Reforming the Rakish Marquess

by Christina Diane

Genres: Historical Romance, Friends To Lovers

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2026

About the author

Christina Diane writes Regency romances that are fast-paced, high-heat love stories where the banter bites and the bad boys never behave. An international bestselling author, Christina blends historical settings with modern a modern flair, crafting irresistible tales of spirited heroines, forbidden liaisons, and brooding alphas who’d ruin your reputation and your bedsheets.

If you crave scandal, seduction, and a dash of emotional darkness…welcome to your new obsession.

Reviews

[Alexandra G]

After a short lavender marriage to her best friend, Lady Juliana finds herself a wealthy widow at just 21. Fresh out of mourning, she’s eager to rejoin the Season. Not to remarry, but to live again, dance again and have a good time with her friends. Her re-entry into Society sparks a surgence of indecent proposals – the kind she’d like to explore, except... she’s still a virgin.
Enter Jude – a marquess, one of her dear friends, dashing and a proud rake – or that’s what he lets Society believe. In truth, he’s tormented by nightmares from physical abuse in his youth, and the 3 mistresses he keeps, are simply trauma release. He’s always kept an eye out for Juliana, and he’ll keep her safe now too – even if he can never marry himself.
But imagine his surprise when she suddenly asks for bedroom lessons – and he finds himself unable to refuse...

Overall, this was a lovely, lighthearted, feel-good friends-to-lovers romance.
I really liked this couple! The way their relationship took shape felt natural, and the emotions felt true. They took care of each other, they both suffered and eventually they found their well-deserved HEA. Their chemistry was amazing! The sneaking around, giddiness and wonder made it fun and playful like two teenagers & first love – and the never been kissed surprise was the perfect cherry on top!

Juliana looks far too innocent on the cover of this book! She’s mischievous in her own way, irresistible in her enthusiasm, and a conquering explorer – ask Jude, the man falls like a log, even while he fights his feelings tooth and nail.
Jude is a darling! So protective and caring in a delectable oh-I’ll-teach-you way. This man who believes himself too broken to love (I do wish his trauma had been explored a bit more) has in fact a most generous heart – yet he still was a complete dumbass during the TAB. He meant well, but still, dumbass! It does earn him a brilliant verbal ass whooping though!
Now, the villain and his blackmail ploy were intriguing, but the whole shebang was solved a little too smoothly for my liking. It did, however, introduce a very interesting and unexpected friend, whom I hope will get his own HEA someday.

[Pam Bereznak]

I just started reading Christina Diane in Dec, 2024. This is already my 16th book by her. I saw one of her books when I was downloading another new author and also ran across her on a FB takeover in one of my steamy book groups. Her stories are well written and sex is totally hot. I already have 3 of her books on my favorite books read list. I have been loving this series.

I freakin' loved this book. I loved Juliana and Jude. I loved the storyline. I absolutely love when a rake falls. It's the best. I loved his vulnerability with Juliana. I love how caring she was. Such great personalities. Sex was hot and plentiful. :) I am definitely adding this book to my favorite books read list for August, 2026, Christina is definitely becoming a favorite author of mine. Can't wait for more.

[SplkdancerReviews]

Very steamy, emotional read with a two from a group of friends. Clearly part of a series, as several of the group are already coupled, but easy to read as a standalone.

The story contains several overlapping tropes - from a lavender first marriage to suddenly wanting to find love, a virgin - Rake coupling after she asks him to teach her, some external blackmail he feels obligated to protect her from, some misunderstandings and emotional baggage, an attempt to prevent scandal that causes more heartbreak, a third act hurdle and the meddling group of friends that ensure the HEA we all know is coming. Thankfully I found it low cringe and pretty honest with little miscommunication or emotional stupidity.

Pretty straight forward a regency romance with lots of graphic spice while he’s “teaching” her the things she never learned from her marriage. Not the most epic or unique story I’ve read, but a solid story and decent read.

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC. This is my honest review.

[Kristina]

Reforming the Rakish Marquess by Christina Diane

The inexperienced widow worked quite well because it overcame many historicals unrealistic depictions of the freedom young women had with the need for chaperones. No conveniently missing chaperones to be seen here.

Juliana, newly out of mourning seeks out her friend (and rake) Jude to teach her about the passion she didn’t have with her first husband.

