Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋
Intimate Scene Length: only kisses
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): only kisses
Humor: Just a touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine

Should I read in order?
This is the third book of Kilpack’s Mayfield Family series but I found it fine as a standalone.

Basic plot:
Sabrina comes across Harry after he’s been attacked by immoral money lenders and nurses him back to health.

Give this a try if you want:
- Both characters have a bit of anxiety
- Independent heroine – she inherited much upon her husband’s death and uses it for good within society
- Emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- Chess!
- This is a Christian no sex romance – there are scenes of Bible reading and prayer
- Heroine nurses hero back to health
- Light touch of second chance – the hero has an empathetic encounter with the heroine 6 years prior (he’s going off with another woman and the heroine is married here so it wasn’t anything sexual)

My thoughts:
This one really isn’t my thing – I’m not looking for Christian romance – and I didn’t realize that it was when I picked it up. Generally I liked the writing quite a bit. But overall the themes of ‘vices’ needing to be overcome, the amount of warm milk drank, and the praying and Bible reading made this one not something I seek out in romance.

I am still a bit confused about everyone calling the heroine a lady, even though she’s a bastard. It seemed a bit far stretched how it was just accepted. I did like both main characters quite a bit though. And I loved that in this one the heroine was in a place of security after what she’d been through and was in a position to help the hero. I think those looking for a low steam read about healing could really love this novel.

Josi Kilpack' writes a redemptive story about a rake who hits bottom and is rescued by a woman who has survived an abusive marriage and has secrets. Although this is the third book in the Mayfield Family Romance series, it is also a standalone. This is a satisfying read for fans of Regency romance.

2.5 stars rounded up.

After an abusive marriage, devastating miscarriage, and early widowhood, Lady Sabrina has emerged a savvy businesswoman determined to make changes in a male-dominated world. She has many friends and a key role in helping her titled brother navigate society, but she still finds herself feeling increasingly lonely.

Harry Stillman has more charm than is good for him and has fallen into bad habits with drink and gambling that have left him in a hole he can’t dig himself out of. With debts he can’t possibly repay, he turns to the mysterious lender Lord Damien for help paying off his creditors, but the meeting still sees him beaten and left insensate on the street by toughs in the employ of the loan shark he’s indebted to.

When Sabrina finds the nearly unconscious Harry, she can’t leave him there and takes him to her estate outside London to recover. Their turbulent relationship gives way to friendship eventually as Harry heals, but Sabrina is determined to keep him at arm’s length even as he tries to become a man worthy of her. But she must protect her heart and her secrets at all costs lest they destroy her.

I must say, I didn’t know what the term ‘proper romance’ meant when I first requested this title, I was merely intrigued by the premise. Had I known, I certainly wouldn’t have requested it since I prefer steamier love stories. That said, the lack of steam wasn’t actually the problem here. I don’t much care for proselytizing to this level in my romance novels, but as a Christian myself, I wasn’t bothered by the mentions of God’s grace, etc.; I actually liked that just fine. The problem here for me was the characters, especially Sabrina. Harry wasn’t terrible, just weak, and though he showed good growth, I never found much strength or masculinity to support his place as hero of the story. Sabrina, though, was a bit of a piece of work. She definitely had a good heart and tried to help dissolute young men on the wrong path, but from such a pedestal of self-righteousness it made her unlikable. The trauma of her previous marriage should’ve made her sympathetic and someone you’d want to root for but that somehow wasn’t the case for me. Sabrina was a snob, holding her high society position as a recognized, though illegitimate, daughter of a duke over Harry’s head while using an honorific she knew she wasn’t actually entitled to and ignoring the fact that he also had ties to the aristocracy. Her need to micromanage and control everything, along with her man-hating, arrogance, and judgmental tendencies, sealed my dislike of her as well. The relationship between Sabrina and Harry wasn’t believable in a romantic sense either. She saw him as a beautiful object of desire, especially once she’d molded him into what she wanted, and I think he was mostly just grateful to her for saving him. I didn’t much care for either of them so I think they deserved each other, but I can’t say it was a satisfying romance for me. This premise had good potential with the secrets and implied intrigue, but the pace was too slow, the finale a bit anticlimactic, and the romance rather tepid.

