An entertaining childhood rivals turned friends to lovers story. Kitty is a smart, headstrong and independent woman, and Leo is the absolutely adorable, sweet and caring man who has loved her forever. Centered around a design competition and a relationship misunderstanding, the characters have plenty of opportunities to interact and develop their relationship in the most satisfying way. This book is is well-plotted and fast-paced, with fun witty banter, plot twists and heart.
This author is new to me, and I will definitely read more of her books. This story is the 3rd in the Rogues to Lovers trilogy. Though I haven't read the first two books, I had no trouble joining the story at this point. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I think the experience would be enhanced by reading Book 1 where Kitty and Leo were introduced as teenagers. I will definitely go back to the beginning of this trilogy and enjoy spending more time with all of the wonderful characters in this series.

Spice 🌶 (more like 0.5)

Read this book for…
Unrequited love (ish)
Rivals to lovers

This was a lovely tale! It starts off with Leo Lockland and his unrequited love for Kitty Beckett. They were both apprentices under Leo’s grandfather and rivals of sorts before Leo abruptly departs for London. They meet again after a few years. Leo wants to win over and winds up under Kitty’s tutelage to become a proper rake.

While I enjoyed watching these two fall in love, I felt that something was missing. I suppose it could be the lack of tension and heart pulling of unrequited love. Or it could be the unrealistic almost clumsy description or way Kitty finds her feelings for Leo. How she abruptly asks for certain ~things~ that I will not spoil. I felt it could be done differently.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Leo has strong feelings for Kiddy. He suspects she might feel the same, so he goes through different steps to get her to trust and love him back!

I was sent an unsolicited copy of this book and I couldn't have been happier. I've adored reading Anna Bennett's books, especially her Rogues to Lovers series. The couples are absolutely darling and their courtships always make my heart flutter. It Takes a Rake was very sweet and the heroine was all grown up from her appearance in the first book. Kitty had matured into a smart young lady and thankfully outgrew her bratty tendencies. Plus, any character with a cute name like Kitty already has a point in their favor. Leo was lost in the sauce pining after the heroine from the very beginning and I couldn't wait for them to finally get together. Bennett writes romantic longing like nobody's business.

One of my favorite aspects of It Takes a Rake was how both characters were architects. Both of their desks were nestled together in the same office, one messy and one neat. They were total opposites but ultimately the perfect match. It was refreshing to see a heroine so cerebral instead of the usual damsels too dumb to function. I liked that they had a common interest and bonded over their love of architecture. I believe this may be the final entry in the Rogues to Lovers collection, but if not I'd be happy to read more of these seaside adventures. The characters are so charming and I loved learning more about the citizens that inhabit this little English village.

It Takes a Rake was a lovely historical romance and I loved diving into this quaint seaside town. I only wished Kitty was more amenable to Leo's courtship faster than she did, but at least she warmed up eventually. I really like this series and I'm more than pleased that I discovered Anna Bennett last year. I plan to read more of her future publications next year. I learned when it comes to falling in love in Bellehaven Bay, It Takes a Rake to seal the deal!

This is a sweet enemies-to-lovers romance, but with the enemies being one-sided as Leo has had a crush on Kitty for years.
I liked Leo a lot, I thought he had a good head on his shoulders and seemed like an all-around great person. Kitty, I had a hard time connecting with her, so it was hard for me to root for them as a couple. And I found myself not caring about what was happening in the story.
That being said I thought the writing was great, and I have read other books by Anna Bennet and love them, so I will definitely be reading other books by her in the future.

This book, featuring Miss Kitty Beckett and Leo Lockland, offers a delightful blend of romance, rivalry, and a dash of intrigue. Kitty's strong-willed character as a talented heiress with a passion for architecture and an aversion to marriage sets the stage for an engaging story. Leo's return home and his hidden love for Kitty add depth to the plot.

The premise of turning a buttoned-up architect into a certified rake for a design contest is both clever and entertaining. The lessons in fashion, flirtation, and seduction create moments of humor and intimacy. As Leo and Kitty navigate their complex feelings for each other, the story unfolds with warmth and charm.

