I was immersed in the world of Regency London, following the intriguing relationship between Rose Digby and Alexander Markby, the sixth Earl of Derby. Rose, a passionate pamphlet writer, is determined to expose the rakish behavior of certain men in society. However, her judgmental, solid attitude towards Alexander, her brother's close friend, initially irked me. Yet, as the story unfolded, I witnessed their unspoken love and the complexities of their emotions. Despite Rose's initial resentment, Alexander's genuine efforts to right wrongs and show kindness won me over. The novel's emotional rollercoaster, filled with unexpected twists and moments of redemption, kept me engaged. While the story occasionally felt repetitive, the powerful themes of love, forgiveness, and transformation, coupled with the support of compelling secondary characters, made for a satisfying read. This is a captivating historical romance that delves deep into the human heart, leaving a lasting impression.

I absolutely love this series! They have all been quick, fun reads and The Rake and the Rose is no different. I love the best friends sister trope, as well as rake turning out to be not so rakeish, and actually a great guy! I can't wait to read more from Eva Devon! I also loved the prickly grandmother who is the one who says what needs to be said. It had all the great components I want to see from a historical romance!

I liked this book, but I struggled with the HUGE focus and the constant use of the word rake in the first half of the book. I know that it informed Rose's impression of Alex, but it felt overdone to me.

Into the world of Rakes to try write about their lifestyle. Rose trys to get into exclusive club and finds the only way in is by pretending to be her childhood friend's Mistress. Oh boy is it a world where she doesn't quite fit.

The biggest problem for Alex is that he promised Rose's brother that he would stay away from her. That was the case for years, but now, their reacuaintance causes so many secrets. Were they always destined for eachother?

This is a typical friend's to lovers book with a lot of sneaking around. Both Alex and Rose are trying to do good in their own ways.

I liked this short romance and appreciated the look at rakes being a little different than what is on the surface.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

I did like the character of Alex, there was so much more to him than people thought. The other main characters, Harry and his sister Rose, I found to be a bit too judgemental. I know they were affected by their father’s actions and the consequences of his behaviour but they failed to see the good in others, particularly if they had money. Alex had always loved Rose but he thought she wouldn’t think him worthy enough for her. I did enjoy this story and Rose and Harry do redeem themselves when they see the error of their ways. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For as long as pamphlet writer Rose Digby can remember, certain men of the ton gallivant about town with their own set of rules. When someone she holds dear falls prey to a rake of the highest order Rose is determined to expose them all. Alexander Markby, the sixth Earl of Derby is her brother’s closest friend and is positively rife with roguishness. He’s the perfect cover to help Rose infiltrate his world. He has just one rule. In the name of “protecting” her—she must pose as his mistress. The very idea!
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the earlier books first. I loved both Alexander & Rose, he’s always loved her & hides a heart of gold, she’s feisty & intelligent. I loved their journey to a HEA with all its misunderstandings & secrets. The story flowed well & I read it straight through. I think this is my favourite of the series so far
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the third installment in Once Upon A Wallflower series but it could be read as a standalone. I'm having an internal turmoil with regards to this novel. I was really frustrated with Rose being so judgmental, basically stereotyping Alexander. I loath those type of people. But Alexander was being mature and was a good balance. He was one of the reasons I pushed through with this one. The other reason being I understood that Rose's personality was integral to their story. And so, I was very delighted to have seen her growth at the end.

Any book that elicits the right emotions from the reader is a very well written book. Eva has once again impressed me with this

The Rake and the Rose is the third book in the Once Upon a Wallflower series. I have read the prior books and enjoyed each one. This can be a stand-alone read. But the series is good and worth reading in its entirety.

Harry and Rose Digby grew up with a rake for a father. He died as a result of living this lifestyle. As a result, they have suffered for it. Harry has studied to be a vicar and live a life free from speculation and gossip. Rose writes pamphlets in order to help others. She also writes poetry where she exposes her heartbreak through her words. In spite of choosing to live a life where they help others, they cannot forget the past. Nor will others let them forget.

Alexander Markby, the Earl of Derby is a friend to Harry much to the annoyance of his grandmother. She remembers all too well the failings of the Digby's father. But Alexander is a good man in spite of his reputation for being a rake.

Rose wants to get the men who are rakes to change their ways because of the harm it leaves behind as a result of their selfishness. She decides to investigate the places where these men entertain themselves. But she can't get inside. So, she decides to get the one person she knows who is a rake to help her. She spies him in his carriage and lets herself in only to shock Alexander. Rose believes Alexander abandoned her when she needed a friend most. She believes she can get him to help her get in so she can expose them all in order to make a difference.

Alexander agrees with one stipulation, she must pose as his mistress. This means everything to rose, so she agrees. Rose will have to pretend to be the very thing she despises. But will she be able to follow through or will she lose her heart to the man she loves.

This was a fun and entertaining story. It is also part of a wonderful series. I really enjoy the characters. The writing is well done and draws the reader in right from the beginning.

The Rake and the Rose is the third installment in the Once Upon a Wallflower series and while I prefer to read my series in order, this can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone.

When Rose needs help she seeks it from the one man who cast her aside all those years ago, can she trust him to do the right thing?

Alexander was forced to abandon his friendship with his friends and has lived with the regret his entire life. Is he the rake everyone thinks him to be?

A life of betrayal, secrets, lies, deception, and desire in a world of status, expectation, and rules lead to shenanigans, spicy encounters, and a test no one expected.

I love these characters, the risks they take, and the awakening they uncover as they navigate uncharted waters in a world where one misstep could destroy both of their futures.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I truly enjoyed this book. This is the third standalone in Eva Devon’s Once Upon a Wallflower series, and I absolutely loved the characters and premise of the story. The plot has a nice flow and is pleasant to read.

Rose Digby is a pamphlet author and aims to expose the lives of the debaucherous rakes of English society by infiltrating the exclusive gentlemen’s clubs they frequent. The catch is, she needs someone to get her into those clubs. Enter her childhood best friend, now the sixth Earl of Derby, Alexander Markby, who reenters the picture and reluctantly agrees to her show her the ropes so long as she agrees to pose as his mistress. A seemingly dangerous scheme, indeed, for both are unknowingly attracted to the other. A rake himself, Alexander struggles internally with keeping everyone in his circle happy while hiding unaddressed secrets within.

What I appreciate most about this book is the accurate portrayal of society during the Regency era. With this period of the burgeoning of the arts and free-thinking, Devon’s use of Regency diction is spot on.

All in all, there are mixed messages and promises made, causing certain confusion, but rest assured, everything is cleared up for you in an endearing way!

If you enjoyed Devon’s previous writings, you’ll definitely love The Rake and the Rose. Be sure to grab your copy on October 30!

#HistoricalFiction #RegencyRomance #AdultRomance #FoundFamily #TheRakeandtheRose #EvaDevon #Entangled #NetGalley

He's a rake.

Sigh. Boring. No more rakes, please.
Alexander embraces being a rake, but secretly helps his best friend and his sister, Rose. Alexander, now an earl, seeks to make amends for his father throwing Rose's family out. He gives them money, but then stays away from Rose for years, because he made a vow to her brother. I think the term "rake" was used loosely and as a catch all. Alexander does enjoy wine, women and the arts, with a side hustle of funding artists. There's a lot of angst and secrets between Rose, Alexander and her brother.

I've read the first three books in the Once Upon a Wallflower series by Eva Devon, but the subsequent novels still haven't punched as hard as the first entry, The Beast and the Bookseller. Perhaps I've latched on so completely because I'm a literary lion and keen on characters who love books as much as I do. Although the sequels didn't enrapture me like its predecessor, they all featured devoted heroes. The heroines are reluctant to surrender their heart while the men are more than ready to serve it on a platter. The Rake and the Rose focused on another hero falling first while the heroine struggled to keep up with his infatuation. Alexander had always carried a secret torch for Rose and she was completely unaware of the dangerous flames he wielded.

The Rake and the Rose had an interesting plot of a woman desperate to enter a den of ill repute in order to warn others about the dangers it beheld. She needed the information for her circulating pamphlet that she published as the sister of a vicar. Her brother's best friend was a well-known rake and the closest person she knew to help gain her access. He promised her entry if she would pose as his mistress, despite her not knowing his true feelings towards her. This seemed like a fun excuse for a Fake Relationship story, but the puzzle pieces didn't quite fit together as they should. Rose seemed really judgemental and knew nothing about the lifestyles she was determined to protest. It didn't seem like the author fully thought out the character's motivations and used the church as an easy scapegoat. Rose was the weaker written character, but Alexander made up for it with his utter devotion to her. His ardor was so strong and palpable that it was practically wafting off the pages.

The Rake and the Rose was a sweet little historical romance, but nothing spectacularly captivating. I do like the way Eva Devon writes her heroes, but I wish the heroines weren't always kicking and screaming their way to a happy ever after. It would be nice if it felt like the women actually wanted the relationship rather than it seeming like they were on their way to the gallows rather than down the aisle. Perhaps in a future series that doesn't feature obstinate wallflowers, they'll be more amenable to wedding rings. This story may not have been my favorite book in the series, but it will always be a match made in the garden whenever The Rake and the Rose are near.

This was a great addition to the Once Upon a Wallflower series. Rose and Alex had many barriers to overcome including family and friends and Society. I love when there are secrets and drama in the unveiling to the other characters and it was handled beautifully in this novel. I had to stay up late to finish it and it was worth it.

I would like to thank netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable, and I liked the unique characters and settings.

Eva Devon has added the 3rd book to her "Once Upon a Wallflower" series, which will quickly become a fan favorite. Although the book can certainly be recognized as a stand-alone - it's fun to see the references to the "past wallflowers" of the series. Rose Digby is a young, independent woman who has taken it upon herself to educate people of the hazards of the lifestyles of the city's infamous rakes, as well as their uncaring attitude to the women unfortunate enough to care for them. Having her family ruined due to her deceased father's choice of lifestyle has led her to the need to infiltrate some of the clubs to study both rakes and courtesans. As she is tossed out of one such place, she recognizes a childhood friend, the 6th Earl of Derby, and decides to use him as her entrance, since he is a well-known rake. When Alex agrees to help her, in order to save her from possibly being taken advantage of by someone else, their long-ago relationship and feelings surface which complicates their agreement. What follows is a study of their painful history and journey into enlightenment for both Rose and Alex, as well as Rose's brother and Alex's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess (who both add another layer to the complicated relationship). This was a very enjoyable read where the characters are likeable and face the obstacles of their "place in life" to learn more about themselves. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Amara for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheRakeandthe Rose

This is the best installment in this series, for sure. The premise was really fun - a pamphlet writer pretends to be her childhood friend’s mistress to gain access to clubs and expose how courtesans are treated. Of course, all of Rose’s preconceived notions are upended and she has to grapple with that. It’s a lot of fun, and I enjoyed seeing her try to come to terms with falling for Alexander, since she swore never to indulge in love.

But my enjoyment was curbed a quite a bit by the treatment of Alexander. He’s social and outgoing and maybe the barest hint of a rake, but Rose and her brother Harry, who is supposed to be Alex’s best friend, continually tell him he’s irredeemable and unworthy and, basically, a horrible man. He’s actually the kindest, most well intentioned character in the whole book, and the way they make him feel bad about himself was really difficult to read. They both eventually come around, but it almost feels like their apologies don’t fully encompass the years of disdain they’ve given him. I understood where they were coming from, with their father being a debauched rake whose whims cost him everything. But it was so obvious that Alex was nothing like him, and they refused to see it for far too long, even when Rose was being intimate with him.

The Rake and the Rose “ is the third installment in Eva Devon's series, and I must say, it's my favorite one so far.
The story revolves around the intriguing relationship between Rose Digby and Alexander Markby, the sixth Earl of Derby. Their history is filled with unspoken love, misunderstandings, and a generous dose of secret acts of kindness.
Alexander, a man who appears to be a reckless rake on the surface, hides a heart of gold and a deep affection for Rose. Rose, on the other hand, is unwavering in her judgment of him, stemming from past grievances. What sets this historical romance apart is Rose's unyielding character and her commitment to her causes, making her journey of personal growth all the more satisfying.
The plot unfolds smoothly, with a perfect blend of misunderstandings and surprising twists, ultimately leading Alexander and Rose to their well-deserved happily ever after. Eva Devon masterfully crafts a tale of love, forgiveness, and redemption, making "The Rake and the Rose" a must-read for fans of the genre.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own.

He’d Loved Her Forever

Alexander Markby, the Earl of Derby had loved her forever but circumstances had always kept them apart! When Rose approached him to help her, what could he do, but be there for her. Promises were broken, friendships could be lost but she was the one temptation he couldn’t resist.

Rose had grown up bitter after her family had been thrown of the Earl of Derby’s land, her life had been hard but it could have been harder.

A tender emotional read with suppressed passion about to explode! Wonderful characters and a hero just waiting to capture his future with the woman he loves but can Rose believe in herself and the love that could last a lifetime?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Love all the sibling conflicts here!

This is a delightful Regency-era "best friend's little sister" romance, that starts with Alex being told in no uncertain terms that he is to stay far away from his best friend's sister, Rose. Henry and Rose have struggled to make good of their lives after their father's scandal saw them lose everything, and both siblings are convinced that Alex is an unrepentant rake who will only lead them into more trouble.

The trouble that comes is on two fronts: Rose insists on gaining access to the pleasure dens of London in order to write about them to encourage change, and she insists that if Alex won't help her she'll find someone else who will. And, as much as Alex wants to honor his promise to Henry, it's far more important to protect Rose as she naively ventures forward in disguise. He's not only in trouble with Henry, but with Rose as well, who can't see beyond her judgmental assessment of him to the honorable man he truly is.

As the third in a series, I enjoyed catching up with the earlier couples and thought they brought a lot of common sense to the current storyline. Both Alex and Rose have to grow beyond their initial opinion of the other that was based on their childhood friendship, and I did enjoy their lively interactions. There was plenty of respect shown to those women who lived at the edge of propriety, and I loved how Alex's grandmother was able to give an insightful view of the other side of life for women in that time.

Their HEA was solid and I read this through in one sitting. I recommend it for anyone who likes Regency romances with a little steam and a dash of social commentary. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Years ago, Rose Digby learned that you can never trust a rake, the point was driven home when their father, a renowned artist and rake, was dumped by his patron, and the family was evicted from their home. Her father died in an asylum and their mother wasted away to nothing, dying not long after, despite Rose’s attempts to save her. These events hurt, but that pain was nothing when compared to the betrayal done to her by her friend and secret crush, Alexander Markby, the son of her father’s patron, The Earl of Derby. After their eviction, Alex cut off all communication with Rose and her brother, Hugh. Now years later, Rose has dedicated her life to warning others of the dangers of overindulgence and the overreaching power of the nobility, writing books and pamphlets on the subjects. But when she is investigating a new story and is denied entry to an exclusive club, she sees the answer to her dilemma walking out the door. She confronts Alex in his coach and all but demands that he help her. He agrees, but she wonders if she has made a huge mistake by agreeing to pose as his mistress. There will be lessons learned on this adventure, but will she learn that pleasure is not the root of all evil, or will her stubborn nature prevent her from finding true happiness?

Alex Markby, the new Earl of Derby was a young man with no power when his father cast out the Digby family and has spent the years since his father’s death trying to right the wrongs done to them. His best friend, Hugh Digby appreciated his help but felt that Alex was too much of a rake and forbade him to have any contact with his sister Rose. Alex is heartbroken, but agrees, not wanting to taint Rose with his reputation. But when Rose demands his help, he sees the opportunity to show Rose that he is not the rake she believes him to be and that taking pleasure is one of life’s joys and not the road to ruin she believes it to be. But Rose is a tough nut to crack and just as he thinks he is getting through to her, things begin to fall apart and he will have to face the fact that her fear may be a barrier he cannot break.

This was a good story, a bit darker than the previous books, but still very good and quite emotional. My heart broke for Alex, he truly has a heart of gold and was constantly judged by the Digby siblings. I began to wonder at Rose’s supposed intellect when she clearly couldn’t see the truth about Alex and her steadfast and unrelenting prejudice against him. I understood she had suffered, but she held on to her disdain for much too long and didn’t grovel nearly enough. That aside, the book is filled with lots of emotion, secrets, misinterpretations, misconceptions, steamyish love scenes, a hero with a heart of gold, a no-nonsense grandmother, an overprotective brother, dukes who talk too much, and finally a HEA. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title as the series is very loosely connected. I enjoyed this book and would be happy to recommend the title to my fellow historical romance readers.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*