Thank you for net galley for the arc. I’ll be honest I dnf this one. It just wasn’t my speed. Normally I really enjoy old English fiction. But the romance was too slow burn for me, and it is less of engines to lovers than two who are kind of attracted to each other to helping each other with a marriage. I had high hopes but I felt the writing was just too drawn out. This would be a fantastic book for someone who enjoys little action, slow burn romance, heavy descriptions, and old world English life. I think this is definitely something I will come back to later when I want to settle down to ready a cozy little story. I also think this would be fantastic in audio format.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for providing me with a free copy of this book.

I really thoroughly enjoyed this book! It had everything I love in a novel, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, pining, a man with authority, all of it was really gripping and all I wanted to do was keep reading.

I loved the setting the author created, the book gave me extreme Bridgerton vibes which I adored because I love those novels! I also cant believe this is this authors DEBUT novel! I will one hundred percent be reading more when she releases them!

The only thing that I did not enjoy was how stubborn and irritating Cressida could be, like girl there was no need to be so angry all the time, the reason she gave wasn’t good enough in my opinion for how she treated Windmere, and at the end of the novel there were so many stupid excuses for the two main characters not to talk civilly about a certain issue, like I understood the severity but at some points I just thought it was so childish like she literally ran off… to the woods… instead of facing the problem head on, and then was annoyed because he didn’t follow? My brain hurts thinking about it.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Bridgerton and are fans of that era!

I couldn't put it down, the book drew me in. The story is fascinating, the writing excellent, you feel deeply with the characters.
I hope to read the next one soon!

I read "The Rake of Tamarix" in one sitting and enjoyed it a lot!
There's more angst than fluff, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.
I only give 4 and not 5 stars because the ending was rather abrupt for my taste - it could do with an epilogue.

Beautiful cover! The book was a veeery slow burn enemies to lovers written really well with that period accurate flair. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the classics like Austen or a more historically accurate, slow but steady novel like Mary Balogh.

Title: The Rake of Tamarix Hall
Author: Georgina North
Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency Romance

My Review:
A historical romance with imperfect characters is the best description for The Rake of Tamarix Hall. Fast paced and interesting supporting characters make this story a delightful read.

Lucius and Cressida carry many burdens on their shoulders. Their worldview has changed due to their experiences. They are not looking for relationships nor marriage. Both are happy taking care of their loved ones. And then they happen to meet each other. Will they find their happily ever after?

The story is good paced and reading this book is very smooth. The lively, meddlesome aunts brings me Bridgerton vibes which is a good thing in this regency historical romance. However, I did not like either Cressida or Lucius. Lucius, I really liked but he does something which left a bad taste for me. The ease of the story, the poetry, the writing style with the wit and the banter makes this a great read. Had the author not included a certain character arc, this would have been an excellent read for me.

This is a highly enjoyable and quick read. Reminded me of the TV version of Bridgerton (I haven't read the books) and that's not a bad thing. If it's not a bad comment, this is a rather gentle read. Grab a cup of something warm and spend a few hours.

Just what I needed after binging Bridgerton. The back and forth between Lucius and Cressida, added with the tension and regency setting was delicious and just what the doctor ordered.

What a unique and engaging story! A joy to read but definitely mind-bending. While not something I’d reach for again I definitely know people who would absolutely adore this!

4.5 Stars. This book has everything. Marriage of Convenience, Enemies-to-Lovers, THE ANGST! So much angst. A wonderful debut novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

I am on the fence about this one. On one hand I enjoyed this enemy to lovers trope. But on the other hand there is an awful lot of enemy and not a whole lot of lover to be found. Also some of the conversations (arguments?), become downright hateful, the contempt seeps from both parties and is very chilling and hurt-full. I mean it made me kinda cringe in my seat and cower down so as not to be seen, that is how harsh they were to each other. I had to wonder some if there really was any love betweent he two, and if so when and how did it happen because I missed that part. And when Lucius goes running off the day after they marry straight back to London to the arms of his mistress, well that really lowered his character in my eyes. That scene should never have been written if you ask me. That was a bit much, even for a work of fiction, it was awful.
Despite the lack of warm, cozy scenes the story is still a good one and moved along at a good pace up until the end which seemed a little off and a lot rushed. I will still give it 3 1/2 stars if that was possible and you guys can judge for yourselves, not going to say read or don't read on this one, it is up to you to decide.
Thank you to Books Go Social and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

I enjoyed this book. While enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, I found this to be a bit enemy heavy in some parts, but overall it was well written and easy to read at a quick pace. I enjoyed the slow burn romance as well as the banter and character dialogue.