Jude with his childhood trauma isn’t one for attachments and agrees to the arrangement.

Throw in some hard to fight feelings, a few obstacles set on causing scandal and you have an enjoyable historical romance.


Thanks to NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing and Christina Diane for the ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Susan]

This was such a great book! It is so entertaining when the couple thinks they are starting out with no strings attached but each secret encounter weaves another string throughout their story. Jude and Juliana had to deal with roadblocks along the way and I loved how those were resolved. The interactions with the servants was the best. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Michellelovesreading]

I enjoyed reading this historical romance and I will be reading more of these in the future.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Fanosse23]

Reforming the Rake is a romance with remarkable depth and warmth. The author’s writing is polished, engaging, and flows beautifully, making it easy to be swept into Juliana and Jude’s world. The characters are vividly drawn—likable, caring, and supported by a close circle of friends whose loyalty and humor bring the story to life.

Juliana, Viscount Gordon, marries her best friend in a marriage of convenience, fully aware that he prefers men. After he tragically dies in an accident, she spends a year in mourning before stepping back into society. Seeing the love and passion her friends share, she realizes she wants to experience it herself. Financially independent and with no intention of remarrying, she turns to the one man she trusts not to ensnare her—Jude, the Marquess of Sandon.

Jude, hiding his own painful past under the guise of London’s most notorious rake, avoids emotional entanglements at all costs. When Juliana proposes a no‑strings arrangement to explore desire, he hesitates, but his protective instincts win. They both believe they can keep their hearts out of the equation, but every stolen moment and tender touch makes that promise harder to keep.

Just when it seems everything is coming together for the couple, another scandal comes to light and Jude retreats, sending the emotional stakes spiraling. At this point, my feelings were all over the place—but caring, meddling friends step in at just the right moments, adding warmth and humor that balance the tension beautifully.

The chemistry between Juliana and Jude is believable and electric. Their personal growth is compelling, and the threats from Juliana’s past add a layer of suspense and tension that keeps the pages turning. The author balances moments of intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and unexpected twists with skill, culminating in a journey that feels both heartfelt and satisfying.

While the book contains several steamy scenes that are integral to the characters’ story, it also shines with charming friendships, a touch of angst, and a sincere exploration of love and healing. By the final pages, the author leaves readers rooting for this unlikely couple and thoroughly satisfied with a hard‑won happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Nanna]

Wow, what a read, I couldn’t put it down so much emotion in this story, both good and bad. I haven’t read the rest of this series and had no trouble enjoying this book. I do want to go back and read the rest of the series in order as the friends in this book sound delightful. This is part of the Flame series and is just that very sexy and open door for those who like to know. Juliana, daughter of a lord, is part of a group of friends who have known each other awhile. Some are married but those in town attend the same social balls and events. Juliana married her best friend, Edward, and became the Viscountess Gordon. Unknown to their friends their marriage was one of friendship only! When Edward proposed to her, he explained that he could offer her love of friendship, freedom and security but not passions of marriage as he was attracted to men instead and had a lover. They were content in the year they had before he was killed in an accident. Now she is out of her year of mourning and attending her first ball she is shocked by what the men of the ton are asking her for. Jude is the Marquess of Sandon and known thru the ton as the biggest rake. Mothers keep their daughter away from him. He is handsome as sin, with dimples when he smiles and all their friends know he has no intention of getting married. One of his rules is no kissing ever. Juliana has no need to marry ever as Edward left her with property and wealth. As she dances with Jude, she is surprised by her thoughts, how his arms feel around her and how his lips look things she never thought of. Now after hearing her married friends talk, she wants to know what she missed in her marriage. Would the biggest rake in London be willing to teach her about carnal pleasures? Now the rest of this amazing, fun, endearing, sad, passion story begins. So many misunderstandings, an evil villain, help from friends, and a beautiful ending that could have you shed a tear of two. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest and long opinion and am freely giving it. Rush and get your copy and the rest of the series too.

