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The Donovans #2
A Confirmed Rake
When Rebecca Russell’s brother marries, she finally has the opportunity she has been dreaming of: to leave the seclusion of her reclusive grandfather’s home and enter into Society. But when her inexperience has her making blunders and courting embarrassment, help comes from an unexpected source: the brooding, irritable brother of her chaperone.
Valentine Donovan is a rake, mountains of gaming debt and all. With his only hope for financial relief tied up in the Admiralty Court, he must temporarily rely on his father’s charity—and all the strings attached to it. His father demands Valentine show evidence that he is changing his ways, so when the engaging but naive young woman living with his sister presents a plan, he can’t refuse the opportunity to fulfill some of his father’s requirements, albeit reluctantly.
But Valentine is unprepared for Rebecca’s guileless optimism and how impossible he finds it to say no to her increasingly onerous requests—requests that put both their hearts and reputations in danger.
Valentine Donovan is a rake, mountains of gaming debt and all. With his only hope for financial relief tied up in the Admiralty Court, he must temporarily rely on his father’s charity—and all the strings attached to it. His father demands Valentine show evidence that he is changing his ways, so when the engaging but naive young woman living with his sister presents a plan, he can’t refuse the opportunity to fulfill some of his father’s requirements, albeit reluctantly.
But Valentine is unprepared for Rebecca’s guileless optimism and how impossible he finds it to say no to her increasingly onerous requests—requests that put both their hearts and reputations in danger.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2022
451 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
August 24, 2022
This is simply the best thing that Martha Keyes has ever written. I was lucky to receive an early copy and I can't wait to express all the love and feelings I have for it.
This is the second official book in the Donovans series surrounding Diana's rakish brother Valentine. It COULD be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading in order for the best experience and character overlap and relationships.
Can I just say that I absolutely loved that Valentine was an actual rake? It made him such a delightfully grumpy character with a redemptive story that tugged at ALL my heart strings. Valentine has a strained relationship with her father but its the relationship with Diana that really takes the cake. Their sibling bond was written so well and is one of the simple joys in this series.
For the last two years Valentine has lived a life he isn't proud of...drink, gambling, women...he really has done it all. When he meets the lovely and naive in the ways of the world Rebecca, he starts to see things in a new light and realize there might be another way to deal with his sorrow.
OH MY GOSH. These two were the perfect pairing. Rebecca's sweetness to Valentines supposed taint is incredibly endearing. Valentine teaches her the ways of the world (in jest) while Rebecca helps him to see his value as a man. There was zero judgement or weird conflict. This story was pure and raw wonderful all wrapped up in one book.
This book made me smile, I was misty eyed (ok fine I cried). It was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change a dang thing about it. One of my top historical romance reads of the year and no I will not be taking those strong words back.
*running (ok patiently waiting) to purchase a physical copy
This is the second official book in the Donovans series surrounding Diana's rakish brother Valentine. It COULD be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading in order for the best experience and character overlap and relationships.
Can I just say that I absolutely loved that Valentine was an actual rake? It made him such a delightfully grumpy character with a redemptive story that tugged at ALL my heart strings. Valentine has a strained relationship with her father but its the relationship with Diana that really takes the cake. Their sibling bond was written so well and is one of the simple joys in this series.
For the last two years Valentine has lived a life he isn't proud of...drink, gambling, women...he really has done it all. When he meets the lovely and naive in the ways of the world Rebecca, he starts to see things in a new light and realize there might be another way to deal with his sorrow.
OH MY GOSH. These two were the perfect pairing. Rebecca's sweetness to Valentines supposed taint is incredibly endearing. Valentine teaches her the ways of the world (in jest) while Rebecca helps him to see his value as a man. There was zero judgement or weird conflict. This story was pure and raw wonderful all wrapped up in one book.
This book made me smile, I was misty eyed (ok fine I cried). It was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change a dang thing about it. One of my top historical romance reads of the year and no I will not be taking those strong words back.
*running (ok patiently waiting) to purchase a physical copy
March 2, 2023
I admit, I was completely surprised. This level of character depth is more than I usually find in the regency genre, and I loved it.
The plot is pretty simple. Girl from the country needs a London season and knows nothing about society. She meets a man who is trying to make a better reputation for himself so they both agree to fake date, Jane Austen style. I didn’t mind that the plot wasn’t terribly unique because the real beauty of this book was the characters and as someone who loves a character driven book, I ate this one up.
*This did not affect my rating* but I would have loved more interaction with Valentine's “father.” I feel like that had potential for a great side story. I don't think it needed to be there, but it would have been lovely to see.
Definitely a book that I can curl up and read over the weekend. It's tender, sweet, emotional and I finished it feeling happy. Sometimes that's just what you need.
