The Duke of Rathburn knows better than to seek the affections of his ward, but she's not a girl anymore, and he is in need of a wife. But she has a secret and is desperately trying to keep him from finding out as she slowly cedes to temptation. two lost souls in need of love, but will the secret tear them apart or can he find forgiveness? I enjoyed this read and highly recommend!

**received a review copy from netgalley**

3.5 Stars

"Rath," the Duke of Rathburne, is one of a trio of dukes who took part in what was supposed to be a secret wager years ago. Unfortunately, the secret leaked out, embarrassing the twelve young debutantes who were the subject of the wager. Though the three dukes regretted their actions, they were relieved that there appeared to be no lasting harm or consequences to any of the young ladies. Then, years later, the wager was brought up again in a scandal sheet, written by a mysterious "Miss Honora Truth," who refuses to let the old scandal die.

The author of the posts written as Honora Truth is Marlena Fast, an orphan, who is under the guardianship of a close friend of Rath's deceased father. While living with her chaperone and cousin, Justine, Marlena became friends with her neighbors, one of whom was one of the debutantes targeted by the dukes' infamous wager. At the time, Veronica was so shaken by the scandal, that she hastily accepted a proposal and married a man who has not made her very happy. Now Veronica's life is poor, childless, and she battles depression. Marlena began writing her column as a way to achieve a measure of revenge for Veronica, as well as giving her any funds that the column earns.

A strange coincidence causes Rath and Marlena to meet, although he did meet her briefly when she was a tomboyish youngster. Marlena's guardian becomes very ill, and he calls on Rath, using his friendship with Rath's father as leverage, to implore him to take over the guardianship of Marlena, who is now almost twenty. In a weak, and admittedly, inebriated moment, Rath agrees. When he comes to call on Marlena, she is initially terrified that her alter ego has been found out and he has come to punish her.

While under Rath's guardianship, Marlena quickly discovers that he is kind, courteous, generous, and ever so patient with her horrible chaperone, Justine. Although known as a rake, Rath doesn't dally with innocent ladies, so he may flirt with Marlena, but he does not take any liberties. However, if Marlena were to kiss him first, that would be a whole different story....

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE tells the charming story of Rath and Marlena falling slowly in love and acting on their passionate feelings. There is not a lot of conflict or problems until their affair becomes serious, and Marlena realizes she has to confess her secret. Both of these characters are likeable -- Marlena is mature for a young lady who's never been in society, and she's quick to see how she may have misjudged Rath. He, in turn, hardly seems rakish, but rather an honorable, generous, sexy man. Some comic relief is provided by Justine, who is truly awful, while living in the past, but determined to squeeze every penny out of the present. I'd recommend IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE for historical romance fans looking for a more low key story without a lot of high drama. I found it easy reading, enjoyable, and delightful.

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It's All About the Duke: The Rakes of St. James ★★★★ from Susan Qualls on May 31, 2018

First book for me in this series.

I have read other books by Amelia Grey, but this book is the first read for me in this series, The Rakes of St. James. The story flowed and the characters were likeable but I gave it 4 stars because something about the actual romance between the MC's seemed off to...

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This book is part of a series, The Rakes of St. James. I have not read the previous books from this series so I felt a little lost at the beginning of this book. I would not recommend reading this as a standalone book. Within the first few pages, I disliked the Duke’s character and he seemed such a lecher, lusting after his ward even as he talked of his own previous scandal. He put me off the book so much that I just couldn’t continue reading it. I would not recommend this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

"It's all about the Duke" by Amelia Grey

***a special thank you to Amelia Grey, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for providing a copy for this review.

SYNOPSIS
Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends 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, 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. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desires. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

