Love with a Notorious Rake

Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3

by Karyn Gerrard

He's as dangerous as he is irresistible...

The heir to his family's fortune, Aidan Wollstonecraft is ready to put his prodigal ways in the past and prove himself worthy of his illustrious name. Going undercover in a factory to expose the wretched working conditions, Aidan believes his noble act will lead him to a better future. Until he's reunited with the sweet beauty who saw him through his darkest days. Cristyn Bevan stirs him like no other woman before. Makes him yearn to claim her, despite the damning curse that dooms any Wollstonecraft wife to an all-too-early death...

To fall for Aidan would be her undoing. Yet, something about the blue-blooded scoundrel draws Cristyn to him like a moth to a deadly flame. Is it a desire to heal him that keeps the lovely nurse close? Or her secret hope that somehow, some way, Aidan can let go of his dark past and see the light—and the love—waiting for him?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Victorian, Historical

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

I no longer come to Goodreads, so there will be no updates by me on this profile.

For further information on my books, check out my site here: http://karyngerrard.com/

Reviews

[Sadaf sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love with a notorious rake by Karyn Gerrard is historical romance in the year 1845. It is the third book in the series of The Men of Wollstonecraft hall . The lead characters of this book are Aiden heir to the earldom who is recovering from opium addiction and Cristyn who is a nurse in her father's sanatorium. The romance develops between these two while the former is admitted in the sanatorium to get rid of his addiction. The writing is deliberate and steady . The vocabulary interesting .
The background contains many social issues of the era which surprisingly new , refreshingly and interesting .It add on the romance by building up situations and conflicts .
The characters are very well developed . The hero is perfectly flawed with some redeeming qualities .The heroine is uncomplicated and true to her own feelings . The characters from the previous novels also present who's stories also moves forward in this book .
I throughly enjoyed the book and looking forward to more books by the author.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a historical romance which dealt with addiction as it being anything other than a thing villains had a problem with, so Love With A Notorious Rake is absolutely unique. The hero, Aidan Wollestonecraft, will eventually inherit his grandfather’s title but in the meantime, he’s basically bored senseless. Starting off with women and wine, he eventually falls deep into the grip of opium addiction, and the book begins at the point where his family intervenes, sweeping him off to a private sanatorium in Wales to recover.

Cristyn Bevan is the daughter and nurse-assistant to her father, who runs the sanatorium. Though she’s seen plenty of recovering addicts, something about Aidan touches her heart. While he’s affected in return, he’s also wise enough (and kind enough) to realize that he needs to make a full recovery before he can even contemplate loving anyone, and he’s not sure he knows how to love a woman anyway.

There’s a rather emotional breakup when Aidan goes home to his family, and Cristyn chooses to leave her father’s sanatorium and go out to get some wider medical experience. Her father sends her to an old schoolfriend in Leicestershire trying to help the poor people in a mill town.

It’s pure coincidence that Aidan, trying to find a cause to make himself useful and choosing the plight of factory and mill workers, ends up undercover as a supervisor at the mill in the same town.

Lots of shenanigans ensue with Adorable Plot Moppets thrown into the mix (abused orphans working in the mill) and a lot of angst for the genuinely deplorable conditions a lot of working class people found themselves trapped in during the early Victorian era, when the Industrial Revolution was in full swing but there were as yet few provisions for worker protection. The author has done her research, and the pathos of the situation was beautifully portrayed while honestly adding to the romance between Cristyn and Aidan, given their mutual desire to help.

