To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey

⭐️⭐️

To be completely and totally honest, I shelved this book a few weeks ago with the intention of coming back to it...and I forgot. It was a chore just to get to 12% and I couldn't imagine finishing it.

This was a definite case of lust at first sight as both characters were having fantasies about each other within the first few minutes of meeting each other. For me, this makes a tedious read.

I didn't feel like the infamous letter from the first book was much of a threat given that Hawk already had a husband lined up for his sister. Take out that element and the fact that both characters want in each others' pants from the beginning and there's not much here to keep me reading.

I MIGHT give the third in the series a shot.

This is the second book in the Rakes of St James and I was hooked from the start, Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawthorne is the guardian of his younger sister and she is now at the age for her first season, he has heard that due to his past indiscretions, the young men are going to make him pay and because he doesn't want his sister to pay for his mistakes decides to find a husband for her before the season starts, unfortunately he has one obstacle, the intended grooms sister, who believes her kind and gentle brother should only marry for love.

This was really good, I was intrigued from the start, I loved Hawk and Loretta, they had a fabulous rapport, and in no time I found I'd finished the book.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own opinion

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.

Loretta Quick is a woman with gumption. She declined an arranged marriage despite her uncle's opposition and has been exiled to the country every since, without getting bitter. When a duke comes calling — he wants his sister to marry her brother -- her world is turned upside down. The characters in this book are lovely-- Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, is a rake, but one who genuinely loves his sister. His search for a husband is not to control, but to protect. Yet Miss Quick won't easily agree -- she wants her brother to love his future wife, and she and the duke begin their battle. They are in a different kind of combat, as well. Both are attracted to each other, with the kind of connection that can lead to love. Here's where the story goes a little off the tracks, at least for me. A gentleman of that time should not seek to seduce an innocent; that makes him less hero-worthy. At the same time, a young woman left to rot in the country would not turn down a handsome duke (he does propose, after all!) just because of a "vow." In other words, I did not believe the obstacle to their HEA. The duke, after all, despite being a little sneaky in the beginning -- he wanted to seduce Loretta -- quickly did the right thing, and not out of honor, but because he realized he was caught. Her saying no just made no sense, although the author's solution was lovely. (I received an advanced copy from NetGalley.This is my honest review.)

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

Hawk and Loretta journey is interesting and fun. The authors style flows beautifully and makes the reading very exciting!

Publisher's Description:
The next lush, romantic novel in the Regency romance series, The Rakes of St. James, from New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey!

There may be times when a gentleman is desperate to gain a lady’s attention, but a gentleman would never resort to desperate measures to obtain it.
—A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is guardian for his sweet, younger sister. Due to his misguided past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James, Hawk is hoping to avoid the Season by securing a match for her before it begins. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, but for one infuriating—and unexpectedly intoxicating—obstacle: the intended groom’s own sister, Miss Loretta Quick.

Having narrowly avoided her own arranged marriage to an unacceptable nobleman, Loretta is determined that her dear brother—a gentle, good-natured soul—should marry for love. Matching wits with Hawk may be her greatest challenge yet. . .until she realizes it may also be her greatest pleasure. For the young duke’s irresistible charm has not only begun to crumble her stubborn resolve, it has claimed her heart in true love as well in To the Duke, With Love.

My Thoughts:
I couldn't put this well written book down once I started the read. I read the first book in this series earlier this year and I liked it very much so when this one became available I jumped on the chance for the read.

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, Hawk, is the guardian for his younger sister who is about to make her come out. Due to some unsavory things that he and his friends did as youthful lords, he is very much afraid that others will use his past to cast scandal on his sister. Therefore he intends to find her a suitable match and get her betrothed before the season begins.
That hopeful match is Paxton Quick. Only one person stands in his way, Paxton's older sister Loretta who is much opposed to arranged marriages due to the fact that she narrowly escaped one of her own.
Upon meeting Loretta Hawk is attracted to the reclusive beauty.
How will this tale proceed? Will Hawk and Loretta come to terms about the union of their siblings? Will they find their own Happily Ever After too?
I gave this well written title 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. There is an immediate attraction between our hero and heroine and it is bound to lead to intimacy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read for review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which i read and reviewed voluntarily.

TO THE DUKE, WITH LOVE by Amelia Grey is Book Two in "The Rakes of St. James". This is the story of Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn and Loretta Quick. Hawk and a few of his friends caused a scandal a few years back that still seems to live on. Now Hawk's sister Adelethat is coming out / making her debut. So he plans to have her a husband before that happens. Hawk thinks the perfect man for her would be Paxton Quick. When he goes to talk to Paxton he instead meets Loretta.
Loretta knows all about arranged marriages. Loretta was strong enough to walk away from one but her Uncle did isolate her to the Mammoth House. Now three years later she is confronted with Hawks ideal for her brother and his sister. Loretta is not wanting that for her caring brother...he should have a love match. I am such a fan of Ms. Grey's writing...so for me this was just a joy to read! Loved it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Hawk and Loretta, the hero and heroine of this story, had engaging arguments throughout the book. Hawk wanted to arrange a marriage for his sister and the man he’d chosen was Loretta’s brother. Loretta didn’t want her brother to agree to an arranged marriage with someone he didn’t love. As Loretta seeks reassurance her brother is certain of whatever decision he makes, she finds herself with the duke and having to deal with her own growing attraction to him.

I haven’t read the first book and didn’t feel like I was missing any key information while reading this one.

The Duke of Rathburne is an interesting secondary character and I’m looking forward to reading his book.

**I was provided an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Ever since reading the first book of the Rakes of St. James series, Last Night With the Duke, I had been stalking the release date of To the Duke, with Love. Hawk is my favorite rake (so far), and I was excited for his story.

His story did not disappoint. A somewhat misguided Hawk attempts to arrange a match between his sister and Miss Loretta Quick's brother in an attempt to avoid subjecting his sister to cruelty based on a previous act. What ensues is an entertaining read.

I greatly enjoyed the banter between Hawk and Miss Quick. Amelia Grey writes wonderful female characters who are intelligent and stubborn and strong in a time period where these qualities were not appreciated. The only thing I was skeptical about is the fact that Hawk and Loretta seem to be so immediately in lust AND acknowledge it. There wasn't a slow burn here that is common in historical romances.

A worthy entry into the Rakes of St. James cannon, and I cannot wait for book 3!

I didn't finish this book so I can't review.
I didn't like the characters

3.5 Stars - A nice historical regency romance and continuation of an engaging series. Hawk and Loretta make an impact from their first meeting and we all see the writing on the wall. While I didn’t enjoy this installment as much as the first book, it held my attention well all the way through. My problem was that I think believable chemistry was missing all around. The secondary romance was between two folks who liked each other well enough, but had no passion for one another. The H and h seem to have some desire for one another, but there was no real time or prolonged interactions for the affection to be more than skin deep.

All in all, you'll likely enjoy the read for the escape it offers, but it won't have any lasting effects.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

2.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Rakes of St. James series by Amelia Grey, it revolves around Sloane Knox, Duke Hawksthorn (Hawk) and Miss Loretta Quick. Hawk and his two friends had played a joke on some debutants in the past which backfired on them and has resulted in them being dubbed “the Rakes of St. James”. Due to this joke they have many people in the Ton, namely the brothers of the affected debutants, who would love to take revenge on them through their sisters who are all entering the Season one by one. Hawk’s sister is the latest to enter the season and Hawk is attempting to secure a match for her before it begins in order to keep her relatively safe from other gentlemen. He has identified the perfect gentleman for her and during his attempt to discuss his offer with the gentleman he finds an unexpected obstacle – the gentleman’s sister Ms. Quick.

Loretta Quick has been banished to live in the middle of nowhere after humiliating her uncle and guardian by walking out on an arranged marriage at the altar. She was made to take a vow never to marry and live away from society as a result of this. She is also determined to make sure that her brother is not himself trapped into a loveless arranged marriage.

I am generally a fan of Amelia Grey’s writing, however this novel did not do it for me. I found that I was struggling to finish and skimming through a lot of the text. While it is very well written, it was just – to be frank – boring. I did not believe in many aspects of the book. To start, the instant love that is felt by both Hawk and Loretta seemed very unbelievable, I can understand an immediate physical attraction but she turns around and right away Hawk seems to be instantly in love. I would have liked to see their attraction develop more realistically over time rather than through one meeting. After this one meeting and a night spent in the same house, they seem to think about each other constantly. They only really have two or three meetings before they are claiming to love each other. For a girl who comes across as pretty naïve, I can understand this on the part of Loretta. But for a notorious rake it is much harder to believe that two meetings with a girl is enough for love.

Another aspect of the book that bugged me was the willingness of Mr. Quick (Loretta’s brother) and Adele (Hawk’s sister) to just give in to the wishes of someone else. It was really strange that a young girl would be so willing to not just let, but actually want, her brother to choose a groom for her without even having the enjoyable experiences of flirting and being fawned over by other gentlemen. She seemed to have no interest in that with the only reason being that she couldn’t be bothered to put forth any effort. This really painted Adele as a very one-dimensional girl who only cares to live a simple life and be looked after. This was the same for Mr. Quick, he enters the novel admiring some girl he met at a party and wishing to see said girl again, and then ends the novel seemingly at ease with marrying another girl he just met. The reader never really gets to observe any sort of interaction between Adele and Mr. Quick other than the brief introductions, so it is difficult to understand why they even like each other. Mr. Quick was also painted very one-dimensionally, as a brother who just wants to be independent from his uncle and who is happy to settle for any nice girl.

In addition to this narrative, there is also the side story of a street child who comes into the Ms. Quick’s house in need of health care. Ms. Quick looks after the child and gets very emotionally attached – this can only be attributed to the fact that she lives in relative isolation in the middle of nowhere with no company. The whole story line with this boy also just seemed off, there was something very unrealistic about many aspects of it.

Lastly, the big moral dilemma of the story was that Ms. Quick took a vow in a church to new marry. She seems very set on this and won’t budge throughout the book. Yet towards the end, this problem is quickly resolved in a very abrupt way. Again, it all just was unrealistic to me as a reader.

Overall, I would not recommend this book. The writing was great and the conversations between the Duke and Loretta were fun to read. However, the plot was a bit unrealistic and it was not entertaining enough to keep me wanting to read.

~ Harshita

This is the second installment in The Rakes of St. James series by Amelia Grey. The second rake in the series is the Duke of Hawksthorn, “Hawk”. His sister Adele is getting to ready to make her debut this Season. But with the scandal sheet fueling the gossip mongers, all over London, about the scandal from his past, he is desperate to have his sister’s betrothal settled before the season starts.
So, Hawk sets out to visit Mammoth House and Paxton Quick to arrange a betrothal between him and his sister Adele. But after a long and terrible journey, Hawk finds that Paxton is not at home . But as luck would have it, Hawk must deal with the unexpected, intriguing, as well as beautiful, and shapely, Loretta Quick. His immediate attraction to her beauty, and her infuriating, wit and intelligence, makes it hard for him to concentrate on the important issue before him.
Loretta Quick is Paxton’s sister, who has been confined to Mammoth House as punishment for refusing to go through with an arranged marriage. And with everything that Loretta has been through, she definitely wants her brother to marry for love . What unfolds is a delightful combination of romance and stolen moments as Hawk tries to change Lorettas’ mind regarding her situation, as well as the feelings they have for each other.
I was immediately hooked. Their immediate attraction and sizzling awareness, between these two characters jumps off the page. I loved and admired Loretta. She is such a strong, relatable character. She's honest and forthright, not afraid to say what's on her mind, but still respectful. You can't help but cheer her on because she's been dealt a pretty crappy hand in life but never complains about it. Reformed rake, Hawk, is a swoon worthy hero and easy to fall in love with. His tenacity and determination to get exactly what he wants is sexy and it's easy to understand why Loretta is immediately attracted to him. What I loved most about his character is his sense of honor and his intense loyalty to his sister as well to his strong feelings for Loretta.
Loretta and Hawk find that whether they are together or apart, all they can think of is the other, and the more they spend time together and get to know each other, the more they want each other. I also really enjoyed getting a different side to this era. Instead of reading about Balls and gowns we were given a glimpse of some real life issues dealing with poverty and child labor. Amelia Grey really developed complex characters that added dimension to the story. Even the secondary characters were well developed. Their little story within the book will definitely tug at your heartstrings. We also get to briefly catch up with the other rakes of St. James and I'm really looking forward to Raths’ story next. I also loved that there was even romance outside the story of our main characters and I love that Overall, this was a really heartwarming, sweet read and I can't wait to see what Amelia Grey gives us next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rake and the Unbreakable Vow
Miss Loretta Quick was banished to a remote property when she embarrassed herself, her family and her betrothed’s family when she left her groom at the altar. For three years she has lived with only her brother for male companionship until the day a very damp Duke lands on her doorstep and she starts to crave a different life. I loved this story, the characters and the introduction of an unreformed street urchin was interesting to say the least.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Hawk’s sister is coming out this season and he knows there are people in society that would like to see him pay for his past.  He can’t let them use his sister.  What’s a Duke to do?  Arrange her engagement before the start of the season… and he knows just the guy.
Loretta Quick gave up her chance at marriage years ago when she refused her uncle’s chosen groom.  He made her vow never to marry, and now she lives quietly in the country.  When the Duke shows up wanting her brother to marry his sister, this is the last thing she wants.  She knows how well her own arranged courtship went, and she wants her brother to find love.  She can’t deny that she is tempted by the duke, though.  As the two fight back and forth, and their siblings become closer it becomes obvious that there may be more than one match here…. but can Hawk get Loretta to let go of her vow?
I loved this book!  The author did a good job of making Loretta and Hawk well developed, engaging and easy to love.  I was drawn to both of them, and felt their struggles.  The story line was good but not stellar.  I usually like her books better and perhaps I expected too much.  There just wasn’t enough time with other characters for me, not enough spark.  It’s still a four star book for me, but I feel like it could have been more.  
On the adult content side… well, it’s a romance.  Obviously there’s sexual content, but not so much or so explicit as to be off-putting.  This was more plot driven than sexual, which pleased me.  Still, it is geared toward adults.  I give it a five.   
I was offered an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s press in exchange for an honest review.  My thanks.  If any of my readers aren’t already working with Netgalley, I highly recommend them.  
The book comes out tomorrow- Who’s ready?  Also, has anyone read book one of this series?  Is it worth a look?

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. This was a 3.25 read for me which rounded down to 3.25. To the Duke, with Love is a perfect story for readers who appreciate character driven stories. Hawk, the Duke of Hawthorn, has wants to secure an engagement for his younger sister ahead of the Season to prevent any mischief towards her. Several years ago, Hawk and his two friends, the Rakes of St. James, made a bet that saw them sending anonymous letters to debutantes to see who could get the most young women to show up for a secret meeting; word got out and hostility towards the Rakes is rumoured to continue to this day with whispering that Hawk's sister could be targeted during her first season. Hawk travels to meet with Paxton who is perfect for Hawk's sister Lady Adele. What Hawk wasn't counting on was the opposition of Paxton's sister, Loretta. Loretta has spent the previous three years banished to the country by her uncle after leaving her fiance at the altar; she is determined that her brother only marry for love. Hawk is immediately drawn to Loretta and after spending the night in the same house as her, he finds himself plotting how he can see her again. The rest of the story features the two coming to terms with the feelings and finding the way to their happily ever after. Hawk's devotion to his sister, who comes off as somewhat immature despite assertions she's just naive, is admirable and his desire to free Loretta from her uncle's forced isolation are very admirable. Although he is described as a rake, nothing in the story really demonstrates that the title was deserved. Loretta's desire to see her brother happy and her ability to forgive are impressive, as is her efforts to help an orphan who finds his way to her door in the middle of a snow storm. I was frustrated by Loretta's insistence in keeping a vow made three years ago under duress, but overall, I found the story a good way to pass the time.

To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey
The Rakes of St. James #2

Three young men made a wager…
A scandalous wager – at least society said it was.
Three young dukes gained the dubious “honor” of being named…
…The Rakes of Saint James.

Years later Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn is worried about his sister’s first season…there are rumors that his sister might have to face drama as he and his friends created for twelve young women with their wager. So, his plan is to have Adele betrothed BEFORE her season begins. Little does he know that the Quick family might provide him and his both the perfect matches.

From the first meeting of Loretta Quick and Hawk the sparks flew. There was a kiss but Loretta was way too smart to allow more. The book does finally see them together but it takes effort on Hawk’s part to achieve his heart’s desire. Adele and Paxton have a nice side story that may also provide a much tamer HEA at some point in the future.

There is another thread in the story of an orphaned street boy that appears at Loretta’s door. Hawk never really trusts him but does keep an eye on him. Loretta wants Farley to have a life and family that is more than he has known but whether or not he will be willing to make changes or even want to do so is left hanging a bit. It might be nice to hear what eventually becomes of him in the future.

I enjoyed the story and it was in keeping with the era but it did not overwhelm me or draw me in as some books do. I wondered how realistic Loretta’s situation would have been and how she could be so malleable and obedient to her uncle while also so strong willed when with Hawk. I found Hawk to be an okay guy but kind of wanted to know more about him and his regular life and what he enjoyed doing. All in all it was an okay story and I would like to find out what will happen to the third Rake of St. James when Duke Rathburne’s story is told.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

This is the second book in "The Rakes of St James" in which Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, is the hero. Hawk is desperately trying to save his sister Adele's debut into Society by having her betrothed to Paxton Quick before the Season starts. He's still trying to live down a prank by him and his 2 friends when they were younger and he's afraid that Adele may be a target for mischief because of the prank. On a visit to discuss this marriage proposition with Paxton, Hawk meets his beautiful sister, Loretta, and he's drawn to her.

The premise of arranged marriages in this book is probably something that happened quite frequently to young women. Adele, however, is perfectly fine with Hawk finding her a husband. Loretta finds the notion appalling as she had refused to marry the man her uncle had picked out for her. I loved the interactions between Loretta and Hawk, she was quite outspoken for a young woman, but Hawk finds her candor refreshing. The backstory for both these two is teased out and kept the story moving along. I wasn't very fond of Adele who seemed like a spoiled young woman who thought everyone should cater to her every whim. With the introduction of a street urchin, Farley, it kept the story interesting. Ms. Grey is a talented author and I look forward to reading the next story in this series. While this story moves along slower than some other romances, I applaud Ms. Grey for tackling some harsh realities in the Regency world.

In To the Duke, With Love, Amelia Grey's second installment in her Rakes of St. James series the author takes a slightly different path from her usual and centers the story in a lonely, very isolated manor where the heroine, Miss Loretta Quick resides. I leave it to the reader to find out just why Loretta lives in such an isolated place. Amelia Grey also introduces the reader to a London street urchin who stumbles onto the manor property during a snowstorm. Reading about the background of a London street urchin definitely gives a different, darker view of this era. How Hawk, the Duke of Hawksthorne meets and falls in love with the lovely Miss Loretta Quick makes for an enjoyable read.

This was a fascinating read for me. The interaction between a rogue and an innocent had me anticipating what could possibly happen next. The author's portrayal of the personalities of the Duke of Hawksthorne and Miss Quick is a masterful bit of writing. I really enjoyed this story!