I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I had previously read another of the books in this series and the plot summary of this book caught my interest also so I decided to review it. After reading this book, I found that it did have a pretty good plot. I really liked Marlena's character and how independent and self-sufficient she was. And her character and Rath's actually had some really good tension and the build up of their relationship I thought was really well done. I wouldn't say there was anything overly exciting or interesting about the plot or the book overall but it was a solid romance novel that I enjoyed a good amount. There were a couple things I found a little odd, like that Marlena was taking on all the risk of writing that gossip column but gave all the money to her friends. I understand she was trying to help her friends but it still seems like a lot to take on. And some of the characters seemed overly selfish but they definitely added to the entertainment overall. I would recommend giving this one a try.

Although I am thrilled to see all the Rakes of St. James settle down with their duchesses, I have to admit that I am upset to see this wonderful series come to an end! Even though the Dukes of Griffin and Hawksthorn were both very mesmerising and rakish, the Duke of Rathburne has always been my favourite. There is just something undeniably magnetic about a rake who doesn’t deny his ways and proves time and time again why we love a bad boy hero.

The Duke of Rathburne has been fighting convention and respectability his whole life. He may be a Duke, but he has no intention of living in the straight and narrow. When he finds himself having to accept the guardianship of a young lady, he feels that he might have to change - not too much of course. And even though he has vowed to never touch an innocent, his feisty and beautiful ward is proving to be testing his patience and good intentions. Will he be able to keep his promise or give into temptation?

Orphaned when she was just a toddler, Marlena Fast has lived with her relatives and later under the guardianship of a peer. The last thing she expected was to find the infamous rake, the Duke of Rathburne as her new guardian. What makes this situation even more disconcerting is the fact that she has a secret that she can never share with the Duke, a secret that she needs to take to the grave. But with each day, she sees that there is more than meets the eye and that sometimes rakes can be much more than womanising scoundrels - especially ones like the Duke ;)

A great and fitting ending to a delightful series! Hope that Amelia Grey returns with a new series soon! Can’t wait!!

Marlena Fast was orphaned at a young age and thus was shuffled from home to home, which makes her fiercely independent and quick witted. In the past, three rogues, the Duke of Rathburne (Rath) and his cohorts Griff and Hawk, pulled a prank that has had repercussions across the years. Dozens of women have been tainted by scandal because of their wager years ago, while the dukes escaped any wrath that ensued. Seeing the negative consequences of this boyish prank, Marlena Fast started a popular gossip sheet to remind the public of the act. However, Marlena never did stop to consider the repercussions of her own act. Rath has now accepted guardianship of Marlena because her guardian is too ill to set up her entrance to society. Ironic that Marlena has become the ward of this rake! When they do meet, Marlena, who worries Rath knows she authors the gossip sheet, is taken in by Rath and he by her. Interesting turn of events. Thus, the story moves into the romance genre, as the pair dance around their budding relationship.

The story was good, but it dragged at times. There was a lot of repetition and introspection of ideas and actions that were completely obvious. I also never did see as much chemistry between Marlena and Rath as I would have expected. All in all, the book was okay, but dragged a bit and could have been a bit shorter. It is a good summertime beach read for those interested in one. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

The Duke of Rathburne should know better than make decisions when in his cups. It is always going to cause him trouble. This time he just has to make the best of it. Who will ever believe, him, one of the Rakes of St. James as guardian to a young lady.
Miss Marlena Fast is terrified when the Duke turns up on her doorstep, he must have come to have her arrested for what she has done. Our heroine was orphaned as a baby and passed between different guardians. She has learned to be brave and independent. That along with her soft heart have led her into mischief with her writings.
Our hero will have to finally face up to the sins of the past, how can he make amends?
A funny and at times emotional romance with wonderful characters.
This is a highly entertaining story. The third and last in the series, but you could read each book on it's own. I have read and loved all of them.

The Rakes Of St. James series has been utterly delightful and entertaining to read. Amelia Grey truly knows how to transports her reader to another time and place with her detailed descriptive narrative. I felt as if I was surrounded by the sights, sounds, and characters of this era. But what truly was enchanting for me was her description of the emotions and feelings of new love. I felt that I was falling in love along with them.
I have Loved, Miss Honora Truth’s and Wisdom and Warnings about Rakes, Scoundrels, Rogues and Libertines Scandal sheet, and all of the wonderful quotes, through this series, and was so excited to read about the woman behind this publication Marlena Fast. This character did not disappoint and gave Rath a rather hard time even though she was falling for him.
This story was Enchanting! I struggled to put it down just because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This love story was filled with angst, Love, and laughter. I loved their story and how they were both trying to fight their feelings for the other. So many great scenes in this story, full of sizzling chemistry, smart, witty banter, and breathless, sensual, intrigue. Also thoroughly enjoyed getting to see the previous characters from the past Stories in this series. I would highly recommend this series to everyone. LOVED IT!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rather Slow.
The author of a scandal sheet finds herself feeling guilty when she actually meets the individuals she has been writing about for the last three years. The premise of this book was good but it didn’t hold my attention and I struggled to finish it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't normally read romance novels, and in trying to change that fact, I read this book. I was provided a digital advanced copy from netgalley and the publisher, and I'm so glad that I did! The pacing was wonderful for me, and even though this was the third book in a series, I am happy to say that I could pick it up and understand everything that was going on.

My only problem with the book is the trope the love interest writing a gossip column and the fact that her friend was so over dramatic was sort of annoying, but it didn't take away too much from the story. I would gladly tell people that like the romance genre to read this!

He is the last rake of the St. James trio that used to leave a wake of broken hearts and empty pockets all around London who isn't married.  He has quieted his ways now that he is turning 30, and it doesn't help that his two partners in crime are happily married. Being he is the last Rake of St. James, he is the last one still talked about in the scandal sheets of Miss. Honora Truth. No one knows who he or she is, but he is tired of the sins of his past coming back to haunt him.  When he is asked to become the guardian of an innocent young lady, his first response was no, but one night he had a bit too much to drink and wrote to agree.  Come morning, it was too late to back out, so now he is responsible for Miss. Marlena Fast.

The moment Rath walks up her door step and introduces himself, she is sure her secret has been found out and he is there to send her to Newgate.  But no, he is there because he is her new guardian and she doesn't know what to do about that.  The more time they spend together the more she comes to see that he isn't the evil rake she has painted in her scandal sheets, and the people she also wrote about are not evil either. The more she gets to know them the more she feels guilt over her actions. As Rath and Marlena get to know each other, it becomes clear that they both have feelings for the other. Rath ends up not wanting her marry anyone but him, but will be be able to forgive her for writing the scandal sheet and starting a rumor at White's that could have led to his friend's sisters getting hurt when they debuted?

I enjoyed their story.  They were entertaining characters and the story was well developed.  There were the occasional slow part, but for the most part the plot moved steadily and the conclusion was exactly like I wanted it to be.  Overall, enjoyable and entertaining.

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends, Griffin & Hawk such scandal—but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast almost a decade ago, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise. Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content.
I absolutely adored the chemistry between Rath & Marlena, little things like Rath knowing almost to the minute how long it had been since he had seen her were so touching & had me totally hooked. Rath is tall, broad shouldered, handsome with a smile that makes your knees go weak. He’s also got a wicked sense of humour, which I loved. Marlena is hiding a secret & gradually learns there’s two sides to every story. A delightful page turning read. I really liked the previous two books in the series but for me this was the best of the three, it could be read on it’s own but to fully appreciate Rath & Marlena I’d recommend reading the first two books

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

It’s All About the Duke by Amelia Grey
Rakes of St. James #3

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.

In the final book of the series the Duke of Rathburn “Rath” has agreed to become the guardian of Miss Marlena Fast who will be coming out in her first season with the ton. She lives with a widowed cousin, has dear friends living next door and has a secret she really doesn’t want Rath to find out about. Of course, eventually the secret does come out and there is a happily ever after for the couple and a few other couples in the book. The reader gets to see how the other two rakes and their wives are doing, too. Each chapter of the book begins with an epigraph taken from “Miss Honora Truth’s Words of Wisdom and Warning About Rakes, Scoundrels, Rogues and Libertines” – who the author of this tome and weekly scandal sheet is unknown throughout the series but revealed at the end of this book.

I had trouble with this book because I found difficulty relating to the characters and the story. I did not really engage with hero or heroine and didn’t seem to care about them as much as I would have liked to. I had this feeling that the story could have been told in about half the words. Anyway, I am sure that some will love this book and others will find it rather slow and tame.

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

2-3 Stars

This book

This was my favorite book out of the trilogy. I loved Rath's no nonsense attitude. He owned who he was and only apologized for the necessary things. He was true to his feelings throughout the whole story and he remained honorable. I liked Marlena's innocence and I really enjoyed her growth as a character. Her curiosity and shifting feelings felt real and made sense for a woman of her age. I really enjoyed Eugenia and Veronica's secondary story throughout the book and I love that everyone ended up with there happily ever afters. I would have liked to see Lady Vera get her happily every after and a glimpse into what everyone thought when they found out Marlena's secret, but other than that this was the perfect ending to the series.