There aren’t many things I like better than a well-researched Historical With A Cause, and this is a great addition to my collection. I’ll definitely be reading more of Karyn Gerrard in the future. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love with a Notorious Rake by Karyn Gerrard is book Three in the Men of Wollstonecraft series. This is the story of Cristyn Bevan and Aidan Wollstonecraft. I have read the previous books, but feel you can read this as a standalone book.
Aidan is working to better himself after moving past his opium addiction by going undercover to help bust a dangerous working mill. Aidan ends up running into Cristyn who help to nurse him back to health. Aidan and Cristyn become friends during his time with her. Cristyn is a nurse who is working with a Dr in the area. Cristyn doesn't know his full story but he can't have her giving anything away about him too. But he is doing a boarder line walk to keep from hurting her and his work.
Enjoyed reading their story.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series. I recommend that you read the first two, else you may feel a bit lost. I missed the first one, but did read book two in which Aidan's struggle and Cristyn's work at her father's sanatorium was a large part of the story.

I really enjoyed reading about Aidan's fight with opium addiction and all the accompanying baggage that went with it. It was a nice change of pace to see the hero struggling with a real life problem. It wasn't pretty, and he wasn't always particularly likeable, but it was real. The plight of factory workers in the 1800's, especially women and children, was absolutely heartbreaking and riveting. It's hard to believe that children were once treated that way in a supposedly civilized nation.

I did have a bit of an issue with the romance between Aidan and Cristyn. I can't put my finger on it , but I just couldn't warm up to Cristyn, though I liked her in the previous book. The romance just didn't ring true to me. Perhaps if there had been a little more focus on their relationship without the side stories of romances of other men in the Wollstonecraft family I would have felt it more. Still, this story is well worth the read for the compelling issues of drug addiction and factory conditions.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[JoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

You now that feeling when you already like an author's work and then you read their newest and you're totally reminded of why you like it? This was a perfect example of it for me.

With a course hovering over his head, Aidan has spent his entire adult life in debauchery. His last stint lands him in the care of Cristyn's father's sanatorium, where she acts as kind of a physician's aid to her father. He and Cristyn form a friendship that eventually transforms into more but because of Aiden's reservations they end up parting ways.

I loved Cristyn's openness and candor. She still behaved as a proper lady however that never stopped her from acknowledging her feelings, speaking her mind, and demanding the respect she knew she deserved.
I found Aiden's true feelings touching and the perfect basis for his addictions. There was honesty in what he did and as a character he grew immensely, trying to make up for past mistakes, and by taking up on his family's radical ideas of helping those in need. He was frank about his mistakes and totally owned them. I particularly loved how he handled his association with an old paramour, which in the eyes of his society would have been total ruin, possibly even worse.

Other characters from previous books make appearances here giving us glimpses of Aidan as part of a loving family. It also provided a sort of epilogue for the other Wollstonecraft men's love stories, which I always consider a treat. Overall, I thought it was an endearing, charming, and unique story. I would recommend this series and author to anyone that enjoys history along with their romance.

* I received a copy of this story at no cost to me; this is my honest opinion and in no way was it influenced by the author or publisher. *

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love With a Notorious Rake by Karyn Gerrard is an absolutely incredible story. It makes the list of one of my favourite books that I have read this year. The story itself, is very well written! You can feel the emotion in every word. At times it is heartbreaking and other times heartwarming. To me this story and the emotions felt real, it was not far fetched. The author did her research! There are subjects in the story that may not appeal to all but that was not an issue for me. The characters were amazing!! Despite Aidan’s past, I loved his Character every bit as much as the heroine did! Cristyn was a very easy character to like. There is a few happy endings in this story and one that surprised me. I throughly enjoyed this story, it was a complete page turner. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another novel by this author and read it!

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will take you into our past and even present working conditions.

First off I want to say kudos to the author for the amount of research that she had to have put into writing this book. People tend to think child labor was thousands of years ago, but it really wasn’t and even in the 1920’s America corporations was still using child labor and even today several countries including China still uses child labor so keep that in mind while you are paying for cheap goods.

I have loved Cristyn’s character since I first meet her, I knew she was a strong willed and minded woman of her time and she just proves this in hers and Aidan’s story. These two go into horrible working conditions to help those that don’t have the means to help themselves and before you know it they are working together to fight for those less fortunate, this is true romance at its best.
Warning this story is not for the faint of heart if you love kids, but for those of you who buy cheap goods, you really need to read this to find out what real child labor is all about and this is why I look high and low for made in the USA or any country goods that don’t have child labor and I will pay more for these goods because of things such as this.

