I found this book on netgalley and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I read the first book in this series when it came out, circa 2017, and was offered this book, the second installment, though NetGalley in 2017. The fact that it took me until 2023 to finish reading it might give you a clue to my opinions.

In general, the most appealing part of the first book was the heroine, Esmeralda, who ran an employment agency and provided a safe home for her younger sister. I requested this book hoping it would tell her sister’s story or somehow connect to the employment agency aspect of the story. When it didn’t, I lost interest.

This story connects to the first through the hero, Hawk, who like his friend, Griffin, is the worst sort of spoiled Duke with a raging case of lust-at-first-sight for another of his friend’s sisters. Don’t get me wrong. I adore a best friend’s sibling romance, but that really ended up being the only source of tension and conflict between Hawk and Loretta. Considering all their lusty feelings and this being a relatively slow burn romance, I found the entire plot more frustrating than anything.

Truly, people. Talk to each other. Everything will work out in the end, I promise.

On the up side, the book is short and made for an easy way to pass a few hours. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Arc.

It was a really easy book to read and get into, the characters were very likable. It was well written and I like Amelia Grey's writing style. The Regency period is a lovely one to read about and I can't wait to dip back into her series again.

TO THE DUKE, WITH LOVE - Amelia Grey

#2 in The Rakes of St. James historical romance series

PASSIONATE - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - The Duke of Hawksthorn is anxious to arrange a marriage for his sister to avoid any problems resulting from the scandal he created years ago. When he travels to meet with his candidate, he instead meets the sister, and he's immediately attracted. Despite her isolation, she's strong-willed and outspoken, attributes that intrigue him.

Writing - 4 stars - The story is interesting and smooth, continuing with the same strong and arrogant type of main character as the previous book in this series.

Characters - 3.5 stars - I like Hawk, although I don't feel as though we really know him as well as we got to know Griffin in the last book. He's strong-willed and intelligent, but he's pretty one-dimensional, only defined by his attraction to Loretta and his single-minded purpose in wooing her. Loretta, for her part, is much more substantial. She successfully defied her uncle regarding her arranged marriage, so now she is in seclusion and has made a vow of chastity that she is determined to keep. She's soft-hearted and loving, but intelligent and wasted in isolation. I admire her principles and found her determination to have the best for her brother to be warm and sweet, but somewhat misguided.

Title - 4 stars - The title sort of sounds like a Dear John letter, which is how Loretta feels about him, keeping him at arm's length.

Cover - 4.5 stars - A beautiful deep rich red color with a gorgeous dress that draws the eye.

Overall - 4 stars - This was a very nice continuation of this trilogy about the three rakish dukes. Hawk is strong and determined, but I felt that we didn't really get to know him very well, which was a disappointment. Loretta is much more approachable, and I really liked her character. I loved her assumption that everyone feels love in the sweeping way that she does, and I particularly liked when Paxton told her that everyone doesn't necessarily want or need to feel that strongly. She and Hawk are well-matched, and I was definitely rooting for their success. The added scenario of her trying to provide Farley with a better life gave us a brief look at the seedier side of life during that time period. I liked the contrast and the fact that she tried, despite the controversy. I look forward to finishing off this entertaining and enjoyable series.

Amelia Grey’s To the Duke, with Love is a compassionate story with engaging characters that a reader can care deeply for. Sloane Knox, The Duke of Hawksthorne, has come up with a plan to arrange a marriage for his sister before her season begins in order to avoid any scandal due to his rakish reputation. Paxton Quick is the ideal man for Adele but there is one thing standing in his way; his sister Loretta. Loretta Quick knows all about how an arranged marriage can go wrong since it happened to her and now lives in exile of her own making. She isn’t going to let it happen to her brother without a fight and she will go to great lengths to see that her brother finds a marriage based on love. When a young orphan beggar lands on her doorstep one night, it takes both of them to arrange help for him, and gives them a chance to see the softer side of each other. Loretta sees a kinder Hawk and he sees a compassionate and caring woman. What develops is a character driven story of letting the past go and look to the future. It also shows a side of society that isn’t often seen before but reminiscent of a Dickens novel where there really isn’t a happy ending for everyone but we get one for our hero and heroine.

I love strong heroines and Loretta is most definitely one. Over the course of her isolation she has learned forgiveness and understanding and stands by her convictions and her own vow. She looks for the goodness in people and puts others happiness before her own. Hawk admires her and falls in love with her those attributes and must figure out a way for Loretta to let go of that vow so she may have a happy and loving life. The author has created an endearing story and truly shows a realistic slice of life in that time period. The second rake of St. James wasn’t looking for love for himself but he found it nonetheless with a very deserving lady. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the third and final Rake of St. James novel.

I tried really hard to enjoy this book but it just fell flat for more. The characters didn't quite catch my attention and the story didn't hook me in. Both are kind of essential for me to really enjoy a good romance.

The potential was there for it and there was a reason I wanted to read, though. I could see the spark of a brilliant strong character in Loretta. She had a past and she was unafraid to sass this big bad Duke wanting to control his sister's marriage and her brother's. Especially as he didn't even really know her brother.

I don't know, I wanted more than I got but I still want to give Amelia Grey's writing another chance. one miss is not a bad thing.

Full review posted at Reader's Edyn on 020420

Loretta Quick is basically living a life of exile. Having fled from an arranged marriage, leaving her intended at the altar, her Uncle has sent her to the country to live. Assuming the solitude will eventually send her begging a way back into society, he waits. But Loretta knows full well the ramifications of the decision she made and has found peace with her solitary life she is confined to. Her brother, Paxton, spends some time with her and overall, things could be much worse than they are. Given her intense disapproval of arranged marriages, when the shockingly handsome, utterly delicious Duke of Hawsthorne shows up at her door seeking a betrothal contract between her brother and his sister, she must maintain her ground. An arranged marriage will NOT be happening as long as she draws breath. Unfortunately, no one else seems to be siding with her views and the Duke is determined to make this match prior to the start of the season. He isn’t accustomed to losing. Rather than having to convince the intended parties, Loretta is the one needing convincing, swayed toward the idea that the marriage could be a good thing for all involved. There is also the small detail that if Paxton marries Hawk’s sister, she has many more chances to see Hawk. She can’t have him, but nothing can stop her from enjoying him.

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorne has just come through a season with one of his best friends, the Duke of Griffin, and Griffin's twin sister’s debut. He saw everything Griffin went through and helped to protect his sisters. Now that his own sister’s debut is upon him, he refuses to go through the same debacle. Determined to make a match for her prior to the first ball of the season, he sets out to convince Paxton Quick to marry his sister; except he ends up facing off with the enticing and steadfast Loretta Quick. She’s trouble for him and he knows it, but that doesn’t stop him from devising ways to not only ensure the betrothal is made, but also steal time alone with Loretta. The betrothal ends up being easier work than anticipated, the impossible challenge becoming finding a way to make Loretta his. Challenge accepted. If only he can figure out how to break through that foolish vow she made and convince her that she isn’t shirking her responsibility by following a path to happiness and the dreams she never dared to hope possible.

I’m sorry – I just realized that Hawk has a name. I am shocked because I never found a name for Griffin in the first book, other than his title. I don’t recall Hawk’s name ever being mentioned other than the first line in the book. Throughout the book he is never once called by it – always by his title or simply, Hawk. Dang if I wouldn’t have preferred Loretta to call him by his first name. How in blazes did I miss that? In any case … Finally! We are given several glimpses into the relatively unknown – continually mentioned in the first book of the series – elusive until now … A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady. The book that created The Rakes of St. James themselves. Each chapter includes a rule from the book, which is quite amusing and somehow relates to the events of each chapter. I found this element to the plot quite a fun addition and consistent with the first book of the series; foretastes of noteworthy advice peppered throughout each book’s entirety.

This book is basically the first book retold - in the sense that you have a single Duke trying to live down a possible threat to his sister from a foolish act carried out during his rakish youthful years, never envisioning THAT bet would have drawn such attention and plagued him into his adult years. Certainly not that it could ever affect his sister in any way. In an effort to avoid possible retribution, Hawk endeavors to make a match for his sister prior to the beginning of the season and ends up walking right into a head-strong woman who challenges him at every turn and fires his blood like no other. Familiar, yes? I think I may have written those exact words in the previous review. There are some differences in the characters and their back stories, but ultimately everything is quite similar from Book 1 to Book 2. I still enjoyed my time with these characters and was pleased to revisit with characters introduced in the previous installment. The attraction between Loretta and Hawk was palpable and kept me engaged. Knowing how things played out in the first story, I knew what to expect with this one, which also followed the same path. While the intimacy is somewhat descriptive, I’d describe it as quite tame to what I have come across in more recent reads. Despite being a part of a series, I found that there was enough back story provided that someone could successfully read this story without becoming lost in the absence of knowledge from the preceding novel.

I suppose overall, I am a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong. I still very much enjoyed reading the book and getting to know the characters, but I felt that it was too similar to the first story. There wasn’t enough difference to really set book 1 apart from book 2. I am hoping such is not the case with the final book in the series as I plan to read that one next. This book is a great regency romance and those who enjoy HR are sure to find it enjoyable. However, they may also find it a bit redundant if they have read the series in order. Quite a pity given the high expectation I carried over from the first installment. So take it for what it’s worth. I don’t think anyone would be unhappy with this book, but disappointment could be inevitable given the parallel plot. I in no way am turned off from this author based on this revelation and plan to seek out other of her works to see what I think outside of this series as it is the only one I can currently speak to. I hope for better news with Rath’s story as I am looking forward to his HEA immensely.

Kindle ARC version provided by publisher/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

To the Duke, With Love is the second book in a series. I have not read the first book but I feel like I will be adding it to my TBR list. If you like stories of redemption, some witty letter writing between the leads, and plans that don’t always work the way they were intended, this book is for you.

This is a typical regency romance. She is a beautiful woman whose finances are pitiful. He is a duke with money and too much time on his hands. He wants his sister engaged before her debut as his past could cause her trouble.

The solution: offer her to the brother of the beautiful woman. The only problem is they both have a stubborn streak and he is trying to reform his wild ways.

If you like romances, English settings and redeeming stories, this is a good read.

Loretta is a strong heroine forced to take on Sloane,a stubborn hero. Enjoyed reading the redemption of a Rake of St. James. Fun read with humor mixed in. Having the main characters right letters back and forth was an interesting element. Definitely recommend!

This is an amazing author who has given us yet another amazing book. One that never fails to draw me in and keep me interested through the whole book. It was very easy to fall in love with the characters. The writing was on par as usual. I definitely recommend reading.

I enjoyed the story. The characters were great. I enjoyed how the story unfolded. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Dukes and ladies! I love reading historical romances and this author is staying on my list of great historical romance writers. To the Duke, With Love is entertaining, funny and sensuous. I recommend to any lover of a historical romance!

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
The book was good. I liked both main characters as they went through the story. Both characters were well written. I enjoyed the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

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.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an Uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Loved the snark! The plot was a bit slow but I really enjoyed the characters.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

This is the second story in The Rakes of St. James series and I found this one very hard to finish reading it. The reason for it are not just anachronisms, because sometimes I’ll overlook them if the story is strong and characters relatable and likable. But in this story, I found the hero and heroine just a bit short of cartoonish.

Sorry to say that I’m not recommending this one.

Melanie for b2b

To the Duke, With Love is the second sensuous installment of Amelia Grey’s red-hot new series The Rakes of St. James.

Sloane Knox, Duke of Hawksthorn, loathes the Season and the Ton. He has neither the time nor the inclination for the tedious social whirl, but as he is the guardian of his younger sister, he is charged with finding a suitable husband for his innocent sibling. Sloane is determined to avoid the Season at all costs, and as luck would have it, he thinks he has found the perfect man for his sister to marry. He thinks that he has solved his quandary without needing to once set foot in a ballroom or attend another tedious social occasion, however, he hadn’t counted on an unexpected, infuriating and very attractive obstacle standing in the way of achieving his objective: the groom’s own sister, Miss Loretta Quick, a woman who opposes the match and who will pull out all the stops to ensure that her brother does not marry the sibling of one of the infamous Rakes of St James!

Having narrowly escaped her own arranged marriage to a wholly unacceptable nobleman, Loretta will not allow her good-natured brother to spend the rest of his life saddled to a woman he does not love. Loretta wants her brother to marry for love and she will not let him be manipulated into matrimony by a man who wants to use him to further his own gains and for his own advantage. Loretta will oppose her brother’s marriage to Sloane’s sister with everything she’s got – however, she hadn’t counted on clashing swords with the charming, charismatic and absolutely irresistible Duke of Hawksthorn or on the sizzling attraction that has ignited between the two of them!

Pretty soon, Loretta realises that it’s not her brother she needs to worry about, but losing her heart to an unsuitable man like Sloane. As their feelings for one another escalate, will Loretta and Sloane realise that they are perfect for each other? Or will they both end up losing this unexpected chance of happiness?

I love historical romances because I adore being swept back in time and being made to feel as if I am right there in the nineteenth century alongside the characters, but sadly, To the Duke, With Love, while competently written, lacked historical veracity and was riddled with so many jarring anachronisms and inaccuracies that it was a struggle to get through. From characters named Sloane to English aristocrats gambling with dollars, this wallpaper historical simply did not work for me.

This is an lust-to-love kind of story. The romance is there, and I love the witty banter, but I absolutely could NOT get past the fact that it read like a modern romance with a few historical facts thrown in. It wasn't authentic, and I just couldn't get as engrossed into the story as I normally do with historical romances.

I found this story quite pleasant. It's a sweet story about a strong-willed woman and one of society's known rakes. The descriptions of the setting are detailed and vivid. The dialogue matches the character's expected speaking patterns. Overall, the story is solid.
Unfortunately, the plot is flat and the pacing slow. I kept expecting a kidnap attempt or some active plot movement.