I'm a sucker for the "woman helps to prepare a man for respectable society and they end up falling in love" trope, and this book was no exception. The chemistry between Celeste and Kieran started early and burned hot the whole way through. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they both independently acknowledged the attraction, though it took a while before they were willing to do anything about it. It made for a nice change from so many romance characters doing their utmost to avoid their own feelings.

The best parts of this book involved Celeste learning to be joyful and free again, and Kieran not only helping her to do to that but falling in love with her because of it. Celeste's scenes as Salome were delightful and funny - and carried just the barest hint of danger, as all the best types of rule-breaking do. Along with Celeste, I couldn't wait to find out what adventure Kieran had planned next, and found that none of them disappointed.

Meanwhile, the sex scenes were certainly hot and steamy, if a little too dirty for my taste. But that's down to personal preference, and not at all a critique. Most importantly, these interactions felt completely in character with everything else we had seen from Kieran and Celeste up to that point.

*spoilers ahead*

My biggest qualm came with Lord Montford. While he certainly plained the part of the terrible intended splendidly - particularly after revealing that he knew Celeste's secret and was willing to use it against her - I felt that he gave in to Kieran's scheme a bit too quickly, running away with his tail between his legs. After such a build-up of tension over how Celeste and Kieran could ever possibly be together, it felt like the danger dissipated almost too easily, and with too little action and agency on Celeste's part. I know the rules of Regency etiquette apply, but I would have loved to see her stand up for herself just a bit more at the end, rather than leaving it all to Kieran to sort out.

All that said, this was still a joyful and fun read, and I can't wait for the second installment of the series!

4/5

This is probably a great book for already fans of the author. This was my first, and I found the plot overly reliant on the slowness of the characters. The writing and dialogue felt stilted, and I wasn't captivated. The feminist lines here and there were nice but felt dissonant. The ending was extra disappointing because Celeste didn't solve her problem, ask for help or have to make some emotional growth step. Her brother and love interest basically came up with a way to save her.

The book follows the romance of Kieran and Celeste, two polar opposite young adults who must race through the obstacles of ‘perfect’ society. After being issued an ultimatum by his Parents to find a respectable wife, Kieran seeks Celeste’s help into respectable society. Celeste agrees to help Kieran… exchange for something most unexpected. As their journey progresses, Kieran begins to notice that Celest was far more dangerous and cleverer than he’d believed. As their feelings for each other grows uncontrollably, the young couple are faced with obstacles such as, Unwanted engagements, obligations, jeopardized friendships, and blackmail, but most of all self-discoveries.
This book is a funny light-hearted medium-paced story (with a hint of steaminess… If you know what I mean *wink*) The plot is interesting, unpredictable and mostly character driven with strong character development. The characters are funny, outspoken, genuine, and very loveable. As you get to know Kieran and Celeste, your heart will definitely go out to them. Kieran is seen as a rogue and a scoundrel, but he's thoughtful, caring, sweet, seductive, trustworthy, generous and so much more. Celeste is opened-minded, caring, perceptive, clever, strong-willed, and rebellious. I was truly able to connect with Celeste’s character, the fact that she has to take up so many responsibilities for her family. However, her maid remains my favorite of all times.
The ending was very satisfying. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves strong-willed main characters, funny and genuine supporting characters, are into romance or who wants to get into romance but does not like cliches. Overall, this book was amazing, and I can’t wait for Finn’s time to shine.

This is my first time reading a book from Eva Leigh, and was sort of confused who the main characters were as the story starts off quite slow. However, it gets much better once you get past the first few chapters.
Despite the quite straightforward plot, I found myself enjoy this book as it was quite a fun and feel good read (once you get past the intro chapters). When done right, the older brother's best friend troupe can be amazing, as it was in this case. The chemistry and tension between Kieran and Celeste was just so delicious! I look forward to reading more works from Eva Leigh!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Okay this book is officially taking the title of my favorite regency-era romance read in 2021! There was so much here to love --- the developing of Kieran & Celeste's relationship and their ability to find and celebrate their true selves in the company of each other --- IT WAS ALL JUST SO DAMN DELICIOUS. I mean a rakish poet + a ton darling with a secret wild streak, could we ask for a better combination??

Excited to read the rest of the series in 2022!!

What happens when you have to save your reputation? You look to your best friend's sister and her pristine countenance to make sure you're virtuous by association. What happens when she bargains for more than you expected? You use each other and fall in love. This story shows the strain society puts on outsiders will giving the reader a sweet and seductive romance.

Eva Leigh always astounds me with her dynamic couples. Yet again, I found myself falling in love with her characters as they fell in love with one another. The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh was a 5 star read for me!

Kieran is a known rake and man about the town, along with his brother Finn and best friend Dom. But when Dom leaves his bride-to-be (also Kieran and Finn's sister) at the altar, the men are given an ultimatum. They must settle down and marry respectable women or lose their income. Kieran takes the threat most seriously and appeals to Celeste, Dom's sister, for help. He knows no one more respectable and believes she can gain him access back into society and help him meet eligible brides.

Meanwhile, Celeste has dreams of her own. Growing up, she always had a crush on Kieran. Her family puts so much responsibility on her, and with an engagement to a boring earl looming, she promises Kieran she'll help him in exchange for a desire of her own. Kieran agrees to take Celeste out on the other side of the town, to enjoy all the seedier things life has to offer. Of course, during their daylight and evening outings, the pair falls in love.

What really appealed to me about this one is that Eva Leigh subverts the entire "reformed rake, respectable woman" trope. While Celeste and Kieran remain loyal to one another, the epilogue shows that they continue to have their fun attending parties that are "improper" after they are engaged and plan to continue once they are married. Being around more forward-thinking people, having fun, and embracing her sensuality frees Celeste, and Kieran both loves watching this transformation and enjoying the pleasures of life himself. I loved that these two didn't settle down after making it work between them. They really are #relationshipgoals.

*will be on my blog in 2022

I absolutely adore this book! It was such a fun read. One of my favorite tropes best friends brother/rushed marriage of convenience. Kieran and Celeste are perfect for eachother. The tension between the main characters was amazing. It's about a Rake and a good girl coming together to make a deal. He helps her explore the wild side, and she in return introduces him to suitable brides. The storyline ultimately results in their happily ever after together.

I will admit, that this one was a bit of a slow starter for me and I put it down after the first few introductory chapters. But, then I gave it another shot and was so happy that I did.

Although Keiran's character starts out as an immature brat and the "Rake being forced to wed or be cut off" thing has been to done to death, once he and Celeste begin interacting the story finally comes to life.

Their chemistry oozes from the page and as they work to help each other with their goals (His to be seen as respectable and her, wanting a taste of freedom before settling into an unwanted marriage) they also learn that beneath the surface neither is as the world perceives them to be.

As their friendship grows and secret desires are revealed and accepted, love is inevitable, but with so many obstacles in the way a future together seems impossible.

Ms. Leigh does an astounding job of crafting a believable relationship progression and provides a well thought out and clever solution to their dilemma, that for once, I didn't see coming.

I was very pleasantly surprised, after my initial reservations, to really enjoy this book and now look forward eagerly to see what happens in the rest of the series.

An appearances-can-be-deceiving historical romance, A Good Girl's Guide to Rakes is the story of rags-to-riches Celeste and her brother's best friend Kieran, an aristocratic rake. The pair begin a quid pro quo arrangement with no real respect or affection for one another, but come to realize that their previous assumptions were false. Celeste is to help Kieran gain respectability and access to an appropriate bride, while Kieran is to provide Celeste with the types of after-hours experiences forbidden to respectable debutantes. As their admiration for one another increases, the insurmountable obstacle of family expectations threatens to keep them apart. The abundance of unattached siblings between the two promises more editions in the series. Keiran turns out to be charmingly sensitive, but the other characters are endearing as well. A well-written, fast-paced, steamy read.

A fun historical for fans of the genre. This was fun and adorable. I recommend this for fans of the authors previous work.

Celeste has an inner Salome instead of an inner child. This is who Celeste becomes when Kieran takes her to all the different places that she wishes to go at night. The restraint that he shows during these times is magnificent. I really did enjoy reading, The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes.

Listen, you have Kieran who is a total rake who falls for his friend's little sister, who he always thought was cute but now that he gets to know her, he is in totally LOVE with her. AND to top is off, Kieran helps her escape from an impossible society situation, but doesn't demand anything in return. He frees her to choose, regardless of whether she chooses him. SWOON.

One note though, and this is totally preference, but I did not always enjoy the word choice surrounding certain steamy bits. Normally, any variety of terminology is easy for me to ignore, but there are one or two words which just distract me, and this contained them. (i.e., See you next Tuesday.)

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Leigh has set up a fun premise for her new historical romance series. Three friends who've been enjoying themselves too much around town are issued an ultimatum by their families: get married to a respectable lady by the deadline, or get cut off financially. Kieran gets the first book, by making a deal with his friend's younger sister: he'll help Celeste secretly explore the wild side of London, and she'll introduce him to suitable brides. But as usually happens in these cases, he soon realizes that the woman he wants is the one he can't have--namely, Celeste herself. And she is about to be forced into marriage with a respectable lord, even though she can't stop thinking about Kieran.

I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. Leigh hints at some of the future pairings, but it'll be entertaining to see it play out.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Listen, I love a rake. I'm not sure what it is, but something about the devil-may-care, mischievously grinning attitude concealing a tortured heart combined with the appreciation for sexual intimacy and women's sexual agency, all topped off with the propensity for being absolutely GONE for a heroine really gets me. And whew, does this one deliver on each and every one of those counts.

This one is:
-best friend's sister (x2!!)
-third son
-"I'll help you look good for society if you help me be bad"
-"I've always thought you were hot but now I'm in LOVE"
-an absolutely FILTHY talker
-tender male friendship
-communication for days

It's a book about how we value ourselves and how we find value in each other. It's a book about choices and consequences and agency. It's a book about breaking out of the story you tell yourself about who you are and who you have to be. And it is, of course, a book about falling in love amidst it all.

Also, it's stunning (both the writing and the cover - good gracious).

I am so so excited for the rest of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

CW: Family rejection

In the spirit of the good old help-another-find-a-lover trope (that's what I call it, anyway), Eva Leigh gives us a rake who needs to reform and a starched debutante who longs to live on the wild side.  But, you guessed it, spending so much time together when both were already attracted to each other is a dangerous premise...especially when the stakes are high.

Leigh introduces us to Kieran Ransome (and his brother Finn) on the morning of his sister's wedding to their bf Dom Kilburn.  The events that unfold lead to the Ransome and Kilburn parental units giving the trio of rakish men and ultimatum; they have a year to find respectable brides.  I am assuming this is a set up for a series (well, that its #1 in the Last Chance Scoundrels Series is probably a giveaway, too, but to be fair I didn't note that until after).

The Kilburns come from poverty and have carved out a spot in the Ton due to their largesse.  But their respectability is a fragile thing, forcing much of Celeste's life to be planned and plotted.  The way Leigh portrays the absolute suffocation of this life really delivers a perfect set up for Celeste's decision to strike out.

There is a great "meet up" scene to initiate the help-another-find-a-lover/lessons set up and then we find Kieran and Celeste trading events to help each other in their pursuits.  

Both characters have some challenging family lives.  Celeste gets a lot of guilt/pressure to maintain the family's respectability and keep the Kilburn's in the Ton's good graces.  Conversely, Kieran has been written off by his parents and older brother (heir) as a scapegrace and they treat him pretty badly, rejecting him at a lot of instances in the book.  I gave a content warning out of an abundance of caution that this might hit some readers hard and in ways they aren't looking for.

Otherwise, this was an enjoyable book I couldn't put down over the weekend.  It wasn't my favorite Leigh (although I am not sure many books can beat My Fake Rake), but it was still strong, the romance was swoony, the tension was real, the intimate scenes were hot, and there was a good amount of diversity in Leigh's portrayal of London which was refreshing. 

I generally like this trope and I really liked both of these MCs.  Celeste was the traditional head strong heroine who has a plucky spirit, a sensual side, and a fair amount of sass.  Kieran was a rake but oddly devoid of toxic masculinity, at least in my reading of him, so I enjoyed him thoroughly. 

I don't completely understand that motivations of the "villian" of this book, but maybe that is just being nitpicky.  I also missed some of the humor from Leigh's other books and felt their were some missed opportunities for comedic elements, but at the end of the day thought this was a really strong book with a lot to love (including a great romance with all the feels a reader can want).

Leigh does a great job setting the scene, using the Regency era as more than a backdrop, and playing with the tropes of the genre to make it feel fresh and fun.  Tropes include best friend's sister, virgin love lessons, reforming rake, masquerades, friends to lovers, and help-another-find-a-lover

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to readers looking for a fun ride along the love lessons variety of historical romance.

Side note: This title is part of a recent theme of "guides" and instructional type titles that don't actually mean the MCs are doing anything in the book resembling the title.  Like, Celeste didn't write a guide, and she isn't even really giving lessons, either.  Mostly, she is just bringing Kieran to respectable events and making introductions.  This would've been more aptly been titled A Rake's Guide to Secret London if the publisher wanted to stick with the guidebook theme.

I also kind of hate the term "good girl" and even though Leigh doesn't place any emphasis on this and really works to show how complex people are, it does represent another potential issue for some readers.

The cover is beautiful, so no issues there, but gah I wish publishers/authors would really think about how the title does set up expectations for the reader that, when unfulfilled, can have a negative impact on the reader experience.

[rating=4] 4.75 out of 6 A solid and fun tour of the respectable/rakish sides of London with great MC chemistry

Eva Leigh is a new to me author and I am definitely going to be reading her backlist now! The beginning did start off a bit too slow for me but otherwise I really enjoyed this historical romance!

This book was absolutely amazing! Eva did a great job balancing the story, romance and plenty of steam ... The H whose a rake reforms beautifully and the perfect little society h blossoms into a swan ..its a great story that had me wanting to savor many lines...the steam was tastefully done and put right where I as a reader would want it.. Fabulous story and seriously can't wait for the following books !!

I really liked this one! After having a terrible reading month, I knew I needed something to breeze through. This was the perfect book for that, and it's got me craving the rest of the series.

My favorite thing about this was definitely that it didn't force the romance. It wasn't instalove, and it wasn't overly dramatic. Kieran and Celeste slowly got to know each other, and by the end, their chemistry was practically jumping off the page.

I also loved the straightforwardness of this. So many romances throw in miscommunications just to extend the page count, and I was so terrified this one would do that. Thankfully, it didn't. The story resolved itself in the most organic way, and I loved it for that.

It had been a while since I'd picked up a historical romance, but I'm super happy I picked this one up! It was the perfect light read, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series looks like

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the beginning and the ending of this book. However, I thought that it lacked a strong middle. The book reminded me of a bridge where the two end sections were solid but the middle was still under construction. However, given the publication date of this title, I am sure it will go through another round (at least) of edits.

The message of the multidimensional nature of people really resonated with me. So many times people are put in boxes, and this was a nice exploration of the idea that identity is more multifaceted than that.

I liked the way the relationship between Kieran and Celeste developed from a business arrangement to one in which they learned to trust and support each other. I thought it was the strongest piece of the book.

I read another ARC with a Beverly Jenkins cameo so I assume this is a trend. If so I approve of it wholeheartedly. Ms. Jenkins is rightly a legend in romance and deserves her flowers. I was less enamored of the focus on Kieran wearing eyeliner. It was mentioned too often for me without being mentioned in context with other ways he disguised his appearance.

As of right now, this book is a 3.25 for me but with a stronger middle section it could easily be a 4.0.