I recommend this to everyone, you need to remember our past and present in child labor and you get a good romance story along with it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this story and to be honest, a lot of the author's vocabulary choice and writing style threw me off a bit. We begin with our hero, Aidan, heir to an earldom, recovering from an intense opium addiction and being nursed back to health by the heroine, Cristyn, in her father's sanatorium. Though the two have a strong connection and become friends, Aidan leaves to rejoin his family and continue his recovery. A short while later, in an attempt to make something of himself and give his life purpose, Aidan goes to work undercover as an overseer at a poorly run mill so he can gather information about the conditions and illegal actions of the owner. It just so happens that Cristyn is working as a nurse with the local doctor there. The two cannot stay away from each other, but Aidan cannot risk his mission or the revelation of his true identity. He is also afraid he will lose Cristyn for good if she learns all the details of his true identity, high social standing, and his very sordid past. Eventually, Aidan decides he has had enough of his pretend role and the cruelty of the cotton mill, and that he wants to be honest with Cristyn then wrap things up and go home. Of course, it's not that simple and he still has trouble opening up about his feelings, but this is where I finally felt like I was getting into the book.

We also get some scenes told from the point of view of Aidan's father, Julian, about his own love affair as all the Wollstonecraft men seem to be finding love. Aidan's grandfather, the earl, also has a love affair, leaving all the men hopeful of finally breaking the family curse.

I would recommend reading the first two books in this series before reading this one. I did not, and while I still enjoyed and understood the story, I think I would've gotten more out of it if I'd read the others first, not to mention avoided spoiling some of the previous plot points for myself.

Overall, Aidan is an interesting character and probably one of the most truly flawed heroes I've ever read. What's also interesting is the fact that not only are we told of his flaws and debauched exploits, we are shown them too. He's definitely tortured and a bit of a beta hero, and while I was rooting for him to be strong and overcome his demons, I still struggled to actually like him until the very last chapters of the book. Nonetheless, he was up against a particularly evil and cruel villain and this story tackles several serious issues that are still relevant today, such as addiction and social injustice. Cristyn's character was enjoyable in that she was unafraid to own to her true feelings and be her own person. This was a very different story from the typical formula and I would recommend it as an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[iread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love with A Notorious Rake is book three in The Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series. I struggled through this book. Aidan Wollstonecraft starts off as a total jerk. He meets our heroine Cristyn Bevan while recovering from opium addiction in a sanatorium. Cristyn is his nurse and proves a life line through dark days. But once he recovers, Aidan leaves her behind without a backward glance. For most of the book I struggled to even like Aidan. He is completely self centered and debauched. That honestly doesn’t change much throughout the story. He does set a goal in front of him and he tries to achieve it. But he oversteps boundaries of respect over and over with Cristyn. And she allows it. I also wasn’t a fan of the bad language. The “F” word just isn’t necessary. I’m afraid I can’t give this book more than three stars.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Wollstonecraft family!
*SEMI-SPOILER*