[Merlyn Fereira]

​🇹​​🇭​​🇦​​🇳​​🇰​ ​🇾​​🇴​​🇺​ ​🇹​​🇴​ ​🇩​​🇷​​🇦​​🇬​​🇴​​🇳​​🇧​​🇱​​🇦​​🇩​​🇪​ ​🇵​​🇺​​🇧​​🇱​​🇮​​🇸​​🇭​​🇮​​🇳​​🇬​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇵​​🇷​​🇴​​🇻​​🇮​​🇩​​🇮​​🇳​​🇬​ ​🇹​​🇭​​🇮​​🇸​ ​🇧​​🇴​​🇴​​🇰​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇷​​🇪​​🇻​​🇮​​🇪​​🇼​ ​🇨​​🇴​​🇳​​🇸​​🇮​​🇩​​🇪​​🇷​​🇦​​🇹​​🇮​​🇴​​🇳​ ​🇻​​🇮​​🇦​ ​🇳​​🇪​​🇹​​🇬​​🇦​​🇱​​🇱​​🇪​​🇾​. ​🇦​​🇱​​🇱​ ​🇷​​🇪​​🇻​​🇮​​🇪​​🇼​​🇸​ ​🇦​​🇷​​🇪​ ​🇲​​🇾​ ​🇴​​🇼​​🇳​.

𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 by 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘦 follows the story of Juliana who married for companionship. After a freakish accident in volving someone close to her, she decides to seek the help of the rake of the ton, her best friend, for desires related to the pleasures of the flesh. It's one thing to be a friend of the ton's rake, but its a hall of shame to be [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted].

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊⊱·✶·⊰₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

DNFed at 92.9%

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊⊱·✶·⊰₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥:
-The book cover is so regency era coded and utterly well done.
- The story was fast paced up to the 50% mark and then slowed down for a few chapters after that. Towards the end of the story it slowed too much and it hampered the flow of the flow of the story.
- The romance and the tension between the FMC and MMC was great.
- The smut was also great.
- I loved the way the characters were written. They were very human and believable in their actions and attitudes. I like the way how their faults made them weak and also pointed their strengths at the same time.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥:
- I felt the writing wasn't that great in this story. I felt it was lacking the polish readers come across in historical fiction books based in England.
- Up to the part I DNFed (92.9%), I felt most of the twists were predictable.
- There were quite a few things, one in particular is the writing that could be improved. I also felt that some of the parts looked forced and dragged. Even certain dialogues and scenes should have been cut short or written in a more interesting way because they felt quite the same to me.
- Overall, this story was something I would only read once. It wasn't that memorable.

[Dani]

What a great read!

This story was a page turner - it was well paced, a great plot, and good characters.

Lady Juliana has just finished her year of mourning and she is ready to return to society. She was married to her good friend Edward and widowed far too early.

Juliana doesn't plan on entering into society with the intention of finding a new husband but she would enjoy experiencing the passion a widow has the freedom to enjoy.

She doesn't want to enter into an affair with someone she can't trust, she has secrets and circumstances which require more discretion than normal.
The only person she can think of who would be perfect, is her good friend Jude who is well known within the ton as a Rakish Marquess.

Turning to Jude to teach her about passion, they enter into an affair with the intention of no emotional entanglements.

Juliana quickly realises she is falling for her friend but can't imagine ever letting him know, he has always expressed no intention of falling in love or marrying but she wonder's if he feels more than he is letting on.

Jude has no intention of ever marrying as he has personal demons, things which he is ashamed of. He can never expose them to another.
He doesn't understand what he is feeling but the more time he is with Juliana, the less he can see ever letting her go!

Both Juliana and Jude were great main characters who were loyal and caring to one another from the beginning. There was no childish drama between them and both were very honest with one another - with no judgement.
There were circumstances and subject matters that were and are very much part of reality, it gave the story and characters depth.

I also really liked the side characters, the friends - they were all like family with one another and that was really an enjoyable addition to the story.


Its a wonderful story of friends, loyalty, love, and of course passion.

I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Margaret Davis]

