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Season of the Rake
Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton made a promise to his mother—that he’d marry before Christmas. As this would be the last Season he would ever enjoy, Angelo is determined to embrace all of life’s pleasures: brandy, women, and gambling. Come the autumn, he will find a miss, marry, become respectable, and settle into a boring existence.
Lady Octavia Kepple is finally free. Now out of mourning, she intends to embrace the Season as only a respectable widow can: find a lover. She doesn’t want just any lover, but the gentleman rumored to be the best lover in England, the Earl of Bolton. Now, she just needs to convince him to be her rake for the Season.
Though intrigued by Lady Kepple’s proposition, and his desire for her cannot be denied, Angelo doesn’t want to be tied to one lover during his last Season of freedom. However, Lady Kepple is most persistent, and an agreement finally reached might be more than either of them bargained for.
Lady Octavia Kepple is finally free. Now out of mourning, she intends to embrace the Season as only a respectable widow can: find a lover. She doesn’t want just any lover, but the gentleman rumored to be the best lover in England, the Earl of Bolton. Now, she just needs to convince him to be her rake for the Season.
Though intrigued by Lady Kepple’s proposition, and his desire for her cannot be denied, Angelo doesn’t want to be tied to one lover during his last Season of freedom. However, Lady Kepple is most persistent, and an agreement finally reached might be more than either of them bargained for.
- GenresRegency
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
17 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
176 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 16, 2023
Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton made a promise to his mother & dying father that he’d marry before Christmas. So he’s is determined to embrace all of life’s pleasures: brandy, women, and gambling. Come the autumn, he will find a miss, marry, become respectable, and settle into a boring existence. Lady Octavia Kepple is finally free. Now out of mourning, she intends to embrace the Season as only a respectable widow can: find a lover. She doesn’t want just any lover, but the gentleman rumoured to be the best lover in England, the Earl of Bolton. Now, she just needs to convince him to be her rake for the Season. Though intrigued by Lady Kepple’s proposition, and his desire for her cannot be denied, Angelo doesn’t want to be tied to one lover during his last Season of freedom. However, Lady Kepple is most persistent, and an agreement finally reached might be more than either of them bargained for.
A well written, captivating romance with strong characters & lots to make you smile. I loved both Angelo & Octavia, they were perfect for each other. The chemistry between the couple sizzles & whilst fighting love they gradually fall for each other. I loved that Octavia had a list of rules & chuckled as each one went out of the window. An absolutely delightful romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written, captivating romance with strong characters & lots to make you smile. I loved both Angelo & Octavia, they were perfect for each other. The chemistry between the couple sizzles & whilst fighting love they gradually fall for each other. I loved that Octavia had a list of rules & chuckled as each one went out of the window. An absolutely delightful romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 12, 2023
This was an incredible story.
Sparks fly between the two characters instantly
She wanted only a lover for the season she had a list of rules that she were never meant to be broken however with a rake, rules aren't something that ever go well because rakes make for the best lovers, best companions, best friends and if that rake just happens to be someone you knew in the past well why not bend those rules?
He was planning on gambling, drinking and so much more during the season before Christmas when he finally had to get serious and find a bride however when the most beautiful widow crosses his path and he hears she is looking for a rake for the season, his plans are quickly changed but first he has to win her over.
With a plan of how to keep their business out of scandal sheets they find a way to break her rules and his rules which include never to fall in love. But love comes naturally as they can't help but see what has been missing in their lives and that's love, compassion and just someone to talk to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
I received this book from the author as a gift in exchange for a voluntary review and this purely based off of my own personal opinion and that of no one else
Sparks fly between the two characters instantly
She wanted only a lover for the season she had a list of rules that she were never meant to be broken however with a rake, rules aren't something that ever go well because rakes make for the best lovers, best companions, best friends and if that rake just happens to be someone you knew in the past well why not bend those rules?
He was planning on gambling, drinking and so much more during the season before Christmas when he finally had to get serious and find a bride however when the most beautiful widow crosses his path and he hears she is looking for a rake for the season, his plans are quickly changed but first he has to win her over.
With a plan of how to keep their business out of scandal sheets they find a way to break her rules and his rules which include never to fall in love. But love comes naturally as they can't help but see what has been missing in their lives and that's love, compassion and just someone to talk to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
I received this book from the author as a gift in exchange for a voluntary review and this purely based off of my own personal opinion and that of no one else
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
After rusticating for over a year thanks to scandal and then mourning their brother and husbands, Octavia Murphy, the widowed Countess of Kepple, and her sister Lavinia, the widowed Marchioness of Teviot are finally out of mourning and returning to London to launch their younger sisters into society. But aside from acting as a chaperon and hopefully saving her sisters from making the same mistakes she made, Octavia plans to find herself a lover. Octavia’s marriage left her bitter and determined to never marry again, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be alone, so to safeguard her heart she has come up with ten rules that will ensure that not only will she protect her heart, but protect her family from yet more scandal. Angelo Evans, Earl of Bolton is rumored to be the best lover in England, but the latest gossip says he is in the market for a bride, which should eliminate him from the running but Angelo is not willing to be denied, so will he agree to her rules?
Angelo’s father the Marquess of Dargate is not well, causing his mother to pressure him into agreeing to marry by Christmas. Angelo agrees to marry but plans to enjoy his freedom to the fullest before he has to enter the bonds of matrimony. He sets his sites on Octavia as his first lover of the season, when she rejects him, it only makes him want her more, but when he learns of her rules, he is not he is willing to comply. But once they come to terms, their affair is more than either ever expected and they find their hearts engaged. But Octavia has more than just a bad marriage keeping her from committing completely to Angelo, and with promises made to his parents, Angelo may have to let her go, even if it breaks both their hearts.
As usual, this is well written, nicely-paced story about a charming rake and a lovely widow who despite their best intentions, fall in love. The story is filled with witty banter, rules, promises, secrets, steamyish love scenes, a bit of angst, great secondary characters, family members who feel the need to give their opinions, surprises and finally a happy ending that didn’t seem possible, complete with an epilogue. I liked this story, and I loved both Octavia and Angelo, but I wasn’t thrilled by the ending, I was happy for them, but I wasn’t left with a “love conquers all” feeling. While this book is part of a large author collaboration series, it also has ties to other series by Ms. Charles and can easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
After rusticating for over a year thanks to scandal and then mourning their brother and husbands, Octavia Murphy, the widowed Countess of Kepple, and her sister Lavinia, the widowed Marchioness of Teviot are finally out of mourning and returning to London to launch their younger sisters into society. But aside from acting as a chaperon and hopefully saving her sisters from making the same mistakes she made, Octavia plans to find herself a lover. Octavia’s marriage left her bitter and determined to never marry again, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be alone, so to safeguard her heart she has come up with ten rules that will ensure that not only will she protect her heart, but protect her family from yet more scandal. Angelo Evans, Earl of Bolton is rumored to be the best lover in England, but the latest gossip says he is in the market for a bride, which should eliminate him from the running but Angelo is not willing to be denied, so will he agree to her rules?
Angelo’s father the Marquess of Dargate is not well, causing his mother to pressure him into agreeing to marry by Christmas. Angelo agrees to marry but plans to enjoy his freedom to the fullest before he has to enter the bonds of matrimony. He sets his sites on Octavia as his first lover of the season, when she rejects him, it only makes him want her more, but when he learns of her rules, he is not he is willing to comply. But once they come to terms, their affair is more than either ever expected and they find their hearts engaged. But Octavia has more than just a bad marriage keeping her from committing completely to Angelo, and with promises made to his parents, Angelo may have to let her go, even if it breaks both their hearts.
As usual, this is well written, nicely-paced story about a charming rake and a lovely widow who despite their best intentions, fall in love. The story is filled with witty banter, rules, promises, secrets, steamyish love scenes, a bit of angst, great secondary characters, family members who feel the need to give their opinions, surprises and finally a happy ending that didn’t seem possible, complete with an epilogue. I liked this story, and I loved both Octavia and Angelo, but I wasn’t thrilled by the ending, I was happy for them, but I wasn’t left with a “love conquers all” feeling. While this book is part of a large author collaboration series, it also has ties to other series by Ms. Charles and can easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
June 14, 2023
She is a widow looking to have some fun with a rake and he is a rake looking to have some fun with widows.
Octavia is a widow in town for the season with 2 objectives. First, she is there to help chaperone her 2 younger sisters. Second, she is determined to take a lover for the season to see what she was missing in her marriage.
Angelo is a rake who's father is dying and so he has been asked to marry by Christmas so his father can die in peace. He is planning to take this season to sow his wild oats before settling down.
When the 2 meet, sparks fly. They had met 10 years ago when Octavia was coming out.
Once the 2 negotiate their month together, they find that they are perfectly suited and are enjoying their time. Unfortunately, he must still find a bride and so she encourages him to begin his search in truth.
Can Angelo find a suitable bride? Will Octavia regret their time together which started as a fun time and ended with love? The Happily Ever After is definitely worth the wait.
Octavia is a widow in town for the season with 2 objectives. First, she is there to help chaperone her 2 younger sisters. Second, she is determined to take a lover for the season to see what she was missing in her marriage.
Angelo is a rake who's father is dying and so he has been asked to marry by Christmas so his father can die in peace. He is planning to take this season to sow his wild oats before settling down.
When the 2 meet, sparks fly. They had met 10 years ago when Octavia was coming out.
Once the 2 negotiate their month together, they find that they are perfectly suited and are enjoying their time. Unfortunately, he must still find a bride and so she encourages him to begin his search in truth.
Can Angelo find a suitable bride? Will Octavia regret their time together which started as a fun time and ended with love? The Happily Ever After is definitely worth the wait.
June 18, 2023
Season of the Rake is a steamy and entertaining read that will keep you hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and have great chemistry. The story's couple is Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton, and Lady Octavia Carbery, a young widow. Angelo has promised his mother that he will marry before Christmas, but he wants to enjoy his last season of freedom with brandy, women, and gambling. Lady Octavia has decided to find a lover for the season, and she has set her sights on Angelo, who is rumored to be the best lover in England.
She proposes a scandalous arrangement to him, but he is reluctant to commit to one woman. However, their attraction is undeniable, and they soon find themselves in a passionate affair that might lead to more than they bargained for. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The writing style is engaging and witty, with some humorous dialogues and descriptions. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
She proposes a scandalous arrangement to him, but he is reluctant to commit to one woman. However, their attraction is undeniable, and they soon find themselves in a passionate affair that might lead to more than they bargained for. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The writing style is engaging and witty, with some humorous dialogues and descriptions. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
June 23, 2023
Lady Octavia Kepple is now a widow after being married for 10 years to a man who had mistresses and never loved her. She does not want to marry again, but she does want to find passion and pleasure. Octavia decides she will find a rake and find out the passion and pleasure that was denied her in her marriage. Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton, has made a promise to his mother that he would marry before Christmas. His father is ill and he knows he needs to marry and have an heir being the only son. Angelo had been attracted to Octavia at her first Season, but at that time he did not want to settle down. When he overhears her conversation with her sister of her desire to take a rake for the Season. He wants to be that rake. What happens as these two people come together for only the Season per their agreement? There are a few "steamy" parts, but I think the growth in the characters would have been enough to keep your interest even without it.
June 16, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book by this author. Well written, full of drama, love, passion, romance, steam great characters, lots of twists and turns. Both Angelo and Octavia have this season to achieve their goals, his to find a wife after having his final flings and hers to find a rake following her ten rules. When these two come together, everything seems to go together for both of them. She gets the passion she wants, he gets the woman who always has intrigued him. Both promise not to fall in love but love has its own way of doing things. So many hot , steamy feelings between them with one extra bonus in the end. Could go on and on about them but you really must read this book. Enjoy, curl up with a drink as you will not want to put it down. Would recommend this book to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
June 19, 2023
Both Angelo and Lady Octavia want to spend this Season as their last opportunity for freedom. Angelo, the Earl of Bolton, wants to woo as many women as he can before he finally gives up his rakish ways and marries a proper miss before Christmas to please his mother. Lady Octavia is finally out of mourning for her late husband, and she wants to take advantage of the benefits of being a widow. Having a handsome rake as a lover for one season would satisfy Octavia, and then she could retire to the country and lead a quiet life. She's got a set of rules, and she's hoping the Earl of Bolton will agree to her terms.
This story has some sizzling romance as Angelo and Octavia explore their relationship. What starts out as a very business-like agreement could develop into so much more, if only they both open up to the possibilities.
This story has some sizzling romance as Angelo and Octavia explore their relationship. What starts out as a very business-like agreement could develop into so much more, if only they both open up to the possibilities.
June 24, 2023
Very entertaining story of two people who are looking for passion and diversion, but find love instead. Octavia has had a taste of passion at the beginning of her marriage, but then her husband showed his true colors. She’s a widow now, free to explore life and passion and wants to find a rake to help her. The most important of her ten rules? No love or affection, but only passion and maybe friendship. And who better than Angelo can fulfill her requirements?
Angelo wants to enjoy his last Season as a bachelor, because duty will force him to marry soon. He’s attracted by Octavia, but he can’t be tied to her for the entire Season… Or can he?
I liked this new “chapter” of the Wicked Widows League. I read it in a few hours and it was a very pleasant read with well-developed characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Angelo wants to enjoy his last Season as a bachelor, because duty will force him to marry soon. He’s attracted by Octavia, but he can’t be tied to her for the entire Season… Or can he?
I liked this new “chapter” of the Wicked Widows League. I read it in a few hours and it was a very pleasant read with well-developed characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2023
Unlike most fairly predictable Regency romances, this one was hard to put down. It was still a little predictable, but delightfully so. The two leads were strong and independent, and although I disapprove of men being lauded for being rakes, Angelo has a sensitivity and background that at least gives a reason other than selfishness and disdain for women.
Highlighting the appalling ways women were married off, this story also shows how a young woman can be tricked and trapped and it seems her family is either unaware, or unable to do anything to help her, once the marriage is done.
The couple's growing feelings were there, but gently told. A lovely story. This was an ARC I voluntarily read and reviewed.
Highlighting the appalling ways women were married off, this story also shows how a young woman can be tricked and trapped and it seems her family is either unaware, or unable to do anything to help her, once the marriage is done.
The couple's growing feelings were there, but gently told. A lovely story. This was an ARC I voluntarily read and reviewed.
June 17, 2023
The romance between Lady Octavia and Angelo, Earl of Bolton, was a total delight. Angelo, a renowned rake, promised his parents that he would marry by Christmas , so he determines to find all the pleasure he can during the season. Octavia is a widow just out of mourning, who has never known passion, so she seeks to find the greatest rake she knows , to show her what she’s missed. And Angelo happens to be that rake. When the two finally agree on her ten rules for their affair, the sparks ignite and they can’t get enough of one another. Too bad that one of the rules is that they cannot fall in love, and Octavia has agreed to help find him the proper wife!
June 17, 2023
Fab Story
In a family plagued by scandal the widowed Lady Octavia knows that she must be very discreet if she wishes to follow her plan to take a lover. When she informs her sister of the plan, she is overheard by the Earl of Bolton, a rake who wishes to sow his last seeds before succumbing to marriage. He finds Octavia more difficult to persuade than he expected and has to work to gain her favour. There are rules in place but can they keep to them?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In a family plagued by scandal the widowed Lady Octavia knows that she must be very discreet if she wishes to follow her plan to take a lover. When she informs her sister of the plan, she is overheard by the Earl of Bolton, a rake who wishes to sow his last seeds before succumbing to marriage. He finds Octavia more difficult to persuade than he expected and has to work to gain her favour. There are rules in place but can they keep to them?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2023
Loving this series!
Lady Octavia Kipple is now a widow and wants a rake to give her what she never had in her marriage, passion and the ultimate satisfaction. Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton must marry by Christmas. Known as a rake, this is his last Season to enjoy himself, but the widow he never forgot ten years ago on her come out attracts him like no other. If he can bend her ten rules for an affair, it will be passionate like no other. One rule will be broken. Heat level scorching hot!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
Lady Octavia Kipple is now a widow and wants a rake to give her what she never had in her marriage, passion and the ultimate satisfaction. Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton must marry by Christmas. Known as a rake, this is his last Season to enjoy himself, but the widow he never forgot ten years ago on her come out attracts him like no other. If he can bend her ten rules for an affair, it will be passionate like no other. One rule will be broken. Heat level scorching hot!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
June 15, 2023
Absolutely loved Angelo and Octavia's story. Angelo needs a wife by Christmas, due to his father's ill health. Octavia wants a Rake just for a season with no strings and lots of rules after her disastrous first marriage to a philandering late husband. What neither expected was passion, attraction and love. Especially as Octavia can't have children, but love is against Octavia's tenth rule. Until the unexpected happens that turns the impossible to hopefully a possible future.
June 23, 2023
A Rake to Savour
This was a joy to read. The characters were very likeable and you felt the honesty with Angelo and Octavia. The discussions they had on her rules were quite amusing. The discretion that she so wanted was done to perfection by the hero and you could see the love building between them. The ending was pure angst and very satisfying that they got their HEA.
This was a joy to read. The characters were very likeable and you felt the honesty with Angelo and Octavia. The discussions they had on her rules were quite amusing. The discretion that she so wanted was done to perfection by the hero and you could see the love building between them. The ending was pure angst and very satisfying that they got their HEA.
September 13, 2023
I Laughed and I Cried!
Only found 2 mistakes in this story. My goodness I just loved this one too. I didn’t want it to end. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Octavia and Angelo were both great characters. I’m so happy the ending turned out so well. 3 more stories to go. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰
Only found 2 mistakes in this story. My goodness I just loved this one too. I didn’t want it to end. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Octavia and Angelo were both great characters. I’m so happy the ending turned out so well. 3 more stories to go. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰
January 22, 2024
This is a fun, entertaining read. Angelo and Octavia are interesting, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining, it’s fun to see the woman who brought Angelo to his knees. Their romance is very fitting for them. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. The story is easy to read and get into.
June 22, 2023
I really liked Angelo and Octavia. Octavia is a widow but had such a bad marriage that she never wants to marry again. Her husband had mistresses the whole time they were married and would flaunt the fact that they gave him sons and she didn't. Angelo's father is dying and tells him that he has to be married by Christmas. Angelo thought he had more time, so now he will enjoy the Season and then will pick a bride and marry at Christmas. He overhears a conversation Octavia had with her sister and is intrigued. Octavia wants a lover, someone who will concentrate on her but will not fall in love with her. She thought her husband was in love with her until after they were married. As she gets to know Angelo, she realizes that he is a great guy and she isn't sure she should be involved with him. He wears her down. The problem is, he needs a wife who can give him an heir. They have fallen in love with each other and can't be together. An impossible situation.
June 16, 2023
A passionate romance filled with wonderful writing and characters. An agreement that brings so much more for Angelo and Octavia.
June 22, 2023
very good story
This story is truly a fairytale, this is one of those happily ever afters that most people do not get in their real lives.
This story is truly a fairytale, this is one of those happily ever afters that most people do not get in their real lives.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews