The Rake Gets Ravished, by Sophie Jordan. Oh what a glorious romantic novel this was. I must say that the writer has spoiled the readers with the passion, with romance, and with love. I absolutely could not turn away from this book. It was the first few chapters that got me.
I’m a sucker for some good fun between the sheets scenes. And I have to say the writer didn’t disappoint her readers. I thought that the scene would end after a couple of pages, but then as I flipped the page and the scene continued on to the next chapter so I kept reading. And you know how you are very invested in getting to the ending of this glorious sexual act right? “I then noticed that I was four chapters in!”
I was like that one comedian Kevin in that commercial who was totally surprised, after he realizes that he can hear music in house just by voicing a command to the system. Yep. That’s me. I was like, “whaaaaattttt?!” Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for those wild, saucy and oh so scandalous, erotic moments. Oops! I shared all this with you without telling you who the main characters are that dabbled in this mind blowing exquisite sensational act. “Please forgive me”.
The heroic couple names are Silas and Mercy. Two people that took this novel by storm. Silas moved through the book with so much command around him. He appeared somewhat of a Knight for Mercy later in the book, but Mercy she was a strong heroine. She wasn’t having any of the crap her that her life was throwing at her.
I was extremely glad to read that her character was written in as a strong woman who had no choice, but to take hold of the leadership of her family. Issues in her family had Mercy feeling that she was at her whits end. I loved that Silas was there. He was there, but not there. His admiration, passion, love and strength grows from watching Mercy accomplish all that she fights for.
The characters are entertaining as well as the plot to the story and the dramatic events. Keep an eye out for Bede’s character. I had a few choice words for him. The entertainment was splendid, mind blowing and exciting. I give this book two snaps and a, “get the fan ladies”. Until next time… read on!

Ms. Mercy Kittinger’s wastrel brother has sold their home and farm. So, spinster Mercy dresses up as a woman of the night. Mercy has to go to “The Rogue’s Den,” to get the deed for their home and farm. Mercy’s plan is to sneak in inconspicuously to Mr. Silas Master’s rooms and steal it back. Mercy’s plan goes without a hitch until Silas goes back to his room and finds Mercy in his room. Mercy is trapped not knowing what to do she decides to seduce Silas. Silas at first isn’t all that thrilled that Mercy is in his room but can’t avoid her attempts to woo him. Mercy gets the best of him managing to ravish Silas without him being none the wiser. Mercy goes back to her home never thinking Silas will remember her. Of course, Silas discovers the deed missing and he plans to get it back. Silas will get it back by any means necessary, but love does have different ideas.
What a very intriguing different historical romance! The story isn’t about anyone titled but of an ordinary country girl and businessman. The unlikely duo really doesn’t have too much in common, so the vastly mismatched couple is interesting. Even the story isn’t all that bad. Of course, the sex does happen a little early but in truth it does fit. Unfortunately, the characters whether major or minor do so many things that aren’t really likable. Mercy the beautiful, but plain older heroine does not have the best circumstances. Her family are not the greatest. Her narcissistic brother is cold, cruel and heartless never thinking of his consequences of everything that he does. He misuses everyone because he’s a guy and the heir. Still, it would be so great if something horrible happens to him. Mercy’s younger sister isn’t much better. She’s selfish and childish treating Mercy horribly as well. Silas is a great hero though maybe the saving grace throughout. Is it worth the read? Well, if you’re looking for something different this definitely fits the bill!

Sophie Jordan’s The Rake Gets Ravished, The Duke Hunt #2, is an exceptionally steamy, emotional, sexy, and entertaining historical romance that more than lives up to its title. After reading and falling in love with Wild in her Ivy Chronicles New Adult Series, I became a Jordan fan. However, The Rake Gets Ravished is my first historical by her, though I have a bunch on my TBR. The chemistry and interactions between Jordan’s hero and heroine and their love scenes are beautifully written—vivid with descriptions and details and rich with emotion. They are sensual and scorching hot! Her enchanting storytelling, engaging characters, and vibrant narrative drew me into the story and kept me interested until the very end.

Mercy Kittinger sneaks into the private rooms of Silas Masters, the owner of London’s most popular gaming hell, to steal the debt voucher for her family home, which her brother lost gambling in a game of cards. When Silas catches her, she seduces him and escapes to her family farm at dawn, confident she will never see him again. Mercy is resilient, courageous, and selfless. A spinster, wallflower, and steadfast sister who cares for her younger sister and manages and works on the family farm, she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family. But for one night, she’s free to be someone else—a sultry, seductress who can take pleasure just for herself. Intelligent, wealthy, and powerful, Silas is an irresistible rogue with a traumatic childhood that still haunts him but also has made him the man he is. Mercy surprises Silas, thoroughly taking and ravishing him, then sneaking from his bed. She then haunts his dreams. He cannot allow her theft from him to go without payback. However, after Silas finds her at her farm and sees her life and all the burdens she assumes, he finds himself viewing her differently. He takes it upon himself to work side-by-side with her as she works the farm. Mercy doesn’t understand Silas or how he makes her feel. He makes Mercy want impossible things.

I love how Jordan develops and evolves Mercy and Jordan after their night together. She gives them the chance to get to know each other beyond their first impressions, and, of course, desire inevitably deepens into more intense feelings. Mercy is such an admirable character. She’s a relatable underdog whom you can’t help but root for good things. But the road ahead for her isn’t easy, saddled with a selfish, mercenary, man-child brother with all the power and a younger sister eager to test her boundaries. Silas’ backstory and honorable character make him sympathetic and likable, too, especially how he respects and supports Mercy. Jordan deftly develops Mercy and Silas, and they evolve naturally within the novel’s progression, even using their love scenes for character and story development. The book also explores the harmful impact traditional wealth transfers to male heirs have on female relatives and its implicit unfairness.

Featuring a captivating mix of family drama, angst, suspense, and sexy, emotional, off-the-charts sizzling hot, steamy romance, The Rake Gets Ravished is an entertaining read I highly recommend for historical romance fans partial to seduction/one-night stand to more scenarios.

The duke gets ravished
This is the second installment of The Duke Hunt series and my first book by Ms. Jordon. I have to say, after reading this, the first one is now a must read for me! Mercy will do anything for her family. When her brother recklessly gambled away their family farm, she decides to go to London and retrieve the voucher that her brother gave Silas Masters, the owner of the gaming hell her brother visited and lost the farm in. When she spots Silas in the gaming hell, she is immediately attracted to him, but she can't let that distract her from the job she came here to do. She is caught when she attempts to search his private rooms and ends up seducing him to distract him. When Silas wakes up in the morning she is gone and he discovers that she is a thief. No matter how seductively beautiful Mercy was, he will not let her get away with it and tracks her down. When he finds her he realizes he doesn't want to let her go and they begin to form a real friendship, but underneath they both still desperately desire each other. The chemistry between them is strong and the sparks just kept flying. I also really enjoyed the entertaining and witty banter between the two.
This was a delightfully entertaining story that pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. Ms. Jordon did a wonderful job of bringing these characters and their story to life. I enjoyed the book very much and hope to read more of this series.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I have been reading Sophie Jordan backlist as a fun project. I have to admit i love this series. I love that it features working women. This is a high heat historical romance.

Good girl Mercy makes her way into a London gaming hell to steal back what her brother lost gambling. She ends up seducing the gambling den owner, chalking it up to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When the owner, Silas, discovers the theft, he becomes determined to find her and make her pay.

This was such a fun, emotional book. I really felt for Mercy and the predicament she was put in by her brother. Watching Silas lose control around her was extremely gratifying. I could have used more of his perspective, but I understood his motivations well enough. Also had: Great side characters, good heat level, excellent storytelling built around the limitations of women in that time. I highly recommend this book.

3.5 Stars

This book was one of those that immediately grabbed me by the end of chapter one. I was all in for this heroine’s adventure to reclaim her home from a rakehell gambling hell owner.

I’m still baffled by how twenty-five percent of this book takes place in one night and that didn’t jar me. I was too infatuated with the chemistry between Silas and Mercy, and that’s good writing. If I can get so looped in that I forget we’re still only at night one five to six chapters in I’m sufficiently hooked.

Hero, Silas, and heroine, Mercy, are then thrust together by the simplest and most consequential thing, the possibility of a child. Not too mention the fact she stole from him, and the fact her brother still has unpaid debt with this man. Too delicious. I was ready for whatever revenge Silas could cook up.

Proceed to fall in love with this closed off hero who lived a childhood of abuse and then danger, skillfully surviving the dark corners of London and amassing a fortune to be envied. Except this is where the story stumbled a bit for me. I felt so disconnected from the Silas in this story. Like I knew everything about him and nothing about him at the same time. In fact, looking back there are only a handful of chapters in the book in his point of view. He’s definitely endearing, and I love watching Mercy act as a force to be reckoned with. I think he’s just bowled over by her.

Mercy reminded me of myself. She’s the responsible one, in charge of caring for her entire family and never once thinking of herself. The risks she takes at the beginning of the book are scary and equally exciting. Easy to get behind a heroine who refuses to let her brother’s mistakes dictate her life and takes a little something for herself in the seduction of Silas.

The story itself was simplistic and yet it worked incredibly well. I also am still hoping Mercy’s brother might be redeemed, but per the end of the story it’s doubtful. He really was absolutely awful and deserved whatever came to him. Bring me the blacksmiths story, I’m ready and I hope Mercy’s sister gets her own book too.

Overall, an easy read. Quick and enjoyable if you’re looking to get lost for a bit. Perfect for those who enjoy Tessa Dare.

~ Landra

I am loving this series by Sophie Jordan, her latest installment in the Duke Hunt Series doesn't disappoint. While it can be read as a standalone, do yourself a favor and check out the whole series, each have something special to share and I can't wait for the next one.

Here we have Mercy Kittinger, a true firecracker of a person that makes her own path in the world. Her only roadblock is her brother who is the exact opposite! When he gambles away their family farm, Mercy doesn't sit back and watch her world crumble she heads to London to infiltrate the gaming hell and steal back the voucher her brother gambled away!

It's here, in the rooms of the gaming hell owner, Silas Masters, that Mercy should have second thoughts... but does she? Not when she has her hands on the voucher and an instant connection to Silas. They share an impromptu night together before she disappears the next morning, leaving him to discover that she is a thief!

What follows is Silas tracking her down and sticking close until he knows there is no consequences to their actions. They become friends in the process and get a chance to explore the explosive passion and connection between them among conversation, witty banter and steamy love scenes. Definitely a great read! I very much enjoyed this and will eagerly await the next!

My opinions are my own and freely given.

A great new read from one of the masters of historical romance (and one of my personal favorite sources of historical romances)! I find myself fervently wishing that I’d caught wind of this new series before the release of book one while eagerly looking forward to the next installment (fingers crossed that it’s either Grace or Gwen’s story)!
The Rake Gets Ravished is a thrill-ride from start to finish, and not the typical plot one might expect from a historical romance in a way that makes for a deeply satisfying read that’s hard to put down at any point for any length of time.
Mercy Kittinger is used to cleaning up her brother’s messes, but this latest is a doozy that keeps unraveling just as she thinks she’s resolved it. Firstly, he’s gambled away their home, and she concocts a plan to steal back the voucher that goes awry from the moment she enters Silas Masters’ domain. And then, nearly caught, she spends the night living out a number of her many fantasies in his bed.
Silas Masters has spent a great deal of time building up his club, and his reputation as the kind of man not to be crossed. And yet, after spending on of the most memorable nights of his life with a woman whose name he never got, he finds that she’s used him to her own ends. When he tracks her down, determined to exact penance for the premeditated betrayal, he finds the draw to her just as strong as ever and makes the first of several excused to stay close to her. And it takes him too long—and yet not all that long at all—to realize that that draw goes deeper than he thought, and to be sure that he doesn’t want to ever let Mercy go—unless she makes him.
Mercy and Silas don’t seem like a great match when they start out—except of course in the matter of powerful chemistry and sexual compatibility—but as their story progresses from lovers to enemies to friends back to lovers, it swiftly becomes clear just how very well suited the pair are. Their story begins with them pitted against each other, but the steamy moments give way to more romantic ones, and there’s even some action towards the climax. Looking forward to the next installment—which I hope will be Grace’s story, but am here for Gwen’s, or Bede’s, or even completely new characters! And am eager to go back and check out the first book in the series as well! Fans of Sophie and historical romance alike are sure to enjoy The Rake Gets Ravished!

Loved the opening chapters! We start off with quite the bang. Mercy and Silas have good chemistry that first night and spend time getting to know each other when he shows up at the farm.
And Bede was the worst! So selfish! I just wanted Silas to punch him!

On a mission to save her family home Mercy Kittinger, makes her way to one of London's most popular gaming hells owned by Silas Masters. A man most men fear and most women desire. The plan is to make her way into his office and take back the debt voucher.

But he catches her in his room and her only choice is to seduce him. She slips away early in the morning with nothing but the memories of their night together and knowing that she's saved her home.

Silas is a little disappointed to find her gone. As he starts his day he realizes that a voucher is missing. And as he connects the dots he knows he'll have to hunt down the dark-haired woman who seduced and stole from him.

Thank you so much to the author, Avon and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

Mercy and Silas were hot, hot hot! 🥵 🔥

I really enjoyed this fast read.

I was frequently cursing Bede Kittinger.

This was everything I want from a historical romance. Feminism taking its roots. Noble men. Steam. Family drama. The whole package!

I want to go back and read Imogene’s story! And I can’t wait for Gwen’s.

Something I really liked about this novel was the call out to a virgin’s blood on the sheets. It may be an odd thing to like, but all of these historical romances have virgins losing their virginity and it’s never mentioned.

I knocked off a star because I wanted a more equal balance of the dual POV. We got maybe 20% of the book from Silas’ POV.

This book has maybe my favorite starting premise in a historical romance that I've ever read? After her good-for-nothing twin brother gambles away the family farm, Mercy heads to London with a plan to steal back the voucher promising the farm to Silas, the owner of a notorious gambling hell. As she goes to sneak out of Silas's private rooms with the voucher in hand, Mercy has to be quick on her feet when Silas catches her there. Her solution? Seduce him, of course. I love a good slow burn as much as anybody but seeing these two try to dance around their feelings for each other after their one night together was a super fun twist. I loved how Mercy grew to rely on Silas after taking care of her family on her own for so long, and I also enjoyed seeing Silas realize there's more to life than the business he built from the ground up.

This was my first book by Sophie Jordan and I don't think it will be my last! Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

This was maybe a 3.75 so I am rounding up. Mercy has lived a quiet life taking care of the family farm and her much younger sister when her twin brother loses the farm to the owner of a gaming hell. Mercy sneaks into the owner’s room to steal it back. The book opened with a lot of heat but the story that follows shows how Mercy and Silas came to care for each other. I quite enjoyed this as a quick break from reality with a slightly older heroine and an untitled hero.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. Sophie Jordan has a knack for writing intelligent, independent leads. Mercy was a refreshing heroine, who quite probably would have led a perfectly content life if she hadn't had such a reprobate for a brother. When his latest gambling problem threatened their home, Mercy stepped in to clean up his mess, and found pleasure and fun instead.
This was a fun read. I have to admit, I was not really in the best mood for this book when I started it, so it took me a bit to get into it, but I don't think anyone else will have that issue. Mercy was a great character, but Bede needed to be smacked with a rolled up newspaper every step of the way. I enjoyed the dynamic between Mercy and Silas, and I will probably read this again sometime.

Received an advanced copy from the publisher.

This book was so good I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it (Bad Decisions Book Club, proud member). This story struck me as entirely unique -- as a frequent romance reader, I'm okay with a common premise or framing device, but I am absolutely DELIGHTED when a writer can give me something that is truly unpredictable because I've never seen this story before. I enjoyed these two characters so much and there were some interesting twists that had me staying up reading. I cannot wait for more of this series, I have enjoyed both books a lot.

The rake really got it good in “The Rake Gets Ravished” by Sophie Jordan! In book two of The Duke Hunt series, Mercy Kittinger takes back her family’s home from the gaming hell owner, Silas Masters. Silas was not supposed to find Mercy in his chambers and he did not plan to accept what she offered, however one whiff of her and he saw oranges.

The spicy beginning was unexpected and I am happy that the one scandalous decision Mercy does make, she wanted to do for herself and it coincidently allowed her to complete her plan. I love how she was written, she initiated moves and made moves. I want everything for Mercy!

This book is heartbreaking because the heroine and villain are blood. Mercy takes care of her family and the lands that the owner should be handling. Is it too much to expect a roof over her and her sister’s head, and some respect? I do not remember the last time I wanted to slap a villainous, fictional character!!

I loved that the hero’s humble beginnings rationalized Mercy’s actions quickly. Then, he gave her the partnership she was missing even when they were not official. I was tearing up, he was so good to her! I love his grand gesture even when his heart was breaking, and it was his act of services that allowed Mercy to think of herself as well as others.

If you want all the feels, a brave heroine, and a hero who respects women, then this book is for you!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This story was so much better than the promise on the cover.
I first opened the book and was impressed at the dedication to the author's aunt. I know most people over look the dedications, but I feel they tell a lot about the author. This one was about a woman who was strong influence and an example for others. And the author used that influence in her writings of strong heroines who dig in deep when it is all going south.
The story is about a woman of 26 who has an older twin brother that is a wastrel and loses their farm. The twins also have a younger sister that the heroine has raised since she was 10 and their mother died. The father died a few years later. Since the brother owns everything, but works on nothing, he used the farm as a stake in a card game. He loses it and the heroine has to save the day. She goes to the gaming den, planning on sneaking in and stealing the I.O.U. She is able to get into the gaming hell but a client decides he likes her looks and accosts her. The owner of the gaming hell, the hero, saves her. She is able to talk her way out if the situation and sneaks up to the owner's private rooms to look for the promissory note. She is able to.locate it, but in her way out of the room, the hero walks in on her. Since she dressed herself as a woman with no inhibitions, she decides since she has no suitor of any kind and is a spinster, she wants to get biblical with the hero. She has read her brothers erotic stash and has learned self pleasure. She decides it is worth it and climbs the poor man like a tree. He, in turn, is aroused and the coupling ensues. The heroine actually left an "I'm sorry' note where the promissory note was and the hero is a business man and begins his search for his lost property.
This book, while it has a long used idea for a story line, does not run the normal course. It is a fresh look at what happens when a strong woman in all senses has to take care of the family because her older brother was spoiled as he grew up and only put himself first. The development of romance and feelings between the main characters has more to do with the fact that deep down, they are decent people who think the same. While there are a few very heated scenes, the story is more than them. It encompasses a farm, village, city business and has supporting characters that add to the story. There are no dangling story lines or ideas and it all makes sense.

I give this book 5 stars and a recommendation to read. I will be putting this on my "read again" shelf.

Silas owns a gaming hell and has a voucher from Mercy's brother for their family farm. Mercy goes to London determined to get the voucher back by any means necessary, even if it means seducing Silas for it. She never intended to capture Silas attention but she makes good and gets the voucher. She returns home never intending to see Silas again. Silas is furious that she stole from him. He will hunt Mercy down and prove how rewarding payback can be between them.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

The Rake Gets Ravished by Sophie Jordan is book two of the Duke Hunt series. This book tells the story of a hardworking spinster Mercy Kittinger, who’s irresponsible twin brother gambled away their family home in a hand of cards. The owner of gaming hell is insanely attractive Silas Masters. Mercy decides to break into Silas’s home to steal the proof of the bet so she and her family can keep their home.

This book was a joy to read. It was fun and I read it so quickly! I honestly couldn’t put it down. Mercy is such a great character. You really root for her happiness the entire time.

I wish the author gave the reader more information about Silas and his background. I would have loved to know more about his life before meeting Mercy. The story is told quite a bit from his perspective and I was interested to learn more about him. Second, I don’t really feel like Silas was a rake, which would be totally fine if the title of the book wasn’t The Rake Gets Ravished. The reader learns very early on that Silas is prone to monogamy.

I was invited to read an ARC of The Rake Gets Ravished, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #TheRakeGetsRavished

I am sincerely loving this trend of romance novels to which the hero falls first and falls hard. I need to come up with a moniker for it: “First and Hard” - yeah, probably doesn’t fit the vibe I’m going with on that one. I’ll continue marinating on it and see what bubbles up. Anywho, as I was saying, I’m thoroughly enjoying the trend (even with modern set romance novels) where we have a sensitive, underlyingly good, and kind man who upon meeting the heroine, becomes unwillingly enraptured. Sophie Jordan’s, The Rake Gets Ravished, the second in the Duke Hunt series, fits into the “First to Fall Hard” (Still not there…better though) category. I was pleasantly surprised by this book; I have not read anything from Ms. Jordan’s oeuvre, and I wasn’t completely sold on the premises, however, it definitely surpassed my expectations.

A Little Bit of Plot
When Mercy Kittinger’s wastrel of a twin brother gambles away the farm to gaming hell owner and notorious rake Silas Masters, the task of retrieving the wager (by illegal means if necessary) falls to her. One act of seduction later and Mercy flees into the night, wager in hand and a solitary night of passion that will last in her memory forever. Upon discovering her duplicitousness, Silas tracks Mercy down on the family farm and imposes himself on the household for an unknown amount of time. During his stay, Silas begins to view Mercy as more than just an alluring larcenist; the ‘heat’ is still very present between and both try valiantly to resist. Tale as old as time, am I right?

The Compliment Sandwich

The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Hidden Depths of Silas Masters (ooooh…I like that! Sounds like a mystery novel.)

“Most women who are looking for Silas Masters know what he looks like. That is why they are looking for him.”

Just like every other hero in a romance novel, Silas Masters, is not only shredded like lettuce, but drop dead gorgeous. Just check out the cover of the novel, yowie wowie, I’d master him anyday. (I’m gonna give myself a 4/10 on that one - didn’t stick the landing). What is not evident upon meeting Silas is his kind heartedness and almost possessive support he provides. Within a day of arriving at the farm, he has taken up working the land beside Mercy against the remonstrances of her brother.

Speaking of Bede Kittinger, I may be reading too much into this, however, it seems as though Silas is drawn to be the absolute opposite. Where Bede is lazy, pretentious, and dishonorable, Silas is industrious, honest, and magnanimous.

“It appears they could use some help.” Silas nodded toward the stuck plow. Kittinger followed his gaze and gave a mild shrug.
Silas gestured toward the trio. “That is your sister,” he stated, as though that might have some impact on Kittinger’s unwillingness to lend aid.
Kittinger squinted across the distance. “Oh, I say. It is Mercy.” He sniffed. “In trousers. Our mother must be rolling over in her grave. Mercy has always been a rather untraditional female.”

This feels like a last straw with Silas in regard to Bede, for he hops down from the horse, and assists in the freeing of the plow, much to the astonishment of Mercy and the farmhands.
Bede, on the other hand, never has that moment of realization or ‘come to Jesus’.

Lastly, as not to spoil anything regard the plot, I will say that upon finding Mercy on the farm and witnessing the disregard that Bede has for both his family and the land, Silas almost immediately forgives Mercy and through his actions ensures that Bede will be prohibited from squandering away the livelihood of his family in the future.

Y’all, the Grand Gesture is pretty awesome in this book, too.

The Con
Oh how I needed Bede to receive the comeuppance he deserved. Again, to avoid spoilers, all I will say is that he does something exceedingly terrible and has little remorse for his actions. The fact that Silas didn’t murder him speaks volumes to his character. I wanted to stuff a pillow over Bede’s stupid handsome face while he slept by the end. He gets off pretty lenient, and the only reason I can think of as to why is that this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Bede. Maybe Jordan has her own redemption plan for Mr. Kittinger. I’ve read enough villainous redemption stories this past year that I'd certainly be interested.

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
This is one spicy Meatball!

“There is” - she paused, searching for the word to best explain what she was feeling, what swirled on the air around them - “heat between us. Surely you feel it, too.”

YAS, GIRL, YAS, we ALL feel the heat. Kids, this book is steamy as hell. Four alarm, panty scorching, hotter than a stolen tamale, sexy read. I’m not going to spoil too much of the sensuous banter, but I’m going to include a couple of my favorite quotes.

“I shall spend myself before we have done even half the things we want to do.”
She made another dive for him. “But I want - “
“No,” he said emphatically dodging her and rolling her over so that she could not take him in her hungry fingers again. “Show me something else you want.”

Really? Because I can show you a lot, Silas.

I read a review that indicated it was unbelievable that a virgin would be knowledgeable enough to seduce anyone at that time in history. While I can understand where the reviewer was coming from, I think Jordan handled the explanation as to Mercy’s familiarity with sexuality quite deftly.

In her bed at night, by candlelight, she read those pages and studied those images until she knew all there was to know about copulation. All the various positions…all the places that mouths and tongues could be placed. To say nothing of hands. She would close her eyes and imagine her hands belonging to someone else. It was always a faceless stranger. A man with big, solid hands and hard cock.

Yup, I think that gives me enough backstory as to why Mercy’s quite keen on scaling Silas like he was the tallest redwood in Yosemite and she just bought some new climbing boots. Mercy knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to take it.

Overall, this was a delightful, low-angst romp and a quick read. I am interested to delve into more of Sophie Jordan’s work and the next installment of the Duke Hunt series.

I still need Bede to get taken to task at some point though..like stockyards at noon flogging.

I’ll be on the lookout.