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League of Scoundrels #2
The Rebel and the Rake
He holds her fate in his hands—she holds his heart in hers.
Rafe Davies might seem like just another charismatic rake, but in reality, he is one of the crown’s most valuable agents. As relentless as he is reckless, Rafe has never come upon a mission he couldn’t complete. But when he encounters the intriguing-yet-prickly lady’s companion Miss Sylvia Sparrow while on assignment at a Scottish house party, he finds himself thoroughly distracted by the secretive beauty.
Though most women would be thrilled to catch the eye of a tall, dark, and dangerously handsome man, Sylvia is through with that sort of adventure. She trusted the wrong man once and paid for it dearly. The fiery bluestocking is resolved to avoid Rafe, until a chance encounter between them reveals the normally irreverent man’s unexpected depths—and an attraction that’s impossible to ignore. But when Sylvia begins to suspect she isn’t the only one harboring a few secrets, she realizes that Rafe may pose a risk to far more than her heart . . .
Rafe Davies might seem like just another charismatic rake, but in reality, he is one of the crown’s most valuable agents. As relentless as he is reckless, Rafe has never come upon a mission he couldn’t complete. But when he encounters the intriguing-yet-prickly lady’s companion Miss Sylvia Sparrow while on assignment at a Scottish house party, he finds himself thoroughly distracted by the secretive beauty.
Though most women would be thrilled to catch the eye of a tall, dark, and dangerously handsome man, Sylvia is through with that sort of adventure. She trusted the wrong man once and paid for it dearly. The fiery bluestocking is resolved to avoid Rafe, until a chance encounter between them reveals the normally irreverent man’s unexpected depths—and an attraction that’s impossible to ignore. But when Sylvia begins to suspect she isn’t the only one harboring a few secrets, she realizes that Rafe may pose a risk to far more than her heart . . .
337 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 28, 2021
45 people are currently reading
3099 people want to read
About the author
Emily Sullivan
7 books322 followersEmily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Parade, Self, and Bookpage.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 30, 2021
There's a lot to love about this book. Victorian spies are some of our favorites. Rafe, our hero, is a spy who's going through a quarter-life crisis. He's spent a lot of time becoming the best spy around, but that means he's lost out on forming lasting connections. He's also started questioning the basis of his position bolstering the Empire. Oh, and he can't really brag about his job. Sylvia is a Woman with a Past that she keeps hidden... which has placed her in Rafe's path. She's also a woman with convictions that just might run alongside Rafe's growing disillusionment with his job. (Neither of them know any of this info about the other one, of course, which just adds a little soupcon of angst to the mix.)
They both know they should stay away from each other, but they JUST. CAN'T. FIGHT IT. And of course, that's what we want to read! The only thing we would have liked a little more of was an exploration of their initial attraction to each other. The sex is SUPER hot, Sylvia's past is fascinating, and the ultimate unraveling of the spy plot is delicious.
35-Word Summaries:
Meg: The only possible reaction when you’re being blackmailed because of your progressive past, then discovered in an illicit act by your crush, is to tie him to a chair and do whatever you deem necessary.
Laine: Woman who is scandalous because suffragette-ism is being blackmailed. Spy is sent to uncover the person stealing secrets from the house party host. Obvs she sees right through him, catches him, and uses him (sexually).
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
They both know they should stay away from each other, but they JUST. CAN'T. FIGHT IT. And of course, that's what we want to read! The only thing we would have liked a little more of was an exploration of their initial attraction to each other. The sex is SUPER hot, Sylvia's past is fascinating, and the ultimate unraveling of the spy plot is delicious.
35-Word Summaries:
Meg: The only possible reaction when you’re being blackmailed because of your progressive past, then discovered in an illicit act by your crush, is to tie him to a chair and do whatever you deem necessary.
Laine: Woman who is scandalous because suffragette-ism is being blackmailed. Spy is sent to uncover the person stealing secrets from the house party host. Obvs she sees right through him, catches him, and uses him (sexually).
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
April 30, 2022
✨This book was forgettable as I have forgotten it✨
I now have no clue how to write a review lmao. Maybe I’ll just post my notes. Wait wait now I just reread my notes and a. there’s like a full review in there so go me and b. I remember now and I’m angry all over again.
It unfortunately just didn’t really do anything for me. It felt so tonally different than book one which sucked because I loved book one’s setting and overall atmosphere. The steam was good but happened early on and was insta lust never quite love.
Before I knew it, 60% of the book was done and we hadn't experienced much. Their relationship was pretty much instalove and the sex was hot but rather meaningless. Their attempt to “handle” the villain was a paltry attempt that had me thinking they just weren’t very smart. Ah yes, leave the man merely unconscious so he can come ruin your life again! (Ten seconds later he did in fact do just that! Yay!)
After their embarrassing attempt at crime and problem solving, there were no characters left for me to even… like. I was only truly angry during the whole villain monologue and downfall, but I can’t say I remember much but the sex. Literally I listened to most of this today and can barely recall minor details. Lackluster, really. Do You Want to Start a Scandal did it first, did it better, and did it with more ✨sparkle.✨
I ended at double the speed with half of the enjoyment I thought I’d get from this one. Sex was good but not much else. I’ll probably read the next book.
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
I now have no clue how to write a review lmao. Maybe I’ll just post my notes. Wait wait now I just reread my notes and a. there’s like a full review in there so go me and b. I remember now and I’m angry all over again.
It unfortunately just didn’t really do anything for me. It felt so tonally different than book one which sucked because I loved book one’s setting and overall atmosphere. The steam was good but happened early on and was insta lust never quite love.
Before I knew it, 60% of the book was done and we hadn't experienced much. Their relationship was pretty much instalove and the sex was hot but rather meaningless. Their attempt to “handle” the villain was a paltry attempt that had me thinking they just weren’t very smart. Ah yes, leave the man merely unconscious so he can come ruin your life again! (Ten seconds later he did in fact do just that! Yay!)
After their embarrassing attempt at crime and problem solving, there were no characters left for me to even… like. I was only truly angry during the whole villain monologue and downfall, but I can’t say I remember much but the sex. Literally I listened to most of this today and can barely recall minor details. Lackluster, really. Do You Want to Start a Scandal did it first, did it better, and did it with more ✨sparkle.✨
I ended at double the speed with half of the enjoyment I thought I’d get from this one. Sex was good but not much else. I’ll probably read the next book.
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
October 8, 2021
The Rebel and the Rake is the second book in the League of Scoundrels series, and it follows Sylvia Sparrow, a lady’s companion hiding a rebellious past, and Rafe Davies, a government spy. When both attend a house party, they find themselves inextricably drawn to each other, but they both have secrets. Rafe Davies is a spy tasked with finding out who is sending threatening messages to and stealing from the host, and Sylvia is being blackmailed and must steal documents from the host or risk having her scandalous, rebellious past exposed.
A huge advocate for social reform, Sylvie fights for what she believes in. She is a strong, intelligent, and forward-thinking woman, and I love that she is unbending in her convictions. She has been burned by love in the past, but she hasn’t let that defeat her. A political activist, Sylvie has very strong ideals, and her perspective opens Rafe’s eyes a bit. I love Rafe! He is charming and charismatic, and he has a great character arc. Rafe has become disenchanted with his career and questions his role as a spy dedicated to the government. He begins to wonder if he’s missed out on life, and he seems to want more for his future.
Rafe and Sylvie both live double lives, though for very different reasons. Sylvie is the only one to see past Rafe’s disguise, and Rafe knows there is more to Sylvie than meets the eye. Both are such interesting, layered characters with compelling pasts. I like how you slowly learn more about them and how their pasts helped to define their current situations. Most of all, I love their romance! They have such great chemistry, and there is this tension between them that is fantastic.
I also really liked the strong female bonds in the story. Sylvia and Georgiana are wonderful friends and fiercely supportive of each other. It seems like both have difficult pasts, yet they have always remained loyal to and protective of each other. I’m eager to learn more about Georgiana in the next book in the series. She’s such a compelling character, and I have a feeling her story will be fantastic!
There’s also an abundance of intrigue and mystery, especially regarding who is blackmailing Sylvie and who is threatening the host. Sylvie and Rafe find themselves entrenched in dangerous and potentially deadly situations, and since both are also keeping secrets, the tension is high. It was interesting to see how Sylvie’s blackmailing and the other situations at the house party connected, and I enjoyed the building suspense throughout the story.
I enjoyed this addition to the League of Scoundrels series. It has great characters, a lot of intrigue, interesting history, and a sexy romance. Plus, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, the first book, A Rogue to Remember, is fantastic, and I highly recommend it! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Emily Sullivan for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
A huge advocate for social reform, Sylvie fights for what she believes in. She is a strong, intelligent, and forward-thinking woman, and I love that she is unbending in her convictions. She has been burned by love in the past, but she hasn’t let that defeat her. A political activist, Sylvie has very strong ideals, and her perspective opens Rafe’s eyes a bit. I love Rafe! He is charming and charismatic, and he has a great character arc. Rafe has become disenchanted with his career and questions his role as a spy dedicated to the government. He begins to wonder if he’s missed out on life, and he seems to want more for his future.
