This is an lust-to-love kind of story. The romance is there, and I love the witty banter, but I absolutely could NOT get past the fact that it read like a modern romance with a few historical facts thrown in. It wasn't authentic, and I just couldn't get as engrossed into the story as I normally do with historical romances.

I found this story quite pleasant. It's a sweet story about a strong-willed woman and one of society's known rakes. The descriptions of the setting are detailed and vivid. The dialogue matches the character's expected speaking patterns. Overall, the story is solid.
Unfortunately, the plot is flat and the pacing slow. I kept expecting a kidnap attempt or some active plot movement.

I have always been a fan of historical romance and this book is another credit to the why. It is beautifully written, very intriguing, and a scandal for the ages. I have to say, I am quite curious as to who Honoria is though. I am so glad Loretta and Hawk found their happily ever after and he has given up his rakish ways. I think they will have a long and happy life together.

To the Duke, with Love is the second book in The Rakes of St. James series from Amelia Grey, but the very first book I've read by Amelia Grey. I absolutely adored her voice, so I'm already looking at her backlist for when I'm caught up a bit more on my TBR list.

Loretta Quick might just be one of my favorite historical characters ever. She made no apologies for her choices in life and had pretty much decided her fate was to remain at her uncle's hunting home for the rest of her life as penance for ending her engagement right as the wedding was to begin. She also will protect anyone she cares for from being forced into an arranged marriage if at all possible.

Enter the Duke of Hawksthorn...and really all of Loretta's choices were going out the window. Seriously loved the banter between these two characters. They attraction was palpable and I impatiently waited for them to be together through much of the book. In fact, my only issue with the story was how long it took for Hawk and Loretta to actually make love. I loved that Loretta continuously thought of the kisses she and Hawk shared, and Hawk wasn't really any different, as he worked to make it possible to see Loretta again as often as possible.

The romance between their siblings was a sweet romance, and it really seemed to be the polar opposite of the one between Loretta and Hawk, who had a hard time staying away from one another and keeping their hands off each other from the very beginning. I think seeing the two couples showed that both types of romances can work, though, I much preferred Loretta and Hawk's romance.

To the Duke, with Love was a very enjoyable historical romance. I really enjoyed Amelia Grey's voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future. I highly recommend To the Duke, with Love to all readers who enjoy historical romance books.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

I have read this author before and enjoyed her just fine, but this is a DID NOT FINISH for me. It was very uncomfortable how the male lead character was written-his thoughts on the heroine and why he found her attractive were bordering on the creepy and not romantic at all. The writing was off and juvenile also. I'm not sure I would recommend this one to anyone.

First of all this was absolutely adorable. I do not mean in a cheesy way like “oh how cute” when you think of tiny baby ducklings (don’t know why I thought of ducks but I did) but in a this makes my heart so happy kind of way.
The beginning bickering and bantering between our soon to be love interests is vivid, imaginative, and entertaining. Loretta is feisty, strong willed, and courageous. The Duke of Hawksthorn is stubborn, sly, and boisterous.
The ebb and flow is a romantic adventure full of life and quick witted fights of wills. I recommend this for pretty much anyone who likes historical romance.

This is the second book in the Rakes of St. James series. I read the first book and enjoyed it quite a bit, so I was expecting so much from this next book. It fell flat for me. The obvious insta-lust was so strong, it didn't even read right in this historical romance setting. I did not get the feeling that the primary couple actually fell in love with one another. "I want you" is not the same as "I love you." Additionally, there was a great imbalance of financials, which rubs me the wrong way with that type of power play. 

Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn, is one of the three Rakes of St. James who played a prank on a dozen debutantes a decade ago. Following last year's season and a possible threat to the younger sister of one of the other Rakes of St. James, Sloane wants to bar any such threat happening to his younger sister, Adele, as she makes her debut. Arranging a secret engagement before the start of the season will ensure that Adele comes out successful with a suitor and free of any retribution. In efforts to arrange what Hawk believes is the perfect match, he travels to Mammoth House, set far in the countryside, remote and isolated. Eager to make arrangements with Paxton Quick, a handsome and kind man, Hawk is harshly surprised to find not Paxton, but his sister Loretta at Mammoth House. A confusing confrontation ensues, with lines drawn in the sand and Loretta firmly making her stance that she will do everything in her power to keep her brother from this marriage. 

