"Oh, Rose," he said, "your thorns have always been the best part about you."

Amazing!!!! I am always more in love with this series of regency romances!!! Book one and two were oh so good and this one … it absolutely stands there!!! Rose and Alexander’s story is one to make you swoon and melt and I was totally in for it!!! Think about a second chance romance story, between childhood friends and a brother’s best friend kinda link between them. Think also about the fact that she despises him because he now has the reputation of a rake and he has been in love with her since they were children. Think about her asking him for help in entering the places of sin and pleasure that were the reason for such pain in her life. And in order to do that, she has to pretend to be her mistress … we are in for a wild ride everyone !!! It was such an entertaining and exciting book and I could not put it down!! Plus Alexander was an absolute marvel and more than just a handsome count !!! Loved it loved it loved it!!! I so adored the mentions of previous couples and I so can’t wait for future projects in this universe !!!

“And for one moment, he longed, longed more than anything, to have her. But he knew she would never allow it.”

Rose has her own views of the world as seen from the pain of her father's downfall and her mother's death. Known for her reforming pamphlets, she asks her friend from childhood to introduce her to the world of courtesans. Alexander, the sixth Earl of Derby, is familiar with the world of courtesans. When Rose asks for his help, how can he refuse. He's always loved her, but he's breaking his vow to her brother to never see her. He can't pass up this chance to be with Rose. She thinks of him only as a rake who has wasted his life in pleasure. This could end in disaster. Years of painful misunderstandings and the anguish of missed opportunities, Devon grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you Brittany from Entangled for the eARC.

This is a fast paced romance that I would say for those looking for a short and emotional read or maybe want to try romance books because they enjoy watching Bridgerton but the books might intimidate them on starting to read romance. Something I liked most about this short story is that yes, it is part of a series, it is a standalone story. I wasn’t sure of that going into it but understood rather quickly thanks to the author's world building and providing backstory.

This journey is filled with pain and loss due to past trauma, judgment, self doubt, trust issues and overwhelming emotions focused around love. This story is written in dual point-of-views with each chapter changing between Alex and Rose for those of you who do not like books like this. These childhood friends who have fallen out are fated to meet again when Rose is on the hunt to exploit upper society and those called Rakes. Rose is headstrong and before her time for this period piece and I would venture to say along the lines of a Nancy Drew for her time. Alex is an Earl who lets anyone believe what they want about him, but he tries to help artists and be better than his father before him. He is haunted by his past and while he loves to live life, he is guarded and broken. These two battle about their wits, feelings, and past while they struggle to find happiness.

While I think this was a cute standalone story, I do wish there was more flirting and spice to it. The blurb about it seemed to at least promise eyelash batting and more of pretending to be smitten with Alex, but it felt more like Rose was just headstrong and blunt (which don’t get me wrong I greatly enjoyed) but while at the parties it would have been nice to see those interactions and promised conversations for her pamphlet.

Their love was forever but promises made and obscured truth blocked their path to each other. It is an emotional tale where one’s life choices are determined by one’s perspective of truth and reality. When the blinkers are taken off and one sees the whole picture can one make the right choices. I really love how the hero takes care of her with tender loving care.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

A heart felt and emotional 'brother's best friend' romance. Rose and Alexander are both passionate and strong willed characters and their journey to love has a few twists and turns but they make their way to a wonderful happy ending.

Good book. It’s only 164 pages, so it’s a fast read. But you do get to know the characters and their motivation. I like the story line and it’s steamy! A good read!

I generally prefer my historical romances to be light and fluffy with no more than a hint of real-world concerns. The troubles that characters endure on their way to the inevitable happy ending should be nice and simple. I prefer FMCs being forced to marry handsome dukes, or experiencing similarly horrible fates that we wish were encountered in everyday life. Alas, this novel did little for my literary expectations. I enjoyed reading the first two books in this series, but this story branched a bit further out into the "save the world" category. I admired Rose for the good that she wanted to accomplish, but I really didn't care for her doing it in the middle of what I thought should have been her romance with the Earl.
All of my personal thoughts aside, this book was well written with good character development. Alex the Earl was a sweetheart and I really felt bad for him. I went through several tissues as I was nearing the end of the story. Rose was emotionally damaged by events that had happened in her own family. She wanted to trust Alex but she was too afraid to risk her own heart, so she broke his. On a positive note, Rose's fears were actually realistic. She wasn't spouting the typical "a man will take away my freedom" garbage that happens far too often in this genre. Luckily, with the help of a few friends, Rose was finally able to see Alex in a true light.
Thanks to Brittany from Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for a free ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Rake and the Rose is the third book in this series. This time the story focuses on an earl and the girl he has longed for. His family is wealthy and hers were artists.. After an incident Rose and her brother are left to deal with the consequences of their parents actions and this changes them. Rose focuses on a life of trying to change the world. While Alexander seems to be a rake and a well to do Earl. But he has a secret side that Rose does not see. This book was a story about how two people hid their real selves from the rest of the world and how they overcome this to achieve their HEA. It can be read as a stand alone but it was great to catch up with our characters from the other books, especially Lily and her dashing Duke.. Another great story by Eva.

