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Misadventures of the Heart #2
A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake
SHE IS PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME…
When Lady Josephine accepts a wager to lure a kiss from the most scandalous and depraved rake in England, she thought it an easy enough task. But one glimpse at the man in question and she foresees her reputation going up in glorious flames. It will not stop her from winning the wager, however, not even the vexing Marquis of St. Aldwyn, who is determined to stay firmly planted in her path to victory.
HE IS NOT PLAYING ANY MORE GAMES…
The Fifth Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville, has come to the conclusion that he has lost his mind. Why else would he be drawn to the reckless Lady Josephine? And when he begins to realize she is up to no good, will he do everything in his power to ensure her reputation remains intact or will he decide to seduce her himself? But danger lurks in the shadows and when Lady Josephine is taken, Damien will stop at nothing to get her back.
When Lady Josephine accepts a wager to lure a kiss from the most scandalous and depraved rake in England, she thought it an easy enough task. But one glimpse at the man in question and she foresees her reputation going up in glorious flames. It will not stop her from winning the wager, however, not even the vexing Marquis of St. Aldwyn, who is determined to stay firmly planted in her path to victory.
HE IS NOT PLAYING ANY MORE GAMES…
The Fifth Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville, has come to the conclusion that he has lost his mind. Why else would he be drawn to the reckless Lady Josephine? And when he begins to realize she is up to no good, will he do everything in his power to ensure her reputation remains intact or will he decide to seduce her himself? But danger lurks in the shadows and when Lady Josephine is taken, Damien will stop at nothing to get her back.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2016
198 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Wilde
49 books187 followersHello there!
I have a free book for you.
Get your copy of Under The Highland Sky here: https://authortanyawilde.com/under_th...
Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper followed soon after she had devoured all of the library’s historical romance books!
In 2020, she won the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA) Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing for Not Quite a Rogue.
When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or drinking copious amounts of coffee, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.
Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.
Be sure to follow Tanya on BookBub for the latest on her sales: https://bit.ly/3AbLlwz
I have a free book for you.
Get your copy of Under The Highland Sky here: https://authortanyawilde.com/under_th...
Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper followed soon after she had devoured all of the library’s historical romance books!
In 2020, she won the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA) Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing for Not Quite a Rogue.
When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or drinking copious amounts of coffee, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.
Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.
Be sure to follow Tanya on BookBub for the latest on her sales: https://bit.ly/3AbLlwz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 21, 2024
Lady Josephine Tremont takes the bet made by her friends to kiss a rake. Not just any rake, but the Earl of Craven. One gentleman is not pleased when he sees her walk out of the ballroom on the arm of the Earl. Damien, the Marquis of St. Aldywn, thinks Josephine needs a keeper for all her schemes. He wants to claim her as his, but the lady has other ideas. It's head to toe confrontations until their passion explodes. Danger lurks when Josephine and her friends plan to thwart an abusive husband. It puts them all in danger. A steady pace with the ladies driving the men crazy. Some descriptive sex and violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
January 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The intrigue, the mystery, the romance, the suspense, the spat , the witty dialogues..Ahh...Loved it all !
Highly recommend!
Here too the author seamlessly switches perspectives right in the middle of chapters. Quite a commendable feat.
Highly recommend!
Here too the author seamlessly switches perspectives right in the middle of chapters. Quite a commendable feat.
June 17, 2019
This was so good. I have never read a plot like this. I've read similar sorts of storyline, but none exactly like this. I was so engrossed whilst reading and couldn't wait to get to the end - at what an ending.....phew. Ladies get into trouble occasionally, in some stories, but this was torture.
I absolutely loved reading this marvellous story. #3 next.
5☆
I absolutely loved reading this marvellous story. #3 next.
5☆
April 13, 2020
Hat mir wesentlich besser gefallen als der erste Teil, aber ich kenn halt die Figuren auch alle schon, also ist der Einstieg nicht so verwirrend.
May 23, 2018
LOVE THIS BOOK😀😀
This is the second time I've read this romance ...the characters are so believable and you laugh , cry, cringe and rejoice when the love is discovered .
Read it , you will truly enjoy it .
Now , on to the next adventure !!
This is the second time I've read this romance ...the characters are so believable and you laugh , cry, cringe and rejoice when the love is discovered .
Read it , you will truly enjoy it .
Now , on to the next adventure !!
July 21, 2016
I would have given it 5 stars...
I would have given it 5 stars but the actual writing/grammar was horrible. That being said the storyline was very good. The author needs a good editor. Desperately.
I would have given it 5 stars but the actual writing/grammar was horrible. That being said the storyline was very good. The author needs a good editor. Desperately.
July 22, 2018
This is good fun. It's not fancy or complicated, and it's not great literature, and it's not meant to be. There are some homophone errors and some steamy passages and an interesting, if wildly implausable, diversion from the usual period romance formula. Definitely entertaining and worth a read.
August 8, 2016
BORING and stupid plot
May 21, 2025
Tanya Wilde’s "A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake" is a delightful and dangerously charming romp through the Regency era, masterfully blending steamy romance with a dash of thrilling suspense. From the moment Lady Josephine accepts a daring wager to elicit a kiss from England’s most scandalous rake, readers are plunged into a world of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and unexpected peril.
Lady Josephine is a heroine for the ages—bold, spirited, and delightfully reckless. Her mission to win the wager against the notoriously depraved rake sets the stage for a series of laugh-out-loud encounters and simmering tension. However, her path to victory is constantly, and deliciously, obstructed by the vexing, yet undeniably alluring, Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville.
Damien is the quintessential Regency hero: brooding, commanding, and utterly captivated by Josephine’s audacious spirit. His internal struggle between exasperation and intense attraction fuels much of the book’s charm. What begins as his attempt to protect Josephine's reputation soon morphs into a burning desire to claim her for himself. Wilde expertly builds their chemistry through sharp dialogue and electric glances, making their eventual surrender to passion incredibly satisfying.
Beyond the captivating romance, the plot takes a darker turn when Josephine finds herself in grave danger. This shift introduces a thrilling element of suspense, showcasing Damien's protective instincts and deepening the emotional stakes. Wilde’s writing is engaging and fluid, pulling readers effortlessly into the lavish ballrooms and shadowed alleyways of London. "A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake" is a perfect read for those who crave a historical romance with both fiery passion and a compelling storyline.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Josephine is a heroine for the ages—bold, spirited, and delightfully reckless. Her mission to win the wager against the notoriously depraved rake sets the stage for a series of laugh-out-loud encounters and simmering tension. However, her path to victory is constantly, and deliciously, obstructed by the vexing, yet undeniably alluring, Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville.
Damien is the quintessential Regency hero: brooding, commanding, and utterly captivated by Josephine’s audacious spirit. His internal struggle between exasperation and intense attraction fuels much of the book’s charm. What begins as his attempt to protect Josephine's reputation soon morphs into a burning desire to claim her for himself. Wilde expertly builds their chemistry through sharp dialogue and electric glances, making their eventual surrender to passion incredibly satisfying.
Beyond the captivating romance, the plot takes a darker turn when Josephine finds herself in grave danger. This shift introduces a thrilling element of suspense, showcasing Damien's protective instincts and deepening the emotional stakes. Wilde’s writing is engaging and fluid, pulling readers effortlessly into the lavish ballrooms and shadowed alleyways of London. "A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake" is a perfect read for those who crave a historical romance with both fiery passion and a compelling storyline.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2018
Lady Josephine accepts a wager reluctantly from her friends to get a kiss from one the scandalous rakes in England, with this bet she sets in a motion a dangerous game. She thought it would be a easy task receiving her first kiss. But with one glance at the man called Craven and Jo knows her reputation will be ruined but that will not stop her from gaining her kiss and winning the wager. The annoying but attractive Marquis of St. Aldwyn, who has been following her around is bound and determined to keep them apart at any cost.
The 5th Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville, has come to the conclusion that he has lost his mind with this obsession for Josephine. How could he be so drawn to a trouble maker? So, when he realizes she is up to something and it not being good, Damien is no longer willing to play games! He will do everything in his power to keep her reputation intact, while at the same time seduce her and keep her for himself? But danger is lurking in the shadows and around corners. Lady Josephine and Lady Bella is kidnapped for revenge, Damien will stop at nothing to get her back.
The 5th Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien Grenville, has come to the conclusion that he has lost his mind with this obsession for Josephine. How could he be so drawn to a trouble maker? So, when he realizes she is up to something and it not being good, Damien is no longer willing to play games! He will do everything in his power to keep her reputation intact, while at the same time seduce her and keep her for himself? But danger is lurking in the shadows and around corners. Lady Josephine and Lady Bella is kidnapped for revenge, Damien will stop at nothing to get her back.
November 9, 2017
Jo and her lot are a team to be reckoned with. They rescue people from horrible circumstances, and the women get themselves in fixes they need help with.
Damien is constantly watching over Josephine, unsure why it matters so much that she's safe. He's jealous of anyone that goes near her, but takes time to figure out his feelings.