I received a copy of this book thru Netgalley. This is the third book in the trilogy The Rakes of St. James and it is as enjoyable as the other two. It is very well written, but still needs proofing which is to be expected in this advance read copy. Marlena comes under Rath’s control as being her guardian. Events happen and there is a HEA to this book. There is a lot that happens in the book and it is worth reading. I am sure when the final copy is available all of the grammatical issues will be resolved, that being said, they do not take away from the story. It is a clean romance that is appropriate for most age groups.

It’s All About the Duke is a great finish to the Rakes of St. James. Starting off with the witty conversation between Marlena and Rath, the Duke of Rathburne, is a little slow, but definitely worth staying with it. This could be a stand alone, but I enjoyed reading through the series with a vested interest in what would happen with Rath, who was the rumor starter and who was Honoria Truth.

Marlena has a heart of gold. She is giving, caring and a super loyal friend. All of this came about from her desire to help her new friend three years earlier. Enter Rath as Marlena’s new guardian. His inner conversation is quite hilarious once he decides to be a true gentleman. He indicates his father went to his grave still trying to reform him. Thank goodness he did. It made the story all the more interesting.

Even with her scandal sheet writings, Marlena’s heart is in the right place. Her guilt takes over once she gets to know the people of whom she has been writing. They are no longer nameless, faceless beings. Rath’s heart is just as loyal. He has a strong sense of loyalty to his friends, too, in how he wants to protect them from hurt. With Rath becoming Marlena’s guardian, both of their worlds take an interesting journey.

I loved the fainting neighbor, Eugenia. Great add in to the tale. And, how can you not love a dog lover!

I was engaged and enjoyed the final book in the Rakes series. Nothing was left hanging, all questions were answered and lightheartedly, every one had their HEA.

Cute and coincidental, that is how I view this book. I enjoyed Marlena and her BFF Eugenia and even some of Eugenia’s fainting whenever she saw the duke. That this consummate Rake had an epiphany and became an honorable gentleman who could sponsor a ward who is in her twenties…well, that was a stretch. Okay, now you think I didn’t like the book but that is not true. Ms. Amelia Grey can write circles around most others and give you laughs one minute and have you tearing-up the next. This was a most enjoyable Historical Romance, cute and coincidental.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. With a blurb promising an ugly duckling story ("The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise….") what's not to love, right? *sigh*
This book was so repetitive and slow that it was difficult to plod through. It's like there was only about 100 pages worth of actual story and it needed to be stretched to fill an entire book. Maybe this should have been published as a novella so the story could have moved at a faster clip, and it would have been an entire star or two rating better.

It's All About the Duke is the third instalment in Amelia Grey’s ‘The Rakes of St James’ series. While part of a series it can be read as a standalone.
The Duke of Rathburne, along with his friends, wrote to twelve debutantes requesting a secret meeting and signing it from a secret admirer. Each lady turned up causing their marriage prospects to diminish. He has now been given the unenviable task of guardian to a young woman making her entry into society.
Marlena Fast, has no interest in gaining another guardian, particularly one with Rath’s past. Her friend’s sister is one of the woman duped by Rath and the women have been writing a scandal sheet to help raise funds.
The two protagonists can not help but be drawn to each other and with a secret to protect Marlena is desperate to resist.
I had forgotten that I hadn’t liked the previous book in this series, while the description was intriguing it suffers from a lot of the issues I had before. The plot for this is incredibly slow. The first conversation takes three chapters! The dialogue is repetitive and painstakingly slow. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

Amelia Grey’s latest in the “Rakes of St James” series is a charmer. Her heroine is a down to earth writer, gardener, and very good friend. Her hero is a more complicated fellow, with a questionable history, but a desire to improve. I especially liked the historical science touches in this satisfying romance novel.

As the third and final book in the Rakes of St. James series, I was underwhelmed. As the finale, I expected more excitement, unfortunately, it was a sizzle.

As the tale mostly took place in Marlena's home, the lack of diversity in setting had me feeling claustrophobic. Additionally, there was barely any passion, the more intimate scenes were an afterthought.

Overall, I was disappointed in this third installment but enjoyed the first two enough.

Book #3 in the series (The Rakes of St. James), It's All About The Duke can be read without knowledge of the previous books (my case).
In order to make amends after a disastrous wager over young ladies with his two best friends, the Duke of Rathburne accepts to take care of a young ward, Miss Marlena Fast. But Marlena proves to be much more than the country miss the duke expected, especially in which concerns a popular gossip sheet, which criticizes the duke and his friends.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, but it takes forever for the plot to unfold: for example the first meeting between Marlena and Rathburne in the book lasts 3 chapters. I'd like to read other books by Manda Davies, but I think her plots should unfold in a faster way.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Marlena Fast prides herself on being independent, but then the Duke of Rathburne becomes her guardian. He's notorious for a scandalous wager he made with his best friends, and Marlena thinks he needs to make amends. Sparks fly between them in more ways than one. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.