Rafe and Sylvie both live double lives, though for very different reasons. Sylvie is the only one to see past Rafe’s disguise, and Rafe knows there is more to Sylvie than meets the eye. Both are such interesting, layered characters with compelling pasts. I like how you slowly learn more about them and how their pasts helped to define their current situations. Most of all, I love their romance! They have such great chemistry, and there is this tension between them that is fantastic.
I also really liked the strong female bonds in the story. Sylvia and Georgiana are wonderful friends and fiercely supportive of each other. It seems like both have difficult pasts, yet they have always remained loyal to and protective of each other. I’m eager to learn more about Georgiana in the next book in the series. She’s such a compelling character, and I have a feeling her story will be fantastic!
There’s also an abundance of intrigue and mystery, especially regarding who is blackmailing Sylvie and who is threatening the host. Sylvie and Rafe find themselves entrenched in dangerous and potentially deadly situations, and since both are also keeping secrets, the tension is high. It was interesting to see how Sylvie’s blackmailing and the other situations at the house party connected, and I enjoyed the building suspense throughout the story.
I enjoyed this addition to the League of Scoundrels series. It has great characters, a lot of intrigue, interesting history, and a sexy romance. Plus, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, the first book, A Rogue to Remember, is fantastic, and I highly recommend it! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Emily Sullivan for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
With the help of her bestfriend Lady Georgiana Arlington, Miss Sylvia Sparrow has secured the position of lady's companion with Georgiana's aunt by marriage. Georgiana doesn't know all of Sylvia's secrets and when Sylvia is blackmailed, she lives in fear that her past actions could come to light and hurt not only her but Georgiana.
The Honorable Rafe Davies has been playing the role of rake for the last couple years, which has worked to keep people from looking too closely to what his true actions are but he's lately been feeling the strain of no-one knowing who he truly is. When his older half-brother sends him to Castle Blackwood to doing a little spying for the current owner, John Wardale, Rafe knows he's not being given the full story but thinks the means will justify the ends.
Some secrets she needed to keep safe.
The Rebel and the Rake is second in the League of Scoundrels series and I had no problem jumping into the series here; there was only a brief mention of the hero from the first. The beginning 10-15% of this had me very excited as Rafe started to remind me of the hero from Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway, along with the general tone. In public, Rafe acts the never-do-well younger son of an Earl but he really works as a spy for the Crown. He's currently at Castle Blackwood to root out a blackmailer for the owner John as a favor to his older brother. We get a little bit of backstory on Rafe being shunned by his half-siblings because they didn't feel their father mourned their mother enough before he married Rafe's mother, an actress, no less. The situation and what John and his brother are telling him isn't quite adding up to Rafe but there's alluding that he's going along with it because he craves validation from his older half-brother. I tried to go along with that but throughout most the story, it made it feel more like Rafe may have the title of spy but none of the supporting thinking/characteristics of one (his friend Captain Harris did more work and felt more like a spy/detective than Rafe).
The trouble was he hadn't been acting like the Honorable Rafe Davies, shallow yet charismatic bon vivant. Just himself. And for a moment she had seen it.
Seen him.
While I liked the very beginning set-up of this one, I could see other readers getting a little bored with the slower set-up, secondary characters get more buildups and the start of Rafe and Sylvia's (I just have to say I love that name, Sylvia Sparrow) relationship was all about the subtle heat in the glances. I loved it, Sylvia's shy flushing as awareness grows and it all was giving me those building blocks, development, that make romances fulfilling for me but I do agree it could have been snappier. However, around 30-60% the whole plot of Rafe being a spy, working for Wardale, and Sylvia being blackmailed seems to get mostly forgotten and all that set-up, especially the Rafe at odds with Sylvia tension, never comes to fruition. They share a kiss around 30% and Sylvia reveals a majority of her secrets to Rafe at the halfway point but there wasn't any continuing growth in their romance to move beyond insta for me and the story started to drag for me.
“I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.” He let out a surprised laugh and pulled a hand through his hair, disturbing the usually perfect strands.
Rafe didn't turn out to be quite what I was looking for, he spent most of the story in existential crisis that no one truly knew him because of the nature of his job. Sylvia had great interesting components to her character, ones that gave a feeling to the Victorian time period this was set in but besides being listed out, we never really get a feel for her and I ended up feeling like any character could have been dropped into her role, instead of feeling like the story was coming from Sylvia. I had the same problem with their first sexual scene, it felt like the author had the scene in their mind and was just waiting to plop it somewhere, as opposed as feeling like the story/characters naturally lead it to that moment. I lost a lot of the emotion because of feeling this way, along with the insta never getting those development relationship blocks I like. There was a later sex scene that I thought had some nice heat to it but I was still missing the emotional connection along with physical.
Rafe took her hand by the wrist, brought it to his mouth, then gently kissed her fingertips. All while never breaking his gaze.
Around 70-80% the spying and blackmail plot gets wrapped up and Sylvia kind of has an almost berating speech towards Rafe that felt pretty harsh (it has to do with the seemingly disconnect of their ideals) but even at that point, even though I thought it came off harsh, I went along with it because, even in the way later half, it didn't feel like they really knew each other at this point. It was almost an affirmation to their instalust and how when Sylvia found out who Rafe was, she didn't like him, which at this point of the story, I'm looking for more closeness between my couple. This, of course, ends in a HEA but, for me personally, it felt more like a happily for now, especially when Rafe's declaration involved the line “Let me show you who I can be.” It's just a personal preference that I want that development to be done and worked at in the story.
The romance was too insta and along with some spy plot aspects, a bit of development was missing for me. There was a scene between Sylvia and Georgiana, Sylvia discounting the personal reasons Georgiana might have made in her decision to marry and Georgiana getting frustrated with Sylvia not making the choice to protect herself, that leapt off the pages for me because of the emotion and layers behind it and it made me want even more scenes of Sylvia and Georgiana together. Captain Harris, and Georgiana obviously have a past together and the restrained emotion between the two look to be the stars of the next in the series.
With the help of her bestfriend Lady Georgiana Arlington, Miss Sylvia Sparrow has secured the position of lady's companion with Georgiana's aunt by marriage. Georgiana doesn't know all of Sylvia's secrets and when Sylvia is blackmailed, she lives in fear that her past actions could come to light and hurt not only her but Georgiana.
The Honorable Rafe Davies has been playing the role of rake for the last couple years, which has worked to keep people from looking too closely to what his true actions are but he's lately been feeling the strain of no-one knowing who he truly is. When his older half-brother sends him to Castle Blackwood to doing a little spying for the current owner, John Wardale, Rafe knows he's not being given the full story but thinks the means will justify the ends.
Some secrets she needed to keep safe.
The Rebel and the Rake is second in the League of Scoundrels series and I had no problem jumping into the series here; there was only a brief mention of the hero from the first. The beginning 10-15% of this had me very excited as Rafe started to remind me of the hero from Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway, along with the general tone. In public, Rafe acts the never-do-well younger son of an Earl but he really works as a spy for the Crown. He's currently at Castle Blackwood to root out a blackmailer for the owner John as a favor to his older brother. We get a little bit of backstory on Rafe being shunned by his half-siblings because they didn't feel their father mourned their mother enough before he married Rafe's mother, an actress, no less. The situation and what John and his brother are telling him isn't quite adding up to Rafe but there's alluding that he's going along with it because he craves validation from his older half-brother. I tried to go along with that but throughout most the story, it made it feel more like Rafe may have the title of spy but none of the supporting thinking/characteristics of one (his friend Captain Harris did more work and felt more like a spy/detective than Rafe).
The trouble was he hadn't been acting like the Honorable Rafe Davies, shallow yet charismatic bon vivant. Just himself. And for a moment she had seen it.
Seen him.
While I liked the very beginning set-up of this one, I could see other readers getting a little bored with the slower set-up, secondary characters get more buildups and the start of Rafe and Sylvia's (I just have to say I love that name, Sylvia Sparrow) relationship was all about the subtle heat in the glances. I loved it, Sylvia's shy flushing as awareness grows and it all was giving me those building blocks, development, that make romances fulfilling for me but I do agree it could have been snappier. However, around 30-60% the whole plot of Rafe being a spy, working for Wardale, and Sylvia being blackmailed seems to get mostly forgotten and all that set-up, especially the Rafe at odds with Sylvia tension, never comes to fruition. They share a kiss around 30% and Sylvia reveals a majority of her secrets to Rafe at the halfway point but there wasn't any continuing growth in their romance to move beyond insta for me and the story started to drag for me.
“I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.” He let out a surprised laugh and pulled a hand through his hair, disturbing the usually perfect strands.