Juliana married Edward Gordon, not for love but because everyone was expecting them to marry. After Edward dies in an accident, the rakes of the ton are swarming around the newly widowed Juliana in order to be the first to have a fling with her. After consulting with one of her best friends, Juliana ask Jude, Marquess of Sandon to introduce her to the intimacy that occurs between partners. They agree to a relationship without the encumbrances of feelings and everything was going as planned until they each developed feelings for each other. After the new Viscount Gordon, who inherited after the death of Edward, learns that Juliana was given most of the money and unentailed properties, he attempts to blackmail her after he learns why she and Edward were really married. After learning of the blackmail attempts, Jude hires a Bow Street runner to learn all he could about the new Viscount Gordon so that they could prevent from paying him. When Jude witnesses Juliana in conversation with another man, he becomes jealous and breaks off their relationship in order to preserve his heart. He also learns that a previous mistress had a child for him and is now deceased. He takes his daughter to his country estate without sharing the information with Juliana, to prevent her from having to suffer the scandal. Juliana is heartbroken and it takes her friend who is also married to Jude's best friend, to convince her to visit Jude at his country estate. Reforming the Rakish Marquess is a steamy read with lots of action and intrigue that will keep the readers on seat of their chairs until they get to the end of the tale. After clearing up each other's misconceptions Juliana and Jude will get their HEA
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Reader of Books]

I'm new to this author, so I went in with little expectations as most of the regency books I've read recently have all been the same.

This one was a pleasant change, even though it was still somewhat predictable. (No disrespect to the author, I just read a lot of historical romance novels!)

Juliana, while not as innocent as she looks on the cover, is a 21 year old widow. She is also mischievous and enthusiastic about everything. It's her first season after coming out of mourning, so that was a wonderful take on the story. Not many authors would want to include a widow as it might not make the story enjoyable. But I loved that about Juliana.

However, Juliana has a serious problem, one that her friend Jude can help her with.

Enter Jude, the childhood best friend and supposed Rake, if that is what the rest of society is to believe. He has his own trauma of his own, but for Juliana? He will step out of his comfort zone to help her, however he can.

The story was well written and well researched. (You can tell that the author has written multiple books in the genre!)

There were some plots that I felt were rushed and I would have loved to see a little bit more into the side stories and some of the side characters.

However, I will be looking for more books by Christina Diane in the future, I can't wait to see what she has next in store.

[Tiffany P]

I really enjoyed this steamy friends to lovers story. Juliana, a widow, approached Jude to teach her about passion after enduring a marriage in name only. They agreed upon an arrangement that wouldn’t involve any affection, but that quickly changed for them both. Jude was protective and would do anything to make sure Juliana was okay. When she was in trouble or being threatened, Jude was the only person she thought to go to for help. They both shared their secrets that they had never told anyone else. She helped him heal and realize that he was lovable. He showed her what true love and passion could be. The relationship between the main characters was believable and well written. The side characters were entertaining and likable. This story contained good characters, a villain, family found, love, lust, and a HEA. I really enjoyed this story and connected so much that I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see the happy ending for the couple.

I received an advanced copy of this from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Pat Robinson]

I want to say upfront, when I promised to read and review this book, I didn’t realize it was in Dragonblade’s Flame series. I usually stay away from those as they tend to be more explicit and have crass language that I don’t like. That being said I enjoyed the story that I did read and simply passed by the sections that were obviously something I didn’t want to read.I don’t mind spice, but the almost erotic is just too much for me. I thought the characters were well developed and adored Jude. Seeing him blossom after so much pain in his life was rather inspiring, showing what the love of a good woman can do. Julianna has quite a soft heart, especially with her first husband. The twist in the story was rather a surprise as. I was expecting something else that involved the villain. (Good job to the author for the surprise!) A good story if you can get past the “flame” and language. (The 4 stars for the crass language- it’s lazy and I hate it)

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Isabell-Thea Fruend]

I am thoroughly enjoying the series Romancing the Ton so far.. This is book 4.. The first 3 books were wonderful. I read this book in 1 sitting .. couldn't put it down..
This story has so much depth to it, and it is unforgettable.
Jude and Juliana were made for each other.. he has a secret that he is not willing to share.
He is drop dead gorgeous and she is stunning. They are fascinated with each other.
They are in a friends to lovers relationship.
The have mutual male and female friends.
He vows never to marry, on the other hand she has been married but wants to experience passion.
But only with him..
All is going well til a threat comes to light against her. Jude comes to the rescue.
Then another hiccup comes their way to spoil their happiness..
But friendship from friends intervene and love prevails.
They get their HEA
I have read thousands of books and this one I will remember and will be a favourite forever more.
Well done Christiana.. this series is the best .

[Shiney]

Lady Julianna is a young white-marriage widow at 21, and she trusts no one but her old-time friend, the ton's most irrepressible rakish marquess Jude to teach her the sensual delights that have been denied her.