Aidan's story was darker with more twists, and I loved it. This man went from an angry, pitiful, manwhore junkie to a veritable hero, literally. Cristyn - the heroine - didn't put up with his bullshit, and dispensed some tough love.
Seeing Aidan's struggles and transformation, the blossoming love, the sexy bedroom scenes, the fights for social justice, and the support of a loving family all made for a wonderful read.
5 stars!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aidan Wollstonecraft is the heir to his family’s earldom but has sunk to his lowest eb. Luckily his family rescue him & place him at Dr Bevan’s clinic where over months he's nursed back to health by the doctor & his daughter Cristyn. The attraction between Aidan & Cristyn is strong but they also like each other & they quietly fall in love whilst he recovers. Aidan feels unworthy of Cristyn & leaves her behind. He is ready to put his prodigal ways in the past and prove himself worthy of his illustrious name so he goes undercover in a cotton factory to expose the wretched working conditions. Fate takes a hand as Cristyn is working with Dr Paris Middlemiss in the very village Aidan is also working.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole series & think this final book is the best of the three, it could easily be read on its own. A well written book with characters who are very well portrayed. Aidan was totally lost but had matured enough to realise he wanted to change & wanted to make people be proud of him. I loved Aidan but then I love a redeemed rake & he certainly redeemed himself. Cristyn is a strong independent woman who truly loved Aidan. The pace of the book is very good & I was engrossed. Carter & Lottie of course pulled at my heart strings. The author painted a very harrowing picture of life for mill workers all the more so as based on facts.
There are misunderstandings that threaten to derail Aidan & Cristyn’s romance, the journey to their HEA wasn't easy. There was also the curse of the Wollstonecraft men in the background. I found the epilogue to be a lovely ‘round up' of the series & left me with a smile on my face
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into history and lose yourself in a story that will pull at your emotions. Lady Livia Shaw had secrets that nobody should know. But in a unexpected encounter when she was being attacked by street urchins, none other than Adrian, Duke of Preston comes to her aid. Yes, one of the infamous Shaw's that she knew from the past when he was at a low point. The worst part is she later discovers she has lost her brooch that linked her past that she had never gotten over. What to do? She has to find it! Of course Adrian found Livia very attractive and was set on helping her find her missing piece of jewelry. As they spend time with each other, the attraction is off the charts.
There was so much to this story that I could hardly put it down. It touched on some subjects that, although very sad, were true for the times and even now. As the tale unfolded, we learn a lot about the past of Adrian and Livia pulled at the heart and I turned the pages hoping they could help each other.
Even though part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. Don't miss this fast paced read with with humor at times as well as dark and shocking revelations that will have you sighing as you turn the last page.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Aiden much, much more the Garrett. Aiden learned from his mistakes and owned up to his behavior. He wasn't afraid to admit he was wrong, and he didn't try to keep secrets from Cristyn. The epilogue was very sweet as well.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it. Written for a 1960s audience. An abusive, and self-abusing, jerk of a reforming junkie is misrepresented as a hero and good husband material. Conversations involved involuntary eye rolls. Penis worship abounds and involves both hero and heroine. Forcefulness and manhandling are portrayed as normative and desirable. In addition there is a misuse and abuse of some words that is egregious. Presented as if it is a standalone book, it is not. It relies much on something that never makes it to these pages, and adds In nonparticipating characters whose stories are irrelevant. I expected better of an author with so many published books. But no. Caveat emptor.

[Rozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Cristyn Bevan while working at her father’s sanatorium met Mr. Aidan Black in the terrible throes of opium addiction. Cristyn took gentle care of him and while she did, she grew closer to Aidan, crossing over a line being a professional into loving him. The more their love for each other grows, it’s not too last because Aidan must go home because he is the Wollstonecraft heir to Earl Carstone, which Cristyn doesn’t even know. As the date for him to leave grows closer Aidan feels that he isn’t worthy of her especially when Cristyn doesn’t know who he really is or that in truth he is cursed. When Aidan gets home though, things are so different, and the memory of Cristyn haunts him all the time. Cristyn also can’t forget her heartbreak and begs her father to let her leave going to a good friend of her father, in Earl Shilton. Aidan wants to restore himself and plans to pose as an overseer in a cotton mill. If Cristyn exposes how she knows Aidan, then the truth will come out making him lose everything including her.
What a wonderful emotion laden historical romance that definitely will evoke such strong sentiments that of course it’s hard not to feel something for the entire story! The book moves effortlessly rolling historic fiction with romance that it isn’t hard see everything visually quite easily. The time and professions were well researched out, is told with a strong sense of compassion and respect. The fields of doctor and nurse are brought to the forefront but told with much detail, even at the time the tale was written nursing wasn’t recognized as a profession yet. Still the nature of it doesn’t delve into the impossible because at the core of it is to care for another. So even though this is a fictional romance story anyone in healthcare will admire how Ms. Karyn Gerrard did an excellent way of describing the heart of the profession and sometimes the tough sacrifices that anyone in healthcare has made. Cristyn is just a fantastic sensitive kindhearted heroine that not only is she just the perfect description of a nurse she is a nurse even without the credentials. Sure, she crossed a line, but many caregivers have crossed that proverbial line, even though it’s wrong she recognizes that she loves Aidan deeply and isn’t afraid to show it. Aidan is just the ideal tortured angsty hero, that I couldn’t help but fall for him too. He didn’t seem very rakish to me; yes, he had some exploits but the fact that he had feelings for the consequences didn’t strike me as very good rake. Will I read more by Ms. Gerrard of course I will! Now I can’t wait to read the entire series!

