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Matchmaking Madness #3

How the Rake Tempted the Lady

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Love at first sight can sweep you away into a …

She lost her heart to him the first time they met. He kept falling harder for her whenever their paths crossed. After her uncle secures her engagement to another gentleman, can they find their way back to one another?

Gemma Holbrooke had waited anxiously to enjoy a Season in London and to fall magically in love. When her uncle granted her wish, she dreamed of the beautiful gowns she would wear, the dances around the ballroom floors, and of all the handsome gentlemen who would court her. Before they traveled to London, her uncle hosted a house party, and one guest in particular changed her every aspiration. A handsome lord who avoided her at all costs. His bold stare tempted Gemma to discover the depth of their burning attraction. When her uncle forbade any contact with her true love, Gemma defied the strictures of society. At every opportunity she risked her reputation to be held in in his arms, but too many obstacles stood in their way of happiness. Can Gemma outwit her uncle to secure the groom of her choice?

Barrett Ralston scoffed whenever he heard anyone mention they fell in love at first sight. Such an act never existed. That was until he caught sight of Gemma Holbrooke. A siren disguised as an innocent debutante who lured him closer with every smile. Then everything he ever believed in changed in the blink of a kiss that knocked him to his knees. When her uncle issued a demand to stay clear from his niece, Barrett decided to tempt the beauty into a scandalous affair. At every secret rendezvous, their soft kisses and gentle caresses heated into a passion out of their control. But when Barrett’s secret assignment to recover a stolen coin crossed over into their love affair, it broke their fragile connection. Can Barrett stop the threat from destroying Gemma’s love for him?

Soul mates meeting for the first time. A temptation that cannot be denied. A love like no other. Will Gemma and Barrett allow others to control their destiny? Or will they defy all the odds against them?

How the Rake Tempted the Lady is the third book in Laura A. Barnes’s Matchmaking Madness Series. If you enjoy reading love at first sight romances filled with steamy scenes, then you’ll love Gemma & Barrett’s romantic story full of temptation.

Treat yourself to How the Rake Tempted the Lady today!

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2021

26 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Laura A. Barnes

41 books313 followers
International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews129 followers
May 11, 2021
Uncle Theo, the Duke of Colebourne was up to his matchmaking machinations again and this time with Gemma and Barrett, Lord Ralston. He had not idea how well it might just work out...

Gemma Holbrooke. "The moment he caught his first glance, he had fallen victim to love. Love at first sight was foolish...but was it really?" It seemed Gemma had felt the same.

There is a winding road for these two in trying to be together and little do they know, they are being manipulated at every turn. Will they ever find their happy ending? Don't miss this great addition to this series!
Profile Image for Rachel.
366 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2021
I skipped through this one. The story dragged in places and it wasn't a stand alone so there was a longer story happening that I didn't know or understand. The love story really didn't make sense.
Profile Image for Kiley.
1,872 reviews46 followers
July 10, 2021
How the Rake Tempted the Lady, Book 3 of the Matchmaking Madness series, was about Gemma Holbrooke, one of Theo Gray, Duke of Colebourne's nieces, and Barrett Ralston, Marquess and heir to the Duke of Theron.
Gemma had fallen in love with Barrett at the Duke's house party some months before the London Season began. She had thrown herself at him, only for him to rebuff her.
What Gemma didn't know was that Barrett also had feelings for her but couldn't act upon them. There were secrets keeping them apart...as well as people plotting against them. There was so much angst and intrigue, blackmail, and double-crossing going on that it caused the reader's head to spin from time to time.
As they spent more time with each other, the deeper their love grew. But again, there were so many obstacles in their way that tore them apart time after time. The fact that the Duke of Colbourne liked to manipulate everyone under his control into doing whatever he wanted them to do was highly evident throughout the story. He was a manipulative, arrogant b*st*rd and I hope at some point someone in any other sequels to this series will take him down a peg or three.
The angst was off the charts, as was the drama. The other emotions ranged from humor, sorrow, heartache, rage, betrayal, love, and passion. A virtual emotional rollercoaster, to say the least.
While this book was much better than the first two in the series, it still caused questions of why the author would want to write such books that put one or two people in such manipulative control over everyone else's lives. It honestly does not make for a good series...or a good storyline.
It was a decent enough book, yet it will not be added to the Keeper for the Shelves collection. It's not the type of story I want to read more than once.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,112 reviews13 followers
May 11, 2021
The trick is not let Uncle Theo know who you want, who you really, really want. Or so the Holbrooke cousins believe. Uncle Theo has his own way of sorting things out. This episode of Matchmaking Madness features Gemma Holbrooke and Barret Ralston. They met at a house party and it was love at first sight. Now it seems that Uncle may have other plans for Gemma. For some odd reason Ralston seems preoccupied with some sort of business with Worth. He doesn’t seem interested in Gemma, at least for the right reasons. Gemma is perplexed. Uncle Theo looks on and maintains, as he always does, that things with sort out the right way.

