I have enjoyed the other two books in this series, especially Poppy and Keane’s story so it feels like a bit of an understatement to say this one was disappointing. I find heroines frustrating fairly often so perhaps I can be a bit harsh sometimes, but based on several other reviews it seems I’m not alone in finding Kitty unbearable. She seems to have changed very little from the spoiled, bratty child we met in the first book. Not to belittle anyone’s loss, but her views on living a life without love because everyone leaves just sounded ridiculous and illustrated her distinct lack of emotional intelligence. She was stubborn and belligerent for no reason and her insistence on having a rake was idiotic. The whole time I just kept thinking, “you keep using that word…I do not think it means what you think it means.” I could not for the life of me figure out why it was apparently a problem that Leo was a nice guy. I usually am a fan of the he falls first, hero in pursuit trope, but here I just couldn’t figure out what Leo saw in Kitty.

When she had the nerve to be angry at him for entering the contest, it was just another strike against her for me. It’s his grandfather’s architecture practice after all and he’s been a working architect on his own in London for the past four years. Also, when the romance between Kitty and Leo was already crashing and burning, I had no idea why we needed to add in another male rival. These two didn’t need any additional contrived plot devices to keep them apart. Even when Kitty did come on to Leo, she managed to do so in a rather offensive and insulting way. I also didn’t really believe her realization of her feelings given how quickly it came about, especially when she was just as quick to go right back to being judgmental and unforgiving toward Leo; she focused solely on the pain of her own losses without giving a moment’s thought to the fact that Leo might’ve also experienced emotional pain. When Leo finally confessed his feelings, I found it very sweet but of course, Kitty ruined it. Even Leo’s grand gesture, though sweet, fell a bit flat given Kitty’s rather anticlimactic reaction and their general lack of communication together.

All told, Kitty was a very selfish and frustrating heroine for me, and I think Leo deserved better. This was a disappointing series conclusion for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very enjoyable read, typical romance structure which is exactly what I wanted! Helped fill some of the Bridgerton gap I'm feeling right now, too!

Great romance book! Love the characters in this book and the unique plot! There is great chemistry between the two MCs! I loved the pacing in this book and how it speeds up as the story progresses! Loved this historical romance! Definitely recommend giving this one a read!

this book was fine, I liked tnhe set up and the backstory but the story didn't stick with me after I finished it unfortunately

3.50 ⭐/ 3🌶️

All women want a rake - or at least the chance to be the reason one goes straight. In an attempt to win the heart of the woman he loves, Leo makes a deal with Kitty to help turn him into a rakish rogue. What she doesn't know, is she's the woman he wants.

This was a cute and quick historical romance. I absolutely loved the sweet relationship between Leo and Kitty - childhood feelings growing into more. I absolutely loved the independent feisty women in this story and thought Kitty was amazing if not a bit broken and emotionally reserved. Leo was so sweet in his affection for her and being able and willing to step out of his comfort zone was purely wonderful to see.

Anna Bennett's Rogues to Lovers series has been one that has absolutely charmed me from book one! It Takes a Rake is the third installment in this historical romance, small town series and it pacts the same heart and endearment as the other two! Bennett's writing is clever and clear, easily drawing the reader in with the first line, making them swiftly fall in love and keeping them engaged til the end. This "teach me to be a rake" romance bustles with banter, delights with dreaming, and is deliciously romantic. Kitty and Leo are the perfect pair and watching their love blossom is sweet, romantic and heart warming. If you are looking for a historical romance with the charm of a small town, the chemistry of an opposites attract, and the heart of a hero who is so in love with the heroine, than It Takes a Rake is sure to be a new favorite! I so very highly recommend this novel and then others in Anna Bennett's series, I love each one and I revel anytime I am able to spend time in Bellehaven Bay!

A female architect in the 1800s? Yes, please. I loved Kitty and Leo! Kitty is so determined and single-minded, as she needs to work doubly hard to prove herself. Leo, on the other hand, I felt for him and the circumstances surrounding his leaving home. The fact that Leo devises an entire plan to make her fall in love with him - that part is so romance novel-esque! Viewing Kitty as an equal comes naturally to Leo, and while that may seem normal today, given the time period of the novel, it is quite rare and remarkable and made me like his character that much more. Swoonworthy and sweet! While it is the finale in a series, I did not feel as though I missed anything having not read the previous books.

Anna Bennett brings her Rogue to Lovers trilogy to a close with It Takes a Rake. The youngest of the Bellehaven Belles takes center stage in this friends/rivals-to-lovers romance.

Kitty Beckett wants two things: to become a successful architect and to find a partner who she will never be in danger of falling in love with. Kitty has severe abandonment issues and with her closest friends seeming to be moving along in life without her, she is determined to put her career first and never be hurt by a husband who could leave her. Then her old nemesis comes back into town and threatens to make Kitty examine what she truly wants out of life.

Leo Lockland has been away from Bellehaven Bay for four years but one thing that hasn’t changed is how much he yearns for Kitty. Now he’s back and the two of them are teamed up for an architectural design competition. He'll help Kitty with her calculations and in exchange, she will help him win the “mystery woman” who has his heart. Leo knows it’s a risk that may backfire when Kitty learns it is she he’s in love with, but it’s a risk he has to take. He’ll let him turn her into a rake if that’s what’s necessary to win her over.

Leo is an absolutely endearing hero. He’s so sweet and kind and I loved that he wasn’t a dashing rogue at heart. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to change him and worried Kitty’s attempts to alter a perfectly delightful man into a rake would take away from what made him such an appealing hero. What happens I’ll leave readers to discover but suffice it to say that Kitty’s lessons make her look at her old friend and competitor in a way she rarely allowed herself to do in the past.

