Hawk will do anything to ensure his sister has a husband before her first season. His scandalous past with sending out letters to several young ladies threaten to ruin them when a prank got out of hand. On his way to meet a possible suitor he meets his sister. Her fiery attitude only interest Hawk to get to know her better. He will not be dissuaded her her attempts to ignore his every advance. Loretta never stood a chance.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters had wonderful chemistry, and I definitely want to read more by this author!

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, Hawk is guardian for his sweet, spoilt younger sister Adele. Hawk is hoping to avoid the Season by securing a match for her before it begins as he fears she may be targeted due to his misguided past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James,. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, Paxton Quick.. Miss Loretta Quick having narrowly avoided her own arranged marriage to an unacceptable nobleman, is determined that her dear brother a gentle, good-natured soul should marry for love.
I loved this book the attraction between Hawk & Loretta was apparent from their first meeting & only grew. However it was their verbal sparring that was a joy, she’s been hidden away in the country since she jilted her fiancé & has vowed not to marry, Hawk enjoys life as a bachelor but they’ve each met their match. Add a young ill urchin, Farley into the mix for a page turning heart warming read. I particularly enjoyed Farley’s story & Loretta’s efforts to reform him. Adele & Paxton are likeable secondary characters who although both naïve added to the story. I now look forward to Rath’s story.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The second book in The Rogues of St. James, although it’s easy to pick up the flow of the series so far.
This was a pretty enjoyable read, Loretta Quick a young woman who refused to marry the man her uncle had chosen for her and had waited the day of the wedding to refuse has been send to live a life in exile in the country. Sloan Knox the Duke of Hawksthorne has decide that Paxton Quick Loretta’s brother would be the perfect husband for his younger sister, but he never expected to find the beautiful older sister and fall head over heels in love with Loretta. After some intimate kisses and witty conversation he knows that she’s the one for him, his only obstacle is the vow of never getting married that has to be dealt with.
Loretta and Hawk have an instant attraction to each other and I love the way he just stalked her wearing her défenses down. The secondary characters were extremely likeable and added depth to the story. Overall they had a few i stickers to overcome before the ever coveted HEA. I can’t wait to read the last Rakes downfall in love.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion .

I’ve read books by Amelia Grey before and I actually thought I’d read the first in this series but I haven’t. I read the first book in the Heirs Club of Scoundrels series, not the Rakes of St James series. Honestly, it’s surprisingly difficult to keep all these complicatedly named series’ straight about rakish Dukes.

The Duke of Hawthorn intends to marry his younger sister off to a man he has handpicked for her. His sister trusts him to weed out the rakes (like himself), the wastrels, the ones who gamble too much or who aren’t as deep in the pocket as they like to be seen as. However when he goes to broach the idea with his choice, he discovers that the man is absent from the house and instead he encounters his sister, Miss Loretta Quick. The Duke finds her immediately interesting – she’s not afraid to question him, confront him and she’s definitely not a fan of his plan to marry his sister and her brother.

Loretta once had a marriage arranged for her and it ended in disaster and her social isolation. Now she lives her days in one of her uncle’s houses, where the only person she really sees is her brother. The Duke is somewhat of a novelty but Loretta is horrified by his plan. She’s determined that her brother have the freedom to marry a woman of his choosing, someone that he can build a life of love with. Not someone coldly chosen on the back of breeding and social compatibility. She makes it defiantly clear to the Duke that she will counsel her brother against this match, no matter how many interesting things the Duke makes her feel.

This book was a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I appreciated the bluntness with which it deals with the idea of arranged marriages. The Duke is undertaking his duty as head of the family to ensure that his sister marries someone worthy of her and he’s not just looking for the man with the title or the most money. He’s also taking into account his sister’s temperament and the sort of lifestyle to which she has become expected, which is interesting. He wants a man who will treat her kindly, not just one who can further the family dynasty. His sister is perfectly content to trust in her brother’s choice, not really caring about having an input. She looks to avoid the stress of a season by being betrothed before it begins, having been somewhat frightened about it by her chaperone. Loretta on the other hand, is perhaps before her time, wanting her brother to marry for love and happiness, not family connections and good breeding. There was a lot of spirited debate between Loretta and the Duke about arranged marriages and the pros and cons as well as debates about other things. Loretta is certainly quite forthright and perhaps her social isolation has really made her treat everyone equally. The Duke finds it very refreshing that she talks back to him, because, you know, he’s a Duke and people don’t do that to them.

