The Rebel and the Rake

Lots of twists and turns! Set in 1897 in Glasgow then London, this story not only delivers an outstanding "when you know, you know" romance but it also takes a hard look at the struggle for women's rights and just how far a man should go in the name of patriotism. Rafe and Sylvia meet at a house party hosted by Mr. Wardale, a wealthy man of influence who has just recently purchased the Scottish castle where our story begins. Wardale has a job for Rafe - find the spy in their midst who stole important papers from him, and investigate every single guest in the process. Without blowing his own cover as a spy for the Crown. Sylvia is a strong, intelligent, brave young woman who is determined to defy convention wherever and whenever necessary. She has her own secrets to keep, but in order to do that she must follow the directions of an unknown blackmailer. Her best friend, Georgiana, is on hand for both moral support and as the niece-in-law of Sylvia's employer, an eccentric elderly woman who hires Sylvia as her secretary to put her extraordinary memoirs down on paper. Their paths might never have crossed but for the undeniable chemistry these two share, though they try to maintain their distance to protect their secrets. The author moves the complex story "through the intricate steps with a graceful competence" and renders a beautifully irresistible tale that will stay in your heart for a very long time. The character growth is masterfully detailed, spinning both Rafe's and Sylvia's lives on end before finally settling into a satisfyingly triumphant HEA. I love that even in her willingness to embrace traditions, Sylvia still managed to forge a unique path all her own. She's one of my all-time favorite book heroines. I loved the intensity of their romance, the witty and thought-provoking banter, and the surprisingly diabolical twist near the end. This is a clever romantic suspense tale that will keep you swooning right up to the very last page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Lady's companion Sylvia wants nothing more than to lead a quiet life. A blackmailer has other plans. And when Rafe, a spy for the crown, sets his sites on her, things suddenly get very…complicated. Rafe can see through her façade, in the best—and worst—ways. She holds her own until the blackmailer gets impatient. Will the risks be worth the reward of falling in love? This is a fun book with great characters and a plot that will keep you guessing. This is my first book by the author, but I look forward to reading more! Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.