Kitty was a bit harder for me to connect to, mostly because she was intent on keeping her walls up high. I liked watching her lower them, however, but Leo has his work cut out in order to get her to trust him. Their romance is slow to start because both of them are holding something back, but Bennett makes things work out in an organic manner, resulting in a satisfying happily ever after.

Though It Takes a Rake is the third book in the Rogues to Lovers series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I liked seeing where Poppy, Keane, Hazel, and Blade are now, and how they come together to support Kitty, but it wasn’t necessary to enjoy Leo and Kitty’s story. All in all, this was a sweet romance that had some bumps in the road to an ending that was quite lovely.

This author has been one I’ve enjoyed. I adored this series! This one was wonderful! I enjoyed the characters and the the group of friends! I was so happy that Kitty got her own HEA! I loved Kitty and Leo together. Such a great match and journey to their HEA! I look forward to what’s next from Anna Bennett!

I liked this book. I enjoyed this book. I just didn’t love it. Don’t ask me to pinpoint what it was, because I don’t know. I just didn’t love it. There are so many books with similar plots, and this one for me didn’t stand out.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Anna Bennett writes men that are GOD tier! From the moment these two were teased all the way back in book 1 I had been EAGERLY awaiting this one! It was everything I've come to love about Bennett's historical romances, and one that will be popping up on best of lists for sure!

Loved Leo and Kitty! Very delightful read and made me remember why I love historical romance in the first place.

While I love the architectural design contest and Leo as a hero, Kitty was not my favorite character. Kitty has abandonment issues and uses that to keep people at bay. Leo has loved her for years and now that he has returned from London for good, sets out to win her over. He accomplished this by having Kitty teach him to be a rake to win over the woman he wants.

Overall, a cute story and a good continuation of the series. I especially enjoyed that Kitty was a woman making her name in the architecture world at a time that was frowned upon.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

THis was the third book in the series. I felt it had many slow spots in it and it was hard to read. I also had a hard time with Kitty as well as Leo. I felt she was to demanding and he was not storng at all. Just because I didnt feel the book met my needs as a reader, that doesn't mean it won;t meet yours.

3.75 ⭐️

It Takes a Rake is the third installment of the Rogues to Lovers series. I unfortunately didn't realize this when I started the book - so I am going into this as if it is a standalone.

The story follows Leo Lockland upon his return home after working in London for a few years. He's been in love with his childhood friend Miss Kitty Beckett. She is an heiress who's passion is architecture and wants to be able to create designs with passion and flair. The two have a competitive relationship which follows into the architecture design contest happening at their sea-side town. Kitty trusts Leo enough to double check her calculations of her designs and in turn she teaches him how to become a rake to get the affections of the girl who holds his affections. (It's her. lol)

I thoroughly enjoyed this and it was a good foot in the door for historical romance. (I blame bridgerton's 3rd season coming up soon!) There were a few spicy scenes, the tension between the two was perfection.

⚡ Sexy banter & chemistry
⚡ Frienemies to Lovers
⚡ Rake Lessons 🔥
⚡ Supportive friends
⚡ Witty Banter
⚡ Forced Proximity
⚡ Secret Crush

Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the eARC of It Takes a Rake by Anna Bennett.

I want to live in Bellhaven. I want to have a pint of ale at the Salty Mermaid. Is this possible?? No? Ok, well I enjoyed my time there while reading this series. This one is all about Kitty and Leo. Adversarial since they were kids and apprentices at Leo’s grandfather’s architectural practice. However, Leo has been in love with Kitty for years. When he returns to town, he wants to finally express his feelings. Of course, he can’t just spit it out, so Kitty and home make a deal. She’ll help him be a rake and he’ll help her with her design for a contest. This proximity will surely make her realize her love for Leo…..right? This was a pleasant journey and a good conclusion.

Kitty and Leo... an interesting pairing. Some of the plot points didn't stick with me and Kitty rubbed me the wrong way from the start but I loved Leo wholeheartedly. He was so sweet and precious. I wish he almost knew he deserved better? This was swoony and sweet but I just didn't connect with the characters the way I'd like.

A very funny but sweet story about finding the perfect match. The characters were beautifully done! There were moments I wish I could have shaken them through the pages and told them what idiots they were but the ending was perfect too.

Apprenticed to his grandfather an architect, Leo Lockland loves the lady who shares his architect table, Miss Kitty Beckett. They've always challenged each other in their designs. Leo's loved Kitty a long time, but she's convinced love is too painful. He's decided to take her instructions on becoming the rake Kitty says she wants, with hilarious results. His biggest obstacle is gaining her trust to confess his love. Seduction gives Leo hope, but an architectural contest will be a challenge for them both. Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the third installment of the series Rogues to Lovers. Kitty is an architect, trying to make her way in a man's world. She also has no interest in opening her heart to anyone. Especially rakes, she can spot them a mile away and stays far away from them. When her childhood nemesis, Leo, who is also an architect, comes back to London and asks for her help in becoming more like a rake, she agrees to help him. And in return, he will help her with her architectural project for the contest held in town to design a new building. Little does Kitty know that Leo has always harbored a crush for her and this is his opportunity to get closer to her and win her heart.
This was an enjoyable frenemies to more story with likable and well-developed characters. Written with wit and a good dose of humor, the book kept me entertained from start to finish. A delightful story that will have you laughing and swooning!
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.