★★★☆☆
Historical Romance | Romance

Note to self - read the other books! I went into this story loving everything about the main characters, they fit together and complimented each other in personality. I feel like reading the other previous stories would have made a lot of the topic interaction less confusing for me. I didn't understand what had previously happened aside from a few mentions from our leading lady and any thoughts that would pop into their head. They thought about the situation as a past time, and I think if I had expearienced the moment with them, I would understand the issue more delicately. Other than the story being a bit of an overall ... simplicity - the characters really brought the story together.
CHARACTERS
Marlena - these two characters were perfect! I loved that Marlena was unique enough to not balance in the world of etiquette, to which I also enjoyed that the story didn't shove down my throat that she was different. She was protective over her friends who had become like sisters to her, she was never bitter about her situation as an orphan, and her acceptance into Rath being her guardian didn't put her into a whinny stoop and 'my life it over' idea which I really enjoyed honestly. Overall she was a pure joy to read about, plus the charisma between these characters was perfect!
Rath - Maybe I don't understand the whole 'rake' aspect about the character, I thought he was always truly sweet and lovely with Marlena. I love that he had a 'give no shits' aura about himself, and despite his situation with the scandal and rumors, he has friends and he is always lovely with their wives. He was just as enjoyable on page as all the other characters, and I liked that got to see him falling in love with Marlena - that it wasn't a 'we can never be together' aspect but more of a 'lets change this situation so we can be together' I liked that the situation turned out this way.
THE STORY
the story was an uneventful, unfortunately. I liked the interaction between all the characters, the meetings in the garden, as well as the sassy remarks between our leading two love birds. However, there wasn't a lot - obviously you have the 'secret' and you have the unfortunate (i think?) issue of Rath being her guardian, but other than that it really was just scene by scene of conversations between characters. I get this is set back in the era, but usually there is so much more to the story than just building love. Marlena never really met with any other men to spark the 'jealousy' in Rath but I guess thats a refreshing difference for me. I felt like I needed to read the other books to know what was going on with him personally, he seemed like a rake but never had any solo scenes for me to believe so other than the writing building me to assume I had read other books to find out what happened. It was a good story, but the characters where the four star leader for this review. I liked her writing enough to read her other books, and I'm sure ill get to the other previous titles.

~~Reviewed by Shell~~

Amelia Grey is a new author to me, so I didn’t know what to expect. What I hadn’t realised was this is the third book in the Rakes of St James series. I found you can read this book as a standalone, there was enough of a back story without wondering what had gone on in the previous books.

At some point we’ve all had a friend where a prank was played on them and for whatever reason you’ve thought that you would get that person back. For me this is a no, but for Marlena she has done this…but then the tables get turned on her and she very nearly loses the one she loves.

I enjoyed reading this book, its a troupe that I have read before and I will go back and read the first two books. I did like the humour, which for me is a big plus. There was one character that got on my nerves that was Justine, for me she was a little over the top.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

An enjoyable read, with a heroine who has a secret to hide and a rakish Duke who is sorry for the misdeeds of his past. Of course he would have to become her guardian and promise to find her a husband. She, with her secret life as a gossip writer, is shocked to find the rake on her doorstep. Does he know? This is one of several truly humorous passages in the book.
Once our couple comes together, can the ending be in doubt? Well, the duo have plenty of obstacles to overcome, but their falling in love is something neither can control. Getting there, is what makes this story so satisfying.
I like how the third of the trilogy wraps up loose ends and brings the stories to a satisfying close. So much so, that I will re-read now that all the books are completed. (I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions honest and mine.)

This is the third book in Amelia Grey’s Rakes of St. James trilogy. The Duke of Rathburne is the third and last of the notorious bachelors who, years ago, played a prank on twelve young debutantes which led to the girls being ostracised from society. Being dukes, and male, they never really had to suffer any consequences beyond guilt… and regular evisceration by the pen of Miss Honoria Truth, writer of a scandal sheet with a particular hatred for the three rakes.

The very last person Marlena Fast ever thought likely to become her new guardian was the notorious duke. But there he is, on her doorstep, large as life and twice as handsome, telling her he’s there to help launch her Season and help her find a husband.

How on earth will he react if he finds out her secret identity as Miss Honoria Truth?

Marlena and her friends panicking about Rath’s reactions if he should find out about Miss Truth were honestly hilarious. They were easily my favourite parts of the book, along with Marlena’s soul-searching when she came face to face with some of the people featured in her scandal sheet and discovers how nice they are. Everything about Marlena was delightful, from her fierce loyalty to her friends to her somewhat naive honesty. Frankly, Rath seemed far too old and jaded for her; his ‘becoming staid’ just read like he was bored with his old entertainments and looking for something fresh and new.

The thing that really bothers me, I suppose, is that Rath and his friends never did have to suffer anything more than a mildly guilty conscience. One of the characters in the novel being one of the debutantes whose reputation they damaged so long ago showed very clearly that actions can have major consequences, and they did do significant damage with their thoughtlessness. I have difficulty believing that not one single enraged father, brother or suitor called them out and shot them for their entitled, disgraceful behaviour.

Or perhaps that was just my wishful thinking. Realistically, men in positions of power getting away with bad behaviour without repercussions is a very current topic at the moment, and reading about it in a fictional story set 200 years ago - however realistic it might be - just feels a bit depressing, as though nothing has changed in all that time. There’s no emotional payoff for the reader, no visceral feeling of satisfaction when bad behaviour is rewarded as Rath’s was.

While this is well written, it left me feeling really kind of depressed. No antagonist was defeated, nobody got their comeuppance for behaving badly. Rath behaved exactly as he’s always done and got exactly what he always has… everything he wanted, which was something he didn’t deserve. I didn’t hate this, but I can’t say I particularly enjoyed it either. Three stars.

This author writes great stories and this book is not tne exception! Rath and Marlena are great characters and the story flows with quick pace!

A cute and charming historical romance. The story is about the Duke of Rathburne who tries to overcome the shadow of a scandal, by taking in a ward that is of the age to marry. Marlena Fast is nothing like he remembered and the Duke finds himself with a different plan for her than he originally had going in to the arrangement.

The Duke of Rathburne, "Rath," is still making up for past mistakes. When a friend asks Rath to assume guardianship of his ward, Rath almost refuses, but since he is trying to be a better man, he agrees. Rath is a rake and he doesn't need a ward to cramp his lifestyle so the sooner he marries her off the better. Imagine Rath's surprise when he discovers that his ward is someone from his past, Miss Marlena Fast.

Marlena knows the type of man Rath is. A close friend of hers has suffered because of Rath and his friends' pranks years ago. That was when Marlena decided to get some revenge for affected women. Marlena became "Miss Honora Truth," an author who speaks out against rakes like Rath and his friends in a local gossip column. Suddenly, Marlena realizes their may be some very real consequences to her actions if Rath finds her out. What will happen next?

THE RAKES OF ST. JAMES by author Amelia Grey continues with IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE. This is Rath's story. Rath does not know it, but he is about to be brought up to scratch by his very own ward, Marlena. At first, I could not envision these Rath and Marlena as a couple. All they had in common was lust for one another, which they both mistake as love. However, as time goes on, a real connection builds between them and love actually does begin to blossom. I could not stand Marlena's cousin, Justine. She was just a hog for attention. I don't know how Marlena could stand being around her all the time. Marlena's good friend, Victoria, was a hoot and I really enjoyed Marlena's interactions with her sister, Eugenia. There was plenty of depth to Marlena, but I would have liked to get to the heart of Rath. Overall, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE is a light, fun read.

This review will post on The Blogger Girls on June 2, 2018.

It's All About the Duke is the final book in The Rakes of St. James Trilogy and tells the story of Rath, Duke of Rathburne, and Marlena Fast, his new ward.  Rath, ever the rake he claims to be is immediately smitten with the “innocent” Marlena.  Little does Rath know, Marlena is the secret author of Miss Honora Truth’s Scandal Sheet, the gossip rag who writes all about the scandalous deeds of Rath and his two other rakish best friends.

Here is evidence of my latest attempt to find a “new to me” author I could obsess over like I have with everything written by Elizabeth Hoyt.  As this book was up for review, and I saw that it could be read as a standalone, I didn’t bother reading either of the first two books of the trilogy.  It didn’t take but a few chapters for me to piece together what had happened previously, and I quickly realized I had no desire to read more about the Rakes of St. James and their horrible prank with the “secret admirer letters.”

Now, back to Rath and Marlena’s story…

Pros:  I enjoyed the overall story, even with Marlena’s secret.  I enjoyed the banter between Marlena and Rath, along with all the over the top secondary characters.  Actually, I think all the crazy characters was the best part.  I laughed plenty of times at their ridiculousness.  Luckily, the fall out from the secret admirer letters is mostly passed, although it does play a major role in why Marlena started, and is still, writing the things she is writing.

Cons:  This book was not steamy...at all!  Not even a little bit.  Yeah, there is plenty of sexual tension and build up.  But when Rath and Marlena finally consummate, it was a complete disappointment.  Sorry, sweet, innocent kisses just don't do it for me.  I need more passion than that.  Plus, I didn't fall for the idea that Rath do such a quick 180 from being a rake, to begging Marlena to marry him after a few minutes of sex.

Cute story, but doesn't stand out against so many of the other great historical romances out there.

Love me some Amelia Grey. The Duke with a conscience wants to make amends and he'll do what he can to make it happen. The heroine is independent, strong willed and stubborn as well as determined that secrets remain secrets. This story is full of intrigue and mystery as well as love and revenge. It will keep you guessing and wondering what will happen next.

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal - the blasted Secret Admirers Scandal. But, more or less cajoled into 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, 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. Having followed her step brothers around for years, she became quite independent and could fend for herself.

Now all of a sudden she is being thrown under the guardianship of a notoriously wicked duke. The very same duke whom Marlena had made it her life’s mission to make pay for the damage he and his cohorts had inflicted on innocent young ladies! How could she manage to keep this devastating secret when she realizes he arouses feminine desires she never felt before in her life. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

*** Wonderful dialogs, fast pace and wonderfully sensual moods and emotions all made IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE a really splendid and extremely amusing read! Loved every bit of this book!

3.0 stars

Third in a series, following Last Night with the Duke and To the Duke, With Love, this installment concludes The Rakes of St. James. While I enjoyed the series, I did enjoy book 2 less than book 1 and the third least of all. I'm sure the trick the rakes played on society's young debutantes would have ruined any young miss but by the end of book 3 I really just didn't care. I really wanted Rath to have a good story since I kinda picked him as my favorite in the beginning, so was a bit disappointed.. Nothing steller, but an ok read.

Posted to Amazon 5-29-18

I have not read any of Amelia Grey’s books before but this won’t be the last one. This book was really good. Marlena writes a weekly scandal sheet under the name of Miss Honora Truth. She writes about these three rakes and rumors that she had heard about them. They hurt several women by secret admirer letters they wrote as jokes and one of those women is her neighbor and good friend. Her friend is miserable from the marriage she is in because of those letters. So what a way to seek revenge when they got off Scott free. Until she meets one of the rakes Rath Duke of Rathburne. He was asked to be her guardian and see to her future. They never imagined to fall in love with each other. But will Marlena’s secret ruin it all? Arc given to me by author on netgalley.

Amelia Greg has written another entertaining and the 3rd book in her "Raids of St.James" series. This is the Duke of Rathburn who has agreed to become the guardian of Marlena Fast whom he had already met when she was 12. He agreed to take over the guardianship from an old friend ailing of his father thinking if he did this it could right some wrongs that he has done in his past.

When Rath and Marlena met again he is charmed by her from the start and the chemistry is apparent. Rather needs to find her a husband and she hide a secret that she writes a gossip column.

The characters have great interaction and it helps that there is a Marlena's pet also involved.

I enjoyed this book very much. I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.

I received It's All About the Duke by Amelia Grey from NetGalley in exchange of a fair review. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. However, I greatly enjoyed the entire series.
The Duke of Rathburne, Rath to his friends is the last of the notorious Rakes of St James that is single. With his other two friends married, he opts to become guardian of Marlena Fast, an orphaned young lady who's current guardian is sick. But upon meeting her again, he becomes enchanted with her and strives to keep her distance. Marlena as well feels the draw to the rake and tries to stay away. But as the season continues and the attraction deepens, Marlena struggles to keep a secret that can hurt many.
This was, in my opinion, the best of the series. I greatly enjoyed reading the other 2 books however, upon reading this book, it felt like Ms. Grey wrote the other 2 books just to get to this story. Both Marlena and Rath were better developed and the banter between the 2 was better. Plus the back story- which is a given if you read the last 2 books- was developed more in this book. A sweet read that isn't steamy. #ItsAllAbouttheDuke #NetGalley

This 3rd and final story in this wonderful series did not disappoint. I have loved all of these adventures and sad to see them end. I can't wait to see what Amelia has in store for us! Thanks Amelia!

This book just didn’t do it for me. I did read it but it was lacking something that I just can’t quite put my finger on. It, however, hasn't put me off reading another of the author's books

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion