To the Duke, With Love: The Rakes of St. James

Why are we at our best, when we are acting at our worst? Perhaps it's the thrill of the challenge. A knee jerk reaction to insecurity. Or maybe, we long to be accepted for who we really are and not who others want us to be. My favorite characters are ones that challenge my mind while conversing with my heart. Those are the one's that leave a lasting impressing on the soul. To the Duke With Love is what a love story should be. Not perfect, but true. Sloane and Loretta believe that they are unworthy of love, but long to help the people they care about find happiness. Ms. Grey has penned an insightful tale of sacrifice, love and happy endings. It takes a while to get there, but the trek is worth the wait.

The Duke of Hawthorne, one of the infamous Rakes of St James, was losing sleep over his sister. Adele was about to have her first season, and Hawke was anxious. There were rumors, that because Hawke had been guilty of tainting a few reputations in the past, that some ill-intentioned gentlemen were planning on paying him back. The last thing Hawke wanted, was for his sweet sister to pay for his mistakes. The Duke decided that finding a husband for his sister and securing an engagement before the season started, was the best way to protect her. Hawke declared to his sister that Paxton Quick would make the perfect husband for her. He was good-looking, even-tempered, and didn’t drink or gamble to excess. Hawke never imagined, however, that his greatest adversary would be Paxton’s sister, Loretta. Hawke was not accustomed to people challenging his requests. As a Duke, Hawke was used to people bending to his will, not the other way around. Loretta was dead-set, against arranged marriages, and was irritated with the Duke for even suggesting one. Loretta didn’t want, her brother missing out on a love-match, just because the Duke was waving his sister’s hefty dowry in front of him. Loretta fought her attraction to Hawke. She had vowed never to marry years ago. She couldn’t allow the handsome Duke’s confident charm, to wiggle itself, into her heart. But, the more time she spent with him; the harder it became. To The Duke With Love is an enjoyable Regency romance. It’s the second book in The Rakes of St. James series. This book wasn’t as riveting as the first book in the series, but it was captivating, just the same. I plan on reading the third novel in this series as soon as it is available. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

Years ago Loretta made a vow that she will never break. Since that moment she has been isolated, away from friends and society. When Hawk arrives to present an arrangement to her brother she feels the whisper of discontent at what her life has turned out to be. Hawk is instantly taken with Loretta and her forthright attitude and determination to win any argument. Even as he takes steps to solidify his plans for his sister he maneuvers circumstances to his benefit regarding the charming woman who has captured his attention. While parts of this was wordy and full of introspection, the building relationship between the main characters was engaging. They are perfect for each other and yet Loretta cannot yield to Hawk’s desires. There is a couple of secondary storylines that helped to move the book along and the one regarding Farley was heart wrenching. Overall, this was a pleasant read. This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. Dual POV Safe No apparent triggers