I enjoyed reading The Rake and the Rose! It was well written and had great character development. It was a beautiful period drama romance! This book has everything, unequal social status, friends to lovers, a little bit secret identity, best friends sister, forbidden love, opposites attract, et cetera. The main female character Rose needs help and enlists an old friend to help. Derby reluctantly agrees to help to keep Rose safe. I would recommend this book and I plan on rereading in the future.

The Rake and the Rose is the third in a series of books with difference in class and Rose and Alexander’s story is angst filled. I adore Eva Devon’s writing style and immediately buy anything she writes but this one was hard for me. Her style and development of the characters was brilliant. Her development was so good Rose was a real life person and I had a hard time warming to her because she was so entrenched in her beliefs. It almost cost her a good man and an amazing love. There was just enough of a change of heart to make their HEA believable and joyful. Alexander was a beautiful soul so I needed Rose to see it and believe it so the ending was perfection.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: October 30, 2023
Series: Once Upon a Wallflower #3
Pages: 195

I have read The Duke and the Dressmaker by Eva Devon and thought that was such an excellent read that I knew The Rake and the Rose would be enjoyable as well. Although it can be read as a standalone, I think the others should be read before this one. I love Rose’s character as she is a strong and opinionated woman. I couldn’t blame her for not forgiving Alexander for abandoning her. There is a beauty inside of her that makes her want to help those who can’t speak for themselves. The Earl of Derby, Alexander portrays himself as a rake of Society but seeks to having someone to love and the only one he wants to marry is Rose. This was a quick read for me. The inclusion of poetry and readings made for a lovely benefit to the story. Although at times I became frustrated with a few things i.e., characters and treatment of others, the book still managed to hold my attention and deliver me a HEA that I hoped it would do. Thus far, Ms. Devon as an author has never failed me with her novels I have read. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alexander Markby, sixth Earl of Derby, grew up with a love of life, art, and beauty despite his cruel strict father. He was friends with the resident artist family before they were thrown out unjustly. Since becoming the earl he has helped so many trying to make up for what his father did and to show he is worthy. Hiding behind a "mask" of pain, fear, and guilt.

Harry Digby, and Rose Digby, were so close with Alexander as children. Once they were tossed out, pain and poverty were what made them hide behind righteous indignation. Living life proudly and morally thinking they were better and know better. Trying to prove they are nothing like their father.

Alexander made a vow to his friend, Harry, to stay away from Rose. Little did they know it was Alexander who kept that vow until Rose builder him into helping her with research for a pamphlet. This leads to secrets and lies.

When the truth cones out, which it always does, worlds come tumbling down. Can these three puck themselves up and face facts, life, prejudices, and the buried deep pain to embrace life and live. Come join the journey to find out how strong, independent, scared individuals grow and evolve. Eva create hardships to overcome with grace and deep meaning. She creates sorrow to give joy and love a reason to survive and flourish.

Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This is the third book of a series but can be read as a standalone, but honestly if I was you, I would read the first two then this one because they’re great books written by an amazing author.

I love that in all her books you have a strong female that is willing to do whatever is necessary to save or better her family's lives. In this book you will meet Rose Digby and she is just as determined to make sure that her family's name and the women that she is trying to save in the “lowers”. However, is not able to get entry into the club and must find a way there so she can write her story. That is where we get to meet Alexander Markby, one of her brothers’ closest friends and her childhood love but there is one thing…he is in a class a lot higher than herself, and Alex has made a promise to Rose's brother that he will not touch her.

You will go on an amazing adventure with these two. You will get to see the way that Rose sees the “underbelly” of society and how she comes to understand that it’s not all bad in the end. You will get to watch some great banter, romance blooms, hidden secrets, and possibly true love if those characters would just let everything go. My favorite character was Alex. He was so supportive, he made amends for how his father acted when they were younger, he is always trying to help the next artists have their moments of fame. His heart is huge, but he doesn’t just show that side of himself to anyone for fear that he will never be seen as good enough or worthy enough.

Rose was a little harder to like for me, I found her to be judgmental right away of everything that she doesn’t understand but I do like that she learns from her mistakes. It was her character that had the most growth in the book. So, at the end of the book, I found myself really liking her character.

I loved in this book you get to see the other couples from the previous books come back and you get to see how they all interact together and get to see more of them again.

I can’t wait to see what else this author will bring us. I love the pace of her books; I love how easy the writing is to read. I enjoy the way that this author brings the characters to life in her books. If you have not read anything from Eva Devon you’re missing out.

I want to thank Entangled Publishing and NetGally for the opportunity to review this book.

I found this book to be full of fun, romance, and a little bit of a twist on the typical regency romance.

Rose and her brother were friends with Alex until they were thrown off his father’s lands. She’d dreamed of their relationship being more but he cut her off. It’s been years but she needs his help. As a rake accepted in places of ill repute he might be able to get her access for the research she needs for her writing. She wants to help the women who might want to change their lives.

Alex has always wanted more with Rose but he promised her brother he’d stay away. Now she needs his help. How can he say no to her pretending to be his mistress when it will keep her close and safe? It would be perfect if only she could see past her misconceptions about him to the man he really is.

I love how this story develops, the push pull of the attraction, and the overall way the relationship grows between the characters. This book is part of a series but can be read alone.

I was given a copy courtesy of Amara and this is my honest opinion.

Sweet, but the three main characters were a little too wedded to their own insecurities and entrenched views. Esp Alex, the mmc, who basically refused to be a good person because it was easier. Rose, the fmc was really judge mental, cold and remote, and it was hard to see what he liked about her so much

Masquerade, Secrets, Protector:
My impression of Alex is that his sole purpose in life is helping others. He is on his way to doing just that when shockingly an intruder jumps into his coach and he's in for another shock. What just happened? Well, the woman that careened in turns out to be the love of his life Rose, but she doesn't know that he has always been in love with her and visa-versa. This is where the romance takes us through some interesting situations along with a building desire that they finally take hold of and a plan that will finally bring them together for a happy ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Another entertaining story from Eva Devon!
I really really loved the hero in this book, what a cinnamon roll of a man. I almost wanted better for him as I found the heroine to be pretty annoying. Also her brother is a shitty friend.

I somehow managed to enjoy Rose and Alex's story while also gritting my teeth every time the word "rake" was used. Which was a LOT. If you can get past that, though, this is an entertaining story of two people who have long held affection for each other but could not show it until they were forced to come together for another purpose.

Rose is an opinionated woman who has never really thought about whether the world is not just black and white. Alex is a rake (eyeroll) who has been warned off of Rose by her vicar brother, who is also ostensibly Alex's best friend. Rose sees Alex as her access to the world of "rakes" which will somehow allow her to write about said rakes in a more informed manner. I will admit to not being totally clear on how that is meant to work, but that might be more reader error than anything else. Regardless, Alex swears the only way for this to happen is for Rose to pretend to be his (scantily clad) mistress. Despite all his vows to protect her, Alex is soon not surprisingly doing the exact opposite.

Overall, this is an entertaining read. The sexy times are spicy and the connection between the main characters is palpable, 4 solid stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Ms. Devon is one of my favorite authors, and this book doesn't disappoint. Alexander Markby, sixth Earl of Derby, has loved Rose Digby since they were children, but when her father breaks the contract with Alexander's father, he throws them off the land while Alexander is powerless to stop them. When Alexander finally becomes the new earl, he does everything in his power to secretly help both Rose and her brother Henry enjoy better lives. As a matter of fact, Alexander is the benefactor for a number of other artists--people who would not otherwise be able to hone their craft while trying not to starve. He portrays himself as a rake and a darling of Society, but he longs for a loving partner. Of course, the only one he wants to marry is Rose.

Miss Rose Digby was devastated when Alexander pulled back from their friendship after the horrible circumstances with her father. She's harbored an intense dislike for his frivolous ways while she labors away, writing pamphlets trying to better the lives of those less fortunate. Of course, she doesn't know that Alexander is the one behind her payments. When she comes up with a crazy idea to help fallen women, she must seek Alexander's help in infiltrating a pleasure house.

This story was a little different than the usual historical romance because it's a woman who is immovable in her opinion. Rose will not forgive Alexander for abandoning her, and she has left all joy behind in her life, trying to make things better for those who cannot speak for themselves. Rose has a lot of growing and changing to do, and I loved how Ms. Devon made sure her feelings did not change on a whim. Alexander has always been a good man who enjoyed the beauty in life and tries every day to help someone. When he agrees to help Rose, he can't help but hope her opinion of him will change. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to happen. This is a well-crafted story and the plot moves along nicely. I did think Rose was a bit harsh in her judgmental way. Through a myriad of misunderstandings and a few twists in the book, Alexander and Rose finally get their happily ever after.

Alexander Markby, the sixth Earl of Derby is my book boyfriend! I fell head over heels in fictional love with him. Um wow!

The pining!
The he fell first/had always loved her!
The feeling of being unworthy because of their past!
The brother's best friend of it all (if you like that sort of thing - which I definitely do in the hands of Eva Devon!) forced to make a promise not to go near her and he listened (well that was stupid of him - put he is a man fictional or not)

Ugh I don't have the words to articulate how much I adored Alex and everything about his character. How all he ever wanted to do was support her, make amends for what his father had done to her family, to protect artists of all kinds from the poverty that would lay claim to them because he knew how essential art (in every form) was to surviving the harsh realities of the world. To allow the people he cared for the most to view him as frivolous because he did not feel like he could ever be worthy of them. It just tugged at my heart strings.

I admired Rose for her strength at times I was feeling like she was being a bit too harsh in her judgement of others, yet it was clear why she held those viewpoints. Thank goodness her character arc made the necessary trajectory in order for her to be able to see how her thoughts were in a few ways problematic and I was very grateful to see the growth of her character.

I also adored seeing the couples from the previous books especially how Lily and James were both characters that helped the plot along in their own ways. Lily as a guiding hand and James as well the forceful American blow Alex needed.

As always I adore Eva Devon's writing. Once I start one of her books I cannot put it down. Her writing and characters completely capture me and she writes some of my favourite MMCs.