I would read more from this author.

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for me. Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

One of four sisters, Cressida Ambrose has lived with an abusive father until her aunt decides to act as a chaperone, to find them all a suitable match.
Lucius Anselme has taken on his family business, whilst caring for his younger brother. Having lost his parents, he takes joy wherever he can find it, even if it is with others. This ultimately leads to his description as a rake. Yet when he finds that he has inherited the title of Marquess of Windmere, he and his brother take up residence in Tamarix Hall. However, the title, only leads to mothers lining him up for marriage. There he meets Cressida, and soon must protect her against the malicious nature of a mother determined to trap him for her daughter.
This is an intense romance, each with their own personal trauma, yet their issues are understandable and reasonable. By using time apart, the author has given the two main characters, time to reflect on their relationship, and given an added depth to the storyline. An enjoyable read.
I have received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A fantastic debut series from Ms. North. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the character development. I was rooting for both of the characters to get their acts together. I understood Cressida's hesitance and even fear with men given her past, but I also understood Lucius's desire to make a go of things. I know some readers may find it peevish to have the male character be a "rake" and have a past, and the woman always having to be this model of purity, but I think Ms. North did a good job in being sensitive to that.

I have to remind myself that during this period, communication was not always considered a priority in a child's learning, so I was patient when the characters proved to be stubborn in their determination to misunderstand each other. I do think the ending could have been more gradual. Some parts felt open ended to me.

I am intrigued by this author and look forward to any upcoming books after their debut. Congratulations Ms. North!

ARC provided by BooksGoSocial via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

Four daughters…country girls whose sweet mother has passed away and now live under the complete control of their drunken, violent father. He doesn’t care about them or their estate which is slowly slipping away. The second older sister, Cressida is headstrong, opinionated and wants nothing of marriage…nothing that would continue her life under the control of a man.
Lucius is a gentleman and wealthy owner of lace making mills. By the untimely death of a number of estranged relatives, he becomes the new Marquess of Windmere….a title he never wanted but his sense of duty and responsibility compels him to assume the role and right the many wrongs of the previous Marquess.
Cressida and Lucius are equally flawed and stubborn and when they find themselves in a compromise situation, Lucius “does the honorable thing” and proposes marriage. These two have a very bumpy ride ahead but this is a HEA story and an enjoyable read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and read this book.

This book gives a little bit of Pride and Prejudice vibes. And that is my favorite book of all time. Cressida, the FMC, has a hatred toward Lucius, the MFC, because of his family. Lucius has a problem with Cressida's smart mouth and ignorance. And we all know where this story is going.

I really love the writing style of Georgina and was very interested to keep reading to find out what happens next. The banter between the mains, the county, and the sisters were amazing to read.

The reason I'm not giving five stars is mainly the ending. I honestly felt that the last 3 chapters before the ending were absolutely unnecessary. Miscommunication is a horrible trope, but this is far beyond just miscommunication. And that one chapter was ick with how Lucius acted. I lost interest in him after that. I'm glad it ended the way it did, but those chapters ruined the characters IMO. 3.5/5 stars.

I love escaping into historical fiction. so I quickly read this story that has everything youd expect . Theres language relevant to the time which I enjoy but It was easy to follow too.
I find it a bonus to read of characters reading books. they were discussing/reading sense and sensibility! 😍 poetry too…
I especially liked the backstory of Lucius and of Cressida. Its always a plus for me when you can see that their actions stem from what has happenned to them, the darkness in their pasts makes for great characters.
The love interest is morally grey. perhaps im being fussy and comparing to mr.darcy who cant be beaten. whereas i forgave mr.darcys rude beginning i struggled to forgive Lucius and I dont know how I feel about that.