I like most of the characters, but there was too much secrecy between people. The resolution of the evil Cartwright being shipped off is strange. The hot/cold relationship between Jo and Damien extends the plot, but without any real reason, and the ridiculous Middleton sisters are annoying at best.
The writing is not very good and the book too long, not worth the time in my view.
Damien is constantly watching over Josephine, unsure why it matters so much that she's safe. He's jealous of anyone that goes near her, but takes time to figure out his feelings.
I like most of the characters, but there was too much secrecy between people. The resolution of the evil Cartwright being shipped off is strange. The hot/cold relationship between Jo and Damien extends the plot, but without any real reason, and the ridiculous Middleton sisters are annoying at best.
The writing is not very good and the book too long, not worth the time in my view.
January 9, 2021
She Prefers Scoundrels💘
ADULT Regency Style Romantic Comedy 💕 and with with Abductions
Most of this book is a Regency Style Romantic Comedy with Lady Josephine💃💋 using her feminine wiles to win a bet with her friends. She is to flirt with a handsome and notorious rake, the Earl, Lord Craven🐺🍆⛲, and get him to kiss💋 her.
Damien🐺🍆⛲, another well known rake, and Marquis of St. Aldwyn, already has his eyes on Jo, and presses his suit!
The author freely admits this book is not historically accurate, as the language used and the familiarity between the characters and their discussions are definitely not accurate to the time period. It's still a fun, sexy read and I enjoyed it immensely!
The book ends in a cliffhanger....
ADULT Regency Style Romantic Comedy 💕 and with with Abductions
Most of this book is a Regency Style Romantic Comedy with Lady Josephine💃💋 using her feminine wiles to win a bet with her friends. She is to flirt with a handsome and notorious rake, the Earl, Lord Craven🐺🍆⛲, and get him to kiss💋 her.
Damien🐺🍆⛲, another well known rake, and Marquis of St. Aldwyn, already has his eyes on Jo, and presses his suit!
The author freely admits this book is not historically accurate, as the language used and the familiarity between the characters and their discussions are definitely not accurate to the time period. It's still a fun, sexy read and I enjoyed it immensely!
The book ends in a cliffhanger....
May 5, 2017
Historical English titled rich people romance.
Lady Josephine likes to help people, which makes trouble for her older brother and her friends, but her best friend found love on one of their 'helping' missions so Lady Jo continues with her mission. The Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien is against anything that might hurt Lady Jo, but he ends up seducing her and almost forcing her to marry him, which isn't the best way to get the Lady to fall in love with you. I liked Damien Grenville and Lady Jo is really set on her mission to help the less fortunate, but they get into some crazy death threat-y situations which was a little unbelievable.
HEA guareenteed and I felt really bad for Brahm who is only trying to be a good brother and gets knocked out! Cute fluff read.
219 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Lady Josephine likes to help people, which makes trouble for her older brother and her friends, but her best friend found love on one of their 'helping' missions so Lady Jo continues with her mission. The Marquis of St. Aldwyn, Damien is against anything that might hurt Lady Jo, but he ends up seducing her and almost forcing her to marry him, which isn't the best way to get the Lady to fall in love with you. I liked Damien Grenville and Lady Jo is really set on her mission to help the less fortunate, but they get into some crazy death threat-y situations which was a little unbelievable.
HEA guareenteed and I felt really bad for Brahm who is only trying to be a good brother and gets knocked out! Cute fluff read.
219 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
June 1, 2023
too headstrong
First time reading Ms Wilde.. while I very much like the whole premise of the book, I just could not stand Josephine 🙄.. her character was such a strong bloody pain in the ass, it’s no wonder men felt women should be seen and not heard. Jo never listen, acted like a idiot most of the time and ran head first into dumb ways to die…
Oddly enough I really like Damian even tho he was full of bad attitudes…he was the only one who made any sense most of the time..
The plot was great, character and sub characters flushed out well also… one or two sex scenes which were not graphic in any way.
Ok read
First time reading Ms Wilde.. while I very much like the whole premise of the book, I just could not stand Josephine 🙄.. her character was such a strong bloody pain in the ass, it’s no wonder men felt women should be seen and not heard. Jo never listen, acted like a idiot most of the time and ran head first into dumb ways to die…
Oddly enough I really like Damian even tho he was full of bad attitudes…he was the only one who made any sense most of the time..
The plot was great, character and sub characters flushed out well also… one or two sex scenes which were not graphic in any way.
Ok read
October 18, 2023
I would usually give this type of book 3 stars but I'm on a real historical romance kick lately so I enjoyed this one. It's not one of my favorites and i probably will never re read it, but it was cute enough.
