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The Rake Review: Season 2 #5
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 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 14, 2026
This was a very lighthearted story; an entertaining mix of romantic comedy and adventur-esque mystery.
The book has a very contemporary feel to it; I once came across a term "wallpaper romance", that basically describes a romance set in a past historical time period, while being mostly removed from any historical accuracy. And, it’s not only about modern attitudes to certain ideas, but even the way characters behave and speak to each other.
For example, the humour in this story was charming (at first), but it was based on modern references and memes. were cute moments, but they also rather quickly felt a little awkward and forced.
The novella was not a complete miss for me, as I liked the main couple; they were very cute together.
Kenneth was incredibly sweet and tender towards Barbara, especially when she was feeling insecure about her disability.
My favourite moment was definitely a scene when
I enjoyed how the main couple teemed up to solve the forgery mystery and how along the way, they fell in love.
There was a subplot about a wager, (on that note, one of the greatest “you only started showing interest in me because of a bet” historical romances out there is still Sarah MacLean’s Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. HIGHLY recommend!)
May the Best Rake Win was light and entertaining, a nice early Summer’s afternoons read.
3,5(rounded up)/5 stars⭐
PS.: Since it seems I'm in a recommending books mood, if you're interested in another story about investigating a crime involving ancient Egyptian artifacts (while kissing and falling in love), Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran is a pretty fun ‘opposites attract’ romance with charming hero and a reserved, scholarly heroine.
The book has a very contemporary feel to it; I once came across a term "wallpaper romance", that basically describes a romance set in a past historical time period, while being mostly removed from any historical accuracy. And, it’s not only about modern attitudes to certain ideas, but even the way characters behave and speak to each other.
For example, the humour in this story was charming (at first), but it was based on modern references and memes. were cute moments, but they also rather quickly felt a little awkward and forced.
The novella was not a complete miss for me, as I liked the main couple; they were very cute together.
Kenneth was incredibly sweet and tender towards Barbara, especially when she was feeling insecure about her disability.
My favourite moment was definitely a scene when
I enjoyed how the main couple teemed up to solve the forgery mystery and how along the way, they fell in love.
There was a subplot about a wager, (on that note, one of the greatest “you only started showing interest in me because of a bet” historical romances out there is still Sarah MacLean’s Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. HIGHLY recommend!)
May the Best Rake Win was light and entertaining, a nice early Summer’s afternoons read.
3,5(rounded up)/5 stars⭐
PS.: Since it seems I'm in a recommending books mood, if you're interested in another story about investigating a crime involving ancient Egyptian artifacts (while kissing and falling in love), Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran is a pretty fun ‘opposites attract’ romance with charming hero and a reserved, scholarly heroine.
July 29, 2026
3.5 🌟
This was honestly like a fever dream but in a pleasant way.
I don't think my flu meds are helping the issue.
It's bizarre and fun and a funny little read.
If you're looking for a historical romance this ain't it. It's complete and utter set dressing but yet I still found myself liking this so much.
It's Kenneth and Barbara, yes, Barbie and Ken.
He's a spy. She specialises in ancient Egyptian artifacts. There's a mystery element and she's the only one who can help him solve it.
This was totally mad and I liked it very much.
This was honestly like a fever dream but in a pleasant way.
I don't think my flu meds are helping the issue.
It's bizarre and fun and a funny little read.
If you're looking for a historical romance this ain't it. It's complete and utter set dressing but yet I still found myself liking this so much.
It's Kenneth and Barbara, yes, Barbie and Ken.
He's a spy. She specialises in ancient Egyptian artifacts. There's a mystery element and she's the only one who can help him solve it.
This was totally mad and I liked it very much.
May 10, 2026
Sir Kenneth Fraser is one of society’s biggest breaks, but it turns out it’s all up front for his spy master gig!
Ken longs to be taken seriously, but he knows the rules must continue… And that’s how we find himself on the losing end of a bet where he must seduce an innocent miss in the line of duty!
Miss Barbara Fokette is not what can expected, she may be booked and shy, but she has a fun and spunky personality! His time with her is definitely not a chore and when her interest in Egyptian Canopic jars aligns with his investigation, he finds himself interested in her in more ways than one!
Needing to let her in on the investigation, Barbie and Ken work together on the case of the counterfeit jars and society scandals… Making themselves a scandal in the eyes of society!
Can this rogue, redeem himself without losing everything he is? Or will he lose it all just to find something much better than he ever expected!
This was the kind of Novella that I absolutely love! Fast paced, lots of chemistry and fun mystery. That’s pushing these two together the whole time. I found myself addicted to the page and not wanting to put this one down. This is definitely one of my favourites for the season so far of the Rake Review!
I mean, once I found that they were looking and investigating Egyptian treasures- I was sold! I think the icing on the cake was Ken’s admiration and respect for Barbie’s ability and her autonomy.
This was an excellent book and I can’t wait for the June rake!😘
Ken longs to be taken seriously, but he knows the rules must continue… And that’s how we find himself on the losing end of a bet where he must seduce an innocent miss in the line of duty!
Miss Barbara Fokette is not what can expected, she may be booked and shy, but she has a fun and spunky personality! His time with her is definitely not a chore and when her interest in Egyptian Canopic jars aligns with his investigation, he finds himself interested in her in more ways than one!
Needing to let her in on the investigation, Barbie and Ken work together on the case of the counterfeit jars and society scandals… Making themselves a scandal in the eyes of society!
Can this rogue, redeem himself without losing everything he is? Or will he lose it all just to find something much better than he ever expected!
This was the kind of Novella that I absolutely love! Fast paced, lots of chemistry and fun mystery. That’s pushing these two together the whole time. I found myself addicted to the page and not wanting to put this one down. This is definitely one of my favourites for the season so far of the Rake Review!
I mean, once I found that they were looking and investigating Egyptian treasures- I was sold! I think the icing on the cake was Ken’s admiration and respect for Barbie’s ability and her autonomy.
This was an excellent book and I can’t wait for the June rake!😘
May 23, 2026
Very fun little read. I liked our couple together. He really respected her intellect. She was smart and knowledgeable (in a conqueror kind of way) in her area of passion which is Ancient Egypt. My favorite parts are her sharing her love of the topic with him and how he engaged with her. I do think bets are pretty hurtful plots for romance (she’s all that I’m looking at you and 10 things I hate about you). But our rakes continue to lose to the Belle and I am enjoying her winning streak. XOXO
5/6 stars
5/6 stars
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.
September 25, 2026
Well written.
I’m not sure why this didn’t hit the spot for me, I had to leave it a couple of times to read other novels but eventually finished it.
I overall like Caroline Lee’s work and maybe it being in the Novella form hindered the story?? I still had some unanswered questions after the read.
Plus I just want to know who the Belle is so am getting a bit over the waiting.
Caroline Lee is an outstanding writer but I am always concerned I may read something that makes me uncomfortable…. I was truly loving her “Surprise! Dukes” series and was particularly looking forward to reading one of the character’s romance journey… I was put of by the synopsis that indicated he was bisexual (this made me very uncomfortable and delayed my reading the concluding novel of the series…. The series concluded extremely well and my fears regarding the bisexual content were not realised but it has continued to sadly make me wary of this author)
There was a male couple of long standing in the Surprise! Dukes series but they were peripheral characters with no sexual references that I recall…. This was fine and did not make me uncomfortable.
Please note this novel has raunchy heterosexual content.
I’m not sure why this didn’t hit the spot for me, I had to leave it a couple of times to read other novels but eventually finished it.
I overall like Caroline Lee’s work and maybe it being in the Novella form hindered the story?? I still had some unanswered questions after the read.
Plus I just want to know who the Belle is so am getting a bit over the waiting.
Caroline Lee is an outstanding writer but I am always concerned I may read something that makes me uncomfortable…. I was truly loving her “Surprise! Dukes” series and was particularly looking forward to reading one of the character’s romance journey… I was put of by the synopsis that indicated he was bisexual (this made me very uncomfortable and delayed my reading the concluding novel of the series…. The series concluded extremely well and my fears regarding the bisexual content were not realised but it has continued to sadly make me wary of this author)
There was a male couple of long standing in the Surprise! Dukes series but they were peripheral characters with no sexual references that I recall…. This was fine and did not make me uncomfortable.
Please note this novel has raunchy heterosexual content.
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.
May 24, 2026
Such a fun "wager" romance!
Kenneth took a bet that he could seduce Barabara. Little did he know that she would see right through his rakish charms. But, could she start to believe that she and he could have true feelings for each other?
What started out as a bet turned into something more! With their forced proximity to solve a case for the Crown leads them to realize they value each other's intellect and wit, and it doesn't hurt that they are physically attracted to each other!
Barbara's hobby is Egyptian artifacts. She has a keen eye for hieroglyphs and petina. Her knowledge is what breaks the counterfeit heist right open. Along with Kenneth, they take down the criminals and earn their just reward - love!
I can't wait to read June's story!
Kenneth took a bet that he could seduce Barabara. Little did he know that she would see right through his rakish charms. But, could she start to believe that she and he could have true feelings for each other?
What started out as a bet turned into something more! With their forced proximity to solve a case for the Crown leads them to realize they value each other's intellect and wit, and it doesn't hurt that they are physically attracted to each other!
Barbara's hobby is Egyptian artifacts. She has a keen eye for hieroglyphs and petina. Her knowledge is what breaks the counterfeit heist right open. Along with Kenneth, they take down the criminals and earn their just reward - love!
I can't wait to read June's story!
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.
June 15, 2026
really fun and mysterious
Barbie and Ken humor. Bawdy wit and an intelligent heroine. Ken is charming and an established rake so he can work for the crown with a back story. Their banter is humorous. The storyline is a quick read. There is a little confusion in the original reason for their interaction. However Barbara reasons out the purpose of the forgeries and Ken is there as her muscle and side kick. These two would be good as continued characters in mystery solving partnerships.
Barbie and Ken humor. Bawdy wit and an intelligent heroine. Ken is charming and an established rake so he can work for the crown with a back story. Their banter is humorous. The storyline is a quick read. There is a little confusion in the original reason for their interaction. However Barbara reasons out the purpose of the forgeries and Ken is there as her muscle and side kick. These two would be good as continued characters in mystery solving partnerships.
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. ✨
June 9, 2026
Kenneth And Barbara Areva Real treat
Caroline Lee gives us a sexy, charming, and funny who done it caper. Rake Ken accepts a wager from his boss at the Home office and seduces Miss Barbara to distract her Uncle long enough to come up with proof of his treason.
But then Ken is rather taken with the bright young lady he calls Barbie. Will hebe able to convince her that she’s not just a wager?
I enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
Caroline Lee gives us a sexy, charming, and funny who done it caper. Rake Ken accepts a wager from his boss at the Home office and seduces Miss Barbara to distract her Uncle long enough to come up with proof of his treason.
But then Ken is rather taken with the bright young lady he calls Barbie. Will hebe able to convince her that she’s not just a wager?
I enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
June 10, 2026
The right person will see and love all of you……..
I enjoyed following the growing connection between Barbara and Kenneth. What was supposed to start as a wager turned into so much more the moment he met Barbara. Their friendship turned into so much more. They became partners as well. This story had witty banter, funny, quirky family members, talk of antiquities, espionage, a criminal element, steam, and a HEA after a small hiccup after the wager was revealed.
I enjoyed following the growing connection between Barbara and Kenneth. What was supposed to start as a wager turned into so much more the moment he met Barbara. Their friendship turned into so much more. They became partners as well. This story had witty banter, funny, quirky family members, talk of antiquities, espionage, a criminal element, steam, and a HEA after a small hiccup after the wager was revealed.
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.
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