A very good debut novel that I read in one sitting.
I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was pulled into Lucien and Cressida's worlds and how enamoured I became in their story.
A lot of characters for such a short book, at times it felt muddled and I also feel like a little more backstory for Lucien was needed to enforce his 'Rake' reputation.
But it's a very good novel, that I think has the appropriate setting for further books to expand the world and explore the other characters more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this ARC.

If you love a historical romance, run and get this book!

Honestly I wasn’t so sure if this was going to be my cup of tea, in fact this is the first historical romance I’ve read EVER! And OMG what I’ve been missing!

Having said that, Crecida and Lucius story is beautiful. My favourite is how we can experience both sides as their story unfolds!

Lucius is back in town to take his new position as lord and finds himself as the favourite topic of gossip, specially because he is single!

Crecida is hoping her sisters can enter this social season so they can leave their precarious living situation with their father! And she is willing to do her part as long as she is not the one to marry!

A little misunderstanding between Crecida and Lucius puts them in a pickle that they’ll have to learn to navigate!

I have to tell you I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this! I was totally transported to the past and could see all of this happening! Honestly I would love to read more! So please Mrs Georgina North if you would be so kind to write an epilogue or more stories with the rest of the sisters… that would be perfect!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Overall Rating: 3.75/5 (rounded up to 4 stars)
Spicy Rating: 0.5/5

The Rake of Tamarix Hall by Georgina North is a delightful debut regency romance novel featuring beautiful, era-appropriate prose, layered characters, and a solid plot.

Pace
Clocking in at about 240 pages, The Rake of Tamarix is a quick read that, while written in typical regency-era style prose, has a tinge of a contemporary flow that makes it easy to read. Georgina delivers action and plot points through the witty dialogue and did well to avoid chunky blocks of exposition and excessively flowery descriptions that can sometimes be found in period romances. I would have liked to see a bit more of the reconciled romance at the end as everything led up to the ending for it to cut off right at the good (read spicy) part, but I think that this ending would perfectly suit a romance reader who prefers the conflict/struggle to the resolution/HEA/make-up relations.

Characters
Cressida, FMC, and Lucius, MMC, have palpable chemistry on the page and really go at each other with the witty banter that sometimes escalates into a more intense, cutting argument (think Darcy confessing his love and Elizabeth turning his down but doubled) but they both give as much as they get. Georgina does a good job at having Lucius and Cressida feed off each other which balances their dynamic (otherwise it would have read very much like bullying if it was more one-sided).

I thought Lucius was the star of the show. You can tell that Georgina really put a lot of work into crafting a complex character that was equal parts vulnerable and confident, uncertain and decisive. There was a point that was a bit ick for him as it concerns Other Woman/Man/Love Interest Drama, but I will say that Cressida’s (FMC) response to this literally made me ball my eyes out (which is weird because I really rarely cry). So, yes, while that part was icky, it was a very effective plot device to draw out the extreme emotions of the reader (me) and Cressida (FMC). I saw a few reviews already that said they didn’t like the book because of this specific scene and they are completely entitled to their opinion. I’m not going to make commentary on the actual event - whether it is acceptable behaviour, etc. - because it’s a story, a piece of entertainment, and the scene did its job as an impetus in Lucius and Cressida’s development. I don’t believe that liking the book means that you condone this behaviour in real life but, as I said, everyone is allowed to have and share their own views on the matter, as am I.

Is The Rake of Tamarix Hall spicy?
There is one explicit scene that is rather abrupt and one other non-explicit, intimate moment. These scenes are well written but very few (like literally just the two). This story is more focused on the tension and build-up rather with very little play-out of the actual romance.

My Thoughts
The Rake of Tamarix Hall by Georgina North had me laughing, crying, and whooping with joy. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the depth of emotion Georgina was able to pull from my cold, stone heart. Personally, I would have like there to be a longer reconciliation scene with more spicy spice but I appreciate that the story, as it stands now, might appeal to a wider audience who prefers the drama rather than the explicit romance. The Rake of Tamarix Hall is a delightful example of regency romance that I would recommend to any reader who likes a healthy serving of hate-to-love, witty banter, romantic tension, and the chase.