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

Loved It. I different style of regency romance with great characters that have you hooked in from the beginning. Just goes to show you how differently women and men were treated during these times and what Lady Sabrina had to go through. She's tough nut to crack and I love that about her character. . Written well, great flow and kept me turning the pages. Thankyou for my free ARC

This is the first book in this series that I have read and a new author to me, as well.

I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved that Sabrina had become a strong, independent woman but I was saddened that she had shut herself off from love because of some horrible experiences she had with her husband. She had a kind heart that wanted to help those who had lost their way, even due to their own foolish behavior.

Harry was a reprobate but became reformed through Lady Sabrina's (or Lord Damion's) efforts. He had gambled and drunk away all his money. Through Lord Damion's willingness to help him, if he was willing to step up and help himself. Even after agreeing to make the changes necessary to bring him to a better place, Harry was attacked by his "lender's henchmen" leaving him to die. Luckily for him, Lady Sabrina came along and took him in to allow him to heal.

I enjoyed the "getting to know you" phase of Sabrina and Harry's friendship. I loved that Harry wasn't willing to give up on her, knowing she had some secrets that made her fearful of loving and being held under a husband's thumb, so to speak.

This story was a clean, sweet romance that had a happy ending. I would love to know more about their future story.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Interesting concept just didn't work for me. The reformed gambling addict, the layabout, rescued by a wealthy society widow. Lady Sabrina Carlisle who remembers Harry Stillman gratefully (to be sure, that was one of my fav moments) and decides to assist him. Then she breaks her own rules! Mmm! I couldn't quite reconcile this decision. But still that moved the plot forward and she couldn't leave Harry injured in the gutter.
Thus we have the poor little rich boy who sells his soul (and that of his tenants) on the turn of a card, redeemed! The lovely widow with hurtful secrets acting against her head.
The outcome is predictable, love strikes and Harry is shot of his devils.

A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I love regency romance, and Josi is one of my go-to authors for this genre. Unfortunately, this novel didn’t appeal to me. The hero is exceedingly unlikable. He’s in a very dark place in the first third of the book where we spend time watching him make foolish choices. Since I didn't detect any nobility once he's a grown man, I didn't keep reading.

The heroine has suffered a lot of losses but I couldn’t feel them with her. She doesn’t seem to grieve or care, so readers won’t feel emotions either, which is a disconnect most readers may not appreciate. It's possible, as this is the third book in a series, that reading the earlier books would have helped. I read Daisies and Devotion and enjoyed it. I don't recall the tie-ins, if there are any.

I did like that she’s an independent, wealthy woman who didn’t need to scrape out a living alone. The heroine is likable in some ways, but I couldn’t quite connect with her. If either character changes later, I didn’t read far enough to see it. I also didn’t read far enough to find the romance, which, paired with my other concerns, probably influenced my choice to give up on this story.

Normally, I love Proper Romances, but this one was too cold, in my opinion. Still I wish the author and publisher all the best. I will check out Josi's future work.

I've read other books by Ms. Kilpack but this is my first of the Mayfield Family series. Another good Regency by a talented author. This is the story of Harry, who hits rock bottom, and Lady Sabrina, who is the one to show him kindness and help him dig out of his hole. Their interactions are delightful and entertaining and I think they had good chemistry between them. Ms. Kilpack did a great job of bringing the characters and story to life and I couldn't help but fall in love with them. I enjoyed this story and I will definitely be going back and reading the prior books in the series.

I received an advanced reader's copy via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Rakes and Roses by Josi Kilpack is the third book in the Mayfield family series and is set to be released this week! 🎉 I was able to read an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley and couldn’t put this book down! What a fun book!
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Sabrina and Harry have such complex stories and histories. I love the lessons on redemption, forgiveness and trust that are weaved throughout the book. While this is the third book in a “series” it can be read as a stand alone because you don’t have to know the characters before. That being said though, I kinda felt we got a little bit more of Uncle Elliot in this book, who is the common character tying the books together. I really liked that! I also really loved that Sabrina had overcome and was such a strong independent woman. The twist with her and who Lord Damian was entertaining and different than what you might find in other regency books. My only trivial complaint is the cover doesn’t match the other two. But whateves! It’s a fantastic read and if you are looking for something to keep you busy now (who isn’t!?) than look for it later this week! #rakesandroses #mayfieldfamilyseries #josikilpack #arc #bookreview #shadowmountainpublishing #regencyromance

I read this in a day, it was so good.
Sabrina is a widow. When her abusive husband dies with no heir, she inherits all his money.

Harry is a rake, a gambler, and a drinker. He is in very deep debt to so many. He is helped by a mysterious benefactor, Lord Damion, with unusual requests on how to repay him for helping settle the debts. Harry is beaten she left in an alley where Lady Sabrina finds him and she takes him to her home to recover.

I love what Lady Sabrina does with her wealth.

It was very easy to guess the real identity of Lord Damion but I still enjoyed seeing how Harry figures it out.

This is a third book in a series where (Harry's) Uncle Elliott has a condition for his family's posterity to receive their inheritance...... Every into marriage.
I think I really enjoyed this book for the reason that Harry didn't want to marry through most of the book.

I received an ebook ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I originally requested this book I had no idea it was the third book in a series. Even after finding out I still chose to read this book as a stand alone and it did not disappoint!

The story follows the downfall of Harry Stillman, a gentleman who lost himself and his fortune to gambling and alcohol and found himself indebted to a dangerous man. After a confrontation with the man's thugs that leaves him near death, Harry is discovered by Lady Sabrina, a wealthy and independent widow who had previously met and was assisted by Mr. Stillman in her own difficult moment of her life.

Sabrina helps Harry as he finds his way to health and sobriety. Harry also enlists the help of a mysterious Lord Damion who agrees to help settle his debts for a price Harry is at first reluctant to pay.

My overall response to this book was that I loved every minute of it! It was just the right mixture of romance and mystery and danger. You can't help but root for Harry on his endeavors of self improvement and wish only happiness for Sabrina, who has been through so much darkness herself. This book read great as a stand alone but has also raised my curiosity to the author and her other novels. I do plan to pick up the first two books of this series as the writing was wonderful and am happy to read more from this author!

This series keeps getting better with each new story. There are many moments of reflection throughout this story. Am I worried more about myself or do I care to help those around me? Do I allow others to reform themselves and accept that reformation? This is a story full of repentance and forgiveness.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this I n accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This was a book that I enjoyed reading. I was a little frustrated because of the "secret" that I didn't think would have destroyed her. But I am not an expert in English society. I thought it was a cute book and I enjoyed reading it.

Rakes and Roses was equal parts emotionally moving and inspiring. With a heroine who saves the gentleman in distress and a gentleman who becomes deserving of redemption, there are many moments where you realize that people have so much potential no matter where they are. The opening scene where Harry first encounters Sabrina, you gain so much insight into both characters. While Harry is the one currently working to rise above circumstances, Sabrina's rise from horrible conditions of abuse is compelling and immediately makes the reader feel compassion and admiration for her. She's incredibly likable. Harry isn't always likable, but the potential of him is always likable. And the chemistry between them creates a fantastic push and pull that make this book a delicious romance!

This story was better than I had thought it would be. I love the author's ability to guide a story. I didn't appreciate how quickly the story conspired, especially when dealing with a "notorious rake". The author was able to get her point across and left only a few loose ends that may be covered in subsequent novels. Of the three in the series, this was not my favorite but the characters were solid and complimented the previous novels.

This was my first book in the Mayfield Family series. I do not feel that you need to read the others to know what is going on. This is a story of redemption. Harry is an alcoholic, womanizing, gambler who's life is falling apart. A mysterious benefactor, Lord Damion, lends him money to get out of the dire straits that he is in. However, the money comes with stipulations for Harry to change his behavior. Can he do it? This was an enjoyable book.

I've really enjoyed Josi Kilpack's Mayfield series and the new installment, Rakes and Roses, got moved to the top of my to-read list when it came out!

In this one we meet Lady Sabrina who is struggling through a pregnancy and is helped by a kind stranger in a garden. When she meets that kind stranger again, she is a widow without children, and he has developed some struggles of his own, including gambling and alcoholism. Sabrina wants to help him, and does so anonymously, but in a strange turn of events, he is beaten and ends up in her care at her estate. But Harry isn't an easy patient and Sabrina doesn't know if he can overcome his alcoholism. As they come to know each other a friendship forms, but will Harry's vices always stand between them? Could their friendship become something more?

This slow-burn romance had a little bit of intrigue to it that helped move the story along. The author is realistic in her portrayal of alcoholism, and at times it is hard to like Harry as a hero when he is so mired in his own selfishness. He does get a nice redemption arc at the end, however, that will satisfy readers. Sabrina is also dealing with demons of her own and I was hoping throughout that these poor tortured souls would eventually find solace in each other. I don't know that I would really call this a romance, per se, since nothing really happens between them beyond caregiving until the last quarter of the book, but I did like the ending and the sweet words between our hero and heroine as they worked to overcome the obstacles between them. I closed the book with a smile and am looking forward to the next one in the series!

Rakes & Roses was a lovely clean historical romance. I enjoyed the PG aspect of the book, great for younger readers wanting to get into romance.

Lady Sabrina is a kick arse leading lady, business savvy and strong willed. I loved her character. The leading man, Harry had hit rock bottom when he was saved by a mysterious man and Lady Sabrina. I loved the mystery Lord Damion.

Trigger warning - domestic abuse, miscarriage.

Overall I gave this one 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for proving me an arc copy to review at my own discretion.

Josi S. Kilpack’s third book in her Proper Regency Romance Series, Rakes and Roses, is so good I couldn’t put it down! I definitely didn’t get to bed early reading this one. I loved the characters and their connection to each other. Sabrina’s commitment to helping others and doing good as well as her ability to recognize all of her blessings after her hardships is inspiring. I also really enjoyed seeing Harry the rake have a change of heart and mind. I loved the sweet and clean love story and the ending was wonderful!

I enjoyed the mysterious Lord Damion's goal of rescuing young noblemen from themselves and the moneylenders they had fallen prey to. He met with them in person yet remained shrouded in secrecy.

Harry, the rake, lived quite a dissolute life. I was replused by him and by his lifestyle. He truly lived up to the moniker. Though once charming, his drunkenness and gambling had taken over his life. I was at least halfway through the story before I began to warm up to him.

I did feel bad for Sabrina and for the neglect and abuse she had experienced throughout her life. The fact that she was unable to trust men made perfect sense. I did like her, though she was a bit overbearing at times.

The beginning of the story especially had a bit of violence. The abuse that Sabrina had experienced at the hand of her husband was mentioned a fair amount. Nothing is described in more than a PG manner - but there was a lot of it.

The budding romance between Harry and Sabrina did appear to be more physical attraction at first, though it did seem believable, if not a little rushed. I confess to having been a little confused by the passage of time of some of the events. Some seemed like they happened sooner than made sense and others seemed as if they had taken place weeks later - for me discover it had only been days.

While the story was mostly enjoyable (outside the previously mentioned violence), I found it was difficult to be completely engaged and my mind wandered.