The story was kind of all over the place, I also didn't understand most of the relationships because it's the 2nd book in the series.
What I couldn't understand is how the fmc got away with so many scandalous acts!!!! So weird. The book kept making excuses like people weren't paying any attention to her but honestly in these types of books, reputation is the most important thing and this girl was acting so crazy throughout with zero consequences.
The story was kind of all over the place, I also didn't understand most of the relationships because it's the 2nd book in the series.
What I couldn't understand is how the fmc got away with so many scandalous acts!!!! So weird. The book kept making excuses like people weren't paying any attention to her but honestly in these types of books, reputation is the most important thing and this girl was acting so crazy throughout with zero consequences.
August 5, 2025
Are readers like me the reason for the growing trend in 2025 of authors and publishers increasingly ditching historical romance book concepts in lieu of romantansy stories?
Am I part of the problem?
I'm not about to sit here and pretend my consumption of historical romances are anything more than easy guilty pleasure reads. I have therefore (in my more mature age) learned to judge them on my general enjoyment of its contents and characters.
And yet, even when stripping away the vast majority of literary values and expectations, I can't help but demand a consistent and believable level of adherence from the author into the story's historical setting. The failure to do so ends up ruining my immersion and therefore compromising the experience.
One only has to look at the dialogue in A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake to see where I just could not ignore the writing.
Would this expectation exist, however, if I encountered this in a romantasy book? I guess it depends on the nature of the fantasy setting itself, although I want to say the phrase "beyond demented" is not some I'd find natural in environments that isn't contemporary or post-contemporary.
Truth is, historical romances still require a bare modicum of research and knowledge into their period's culture and customs to be able to pass for... Well, something historical. Otherwise they attract judgement and objections from history purists (as I once was) who ultimately tend to question the intelligence of said author when it comes to playing in said playground. Small wonder some may find it easier to just shove some vague magical thing into the story, make up a bunch of names for places and then ride on the idea that the setting is made-up, free from preconceived expectations of how a world is "supposed" to work.
Romantasy also has built up quite the audience and buzz these days, one that in some ways likely has siphoned from what was once the historical romance audience, leaving only the voices of the historical purists to judge and be judged by.
A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake was entertaining enough, but not well written enough as a historical for me to overlook its shortcomings in order to truly enjoy it.
The question that haunts me is if I'd have liked the whole thing more if it was taken out of (admittedly vaguely 1800s) London into something like Westeros with dragons or something. If the publishers are right to abandon historical fiction for romantasy.
And what that means for books and series being created within the romantasy genre itself.
Am I part of the problem?
I'm not about to sit here and pretend my consumption of historical romances are anything more than easy guilty pleasure reads. I have therefore (in my more mature age) learned to judge them on my general enjoyment of its contents and characters.
And yet, even when stripping away the vast majority of literary values and expectations, I can't help but demand a consistent and believable level of adherence from the author into the story's historical setting. The failure to do so ends up ruining my immersion and therefore compromising the experience.
One only has to look at the dialogue in A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake to see where I just could not ignore the writing.
Jo stared at Belle, mouth agape. “I take that back, you are not insane, you’re beyond demented."Colloquially, it went too far for me. And the contemporary language was a repeat issue throughout.
Would this expectation exist, however, if I encountered this in a romantasy book? I guess it depends on the nature of the fantasy setting itself, although I want to say the phrase "beyond demented" is not some I'd find natural in environments that isn't contemporary or post-contemporary.
Truth is, historical romances still require a bare modicum of research and knowledge into their period's culture and customs to be able to pass for... Well, something historical. Otherwise they attract judgement and objections from history purists (as I once was) who ultimately tend to question the intelligence of said author when it comes to playing in said playground. Small wonder some may find it easier to just shove some vague magical thing into the story, make up a bunch of names for places and then ride on the idea that the setting is made-up, free from preconceived expectations of how a world is "supposed" to work.
Romantasy also has built up quite the audience and buzz these days, one that in some ways likely has siphoned from what was once the historical romance audience, leaving only the voices of the historical purists to judge and be judged by.
A Lady's Guide to Kiss a Rake was entertaining enough, but not well written enough as a historical for me to overlook its shortcomings in order to truly enjoy it.
The question that haunts me is if I'd have liked the whole thing more if it was taken out of (admittedly vaguely 1800s) London into something like Westeros with dragons or something. If the publishers are right to abandon historical fiction for romantasy.
And what that means for books and series being created within the romantasy genre itself.
