The Rake and the Rose is book #2 in the Once Upon a Wallflower series by Eva Devon- an auto buy author for me published 10/30/23. Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled for this ARC ❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions are my own.

This standalone historical romance features the 6th Earl of Derby-Alexander- and a low born, pious pamphlet writer Rose Digby. They grew up together along with Rose's brother Harry-Alexander's bff. The 5th Earl of Derby kicked the Digbys out after their father turned to debauchery. Alexander felt responsible for Harry and Rose, so he made sure Harry went to Oxford and Rose had a place and an allowance so she could be independent. Now Alexander wants to marry Rose, but she and Harry won't hear of it. Alexander is rake and Rose's job is to expose these kinds of men so women will not fall victim to them.

I thought Rose was far too judgmental of Alexander without really knowing him. Lily-Duchess of Ashbridge- makes the same opinion known even if Rose doesn't want to hear it. Rose had such terrible ideas about rakes and the evil they spread. Alex is nothing like his father or her father, both deceased rogues. Alexander vowed to do better while still enjoying his privileged life. He's a great patron of the arts and music and he's a good man. It takes Rose faking as his mistress to investigate women and men who live as mistresses and keepers. I liked Evelyn Truebridge, she had such high self-esteem, knew what she wanted, and how to get it. I believe Rose admired how Evelyn played the ton and always won.

Rose secretly wanted to "walk on the wild side" with Alexander. She wanted to be with him when they were younger, and now he's even more desirable. She suggested they hook up and Alex happily obliged. Harry warned Alex to stay away from Rose, knowing he could ruin her. I liked their boxing matches, especially with the Duke of Montrose to instigate. Alexander's grandmother -Dowager Countess of Derby- did not care for Rose and warned Alex against having feelings for her. She was quick to arrange a marriage for him with a wealthy and docile woman-Lady Penelope. It's only when Alexander confesses his true feelings about Rose does the Dowager encourage the love match.

I loved the couples from The Beast and the Bookseller and The Duke and the Dressmaker making an appearance or two. I couldn't connect with Rose because she needed to get off her soapbox and have some fun. She had so many preconceived notions about rakes and Alexander. He had to work too hard to get Rose to stop judging him and just love him.

Rating 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 2/5🌶️🌶️ There's 1 full scene when the H and h sleep together for the h's 1st time.

In this book Rose, a celebrated author of feminist pamphlets, wants to get entrance into a collection of courtesans in order to write a pamphlet on their plight, and "help" them.

Alexander, Lord Derby, knew Rose and her brother Henry as children, and has loved Rose since that time. However, his father forcibly ejected her family from their estate and Alexander was pressured to not have more to do with Rose or his father would make more of an effort to ruin their lives, because of what a heathen Rose and Henry's father was.

Rose enlists Alex to help her get entrance and he agrees. Most of the book Rose is making assumptions about Alex's life, and judging him and every male in the noble class, without knowing anything about Alex's actual life of supporting and patronizing writers and artists as penance for what his father did.

Rose was a super annoying character and most of the book was trying to redeem her, as Alex is fighting against breaking his vow to her brother (who had asked Alex to stay away from her when they were in school together) and his own desires for Rose.

I really enjoyed the characters otherwise, and Rose does announce to the group that she was wrong and judgmental which was nice, but didn't entirely redeem her in my eyes. I found the book readable, but the last 1/3 was mostly just Rose fighting against allowing herself to have love and happiness. I'm reading the series out of order so I have better hope for book 2, but Alex seemed like such a wonderful person, it was upsetting that he had been treated so poorly by the people who he loved and tried to right by.

I received a promotional copy and am giving an honest review.

This is a wonderful read. It is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone, however, since the characters from the first two books appear, I recommend reading them first.
This story had much more emotion and darker moments than the others.
Alexander has a reputation as a rake, but he is helping artists and musicians with their careers.
He has always secretly been in love with Rose, who with her family grew up on his father's lands.
Rose is a supporter of the downtrodden and thinks Alexander is just another Ton rake, even though she has known him most of her life.
There are a lot of very emotional moments in the story and the banter between the characters was interesting.
I highly recommend the read.

This was a fun read. I liked that this was a totally different premise from a lot of the other historical fiction out there. I also loved that the pair had known each other through childhood. Even though the timeline of this story was very short previous intimate knowledge the main characters had of each other made their love more believable through out. I also appreciated seeing the more harsh sides of London and that time period than is often seen when reading about events taking place within the ton. I will be interested to see what Devon brings next.