Rafe didn't turn out to be quite what I was looking for, he spent most of the story in existential crisis that no one truly knew him because of the nature of his job. Sylvia had great interesting components to her character, ones that gave a feeling to the Victorian time period this was set in but besides being listed out, we never really get a feel for her and I ended up feeling like any character could have been dropped into her role, instead of feeling like the story was coming from Sylvia. I had the same problem with their first sexual scene, it felt like the author had the scene in their mind and was just waiting to plop it somewhere, as opposed as feeling like the story/characters naturally lead it to that moment. I lost a lot of the emotion because of feeling this way, along with the insta never getting those development relationship blocks I like. There was a later sex scene that I thought had some nice heat to it but I was still missing the emotional connection along with physical.
Rafe took her hand by the wrist, brought it to his mouth, then gently kissed her fingertips. All while never breaking his gaze.
Around 70-80% the spying and blackmail plot gets wrapped up and Sylvia kind of has an almost berating speech towards Rafe that felt pretty harsh (it has to do with the seemingly disconnect of their ideals) but even at that point, even though I thought it came off harsh, I went along with it because, even in the way later half, it didn't feel like they really knew each other at this point. It was almost an affirmation to their instalust and how when Sylvia found out who Rafe was, she didn't like him, which at this point of the story, I'm looking for more closeness between my couple. This, of course, ends in a HEA but, for me personally, it felt more like a happily for now, especially when Rafe's declaration involved the line “Let me show you who I can be.” It's just a personal preference that I want that development to be done and worked at in the story.
The romance was too insta and along with some spy plot aspects, a bit of development was missing for me. There was a scene between Sylvia and Georgiana, Sylvia discounting the personal reasons Georgiana might have made in her decision to marry and Georgiana getting frustrated with Sylvia not making the choice to protect herself, that leapt off the pages for me because of the emotion and layers behind it and it made me want even more scenes of Sylvia and Georgiana together. Captain Harris, and Georgiana obviously have a past together and the restrained emotion between the two look to be the stars of the next in the series.
February 12, 2022
Historical romance is probably my favorite romance subgenre but it’s also weirdly the subgenre I read the least frequently from. If I’m being honest, it’s because I’m a historical romance snob, so finding authors whose writing clicks with me is hard. I was thrilled to discover through her debut that Emily Sullivan’s writing is the kind that I enjoy in historical romance, so I was more than eager to pick up The Rebel and the Rake. Sullivan exceeded my expectations and she perfectly nailed the balance between the suspense storyline and the romance.
A SPY AND A SOCIAL REFORMIST MEET AT A HOUSE PARTY
Ever since we met Rafe in A Rogue By Any Other Name, I’ve been impatiently waiting for his book. The author digs deep into his character here and I loved every bit of it. Rafe is a spy for the Crown and he has maintained the facade of being a rake in order to avoid detection. It’s always worked in his favor until he meets Sylvia, a lady’s companion with her own secrets, at a house party. I love a good house party in a historical rom because it’s the perfect set-up for all sorts of shenanigans to occur. Here, Rafe is tasked with figuring out who is sending the host threatening letters, and Sylvie has her own agenda as a secret political activist standing as a lady’s companion.
TWO WELL-CRAFTED CHARACTERS
Emily Sullivan wrote two intelligent and well-layered characters here and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout The Rebel and the Rake. In particular, I was impressed with how she explored the rake archetype through Rafe. As much as I mindlessly enjoy rakes who are brought to their knees by their love interests in books, I need them to be more than just rakes. (Side note: I’m just now realizing how similar “Rafe” and “rake” sound!) He has been a spy for so long that he doesn’t quite know what he wants from his life and the book is an exploration of that journey. My favorite part of his arc was watching him go through all sorts of inner turmoils and them helping him grow.
Sylvia’s entrance into his life also pushes him to examine his beliefs and his desires from life. I adored Sylvia, who is a sharp-witted and strong-willed woman who stands by her convictions. She is deeply passionate about social reform but as she’s a woman in the Victorian era, her beliefs are not viewed kindly and are a source of danger. I really loved Sylvia’s friendship with Georgiana and I am now desperate for her pine-y and angsty book!
AN INSTANT CONNECTION BUT A COMPLICATED LOVE
Both Sylvia and Rafe are unaware of each other’s double-lives, but the two feel an instant connection and attraction to each other. I’m not normally one for romances that develop on the faster end, but the forced proximity as a result of the house party makes it believable. That being said, it’s not as straightforward of a relationship given the secrets they are keeping and Sylvia’s reluctance to get involved with a man after a tainted affair. However, there was no denying the two made each other stronger and that’s where the beauty of this romantic relationship lies. I loved how Rafe was SO unbothered by Sylvia’s initial disinterest in him, at first. And it was all very romantic how he subtly tries to pursue her. The tension between the two continues to heighten all throughout the story and when they give in, it’s fog-your-windows steamy.
Anyways, I’m really happy to have found a new favorite historical romance author in Emily Sullivan. Both The Rebel and the Rake and the previous book, A Rogue to Remember, are excellent, so they get my stamp of approval for readers who love the subgenre.
Content notes: death of parent, blackmailing, abusive family
Relationship disclosure: Emily Sullivan and I are mutuals on social media.
A SPY AND A SOCIAL REFORMIST MEET AT A HOUSE PARTY
Ever since we met Rafe in A Rogue By Any Other Name, I’ve been impatiently waiting for his book. The author digs deep into his character here and I loved every bit of it. Rafe is a spy for the Crown and he has maintained the facade of being a rake in order to avoid detection. It’s always worked in his favor until he meets Sylvia, a lady’s companion with her own secrets, at a house party. I love a good house party in a historical rom because it’s the perfect set-up for all sorts of shenanigans to occur. Here, Rafe is tasked with figuring out who is sending the host threatening letters, and Sylvie has her own agenda as a secret political activist standing as a lady’s companion.
TWO WELL-CRAFTED CHARACTERS
Emily Sullivan wrote two intelligent and well-layered characters here and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout The Rebel and the Rake. In particular, I was impressed with how she explored the rake archetype through Rafe. As much as I mindlessly enjoy rakes who are brought to their knees by their love interests in books, I need them to be more than just rakes. (Side note: I’m just now realizing how similar “Rafe” and “rake” sound!) He has been a spy for so long that he doesn’t quite know what he wants from his life and the book is an exploration of that journey. My favorite part of his arc was watching him go through all sorts of inner turmoils and them helping him grow.
Sylvia’s entrance into his life also pushes him to examine his beliefs and his desires from life. I adored Sylvia, who is a sharp-witted and strong-willed woman who stands by her convictions. She is deeply passionate about social reform but as she’s a woman in the Victorian era, her beliefs are not viewed kindly and are a source of danger. I really loved Sylvia’s friendship with Georgiana and I am now desperate for her pine-y and angsty book!
AN INSTANT CONNECTION BUT A COMPLICATED LOVE
Both Sylvia and Rafe are unaware of each other’s double-lives, but the two feel an instant connection and attraction to each other. I’m not normally one for romances that develop on the faster end, but the forced proximity as a result of the house party makes it believable. That being said, it’s not as straightforward of a relationship given the secrets they are keeping and Sylvia’s reluctance to get involved with a man after a tainted affair. However, there was no denying the two made each other stronger and that’s where the beauty of this romantic relationship lies. I loved how Rafe was SO unbothered by Sylvia’s initial disinterest in him, at first. And it was all very romantic how he subtly tries to pursue her. The tension between the two continues to heighten all throughout the story and when they give in, it’s fog-your-windows steamy.
Anyways, I’m really happy to have found a new favorite historical romance author in Emily Sullivan. Both The Rebel and the Rake and the previous book, A Rogue to Remember, are excellent, so they get my stamp of approval for readers who love the subgenre.
Content notes: death of parent, blackmailing, abusive family
Relationship disclosure: Emily Sullivan and I are mutuals on social media.
May 13, 2022
Goodness, this book was amazing. Emily Sullivan is quickly becoming a favorite with these out of the box historical romances.
The SPY and the bluestocking?? Get in my heart!
The book started a little slow for me, but picked up around the mid point. Rafe and Sylvia both have their secrets which I desperately loved and want a spin off series of these two solving crimes together hahaha.
A great follow up to a stunning debut!
Thank you, Forever for the ARC
The SPY and the bluestocking?? Get in my heart!
The book started a little slow for me, but picked up around the mid point. Rafe and Sylvia both have their secrets which I desperately loved and want a spin off series of these two solving crimes together hahaha.
A great follow up to a stunning debut!
Thank you, Forever for the ARC
January 10, 2022
With so many books on my TBR, I always carefully "research" the ones I end up reading. I don't pick up books willy nilly, it's a combination of several factors I carefully review (cover, blurb, trope, recommendations from friends, fave author...).
I'm sad to say this one didn't live up to my expectations of a great read. I found myself bored throughout the whole thing, despite some elements I usually favor in my romance.
I was neither moved by the romance or piqued by the intrigue.
It wasn't bad, just not a satisfying read.
I'm sad to say this one didn't live up to my expectations of a great read. I found myself bored throughout the whole thing, despite some elements I usually favor in my romance.
I was neither moved by the romance or piqued by the intrigue.
It wasn't bad, just not a satisfying read.
November 30, 2021
Rafe Davies, agent of the crown, is on assignment at a Scottish house party, where he encounters companion Sylvia Sparrow. Sylvia is being blackmailed and is desperate to avoid Rafe, until a chance encounter makes their attraction hard to ignore.
This is the second book in the League of Scoundrels series. I was intrigued by Rafe in the first book and was curious to see where his story would go. The plot was interesting, but the story was too slow moving for me. The individual elements were there, and the time period was obviously well-researched, but I just found myself getting bored.
Tropes: Spy, Bluestocking, Forced Proximity
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in the League of Scoundrels series. I was intrigued by Rafe in the first book and was curious to see where his story would go. The plot was interesting, but the story was too slow moving for me. The individual elements were there, and the time period was obviously well-researched, but I just found myself getting bored.
Tropes: Spy, Bluestocking, Forced Proximity
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 9, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up.
Rafe Davies is London’s favorite and most charming rake, but that’s all a façade to hide his status as a key agent working for the crown. He’s a bit reckless, but that has always worked in his favor on missions. When his latest assignment brings him to a Scottish house party and into the orbit of Miss Sylvia Sparrow, a proper and tart-mouthed lady’s companion, Rafe is, perhaps for the first time, truly distracted from his mission.
Sylvia has no interest in getting involved with a man again since she previously placed her trust in the wrong one and it led to her utter ruination. She’s determined to avoid Rafe at all costs, but that proves impossible and when she learns he’s hiding unexpected facets of his character, she can no longer ignore the blazing attraction between them. But soon Sylvia suspects she isn’t the only one at the party with something to hide and that Rafe is a danger to more than just her fragile heart.
I both read and listened to this book, and I have to say, as usual for me really, the narration really helped draw me into the story and especially keep in mind who was a member of the upper crust of society. There was a lot going on here and definitely more mystery than I had expected, but this was a good thing. Something about the narrator’s voice also helped me really feel and believe the tension and essentially immediate connection between Rafe and Sylvia and drew emphasis to how irresistible each found the other. Rafe and Sylvia were certainly an odd couple, but I think they challenged each other to want and expect more and to make the changes and adjustments to their own thinking and actions to make it work between them. That, friends, is what relationships are all about and that aspect made this very real for me. With all the obstacles between Rafe and Sylvia, I was nervous about this ending and worried I would wind up unsatisfied with how things were left, especially given that they were separated for a bit, but thankfully everything was brought together splendidly in the end, and I was very pleased. I loved the setting of this book, at a house party in a Scottish lowland castle, and the multi-layered hero and mystery elements really worked for me, and the pacing was quick enough to hold my interest. I don’t think I loved this quite as much as the first book in the series, but it is still an excellent follow-up, especially considering that the first book is on another level for me as a true favorite. Nonetheless, I loved learning more about the real Rafe beneath the playboy façade and I was happy to see him teach Sylvia about real relationships with trust while she helped him see areas where he could make a real difference. This was an excellent read/listen and I’m excited for the next book and hoping to find out what’s going on between Georgiana and Henry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Rafe Davies is London’s favorite and most charming rake, but that’s all a façade to hide his status as a key agent working for the crown. He’s a bit reckless, but that has always worked in his favor on missions. When his latest assignment brings him to a Scottish house party and into the orbit of Miss Sylvia Sparrow, a proper and tart-mouthed lady’s companion, Rafe is, perhaps for the first time, truly distracted from his mission.
Sylvia has no interest in getting involved with a man again since she previously placed her trust in the wrong one and it led to her utter ruination. She’s determined to avoid Rafe at all costs, but that proves impossible and when she learns he’s hiding unexpected facets of his character, she can no longer ignore the blazing attraction between them. But soon Sylvia suspects she isn’t the only one at the party with something to hide and that Rafe is a danger to more than just her fragile heart.
I both read and listened to this book, and I have to say, as usual for me really, the narration really helped draw me into the story and especially keep in mind who was a member of the upper crust of society. There was a lot going on here and definitely more mystery than I had expected, but this was a good thing. Something about the narrator’s voice also helped me really feel and believe the tension and essentially immediate connection between Rafe and Sylvia and drew emphasis to how irresistible each found the other. Rafe and Sylvia were certainly an odd couple, but I think they challenged each other to want and expect more and to make the changes and adjustments to their own thinking and actions to make it work between them. That, friends, is what relationships are all about and that aspect made this very real for me. With all the obstacles between Rafe and Sylvia, I was nervous about this ending and worried I would wind up unsatisfied with how things were left, especially given that they were separated for a bit, but thankfully everything was brought together splendidly in the end, and I was very pleased. I loved the setting of this book, at a house party in a Scottish lowland castle, and the multi-layered hero and mystery elements really worked for me, and the pacing was quick enough to hold my interest. I don’t think I loved this quite as much as the first book in the series, but it is still an excellent follow-up, especially considering that the first book is on another level for me as a true favorite. Nonetheless, I loved learning more about the real Rafe beneath the playboy façade and I was happy to see him teach Sylvia about real relationships with trust while she helped him see areas where he could make a real difference. This was an excellent read/listen and I’m excited for the next book and hoping to find out what’s going on between Georgiana and Henry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 27, 2021
The Rebel and the Rake was an enjoyable historical romance with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series, but I didn't feel lost and think this book works well as a standalone.
Rafe and Sylvia were an interesting pairing and I loved that both were much more than what they presented to the world. Sylvia was especially intriguing and I admired her strength and conviction. Things were a little too instalove for me, but their scenes together were definitely spicy. I do wish that Rafe would have reacted a bit differently once everything came out into the open (especially after the personal sacrifices of Sylvia and Georgiana) and given a bit more grovel, but the epilogue was very sweet and I enjoyed seeing that vulnerable side of him. It was Henry and Georgiana that grabbed my attention though and I am very interested to read their (possibly second chance romance) next.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 3 stars
Story 4 stars
I both listened and read The Rebel and the Rake. Victoria Aston is a new to me narrator and she gave an entertaining performance, but it wasn't my favorite. I found it hard to determine who was speaking at times, even between Rafe and Sylvia, because there wasn't much variety in the voices used. Many characters sounded very similar, while others felt very over the top and almost comical.
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
Rafe and Sylvia were an interesting pairing and I loved that both were much more than what they presented to the world. Sylvia was especially intriguing and I admired her strength and conviction. Things were a little too instalove for me, but their scenes together were definitely spicy. I do wish that Rafe would have reacted a bit differently once everything came out into the open (especially after the personal sacrifices of Sylvia and Georgiana) and given a bit more grovel, but the epilogue was very sweet and I enjoyed seeing that vulnerable side of him. It was Henry and Georgiana that grabbed my attention though and I am very interested to read their (possibly second chance romance) next.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 3 stars
Story 4 stars
I both listened and read The Rebel and the Rake. Victoria Aston is a new to me narrator and she gave an entertaining performance, but it wasn't my favorite. I found it hard to determine who was speaking at times, even between Rafe and Sylvia, because there wasn't much variety in the voices used. Many characters sounded very similar, while others felt very over the top and almost comical.
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
January 7, 2022
I finally had some time and finished this book. The new year really made me go into a slump I'm so sorry lmao. The only thing that made me happy was anime so I constantly watched it instead of, you know, reading my books. So, now I'm behind on every book release lmao but it's okay we're rolling.
The Rebel and the Rake was such a fascinating, fun read. I've never read an Emily Sullivan book so this was a first for me! I totally need to read the previous book to this one because I just loved Sullivan's writing and storytelling gift. I'm definitely excited about book 3 aka HENRY AND GEORGIANA'S BOOK!!! I'm going to be first in line for that obviouslyyyyyy.
Where can I order a Mr Rafe Davies huh? Amazon? Where?!!!! He was literally so swoony. His cover (because he's a spy!) is supposed to be a rake, a bachelor, a flirt. But the heroine Sylvia like sees through him. She sees beyond his crafted persona and Rafe doesn't know what to do with that, so of course the first thing he does is fall in love with her immediately. Their chemistry is wild and so intense. I love their dynamic so much. He just completely melts when he is with her.
The Rebel and the Rake was such a fascinating, fun read. I've never read an Emily Sullivan book so this was a first for me! I totally need to read the previous book to this one because I just loved Sullivan's writing and storytelling gift. I'm definitely excited about book 3 aka HENRY AND GEORGIANA'S BOOK!!! I'm going to be first in line for that obviouslyyyyyy.
Where can I order a Mr Rafe Davies huh? Amazon? Where?!!!! He was literally so swoony. His cover (because he's a spy!) is supposed to be a rake, a bachelor, a flirt. But the heroine Sylvia like sees through him. She sees beyond his crafted persona and Rafe doesn't know what to do with that, so of course the first thing he does is fall in love with her immediately. Their chemistry is wild and so intense. I love their dynamic so much. He just completely melts when he is with her.
December 12, 2022
What a scene?! A house party at a Scottish castle?! Yes please! I loved Sylvia, she was so fierce and didn’t apologize for her thoughts and beliefs. I’m really glad Rafe found someone who could match him.