It is a clear arrangement from the beginning, and definitely no emotional entanglements. Right? Of course--only that, as Julianna learns more about physical pleasure and Jude increasingly loses control over his vulnerability, the only inevitability is for them to finally have it all.

Jude's already confused with his feelings from his lonely childhood; throw in a villainous relation threatening Julianna, and sh*t hit the fan just as these bosom friends take the leap into something more.

I love it when good people find their match, and I've been rooting for Julianna and Jude to build their family and future together. Luckily, they have the best set of love-stricken friends around them to race them to their happy ending.

I received an early copy from Netgalley. This review is honest, voluntary, and made for free.

[Reading Adventures]

Christina Diane proves once again why she’s one of my absolute favorite authors. Reforming the Rakish Marquess is the kind of romance that wraps around you like a soft shawl—lush, emotional, and beautifully paced. Juliana and Jude feel wonderfully alive on the page, each carrying their own wounds, hopes, and quiet longings. Their chemistry isn’t just dreamy; it’s tender in a way that makes every stolen glance and every lesson in desire feel meaningful.

The “teach me” premise is handled with such care that it becomes less about seduction and more about healing—two people learning how to be seen, how to trust, and how to want without fear. Jude’s broken, guarded heart and Juliana’s brave search for passion make them unforgettable. And when danger creeps in from her late husband’s family, the story tightens into a delicious blend of romance and suspense that keeps you rooting for them with your whole chest.

Memorable characters, perfect storytelling, and dreamy passion—this is Christina Diane at her very best, and exactly why I return to her books again and again.

[Pico1]

An amusing, fast paced story with a lot of twists and turns. Julianna marries Viscount Gordon for friendship, not love – as he is interested in other men, not women. After a year he dies in an accident and she is left as a widow with quite a bit of money and a home in London. Having never had sex in her marriage, but having heard about how wonderful it is from her friends who are married, she decides to have an affair with Jude, a good and trusted friend and a Marquess who has never wanted to marry and is known as a notorious rake. The development of their affair, the interference of the heir to her late husband’s title as Viscount, and the problems from Jude’s past all impact the developing affection between Jude and Julianna. There is humor, angst, and some intrigue – but both characters come out well because they are intelligent and creative. I received a copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rosemary]

I really enjoyed this book, as I was reading, I don’t know where the time went. Juliana was a widow who married her friend, but they never had a physical relationship. She does not think she ever wants to marry again but she wants to know what she missed. She doesn’t know who to trust to help her with the physical aspect of being married, because it can raise questions about why she is still a virgin. She decides to ask Jude who has a reputation and never wants to get married. Jude is part of their friend group so he says he will help her, but it cannot go any further than physical. I loved watching the two of them fall in love. The sex scenes were hot and enjoyable, they went with the story. I am sorry I have missed the previous books in this series, but I will look for the future books about these friends.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[C]

Reforming the Rakish Marquess is a warm, engaging friends‑to‑lovers romance filled with emotional depth, vulnerability, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Juliana’s request for guidance leads her to Jude, her trusted rakish friend, and their “no‑feelings” arrangement quickly deepens into something real. Their chemistry is believable, the character growth is compelling, and the threats from Juliana’s past add satisfying tension. Readers who prefer closed‑door or low‑heat romances should note that this book includes several sizzling scenes woven into the plot. With charming side characters, heartfelt moments, and a sweet HEA, this installment in Romancing the Ton is memorable, fast‑paced, and thoroughly enjoyable. I received a copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Barbara Mann]

3/5...I enjoyed the chemistry between Juliana and Jude, and their unconventional arrangement made for some steamy and entertaining moments. Jude’s troubled past also added emotional depth to his character. However, the romance didn’t completely pull me in. Some of the conflict felt predictable, and the pacing dragged in places. I wanted more development of the emotional connection between the characters, especially as their arrangement began to turn into something deeper. this was an enjoyable historical romance with plenty of passion and a likeable couple, but it didn’t quite stand out for me. A solid read, just not a favorite. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindy Stone]

As usual, Christina Diane delivers. Jude is a rake but he has his reasons. He seeks only to protect Juliana from the vultures that prowl the Ton’s ballroom floors looking for willing widows. And of course the males of the Ton lay bets at White’s as to who will bed each new widow. Jude decides he must protect Juliana from these vultures. Juliana, on the other hand, had a “white marriage” which offered her love, companionship and security but not passion as Edward her husband preferred men. Although Juliana went into the marriage knowing who Edward was, she now wants to experience passion and who does she decide to ask to bed her - Jude! Great story and believable. Although I received an ARC from NetGalley, my opinions are my own and freely posted.”

[Theresa25]

Very enjoyable story. I was hooked from chapter one. A widow who needs someone to teach her the pleasures of being married, without being married. Juliana’s marriage was not one of love. More a marriage of convenience but her husband couldn’t give her what she most wanted, love and children. When he passes, she decides to ask her best friend Jude, the Marquess of Sandon, to show her. What neither of them expected was for it to turn into love.

Juliana and Jude were perfect for each other. They both needed someone but didn’t want the love part of a relationship. Yes, there were some misinterpretations that needed clarification. I enjoyed their time spent together, the conversation between them and most of all that they fell in love and not knowing what to do about it.

[Stacie Irwin]

For me, 4.5 stars easy. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I loved the friends to lovers “teach me” trope. I appreciate the underlying friendship and relationship that was there already for Jude and Juliana. I am very grateful to be an ARC reader for this book!
I really liked how Jude came up to scratch with being so honorable, loyal, and faithful. He was quite the MMC! There was LOTS of passionate scenes throughout, but it fit within the plot so well. There was a lot of emotional depth and development as well, so it kept you on your toes and engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend!

[shut.up.moms.reading]

Thank you to Christina Diane and DragonBlade publishing for the review copy in exchange for a voluntary review. This was a spicy historical romance. I really loved Jude and Juliana together. I thought the angle for why this widowed woman would seek out her friend was a new one. This would have been a 5 star read for me except for the twist at the ending. I felt there was enough conflict without the added third act breakup due to someone in the MMC’s past. But that is just me, it doesn’t necessarily deter me from recommending this one. It has the following tropes: friends to lovers, lessons, blackmail, tortured MMC and found family.

[Rose Seals]

Great cover, well written. Full of drama, society, passion, blackmail, secrets, twists, love, surprise and steam. The characters , each have a lot to learn and share. There is a skeptical determination in their lives both past and present. Yet they are struggling to make an engaging complex decision to have a happily ever after. Julian is a young untouched widow who wants to know what she has been missing. So she turns to Jude, a friend from her past. Between them there is some sizzling scenes. Lots of ups and downs to handle along with twists to make the storyline a real page turner. Would recommend to others.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Pebblesinmichigan Julia248]

Troubled rake gives Widowed virgin lessons in desire 🔥

I enjoyed Juliana & Jude’s story.🩷 I liked how she surprised him with her request for lessons (closed door), and him being a notorious rake and having noticed Juliana before her request, he cannot refuse her. Both have secrets which they help each other with.

This is the 4th book in the Romancing the Ton series and after reading it I had to read the first three in the series. This book can stand alone. I recommend reading it as well as the other three.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and this is my honest review.

[Diane Rey]

Juliana married for friendship, not love. When her husband suddenly dies, she longs to experience the intimacy she never did in her marriage. Knowing her friend Jude has vowed never to marry, she asks him to teach her. Please note that this book is much spicier than my normal reads so I glossed over some of the book; however, the story was enjoyable and held my interest. Juliana tried not to fall for Jude knowing he would never marry. Jude was interesting to watch how he overcame the scars that he had from his childhood. Thank you to #NetGalley and #DragonbladePublishing for a copy of this book for an honest review. 4 stars

[Vee - My Little Book Reads]

I enjoy this book so much! Juliana knows exactly what she wants, and I loved that she went after it. And choosing one of the ton’s most notorious rakes to teach her? Even better. 😂 The chemistry between her and Jude was so good, and the spice definitely delivered.

But I especially loved getting underneath Jude’s rake persona and seeing the more vulnerable side of him. What was supposed to be no strings attached obviously didn’t stay that way, and watching these two fall for each other was everything. Definitely worth a read.

[Alexandra]

Friends to lovers romance. It all starts with a proposition that will ensure that Juliana will learn more about herself than she has been able to learn before. Jude is more than willing to help with conditions. This is temporary and no one will be falling in love. As they navigate this new relationship about learning more about each other their friendship becomes more than what they agreed on. They fight together against enemies and learn how to love each other. I enjoyed the book it was a quick and easy read.