Anna Bennett brings her Rogue to Lovers trilogy to a close with It Takes a Rake. The youngest of the Bellehaven Belles takes center stage in this friends/rivals-to-lovers romance.

Kitty Beckett wants two things: to become a successful architect and to find a partner who she will never be in danger of falling in love with. Kitty has severe abandonment issues and with her closest friends seeming to be moving along in life without her, she is determined to put her career first and never be hurt by a husband who could leave her. Then her old nemesis comes back into town and threatens to make Kitty examine what she truly wants out of life.

Leo Lockland has been away from Bellehaven Bay for four years but one thing that hasn’t changed is how much he yearns for Kitty. Now he’s back and the two of them are teamed up for an architectural design competition. He'll help Kitty with her calculations and in exchange, she will help him win the “mystery woman” who has his heart. Leo knows it’s a risk that may backfire when Kitty learns it is she he’s in love with, but it’s a risk he has to take. He’ll let him turn her into a rake if that’s what’s necessary to win her over.

Leo is an absolutely endearing hero. He’s so sweet and kind and I loved that he wasn’t a dashing rogue at heart. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to change him and worried Kitty’s attempts to alter a perfectly delightful man into a rake would take away from what made him such an appealing hero. What happens I’ll leave readers to discover but suffice it to say that Kitty’s lessons make her look at her old friend and competitor in a way she rarely allowed herself to do in the past.

Kitty was a bit harder for me to connect to, mostly because she was intent on keeping her walls up high. I liked watching her lower them, however, but Leo has his work cut out in order to get her to trust him. Their romance is slow to start because both of them are holding something back, but Bennett makes things work out in an organic manner, resulting in a satisfying happily ever after.

Though It Takes a Rake is the third book in the Rogues to Lovers series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I liked seeing where Poppy, Keane, Hazel, and Blade are now, and how they come together to support Kitty, but it wasn’t necessary to enjoy Leo and Kitty’s story. All in all, this was a sweet romance that had some bumps in the road to an ending that was quite lovely.

This author has been one I’ve enjoyed. I adored this series! This one was wonderful! I enjoyed the characters and the the group of friends! I was so happy that Kitty got her own HEA! I loved Kitty and Leo together. Such a great match and journey to their HEA! I look forward to what’s next from Anna Bennett!

I liked this book. I enjoyed this book. I just didn’t love it. Don’t ask me to pinpoint what it was, because I don’t know. I just didn’t love it. There are so many books with similar plots, and this one for me didn’t stand out.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Anna Bennett writes men that are GOD tier! From the moment these two were teased all the way back in book 1 I had been EAGERLY awaiting this one! It was everything I've come to love about Bennett's historical romances, and one that will be popping up on best of lists for sure!

Loved Leo and Kitty! Very delightful read and made me remember why I love historical romance in the first place.

While I love the architectural design contest and Leo as a hero, Kitty was not my favorite character. Kitty has abandonment issues and uses that to keep people at bay. Leo has loved her for years and now that he has returned from London for good, sets out to win her over. He accomplished this by having Kitty teach him to be a rake to win over the woman he wants.

Overall, a cute story and a good continuation of the series. I especially enjoyed that Kitty was a woman making her name in the architecture world at a time that was frowned upon.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

THis was the third book in the series. I felt it had many slow spots in it and it was hard to read. I also had a hard time with Kitty as well as Leo. I felt she was to demanding and he was not storng at all. Just because I didnt feel the book met my needs as a reader, that doesn't mean it won;t meet yours.

3.75 ⭐️

It Takes a Rake is the third installment of the Rogues to Lovers series. I unfortunately didn't realize this when I started the book - so I am going into this as if it is a standalone.

The story follows Leo Lockland upon his return home after working in London for a few years. He's been in love with his childhood friend Miss Kitty Beckett. She is an heiress who's passion is architecture and wants to be able to create designs with passion and flair. The two have a competitive relationship which follows into the architecture design contest happening at their sea-side town. Kitty trusts Leo enough to double check her calculations of her designs and in turn she teaches him how to become a rake to get the affections of the girl who holds his affections. (It's her. lol)

I thoroughly enjoyed this and it was a good foot in the door for historical romance. (I blame bridgerton's 3rd season coming up soon!) There were a few spicy scenes, the tension between the two was perfection.

⚡ Sexy banter & chemistry
⚡ Frienemies to Lovers
⚡ Rake Lessons 🔥
⚡ Supportive friends
⚡ Witty Banter
⚡ Forced Proximity
⚡ Secret Crush

Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the eARC of It Takes a Rake by Anna Bennett.

I want to live in Bellhaven. I want to have a pint of ale at the Salty Mermaid. Is this possible?? No? Ok, well I enjoyed my time there while reading this series. This one is all about Kitty and Leo. Adversarial since they were kids and apprentices at Leo’s grandfather’s architectural practice. However, Leo has been in love with Kitty for years. When he returns to town, he wants to finally express his feelings. Of course, he can’t just spit it out, so Kitty and home make a deal. She’ll help him be a rake and he’ll help her with her design for a contest. This proximity will surely make her realize her love for Leo…..right? This was a pleasant journey and a good conclusion.

Kitty and Leo... an interesting pairing. Some of the plot points didn't stick with me and Kitty rubbed me the wrong way from the start but I loved Leo wholeheartedly. He was so sweet and precious. I wish he almost knew he deserved better? This was swoony and sweet but I just didn't connect with the characters the way I'd like.

A very funny but sweet story about finding the perfect match. The characters were beautifully done! There were moments I wish I could have shaken them through the pages and told them what idiots they were but the ending was perfect too.

Apprenticed to his grandfather an architect, Leo Lockland loves the lady who shares his architect table, Miss Kitty Beckett. They've always challenged each other in their designs. Leo's loved Kitty a long time, but she's convinced love is too painful. He's decided to take her instructions on becoming the rake Kitty says she wants, with hilarious results. His biggest obstacle is gaining her trust to confess his love. Seduction gives Leo hope, but an architectural contest will be a challenge for them both. Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the third installment of the series Rogues to Lovers. Kitty is an architect, trying to make her way in a man's world. She also has no interest in opening her heart to anyone. Especially rakes, she can spot them a mile away and stays far away from them. When her childhood nemesis, Leo, who is also an architect, comes back to London and asks for her help in becoming more like a rake, she agrees to help him. And in return, he will help her with her architectural project for the contest held in town to design a new building. Little does Kitty know that Leo has always harbored a crush for her and this is his opportunity to get closer to her and win her heart.
This was an enjoyable frenemies to more story with likable and well-developed characters. Written with wit and a good dose of humor, the book kept me entertained from start to finish. A delightful story that will have you laughing and swooning!
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

Kitty Beckett had always been fascinated with architecture and building design, and while waiting to receive her inheritance, she worked at Leo Lockland’s grandfather’s firm. After Leo’s abrupt departure to London, Kitty wondered why he had left without even saying goodbye, but as so many people in her life have left her, she developed a hardened heart. Leo’s return to Bellehaven brought up her feelings of abandonment, as well as her competitive streak when the town announced a design competition.

I liked Kitty and her determination to be successful on her own terms, through her designs, and not solely as a wife and mother. Leo’s love and loyalty to Kitty and to his mother was admirable and I was cheering for him to win Kitty’s heart. This was a good read with an interesting storyline, and the ever-expected and always appreciated HEA.

I'm giving this 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I was really looking forward to this book after loving the first two books in this series. Unfortunately, this one was very frustrating for me.

To start, Kitty was completely ridiculous and unbearable. She picked fights for no reason and had to constantly be right.I honestly didn't understand why Leo even liked her.

I did enjoy some aspects of the story, especially Leo's way of declaring his love. Also, the time spent together while Kitty was giving him her rake lessons was enjoyable.

I have read so many books by Anna Bennett, so having this one not work for me was a first. I will absolutely keep reading her books and hope that this one was a one-off.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It Takes a Rake 🌹💔

I read the previous book in the Rogues to Lovers series and Kitty has been a favorite character from the beginning. I was very much looking forward to her story, but ultimately, it wasn’t the five star read I was hoping for.

Kitty is an heiress and intelligent architect who has decided love is not an option. Leo, her former childhood nemesis and fellow architect peer, has returned to Bellehaven and wishes to finally own up to the fact that he’s totally in love with Kitty. He plans to woo her with his gentlemanly ways, however, Kitty wants a rake who will let her live her life on her own terms and never fall in love. Kitty ends up giving Leo lessons in rake-hood and starts to recognize her own feelings for him, but this terrifies and confuses her. They’re also competing in the Bellehaven’s architecture competition and there’s some weird stuff about why Leo left London without notice years ago.

Due to being orphaned at a young age and then subsequently being pawned off on multiple boarding schools by her uncle, Kitty has serious abandonment issues, which totally makes sense! What I didn’t like, is how she never even tried to work through these concerns. She and her uncle have repaired their relationship (to a point), she has two very close friends, and Leo, all of whom she could have confided in, but instead, she made the decision she didn’t need them and was going to pursue her life on her terms. Which again, fair, but she could still pursue her dreams and be happy and find a loving partner?! If she’d just talked to her friends about her fears so much of her worries could have been alleviated. Again, it all makes sense that she would avoid this due to the deep rooted fear of abandonment she had, but it was extremely frustrating how rigid her thinking was throughout the book.

Leo comes back to town to take over his grandfather’s architecture firm. He left London suddenly a few years back and has his own demons to fight regarding the reasons he had to leave. I felt this plot line didn’t add much to the story aside from setting up the third act miscommunication. It was never fully resolved in my eyes, and could have been removed and the story would have barely changed.

I feel like this review has been pretty harsh, so here’s what I did enjoy! Leo. Ha! He was such a sweetheart but he let that rake come out to play and it was so much fun! Rake lessons are quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes, and this book was a good example of how to do it. Leo is a gentleman, and that never changed throughout the book as much as Kitty tried, aside from maybe a few moments, ahem the croquet scene and subsequent climbing into her bedroom that night. I appreciated the fact that Kitty and Leo both liked Leo for who he truly was and not a stylized version of himself. Kitty was smart, strong, and opinionated while also being a wonderful friend and belle of the town! I really loved her, even though she drove me mad with her some of her actions. Leo and Kitty together are adorable and sweet and hot and just perfect! I really enjoyed the childhood nemesis/actually I’m kinda in love with you angle we had here!

Overall, I did enjoy the book even if it wasn’t what I had hoped. I will continue to read Anna Bennett and any other Bellehaven Belle’s she brings our way!

I received a complimentary arc via netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading It takes a rake. I liked the friendship between Leo and Kitty and the plot of the story. It was a four star rating.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing the chance to read and review the book.

Filled with page turning delight. I loved the chemistry and the sizzle.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Top Pick - 4.5 Stars

“’You were foolish to trust me- your competition. And you’re foolish to trust him, too,’ he added, gesturing toward Leo. Kitty curled her fingers into her palms. ‘He is nothing like you. He is honorable, loyal, and good.”

“She turned toward Leo and let her love for him wash away her anger. ‘It seems that despite my best efforts, I was unable to change who you are at your core. And if you want to know the truth, I’m glad. Though you can be extremely vexing at times…. I wouldn’t want to change a thing about you.’”

Kitty Beckett and Leo Lockland have been rivals since childhood, but Leo has a secret. He has been in love with Kitty for years, and now that he is back in town, he is ready to win the love of the woman he has been pining after. Kitty doesn’t care about marriage or men; all she wants is to be taken seriously as an architect. When a competition to design a new building in their seaside paradise, Kitty vows to win at all costs. She will lose something more important that the contest when her heart gets involved.

It’s no secret that I am a huge Anna Bennet fan. Her books are something different from the astronomical amount of historical romances that I’ve read where the heroes always have daddy issues and claim the line will end with them or the heroine is a clever and beautiful spinster whose avoided marriage until she is 26.

Anna always gives her characters interesting quirks and hobbies, but they don’t come off as pretentious. Her heroines always seem very genuine to me, and Kitty followed that trend. She had hopes and dreams more than marriage, and she was a talented architect in her own right. She has a mistrust of people, and Leo had to work extremely hard to gain her trust back from his previous mistakes. When he broke it, she didn’t immediately forgive him, which was refreshing. His grand gesture to show Kitty he loved her was adorable. It showed how much he respected her and her talents.

Leo was a sweetheart. Probably my favorite hero of Anna’s. He is so thoughtful and intentional with Kitty. Everything he does is to win her heart, and he is a genuinely good man. I thought this was delightful and was easily my favorite in the series.

If you’re a fan of other low angst historical romances like those of Vivienne Lorret or Christy Carlyle then you don’t want to miss this release.

~ Michelle

One of my most anticipated reads of the year was It Takes A Rake by Anna Bennett and it did not disappoint! This third and final book in the Rogues to Lovers Series is the perfect historical romance book to add to your TBR!

As if I couldn’t adore Anna Bennett’s writing even more, Kitty’s story just solidified my love for this series!

I absolutely adored this historical romance! Both Kitty and Leo were fabulous characters and I loved the trajectory of their story! From childhood nemeses to reluctant friends to lovers, I could not get enough of this book. And having it all set in Bellehaven Bay and having the Bellehaven Belles making cameos in the story makes this novel even more delightful!

Honestly, Leo might be my new favorite book boyfriend! His unwavering love for Kitty was so adorable and quite a few scenes had me fanning my face! The way both Kitty and Leo grew in this story both with their own insecurities and in their feeling for one another, was so enjoyable to read about and I was so sad to have this book end.

Whether you’re reading this as a standalone novel or reentering Bellehaven Bay, this novel is perfect for any fans of historical romance!

*I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest opinion.