January 14, 2021
Even better than the first!
I like the friendship which these ladies have with one another and the rivalry between the men.
A kiss as a wager. Well, Josephine just had to accept it and poor Damien, I really felt for him as she reeled him in, but he didn't seem to protest so much as enjoy it and take up the reins.
These two characters are made for each other and together they make this a delightful read.
The other supporting characters help to bring much mirth to this story especially the cousins.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I am keen to read the next one soon.
I like the friendship which these ladies have with one another and the rivalry between the men.
A kiss as a wager. Well, Josephine just had to accept it and poor Damien, I really felt for him as she reeled him in, but he didn't seem to protest so much as enjoy it and take up the reins.
These two characters are made for each other and together they make this a delightful read.
The other supporting characters help to bring much mirth to this story especially the cousins.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I am keen to read the next one soon.
June 8, 2025
Jo has never been kissed and so her two friends pick a rake and wager her to do do. When Damien, who has been suspecting more trouble from her acts of charity, finds out he pursues her determined to have her turn to him for seduction. There is humor along with another charity act which unfortunately is traced back to her by the angered husband. After all the action is over Damien and her find their hea. There is open door intimacy so had to turn a lot of pages as I am not a fan of
November 26, 2025
Couldn't get into it. I think it attempted to be a bit too modern in its interpretation of a historical setting. Early on, there's a statement that the lead character's sterling reputation was useless on account of her being a "self proclaimed" spinster. Um, no? Reputation mattered at all times and in all scenarios? Being the talk of the ton was bad?! Author requires a bit more research into the mores of the time, I think.
January 6, 2019
This was a fun, light historical romance with moments of almost madcap adventures. Both the heroine and hero were likable and their chemistry believable. Supporting characters were also interesting and likable. I can definitely see more books featuring the secondary characters. This was my first Tanya Wilde book, and I look forward to reading more of her books!
November 16, 2020
Love the book!
What a fun read! Spunky ladies and hunky men! Can’t beat that combination! I never talk about the plot, or characters in depth. It only ruins it for others. What I will say is that I can’t wait for the sequels!! Thanks for the laughs and all the times I held my breath. I love your characters and plots.
What a fun read! Spunky ladies and hunky men! Can’t beat that combination! I never talk about the plot, or characters in depth. It only ruins it for others. What I will say is that I can’t wait for the sequels!! Thanks for the laughs and all the times I held my breath. I love your characters and plots.
January 29, 2025
This book has a delightful cast of characters and starts out very well with the two main characters having some wonderful contrary interactions that lead to the inevitable realisation that there is a mutual attraction.
There then develops some high drama and significant violence that seems unnecessary in order to bring the plot to its conclusion.
There then develops some high drama and significant violence that seems unnecessary in order to bring the plot to its conclusion.
July 12, 2025
This was a fantastically fun, regency-based romance.
It has all the emotions in this book, you’ll laugh out loud, cheer on the characters, gasp, and swoon.
The story flows really well, and hooks you in from the get-go. I hated the fact that it ended!! I will say this was the first time I read Tanya Wilde but it won’t be the last!
It has all the emotions in this book, you’ll laugh out loud, cheer on the characters, gasp, and swoon.
The story flows really well, and hooks you in from the get-go. I hated the fact that it ended!! I will say this was the first time I read Tanya Wilde but it won’t be the last!
August 31, 2017
Loved it!
I really enjoyed the first book so I decided to try the second book & I'm glad I did. Characters are very entertaining. Romance, humor & a bit of intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed the first book so I decided to try the second book & I'm glad I did. Characters are very entertaining. Romance, humor & a bit of intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
March 11, 2023
Brilliant
Absolutely fabulous, I really enjoyed this book, romance, excitement, great characters, a thrilling storyline and some steam, just the right amount in my opinion. I’m looking forward to reading this authors other books.
Absolutely fabulous, I really enjoyed this book, romance, excitement, great characters, a thrilling storyline and some steam, just the right amount in my opinion. I’m looking forward to reading this authors other books.
May 7, 2017
Good
This is a well written and interesting story. It is a bit too drawn out for me. It's still worth a read.
This is a well written and interesting story. It is a bit too drawn out for me. It's still worth a read.
August 4, 2020
I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series. The introduction of danger to the story was very entertaining.
September 13, 2024
I loved the dynamic and chemistry between Josephine and Damien. Gorgeous romance from start to finish filled with witty dialogue, danger and mystery.
February 7, 2025
A totally forgettable story - at least I find it forgettable.
Read
August 4, 2025Great story! Lovely characters! Would make a great movie!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews