, a wallflower but underneath it all she's intelligent and passionate.. except for one person once he gets to know and he turns her world upside down.
Kenneth Fraser is a known rake and he is known for his scandalous ways in England however what they don't know it's all a cover for the home office.. and now he has to seduce a plain Jane and ruin her so he can find a traitor however that plain Jane turns out to be the woman who is more than a mission.. with her intelligence about Egyptian artifacts and her passionate nature how could he not want her for his own?
What was supposed to be a simple meeting and a courtship of sorts, Barbara and Kenneth find themselves going from helping each other with learning about artifacts, solving a mystery to needing each other more than they need their next breath.
I can't wait to read the next book in the rake review.
I also can't believe I haven't read anything from Caroline Lee in awhile because I forgot how funny her books are.. this book was incredible! I will definitely be diving back into her books ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How does a spy is narrowly escape being caught investigating a suspect’s belongings at a ball? Why, make a wager to ruin the most well-known wallflower in London, of course! Sir Kenneth Fraser has spent years crafting his rakish reputation as a ploy to protect his identity as a Crown agent. Miss Barbara Fokette prefers Egyptian antiquities to ballrooms, where her intelligence isn’t questioned and she doesn’t have to dance. But the wager quickly becomes an afterthought for Ken when it becomes apparent that Barb(ie)’s knowledge is exactly what he needs to fulfill his mission. Will they successfully solve the mystery of the forged canopic jars? Is the forgery related to a traitor working against the Crown?
I love Caroline Lee’s HistRomComs and this one didn’t disappoint! Delightfully witty and humorous, this story is a slower burn yet still achieves high heat. Her signature jokes involving play on words had me laughing out loud many times. I loved Barbie’s strength and commitment to herself and her interests, and how Ken responded to moments of vulnerability with her, especially in relation to her physical disability. The balance between the romance and the mystery was well done and evenly paced, which I appreciated, and I didn’t feel like everything was solved in the final 20 pages.
This book is the fifth installment of the multi-author series The Rake Review, Season Two, and can be read as a standalone.
I received an early version and voluntarily leave this review.
I love Caroline Lee’s HistRomComs and this one didn’t disappoint! Delightfully witty and humorous, this story is a slower burn yet still achieves high heat. Her signature jokes involving play on words had me laughing out loud many times. I loved Barbie’s strength and commitment to herself and her interests, and how Ken responded to moments of vulnerability with her, especially in relation to her physical disability. The balance between the romance and the mystery was well done and evenly paced, which I appreciated, and I didn’t feel like everything was solved in the final 20 pages.
This book is the fifth installment of the multi-author series The Rake Review, Season Two, and can be read as a standalone.
I received an early version and voluntarily leave this review.
May 9, 2026
Caroline Lee’s May the Best Rake Win, a sparkling addition to the Rake Review series, is a deliciously cheeky romp filled with spies, seductions, and historical shenanigans. Here, our so-called rake is really a dashing Scottish spy, Sir Kenneth Fraser, and his wallflower target, Miss Barbara Fokette, prefers ancient artifacts to ardent admirers. Naturally, a wager to seduce her is the perfect cover for his espionage… until Kenneth realizes Barbara is far more captivating than any mission.
Barbara, with her sharp mind, delightful wit, and enviable collection of antiquities, proves to be Kenneth’s equal in every way—foot impairment or not. When the two team up to unravel the mystery of forged canopic jars, the sparks fly faster than his spy cover can be blown. And yes, the “Ken and Barbie” vibe, complete with her penchant for pink, is as charming as it sounds.
Caroline Lee has once again delivered a laugh-out-loud historical romp, full of clever banter, swoony romance, and a dash of intrigue. It’s hilariously mischievous, warmly romantic, and unapologetically fun—everything a cheeky historical romp should be.
Prepare to giggle, swoon, and maybe even learn a thing or two about ancient artifacts while you’re at it.
Barbara, with her sharp mind, delightful wit, and enviable collection of antiquities, proves to be Kenneth’s equal in every way—foot impairment or not. When the two team up to unravel the mystery of forged canopic jars, the sparks fly faster than his spy cover can be blown. And yes, the “Ken and Barbie” vibe, complete with her penchant for pink, is as charming as it sounds.
Caroline Lee has once again delivered a laugh-out-loud historical romp, full of clever banter, swoony romance, and a dash of intrigue. It’s hilariously mischievous, warmly romantic, and unapologetically fun—everything a cheeky historical romp should be.
Prepare to giggle, swoon, and maybe even learn a thing or two about ancient artifacts while you’re at it.
May 1, 2026
What a fun take on Barbie and Ken. Miss Barbara Fokette is a wallflower. She can’t dance due to a foot injury, so she spends every ball as a wallflower trying to keep her mind occupied until she can leave. Sir Kenneth Fraser is a agent for the Crown and he’s been tasked with finding an Egyptian antiquities forger and he soon realizes that Miss Barbara can help, as she collects these artifacts. Kenneth as also accepted a challenge that will help him gain entry into the circle of Egyptian collectors. That entry is Barbara. As they start to spend more time together, Kenneth realizes that Barbara is so much more than a wallflower. She’s intelligent, beautiful and he enjoys her company more than he thought. But once that darn Rake Review article is published, Barbara’s reputation might be ruined. She doesn’t care, as she’s more interested in finding out what’s going on with the forgeries and who is responsible.
This was a fun and witty story. I loved the references to Barbie and Ken. The dialogue was great and their chemistry was wonderful. Her father was a hoot.
This was a fun and witty story. I loved the references to Barbie and Ken. The dialogue was great and their chemistry was wonderful. Her father was a hoot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sir Kenneth Fraser is London's most outrageous rake but when his cover is almost blown at the Standish Ball—and Society is in danger of learning the truth about him Kenneth proposes scandalous distraction: enter a wager with Remy. May the best rake win! Miss Barbara Fokette is not what he expected. With clever wit, odd hobbies, and a personal library of antiquities that may hold the key to his latest assignment for the Crown, she’s far more tempting than any wager has a right to be.
This was so so good, it was hilarious, it was steamy, it was intriguing & I loved it. The banter was brilliant as was the word play, Barbara’s siblings initials led to me almost spraying my coffee everywhere as did the fact she loves pink & their names! I loved the chemistry between them & that Kenneth saw her. They also worked well together to solve the mystery. Roll on June’s Rake
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
This was so so good, it was hilarious, it was steamy, it was intriguing & I loved it. The banter was brilliant as was the word play, Barbara’s siblings initials led to me almost spraying my coffee everywhere as did the fact she loves pink & their names! I loved the chemistry between them & that Kenneth saw her. They also worked well together to solve the mystery. Roll on June’s Rake
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sir Kenneth Fraser uses his reputation as a rake to help in his work as an agent for the Crown. He is not actually the drunk rake found snooping in the study at the Standish ball, a close call. He needs to create a distraction. He and Remy propose a wager, winner being the best rake. Now he needs to try to seduce wallflower Barbara Fokette. Barbara is nothing like he expected. She is not shy, she is observant. She is intelligent, a scholar in antiquities, has her own library, and is one of a somewhat eccentric family. Two unexpected things happen. The two of them are strongly attracted to each other and Kenneth finds an excellent partner in his investigation. They work wonderfully together. Who will they catch, forgers, thieves, or a traitor? A beautifully written story, delightful, funny, entertaining; unusual characters you can’t help but like, and a great epilogue. Another rake reformed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Barbara Fokette may look like a wallflower, but underneath the quiet exterior is a brilliant mind who can spot a fake Egyptian artifact faster than London can gossip. Kenneth Fraser, England’s favorite scandalous rake, thinks he’s just here to ruin her for the sake of the Crown… until he realizes she’s the one woman who sees straight through him.
What starts as a “simple” mission turns into a partnership full of intelligence, spark, & slow‑burn intensity. From artifact lessons to unraveling a mystery, Barbara & Kenneth shift from reluctant allies to two people who need each other more than expected. A charming, passionate romance with a couple worth rooting for.
So, sit back & buckle up for this hilarious, spicy, historical rom-com. You will love this intelligent bluestocking, the handsome fake rake with secrets, a scandalous wager & Barbie's eccentric family. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What starts as a “simple” mission turns into a partnership full of intelligence, spark, & slow‑burn intensity. From artifact lessons to unraveling a mystery, Barbara & Kenneth shift from reluctant allies to two people who need each other more than expected. A charming, passionate romance with a couple worth rooting for.
So, sit back & buckle up for this hilarious, spicy, historical rom-com. You will love this intelligent bluestocking, the handsome fake rake with secrets, a scandalous wager & Barbie's eccentric family. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
Sir Kenneth is a home office operative, investigating treason, and agrees to a wager which Not only may help a friend, but give him access to the niece of the man being investigated. Barbara due an injury as a child, and her parents, has become a bit of a bluestocking. Her area of expertise is Egyptian relics. When approached by a gorgeous young man she wonders why, but discovers a similar sense of humour, so allows a friendship to develop. In showing Kenneth her hobby she starts noticing anomalies in some collections, which leads to a new investigation along side Kenneth original one.
I do wonder if the epilogue is needed, it doesn't add anything.
I always enjoy this author, the sense of the ridiculous is wonderful reading. I know the author is happy with it, but what let it down for me was the Ken and Barbie vibes. By all means use the names but to call her Barn or Barbie is offensive, especially when it's first done they don't know each other.
I do wonder if the epilogue is needed, it doesn't add anything.
I always enjoy this author, the sense of the ridiculous is wonderful reading. I know the author is happy with it, but what let it down for me was the Ken and Barbie vibes. By all means use the names but to call her Barn or Barbie is offensive, especially when it's first done they don't know each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely right up Caroline' s Hot Hilarious Historical alley. Completely unique and brilliantly funny as usual. Amazing main characters with fabulous side characters. Fun and interesting plot with plenty of steam. A bluestocking wallflower with a physical disability meets secret agent rake. I love when characters actually talk out their issues and there's no big miscommunication or keeping feelings tucked away leading to drama.
Also made curious me look up some old Egyptian history. I don't know that I ever had a knowledge base for it but I had fun leaning a few little things.
If you've made it to this page just get the book! Heck if you make it to the page of any of Lee's books, get the book.
Also made curious me look up some old Egyptian history. I don't know that I ever had a knowledge base for it but I had fun leaning a few little things.
If you've made it to this page just get the book! Heck if you make it to the page of any of Lee's books, get the book.
May 10, 2026
Sir Kenneth Fraser, known as London's most notorious rake, is a spy working for The Crown. He is looking for evidence of treason from a gentleman collecting Egyptian antiquities. To get close to his suspected traitor, he takes a wager he can't refuse. Only courting Miss Barbara Fokette, the knowledgeable bluestocking of Egyptian antiquities, is a lot more agreeable than he expected. Fascinated by the young lady, he becomes more enamoured when they discover something suspicious going on in the world of London's antiquities collectors.
Of course, he has seduction on his mind, but so does she.
Very funny and entertaining!
Descriptive sex.
Of course, he has seduction on his mind, but so does she.
Very funny and entertaining!
Descriptive sex.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wagers, Wallflowers, Trickery:
Another crafty story with intriguing characters that took me on an adventure of discovering ancient artifacts and finding love
Delightful characters that had great personalities and deserved to find a lasting love.
The more I read the more I caught onto the inuendo of the characters names.
A fun lighthearted story with a bit of mystery that comes to fruition at the very exciting and emotional end
Mature Advisory:3/5
Bravo: To the author for the in-depth research of the artifacts.
Another crafty story with intriguing characters that took me on an adventure of discovering ancient artifacts and finding love
Delightful characters that had great personalities and deserved to find a lasting love.
The more I read the more I caught onto the inuendo of the characters names.
A fun lighthearted story with a bit of mystery that comes to fruition at the very exciting and emotional end
Mature Advisory:3/5
Bravo: To the author for the in-depth research of the artifacts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pure Enjoyment!
This was a very welcome addition to an already wonderful series.
As usual with this particular author, it was an extremely witty, funny and absolutely riveting experience to say the least. Honestly, I could not put this book down - not even for a moment.
The story was so well written, it's characters so realistic, even with the usual author liberties of facts and 'false-facts' written into the story which were made to be so believable.
I loved all of this!
I have just read an early copy of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
This was a very welcome addition to an already wonderful series.
As usual with this particular author, it was an extremely witty, funny and absolutely riveting experience to say the least. Honestly, I could not put this book down - not even for a moment.
The story was so well written, it's characters so realistic, even with the usual author liberties of facts and 'false-facts' written into the story which were made to be so believable.
I loved all of this!
I have just read an early copy of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a bit confused why this book in the series didn’t follow the formula of the Belle’s review being the first thing read. Then it made sense. Barbara is a woman that knows what she wants and Kenneth is just the man to give it to her. I loved both characters. The mystery to solve was reminiscent of other Caroline Lee books. I had the bad guy figured out pretty quickly. Well written as always, irreverent as always and a surprising amount of steam for such a short read. Really great HEA. I enjoyed this book.
May 1, 2026
Knighted spy Kenneth is tasked with seducing bluestocking wallflower Barbara so her cousin can be investigated. He doesn’t expect to find her witty and interesting with her fascination with antiquities and her discovery of forgeries to help him with his investigation. Her family is funny and not so easy for Kenneth to fool. There are a lot of puny innuendoes in this steamy novella romance with a dash of suspense.
May 3, 2026
Awwww this was cute. I loved this story and would re read. Barbara was great, she has a limp but it doesn’t stop her from doing what she wanted and was also super comfortable in her own skin. Her eccentric family were amazing and it made sense of who Barbara was. Sir Kenneth was a dream. A rake of course but a sweetheart with so much humor. I loved me some scots and he was one of them. Would re read
May 5, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up. Bonkers level dialed up to 4 and steam level 3.5. Caroline Lee makes it clear from the outset: If you don't have a sense of humor, don't go crying to her. It's the most ridiculous entry in the series yet--basically Austin Powers meets a rake/bluestocking HR--but in this world we live in today there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just wish the go-for-broke silliness didn't morph into expected erotica by the end. Still fun, though.
May 8, 2026
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.
This Story was Wonderful & Entertaining. A hero who accepts a wager to seduce a Wallflower& ends up fallinginto an investigation in the antiquities .circle. A heroine who had a deformed foot & is intelligent & loves Egypt & its antiquities.
Barbara & Kenneth (Barbie & Ken) were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading "Jealous Rakes And June Mistakes" in the next book in this series.
This Story was Wonderful & Entertaining. A hero who accepts a wager to seduce a Wallflower& ends up fallinginto an investigation in the antiquities .circle. A heroine who had a deformed foot & is intelligent & loves Egypt & its antiquities.
Barbara & Kenneth (Barbie & Ken) were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading "Jealous Rakes And June Mistakes" in the next book in this series.
May 8, 2026
May the Best Rake Win
By Caroline Lee
From the get go, this one pulled me in. The story and characters were ohhh so engaging, it was extremely difficult to put down. And even when I did, the world Ms. Lee created kept running through my head. It was wonderful, playful and had some steam, enough to keep it entertaining, even when finished. This series has a lot to recommend it and Ms. Lee’s contribution makes it shine. ✨
By Caroline Lee
From the get go, this one pulled me in. The story and characters were ohhh so engaging, it was extremely difficult to put down. And even when I did, the world Ms. Lee created kept running through my head. It was wonderful, playful and had some steam, enough to keep it entertaining, even when finished. This series has a lot to recommend it and Ms. Lee’s contribution makes it shine. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ken & Barbie K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Another laugh out loud book from Caroline Lee! Canopic jars, hungry sheep, tariffs, robbed tombs, Nutt’s, lemon cake, breath and balls, iced tea, and lots of pink. What more could you ask for? And - as always - take the time to read the Author’s Notes at the end. Hilarious!
Another laugh out loud book from Caroline Lee! Canopic jars, hungry sheep, tariffs, robbed tombs, Nutt’s, lemon cake, breath and balls, iced tea, and lots of pink. What more could you ask for? And - as always - take the time to read the Author’s Notes at the end. Hilarious!
May 1, 2026
What a fabulous story about a stubborn wallflower who might just have met her match in Sir Kenneth Fraser is London's most outrageous rake and covert agent. A wallflower who loves antiquities and can spot a forgery at a glance, could she to the key to cracking his latest assignment. It's a shame that he is courting her for all the wrong reasons or is he.
May 1, 2026
Loved It
I loved Barbara and Kenneth's story. These two are perfect for each other and it was fun to watch how things come together for them. She is so much more than he ever imagined. Their story captivated from the beginning till the very end.
I loved Barbara and Kenneth's story. These two are perfect for each other and it was fun to watch how things come together for them. She is so much more than he ever imagined. Their story captivated from the beginning till the very end.
May 3, 2026
So much fun!
For such a short read it was a lot of fun. I loved the characters (Kenneth and Barbara) and the development of Barbara’s self worth with Kenneth’s help was satisfying. I enjoyed it!
For such a short read it was a lot of fun. I loved the characters (Kenneth and Barbara) and the development of Barbara’s self worth with Kenneth’s help was satisfying. I enjoyed it!
May 5, 2026
Well if you love Barbie n all things pink this book is for ypu
Well if you love Barbie n all things pink this book is for you Caroline take on the Barbie n Ken story in this book with a twist you won't find in a modern Barbie story
Well if you love Barbie n all things pink this book is for you Caroline take on the Barbie n Ken story in this book with a twist you won't find in a modern Barbie story
May 7, 2026
Ken and Barbie for the win.
Another feel good romance from the queen of historical Romcom. Any time I am feeling down I pick up a Caroline Lee book and immediately cheer up. This was so sweet. Lots of steam. A great addition to the Rake Review series.
Another feel good romance from the queen of historical Romcom. Any time I am feeling down I pick up a Caroline Lee book and immediately cheer up. This was so sweet. Lots of steam. A great addition to the Rake Review series.
May 9, 2026
Novella Egyptian win
I was worried about this. I love period Egyptian romance. But this was so much fun and it didn't try to do too much in the space it had suppressing the romance. A good balance of period romance suspense set within antiquities. Also loved the disability rep.
I was worried about this. I love period Egyptian romance. But this was so much fun and it didn't try to do too much in the space it had suppressing the romance. A good balance of period romance suspense set within antiquities. Also loved the disability rep.
May 12, 2026
Barbie and Ken
Barbie and Ken, or Barbara and Kenneth, either way are fun. Treated by Caroline Lee, they are a delightful treat. Caught up in attempting to solve a mystery involving canopic funerary jars, they find themselves falling in love. A fun story.
Barbie and Ken, or Barbara and Kenneth, either way are fun. Treated by Caroline Lee, they are a delightful treat. Caught up in attempting to solve a mystery involving canopic funerary jars, they find themselves falling in love. A fun story.
May 12, 2026
Enjoyable
May 23, 2026
4.5/5*
Fun, low angst
Fun, low angst
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews