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He’s an unrepentant sinner, East End rogue, and devoted charmer of anything in petticoats. But Rafe Sutton has one small problem. He cannot seem to recall what happened between himself and one delectable, surly governess. He woke in her bed with the devil’s own headache and no memory of the evening before. Now, he’s on a mission to unravel the mystery, for the sake of his pride and for the honor he had not previously believed he possessed.

But Miss Persephone Wren has secrets she cannot afford to reveal. She is not about to allow a madcap rake to endanger her comfortable life as governess to his twin nieces. Persephone knows men of Rafe Sutton’s ilk—they’re the same, regardless of their station. All she has to do is maintain her resolve and her glacial reserve. Eventually, he will tire of his sport and leave her alone.

When her carefully constructed lies begin to crumble, however, Persephone is faced with a difficult choice. Surrender to the danger awaiting her, or trust in Rafe, the handsome scoundrel who has somehow found his way into her heart…

Heat level: Scorching hot!

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2021

781 people are currently reading
429 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Scott

122 books1,572 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

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5 stars
1,352 (50%)
4 stars
840 (31%)
3 stars
386 (14%)
2 stars
88 (3%)
1 star
29 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
511 reviews199 followers
December 12, 2021
5 Stars all the way...

Quick Review
- I am running out of creative ways of describing how much I enjoy Scarlett Scott's books. Her style works just perfectly for me.
- This one was such a delightful little read, and it left me with a sweet smile on my face.
*Now I am wondering, did I judge Sutton's Spinster too harshly? Yes, I did. My bad.*
- I loved everything about this story. The romance was adorable, as were Rafe & Persephone, and the steam, ooh la la, was splash some water on your face hot.
- Everything worked exceedingly well in the plot, even the misunderstanding, the lying, and the reasons behind said lies.
- As a reader, I was kept abreast of the situations unfolding even if the characters were in the dark, so to speak. I am eternally grateful for the awareness.

My Recommendation
It was a beautiful utilization of the governess trope, meets hidden identity, meets the non-aristocratic hero. A cuteness overload which comes highly recommended from me!
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,747 reviews317 followers
December 11, 2021
Just sinfully delicious

This was a very sweet, and very not, romance. I loved the hero Rafe and he was so very sinful. The Suttons' are almost as good as the Winters! Rage was a delight. I loved how he loved Persephone. She was beautiful in his eyes. And the intimate scenes while hot, were a little more detailed than I like but you definitely feel the passion. I skimmed them a little bit but what read was pretty scintillating. Just not my jam. But I loved the story even though it is quite the same storyline as the others. The author just makes you feel good about the hero and his lady. He is over the top possessive, smoking hot, and totally faithful from the minute he meets her. But I like that. In this case she is the governess to his two nieces and he ends up waking in her bed. How he got there is what he wants to find out. As he pursues the answer, he falls more and more into lust, and love with the lady. She has an evil cousin lurking in the background and he was dealt with quite quickly and of courwe an HEA ensues. The epilogue in this case was a very detailed love scene. I like more unicorns, rainbows and castles but it was still a great read.
Profile Image for Midniteillusion.
641 reviews42 followers
March 18, 2024
I stopped reading the final book in the Wicked Winters series because it was jusy too boring and decided to hop back into this series.
I’m glad I did. It was much more engaging and entertaining.
I enjoyed that the heroine wasn’t just an 18 yo on the run, but someone who’d spent seven years hiding out and living. I know 25 isn’t “old” but it was nice to see an older heroine in a historical romance. Scott is good about giving us different aged heroines.

This was a fun book, they had a connection from the get go when he woke up confused in her bed.

I would have like more Anna and Elizabeth in the book, but I often want more children in books when they’re written well.

There was only a bit towards the end where the heroine’s decision don’t really seem to make logical sense. It was a little off putting. Thankfully it was very close to the end and cleared up well.
Profile Image for Sonia N..
1,002 reviews65 followers
December 5, 2021
This is Book 2 in The Sinful Suttons! Each book are standalone and I recommend reading the in order for your guaranteed reading pleasure.
This story line is witty, with twin nieces of the gorgeous adonis Mr. Rafe Sutton and the twins governess. Rafe is Jasper Sutton brother and Jasper knows his brother is a rake and a scoundrel. The beginning is well start what is a wonderful story.
Miss. Persephone Wren is the governess for the twins, she has secrets and wish for them to stay hidden until the time is right for her. Rafe can't stop thinking about her and visits her every chance he gets. Persephone and Rafe eventually have a sizzling attraction for each, and the scenes between them is pretty hot! Since this is a fast read, I cannot give too much away, but I love how Miss. Persephone Wren tames the gorgeous Rafe Sutton! The attention to details and the narrative are well written, with steamy love scenes. A bit of action/suspense, and alot of chemistry and then love. I loved this book, I was so happy for Persephone and Rafe. Another 5 Star book!!

I was given an Advanced Readers Copy by the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
717 reviews136 followers
December 19, 2021
Sutton’s keep getting better and better

I am loving this world building and family so much. Each family member is so god hearted underneath that blustery East End pride. Rafe was in so many ways the perfect gentleman. In tune with Persephone’s fears, he just won her over. The heroine was strong and needed Rafe’s lighthearted teasing to pull her out of her shell.

I love this author’s novels. I close each one with a satisfying sigh in a HEA. I cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Leena Aluru.
611 reviews41 followers
December 20, 2021
3.5 rounded down. Its a decent plot, but the excessive repetitions kills any development of characters and polishing the plot.There are too many unexplained situations., It's all convenient and trite.

The romance is lacking too. In book 1, we see the many interactions between Jasper and Oxtavia outside the bedroom and we see the affection developing. That's nonexistent here. The twins and motley the dog appear and disappear conveniently..

Overall, its a really quick read and want to read the sisters HEA now.

Recommended : 🤷‍♀️ why not!!
Profile Image for Judith Miguel.
Author 4 books36 followers
December 9, 2021
OMG!!! This book is absolutely perfect!!
Rafe Sutton cannot seem to recall what happened between himself and one delectable, surly governess. He woke in her bed with the devil’s own headache and no memory of the evening before. Now, he’s on a mission to unravel the mystery. But Miss Persephone Wren has secrets she cannot afford to reveal. Persephone knows men of Rafe Sutton’s ilk—they’re the same, regardless of their station. All she has to do is maintain her resolve and her glacial reserve.
When her carefully constructed lies begin to crumble, however, Persephone is faced with a difficult choice. Surrender to the danger awaiting her, or trust in Rafe, the handsome scoundrel who has somehow found his way into her heart…
Oh, poor Persephone, she has suffered a lot in the hands of vicious men that should had protected her. She lives in fear and hiding from her previous life. But she is brave and resilient and I adored her. Rafe is a beautiful character. Hot as sin, witty and so so sexy. Together they work fantastic. The dialogs are amazing, smart, funny and spicy. The side characters are well developed and the writing is flawless as usual with this great author. She amazes us and makes us fall in love with her stories EVERY SINGLE TIME.
The sex scenes are really good and hot hot hot!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,104 reviews22 followers
December 13, 2021
Amazing story of Rafe Sutton, a rake of the first order and part owner of a gambling den, and Miss Persephone Wren, governess to Rafe's brother's twin girls. Rafe isn't quite sure what happened but he wakes up in Persephone's bed and the investigation on how that happened leads to even more. Love when the "never getting married" and "definitely not falling in love" type like Rafe find the girl that changes all that. This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
December 7, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋💋

Very good read, Rafe and Persephone set the pages of your kindle alight in this second book of the series.
It’s full of passion, steamy looks, steamier bedroom scenes and a dog that doesn’t understand the word no.

As for our stars, they have a relationship that is off the charts and they are 100% made for each other.
But secrets are hidden, danger is near and the two are going to have to overcome them to be together.
Very enjoyable read, I can’t wait for more.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Lady Whitbrooke.
407 reviews16 followers
October 11, 2022
4 stars was generous but I really like the author. This book just did not live up to the high rating for me. Plot 5.5(1-10) steaminess 9(1-10)
50 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2021
I have never read a Scarlett Scott book that I did not absolutely love and this is no exception. You will be captured by the first few sentences of this story. This is book 2 of the Sinful Suttons series and is even better than the first. Rafe Sutton is a handsome rogue from the east end who prides himself on his sinful behavior. Persephone Wren, who is the mysterious governess to Rafe's nieces, has secrets that she desperately needs hidden. One fateful night brings these two characters together. Rafe wants to know all of Persephone's secrets. Persephone sees a kind sensitive side to Rafe that draws her to him. All of Rafe's protective instincts come out to help Persephone. She can't help but fall in love with him. But will her secrets endanger them both or will their love prevail? I love how the author brings back characters from her previous books in her stories. This is a tender but very steamy love story. You will absolutely love it. Can't wait for book 3 in the series, Sutton's Surrender about Penelope Sutton and Lord Garrick Weir. I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
December 25, 2021
First I love the name Rafe, which makes me think of a strong, handsome man and I adore Persephone, which brings to mind a bluestocking! Put them together and there is a fire! Of attraction that is, whether they intended or not!

Scarlett Scott at her best…. Well heck she is always at her best it seems and the stories get better and better if that is possible!!

But Persephone has secrets, and she is the governess of Rafe’s nieces, so they have a connection there. But can these two find love?

Great story that will not let go until the end!
235 reviews
January 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It was really good until it wasn’t. The first two-thirds of the book was really good, then came the third act drama that I found annoying. It was expected but disappointing. It was an enjoyable, exciting story that just kind of fizzled at the end so they made the epilogue full on spice. Not sure if I’ll move on to the next book in the series. On a positive note, the book is 215 pages, so it’s a quick read.
2,322 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2021
Rafe and Persephone's romance is a wonderful story.
I absolutely loved watching them fall for each other and the beautiful heat they manage to generate and keep aflame. Besides this it is an engaging story which kept me glued.
Most definitely one that I wished would carry on and on..... But, as usual, all good things must come to an end ... eventually.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
118 reviews
December 9, 2021
Fantastic addition to an outstanding series. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series by Scarlett Scott. This book was fresh and steamy with wonderful characters and great chemistry. It was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. Truly cannot wait for the next one! A must read!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,201 reviews66 followers
December 8, 2021
Rafe Sutton woke up in the governess’ bed with the devil’s own headache and no memory of the evening before. Now, he’s on a mission to unravel the mystery, for the sake of his pride and for the honour he had not previously believed he possessed. Miss Persephone Wren has secrets she cannot afford to reveal. She is not about to allow a madcap rake to endanger her comfortable life as governess to his twin nieces after all she’ll soon be twenty five when her life will change.
The second book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own the Suttons are another intriguing delightful bunch. I loved both Rafe & Persephone whose attraction & chemistry is beyond sizzling. Rafe is a rake & has no intention of settling down until he gets to know the quiet governess & finds everyone else pales into insignificance next to her. Persephone has been hiding for over seven years & her freedom is almost within her grasp but secrets could ruin her budding romance with Rafe. Once again the author proves why she’s a must read, wonderful characters including adorable young twins, a fast paced story & a steamy relationship. I devoured this engrossing read in two sittings & now impatiently waiting for Pen’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,707 reviews22 followers
December 5, 2021
Whew! What a great ride through this well-written, fast-paced addition to the series. It was emotional, funny, tearful & passionate on one side; yet romantic, tender, kind & loving on the other.

Rafe Sutton & Miss Persephone Wren were not compatible & could not be together because of the class difference. Besides, she was governess to his two nieces & his brother, Jasper, would kill him. However, it is romance that all logic went out the window & desire, passion, need & yes, love too precedence but there were obstacles as secrets were being held by Persephone & danger was skulking & threatening her & Rafe. I loved the cameo appearances by a few on the Winters from past books & also the mention of Hades & Persephone - the myth fit Rafe & Persephone's adventure to a HEA. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,224 reviews33 followers
January 12, 2022
Persephone has been in hiding for seven years making a living as a governess. Her current job is governess to the twin daughters of Jasper Sutton and Lady Octavia. Rafe Sutton is staying at Jasper's house in Mayfair while opening another gaming hell called The Sinner's Place in the End East. Rafe and his brothers were born and raised in the East End rookery. From the moment they meet, Persephone and Rafe have a strong physical attraction and begin an affair. Soon it becomes more, but the threat to Persephone convinces her she must leave. Unexpectedly, the threat she has been running from catches up with her. This is one hot steamy book with very explicit sex. Rafe is gentle, considerate, protective of Persephone and a great hero.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
827 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2021

I was so sorry to see those delicious Wicked Winters come to conclusion never imagining what our wonderful author had in store for us with these delectable Sinful Suttons. I love that the two powerful families are now intertwined and no longer enemies. Persephone’s romance with Rafe Sutton sizzles and smolders off the pages as they fall hopelessly in love , while trying to fight the chemistry between them. Persephone is the governess for Jasper Sutton’s twins, and she meets Rafe, conveniently staying at his brother’s house. But Persephone is not just a governess, but on the run for seven long years after escaping the evil Viscount who inherited from her father and is after her inheritance as well. Eventually her secret will come out and I love how the Winters and Suttons will come together once more to save the day! Great writing and most enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,047 reviews18 followers
February 14, 2022
Rafe Sutton is quite the ladies’ man, womanizer by reputation and he’s quite puzzled how he ends up in his brother, Jasper’s, governess bed. The governess Miss Persephone Wren finds herself alone with him she become anxious for her safety and does the unthinkable. The truth comes out and Rafe is on a mission to destroy her demons and unravel her mysterious past. Persephone is afraid she’ll be found out for the liar she is, she’ll lose her position and be sent back to her family. She needs to stay hidden for just a little while longer, but can she trust Rafe to keep her safe? A captivating book of a scoundrel from the East End of London and the lady finding love unexpectedly. I enjoyed their witty banter, the cat and mouse game they play all the while she’s trying to hide her secrets from everyone. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
Profile Image for Andriana.
51 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this story. Rafe is my favourite type oh hero, light-hearted, charming, protective. Persephone was also adorable. I loved the easy chemistry between the characters and how determined Rafe was to protect Persephone. And Persephone was a fighter, she was someone who was ready to fight for her future. About the steamy scenes ☺️. Only Ms. Scott can write them like that.
Profile Image for Liz (lizreads15).
135 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2021
Oh I absolutely loved Rafe and Persephone story!! I didn't even realize I was near the end until I had finished!! Persephone, hiding from her cousin ends up being Elizabeth and Anna's governess.. No one knows her true identity.. she meets Rafe and their friendship is rocky at first because she's weary of any man after she was forced upon at her last governess job.. Through it all both Rafe and Persephone fall in love!! I love how the Winter's and Sutton's pull together to help their families!!😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,521 reviews91 followers
December 9, 2021
Good storyline and characters. Fingernail biting near the end, but it all worked out. A lovely HEA. A very enjoyable story. 5☆
Profile Image for Elinor.
272 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2023
Fun little read. Some of the characters reminded me of Georgette Heyer but in an extremely horny way lol
2,430 reviews22 followers
December 2, 2021
Poor Rafe, he is bitten in the arse by love. Not poor Rafe, lucky Rafe. He is fortunate enough to discover love and a beautiful woman who loves him back. This story is so sweet and sexy at the same time. Rafe and Persephone start this dancing around each other after he wakes up in her bed with no knowledge how he got there. Scarlett’s description of their “morning after” is very funny. I like how Scarlett can take a man who is hardened and let his emotions come out so beautifully on the page. These two are magnificent and I could have continued reading about them.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
12 reviews
January 3, 2022
I normally don’t write reviews, but the end of this book asked for an honest one. So here goes…

I was excited to read this book for the first several chapters, but my enthusiasm declined as the book went on. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first book in the Sutton series. In Jasper and Octavia’s book, it felt as though they fell in love over time and after learning each other’s true character. When reading romance novels, I want it to make sense / be obvious when they decide they have fallen in love. In this book, I could kind of see why she might have fallen for Rafe since he avenged her… but why was he so taken with her? The only thing they’d really talked about was her issue with Lord G. So the obvious reasons as to why they would love one another were
missing for me. Seemed like their relationship was based solely on attraction and hooking up.

Also it felt like there were some holes…
For most of the book, she is concerned about getting fired because she enjoys the family and doesn’t want to look for a new governess position. Yet she puts herself in that position when she leaves close to her 25 birthday. Her reason for leaving didn’t really make a whole lot of sense… you’d think she’d just wait it out to see if anything bad happened instead of fleeing

Maybe I missed it, but how did her cousin magically find her after 7 years? Felt like that was just thrown in there…

The ending felt rushed and that it all magically came together… it wasn’t explained well how Rafe knew where to find her while she was riding her horse. I would think the estate would have been large? Rafe made the comment about working with the groom. Maybe a comment from the groom directing where she should ride would have made it more plausible vs she magically runs into him.

Again I go back to what logically makes sense.. maybe I’m getting into the details but in those days I would assume there would be severe repercussions for assaulting a Lord. The book comments that Lord G knew it was Rafe, yet nothing was done about it. Also would someone of Rafe’s status actually threaten a Marquess and win? I don’t know but think it likely would have went down differently. Rafe’s threats would have stronger if he had the word of another peer to back up his claims of her Cousin’s misdeeds. Maybe a Earl that owes a lot of money to Sinner’s Place and doesn’t like the Cousin.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,476 reviews30 followers
January 9, 2022
Governess or lady in hiding

Persephone was hiding in plain sight as a governess! This time for Jasper and Octavia is twins! Rafe was staying in their home to help open the new gaming Hell the second Sutton gaming establishment! These two are worlds apart farther than they even know! When Persephone drugs Rafe in fear well she bit off way more than she can chew! When Rafe finds out the reason for her fear well he steps in as a sort of hero no woman could ever forget!
Rafe has slept with more women and drank more Blue Ruin than a sailor but there is something about Persephone that hits very different for Rafe! Little does he know that they are even further apart due to the lies Persephone has told to be safe for 7 years!
When Persephone disappears all bets are off when Hart Rafe brother and the Winters team up to find her! Well all bets are off! These two battle a evil cousin who has misused Persephone and her inheritance! But he is no match for a Sutton who has found love! I love this series!!🔥🔥
Profile Image for Nicole.
932 reviews17 followers
December 9, 2021
Sinfully delicious, Rafe is a temptation she should avoid because she has to keep her position as a governess but Rafe is just that forbidden fruit that she wants and she needs.. She is his forbidden fruit, Rafe knows that he can't give into his temptation because she is his brother's governess, but he can't seem to stay away from her regardless of how much he tries to. He makes her happy and she makes him happy they have to give into their wicked sins.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. I look forward to the next book in this series


I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for a voluntary review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
921 reviews36 followers
January 6, 2022
I was disappointed by this entry in the series. Scarlett Scott's books are one of my favorite guilty pleasures, but this simply lacks plot and character development. There is the trademark over-the-top steam, which I enjoy up to a point, but too much repetition of characters' thoughts (a flaw found in some of Scarlett Scott's other books) and not enough interaction between the H/h outside of the bedroom. SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD.......................................I understood why Persephone was trying to keep her past quiet, in order to avoid being forced into marriage to her cousin, but didn't understand why at a certain point she didn't open up at least a little to Rafe about her background. After all, she'd opened up to him completely about what had happened to her at the hands of her former employer (tbh, the scene in the carriage when she discussed that in detail seemed fairly rushed and somewhat forced). I thought at first she really had a big secret she was trying to cover up, but nope, she's simply a titled heiress who had a mother who was of the merchant class. She's been living under an assumed name. Considering Rafe's past, that's nothing.

Some of my favorite parts of the Sutton and Winters series are when the h's become immersed in the H's murky East-end worlds, discovering who the men and their families really are. That's missing here. All Penelope really seems to know about Rafe is that he uses a cockney accent when he's tired or emotional. MORE SPOILERS AHEAD........................................................I was looking forward to a big comeuppance scene between the cousin, Rafe, and Winters, but that was a let-down. The conclusion feels hurried, with too much coming together suddenly and conveniently. There are glaring plot holes that are never addressed. For example, how did Penelope's cousin find her, and how did he and Gregson find out that Rafe was the man who'd whipped Gregson? Was the cousin having Rafe followed? And if the cousin is just about to marry Persephone after they're back at the estate, why let her outside with no guards or anyone else watching? Isn't he aware that he's a neighbor of Winters', and that the Suttons and Winters are related?

A final nitpick. RE the age of majority: Just because Persephone's cousin was her guardian didn't mean he had any say over whether she married Rafe. Persephone was 25, and the age of majority, when a woman was legally able to choose her husband, was 21. The cousin might have been left in charge of her money, but he had no say in who she married.

Bottom line: sex scenes are certainly steamy, but unfortunately this isn't a strong entry in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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