I eat up a regency romance EVERY TIME
It always gives such good tension and angst and we love to see it. The horses featured a little too heavily for my liking, but overall I enjoyed this and am looking forward to my next Sofie Darling read

This book is about Gemma Cassidy and Rake, The Duke of Rakesley. Gemma is doing what she needs to survive and to keep her brother alive. Rake is a little on the uptight side and has his life all planned out. Gemma is not in his plans! Lots of lies, mysteries, adventures and passion follow this story.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. This story was terrific, I really enjoyed it and the characters were great.

Sophie Darling always delivers a wonderful story! It never fails! Gemma and her brother are on the run from their controlling, manipulative father, but when her jockey brother gets injured, Gemma steps up and takes his place. She lands a job as a MALE stable hand at the Duke of Rakesley’s estate, where she quickly woos a difficult horse and becomes a jockey. Rake doesn’t understand his attraction to his new stable hand until he realizes Gem is a actually a Gemma! From their they can’t deny their spark and a heated affair begins and develops into much more though unspoken. Because, ultimately, Gemma is there to spy on Rake’s stables and report to his competitor. It’s an angsty, lust filled ride with a happy ending as always! I am very excited to see the future books in the series and there are plenty of characters I can’t wait to hear their love stories!

What's not to love about a historical romance that will make you laugh, cry and feel all the things. Sofia Darling is an incredible author who is very talented and I can't wait to read more from her

I enjoyed this quite a lot and hope we can have follow up stories about Gemma's brother and others. The leads were troubled but self aware and loving

Gemma and her brother Liam have agreed to spy on the stables and operations of Rakesley (Rake), the Duke of Somerset, known to have some of the best race horses and stables in the horse racing circles.They need the money to escape their father, Lord Bolton. Though born on the wrong side of the blanket, she and her brother were educated, raised around horse racing at their father's estate, but were also held captive in a virtual prison by their father for most of their life. They want to start their new life, and spying for Mr. Deverill, Mr. Devil, will allow them to have enough money to start a new life. Running a syndicate, he has spies on many estates,and is known to do anything necessary to win money in a horse race, including drugging or hurting a horse.
Liam, a jockey, is unable to procure employment because of a broken leg, and must stay at a local inn to recuperate, forcing Gemma to become a stable lad, posing as a boy, Gem.
Rake and his sister Artemis are horse mad, and practically breathe horse racing. While they may seem obsessed, they will not allow it to become between family and friends. This includes Julian, Rake's best friend, who is also horse mad.
After hiring "Gem," Rake realizes she possesses an education in horse racing than the average stable lad after handling a difficult horse. She soon becomes the jockey, but Rake knows there is something off about her. He can't help but be drawn to her, and knows she holds many secrets. His staid and strict lifestyle he has imposed upon himself starts to unravel. Rake sets out to discover "his" secrets, and Gemma is determined to avoid him at all costs, feeling guilty about her duplicity, even though she is drawn to him. as well.
I was a little hesitant about the novel because I know next to nothing about horse racing. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I was slowly introduced to the world without it sounding like the reader is a two year old learning something new. I became engrossed in the horse racing world by the end of the novel. Rake and Gemma's story is woven within it. As she moves up from stable lad, the closer the two become. Rake slowly begins to learn a lot about Gemma the more time they spend together, and Gemma learns much about him, though knows there is a line not to cross with the upper class.
This is the first in the series, and it is obvious who some of the characters will have their own stories. The way all the characters are intertwined is very well written. I look forward to Rake's friend Julian's story with his tragic past, as well as Rake's sister, Artemis.
I found Rake's confusion about Gemma very enjoyable and at times funny as well. He doesn't know how to go about anything, and is lovingly teased by his sister because she knows a few secrets. Gemma and Liam also have a very close relationship, and it is often attributed to the fact they are fraternal twins. While he doesn't leave his sick bed at the inn, he is very helpful in advising her. Even though he is stuck there, it was nice to give him a little bit of a story to give his character a little life.
I did get confused a little with the timeframe of the novel. She was supposed to spend a month spying, but some chapters would begin with the title, "A week later," and it added up to more than a month. I would like to have known more about the information she was sending to Deverill. She was spying, but all I ever read was the setup of the track Rake has at his estate. There had to be more that would be vital information. Rake's mother is mentioned, and written as a very cold, overbearing person, stuck on titles and their importance in society. I am undecided if she should have stayed as someone described, or introduced to reinforce the gravity of what Rake wants to do.
There were a few graphic intimate scenes. One was very hot and erotic, not erotica. I had to stop reading for a little bit after one because my brain melted. A fan would be convenient to have when reading those scenes. They were written very well, and important because of the emotional intimacy they experienced more so than the physical. They shared emotions and vulnerabilities they hid to the rest of the world. It was a slow burn, and even better since they developed a working and respectful relationship before the secret was revealed.
I definitely plan to read the next novels in the series. I hope they are published quickly. Patience is not my strongest virtue.
I also plan to ask my friends to read them as well.
Overall Rating 5+/
Heat Level 6+/5
Mature, intimate scenes are very detailed, graphic, and just omg. One erotic scene, but the novel is not erotica.

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

I need more! This book was amazing. I didn't want to put it down. Great story line. Good adulting. Love it!

This is the first book in a brand new series, All's Fair in Love and Racing, and it is off to a brilliant start. Gemma is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and is planning to escape from her abusive father's home and leave London with her brother. She disguises herself as a stable boy and infiltrates herself in the Duke of Rakesley's stables. She is gathering information as a spy so she can make enough money to leave with her brother. Rake is a stuffy, arrogant, man and has a plan for finding an appropriate duchess and maintaining his well-ordered life. All that is thrown out the window when he meets Gemma and figures out his new stableboy is a vibrant and feisty woman full of fire and passion. Although he feels deceived and betrayed, he is instantly captivated and intrigued by her and wants to know more about her.
The romance between them was passionate and exciting and the chemistry absolutely sizzled. The story was well-written and flowed at a nice pace and the plot twists kept me interested and turning the pages. The characters were well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed following their story. This was a great beginning to the series and I look forward to continuing it!
I received a complimentary copy from Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I really like Sofie Darling, but this book was just OK to me. I don't really enjoy the secret identity trope. The love story also seemed rushed and a little forced. I did love Sofie's description of horses and horse training.

I think I singed my fingers with this book. The Duke of Rakesley is one hot duke! Gemma is dressed as a lad to work in his stables. She gathers information on the operation of his stables as a spy for money to leave England with her brother. The truth is her heart loves working with horses, especially ones who have been abused. Rake's reaction everytime he's around her leaves him puzzled. Her magic with his horse leaves him stunned. He's a smart man and figures out Gem is a she. His curiosity takes over and he wants to know her story. As he draws her out of her shell, he is also seducing a willing woman. Gemma walks a fine between love and betrayal. No dilly-dally in this book. One determined duke goes after what he wants.
Very, very erotic!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is an amusing, romantic and intense story. A H who finds himself looking at his new jockey's bottom a little too closely. A h who will do anything to protect her family. Together they will win their way to the biggest race of the season, grumpiness and confusion as their constant companions.
I loved this captivating story that captured my attention and kept it until the end

I loved the authors description of horses and training that goes into race horses, it was really enjoyable. I felt like the romance and attraction was rushed and slightly forced, I really wanted to love this book but it was just ok. The story started out strong but I lost focus before I hit the midway point.

The Duke of Rakesley, or Rake, and Gemma/Gem develop quite a love story as they bond over a horse with Gemma acting as a stable lad. Rake’s confusion over why he is intrigued by a stable lad is a bit laughable as we are in on the ‘secret’ of Gem’s true identity. She is a self-assured, strong minded heroine who is going to speak her mind as she sees the need. And, baffles Rake at every turn.

I loved Rake’s sister Lady Artemis and her own independence as he clues her brother in to the ‘life’ of a female. She helps open his eyes even more to their male dominated life.

Please allow me to say this romance went a bit more into erotic terminology than I was expecting. My preference is for more relationship that sex, but I still enjoyed Gemma and Rake’s HEA journey.

Wonderful romance
It is very interesting that the author uses horse racing as an environment for this romance. I liked the heroine, Gemma, because of her independence, her strong character, and her perseverance in a world dominated by men. Throughout the book, we feel the attraction between the two main characters, Gemma and Rake.
I enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In 1822 in Suffolk, England Miss Gemma Cassidy takes her injured brother, Liam, to The Drunken Piebald. Liam had fallen off a horse and is supposed to be spying on The Duke of Rakesley, Rake, for Lord Deverill. Gemma is at a loss because how exactly is Liam supposed to do that when he is hurt? So, Gemma decides to go in his place as a stable lad for Rakesley. Gemma boldly approaches Rakesley asking for him to hire her. Gemma now known as Gem works there hiding her identity and reporting secretly to Lord Deverill. As Gemma establishes herself with not only the horses but Rakesley as well. Gemma finds it harder and harder to act as a boy especially when she starts to fall for Rake. Rakesley begins to trust “Gem” too, letting her even ride/jockey on a horse that not even he can approach. Rake wonders why he is feeling a sort of a strange attraction to his stable boy “Gem”. Rakesley knows that Gem is hiding all sorts of secrets which he is determined to figure out, most of all who Gem really is.
What a wonderful historical Regency romance that was such a delight to read that I could barely put it down! The story just flowed and was quite a page turner filled with intriguing plot twists, awesome characters including, the animals that were also in the book. The animals even became part of the tale never overshadowing anyone but becoming vital to the story. There were some things I wanted to know like a little of Gemma’s history would have been nice and also what the duke’s full name which eventually his name is told but I hated referring to him as Rake because he’s a duke and should be addressed as such not as a nickname. So, for me this was a hard thing to get over. There was a lot of salacious moments in the book too. In truth I didn’t really mind them so much, but true history buffs would probably not like them. I really liked Gem; her feistiness and her bold disregard for society even though she lied to the duke she still had her reasons. Rakesley was also a good guy sure he had his toughness and even acted at times like a high-handed boor, I still enjoyed him. Ms. Sofie Darling has definitely written a fascinating series that of course I want to read more but for now I will reread this story again!

4 Stars! Cute, historical regency romance. This is the first book in a new series ‘All’s Fair in Love and Racing’ and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are Rake & Gemma/Gem and they were both pretty likable. The book is told from both points of view & I loved how Gem is feisty and talks back to Rake. I’m glad the author didn’t make Gem a simpering, virginal debutante. A few ‘sexy times’ scenes that weren’t really overly long which is how I prefer it. As much as I liked this book, I have some issues with it too. I have a hard time believing Rake, a Duke, would really marry Gemma - yes, there is a HEA ending. I also thought the reason Gemma and her brother were running was solved way too easily and I wish there were some examples of why they ran. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I can’t wait for more in this series!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Gemma and Liam Cassidy are running away from an abusive father. They are both quite good with horses and enjoy working with them. In order to earn enough money for passage to America, they must spy on the Duke of Rakesly’s stable and how it is operated, Gemma disguises herself as a boy and takes the task. Gemma has such a way with horses that she is soon riding the thoroughbreds. Rake is a man of order and control. That is he was, until Gemma burst in and created havoc in his world. It doesn’t take long for these two to fall for each other, but will it ever be more than an affair? This is an interesting story with a look into horse racing in the Regency era. It is also a wonderful romance with an odd couple, sizzling chemistry, and a very happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

A unique story line and a wonderfully written novel.
Gemma "Gem" Cassidy and her twin brother need money, they take odd jobs in stables here and there. But when her brother breaks his leg and is on the mend, Gem decides to take a chance and gets hired at the Duke of Rakesley's estate.
Rake doesn't need another stable hand but there's something about the lanky boy Gem that intrigues him plus the lad has a unique way with horses, especially his new unmanageable horse Hannibal.
But quickly the Duke figures out that Gem is really a woman and he's more attracted to her than ever, but there is just a little matter of that he's a duke and she's well... a spy.

The way Sofie Darling writes is always good, but it is her unique characters and story that pull me in. These characters have such a richness and depth to them all the while making you believe that the impossible is possible. I really enjoyed this novel and the research that was done into horseracing in this century was fascinating. Plus having a female jockey was so much fun to read.
Gem has a no nonsense way about her while knowing what she wants, and she goes for it. The chemistry between Gem and Rake was electric and you couldn't help but want their happy ending.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I loved this book: it’s funny, slightly angsty, captivating, very steamy and instructive as well. I loved the way the author presented interesting facts about the world of horseracing without overwhelming readers (like me) who know nothing about horses. And of course the most important part, the love story, is well crafted and deliciously hot. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable and there’s an immediate attraction that makes things even more interesting... It was funny watching Rake worrying about the pull he felt toward a stable “lad”!
Rake and Gemma are two people with different goals and different stations in life who share a passion for horses and fall in love despite themselves. Gemma is strong, smart and fearless, while outwardly stern Rake is kind and tender and fiercely loyal. The author did an astounding job at fleshing them out as very real, very relatable people.
This new series is really promising and I already have a couple of ideas about side characters that I’m sure the author will be developing in the next books…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.