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sets ‘Love with a notorious rake’ apart from many books of this genre, is the inclusion of historical events, giving this story greater depth. This is the third book in the series which follows the Aidan Wollstonecraft, one of the ‘Men of Wollstonecraft Hall’. Aidan, the heir to the earldom is recovering from his opium addiction, under the care of Cristyn and her father. During this period, they find themselves drawn together, but Aidan believes that his dissolute pathway and the family curse, prevent him from pursuing a relationship with Cristyn. However, in his quest for redemption, Aidan begins work at a mill, known to his family as one that uses child labour. Similarly, Cristyn attempts to find a life beyond working for her father and finds work with her father’s friend, caring for those at the same mill where Aidan begins work.
Whilst Cristyn’s character is strong-willed and determined, Aidan’s character was very interesting. Here was a person who has lead quite a debauched lifestyle and constantly fights his addiction, yet in many ways showed great depth. Together with Cristyn’s belief in him, we see Aidan’s ability to rises above his past. It was also interesting to see his family’s response to his actions and their own journeys with romance. Whilst there are many taboo subjects explored within this story, all are done in a manner that does not make light of the issue, nor detracts from the romance.
Whilst this is a standalone book, probably my favourite so far in the series, it was great to see the links to the characters from previous books, all part of the Wollstonecraft family. A great read!
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cristyn is a nurse working with her father at a sanatorium that treats those suffering from addictions, mostly opium. Aiden, Lord Wollstonecraft is admitted to this institution when he hits rock bottom. His uncle finds him living with thieves and prostitutes. He will do anything for another taste of opium. She falls in love with him even as she cares for him through the worst of his withdrawals. As Aiden gets better, he realizes that he is attracted to Cristyn as well. He feels he is not good enough due to all the depraved things he has done and there's a curse that follows all of the women in the family. The curse is said that the women, either by blood or marriage don't love long. Aiden has always felt that since the family is cursed, he might as well spend his time doing whatever he wants to. He leaves the facility looking to do something worthwhile. He decides to work undercover at a mill that his uncle owns to investigate the working conditions. They are worse than can be imagined. Will Aiden get out alive? What about the curse, will anything break it? I enjoyed reading this book. It does have subjects that may cause distress in some people. There are conversations of abuse and addiction. The author has done her homework on the history and reform of the working conditions during this time. I received this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.The opinions and thoughts are mine

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Karyn Gerrard's Love With a Notorious Rake. It was refreshing to read a historical romance novel that includes a commoner for a heroine instead of the usual dukes, earls, etc. Aidan is an heir to an earldom, but he really doesn't act like one. He is further than a rake hell, he is an opium addict who has been staying at a sanatorium for months to beat his addiction. The one bright spot in his life is his doctor's daughter, Cristyn, a nurse at the facility.
Cristyn is falling for Aidan. He is completely unsuitable and will probably break her heart - and she doesn't even know his real name. But he needed her when he was fighting his addiction and they may have forged a bond that is unbreakable.
Aidan will break her heart though, more than once it seems, and be warned, Aidan doesn't begin this story as a likable guy. He is haughty and hurtful to Cristyn when she tries to make him feel something. And he rides away without looking back.
Their story is rocky, but these two are meant for each other. Aidan takes up the cause of disreputable factory owners and is working under cover. Cristyn ends up in the same village nursing the factory workers who she believes Aidan is helping to work them to an early death. Can they find a way to be with each other? Or is there too much hurt?
Obviously, these two can't stay away from each other and each encounter gets hotter and hotter! Steamy scenes ahead! Highly recommend this book, it's great!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aidan Wollstonecraft has been recovering from an addiction to opium at a private sanatorium ran by Dr. Gethin Bevan. While there, Aiden starts to fall in love with his nurse, Cristyn Bevan. His entire adult life has been one party to drown himself and escape his family's curse.

When he has recovered, Aiden decides he wants to make something of himself. Aiden consults his father and grandfather and he is inserted into the role of an overseer at a corrupt mill. His goal is to expose the illegal activities and shut down the mill.

Cristyn is stinging from Aiden's rejection and tells her father she wants to go to London to become a nurse. Her father helps her get a position in a village with a fellow doctor. She encounters Aiden at the mill. Cristyn and Aiden have the opportunity to repair and renew their relationship. Will Aiden be able to ignore the family curse and find his true love?

I really liked the historical detail in this book. The main characters were different from the norm because Aiden is a recovering addict and Cristyn has enough practical training to be a doctor in her own right. I thought the book was well written.

As I have not read the first two books (they are on my to-buy list now), I found the chapters that involved Aiden's family confusing. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

[SynergyQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - This is a very well thought, deeply involved out romance. This second chance romance has a lot of layers. There’s a hero recovering from opium addiction and crawling out of the hole he’s found himself in after that addiction lead him to auctioning himself off to the highest bidder. There is our heroine who learned medicine at her fathers side, knowing all it takes to be a physician. Yet she’s a woman so in society’s eyes, not qualified to serve in that role. She nurses the hero back from the brink of death enduring the time they spent together, with him as patient and her as provider, they develop deep feelings from one another. Because of his expressed fear of falling in love, her dad’s knowledge of his background and fear of societal judgment he leaves her. She is heartbroken but fate has more to say about their lives together and how their story will end. It’s a very engrossing read.

It should be noted that there is talk of a previous M/M sexual encounters; however, in my view the telling of it is not salacious and there are no actual M/M sex scenes. There is an explicit sex scene or two. They are M/F. If any of this bothers you, you should give this one a pass. Otherwise, I think it’s a really great read and you’ll enjoy it!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
Aidan Wollstonecraft is a scoundrel, opium addict, and believes himself to not be a good person. After selling himself for more drugs, he winds up in a "rehab". There he meets the doctor's daughter, Cristyn Bevan, who he sees as an angel. Cristyn helps Aidan through his withdrawals and is also attracted to him. She is very knowledge about medicine, but cannot be a doctor because she is a woman. Cristyn and Aidan part on bad terms, but meet several months later. Aidan's family is cursed and he does not want any woman to go through what the women in his family have experienced. Aidan is uncover trying to expose the horrible working conditions in the factory and Cristyn is assisting the doctor in that town. Both misunderstand each other at times. Aidan does not want to sully Cristyn with his past, but she has seen much in her years helping her father. Both are greatly attracted to the other, but the past prevents them from moving forward. Both are working to stop the poor conditions in the factory, but will they also be able to work out what there hearts desire?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the stories in the series and this was no exception. Cristyn Bevan is a forthright woman but most of all she wants to make her own decisions. Through her work at her father’s infirmary, she comes into contact with Aidan Wollstonecraft. Aidan is a recovering addict and they definitely feel a connection. Aidan has become adept at masking his feelings but now he wants to make up for his past indiscretions. I loved the relationship between the two of them and how Cristyn was so understanding of how Aidan was affected by his recovery. This had a number of different elements, the strong family connection on both sides, addiction, the state of employment for the working classes and two secondary romances. This was such a good read that will tug at your heartstrings but leave you with a good feeling.
I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to love this book so much. Being a recovering alcoholic myself, I was so excited to read this from the first page. It’s not often historical romances deal with the hero having an addiction and especially not with such real details.
Unfortunately, I just couldn’t take to either of the characters. It seemed ridiculous to me that they supposedly had this amazing connection yet had never had a real conversation about much of anything. Cristyn sees Aiden at his lowest point and instantly falls for him. While I can understand that there would be a certain amount of empathy, I doubt anyone would fall in love with an emaciated drug addict at first sight.
There was too much else going on in this book when actually the tale of Aiden’s recovery and distancing himself from Cristian would have been enough to hold its own. I read to around 40% and then skim read the rest.
2 stars.

[Joann Maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love with a Notorious Rake ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Karyn Gerrard

I have read all three of the Wollstonecraft Hall men series and after each read I say this is the one I like the best. Again I say, this book is the one I like the best.

Ms Gerrard has an ability to draw you into her characters and story. I found both the hero and heroine both intriguing. Aidan Wollstonecraft the fallen angel only to be rescued by his angel nurse Cristyn Bevan.

The character of Cristyn is easy to admire and love. Aidan, on the other hand, tries to repent his misdeeds and loving him takes a bit more effort.

I enjoyed the backstory written by the author. She certainly researched the history of the terrible working conditions suffered by the men, woman and children of that time.
I found that extremely moving.

I am a true fan of Ms Gerrard and would recommend this book unequivocally.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I wasn't crazy about the story, I admit I had to restart a couple of time and I hate that I hate not being excited or thoroughly entertained that I start looking at other stuff. So we have Aiden who seems to have all the addictions that he can find out their I mean everything. Now he is in rehab where he meet the young and lovely Cristyn who he is drawn to. Do to the era she can not be a doctor because she is a woman (thank god that changed) these two have a falling out and months later they see each other, but even though Aiden wants and likes he doesn't want to succumb her to what the woman in his family go thru..Will they overcome it? Or will they fight for answers and correct misunderstandings? I truly didn't care at the end.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual romance of a recovering addict trying to overcome his demons and become worthy of his family title. Owing his thanks to the sanitarium doctor and his beautiful daughter, Cristyn, Aidan leaves on shaky ground. Fate intervenes and brings Aiden's angel, Cristyn, back into his life when he is working undercover to bring reform to the working conditions in the cotton mills. No smooth sailing, but a constant temptation of backsliding due to frustration and anger, his only constant is Cris, the woman he loves. Some references to dark sex, addiction and cruelty reflecting the Victorian period. (reference to Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South)

[Sandy N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the Wollstonecraft series and this one did not disappoint. Aiden and Crystin met when he was recovering from opium addiction. She nursed him back to health and fell in love with him. He likes her but didn't want to pursue it due to his family curse. They met a few months later and after a few misunderstanding a long the way they got they happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All the thoughts and opinions are all mine.

[Jill Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, found it entertaining but just didn't love it. I enjoy the main character of Cristyn. She was determined, open minded and not afraid to speak her feelings. The plot had a lot going on including the conditions of factory workers in the mid 1800's. This was a very eye opening piece of history that I wasn't expecting to find in a romance novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book written by Karyn Gerrard. Aidan recovering from Opium addiction knows he needs to change his life and make his family proud of him. He decides he needs a cause and factory reform is at the top of his list. Cristyn helped nurse Aidan and fell in love with him. Aidan needs a fresh start and walks away from Cristyn. Aidan is shocked to see her again in the town he is undercover at the Mill. A great read with with an awesome ending!

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just a big no for me. I think the biggest problem I had was because I did not read the first 2 books in the series. They had so many other family members in the book I could not keep track, and the father had a big slice of his own story told here too. I was also creeped out at what happens to Aiden at the beginning, as he was so nonchalant about it. If you have read the first 2 books, this may be a good final book, but as a stand alone it's not a good read.