Despite being a drastic act, Loretta was once set up in an arranged marriage herself. It was a business transaction more than a love match. In fact, she didn't feel anything for the man...and left him at the altar. Following her uncle's severe embarrassment and ensuing rage, Loretta has been banished to live at the remote Mammoth House, not even allowed to visit the village. She is required to remain at Mammoth House and not allowed to leave and sees her uncle but once a year at Christmastime. Having suffered the repercussions, Loretta only wants her brother to marry for love. 

Going against all etiquette, Hawk dines alone with Loretta that night as a massive storm blows in. Midway through, a young urchin is found at the backdoor. Hawk follows him into the storm and brings him back, while Loretta and the other staff nurse him back from the brink of death. Once he revives a little, he is feisty and foul-mouthed. 

Hawk is bent on ensuring the match between Adele and Paxton, inviting them to London for a meeting. Going to the lengths to visit the Earl of Switchingham and fatten him up to the idea, Hawk also persuades him to allow Loretta to make the journey. Considering the earl will not be out one penny for any of the travel and it will only be acceptable for both siblings to make the journey, the earl agrees. Getting the responsibility of his nephew off his shoulders will be a welcome change. 

Embarking to London, Loretta makes the last-minute decision to bring Farley with them. He needs to be seen by a doctor, but Hawk is cold to the idea and cold to Farley. He sees him as a street rat who will pilfer anything. The two males almost have a burning hatred in their eyes for one another. The boy is quick witted for sure and brings comedic relief and drama to the unfolding story.

The insta-lust is palpable even from the immediate start of the book, and continues on throughout the book. There are a few close calls where they are almost caught, and Hawk makes some pre-arranged tasks for others so that he and Loretta can be alone. Ironically, Adele and Paxton hit it off extremely well and their match seems inevitable. 

There were a couple of inaccuracies (dollars in England?) that showed the lesser planning for this second installment. I was looking forward to this second book in the Rakes of St. James series and the insta-love and some of the awkward wording dropped the book significantly from the momentum established with the first book. I'm not sure what to expect with the next in the series.

Wanting to avoid potential gossip and ruination for his younger sister Adele, Sloane Knox finds what he feels is a perfect match for her in Paxton Quick. His sister Loretta, however, is determined to allow Paxton to marry for love. She had spurned a marriage to a nobleman years before rather than live without love, so trying to change her mind is a challenge that Sloane (better known as Hart throughout the novel) is only too willing to take up.

This is part of the Rakes of St. James trilogy, but it's not necessary to have read the others in the series to enjoy this one. There is the inclusion of London's underbelly in this one, though it's tangential to the romance and not exactly an integral part of the plot. Adding Finley does allow for some of the misunderstandings inherent in the genre, as well as a convenient way for them to get back together for a conversation. Having Adele and Paxton included in the matchmaking also allows for contrasts: they have more of a friendship and understanding that can in time blossom into love, while Loretta and Hart immediately have emotional sparks and butt heads.

I liked that Loretta was one to stick to her principles and that Hart respected that about her. Despite all of his frustration and lack of understanding, he never truly undermined her sense of self and didn't belittle her. He went out of his way to prove that he had principles as well and that his past as a Rake of St. James didn't dictate his present. Even Loretta's uncle is dealt with in a manner that she wanted, and Hart understood how to approach her so that they could both have happiness.

Loretta was a kind soul that just did not want her brother to be subjected to the same fate that almost captured her and pushed her in to a vow that she felt trapped by. Loretta was very much faith based. Not so much that she was devout in her beliefs or action. She just took her vow very seriously. Even when love came her ways. She was willing to deny happiness because of her vow. She finds a man that she can match witts with and a challenge, Hawk. Hawk was a challenge to Loretta as she was to him. Hawk wanted Loretta's brother to become betrothed to his younger sister. He did not want fortune hunters to descend on her for her coming out season.

This by far was not a steamy read, but it was full of much to turn the page for. Loretta and Hawk's first meeting. Their banter. Their first kiss. Their first true embrace. The hints of concern. The loving caresses. Hawk's need to protect and make Loretta happy.

There were some good characters to love and some that you don't like so much and even one or two that were misunderstood. Coco was too cute. Adele was cute, sweet, a bit innocent, but smart at the same time. Paxton was a very sweet and gentle soul. He was also a stand up kind of guy. He loved his sister very much. Farley was an interesting person. Miss Honora Truth's were entertaining. Let me not forget the A Proper Gentleman's Gudie to Wooing the Perfect Lady, that was something.

All-in-all the second rake of St. James has taken the plunge into matrimony.

This one was like 2 love stories in one book. Though Hawk was looking for a marriage match for his sister he ends up finding one for himself as well as saving Loretta from the lifetime of loneliness that awaits her. I don't know what it is about these St. James Rakes, whether its the book that caused them to become the Rakes of St. James or how each of the Rakes themselves are is a mystery to me. But I look forward to find out what happens with the last one of the Rakes.

I absolutely loved Sloane and Loretta's story!! I really love stories where the H/H meet in an unexpected way and are able to get to know each other without the watchful eye of the ton. In fact most of the story was away from anyone but family and that was a nice change of pace. I'm very excited for the last book in the Rakes of St. James series to come out in May, but I'm going to miss these 3 handsome rakes!

This was not a bad read. The romance is hijacked in favour of the side story of the heroine and a young boy she rescues. The book is well written and fans of Amelia Grey will enjoy it. I am looking forward to her next novel.

The second book of the Rakes of St. James series, To the Duke, With Love, is a great second story that could be read as a stand-alone. It wasn't as good as the first one but it was still good. Aside from me just not liking Sloane as a boys name, blame Ferris Bueller for that, I liked this book.The few books of Amelia Grey's that I have read I have enjoyed. This one was amusing and entertaining and if I hadn't gotten sick while reading it and a sleep most the time I probably would have finished this book in one day.

The Rakes of St. James earned their name after a youthful drunken bet almost ruined a handful of girls, and now that their younger sister's are coming out there has been rumors going around that it's their sister's turn to be ruined. The Rakes have no idea who is at the root of this rumor but so far one sister is safety married. Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, is determined to marry his sister off before the season starts or at least have her engaged. Hawk has gone through all the young men of the ton and finally found one he thinks is best suited for his sister. Loretta Quick and her younger brother, Paxton, were raised by their uncle. When the time was right he arranged a marriage for Loretta, right before the wedding she changed her mind. He uncle furious sent her and her brother away to live in the isolated Mammoth House and forbid her to ever go into society again.

On a cold and wet night Hawk shows up at Mammoth House to talk with Paxton about arranging the marriage between his sister, Adele, and Paxton. What he finds is the stunning Loretta, and no Paxton. Instead of going on his way like a gentleman should the rain and the cold keep him there alone with Loretta, except the few servants. Hawks is fascinated with Loretta, she has him wanting things he's never wanted before and even though as a gentleman he shouldn't he kisses her anyways. Loretta is against this arranged marriage and plans to make it difficult for Hawk to talk Paxton into it, but as Hawk says it is ultimately her brother's decision. When he leaves he promises to return to see her brother, and see her too. They end up making a deal that Paxton and Adele will meet beforehand and decide if the arrangement is suitable or not. Paxton and Loretta will visit Hawk's country house and give everybody a chance to get to know one another, especially Hawk and Loretta. Hawk is willing to forget about his earlier determination never to marry as long as it is to Loretta. Loretta, however, has vowed never to marry and she takes that vow very seriously and Hawk will try his damnedest to get her to change her mind.

Overall, the romance between Hawks and Loretta is just that romantic and hot, the chemistry is there along with some great sexual tension. The secondary story of Loretta trying to save the street rat was nice and it helped move the story along. Grey's writing brought these two characters to life for me and very much enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.

Characters had very weak motivations. Had a hard time suspending common sense solutions for this one. It was just an ok read.I believe.

3.5 Stars

Loretta Quick and her brother, Paxton, have been dependent on their uncle, the earl, since their parents died. When Loretta bailed at the last minute on an arranged marriage to a viscount, the earl was furious. He coerced her into making a solemn promise about her future, and banished her to his country estate, far away from society. Every request Loretta made to visit town or a friend has been soundly rejected by the earl, and after several years, she has come to terms with her lot in life. Though Paxton lives there as well, he regularly leaves to visit friends and spends time in town, at least, as much as his small allowance from the earl allows. Loretta is surprised when the Duke of Hawksthorn shows up at their remote home, requesting to see Paxton.

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, or Hawk, as he is familiarly known, is anxious to see his younger sister, Adele, settled into an engagement before she makes her come out. A decade ago, Hawk, and his two friends made a wager among themselves, which involved the twelve debutantes of that social season. No one else was to ever learn of it, but everything went south, and word leaked out. Now there is talk that someone with a long memory may be seeking revenge by causing trouble for Adele in retribution. Hawk feels that if Adele is securely engaged, she'll be beyond the reach of the would-be-troublemaker, and he also feels that Paxton Quick is the perfect match for Adele. He sends correspondence to Paxton to set up a meeting date, and sets off to visit Paxton's home, only to find him away visiting friends.

Loretta's own experience with an arranged marriage ensures that she's not a fan of Hawk's plan. Though she will support Paxton's decision, she plans to encourage him to hold out until he falls madly in love. Loretta has no qualms about telling Hawk how she feels, and he's taken aback to be spoken to in that way. Surprisingly, he finds that he enjoys someone standing up to him, and not trying to earn his favor. A lame horse ensures that Hawk must spend the night, and he is quick to act on his attraction to Loretta, though he normally doesn't trifle with innocents. Although Loretta succumbs to some steamy kisses, she's not about to risk an affair with a known rake, and calls a halt. Hawk respects her decision, and concedes the battle, but not the war.

Paxton is willing to at least meet Adele, and consider the possibility of an engagement, though he will not commit himself just yet. As Paxton and Adele become further acquainted, Hawk uses every opportunity to spend time with Loretta, and to further his attempted seduction. When their intense attraction turns to love, Hawk finds that there is a serious roadblock to his marrying Loretta. This obstacle, and its resolution is out of the ordinary, and is something I don't recall ever reading about in a romance novel. TO THE DUKE, WITH LOVE is an enjoyable read with a satisfying happily ever after. It is book Two of the Rakes of St. James series, but can easily be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed the characters very much. Their personality quirks came through with a fun sense of humor. The backstories that brought Hawk and Loretta together are from a refreshing point of view. I thought it was sad that Loretta had accepted the undeserved shame and banishment from society that was foisted on her by her Uncle.
I don't particularly care for a lust at first sight plot, but I still enjoyed this book because that wasn't the main motivation to drive the story. Hawk wants to arrange a marriage between his sister and Loretta's brother and the two have never even met. Loretta wants Paxton to enjoy getting to know many young ladies and choosing a bride he loves. The battle of wills and of words between Hawk and Loretta was charmingly offset by Paxton and Adele's affability and congeniality. I always enjoy a story where the main action takes place in country homes, so that stood favorably with me, as well.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

4.5 Stars - I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I jumped at the chance to read the second. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the banter between Hawk and Loretta, which started off right away. The secondary characters were good and I would love to watch Farley grow up a bit more and possibly have a story of his own one day.

Ms. Grey has an easy to read writing style, which I truly enjoy. Her wit is fun and her characters are well developed. I will continue to look for books by her.

** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

~Paragraphs and Petticoats~

Enjoyable and easy to read, with a fast-moving plot and entertaining characters.