Characters/Depth/Growth – 10
Atmosphere/World - 8
Writing Style - 9
Plot - 8
Intrigue -8
Love/Relationships - 10
Enjoyment/Memorable – 10
Total: 63
Divided by 7 = 9.0 (5 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
The plot is pretty simple. Girl from the country needs a London season and knows nothing about society. She meets a man who is trying to make a better reputation for himself so they both agree to fake date, Jane Austen style. I didn’t mind that the plot wasn’t terribly unique because the real beauty of this book was the characters and as someone who loves a character driven book, I ate this one up.
*This did not affect my rating* but I would have loved more interaction with Valentine's “father.” I feel like that had potential for a great side story. I don't think it needed to be there, but it would have been lovely to see.
Definitely a book that I can curl up and read over the weekend. It's tender, sweet, emotional and I finished it feeling happy. Sometimes that's just what you need.
Characters/Depth/Growth – 10
Atmosphere/World - 8
Writing Style - 9
Plot - 8
Intrigue -8
Love/Relationships - 10
Enjoyment/Memorable – 10
Total: 63
Divided by 7 = 9.0 (5 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
January 27, 2024
As the kids say, “I can’t even” with Mr. Valentine Donovan. This brilliantly done story is Romantic Rake: Characterization and Redemption 101.
It was such a dichotomy of a reading experience, triggering my jealous reader hackles with his actually being a rake and having a sordid past (vaguely alluded to, but this is no “My rakishness is a facade” scenario; he has assuredly been the hedonistic “love”-em-and-leave-em dissolute he’s purported to be) and then witnessing how being truly seen, cheered on and loved by the purest creature of Ms. Rebecca Russell permits him to shed that persona and straighten his paths.
Yay me, this was my first First Person Dual POV narration audio, and I had such a good time! The sly, deep timbre and the aloof witty pattern of speech of Mr. Donovan’s so perfect sardonic Rex Harrison. Loved how, above all, banter and playfulness reigned between these two. The way that she immediately recruits him as a friend in all her charming-Pollyanna glory, and he turns reluctant mentor/protector for her to then become his most fierce defender and champion, was the absolute giddy best. Isn’t there something about fake courtship in Regency? I mean, you know the feels will be caught, but the reputation stakes always make it trickier. Opposites attract the whole way home, she is as unaffected as he is jaded, as naive as he is world-trampled, as eager as he is indifferent, as trusting as he is wary. And this so blaringly had one of my favorite apsects of this characterization: a confirmed rake, and one who has grown up in such a shadow, assumes he’s already disappointed everyone, so why even try. But enter everyone-gets-a-sunny-benefit-of-the-doubt Ms. Russell who auto-mode sees the best in him, sparking his own desire to do better and not disappoint what good she sees there. It was so absolutely heartening and lovely. That and the “unwanted little boy on the inside” always gets me.
Loved having so much of Diana from the first book, still going strong with her maneuvering and of course Duke as a big bro. Such a satisfying redemption and such perfect full-circle moments both in resolution and prologue, definitely an “aww” look glazed on my face as I listened and walked around my house with something random in my hand.I am loving this series so much and have never been disappointed by anything from Ms. Keyes!
Content notes: Kissing Only. Mention of affairs, adultery and illegitimacy. On page toxic father.
It was such a dichotomy of a reading experience, triggering my jealous reader hackles with his actually being a rake and having a sordid past (vaguely alluded to, but this is no “My rakishness is a facade” scenario; he has assuredly been the hedonistic “love”-em-and-leave-em dissolute he’s purported to be) and then witnessing how being truly seen, cheered on and loved by the purest creature of Ms. Rebecca Russell permits him to shed that persona and straighten his paths.
Yay me, this was my first First Person Dual POV narration audio, and I had such a good time! The sly, deep timbre and the aloof witty pattern of speech of Mr. Donovan’s so perfect sardonic Rex Harrison. Loved how, above all, banter and playfulness reigned between these two. The way that she immediately recruits him as a friend in all her charming-Pollyanna glory, and he turns reluctant mentor/protector for her to then become his most fierce defender and champion, was the absolute giddy best. Isn’t there something about fake courtship in Regency? I mean, you know the feels will be caught, but the reputation stakes always make it trickier. Opposites attract the whole way home, she is as unaffected as he is jaded, as naive as he is world-trampled, as eager as he is indifferent, as trusting as he is wary. And this so blaringly had one of my favorite apsects of this characterization: a confirmed rake, and one who has grown up in such a shadow, assumes he’s already disappointed everyone, so why even try. But enter everyone-gets-a-sunny-benefit-of-the-doubt Ms. Russell who auto-mode sees the best in him, sparking his own desire to do better and not disappoint what good she sees there. It was so absolutely heartening and lovely. That and the “unwanted little boy on the inside” always gets me.
Loved having so much of Diana from the first book, still going strong with her maneuvering and of course Duke as a big bro. Such a satisfying redemption and such perfect full-circle moments both in resolution and prologue, definitely an “aww” look glazed on my face as I listened and walked around my house with something random in my hand.I am loving this series so much and have never been disappointed by anything from Ms. Keyes!