While the story may follow some familiar romantic tropes, the characters are well-developed, and their chemistry is palpable. The writing is engaging, and the lessons they share lead to touching and passionate moments. As secrets are revealed and emotions run high, readers will find themselves drawn into this captivating romance. If you enjoy historical romance with a delightful mix of rivalry and love, this book is a worthwhile read.

This series is fantastic! The Belles get through the most interesting situations with strength and poise.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoy old English romance novels, or recently got into Bridgerton, then you need to give this one a read! It is childhood enemies who see one party move away suddenly and then return years later to find his attraction towards her has not changed. They make a deal that brings them closer together and you'll need to read it to find out what happens next!

He's Only A Rake For Her

Leo has been in love with Kitty since they apprenticed together as teenagers in his grandfather's architectural firm. Their relationship has been based on competition and respect and he is captivated by the way Kitty challenges him and prompts him to rethink what he knows. After leaving for London suddenly four years ago, he has now returned to their small seaside town of Bellehaven.

Kitty's life has been filled with losses - the death of her parents in an accident, being abandoned at different schools by her uncle, and Leo's abrupt departure for London in the past. She is terrified of loving someone and losing them. She thinks she wants a marriage of convenience with a man who will not demand her heart.

When an architectural contest is announced, Leo and Kitty strike up a bargain. He will serve as her technical consultant for her design and she will teach him how to become a rake. He really just wants to spend time with her.

I loved seeing this couple's relationship develop both as they work together on the design and over the course of Leo's lessons. Kitty and Leo collaborate to optimize her design. Kitty helps Leo improve his wardrobe and cultivate an air of mystery. The more practical lessons develop into ones about kissing and passion. This couple has sparks!

Both main characters are very likeable and sympathetic. Leo is completely supportive of Kitty's professional goals. He also understands the fears underlying her reluctance to commit. He is willing to step outside his comfort zone to demonstrate his love. Kitty is creative and driven and vulnerable. It's easy to empathize with her uncertainty about love and relationships.

The book is suspenseful and moves quickly. While I was able to anticipate some of the twists, I was still motivated to keep turning the pages.

While this is book 3 in Rogues to Lovers, it definitely works as a stand-alone. (If you want to meet Kitty and Leo as teenagers, read Book 1.)

Special thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley.com for an advance copy. This is an honest review.

This is a wonderful story. Leo and Kitty grew up together and studied together to become architects. The plot of the story is interesting and entertaining. The characters are witty and fierce in their beliefs. The story is easy to read and understand. As Leo and Kitty work through their issues they find themselves a lasting love.

It Takes A Rake is the story of what happens when a woman cares more about her career than finding a suitable match!! Women in STEM, and in Miss Becket's case, architecture - aren't commonplace at all - but neither are the type of truly kind, honorable, or hard-working men (AKA nice guys)\ like the honorable Leo Lockland that she's trying SO hard to avoid!

**Thank you to St. Martin's Paperbacks & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

LOVED!!! This series is FANTASTIC!! I keep thinking one can’t top the next and each book does!!! Leo & Kitty’s story was one of my FAV genres - childhood friends to lovers!!! I loved the story and how it unfolded! The writing was perfectly done! This book had SO many funny moments!! I was chuckling throughout!! I SO loved how Leo was in tune with Kitty and understood her!!

I DEFINITELY recommend if you are in the mood for a cute, funny, historical romance!!! Glad I discovered this author!!!!

Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review!

FAV QUOTES:
“But what he liked best about her was the way she made the entire world buzz with possibilities.” Leo

“Love is fickle. Fate is cruel. But if we each hold back a part of ourselves, we never need to fear that our heart will be ripped from our chest. No matter what happens to us, or between us, we’ll know we can survive it.” Kitty

3.5 STARS!

This book has so many positive parts to it. I enjoyed the concepts and the forward-thinking the author puts into her stories. The female leads are usually “normal” people with jobs or businesses of some sort. Not just titled women needing a man. Her strong women are a key part of the story.

For me, the characters have to be a likable part of the book. We have to connect with them and get the buy-in for the story to flow. Leo was awesome. I love that he was all in for Kitty and he showed his heart on his sleeve many times.

Kitty was stubborn and overbearing in many ways. She came off hot and then cold to me, and while I understood her plans, she was annoying and close-minded in many ways. But when the two of them figured out their agreement, it was a delight. Swoony with a sweet second chance romance which takes a bit to find that delicate balance.

For me, I just did not care for the female main character. She annoyed me with her bossy and overbearing attitude much of the time and everything was always his fault. Not a favorite part of the book for me.

Loaded with heat and some great twists, It Takes a Rake is a unique story that is strong on women empowerment and independence of women long before it was fashionable. A tight connection with friends as a unit makes this a fun story with a great ending.

This book is part of a series and though I have not read earlier books in the series, I did not feel as though I was lost.

Leo is a young man who has returned from London in order to work in his grandfather’s architectural office. In the past, he had been apprenticed there and the other apprentice is Kitty. Leo and she had been competitors. Leo had been in love with her forever.

Leo is a responsible young man. He is smart and funny and kind. He has come home to support his mother after his father’s death. He plans to run the architectural office. He even saves a child from drowning in the ocean. In short, Leo is a good man of many facets.

Kitty is beautiful but very immature. She acts like a toddler when she does not get her own way or if something displeases her. There is a scene where she throws things and nearly destroys Leo’s home because she believes he has moved some of her things from her desk. That scene was enough for me to believe Leo deserves someone so much better. Yes, by the end of the story, she is better, but she is an exhausting character.

I did not want Kitty to be docile, but I would have expected a little bit more disgression in her actions.

The story is well written and the characters are complete. But, there is really no feel of an historical period here. It felt very modern.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Such a fun historical steamy romance ! I love a head-strong, smart FMC, and there's just something about witty banter in historical romances that hits the spot. It was so easy to connect with these characters.. This is book three in the Rogue to Lovers series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.

I love an enemies to lovers romance, especially when one of the characters loves the other character the entire time. I think that this one does this trope very well, in that they were generally poking at each other, but I never felt one of them was actually mean or cruel to the other (more general teasing and goading, but also mixed in with compliments and support). I wish the author would have gone more into Kitty's backstory. I understand that I was reading this series out of order, and it was likely explained in a previous book- but for her parent's deaths to completely shape her mindset about her future, it would have been nice to know a little more about her circumstances and background in this story. It went into those details more for Leo, but I felt it was missing for Kitty. Overall though, I really enjoyed this book!

It Takes A Rake is a fabulous historical romance by Anna Bennett. Leo and Kitty's story is a fun read. After moving to London for 4 years Leo has returned. Kitty is still mad that he left without warning, just like most of the other people in her life. Their story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, a little action and suspense and will keep readers glued to their book.
It Takes A Rake is book 3 of Rogues to Lovers Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

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

Anna Bennett writes the most delicious historical romances! I always know I'm in for a good time with her books. IT TAKES A RAKE is no exception. If you love histrom with plenty of steam, banter and swoony romance, you'll definitely enjoy this one too. This series has been just pure fun and I'm glad Kitty was able to find love. Highly recommend going through the entire series, but each can be read as a standalone (my favourite type of series, as I'm definitely a 'pick and choose' type of reader!)

Give me a historical steamy romance any day! I love when we get a head strong, smart FMC, and there's just something about witty banter in historical romances that make me all sorts of giddy. It was so easy to fall in love with these characters, and you find yourself rooting for their romance to blossom. This is book three in the Rogue to Lovers series, but what I love about this series is each book can be read as a stand alone.

This book is just plainly soul touching. It made me realise that there is always a magical love for almost everyone out there and it is beautiful and eternal. I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished this book in a day because I was so glued to it.