Thank you Brittany z for letting have this arc. It was an amazing surprise on getting this book.
I want to say I’m becoming more and more in love with this genre.
This is an amazing book. It’s opposite attract, fake dating. Strong personalities but faking and lying to everyone, even to oneself the truth will come out. It △⃒⃘Lways does.

I’m such a big fan of Eva Devon! This series has been so fun, sweet, and sexy! I loved how quick of a read this one was! Rose and Alexander were perfectly matched! It was a bit angsty between their past. They were once friends but Alexander’s father forces them to never talk again. Both had feelings for one another then, now Rose is asking Alex for help to get information on rakes for her pamphlet she writes to inform others. He agrees though Rose’s brother made Alex promise to never talk to or see Rose ever again when they were in school. Rose thinks she knows all but, she starts to learn so much more about people. Rose and Alex also can deny they chemistry between them after being around each other again. I enjoyed watching them learn things about themselves and each other. Having them get past their faults to fall in love fully! I really enjoy their story! I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

I love all of Eva’s books. I love the way her stories flow. Her characters are fabulous. Anything she writes I read!!

Pamphlet writer Rose is determined to expose how London's reckless, debauched young rakes ruin themselves and their families. Needing discreet access to their world, she seeks help from her brother's roguishly charming friend Alexander, Earl of Derby. She detests the idea of posing as his mistress to infiltrate high society, but can see no other option. Can she resist the secrets that lurk beneath his charm?

I enjoyed Rose's fresh perspective on educating young men about how they can be harmed by a dissolute lifestyle. Despite the historical setting, the book has a contemporary sensibility, especially Rose's attitude toward engaging in a physical relationship with Alex. Both of them have some misconceptions and prejudices that get in the way of their future together, and that was handled well.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 rounded to four stars. I struggled a bit with this one. Usually, I am all about the heroines; if there’s someone I don’t like, it’s the hero. Not this time. I loved Alexander; he was very much a cinnamon roll type of hero. But Rose frustrated me to no end. Her judgmental nature, binary thinking, and self-righteousness were deeply unpleasant, and she and her brother were downright cruel to Alexander. Speaking of the brother…good grief. What an unpleasant, hateful man. He claimed to be Alexander’s friend, accepted his help, yet treated him with total disdain. All I could think as I read this book was, with friends (and lovers) like these, who needs enemies? Alexander deserved better.

5 stars for Alexander, 2 for the Digby siblings. Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC; all opinions are my own

Alexander Markby (Earl of Derby) has loved his childhood playmate Rose Digby (Artist's daughter) since they were children. Rose Digby has loved Alex, but didn't realize it was love. I found it hard to like Rose for the first half of the book since she was so judgemental of everyone above her station. Alex was loveable, like a lost puppy. The book slows down in the middle, but it does end with all the ends tied up in a HEA bow. And I did end up liking Rose when she comes to see how she treated Alex.

Loved the visits from previous series leads, and am ready for a book about Harry (Alex's best friend and Rose's brother). He's a little too Vicar-ish and may need a wild one to bring him back too life.

“The Rake and the Rose” by Eva Devon
A Pain-filled journey to Love Acknowledged
Labels can cause a lot of pain and unwarranted strife. This story is an excellent example of the pain a label can cause. I loved this story. Yes, there is a bit of spice but the story is still a worthy read. I did get to chuckle and, yes, my emotions leaked out of my eyes and dripped off my chin. And, I happily ignored some of my chores to stay within this story. This story is book #3 of the Once Upon a Wallflower series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

🌹 The Rake and the Rose ARC Review 🌹

Thank you so much to Eva Devon and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

The Rake and the Rose is a standalone historical romance and book three in the Once Upon a Wallflower series. Alexander has a reputation for being a scoundrel and a rake - but he’s keeping a secret. He’s desperately in love with his best friend’s sister. But he can’t ever marry her because Alex is an Earl and is expected to have a marriage of privilege, and Rose hates rakes. Can these two opposites overcome their differences?

This was a fun addition to this series! I really enjoyed Alex and his passion for the arts. He was definitely not what everyone expected and I appreciated that. Rose was a strong character and while I found her a little judgmental for the first portion of the story, this did improve over the course of the story. I enjoyed the expanded world building and seeing different aspects of London society

Overall this was a solid three star read for me. This continues to be a fun historical romance and I liked learning about Alexander. This book was a smidge of a slow burn but had a few spicy moments, so overall two flames for spice

If you’re a fan of opposites attract, fake dating, and childhood friends to lovers, then absolutely pick this one up! While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, you’ll catch little Easter eggs if you read the other two books first!

