'Rakes and Roses' was a thoughtful book. It is the first Regency I have read by Josi S. Kilpack. The subject was serious and was handled with a depth that I appreciated. The power of redemption was touchingly portrayed and I feel edified by having read the book. I will try to go back and get the others in the series as I am intrigued by the characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#RakesAndRoses #NetGalley

This a the third book in The Mayfield series. Harry is a gambler who is broke, with no one to pick him up out of the gutter. Harry has. too much debt and is a heavy drinker. Sabrina is a widow and doesn't have a place in society. When Harry is given a chance to redeem himself but isn't sure who his benefactor is. I loved Sabrina's head strong personality.

I have loved this Mayfield series by Josi Kilpack, but Rakes and Roses might be my absolute favorite! I love how Sabrina was a unique heroine. How she took control of her future in a time when women were usually not allowed that opportunity. I love the amount of growth we saw in Harry as the main hero. How he overcame so many hurdles to become the best man he could be. The way these two found love one equal footing is to be admired and is a love story I will be thinking about for a long time to come.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain publishing for the eARC!

Josi Kilpack is one of the best clean romance authors when it comes to writing about internal growth. This story was no different. Harry starts about as low as you can go, and it was very realistic and rewarding to watch him overcome his many vices and become a better man. It was also rather gratifying to see the hero of the story really in the position of damsel in distress. Sabrina, by contrast, was a force to be reckoned with, and the real hero of this story. She has dealt with her truly horrible past life and has come out on top in a most benevolent way. Overall, the romance was fairly nonexistant in the first half of the book while Harry went through what he needed to in order to be even considered a match for Lady Sabrina. The story really picked up in the last third, as the plot line took a turn for the fast-paced and exciting. With the exception of Harry's speech where he admits his feelings for Sabrina (which was incredible), the epilogue was my very favorite part of the book.

3 1/2 stars for this unusual regency romance. It was lovely to see the change in both characters as they came to accept and finally to love one another. It was entertaining to see the twists and turns of Lady Sabrina trying to maintain her facade a mystery. I felt sorry for her and the pain inflicted on her by her evil husband and understood her fear of ever giving that much power to another man again. I really liked the way Harry ultimately calmed those fears for her.

My main discomfort was mainly that recovery from a gambling addiction as embedded as his should take far more time and I was uncomfortable with how fast the story moved. I do know that reaching rock bottom as he did is a catalyst for true change, so that was accurate and was well told.

But the story of redemption was lovely.

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I struggled through this one. I found myself not really liking Harry. He whines and literally cries a lot in the beginning. Sabrina overcame an abusive marriage but I don’t feel like the author really explored the emotional side of that much. This book felt really long but felt like it lacked depth all at the same time. I did receive a free copy to review this book, so this is my honest opinion.

Out of all three books so far in the series, Rakes and Roses has been my favorite. You can read them as stand-alones, but I'm glad that I read them in order. It gave a little bit of clarity when I was reading Rakes and Roses to know the back story to some characters that make a tiny appearance.

The plot was a major source for my four star review, it's not your typical proper/regency romance story. I liked the intrigue and mystery of Lord Damion, and how Lord Damion keeps to the shadows (since he really is not a man, and who would receive help from a woman) when helping others. I loved how Lady Sabrina was modern in her thinking and in her business dealings, the strong female character.

Kilpack did a great job with the flow as well, sometimes I feel with regency romances the pace can move slowly, I didn't feel that with Rake and Roses. In fact, I stayed up way to late one night to finish the book.

Lady Sabrina is a strong, independent woman in an era when that was an unusual and difficult thing to be.  She has escaped a painful past to a fortunate life of self sufficiency... and yet, 32 years old and alone, she feels a loneliness she barely allows herself to admit.

"But, oh, how she wished the joy she felt at the end of a party or tea or ball or luncheon would follow her home and stay."

Harry Stillman is a basically kind man who made some poor choices in youth which led to him becoming a drunk who gambles away his last pennies. His life comes crashing down when a loan shark comes after him for his due.  In desperation he seeks out a different kind of lender called Lord Damion - one who requires the young men he services to not only pay him back but also better themselves and make better life choices. Little does London society know, that Lord Damion and socialite spinster Lady Sabrina are one and the same.

"Friends he made in dark places were there because of the darkness within themselves, just like him."

Lady Sabrina and Harry Stillman's lives collide when the Lady finds the cad beaten to a pulp by the loan shark who hunts him, and she decides to take him to her country house to recuperate.

"I believe that as I seek to create a world I would wish to live in, that world becomes more of a possibility."

I do not often read romance novels and I have never read anything else by this author. I read this as a bit of a palate cleanser, as I usually read fantasy and needed something different. I found it very refreshing to read a heroine in her 30s for a change (being of similar age myself), and I enjoyed very much the character of Lady Sabrina. She had strength of character and an independent spirit, and had built a full and rich life on her own, and yet she still had a relatable vulnerability underneath it all. No matter how strong and feisty we are, underneath it all, most of us just want to be seen and loved.

"Perhaps you could not be happy if you only ever wanted something different than what you had."

Harry I found as utterly irresistible as Lady Sabrina did. He was a sweet boy who had made some bad choices, and who didn't make some bad choices in their 20s honestly?? I liked that he was so very flawed and yet basically good and decent. I admit, when I read the synopsis for this story, I was worried it would be one of those hate-to-love stories where the man is a raging a-hole, a trope I hold a deep hatred for. But my worry was misplaced. Despite having sewn his wild oats in his days of drink and debauchery, Harry is in fact a lovely man who undergoes nice character growth throughout the story. He is naive and earnest in a most swoon-worthy way.

I liked that the woman in this story was the one who held the position of power, while the man was vulnerable and enjoyed knitting (Yes really. I mean. I'm a sucker for this stuff.) It was a refreshing twist from the dynamics that are often at play in most period romances, and indeed most romances in general.  The romantic tension between them was fabulously fraught.

This is a light, easy read with genuinely likeable characters and I have to admit, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. My only criticism would be that at times the chapters seemed to end in odd places, and it felt as if the story itself ended quite abruptly at the emotional climax with little falling action. Overall though this book made me feel delightfully warm and fuzzy.  If you enjoy a nice chaste and endearing swoon, I think you'll enjoy Rakes and Roses.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley. My opinions are 100% my own.

I was instantly drawn to the character of Sabrina. I wanted to know her better; how had she found herself in such a position? What could she do about it? What help was available to her?

As the story continued and some of my questions regarding her were answered, I liked her feistiness and her desire to reach out and help others. I also appreciated the boundaries the character had in place to protect herself and others.

Harry on the other hand, held little appeal initially. He seemed to have little regard for his friends, or for those who tried to help him. It was difficult to see exactly what Sabrina saw in him. Seeing him change, and learn how to build friendships that were not based in selfishness, was interesting. I would have enjoyed seeing more details of his journey to change; his struggles and difficulties as well as his successes. Parts of his change did seem a little difficult to believe.

That said, this was an entertaining and insightful read.

Lady Sabrina is one of those special ladies who did not allow her circumstances to wither her heart. In Rakes and Roses she uses the funds inherited from her deceased husband to help others. She, too, lives a good life, but seems to always be able to see how those around her and those of whom she hears get help to change their circumstances, too.

The most interesting aspect of Rakes and Roses is the switch with the female character being a benefactress rather than a male lead. Again, Sabrina took the hurt from her deceased husband to ‘find’ good men who needed help and encouragement.

Down on his luck and at rock bottom, Harry Stillman, needs help desperately. Harry’s closes friend brings him information about Lord Damion, a kind of phantom benefactor that no one has met, but who helps the downtrodden. Harry connects with Lord Damion agreeing to all his demands but does not actually meet him. He only sees his hands through a small slot in a wall through which they communicated by written word only. Harry agrees to everything in order to get his debts paid and ‘rework’ his debt, which is now to Lord Damion and not the scourge of the earth, Malcolm.

Malcolm does not let go easily, making sure Harry is physically hurt in the process. While Harry is healing, he and Sabrina become close. It was not easy on Harry to let go of his vices, especially when his closest friend, Ward, appears to be sabotaging his recovery.

This is a beautiful, clean love story that you will enjoy from beginning to end. This is third in the Mayfield Family series, although it is a standalone. It is a super enjoyable series.

This particular book was not my favorite of the series. The pacing was slower than I prefer and I had trouble connecting with the characters. I felt an extreme lack of romance and chemistry between the characters. There was just something that was somewhat “off” about this story. The heroine was older than the hero which just made me feel weird about their relationship and she scolded and reprimanded him like a child. I didn’t see a great friendship being built between these characters like I had hoped either. I have loved the previous books in this series, but this one missed the mark.

[Some of this is behind a spoiler tag on Goodreads.]

I like Josi Kilpack but Rakes and Roses never clicked for me. There really isn’t any romance (and I don’t mean sex or even physical contact – no romance). The protagonists “fall in love” because she has shut herself off from feelings since the loss of her baby and the death of her abusive husband and he has been drunk and anxious over money his entire adult life. They are thrown together and decide they have feelings for each other. The author never convinced me. She also never convinced me that the changes to her “rake” are legit or long lasting. He takes up knitting as a sign of his transformation, really? The author says this is her first “playboy,” and it shows.

The plot was intriguing but the characters didn’t work for me and the romance didn’t work for me. I think I would have liked this book better if, after Lady Sabrina nursed Harry Stillman back to health, he went off as a sober and serious landowner and she returned to her life of independence.

I read an advance reader copy of Rakes and Roses provided by Netgalley and Shadow Mountain.

This was a sweet romance but heavy duty story about redemption and recovery. Not even a kiss untill 80% of the book.
I prefer more steam, but good for this type of book. Unfortunately not my cup of tea but OK if you like a story that shows how a man come back from gambling etc and wins the love of a good woman.

Kilpack's Rakes and Roses is a quick, clean romantic read that anyone who enjoys a sweet romantic story should enjoy. I didn't read the second Mayfield family book, but it was easy to pick right up with this story without needing outside information.

The story sticks to the time period without breaking at any point, which keeps the reader nicely in the setting and maintains the plot at a brisk pace that makes for a typical easy read. The conflict the characters face kept me interested, and I didn't even mind the religion, the reformation of a rake that clearly didn't earn it himself, and the push of an independent female character that wasn't just out to meet her future husband. Overall, a good book.

While this book is the third installment in the Mayfield Family series, I'm of the opinion that it can be read as a stand alone, though it is fun to see the mentions of the characters from the first two books. While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first two, it was still a fun read.

Harry Stillman, our leading man, is definitely a rake. At the beginning of the book we see him deep in the throes of gambling, drinking, and flirting. Throughout the book we watch as he goes through the process of rehabilitation, hoping in the end that he'll become a better, worthier man.

Lady Sabrina is a woman who has, by the best of luck, escaped an abusive marriage and now manages her late husband's money and property. She has sworn to never marry again after her harrowing experience.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between these two characters grow. They both had huge obstacles to overcome, and I enjoyed seeing the struggles they went through. I was really glad that the author did not make it too easy for them.

The biggest problem I had with this book was the timeline. The whole things takes place in approximately one month, perhaps a little bit longer. It made parts of the book slightly less believable to me.

The romance, while a little lackluster at first, ended up in a very sweet place for me. This book/series is perfect for fans of Edenbrooke, Jane Austen, and the regency period in general.

I have a feeling that this will be the last book in the Mayfield Family series, but I kind of hope it won't be. I've really enjoyed reading them!

Lady Sabrina has not had an easy life. Born an illegitimate daughter of nobility, young widow from an abusive marriage, and unable to have children, Lady Sabrina now occupies her time running her late husband's estate... and a side job, where she takes on the mantle of "Lord Damion". As Lord Damion, she rescues foxes; not the animal (well, depending on how you look at it...) but rather the young men of society who have ruined themselves with drink and gambling.

Harry Stillington is one such fox and desperate when his debts grow too large. He seeks Lord Damion, a mysterious benefactor who pays off debts in exchange for a complete 180 and become an upstanding member of society. Again, Harry is desperate. But on his way back from his meeting with the incognito Lord, he is attacked by the men of a well-known money lender, left for dead. Until a Lady Sabrina happens to walk past...

This was admittedly a lot more of a Christian Romance than I was expecting (especially having read other books from the same imprint previously, none of the previous titles having put as much emphasis on religious aspects), "Rakes and Roses" is a fine romance about second chances at life, finding self-worth, and finding someone who loves you--even knowing all about your past.

I think Harry may be my favorite Mayfield yet. He is stubborn, obstinate, and the worst sort of person at the beginning of this journey, which makes this romance all the more fulfilling as he puts aside his ways through the help of a savior or two.
Lady Sabrina has seen the worst of life and the best of life. She is the daughter of a Duke and his mistress and was married to an abusive husband in a time when she had no recourse. She has landed on her feet due to some fortuitous twists of fate.
Lady Sabrina saves Harry from a beating in the street and takes him into her home to heal. It is here that he heals in more than just body.

The relationship between these two starts tumultuously at best, but softens as time goes on. Josi Kilpack wins again with this fabulous story of a Rake who needs to reform. While all these stories are based on Elliot Mayfield's offers to his nieces and nephews to start a better life through an appropriate marriage, this doesn't truly factor in for Harry until much later. He is independent and wants to do what he can to restore his fortunes.

I am happy to recommend this book and the entire series.

This book is absolutely romantic, lovely, heartbreaking at times, extremely hopeful at others, and is all around just an amazing read! Every time I picked up "Rakes and Roses", I felt like I traveled back in time, and was there experiencing the story with the characters.⁣
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This is the first book I have read by Josi S. Kilpack, as well as the first book I have read in the Mayfield Family Romance Series, and I can't wait to read many more! Ms. Kilpack writes in a way that truly brings the story and characters to life. Everything in the novel felt very authentic, and the characters' thoughts and interactions felt true to who they are. The character development and growth is also beautifully written and paced. ⁣
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If you love Regency romance, and / or historical fiction, I highly recommend this novel. I did not want to put it down, and I could not wait to see what happened chapter after chapter!⁣
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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this book! I really enjoyed it! All opinions are my own.⁣
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Please note: The author does address some heavy topics throughout the book, and I believe, she handled them with great care.⁣

The author does an amazing job of taking a character that I really don't like and making him likable. I enjoyed the book.

Harry Stillman has hit rock bottom. Excessive drinking and gambling have landed him in a deeper pit of debt than he can possibly get out of alive. Even his wealthy uncle has cut him off financially, hoping to encourage a change of lifestyle.

Lady Sabrina prefers her lonely life as a wealthy widow to the life of fear and pain she suffered as a young wife. She is determined to help those who cannot help themselves, but is frustrated that Society looks down on such activity from a woman. With help from her solicitor, she has created the mysterious persona of Lord Damion.

Lord Damion takes Mr. Stillman's case and, in the process, angers a dangerous lender named Malcolm. After a severe beating by Malcolm's men, Harry is taken to Rose Haven (the home of Lady Sabrina) to heal, and she finds it increasingly difficult to keep her secret identity safely concealed.

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OVERALL
An interesting change to make the female protagonist wealthy, powerful and experienced, while the male protagonist is helpless and immature.

Clean romance: A fair amount of romantic tension. Stretches the boundaries of "propriety" slightly -- a young, handsome, unmarried man staying in the home of a lonely widow with no consistent chaperone (most interactions are one-on-one conversations over a game of chess). One "steamy clean" scene of passionate kissing.

Some mild violence and peril.

Other adult themes: Excessive debt and gambling. Overcoming alcoholism (withdrawal, relapse, temptation...) Driven to change for the better by guilt and hope.

Underlying messages: grace, forgiveness, moving forward from past mistakes


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