But I have to admit, I found this book a bit boring. I didn’t really feel the connection/chemistry between the Duke and Loretta at all and sometime the debates became well, tedious, rather than exciting. Their interactions really didn’t hold my interest at all and I found the Duke not particularly rakish, despite his formidable reputation. Loretta seemed to spend a lot of time halfheartedly protesting something based on a ridiculous vow she’d made years ago and I honestly didn’t really get the angst circling around it. As if her uncle, who was intent on punishing her for her rebelliousness, would protest at her marrying a Duke of all people and bring up that vow from years ago. It just made no sense and there was a lot of time devoted to it at the end of the book. Also the story with the Duke’s sister and Loretta’s brother could’ve been a really interesting secondary plot but it fizzled out and both of them lacked personality. In fact it made all the debates basically meaningless.

6/10

This was a delightfully sweet read. It was well written, the characters were well developed and the story stayed on-point throughout. There was an excellent supporting cast along with the main hero and heroine. One thing that I loved about the book was the lack of forced drama and hand-wringing angst. It was a sweet, forward moving love story – and I really liked that.

This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The author gives enough of the background of the Rakes of St. James that you aren’t left wondering what is going on. The Rakes of St. James are three Dukes who caused a notorious scandal when they were much younger. They didn’t mean to, it was just that they were young, drunk and unthinking when they came up with a bet. ‘A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady’ had just been published and the three of them were laughing over it when they decided to wager on one of the passages in it. It said that a gentleman should never write an ‘anonymous admirer’ letter to a lady. So, they decided to write an anonymous letter to each of the twelve new debutantes making their come-outs that year. They asked the ladies to meet them, unchaperoned, at a particular secluded place. All of the ladies showed up and when word of what happened accidentally leaked out, reputations were damaged. Now, years later, the Dukes have their own sisters to bring out and they have to protect them from repercussions of that long-ago, ill-advised bet.

Adele Knox, the sister of Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn (Hawk) is to make her debut this season and Hawk wants to assure that she doesn’t suffer any consequences from his long ago bet. He’s come up with the perfect solution – and Adele likes the idea. He’s going to arrange a betrothal for her before the season even begins. He’s researched and inquired and observed and thinks he has found the perfect candidate. Now, he just has to approach the young man, Paxton Quick, and see if he is amenable to the alliance.

Loretta Quick’s uncle has banished her to live at his remote estate – she’s never allowed to leave except for a once-a-year visit to his estate for Christmas. She’s not even allowed to go into the local village – she is required to stay at Mammoth House and not leave. What had she done to be punished so severely? She had walked out on her bridegroom who was waiting at the church. She’s been banished there for three long years and is sure she’ll never be allowed to leave.

When Hawk arrives at Mammoth House to speak with Paxton, he finds Loretta instead. There is insta-lust between the two. I thought that occurred a little quickly even for a romance novel. The insta-lust, kissing, etc. all happen within the first 10% of the book. One thing that made me giggle was the line (only 1% in) “She looked pure, sweet, and completely untouched by masculine hands”. I pictured her walking under a black light and handprints glowing or something.

I really liked both Loretta and Hawk. At first she sounds like a shrew and he seems arrogant, but that is over within the first couple of chapters. The more you get to know them, the more you like and admire them. I really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them get to their HEA.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Because of a bet among three rich and inconsequential boys, Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn, aka Hawk (he was one of the boys mentioned), had to be careful that his little sister, Lady Adele, was not the target of revenge.
For this, he was willing to find her a suitable husband before the Season began.
After researching for candidates, he went to Mammoth House to meet with Mr Quick, the nephew of the Earl of Switchingham.
However, Mr Quick was not at home, and Hawk had to deal with the host's older sister, Miss Loretta Quick.

Loretta Quick had her own share of scandal.
Years ago, when her uncle arranged a convenience marriage for her, Loretta preferred to decline in a crowded church, causing her uncle to be vexed. Because of this, she was a prisoner in that country house, and had a vow never to marry again, ostracized by the Ton.

But Hawk was there on a mission and he never ran away of a challenge. Even more so when he finds himself facing the beautiful woman who is not afraid to tell truths in his face.

Hawk wanted a husband for his sister, but eventually found himself looking for a wife. A "wife" who could never marry.
---------------------

In the second book of the series Rakes of St James, the author decided to bring into the second plot a subject rarely commented on in the historical novels: the difficult life of those who did not have the opportunity in life or were born of families with possessions.
Loretta helps a boy who appears at her door, hungry and sick. But this truth is long overdue. The realization that you can not change the stripes of a tiger.

Interesting and harmonious main and secondary plots.
And now, comes the curiosity in knowing how the third friend will deal with the danger of revenge since he is the only one of the three who does not have a sister to protect.

5 stars

This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone book. Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, has a very bad reputation when it comes to relationships and was well known for writing notes to women to meet him. The women showed at a secret meeting place and the Duke never showed...quite an immature game. His actions lessened the chance of these women finding a reputable man during their season.
The duke is older and a little more mature but he still has never married. . His sister, Adele, is now old enough to have her 1st season. The Duke is afraid that someone will want revenge and will use his sister to get it. He decides he’s going to look for a reputable man for his sister before the season so she would not go to her 1st season. He finds this man in Paxton Quick. The Duke travels to Paxton’s home to discuss the possibility of this arrangement. Paxton is not home, but his sister, Loretta is. Loretta and the Duke almost immediately have an attraction to each other and they now become the main characters in the story, leaving Paxton and Adele to become the secondary characters.
There is one thing wrong with the Duke’s and Loretta’s relationship... Loretta made a vow to her uncle many years ago that she will never marry and will basically be a recluse in her home. For the remainder of the book, the Duke tries to persuade Loretta to break her vow to her uncle so they would be able to get married.
The question is, did the Duke persuade Loretta to marry him and secondly, did Paxton and Adele marry? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
I enjoyed the book and I loved the banter between the Duke and Loretta. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romances.
This book was given to me by the publisher, through Netgalley, as an ARC for an honest review.

I finished To the Duke, with Love and it was really very good and written much better than the first book of this trilogy (last book not out until next summer) and this one will released on 5 Dec but as much as I did enjoy it I am not sure it is worth the $8 they want for it but I think I have gotten a bit cheap on the price of books unless they are exceptional. This was a solid 4 Star story.

First let me say that Ms. Grey is one of my go to authors when looking for something new to read. Her writing for me will keep me entertained for hours and have a hard time putting her books down.. I absolutely enjoyed this book I really liked that this book hit on the hard times that children went through during this time period. Loretta was a strong woman who can stand up to arrogant Dukes, but at the same time is willing to help someone in need.

Sloan Knox is the Duke of Hawksthorn. He has a plan for his sister. Because of his reputation, there are people who are seeking revenge. His sister's first season is about to begin. In order to protect his sister from being the recipient of such revenge, he will find a husband for her.

His choice is Paxton Quick. Mr Quick is a young man of good reputation who is cheerful, not a gambler nor a drunkard. If the betrothal can be arranged before the season starts, Adele will be protected from young men who are seeking to make her pay for the silly trick Sloan and his friends played on young ladies.

When he goes to see Mr Quick, he finds his sister, Loretta and Mr Quick is away from the house.

The meeting between Loretta and Sloan is like a lightning strike. They both find an attraction for the other. But the best part of all this is the conversation. Each of them can give as good as they get. There is challenge, wit, humor and charm all rolled up into every bit of their talk.

Loretta is hidden away in this distant house because she left a Viscount standing at the alter. Her guardian has never forgiven her for the scandal. For a couple of years, she has lived an isolated life and has accepted her fate to remain single for the rest of her life.

She is a lovely young woman who has strong opinions about many things. Among them is the idea that arranged marriages are not good for anyone. She is quite open in telling the Duke that she will discourage her brother from accepting the offer. She wants him to be happy and she feels certain that means he must be allowed to find his own wife.

Ms Grey is such a talented author and this is another well written book.

But there were a few things that seemed to grate on my nerves.

The instant attraction and lust was a little too quick for me. I would have preferred a slower courtship that took into consideration the qualities of each party. Because they had so many traits that meshed well, a little getting to know one another would have been nice. Things just moved too fast for me.

Loretta and Sloan are two very attractive characters. They are smart and witty and funny. They each have a strong sense of loyalty to their family. There is a very romantic feeling to their dealings with one another. It is evident they will end up with a happily ever after future.

Although this is second in a series, it is easy to read as a stand alone.

I won this book in a contest on Goodreads. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

Ok, so, here's my issue with this novel, I didn't like the protagonists.
The hero, Hawk, is too domineering, sometimes he doesn't make sense of what he wants and what he doesn't want, I found him to be a bit too pompous from time to time and, on top of all that, I completely disliked the way he behaves towards Farley. [How the hell can you be a nice person and fault someone, a 12 years old boy, who's is yes a thief, and probably doesn't even know how to behave, but he's still a child who's grown up in the streets. Nobody can be that harsh and judgmental towards someone who has lived that life, you cannot expect integrity from someone who has seen none of it in his entire life, and who had to learn that someone else's loss is his only way to survive.
I cannot like a hero who thinks that way, I'm sorry.

And I cannot even like an heroine who, despite the intention to help this poor boy, blames him so harshly [the moment he steals from her. HE IS 12 and he grew up in a slum, for God's sake! Has nobody thought that maybe he was exploited by a organised crime ring and had nobody to teach him manners and show him the right way? Come on.
Plus she is bound by this vow that she's made to God to never marry. Ok, I don't share the idea, especially with her motives, but ok, I accept that...then she falls in love with someone, but she cannot marry him because of this vow, I am a bit clueless at this point, but I can also accept that. But then, the hero has the amazing idea [ to simply bring her to a church, breaking in in the middle of the night, so she could rescind from her vow without regrets, in the house of God...wow, the idea of the century.
I cannot.
It doesn't make sense. How can you be so morally strict one moment and then contradict that the moment after?

I mean, the romantic attraction was there and palpable, I have to admit it. And this story wasn't all bad, the beginning was nice actually. But that's where it ended for me.

I think it's safe to say, based on my opinion of this book and it's predecessor, that Amelia Grey's books are not for me. I found this book to be too absurd to be taken seriously, even though I am certain it will be well received upon publication due to the advanced positive reviews. Amelia Grey writes very well, but her characters leave much to be desired. I found the literally instantaneous lust to be laughable, with both the hero and heroine feeling lust so strongly that it didn't feel genuine. It felt like a parody of emotions. In addition, their personalities were just unappealing. Loretta seemed naive and immature, and Sloane was condescending and arrogant. While a norm of the time, it was a turn off. Add in the debacle with the boy, Farley, and the book had dug a hole it could not climb out of. I appreciate getting a copy of this book, but I will pass on this author's works going forward.

I am giving a fair and honest review in return for this ARC. There is a LOT going on in this story! Great characters, nice story and well written but definitely complicated.

This book was an absolutely wonderful read. I enjoyed every minute of this second chapter in Amelia Grey's Rakes of St. James series.

Hawk and Loretta were strikingly vivid characters so it was easy for me to fall in love with their romance. I loved their delightful verbal sparring, Loretta's stubborn streak, and the way Hawk instantly fell head over heels for her. I also liked the emotional aspect of the story even though I would've preferred a far different ending for Farley's character. I'm just glad that Amelia Grey decided not to totally break my heart where he was concerned.

All in all, this book was a great read and I can't wait to read the third book in the Rakes of St. James series.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, who, along with his friends, wrote to 12 debutantes requesting a secret meeting and signing it from a secret admirer. Each lady turned up causing their marriage prospects to diminish. Now the Duke has a sister of his own about to debut and does not wish for her to suffer for his actions. He decides to arrange his sister marriage before the start of the season. He does not bargain on his choice of groom having a sister who is vehemently against arranged marriages.
Miss Loretta Quick has been banished to the country for refusing to marry the man of her uncle’s choosing. She has determined that her brother should marry a lady of his own choosing and will not allow a haughty duke to dictate to her even if he does inspire attraction.
This is a story of instant-lust. The two main characters are instantly drawn to each other upon meeting. The romance itself is interesting the banter between the two main characters was fun but I couldn’t connect to the characters. Loretta’s vow to remain single was ridiculous in my opinion and it was overcome way too easily.
As for the introduction of Farley, this should have been excluded altogether as your hopes are raised that this twelve-year-old street urchin will have a happy ever after but it becomes a side note. while Hawk’s treatment of Farley may have been typical of that era it’d not what I enjoy in a romance.

What I liked about this, is that our heroine is no "damsel in distress". She's strong, unlike her brother, and is not afraid to speak her mind. For the most part, she has chosen the life she leads and is adequately content, until a dashing duke comes along.
The banter between the leads is nicely done and they are quite credible. However, Loretta's brother and the Hawk's sister are rather annoying in their naivety. Overall, I quite enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one.

**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.**

I’ve read a few by this author and she is a great writer. However, this one was just okay... I think the plane was on autopilot.

To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey is an intriguing regency romance. Arranged marriages and refusal to be married to the wrong person...can create an irresistible plot like this one. Wow! So, the strong heroine is a bit biased on arranged marriages. However, as I discovered, she has some right to be biased. It happened to her and didn't bide well. She ended up vowing to be celibate and forced to live alone in the country. But, she has a loving brother who dotes on her. He comes with her. Feeling like she finally accepted her fate...a Duke arrives. Causing chaos to her quiet lifestyle. Their banters are playfully wicked and charming.

I couldn't stop laughing. They really are a couple to follow and love. Their siblings make it even more entangled and exciting. Temptation, isolation, humor, and sexy characters that have enticed readers like me, to read till the ending. What a perfect way to end this adventure...Amelia Grey has stunned me to the core with the level of depth from her characters and the visual scenes that are unforgettable. Overall, I recommend this historical romance to all.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.

Tricky and seemly impossible but Amelia Grey makes the transition smooth and painless for the reader. Top Notch. My favorite of the series. You'll remember this one.