Please note: Review will be posted on Amazon upon publication

Many years ago, Alex’s father was a patron of an artist and then withdrew his support when that man behaved badly. This caused the entire family to end up in dire financial condition, including Alex’s childhood friends Harry and Rose. While Alex and Harry were able to continue their friendship as adults, Harry insisted that Alex stay away from Rose completely, as his rakish reputation would harm hers. Present day Rose works as a writer and is way too pious and self-righteous in my opinion. With her history of being let down by her father’s rakish behavior, she seeks to right the wrongs of humanity by exposing the harms of such behavior. When she needs access to a club, she ends up asking Alex for help, who does so with Rose in disguise as his mistress. This book has Rose being the morally uptight person needing to let go and let joy into her life, along with accepting that Alex is not the depraved soul that she thinks he is. Alex is mostly a charming positive sort of fellow who uses his money to support artisans to the best of his ability.

The cover of this book is beautiful. We start out meeting Alexander Markby, Earl of Derby and his best friend Harry Digby. Alex is a misunderstood, kind hearted and giving man. Harry is trying to live on the straight and narrow while protecting his sister (even if she doesn't want or need it). Rose is judgemental, stubborn, independent, and speaks the facts as she knows them. Harry and his sister Rose have known Alex since they were all kids, before their fathers had a horrible falling out. Rose is intent on exposing the debauchery of the upper class and asks Alex for help. This is where both their worlds are flipped upside down. What a fun ride. I enjoyed seeing the growth of the characters. Will continue to read and recommend books from this author.

"The Rake And The Rose" book 3 in the Once Upon A Wallflower series was another enjoyable and engaging read. From start to finish I was pulled into the storyline and found myself easily rooting for the
MMC Alexander!

While I definitely think this book could be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the first two books in the series as well because they're bingeable fantastic reads.

The plot of book 3 was a little bit heavier than it's predecessors but I didn't mind that in the slightest bit. There was a lot the FMC Rose has to work through as result of things that happened in the past. My inner monologue wanted place the MMC, FMC and her brother in a room several times and demand they talk out their differences. The author definitely exceeded at pulling out a wide range of emotions. Overall I was very happy with how this book ended.

If you're a fan of Historical Romance I definitely thing this series and book should be added to your TBR.

Thank you to the author Eva Devon, Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC of book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This was such a great book in the Once Upon A Wallflower series. So grateful that Brittany Z at Entangled sent me a surprise eARC! She is amazing! 🥰

This would be another great standalone, but definitely recommend reading the other books before starting - Book 2 was a fun read, and the FMC/MMC do come up here too (without taking centre stage). I still haven’t read Book 1, I will do so soon.

I don’t recall Book 2 being as dark as this one. I thought this will be another light read - I devoured this quickly, but Eva wrote so beautifully about grief and pain. The characters are all so much fun and with such depth to them too.

Can’t wait to see who Book 4 is going to be about!

If you are looking for a book that runs the gamut of emotions, this is the one! It does not take long to feel frustrated with this rather judgmental heroine, Rose. It is understandable to be desperately hurt after all she went through, but to see her make the hero, Alexander feel so unworthy when none of her issues was his fault just made me very cross. I found it hard to like her for a third of the book. Her brother was no better and he is. Vicar! I loved how Alexander did his dead level best to right wrongs that were done and reach out to others in trouble as well. Seeing Grandmama’s forceful nature was no surprise, but it was riveting how she changed the course of Alexander’s life. I loved the poetry, the readings, the screw-ups, especially James and the ending was perfect. Love, changed lives and an HEA to remember! I did think that some of the book kept harping on the same issues over and over and got a little bored with that, but otherwise wonderful!

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.

The Rake and the Rose is the third book in the enchanting Once Upon a Wallflower series. It is a delightful tale, although I yearned for a deeper exploration of the characters' pasts, leading to a more gradual development of their love story. Nevertheless, I am eager to delve into further installments of this captivating series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

I enjoyed reading the love story of Alexander and Rose.

It was so sweet and the fact that Alexandef has loved her for so many years is so sweet.

I till am left with a few questions and wish it were developed a bit more. A few things from Rose's past still remain a mystery. Hope tobread more from this series.

Recommend.

I was so hoping to like this one more!
The cover is gorgeous and the premise sounded promising. I was expecting brother's best friend romance while unmasking men's horrible actions. This is not really what I got.
I was disappointed by the plot's resolution. It didn't feel earned.
Also, I thought the characters could have been fleshed out more, perhaps some exposition of their backstories. It seemed a lot of past trauma was haunting these characters but the past is not fully explained to the reader which left me confused in some parts. I also would have liked more build-up to the romance,
The previous books in the series are good but perhaps maybe skip this one.