Content notes: Kissing Only. Mention of affairs, adultery and illegitimacy. On page toxic father.
dnf
June 20, 2025The heroine is wayyyyy too innocent to be paired with a rake. I just can’t get into this.
March 30, 2023
Valentine Donovan is a confirmed rake. Determined to spite his supposed father by any means he can, Val has descended into a life of pleasure, none of which grants him any sort of true happiness. But as his debts continue to mount, he soon faces the consequences of his reprehensible lifestyle.
Rebecca Russell has never experienced grand outings and lavish balls. Having been sheltered living with her grandfather the majority of her life, she's oblivious to the ways of Society, but she plans to change all that with a Season in Brighton with her sister-in-law, Diana, as her chaperone. Her time in the seaside city begins with a rocky start when she meets Mr. Donovan sneaking in through the window of the kitchen quite drunk.
With his father's threats hanging over him, demanding reformation, Val begrudgingly accepts the notion of a ruse with Miss Russell. If he can prove he's changed, his debts will be paid, and she will gain desirability with proof of a suitor. Once a rake, always a rake, once a ruse, always a ruse...or perhaps not?
I ADORED this story. You cannot help but love the characters. Rebecca is so innocent and naive, and Val, very much aware of this fact, quickly becomes a sort of tutor for her. It was absolutely hilarious to watch him explain cant phrases to her, and I swear I snorted every time she used them wrong. XD They both showed so much growth and the emotional connection was nigh on instantaneous. I really enjoy redemption stories, and it was fun to see Val get that and to see Rebecca mature as well. Usually when I read Regency there is one or two scenes that just really stand out to me...this had WAY more than that (which I shan't divulge because I do not spoil)! There were so many sweet moments, and many moments of excellent romantic tension, too. Easily one of my favorite Regencys of all time! I cannot recommend it enough. Romance. Humor. Wit. And everything else you could want in a clean romance.
Rebecca Russell has never experienced grand outings and lavish balls. Having been sheltered living with her grandfather the majority of her life, she's oblivious to the ways of Society, but she plans to change all that with a Season in Brighton with her sister-in-law, Diana, as her chaperone. Her time in the seaside city begins with a rocky start when she meets Mr. Donovan sneaking in through the window of the kitchen quite drunk.
With his father's threats hanging over him, demanding reformation, Val begrudgingly accepts the notion of a ruse with Miss Russell. If he can prove he's changed, his debts will be paid, and she will gain desirability with proof of a suitor. Once a rake, always a rake, once a ruse, always a ruse...or perhaps not?
I ADORED this story. You cannot help but love the characters. Rebecca is so innocent and naive, and Val, very much aware of this fact, quickly becomes a sort of tutor for her. It was absolutely hilarious to watch him explain cant phrases to her, and I swear I snorted every time she used them wrong. XD They both showed so much growth and the emotional connection was nigh on instantaneous. I really enjoy redemption stories, and it was fun to see Val get that and to see Rebecca mature as well. Usually when I read Regency there is one or two scenes that just really stand out to me...this had WAY more than that (which I shan't divulge because I do not spoil)! There were so many sweet moments, and many moments of excellent romantic tension, too. Easily one of my favorite Regencys of all time! I cannot recommend it enough. Romance. Humor. Wit. And everything else you could want in a clean romance.
September 12, 2022
This kisses-only Regency took place in Brighton. The MCs
each told the story in the first person, singular. Confusing
at times. Gave this 3 stars.
This featured Rebecca, w/ a naive but pleasing disposition
(IE she was unclear on the meaning of a rake) and brooding
rake/ former Navy man Valentine (brother of Diana from
bk #1). Rebecca went to stay w/ her new SIL Diana in
Brighton, while the h's brother "Duke" was needed else-
where. Rebecca admitted no familiarity w/ society because
she had lived w/ her grandfather (who only mixed w/ elderly
friends.)
Valentine felt rejected by both fathers: controlling, nominal
father Admiral Donovan & alleged 'natural' father Lord
Newham. Val felt empty & used gambling, drinking and
chasing lightskirts to help him forget. Val owed creditors.
Why didn't Val seek an honest job? Di wanted Val to prove
to the Admiral that Val was a changed man.
Rebecca stood up to future FIL the Admiral, but he was a
walking storm everywhere he went. The Admiral needed
to mature & admit how he failed his late wife. Why devote
time to the Admiral who detracted from the romance?
Rebecca & Di, to a certain degree, showed mercy. The story
needed less family drama. And less ex-mistress & flirty
women. The ending felt too perfect.
Revised 09/11/22.
each told the story in the first person, singular. Confusing
at times. Gave this 3 stars.
This featured Rebecca, w/ a naive but pleasing disposition
(IE she was unclear on the meaning of a rake) and brooding
rake/ former Navy man Valentine (brother of Diana from
bk #1). Rebecca went to stay w/ her new SIL Diana in
Brighton, while the h's brother "Duke" was needed else-
where. Rebecca admitted no familiarity w/ society because
she had lived w/ her grandfather (who only mixed w/ elderly
friends.)
Valentine felt rejected by both fathers: controlling, nominal
father Admiral Donovan & alleged 'natural' father Lord
Newham. Val felt empty & used gambling, drinking and
chasing lightskirts to help him forget. Val owed creditors.
Why didn't Val seek an honest job? Di wanted Val to prove
to the Admiral that Val was a changed man.
Rebecca stood up to future FIL the Admiral, but he was a
walking storm everywhere he went. The Admiral needed
to mature & admit how he failed his late wife. Why devote
time to the Admiral who detracted from the romance?
Rebecca & Di, to a certain degree, showed mercy. The story
needed less family drama. And less ex-mistress & flirty
women. The ending felt too perfect.
Revised 09/11/22.
August 17, 2022
I am very rarely speechless when it comes to books, but Martha Keyes has rendered me speechless! I had no idea how this book would live up to my love for The Art of Victory. I was in raptures over that book and a little nervous going into this one. The characters would be so different. I knew the banter would be different...I should not have been worried, nor will I ever be worried again when it comes to a Martha Keyes' book. I was thoroughly entertained and LOVED this story of opposites attract-grumpy/sunshine.
I may have highlighted more passages in this book than book 1.
My mind has been blown in the best, most entertained way.
I also love a good redemption story and #reformingtherakes just might be the best thing to happen to literature right now!! If you have ever read a Martha Keyes' book you know exactly what you are getting. If you haven't picked up any of her books I highly recommend starting with this series!
Content: Valentine is a rake and he did rakish things during all of his "rakery" (I can't wait for you to read this book so you will get that joke lol) Nothing explicit or detailed, but it is discussed in general terms throughout the story. Illegitimacy is also briefly discussed. I would feel completely comfortable letting my teen read this.
I may have highlighted more passages in this book than book 1.
My mind has been blown in the best, most entertained way.
I also love a good redemption story and #reformingtherakes just might be the best thing to happen to literature right now!! If you have ever read a Martha Keyes' book you know exactly what you are getting. If you haven't picked up any of her books I highly recommend starting with this series!
Content: Valentine is a rake and he did rakish things during all of his "rakery" (I can't wait for you to read this book so you will get that joke lol) Nothing explicit or detailed, but it is discussed in general terms throughout the story. Illegitimacy is also briefly discussed. I would feel completely comfortable letting my teen read this.
December 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
I’m not usually a redeemed rake fan, however, I loved the way Keyes handled it here.
It has grumpy/sunshine & a fake relationship… Regency style. And the character arcs were excellent. Rebecca’s innocence & naïveté contrasted Valentine’s reputation, and she spurred him towards change. Plus, Valentine truly had a good heart underneath the hard exterior.
I love the further unravelling of the Donovan family history, although I wished we had gotten more of Duke & Diana because I love them!
p.s. do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook—sheer perfection!
I’m not usually a redeemed rake fan, however, I loved the way Keyes handled it here.
It has grumpy/sunshine & a fake relationship… Regency style. And the character arcs were excellent. Rebecca’s innocence & naïveté contrasted Valentine’s reputation, and she spurred him towards change. Plus, Valentine truly had a good heart underneath the hard exterior.
I love the further unravelling of the Donovan family history, although I wished we had gotten more of Duke & Diana because I love them!
p.s. do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook—sheer perfection!
April 10, 2023
Lovely!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Our heroine, Rebecca was so very likable. She is charming, sweet and her naivete was so endearing and made for some fun encounters between her and Valentine. She was quite the contrast to our rakish hero, Valentine. I am hesitant to add books to my "reformed rake" shelf, but he definitely deserves a place there. This trope is often found in regencies, but rarely do I feel they have truly reformed. Ms. Keyes did a wonderful job transforming his character. I thought they both learned and grew so much from each other. I adore when an author can show our H/h falling-in-like. I felt a true friendship and that they actually liked each other, which of course translated into a romantic love. For me, them actually liking each other makes their romance all the more believable and swoony. Overall, this was a captivating read and I enjoyed every moment of it!
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, kissing. Mention of past mistresses, drinking, gambling. No language or violence
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Our heroine, Rebecca was so very likable. She is charming, sweet and her naivete was so endearing and made for some fun encounters between her and Valentine. She was quite the contrast to our rakish hero, Valentine. I am hesitant to add books to my "reformed rake" shelf, but he definitely deserves a place there. This trope is often found in regencies, but rarely do I feel they have truly reformed. Ms. Keyes did a wonderful job transforming his character. I thought they both learned and grew so much from each other. I adore when an author can show our H/h falling-in-like. I felt a true friendship and that they actually liked each other, which of course translated into a romantic love. For me, them actually liking each other makes their romance all the more believable and swoony. Overall, this was a captivating read and I enjoyed every moment of it!
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, kissing. Mention of past mistresses, drinking, gambling. No language or violence
March 14, 2023
LOVE THESE TWO.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I think this is my new favorite Martha Keyes book. I looooved Valentine and Rebecca.
Rebecca was the sweet naive woman who cracked me up multiple times at her learning the ways of society. I loved it. This wasn’t an annoying thing to watch unfold. I genuinely loved Rebecca and would want to be friends with someone so filled with light and hope. The juxtaposition between her and Valentine was perfect.
Valentine, my reformed rake, OH HOW I ADORE YOU. He was swoony and kind and I could not get enough of watching Rebecca slowly wrap her way around his heart. There were even some beautiful moments towards the end that about got me misty eyed. The sinner and saint vibes (without being preachy) was one of the best things about this book.
Some aspects towards the end seemed to extend the book a little longer than I was looking for, but that’s mostly the only issue I had with it. This has been a fantastic series so far and Rebecca and Valentine definitely hold a place in my heart now.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent recounted
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I think this is my new favorite Martha Keyes book. I looooved Valentine and Rebecca.
Rebecca was the sweet naive woman who cracked me up multiple times at her learning the ways of society. I loved it. This wasn’t an annoying thing to watch unfold. I genuinely loved Rebecca and would want to be friends with someone so filled with light and hope. The juxtaposition between her and Valentine was perfect.
Valentine, my reformed rake, OH HOW I ADORE YOU. He was swoony and kind and I could not get enough of watching Rebecca slowly wrap her way around his heart. There were even some beautiful moments towards the end that about got me misty eyed. The sinner and saint vibes (without being preachy) was one of the best things about this book.
Some aspects towards the end seemed to extend the book a little longer than I was looking for, but that’s mostly the only issue I had with it. This has been a fantastic series so far and Rebecca and Valentine definitely hold a place in my heart now.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent recounted
September 9, 2022
A sweet addition to the series. Both MC's were likeable, I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them falling in love.
I loved both Unrequited and The Art Of Victory more, though. Especially Valentine's constant "she is an angel, I'm not good enough for her" was a bit excessive for my taste.
4 stars.
I loved both Unrequited and The Art Of Victory more, though. Especially Valentine's constant "she is an angel, I'm not good enough for her" was a bit excessive for my taste.
4 stars.
September 9, 2022
This is one of the cutest books that I have read in a while. I have been waiting for Valentine’s story, and it was worth the wait! Rebecca was the sweetest and most endearing character and the perfect match for Valentine. I loved how she saw the good in Valentine, even when others thought he couldn’t be redeemed.
November 28, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I really loved this book 🥲 It was funny and sweet and held my attention the whole time. A clean and touching book with some great themes, relatable characters, and a charming storyline.
I really loved this book 🥲 It was funny and sweet and held my attention the whole time. A clean and touching book with some great themes, relatable characters, and a charming storyline.
December 8, 2024
4.5 Stars, rounded up. Highly entertaining and romantic. Loved it!
October 19, 2022
Ahhhh a good, sweet peaceful read:} After all the monsters and scary stuff I needed something sweet and fun to read. This did not disappoint. I loved it. The leading lady was awesome. She made the whole book good. I didn't mind our grumpy leading man either! When I say grumpy I mean it. Normally we see a Darcy type character in books. The mistake a lot of the authors make is that once he falls in love he becomes this smiling nice guy. It always makes me think it's just not real. This felt real. I love that she kept him grumpy all the way to the end:} Such a well written proper romance:} Loved every minute of it.
November 28, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
As soon as I got to know Valentine in The Art of Victory, I knew without a doubt that I was going to absolutely adore his story, and I was not wrong! I wasn’t sure what type of woman was finally going to win over his heart, but as soon as I started reading about Rebecca I could see how absolutely perfect that pairing was going to be!
Rebecca’s naïveté made for some of the most hilarious moments in this fantastic story! Valentine was absolutely perfect for her as he was quite literally her perfect opposite in almost everything. These two made up one of my favorite regency era couples ever ♥️
It was so much fun watching Rebecca enter society and bumble about trying to learn the ins and outs of it. The way she instantly latched onto Valentine after their one late night encounter made it all the more entertaining. Tongues may have been wagging, but Rebecca was just glad to have found someone to help her navigate her way through society without making too many more blunders. Their little “arrangement” made for the best plot line!
Finally we learn why Valentine so despises the Admiral, and may I just say how much truly I despise that man! I love the way Rebecca was able to help Valentine find out the truth and then adequately deal with it. She was able to ground him so well when he would have normally turned to drink. Rebecca was the perfect calming presence that Valentine needed to help him heal from past hurts and turn over a new leaf for a better future ♥️
As soon as I got to know Valentine in The Art of Victory, I knew without a doubt that I was going to absolutely adore his story, and I was not wrong! I wasn’t sure what type of woman was finally going to win over his heart, but as soon as I started reading about Rebecca I could see how absolutely perfect that pairing was going to be!
Rebecca’s naïveté made for some of the most hilarious moments in this fantastic story! Valentine was absolutely perfect for her as he was quite literally her perfect opposite in almost everything. These two made up one of my favorite regency era couples ever ♥️
It was so much fun watching Rebecca enter society and bumble about trying to learn the ins and outs of it. The way she instantly latched onto Valentine after their one late night encounter made it all the more entertaining. Tongues may have been wagging, but Rebecca was just glad to have found someone to help her navigate her way through society without making too many more blunders. Their little “arrangement” made for the best plot line!
Finally we learn why Valentine so despises the Admiral, and may I just say how much truly I despise that man! I love the way Rebecca was able to help Valentine find out the truth and then adequately deal with it. She was able to ground him so well when he would have normally turned to drink. Rebecca was the perfect calming presence that Valentine needed to help him heal from past hurts and turn over a new leaf for a better future ♥️
November 30, 2022
*4.5 stars*
This was SO incredibly sweet! I adored the characters so much!!!!! It made me smile and swoon! It was just so wonderful! I love a good redeemed rake story and even tho Rebecca is super naive and innocent, I ADORED her outlook on life. She's a ball of sunshine and the perfect fit for the grumpy, rake of a man, Valentine.
This was SO incredibly sweet! I adored the characters so much!!!!! It made me smile and swoon! It was just so wonderful! I love a good redeemed rake story and even tho Rebecca is super naive and innocent, I ADORED her outlook on life. She's a ball of sunshine and the perfect fit for the grumpy, rake of a man, Valentine.
December 25, 2024
I loved this! I loved the whole story and am happy with the ending. I loved listening to it with two readers, one for each of the main characters!
Read
June 29, 2025Meh… I’m not going to rate this because I only read the first 21% and the Duke cameos. I should reread the first book, because this thing was slump-inducing.
September 24, 2022
What I loved:
- what was not to love?! This is honestly my favorite book from Martha, so far.
- Valentine, was an absolute darling of a rake. His tortured soul, grumpiness, his relationship struggles, immediately made me love him and root for him, right from the start.
- Rebecca was simply lovely. Although extremely naive and ignorant, she is also just bold enough to make her delightful. And that delightfulness immediately drew me and Valentine in.
- the Sinner vs the Saint. Valentine is a tortured soul, who believes he is not worthy of anything good. Rebecca is an angel who sees the best in everyone, and believes they all deserve another chance.
- their chemistry! The rose garden scene. The cellar door scene. All to die for.
- Diana. Best sister ever.
What I didn't like:
- absolutely NOTHING!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Romance: kisses
- what was not to love?! This is honestly my favorite book from Martha, so far.
- Valentine, was an absolute darling of a rake. His tortured soul, grumpiness, his relationship struggles, immediately made me love him and root for him, right from the start.
- Rebecca was simply lovely. Although extremely naive and ignorant, she is also just bold enough to make her delightful. And that delightfulness immediately drew me and Valentine in.
- the Sinner vs the Saint. Valentine is a tortured soul, who believes he is not worthy of anything good. Rebecca is an angel who sees the best in everyone, and believes they all deserve another chance.
- their chemistry! The rose garden scene. The cellar door scene. All to die for.
- Diana. Best sister ever.
What I didn't like:
- absolutely NOTHING!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Romance: kisses
September 1, 2022
So stinkin' cute. If I have time later I'll post a longer review but I really loved this!!
November 15, 2024
I laughed. A lot. It was cute and oh so funny to me. Could barely put it down. I highly recommend the audio version.
August 17, 2022
Wow! This book was SO good! I just absolutely loved the balance between sweet Rebecca and rakish Valentine. These two characters were the perfect opposites and I loved the way they made each other better by helping one another believe in themselves.
Everyone needs a Rebecca in their lives I have decided. Her character was the epitome of sunshine and optimism and I thought it powerful she never let go of that light. Valentine was broken and battered in so many ways and I just felt for him in all that was revealed. The redemption arc of this novel was beautiful and deep and moving. There was so much testament to the worth of individuals and the idea that people can change and that we should never give up on someone or base all judgement solely on past choices.
Rebecca and Valentine had their own kind of banter and humor, that while different than The Art of Victory, it fit them and the naivety Rebecca had and Valentine's assistance in her education cracked me up in the best of ways. I just loved their romance so much. Excellent chemistry, excellent themes, excellent writing. I cannot wait to read this again.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everyone needs a Rebecca in their lives I have decided. Her character was the epitome of sunshine and optimism and I thought it powerful she never let go of that light. Valentine was broken and battered in so many ways and I just felt for him in all that was revealed. The redemption arc of this novel was beautiful and deep and moving. There was so much testament to the worth of individuals and the idea that people can change and that we should never give up on someone or base all judgement solely on past choices.
Rebecca and Valentine had their own kind of banter and humor, that while different than The Art of Victory, it fit them and the naivety Rebecca had and Valentine's assistance in her education cracked me up in the best of ways. I just loved their romance so much. Excellent chemistry, excellent themes, excellent writing. I cannot wait to read this again.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2023
This is one of the few books I’ve read where the author successfully portrays a “rake” experiencing redemption.
What I liked:
Normally I don’t enjoy romances featuring a rake or player, because often I’m simply left unconvinced of their long-term sincerity, regret, reformation and devotion to the heroine. However, in this case, the hero’s change of heart does seem plausible and lasting. It didn’t hurt that his psychological reasons for being a rake in the first place seemed legit and easily pulled at my compassion.
Plus he is so self aware! I really appreciated how he understood that his past 2 years of despicable behavior were selfish. He understood that he had wronged not only himself but also his future wife and the women he had used (all by mutual agreement of course, but still he has used them and they him). I loved how he actually felt guilt and shame when confronted with his former mistress. (She had entered their past arrangement with her eyes wide open that there was no commitment or deeper emotions, but still.) He apologized to her and showed respect toward her. She was just as deserving of redemption and compassion as he was (probably more so, as women had no rights back then), so I was so glad that the author included that scene between them. (They never lived together as I’m aware, fyi.)
The hero felt shame and remorse and didn’t think he deserved the heroine or happiness in general. It’s easy to forgive someone like that!
The storyline was interesting and fun. The writing was great- better than what I was expecting for regency romance, to be honest. Pacing was good. Characters were endearing and the conflict was good.
What I didn’t love:
Possibly my one regret was that because of Valentine’s feelings of unworthiness, the heroine seemed to be the main pursuer. That only bothered me in one segment of a scene, though.
The heroine came off as a little immature at times due to her naïvety. You would think she would ask embarrassing questions (regarding what slang terms meant, etc) to her sister-in-law, Diana, rather than Valentine. The premise that she would turn to him was a little far-fetched but I rolled with it.
Also, the fact that she wanted to and felt comfortable expressing words of affection to Valentine, even though she didn’t grow up in that type of family culture, didn’t ring true. Normally if you didn’t grow up being expressive and vulnerable in that way, you don’t feel comfortable doing it as an adult. But she was the opposite, which also seemed implausible. But again, I rolled with it.
All in all, this was enjoyable and I liked it, so 3.5 stars. I would give it a 3.5/5 for chemistry as well.
Also, this can be read as a stand alone.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or crude language. The hero has had casual sexual relationships with women in his past (hence, he is a rake), but he’s not proud of it.
The cover is fine.
The narrators were pretty good.
How I rated this Series of Standalones:
0.5 Unrequited- 4 stars
1 The Art of Victory - 3.5/4 stars
2 A Confirmed Rake - 3.5/4 stars
3 Battling the Bluestocking- I’m not planning to read this. Phineas was a super boring bookworm character in the other books, whom I had no interest to read about. And I don’t enjoy reading about bluestockings (they are often cringy characters). Maybe I’ll try it some day…
What I liked:
Normally I don’t enjoy romances featuring a rake or player, because often I’m simply left unconvinced of their long-term sincerity, regret, reformation and devotion to the heroine. However, in this case, the hero’s change of heart does seem plausible and lasting. It didn’t hurt that his psychological reasons for being a rake in the first place seemed legit and easily pulled at my compassion.
Plus he is so self aware! I really appreciated how he understood that his past 2 years of despicable behavior were selfish. He understood that he had wronged not only himself but also his future wife and the women he had used (all by mutual agreement of course, but still he has used them and they him). I loved how he actually felt guilt and shame when confronted with his former mistress. (She had entered their past arrangement with her eyes wide open that there was no commitment or deeper emotions, but still.) He apologized to her and showed respect toward her. She was just as deserving of redemption and compassion as he was (probably more so, as women had no rights back then), so I was so glad that the author included that scene between them. (They never lived together as I’m aware, fyi.)
The hero felt shame and remorse and didn’t think he deserved the heroine or happiness in general. It’s easy to forgive someone like that!
The storyline was interesting and fun. The writing was great- better than what I was expecting for regency romance, to be honest. Pacing was good. Characters were endearing and the conflict was good.
What I didn’t love:
Possibly my one regret was that because of Valentine’s feelings of unworthiness, the heroine seemed to be the main pursuer. That only bothered me in one segment of a scene, though.
The heroine came off as a little immature at times due to her naïvety. You would think she would ask embarrassing questions (regarding what slang terms meant, etc) to her sister-in-law, Diana, rather than Valentine. The premise that she would turn to him was a little far-fetched but I rolled with it.
Also, the fact that she wanted to and felt comfortable expressing words of affection to Valentine, even though she didn’t grow up in that type of family culture, didn’t ring true. Normally if you didn’t grow up being expressive and vulnerable in that way, you don’t feel comfortable doing it as an adult. But she was the opposite, which also seemed implausible. But again, I rolled with it.
All in all, this was enjoyable and I liked it, so 3.5 stars. I would give it a 3.5/5 for chemistry as well.
Also, this can be read as a stand alone.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scenes or crude language. The hero has had casual sexual relationships with women in his past (hence, he is a rake), but he’s not proud of it.
The cover is fine.
The narrators were pretty good.
How I rated this Series of Standalones:
0.5 Unrequited- 4 stars
1 The Art of Victory - 3.5/4 stars
2 A Confirmed Rake - 3.5/4 stars
3 Battling the Bluestocking- I’m not planning to read this. Phineas was a super boring bookworm character in the other books, whom I had no interest to read about. And I don’t enjoy reading about bluestockings (they are often cringy characters). Maybe I’ll try it some day…
August 29, 2022
(4.5 stars) - Innocent vs Cynical
While this story wasn't as much lighthearted fun as the first in the series, it still had quite a few laugh out loud moments, and was a more heart-tugging story.
Valentine has long been a profligate rake, but his heart was never in it, as It was really only a means to get back at his ostensible father, the Admiral.
When Russell's sister, Rebecca, comes to stay with Diana, Valentine finds her innocence & happy outlook to be an appealing contrast & balm to his own angry cynicism.
At several points in the plot, I worried that the author was going to take the story in a stereotypical direction, but happily, she never did.
There are a few things that I suspect Regency purists will critique, but the story itself is quite lovely. Valentine's behavior & then subsequent conversion are psychologically supported fairly well, as is the development of Rebecca & Valentine's relationship. The result is a delightful read that I'm looking forward to reading again & again!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
While this story wasn't as much lighthearted fun as the first in the series, it still had quite a few laugh out loud moments, and was a more heart-tugging story.
Valentine has long been a profligate rake, but his heart was never in it, as It was really only a means to get back at his ostensible father, the Admiral.
When Russell's sister, Rebecca, comes to stay with Diana, Valentine finds her innocence & happy outlook to be an appealing contrast & balm to his own angry cynicism.
At several points in the plot, I worried that the author was going to take the story in a stereotypical direction, but happily, she never did.
There are a few things that I suspect Regency purists will critique, but the story itself is quite lovely. Valentine's behavior & then subsequent conversion are psychologically supported fairly well, as is the development of Rebecca & Valentine's relationship. The result is a delightful read that I'm looking forward to reading again & again!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
January 30, 2024
“You are my list” *sigh… Valentine is the dreamiest rake I have ever read about. I really enjoyed this book so much. Both main characters were extremely enjoyable and I found myself eager to get back to this book every time I had to put it down.
It is truly rare that I love both main characters in a book as much as I did this one. They were so lovable in different ways. Rebecca was so naive and blunt, but loving and kind, and so charitable. Valentine was like an orphaned puppy that you just wanted to save and clean up, and show the world how sweet he was. They were a perfect match, and I was so happy with how the whole story played out.
The side characters were so important to this story, and they were all well done. You hated some, and loved some, but needed them all for this story to be complete. Well done Martha, this book was top notch!! 💙
I listened to the audio of the book and the narrators were fabulous!! They did such a great job with all the voices.
It is truly rare that I love both main characters in a book as much as I did this one. They were so lovable in different ways. Rebecca was so naive and blunt, but loving and kind, and so charitable. Valentine was like an orphaned puppy that you just wanted to save and clean up, and show the world how sweet he was. They were a perfect match, and I was so happy with how the whole story played out.
The side characters were so important to this story, and they were all well done. You hated some, and loved some, but needed them all for this story to be complete. Well done Martha, this book was top notch!! 💙
I listened to the audio of the book and the narrators were fabulous!! They did such a great job with all the voices.
August 15, 2022
ALL THE STARS, friends. Martha Keyes just keeps getting better and better. I adored her Scotland series, and the Donovan family is quickly becoming another favorite series! So much emotion, so much growth, and so many deliciously sweet moments. I adore Rebecca. She is so completely naive and innocent with a heart of pure gold and the ability to always see the best in everyone. Valentine has a lot of baggage, a lot of heart ache, and a life he's been trying to run from. But when he agrees to assist Rebecca in her first Brighton season, all bets are off. And I've never been a bigger fan library ladders than I am now. So drop everything and pick up this book!!
Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
April 8, 2023
I normally raise an eyebrow when I read stories about a “rake” magically getting reformed. But this one totally hits a sweet spot! I think it’s our leading lady. She is so precious, fun and naive. I adore her. The rake in question felt authentic and so did his change of heart. I was rooting for this couple every step of the way. ❤️❤️
August 17, 2022
I especially appreciated the last 20% and how Keyes really showed Valentine’s true resolve to change. It was a good installment in the Donovan series, and I’m excited for Phineas’s story next! :)
*Thank you for eARC!*
*Thank you for eARC!*
April 30, 2025
Loved it!!!
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