The is a wonderfully entertaining story. There are equal measures of drama, humor, and angst. After all, Uncle Theo does have a house full of girls. I love the characters. Everybody is here: loving thoughtful sneaky uncle, his sister who is just as loving thoughtful and sneaky, a group of orphan nieces who are warm and sweet and ready for the world, gentleman who are kept on their toes by the ladies and Uncle Theo, and a nasty grudge-bearing villain who plans to have her revenge on the whole bunch. Gemma and Barrett have a rollercoaster ride toward their HEA, but it will be worth it. I enjoyed and recommend this story. I look forward to the next one. Now I’m off to get the first two and catch up.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout. My review is voluntary.
557 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2021
Laura A. Barnes’ “How the Rake Tempted the Lady” (Matchmaking Madness Book 3) is a pure delight! This is my first time reading Laura Barnes and I’m hooked. I’ll be reading much more of her work in the future.

Barrett Ralston I didn’t believe in love at first sight, that is until he met the beautiful Gemma Holbrooke. Gemma looked forward to the Season in London with hopes and dreams of falling in love. Both were hopelessly lost to fate when their eyes met. When her

Uncle Theo, the Duke of Colebourne is a wise and kindly uncle whose taken in a house full of orphaned nieces. He holds a house party in hopes of finding the perfect match for Gemma. But then uncle Theo forbids Barrett from courting Gemma. It’s too late for they’ve already fallen in love.

With stolen kisses, steamy passion, a playful Duke, drama, mystery, jealousy and an unwavering love the author weaves a charming story sure to please. I love the family and their devotion to one another. I love the characters with their many individual personalities. Uncle Theo was a delightful character. Gemma an Barrett were perfect together. The authors writing style was a pleasure to read and the dialogue so befitting the story. The plot was engaging, entertaining and paced perfectly.

Thank you so much Ms. Barnes for this lovely story. I look forward to reading many more of of your books.
124 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2021
Secret orchestrated matchmaking with love at first sight and true romance.

This is my third great book by Ms. Barnes. Like the previous books, the writing is superb with real characters, wonderful situations, and engaging dialog. The story has all you would want in a book of this genre, including attraction, secret plans, mystery, deception, villains, seduction, jealousy, romance, and true love. Don’t miss this excellent book.
I missed the first two books in the “Matchmaking Madness’ series with Uncle Theo performing his magic setups but I will catch up quickly. Uncle Theo arranges Gemma’s and Barrett’s meeting at his house party which results in them becoming smitten with each other and its love at first sight. Then Uncle Theo wisely forbids Barrett from seeing Gemma, which of course then means that they will have to get together. Gemma and Garrett have unwavering love and devotion in spite of rumors, doubts and scandal. You will not be able to put it down.
I have purchased the first two books in the series and can’t wait to read the Selina/Duncan story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,723 reviews24 followers
May 10, 2021
This is Laura A. Barnes third book in her Matchmaking Madness series which I think really should be called plots within plots series. All of these books are a lot of fun to read with a bit more heat than the average historical romance book. Gemma and Barrett fell in love with each other at first sight but because her uncle, who is her guardian, disapproves they have to go to great lengths to meet. But her uncle really.....oh well that would give things away so you will have to read it to find out. I like all of Ms. Barnes books but this series in particular I have really enjoyed because of the many layers to the story. She writes characters with so much depth to them that I find myself feeling deeply involved with what is happening to them. I don’t think that you can go wrong reading any of her books if you like historical romance. You can easily understand this book by itself but you will get more out of it if you read them in order as there are many characters that are in all the books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alice.
735 reviews16 followers
May 10, 2021
This book is a story about love at first sight and how the main characters have to hide that to be together. In fact, the uncertainty in the relationship comes from friends and family and not the couple themselves. Barrett and Gemma are committed from the first meeting. This book was a little different in this series about the Duke of Colebourne and his matchmaking efforts to find love matches for his wards.

The beginning is really confusing. It starts with Gemma actually mooning over another male character but then she's secretly in love with Barrett. Because this book is in a series and there are so many characters, I feel like I need more of a summary at the beginning of each or a chart. I also forgot about Gemma from the previous book so when her pursuit of Barrett was alluded to, I didn't remember it.

The ensemble in this book is stronger than in the previous one. It's a lot easier to keep track of all the characters. And this is definitely a story about a family and their meddling guardian.

Barnes' writing continues to grow stronger with each book she puts out. Again, always really entertained by her books, but sometimes just struggling to catch up with where everyone is at the beginning of each book.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,338 reviews15 followers
May 7, 2021
Wow! Gemma and Barrett met at the house party her Uncle Theo threw to arrange matches for his neices. It was love at first sight for both of them, but Barrett’s reputation as a rake got in his way. Uncle Theo, the Duke of Colbourne and matchmaking mastermind, forbade them from seeing each other, knowing full well that it would only entice them further. This story is a whirlwind of activity, emotion, chaos and machinations. It follows a convoluted path where things are not as they appear, people are not really what the portray, and rumor and scandal are a commodity. This is the third book in this series, so by now most of the characters and their antics feel familiar, making this story both a complement to the others and a prequel to what comes next. If you have not read this series, you are missing out on a lot of fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,161 reviews22 followers
May 25, 2021
This is the third book of the Matching Madness series. These books are so much fun and so full of scandal, I couldn't wait to get started on this one. And it definitely did not disappoint! It was love at first sight for Gemma and Barrett, and then Uncle Theo forbids them from seeing each other? Then what happens? Well, then they have all the more reason now to secretly steal away for a rendezvous or two. This book has everything from romance and angst (and plenty of steam!) to humor, drama, and intrigue, and a little mystery added in as well. The characters were delightful and well-developed and I fell in love with them instantly. Gemma and Barrett don't have an easy road to happily ever after, but it is well worth it when they get there! A highly entertaining book and a wonderful addition to the series. A must-read for lovers of steamy Regency romances with a lot of fun!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
767 reviews11 followers
May 8, 2021
Again, another great book by Laura Barnes. This is about Gemma’s Uncle Theo who decided to hold a house party before he took his nieces to London for a Season. At this house party Gemma meets Barrett and it was immediate love at first sight. Gemma’s Uncle told Barrett to stay away from Gemma, but Barrett and Gemma meet secretly. Which was cute and steamy. I really like the Duke and how he wants what is best for his nieces. This is the 3rd book in the series Matchmaking Madness, and I have loved every book in this whole series so far and can not wait for the next book in the series. You can not go wrong reading a book by this author.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
May 11, 2021
Gemma and Barrett's Story . . .

Gemma Holbrooke is quite a feisty character! Early on, she had her mind made up on what she wanted out of her Season in London. And when she spotted Barrett Ralston, he didn’t stand a chance of resisting her. With persistence, she captured his attention and although Barrett has been labeled a rake, she aggressively pursued him until he readily stole those moments with her. But Barrett is on a secret assignment to recover a stolen coin. Will his assignment interfere with their relationship? Will he lose Gemma?

What’s clever about this story is all the manipulations going on by others getting involved. The reader never knew which way the story was turning! It was a good one, however, and very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Michelle Dohring.
239 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2021
Barrett Ralston is the Duke of Theron’s son. He is the Duke’s heir and a Marquess. Gemma Holbrooke is the niece to the Duke of Colbourne. Uncle Theo is at his matchmaking again. Barrett and Gemma are falling in love while sneaking around to be together. Uncle Theo has forbidden Barrett to court Gemma. Little do they know they are falling into her Uncle’s trap for matrimony. Uncle Theo is very clever in his matchmaking skills. This is his third scheme. Barrett and Gemma are wonderful together. They have great chemistry. Their secret courtship is passionate and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading Uncle Theo’s fourth matchmaking attempt. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am I voluntarily leaving a review.
4,720 reviews40 followers
May 8, 2021
A charming story.
Matchmaker, matchmaker find them a match? Right from first the games are afoot Lucas just does not know he is a major player. Gemma and Barrett two more pawns in our story and it is such an entertaining tale. Love at first sight yet roadblock after roadblock is put in their path. Will they overcome? Do they really think they can keep it hidden? I adored the characters in this book as I read the series I have become more attached to them. Brilliant writing, great steam, wonderful confusion, and a book that is hard to put down this is one you should check out! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,386 reviews31 followers
May 8, 2021
I liked Gemma's minxy character. She knew who she wanted and went after him. Even though Barrett has the label of a rake and some secret business he conducts he can't help but fall under Gemma's spell. Though it may ruin his plans he finds ways for them to be together even though the relationship is forbidden. Gemma's uncle and guardian has some tricks up his sleeves and her family also gets involved in the affair. Loved the familial love and nosiness. At times the uncle's involvement was quite mad. I received a complimentary copy and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,368 reviews28 followers
September 27, 2025
This series continues to be fun and enjoyable reading. Uncle Theo has moved on to his niece Gemma. She liked the idea of being in the season but she had liked one partiture young man at the house party. Lord Ralston and Worth have something they need to finish before they can get on with their life. The Widow Langdale holds a grudge against Evelyn's husband, Worth's brother. Ralston is so in love with Gemma he loses sight of what they have to do. He has set up a reputation for himself that now he has to convince Gemma he really loves her. it is not easy keeping up with them.
Profile Image for Jessica Clements.
Author 10 books89 followers
April 27, 2021
I have read many of this authors books...and they keep getting better and better! With an eccentric matchmaking duke, a rake, and a lady who knows what she wants (and isn’t afraid to go for it)—this book has quite a few laughs, a couple of “what the heck?!” Moments, and a wee bit of intrigue to help with a conflict.

This book was an overall amazing read that I couldn’t put down. Yes, I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
826 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2021
What a delightful storyline! Each book Laura Barnes writes keeps me wanting more. The characters in this series are just wonderful, even the interfering , matchmaking Duke. So cleverly done, he steers each couple toward one another without them ever realizing it. Barrett and Gemma’s romance was so endearing, being sweet and sizzling at the same time. I can’t wait for Selina and Duncan’s story. That already promises to be a doozy!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
May 11, 2021
The third story in the Matchmaking Madness series a well written story with a very good storyline. The story grabbed my interest from the first page and did not let go until I had finished reading. Gemma Holbrooke and Lord Barrett Ralston's story of a scheming uncle and how they find their happy ending. A story that was well worth reading. I would recommend. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,076 reviews12 followers
May 20, 2021
When Gemma Holbrooke and Barret Ralston met at a house party it was love at first sight. However Uncle Theo has other plans for Gemma and they do not include Barret.  Their story has lots of ups and downs involving a sneaky, fun loving uncle and auntie and a group of sweet and warm nieces as well as a grudge bearing villain.  Gemma and Barret's journey to their happy ever after is an enjoyable rollercoaster ride.
Profile Image for Clara.
173 reviews
December 19, 2024
Get Whisked Away By London’s Hotest Playboy

Yeah, honestly sign me up. That was an awesome ride 😂 Gemma and Ralston were 🔥🔥🔥

These two only had eyes for each other. They both knew what they wanted and nothing could get in their way. I really liked these two characters and their dynamic with each other. Their love story was HOT! Super spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

HOWEVER, my favorite character is the uncle😂 And if you’re looking for a partner, he’s the best matchmaker around 🥰
Profile Image for Aj.
2,489 reviews
May 1, 2021
Who doesn't love a love at first sight romance? How the Rake Tempted the Lady is a delightful and engaging regency romance, well written with well developed characters, and filled with steamy scenes. Gemma and Barrett are soul mates with an undeniable temptation and take their destiny in their own hands.
16.6k reviews155 followers
May 10, 2021
They fell in love from the very first time they saw each other but it will not go as expected. Her uncle arranges a marriage to another man. Can she have the man she loves? Will she be made to marry the other one? See how they both get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,816 reviews136 followers
May 12, 2021
What a great read.
I have loved this whole series. I think this was my favorite.
I really like Laura A. Barnes' writing.
Barrett and Gemma were fun to read.
For a book that is 200 pages or so she does get great depth in her characters, including the "friends and family". You feel like you know them as well.
315 reviews
June 21, 2021
Can't wait for "The End"

The author's writing style is clear and logical.(also romantic) The plot twists and turns but the reader never gets lost. Who'd of thought you could make a Duke playful. This author does.
Profile Image for Sajal.
1,133 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
Nlg I didn't care too much about Gemma in the first two books so I'm glad we get to spend time with her. Her personality doesn't shine as much as the other sisters/cousins (besides maybe Jacqueline) but I loved how she came around for Selina.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Karish.
10 reviews
April 26, 2023
2.5
This story was insta love, with previous characters making appearances. I suggest strongly that the previous books be read first before this, so as to appreciate the sub plotlines between the other characters.
Excited to see Lucas and Abigail's story
Profile Image for Sara K..
168 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2021
I really loved this one! It may be may favorite in the series so far! I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series!
5 reviews
Read
January 4, 2022
The characters and the story were excelent. I sometimes wonder how the writer thinks of so many different story lines for multiple books and all are good.
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