I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the story of Hawk and Loretta and how they came to find love when least expected. The book is well written and holds your interest. I would highly recommend this book and the previous ones in this series.

Worried a prank he played in his earlier years could come back to hurt his sister, the Duke of Hawksthorn is playing match-maker to secure Her a betrothal before the Season starts. His choice of gentleman is made and now he only needs to get through the groom's older sister, which may be harder than he thought.

Loretta Quick is not keen on any arranged marriage ideas as she herself was almost a part of one. Now hidden away to appease her Uncle, she is surprised when a Duke arrives at her doorstep to propose such an arrangement for his sister.

Despite being on opposite sides in a battle for their siblings, an instant connection is formed but will a vow made in her youth keep Loretta from a perfect match of her own?

The bones were there in this book for a great story but 'love at first site' is a hard concept to pull off. In this case the conflict felt forced and the remedy to their problems was way to simple to achieve.

This was a quick, well written regency romance. While it is part of a series I had not read book one and had no issue following along (I can assure you I will be jumping back and reading #1 now though!!!)

The story moved along naturally and I loved the humor of the plot

book 2 in the rakes of st. james series, to the duke, with love finds sloane knox, the duke of hawksthorne searching for the perfect gentleman to marry his sister. he wants to protect her from revenge seekers and gold diggers and the ton's less savory elements. mr. paxton quick seems to be the perfect prospective partner for his sister and so he decides to pay him a visit to discuss the possibilities. instead of paxton, hawks meets loretta, paxton's older sister.

when loretta discovers the reason for hawks visit she is immediately affronted on her brother's behalf. she had a disastrous experience with an arranged marriage. when she refused to marry her prospective groom her uncle forced her to take a vow that she would never marry in a church. and he then sentenced her to live in the most remote of his properties, never granting her permission to leave. she wants something more for her brother. she wants him to find love. she wants him to feel passion.

she wants so much for him. except she forgets that he has to want those same things too. this was one of the interesting bits about the novel. loretta is strong and independent, and surprisingly wrong about people. both adele and paxton are content to be promised to one another. neither one of them wants to feel the highs and lows of a grand passion. they want something easy and stable and placid. to loretta this is almost unthinkable. but the truth is, one person's wants and needs are not another's.

a large chunk of the story is also focused on loretta's care for a child off the streets. this particular time period was full of great disparity, and there were many children who suffered on the streets of london. loretta wants to give this child a better life, a chance for betterment, and at every turn gives him the benefit of the doubt. again she wants something for someone that they have no desire for. and you can't help but feel badly for her large heart and naïveté.

hawks proves to be the man she needs. he protects her in ways she never knew she needed protecting. he cares for her. he desires her. and he loves her. and because he loves her he figures out a way to preserve her sense of honor. he finds a way to allow her to break her vow. because he needs her to break that vow. her happiness, his happiness depends on it. he is a genuinely good person. he cares about everyone in his path. what he does for his sister and for loretta, is heartfelt and loving.

for a rake, he really is a good guy.

**to the duke, with love will publish on december 5, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.

To the Duke, with Love was an excellent continuation of the Rakes of St. James series with a delightful romance between an outspoken heroine and a charming, rakish hero.

In an effort to avoid the possibility of his sister being affected by his past misdeeds as one of the Rakes of St. James, Sloane Knox the Duke of Hawksthorn is hoping to arrange a marriage for her before the Season begins. However Hawk did not count on the intended groom’s own sister fighting to stop the match from taking place. Miss Loretta Quick narrowly avoided an arranged marriage of her own and does not intend for her brother to fall into such an arrangement when he could marry for love. Hawk and Loretta soon engage in a battle of wills, but the more the two spar, the closer they become.

Loretta has been in self-imposed exile for the last three years after she vowed never to marry when breaking her engagement to the man chosen by her uncle. Despite vowing never to marry, Loretta believes in the love found in her poetry books and thinks love should be all consuming. Her convictions surrounding her vow are strong and even after meeting Hawk and finding herself attracted to him, she intends to stick to her vow. I really liked Loretta right from the start and admired how determined she was and unwilling to let Hawk steamroll her just because he’s a duke.

Despite Hawk’s reputation as a rake, he’s actually a very kind and compassionate man who simply got into some mischief in his youth. He knows that as one of the Rakes of St. James, his past misdeeds may harm his sister now that she’s set to attend her first Season. As a result, he sets out to prevent any harm to her reputation by arranging a marriage before the Season begins. Hawk cares deeply for his sister and as a result has a tendency to indulge her. I admired how much his sister means to him and enjoyed the scenes where they were together.

Loretta and Hawk’s relationship began with some great verbal sparring and I loved watching them banter back and forth trying to beat the other. The two are pretty much instantly physically attracted to one another and quickly come to care for each other as they spend more time together. There are some great kissing scenes with a bit more throughout the book that culminate in one sex scene at approximately the 90% mark. All of the scenes are very well done although personally I would have liked a bit more as I prefer my romances slightly more explicit.

Over the course of To the Duke, with Love we have a few scenes with the other Rakes of St. James which were enjoyable. There are also a number of scenes with Paxton (Loretta’s brother) and Adele (Hawk’s sister) considering the goal is to arrange a betrothal with them. I found Paxton and Adele’s budding relationship to be very sweet and enjoyed the way things played out between them. Probably the largest side character/plot line outside of the siblings is the orphan Farley that Hawk and Loretta find. His storyline felt a bit out of place and definitely wasn’t a happy aspect of the book, but after reading the author’s note I understand why she included it.

Overall, To the Duke, with Love was an excellent addition to the Rakes of St. James series and I’m very excited for the final book to release next year. I highly recommend checking out these books if you’re looking for a new historical romance series to read.

This is the first time I've read a book by Amelia Grey but it won't be the last. In this book, Hawk, the Duke of Hawksthorn is trying to arrange a marriage for his sister before her first season. As a young man, he and some friends had played a trick on the young girls in their first season (giving them the title the Rakes of St James). Now that his sister is ready to come out he doesn't want anyone to take their revenge out on her. He has selected Mr Paxton Quick. When he travels to the Quick's home he meets Miss Loretta Quick (Paxton's sister). She left a man at the altar years earlier and her uncle, the Earl has banished her to a old country house where she is being punished by never being allowed to leave,
While the initial visit is to arrange a marriage between Paxton and Hawk's sister Lady Adele, it is Hawk and Loretta Quick who fall passionately in love. He will do anything to have her and make her his, even helping a street urchin who managed to find himself sick and lost in the country.
The dialogue is witty, the characters are strong and independent and the chemistry is amazing. Ms Grey has done a wonderful job of creating a Happily Ever After for all concerned.

Maybe 3.5 stars

I liked this installment of the Rakes of St. James, but I didn't love it.

The Duke of Hawksthorn "Hawk" wants to spare his sister, Lady Adele any heartache his past prank may cause her in the season by having her betrothed before it starts and he has found the perfect match for her, Mr. Paxton Quick, there is only one thing standing in his way........Paxton's sister Loretta.

Banished to the country after refusing to marry the man her uncle chose for her, Loretta is determined to make sure her beloved brother is not forced to marry against his will.

These two have an instant connection, but Hawk isn't looking for a match for himself and Loretta has taken a vow to never marry. But neither can deny the pull of attraction between them. Hawk finds ways to see Loretta and when he finally asks her to marry him, she refuses, holding fast to her vow.

Hawk will have to find a way to convince Loretta to set aside her vow or lose the only woman he has ever loved.

The book is well written, but it is very "put-downable", there is no real conflict, drama, angst or villain, and nothing keeping them apart save Loretta's insistence at adhering to a vow she was forced to make. There is a bittersweet side plot involving an orphaned boy and a host of charming secondary characters, a lot of sexual tension and one or two semi-steamy love scenes and finally a HEA. This is the second story in the series, but it could absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problem.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I did not read the first book but was glad this book was a stand alone, while there is mention of the previous couple, you really don't miss anything if you haven't read it. After reading this book, I do want to know more about Griffin's romance with Esmeralda, and looking forward to the third book when we see Rath's romance.

I really enjoyed Hawk and Loretta and seeing the love and passion building between them. I loved that while Loretta was tempted and loved the feel of Hawk's kisses, she was strong enough to keep her vow to not marry and be chaste. Much to Hawk's dismany!

It was interesting that Adele and Paxton liked each other enough to marry but neither one was looking for a grand passion. They were hilarious at their non-stop talking and were made for each other!

While parts of this were not the typical "feel good" story, it was "real" as you feel Loretta's pain when Farley won't return. She is so very concerned for him but then relieved when she finds out that Hawk sent someone into Farley's life to help him out when he won't return to their care.

Loretta's vow to not marry was a huge obstacle for Hawk but good thing for Loretta that he loved a challenge!! With a little help from his fellow rakes, he comes up with a plan and they get their HEA! The next obstacle would be the reaction of the earl so his advice to Loretta was another part that was funny!

Great epilogue that wraps up the two couples romance and Farley's situation.

Sloane plans on avoiding the season by getting his sister married off before it begins and even has the groom in mind unfortunately the intended groom’s sister is a problem. Loretta want s her brother to marry for love and plans on protecting Paxton. Loretta and Sloane have great chemistry and an entertaining pair. The story is fun and entertaining with plenty of drama and held my interest throughout. A good read.

I started this book on a Tuesday night and was done on a Wednesday morning. I could not put it down. The story was so entertaining. Hawk wants to arrange a marriage for his sister, Adele. But when he approaches the intended groom, Paxton, he gets opposition from Paxton’s sister, Loretta. It’s a battle of wits and attraction between these two worthy competitors, Hawk and Loretta. Who will win....or will they both come out victorious....in love. :)

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!