That chair scene was 🔥 and it may live rent free in my head for awhile. I love how strong all of Emily’s characters are. I also love how she really draws you into the next set of characters. I can’t wait for Georgiana and Henry. I think they have both gone through so much pain they need each other.
That chair scene was 🔥 and it may live rent free in my head for awhile. I love how strong all of Emily’s characters are. I also love how she really draws you into the next set of characters. I can’t wait for Georgiana and Henry. I think they have both gone through so much pain they need each other.
January 10, 2022
“You’re wrong.” He moved his hand to caress the soft curls gathered at the back of her neck, and she pressed into his touch. “I’ve been avoiding you these last few days. I told myself it was for your protection. That it wouldn’t do you any good if people thought I was paying you particular attention. But I was also protecting myself,” he added softly.
She’s in hiding. He’s undercover.
It should be a match made in heaven. But it feels more like a headfirst dive into bad decisions and decadence. Neither one of them can afford to blow their cover.
Sylvia endeavors to be inconspicuous. Her colorful past has left her with few choices, and her current position as personal secretary to an overly perceptive employer, means she has no choice but to blend into the woodwork. Despite her concerted efforts to escape notice, she immediately catches the eye of the notorious womanizer and rakehell Rafe Davies.
Rafe is at this houseparty for one specific reason. He’s here to ferret out secrets and plots against the Crown. His devil-may-care, studied nonchalance, is the perfect way to throw the scent off his trail and cloak his true intentions. But the inobtrusive secretary unfailingly draws his gaze every time they are in a room together. It’s a dangerously combustible compulsion he needs to quell before she becomes too big of a distraction.
Despite his determination to avoid Ms. Sparrow, Rafe finds himself sharing confidences with her that reveal he is a multi-faceted man, with more on his mind than parlor games and boudoir assignations. She is intrigued, but wary of his intentions. And then like a besotted fool, she gives him a glimpse into her distrust of the male half of the species. And then she is at pains to avoid his gaze, as it seems he is irrevocably drawn to her.
They begin to seek out each other’s company at every opportunity. They are irreverent of the danger their connection poses, and the fact that their true selves are revealed one painstaking layer at a time. Their first kiss happens in the quiet of the library. And the flame is ignited.
I absolutely adored the second book in the League of Scoundrels series!
Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Steam: Off the charts!
She’s in hiding. He’s undercover.
It should be a match made in heaven. But it feels more like a headfirst dive into bad decisions and decadence. Neither one of them can afford to blow their cover.
Sylvia endeavors to be inconspicuous. Her colorful past has left her with few choices, and her current position as personal secretary to an overly perceptive employer, means she has no choice but to blend into the woodwork. Despite her concerted efforts to escape notice, she immediately catches the eye of the notorious womanizer and rakehell Rafe Davies.
Rafe is at this houseparty for one specific reason. He’s here to ferret out secrets and plots against the Crown. His devil-may-care, studied nonchalance, is the perfect way to throw the scent off his trail and cloak his true intentions. But the inobtrusive secretary unfailingly draws his gaze every time they are in a room together. It’s a dangerously combustible compulsion he needs to quell before she becomes too big of a distraction.
Despite his determination to avoid Ms. Sparrow, Rafe finds himself sharing confidences with her that reveal he is a multi-faceted man, with more on his mind than parlor games and boudoir assignations. She is intrigued, but wary of his intentions. And then like a besotted fool, she gives him a glimpse into her distrust of the male half of the species. And then she is at pains to avoid his gaze, as it seems he is irrevocably drawn to her.
They begin to seek out each other’s company at every opportunity. They are irreverent of the danger their connection poses, and the fact that their true selves are revealed one painstaking layer at a time. Their first kiss happens in the quiet of the library. And the flame is ignited.
I absolutely adored the second book in the League of Scoundrels series!
Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Steam: Off the charts!
November 14, 2021
For fans of historical romance, The Rebel and The Rake is going to stop you in your tracks and make you do a double take.
The setup is a classic. One of the Crown’s most valuable agents, the handsome and very charming Rafe Davies, is attending a house party and everything is on the line. Hello, House Party, Secret Agent, Charming Rake.
At the party he encounters and is mightily intrigued by the prickly Miss Sylvia Sparrow, who attempts to blend into the background, desperate to keep her true identity a secret, but cannot help her unrelenting attraction to Rafe Davies.
Nice to see you, Prickly Heroine, Secrets, Unrelenting Attraction.
But hear me out. This book is so much more, set in the late Victorian era and exploring some of the politics of the time. The writing is strong and thoughtful and deliciously intelligent. Sylvia is utterly compelling, a political activist who sticks to her beliefs even when they might cost her everything – how refreshing and rare! Rafe is delightful and willing to entertain opinions other than his own (gasp) and although he is conflicted, is never indecisive. The plot is fabulous, making the houseparty the backdrop against which play out struggles both great and small. Also worth noting is the wonderful friendship between Sylvia and the noblewoman, Georgiana, as well as between Rafe, and his wounded friend, Henry.
Those who enjoyed Sullivan’s first book, A Rouge to Remember, are going to love this one even harder. As she took on the road-trip trope in her first book and turned it on its head, Sullivan does for the houseparty trope this time, adding elements of real politics, true intimacy, and of course, lots of swoony steam.
The setup is a classic. One of the Crown’s most valuable agents, the handsome and very charming Rafe Davies, is attending a house party and everything is on the line. Hello, House Party, Secret Agent, Charming Rake.
At the party he encounters and is mightily intrigued by the prickly Miss Sylvia Sparrow, who attempts to blend into the background, desperate to keep her true identity a secret, but cannot help her unrelenting attraction to Rafe Davies.
Nice to see you, Prickly Heroine, Secrets, Unrelenting Attraction.
But hear me out. This book is so much more, set in the late Victorian era and exploring some of the politics of the time. The writing is strong and thoughtful and deliciously intelligent. Sylvia is utterly compelling, a political activist who sticks to her beliefs even when they might cost her everything – how refreshing and rare! Rafe is delightful and willing to entertain opinions other than his own (gasp) and although he is conflicted, is never indecisive. The plot is fabulous, making the houseparty the backdrop against which play out struggles both great and small. Also worth noting is the wonderful friendship between Sylvia and the noblewoman, Georgiana, as well as between Rafe, and his wounded friend, Henry.
Those who enjoyed Sullivan’s first book, A Rouge to Remember, are going to love this one even harder. As she took on the road-trip trope in her first book and turned it on its head, Sullivan does for the houseparty trope this time, adding elements of real politics, true intimacy, and of course, lots of swoony steam.
May 31, 2022
2022 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Clinch Cover
I didn’t hate this, but I skimmed the latter half out of boredom. There were intriguing social justice and anti-empire sentiments, but I was still bored. IDK. I blame myself because everyone else loves this book. If the ship doesn’t spark, then I just won’t give a damn. Read via library.
Disclaimer: While I read an ebook copy from the library, I initially received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t hate this, but I skimmed the latter half out of boredom. There were intriguing social justice and anti-empire sentiments, but I was still bored. IDK. I blame myself because everyone else loves this book. If the ship doesn’t spark, then I just won’t give a damn. Read via library.
Disclaimer: While I read an ebook copy from the library, I initially received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2021
This is a story that draws you in with fun characters and a plot full of twists and turns, I couldn’t put it down!! Rafe and Sylvia are a fun couple, both of them have past regrets and secrets, but as they get to know each other and see past carefully constructed persona’s, they figure out they are exactly what the other needs. Watching them get to their HEA makes for a great story!
4.5 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥
4.5 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥
January 23, 2023
The Rebel and the Rake is the second book in League of Scoundrels series by Emily Sullivan.
Sylvia Sparrows is a lady's companion attending a Scottish house party with her employer Lady Crawford and her friend Lady Georgiana. Rafe Davies is a spy on the other hand hired by their host to look into the blackmailing letters he has been receiving recently and keep an eye on the guests. Sylvia has her own secrets in the closet and is blackmailed by an unknown person which makes her cross paths with Rafe.
Both Sylvia and Rafe were quite an interesting pair of leads with contrasting personalities and thought process. They found themselves falling for each other despite everything and I enjoyed the thrill and romantic suspense aspect of the book. Sylvia's past was shown to the readers in little snippets which had me curious about her throughout the book. Rafe on the other hand was pretty straightforward and charming.
The steamy scenes were plenty raunchy in this one and made the read even more fun and enjoyable. I especially liked the forbidden settings for them all. In some instances, I had hoped more severe reactions from Rafe upon learning of particular truths but he was rather mild and accomodating which was okay I guess.
The tension between these two builds up throughout the book keeping the readers on their toes for the eventual steamy release. The romance develops slowly and beautifully and the ending had me feeling content for the future these two would share.
4 stars.
Sylvia Sparrows is a lady's companion attending a Scottish house party with her employer Lady Crawford and her friend Lady Georgiana. Rafe Davies is a spy on the other hand hired by their host to look into the blackmailing letters he has been receiving recently and keep an eye on the guests. Sylvia has her own secrets in the closet and is blackmailed by an unknown person which makes her cross paths with Rafe.
Both Sylvia and Rafe were quite an interesting pair of leads with contrasting personalities and thought process. They found themselves falling for each other despite everything and I enjoyed the thrill and romantic suspense aspect of the book. Sylvia's past was shown to the readers in little snippets which had me curious about her throughout the book. Rafe on the other hand was pretty straightforward and charming.
The steamy scenes were plenty raunchy in this one and made the read even more fun and enjoyable. I especially liked the forbidden settings for them all. In some instances, I had hoped more severe reactions from Rafe upon learning of particular truths but he was rather mild and accomodating which was okay I guess.
The tension between these two builds up throughout the book keeping the readers on their toes for the eventual steamy release. The romance develops slowly and beautifully and the ending had me feeling content for the future these two would share.
4 stars.
January 4, 2022
This was just as good as Emily Sullivan's first book in The League of Scoundrels series. A really enjoyable read, with charming characters who had a genuine and palpable connection with each other. I had such a great time reading it!
November 22, 2021
I think it was Sandra Brown who said “If your hero is a firefighter, your heroine had better be an arsonist!" Well howdy does this book embody that, and it absolutely catches fire.
Rafe is a spy, and Sylvia just so happens to be the thief he's been hired to catch. And I was enthralled from page one. I really enjoyed the first in this series, and this one is even better. The writing is rich and funny, and the romance between these two is just crackling. The mystery is engaging without being too convoluted, and the romance remains the central driver all throughout.
Some tropes to expect:
-house party
-agent of the crown (with some healthy skepticism about imperialism)
-Bluestocking, lady's companion heroine
-experiences heroine (with absolutely zero slut-shaming)
-ROPES
-FIRE steaminess.
I'm really excited to keep my eye on Emily Sullivan. If you like Sarah MacLean or Erica Ridley, I absolutely recommend you pick this one up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC.
Rafe is a spy, and Sylvia just so happens to be the thief he's been hired to catch. And I was enthralled from page one. I really enjoyed the first in this series, and this one is even better. The writing is rich and funny, and the romance between these two is just crackling. The mystery is engaging without being too convoluted, and the romance remains the central driver all throughout.
Some tropes to expect:
-house party
-agent of the crown (with some healthy skepticism about imperialism)
-Bluestocking, lady's companion heroine
-experiences heroine (with absolutely zero slut-shaming)
-ROPES
-FIRE steaminess.
I'm really excited to keep my eye on Emily Sullivan. If you like Sarah MacLean or Erica Ridley, I absolutely recommend you pick this one up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC.
December 27, 2021
A spy who dons the disguise of an inveterate rake is astonished by the immediate attraction he has to the disdain of one Sylvia Sparrow, bluestocking secretary to a rowdy dowager while they bought attend a house party. Rafe is on a mission to find the source of leaked information for the host of the party, but isn't expecting to be bowled over by the stern gaze and disdain of the woman he seems to see right past all of his rakish masking.
Sylvia herself has secrets to keep, including her past affair with a man who left her when she became too much of a liability, and not wifely enough. And she's being blackmailed by someone at the house party...
Utterly delicious tension as Rafe falls hard and fast and proves to Sylvia he will protect, love, and allow her to flourish, society be damned.
Emily Sullivan is my new favorite historical romance author!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
Sylvia herself has secrets to keep, including her past affair with a man who left her when she became too much of a liability, and not wifely enough. And she's being blackmailed by someone at the house party...
Utterly delicious tension as Rafe falls hard and fast and proves to Sylvia he will protect, love, and allow her to flourish, society be damned.
Emily Sullivan is my new favorite historical romance author!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
February 5, 2024
I feel like I'm not the biggest fan of this author's writing style. After reading book one in this series, I've been putting off reading this one for so long. Honestly, I could have probably skipped this one as well because I'm being very generous with my 3 star rating right now. Yes, there were parts of the story that I enjoyed...maybe that's the wrong word...that were unexpected. There was some mystery. There was a lot of drama. But the entire book just felt like it took way too long for anything with the plot and I just had a hard time getting into it. I liked the main characters to an extent, but really, I kind of wanted more from them at the same time. This book is a false identity book, and I'm really not the biggest fan of the trope unless it's done in a very good way. Overall, this was meh to me, but I do think the next one in the series might be more interesting.
September 30, 2021
The Rebel and the Rake is book 2 in Emily Sullivan’s League of Scoundrels series and after loving book 1 (A Rogue to Remember) so much, I couldn’t wait to get to this book. This book takes place in Scotland in 1897 and I really enjoyed seeing the heroine as the rebel!
Sylvia Sparrow has a rebellious past and secrets, but the bluestocking is currently working/living as a lady’s companion when the story starts. While a house party is going on, Sylvia finds herself being blackmailed to steal away documents from her employers or risk her past of being an advocate for social reform and the scandal that resulted from that being exposed. She meets Rafe Davies, a spy who is undercover at the same house party. He was invited by the host after he received anonymous threat messages and have had documents gone missing. Rafe is the son of an Earl and an actress, he joined the Navy when he was just 15-years-old, and now works for the Foreign Office. Rafe and Sylvia quickly find themselves drawn to one another while also trying to keep both of their secrets hidden from everyone, they get tangled up together as everything at the house party starts to come to light and both of their secrets are revealed.
This book did have a slow start for me, I didn’t feel the immediate chemistry or pull to these characters. The second half I really enjoyed though and I liked when the action/intrigue started to pick up. I thought it was refreshing for the story and I did really enjoy the heroine being the anarchist and the hero being the spy/Queen’s agent. I loved that the heroine knew herself well and was not willing to compromise her ideals for the hero, she was a strong heroine and I loved to see it! Other fun moments I enjoyed: costume ball at the house party complete with wigs, the heroine’s relationship/support from her employer Mrs. Crawford, the heroine’s friend Georgiana, and that the heroine makes the first move/kisses the hero first!
While I did love the couple and tropes in book 1 more, I did end up enjoying this read and I am very intrigued with the couple for the next book, Georgiana and Henry, which we see as side characters in this book. I do really adore this author’s writing and can’t wait for the next one in the series!
3.5 stars/rounded up. Thank you to the publisher (Forever) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The Rebel and the Rake has a publish date of December 28, 2021.
Sylvia Sparrow has a rebellious past and secrets, but the bluestocking is currently working/living as a lady’s companion when the story starts. While a house party is going on, Sylvia finds herself being blackmailed to steal away documents from her employers or risk her past of being an advocate for social reform and the scandal that resulted from that being exposed. She meets Rafe Davies, a spy who is undercover at the same house party. He was invited by the host after he received anonymous threat messages and have had documents gone missing. Rafe is the son of an Earl and an actress, he joined the Navy when he was just 15-years-old, and now works for the Foreign Office. Rafe and Sylvia quickly find themselves drawn to one another while also trying to keep both of their secrets hidden from everyone, they get tangled up together as everything at the house party starts to come to light and both of their secrets are revealed.
This book did have a slow start for me, I didn’t feel the immediate chemistry or pull to these characters. The second half I really enjoyed though and I liked when the action/intrigue started to pick up. I thought it was refreshing for the story and I did really enjoy the heroine being the anarchist and the hero being the spy/Queen’s agent. I loved that the heroine knew herself well and was not willing to compromise her ideals for the hero, she was a strong heroine and I loved to see it! Other fun moments I enjoyed: costume ball at the house party complete with wigs, the heroine’s relationship/support from her employer Mrs. Crawford, the heroine’s friend Georgiana, and that the heroine makes the first move/kisses the hero first!
While I did love the couple and tropes in book 1 more, I did end up enjoying this read and I am very intrigued with the couple for the next book, Georgiana and Henry, which we see as side characters in this book. I do really adore this author’s writing and can’t wait for the next one in the series!
3.5 stars/rounded up. Thank you to the publisher (Forever) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The Rebel and the Rake has a publish date of December 28, 2021.
February 5, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Miss Sylvia Sparrow may be a respectable companion, but she's hiding a secret which could ruin her, and the beginnings of a blackmail plot is more than enough to scare any woman. But not Sylvia - she will do everything she can to stop the blackmail, and help protect her best friend - and only other person who knows the truth - Georgiana. However, when spy Rafe Davies turns up at the very house party she's at in the highlands, and is looking for someone who just happens to be her, she needs to do everything she can to keep him at arm's length, even if her heart is telling her not to let go. Rafe is slowly learning that his position at the agency, under the shadow of his half brother, may not be enough for him anymore, and he wants more - especially with a beautiful woman who's turned his head. As he learns that his mission is one which makes him test his morals, will be finish it, or stick to his guns?
This was a book I wasn't too sure of what to expect. I liked book 1, but didn't love it, so was a little apprehensive that this would be the same. But, thankfully, I really enjoyed this one. The characters in this book were ones you couldn't help but love, and especially Sylvia. Her secret past was that she had been involved in the suffragette movement, and had been arrested at one point trying to recruit prostitutes to the cause. No one would employ her now, so she changes her name, and relies on her best friend for a reference. And it all goes well, until she starts to receive blackmailing letters, and if Georgiana's awful husband found out the truth, Sylvia would be all by herself. She thinks she can manage to keep it at bay, but with Rafe's arrival it soon turns difficult, when she wants to be able to trust and rely on him, but she's risking everything. The plot line in this story was much better than what was in book 1, and with how Georgiana's story turned out towards the end, I'm desperate for book 3!
Miss Sylvia Sparrow may be a respectable companion, but she's hiding a secret which could ruin her, and the beginnings of a blackmail plot is more than enough to scare any woman. But not Sylvia - she will do everything she can to stop the blackmail, and help protect her best friend - and only other person who knows the truth - Georgiana. However, when spy Rafe Davies turns up at the very house party she's at in the highlands, and is looking for someone who just happens to be her, she needs to do everything she can to keep him at arm's length, even if her heart is telling her not to let go. Rafe is slowly learning that his position at the agency, under the shadow of his half brother, may not be enough for him anymore, and he wants more - especially with a beautiful woman who's turned his head. As he learns that his mission is one which makes him test his morals, will be finish it, or stick to his guns?
This was a book I wasn't too sure of what to expect. I liked book 1, but didn't love it, so was a little apprehensive that this would be the same. But, thankfully, I really enjoyed this one. The characters in this book were ones you couldn't help but love, and especially Sylvia. Her secret past was that she had been involved in the suffragette movement, and had been arrested at one point trying to recruit prostitutes to the cause. No one would employ her now, so she changes her name, and relies on her best friend for a reference. And it all goes well, until she starts to receive blackmailing letters, and if Georgiana's awful husband found out the truth, Sylvia would be all by herself. She thinks she can manage to keep it at bay, but with Rafe's arrival it soon turns difficult, when she wants to be able to trust and rely on him, but she's risking everything. The plot line in this story was much better than what was in book 1, and with how Georgiana's story turned out towards the end, I'm desperate for book 3!
December 28, 2021
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review*
The Rebel and the Rake was such a fun book! I haven’t read a lot of historical romances where the hero is a spy! Sign me up for all of the historical spy romances, please. Rafe and Sylvia have a spark from their very first encounter. However, an attraction to each other is the last thing they need. Rafe is on a mission to find out who is stealing sensitive information at a house party. Sylvia is creating a new future for herself and moving on from her past. Needless to say, these two can’t stay away from each other. Soon, they realize they also share a deep, emotional connection in addition to attraction.
If you’re looking for a fun, sweet romance, then this book is for you! Sylvia is a firecracker full of passion and opinions. Meanwhile, Rafe is a secret sweetheart who desperately wants to be seen for who he truly is. Together, they are one of the sweetest and cutest couples ever. Their characters are developed really well. They both undergo a lot of change in this book. They realize they have to accept who they are and move on from their pasts. Fans of historical romance won’t want to miss this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The Rebel and the Rake was such a fun book! I haven’t read a lot of historical romances where the hero is a spy! Sign me up for all of the historical spy romances, please. Rafe and Sylvia have a spark from their very first encounter. However, an attraction to each other is the last thing they need. Rafe is on a mission to find out who is stealing sensitive information at a house party. Sylvia is creating a new future for herself and moving on from her past. Needless to say, these two can’t stay away from each other. Soon, they realize they also share a deep, emotional connection in addition to attraction.
If you’re looking for a fun, sweet romance, then this book is for you! Sylvia is a firecracker full of passion and opinions. Meanwhile, Rafe is a secret sweetheart who desperately wants to be seen for who he truly is. Together, they are one of the sweetest and cutest couples ever. Their characters are developed really well. They both undergo a lot of change in this book. They realize they have to accept who they are and move on from their pasts. Fans of historical romance won’t want to miss this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 12, 2022
I could probably nitpick a bit with some plot inconsistencies, but honestly, I liked this enough otherwise that I didn't really care. Loved Rafe and especially Sylvia, and I'm very intrigued by the set up for the next book with Georgiana and Henry. I didn't find the resolution between Rafe and Gerard to be especially satisfying, but I very much enjoyed how Sylvia really came into her own and how she helped Rafe come to the realization that he could be more, too.
This is neither here or there since I read both this book and the first one from the library, but the fact that the cover style changed mid-series really bugs me.
This is neither here or there since I read both this book and the first one from the library, but the fact that the cover style changed mid-series really bugs me.
October 18, 2023
Read this over a year ago and rated it high because I liked the green spine on the book but man oh man upon reread, I was very very bored reading this... which is such a shame because the hero's name is RAFE and the heroine ties him up, but even those 2 things couldn't keep my interest (which is saying something).
July 21, 2022
This suffered a bit in comparison to the first book in the series, which was just so perfect for me, so my expectations were a little high. But this was still great! very charming and I think Sylvia in particular was a great character that you don't often see.
Also very intrigued by where the next book is going to be going!
Also very intrigued by where the next book is going to be going!
October 1, 2021
You know when you find an author and their writing just clicks with you? Well that’s Emily Sullivan and I. After reading her debut novel (the predecessor to this one) earlier this year I knew we were a reader-author combo that was meant to be. This book did not let me down.
This book is definitely different than A Rogue to Remember. That one was very heavy in action plot whereas this one is a slower build. I still really enjoyed it. It was like drinking a hot latte, you know when you’re slowly sipping at the beginning because you’ll burn your tongue but you know it’s going to be good so you keep drinking it and then all of a sudden you can really enjoy it so you inhale it? Yeah, it’s like that. The Rebel and the Rake is such an entertaining story that pulls a lot of reverse historical romance tropes off and feels so modern.
Loves:
-Sylvia is the definition of a character arc! I adored watching her come to life over the course of the book. The hints of her at the beginning were perfect. I loved her backstory and her gumption. The fierceness of her friendship with Georgiana felt so real. Sure she had her flaws and wasn’t perfect, but that’s what I loved about her. I thought that her whole character was well developed and her backstory matched up perfectly with who she was. Can we be friends, Sylvia?? Also, we love a woman who initiates intimacy!!!
-Rafe! After meeting him in the first book I was truly excited to come to him next! His dedication to service and wanting to be a part of reform was endearing. I have a soft spot for characters like that. Once again, his backstory and character arc trajectory were perfectly aligned and made for an incredibly compelling character. His journey to finding himself from his past was beautiful and I loved how he listened, learned, and changed. And this man is so adorable in love, like a cute little puppy.
-The modernity of this book was off the charts and it was plausible--read the author’s note at the end if you don’t believe me. I always like reading about this time in history (1890-1910) because there’s a whole lot of change and very charged political atmospheres. While it’s subdued due to the book’s isolation in a Scottish castle, the elements that are brought in and the level to which they are discussed make this political science/history college major happy! LOVE IT!
-The end of the story too! I’m not going to spoil anything but it was the type of ending you always want in a book. It ties things up nicely so that you’re not upset with plot holes. It gives the characters room to breathe after the climax so you can see how that changed them. This ending was everything I wanted. Plus the epilogue! 10000/10 amazing!
-While the plot did feel slow to start I appreciated the careful crafting of the setting and characters at the beginning when I was in the faster parts of the book. I enjoy when there’s a mystery in a romance especially with characters on slightly different ends and this did it. It was like a romantic game of Clue.
Meh:
-So it was a little slow to start and I could easily see this as a turnoff point for many readers. Like I said, it isn’t as fast as Sullivan’s first novel, but I knew it was going to explode at some point and it did! It just took a little while to get there and if you’re not a big character driven plot book this could be an issue.
-Sylvia and Rafe’s beginning of their interest in each other felt a little weird and their connection took a little longer for me to believe than I wanted. I liked that they were both mutually into each other and I like a slow burn, I just wanted some more interaction between the two characters for them to get a good pining for each other beyond what there was.
Long Story Short:
I adored this novel. I begged for this novel (just a little). This book fulfilled my hopes that I had for it when I first saw its publishing and after reading A Rogue To Remember. The discussions of classism and sexism were beautifully handled and brought an additional layer of complexity to the story that I enjoyed. Sylvia and Rafe were well developed with compelling character arcs and the side characters were also treated with great care as well. I love the way that Sullivan can take important topics and isolate them while crafting a moving romance is superb. I just need her to never stop reading books because I never want to stop reading her books. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you’ve read Evie Dunmore’s League of Extraordinary Women series! This book would be the perfect match for you!
Thank you Forever for my e-ARC copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are that of my own.
This book is definitely different than A Rogue to Remember. That one was very heavy in action plot whereas this one is a slower build. I still really enjoyed it. It was like drinking a hot latte, you know when you’re slowly sipping at the beginning because you’ll burn your tongue but you know it’s going to be good so you keep drinking it and then all of a sudden you can really enjoy it so you inhale it? Yeah, it’s like that. The Rebel and the Rake is such an entertaining story that pulls a lot of reverse historical romance tropes off and feels so modern.
Loves:
-Sylvia is the definition of a character arc! I adored watching her come to life over the course of the book. The hints of her at the beginning were perfect. I loved her backstory and her gumption. The fierceness of her friendship with Georgiana felt so real. Sure she had her flaws and wasn’t perfect, but that’s what I loved about her. I thought that her whole character was well developed and her backstory matched up perfectly with who she was. Can we be friends, Sylvia?? Also, we love a woman who initiates intimacy!!!
-Rafe! After meeting him in the first book I was truly excited to come to him next! His dedication to service and wanting to be a part of reform was endearing. I have a soft spot for characters like that. Once again, his backstory and character arc trajectory were perfectly aligned and made for an incredibly compelling character. His journey to finding himself from his past was beautiful and I loved how he listened, learned, and changed. And this man is so adorable in love, like a cute little puppy.
-The modernity of this book was off the charts and it was plausible--read the author’s note at the end if you don’t believe me. I always like reading about this time in history (1890-1910) because there’s a whole lot of change and very charged political atmospheres. While it’s subdued due to the book’s isolation in a Scottish castle, the elements that are brought in and the level to which they are discussed make this political science/history college major happy! LOVE IT!
-The end of the story too! I’m not going to spoil anything but it was the type of ending you always want in a book. It ties things up nicely so that you’re not upset with plot holes. It gives the characters room to breathe after the climax so you can see how that changed them. This ending was everything I wanted. Plus the epilogue! 10000/10 amazing!
-While the plot did feel slow to start I appreciated the careful crafting of the setting and characters at the beginning when I was in the faster parts of the book. I enjoy when there’s a mystery in a romance especially with characters on slightly different ends and this did it. It was like a romantic game of Clue.
Meh:
-So it was a little slow to start and I could easily see this as a turnoff point for many readers. Like I said, it isn’t as fast as Sullivan’s first novel, but I knew it was going to explode at some point and it did! It just took a little while to get there and if you’re not a big character driven plot book this could be an issue.
-Sylvia and Rafe’s beginning of their interest in each other felt a little weird and their connection took a little longer for me to believe than I wanted. I liked that they were both mutually into each other and I like a slow burn, I just wanted some more interaction between the two characters for them to get a good pining for each other beyond what there was.
Long Story Short:
I adored this novel. I begged for this novel (just a little). This book fulfilled my hopes that I had for it when I first saw its publishing and after reading A Rogue To Remember. The discussions of classism and sexism were beautifully handled and brought an additional layer of complexity to the story that I enjoyed. Sylvia and Rafe were well developed with compelling character arcs and the side characters were also treated with great care as well. I love the way that Sullivan can take important topics and isolate them while crafting a moving romance is superb. I just need her to never stop reading books because I never want to stop reading her books. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you’ve read Evie Dunmore’s League of Extraordinary Women series! This book would be the perfect match for you!
Thank you Forever for my e-ARC copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are that of my own.
December 27, 2021
Rafe Davies is a skilled Crown agent posing as an irredeemable rake and he’s quite a good actor… Women swoon at his feet while he works to uncover nefarious plots against the Government. But this time his mission could be more difficult than expected, due to the presence of a very distracting woman who seems immune to his charm…
Sylvia Sparrow is hiding from a turbulent past. She’s now content with working as companion and secretary to an old lady while trying to forget all about charming men like the one who ruined her life and her future… Well, maybe not exactly content, but resigned. So why is she attracted to lazy and charming Rafe? Why is she reading something more in his eyes than what he’s showing to the world?
Yes, I definitely loved this book by Emily Sullivan. She is a new author to me and I gather that this is only her second book, but she’s a very promising and talented author. And I must confess that spy plots are my favorite, because they enliven a book quite a lot when they are well written, as this one was. The author has wonderfully fleshed out a surprisingly kind and tender male character, Rafe, a spy who’s sick and tired of his cover, of being someone else, of the façade he hides behind. And Sylvia is equally intriguing. She’s a character who fits very well in the world of her time: a modern woman who wanted to fight for women’s rights, but has been crushed by society and by an unscrupulous man for having dared to love freely. The chemistry between Rafe and Sylvia is off the charts and their love scenes are awesome, steamy, but also very emotional. And of course I look forward to meeting the two most interesting side characters, Henry and Georgiana, again, for their own love story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sylvia Sparrow is hiding from a turbulent past. She’s now content with working as companion and secretary to an old lady while trying to forget all about charming men like the one who ruined her life and her future… Well, maybe not exactly content, but resigned. So why is she attracted to lazy and charming Rafe? Why is she reading something more in his eyes than what he’s showing to the world?
Yes, I definitely loved this book by Emily Sullivan. She is a new author to me and I gather that this is only her second book, but she’s a very promising and talented author. And I must confess that spy plots are my favorite, because they enliven a book quite a lot when they are well written, as this one was. The author has wonderfully fleshed out a surprisingly kind and tender male character, Rafe, a spy who’s sick and tired of his cover, of being someone else, of the façade he hides behind. And Sylvia is equally intriguing. She’s a character who fits very well in the world of her time: a modern woman who wanted to fight for women’s rights, but has been crushed by society and by an unscrupulous man for having dared to love freely. The chemistry between Rafe and Sylvia is off the charts and their love scenes are awesome, steamy, but also very emotional. And of course I look forward to meeting the two most interesting side characters, Henry and Georgiana, again, for their own love story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2021
This is a fast paced, sexy romp that swiftly draws the reader into the story. Emily Sullivan has crafted a charming and interesting group of characters, surrounded them with secrets and mysteries and placed them all in a house party in Scotland. All these elements work together to create a delightfully fun romance between a heroine who is not what she seems, and a hero who knows how to charm his way in and out of any situation. Sullivan's second installment in the League of Scoundrel's series is a wonderful addition that has a new and unique feel to the first.
Sylvia's past is marred in scandal, so she has changed her name and is now acting as secretary/lady's companion to her best friend's in law. Sylvia is smart, with strong ideals of what rights women should have, and how the country she calls home could be run in a more equitable way for it's citizens. Rafe is a charming rake who is a valued agent of the crown. While on a secret mission at a Scottish House Party, he becomes distracted and tempted by the lovely Sylvia who might have some secrets that he could find valuable.
The chemistry between Sylvia and Rafe burns quick, bright and hot. They are both immediately attracted to each other and this serves to distract them both from their missions. (Sylvie in discovering who is blackmailing her and Rafe discovering who has been blackmailing many powerful lords.) Sullivan crafts many delightful moments between Sylvia and Rafe that cause them to constantly be bumping into each other, causing their attraction to grow swiftly until they are unable to keep their hands off one another. It is fun to watch these two circle each other for awhile as they are both try to solve their own mysteries and then completely satisfying to watch them work together and see the strengths they each can bring to the table. The steam in this novel is scorching which really helps to play into the insta-love style of romance that Sylvia and Rafe fall into. I really enjoyed this and it helped to show the trust that they have with one another. I also like that Rafe is not judgmental around the fact that Sylvia is not some weak virgin. I think that Sylvia and Rafe were really able to come to understand each other, see strength and independence in the other and Rafe was able to grow and understand and see the various political fights that Sylvia wanted to champion in order to create a better government.
I found this to be a delightful addition to Emily Sullivan's works, I would definitely recommend checking out this fast paced, steamy romance. With compelling characters in both our main and supporting roles I am extremely excited to see where Emily's work will go!
OUT DECEMBER 28, 2021
***Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving a review.***
Sylvia's past is marred in scandal, so she has changed her name and is now acting as secretary/lady's companion to her best friend's in law. Sylvia is smart, with strong ideals of what rights women should have, and how the country she calls home could be run in a more equitable way for it's citizens. Rafe is a charming rake who is a valued agent of the crown. While on a secret mission at a Scottish House Party, he becomes distracted and tempted by the lovely Sylvia who might have some secrets that he could find valuable.
The chemistry between Sylvia and Rafe burns quick, bright and hot. They are both immediately attracted to each other and this serves to distract them both from their missions. (Sylvie in discovering who is blackmailing her and Rafe discovering who has been blackmailing many powerful lords.) Sullivan crafts many delightful moments between Sylvia and Rafe that cause them to constantly be bumping into each other, causing their attraction to grow swiftly until they are unable to keep their hands off one another. It is fun to watch these two circle each other for awhile as they are both try to solve their own mysteries and then completely satisfying to watch them work together and see the strengths they each can bring to the table. The steam in this novel is scorching which really helps to play into the insta-love style of romance that Sylvia and Rafe fall into. I really enjoyed this and it helped to show the trust that they have with one another. I also like that Rafe is not judgmental around the fact that Sylvia is not some weak virgin. I think that Sylvia and Rafe were really able to come to understand each other, see strength and independence in the other and Rafe was able to grow and understand and see the various political fights that Sylvia wanted to champion in order to create a better government.
I found this to be a delightful addition to Emily Sullivan's works, I would definitely recommend checking out this fast paced, steamy romance. With compelling characters in both our main and supporting roles I am extremely excited to see where Emily's work will go!
OUT DECEMBER 28, 2021
***Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving a review.***
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