The third, and I think best in the series, maybe because we met our heroine Kitty in the first book, "Girls before Earl's," as a rebellious teen. She was always praised for her drawing abilities, and in the second book, "One Duke Down," she is an apprentice architect.
Leo, who was an apprentice with her in his grandfather's office, was her nemesis as they worked and bantered together.
One day, Leo took off for London with no explanation, and we do not learn why until almost the end of the book, but Kitty feels abandoned, as she felt when her parents died. She believes love cannot last, so she decides she will only marry for convenience and not love.
Leo hopes to change her mind and allows her to try and help him become a Rake. That part is very adorable. He has a secret that eventually comes out in a surprising way.
What I like about this series is that each woman is strong and talented, and each stands up to the man who she will eventually marry. In turn, the men are wonderful character, each understanding, yet relentless in their pursuit. Though this could be a standalone, I enjoyed watching Kitty's development through the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. My opinions are my own.
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Tropes: enemies to lovers, opposites attract, MMC "makeover"
Steam level: 3
Third book in the Rogues to Lovers series, but works pretty well as a standalone

4 stars based on the engaging writing style, my liking for Leo and the banter, humor, and sexual tension in the first half of the book. Leo is a a great cinnamon roll hero: sweet, caring, modest, a bit straight-laced but sexy at the same time. I will admit that I haven't read the previous two books in the series, when he would have been first introduced, but I was rooting for him the whole way.

I had a few issues with Kitty. I was willing to accept some of her attitude based on the struggles a woman would have endured to become an architect in those days, and her fears of abandonment based on her past. Still, I needed to see a bit more character growth from her and more of the emotional bond she felt for Leo. When he first divulged his feelings I was disappointed in her reaction.

Other nitpicks that took me a bit out of the book and kept this from being less than 4.5 stars:
--Kitty's unrealistic "superwomanish" scene where she helped save Leo and a young boy from drowning.
--Kitty's too-modern behavior with Leo afterward. I would have preferred more of a slow-burn segue into their physical relationship.
--You can pretty much guess what's going to happen with the Big Secret and myriad misunderstandings, but Leo's idea to pin the note to a curtain on the beach was ridiculous. Too much suspension of disbelief required at this point in the plot.
--I did not like the subplot involving Leo's dad. Brought down the otherwise lightweight tone of the book for me and then everything was too glossed over.
--What happened with the "baddie" (sort of) was disappointing. More could have been done with this character.

Overall: Enjoyable escapism and plenty charming, especially the first half, but could have been a bit more character-driven and less convoluted as the storyline progressed.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. This book is set to be published January 23.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: January , 2024
Series: Rogues to Lovers, #3
Pages: 320

“It Takes a Rake” is the last installment of Rogues to Lovers Series and thought the second book was a bit better than this one, although this one was quite enjoyable too. Leo has been in love with Kitty for some time as both were apprentices in architect. He plans to open an office and pretty much a good many who has good character. Kitty on the other hand is a bit immature in this story…when she acts like a baby and is unable to get her way. I thought Kitty could have been a bit more mature in this story considering she has some schooling in her background, but she was a bit overbearing during the read that made me quite annoyed with the heroine. At times, I could not understand why Leo put up with Kitty in the first place. However, it was good to see her character develop to a mature stature close to the end of the book.
I would have liked more information on Leo’s exit from Bellehaven and Kitty’s emotion of abandonment by her parents. Concluding, the story was a well written standalone, pace was acceptable, and had the steamy that I look for in my historical romance reads. Leo was an admirable and sappy character to know throughout the pages. I do love Anna Bennet as an author and look forward to other reads.

Kitty and Leo have known each other since forever- they trained together as architects-but they've been apart for while. And now Leo's back in town. While they'd both like to win an architectural competition, it becomes apparent that they're better as a team- in more ways than one. There's good banter, a little spice and fun characters In this fast and flirty read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for a lazy weekend.

Loved it! Kitty arranges an agreement with Leo. He will check her calculations on her building design and she will teach him how to be a rake and win a lady. Of course she doesn't know that she is the woman he wants to win. Leo happily goes along with the lessons: what to wear, how to walk, how to kiss, how to act. All to win the lady who wants a marriage with a rake. Does it all go as planned? Of course not!

Kitty and Leo are long-time friends, although Leo has long wanted the friendship to be something more. He gets his wish in this friends to lovers story from Anna Bradley.

While the story was sweet and kept me reading, I wasn't really convinced by Leo and Kitty's romantic arc. Leo's attraction to Kitty was the attraction of a teenager, and it wasn't clear how or why it developed during their time apart. Kitty's attraction to Leo is even more problematic. She is jealous of her friends' marriages, but claims not to want a relationship of her own. She volunteers to give Leo "rake lessons" and resents her growing attraction to him.

I did enjoy and cheer on Kitty's journey to becoming an architect. She seemed much more mature in her professional development than her romantic development.

This series addition works fine as a standalone. I hadn't read the first two books in the series, but enough background was provided to appreciate the backstories of Kitty's friends.

thank you to netgalley and st martin's press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest thoughts <3

after fleeing from bellhaven bay unexpectedly several years ago, architect leo lockland is back. he had hoped that his time in london would help to rid him of his feeling for kitty beckett. unfortunately, that isn't the case. his feelings for kitty are just as strong as before he left. when bellhaven bay's rich benefactors announces an architecture design contest, kitty will do whatever it takes to win. even if that means coaching leo in how to be a rake so that he will double check her calculations for her contest entry. she is afraid of losing people, he left her without explanation, and now all the time they're spending together is bringing up old feelings.

it takes a rake is my first anna bennett; it won't be the last. listen, i love a rake but even more i love a man who will pretend to be a rake in order to get the girl. leo lockland is as obsessed with numbers as he is with kitty and i love him for it. this was a fun historical with a touch of emotion that had me invested pretty quickly, the tension yall!!! kitty and leo were the perfect balance of yearning and desire, so much so that when the smut came around i was screaming. a quick, fun, escapist historical romance from anna bennett.

Kitty has had many people disappear from her life. One person was Leo, a person she thought she loved. When Leo comes back to see his mother and ailing grandfather he becomes caught up with a architectural design competition with himself, Kitty, and another person. Who will win? Will Leo be able to get Kitty to trust him again? I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my honest review.

Architect Leo Lockland has returned home after a few years in London, but the time has not cooled his feelings for his friend and sometimes rival, Miss Kitty Beckett. Kitty may be an heiress, but she's also student of architecture who designs with flair. When Bellehaven Bay announces its first ever architectural design contest, Kitty vows to win. She trusts Leo to double check her structural calculations and in exchange, she'll tutor him in fashion and flirtation to woo his mystery woman.

This is the third book in the Rogues to Lovers series, which takes place in the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay. Kitty is the niece of book one's couple and friend of book two's heroine, all of whom make appearances.

2024 is starting off on a good foot with this book! I read it in one day and really loved it. The characters were really likable, the storyline strong and refreshing. I loved the set up and though the romance and side plots were perfectly balanced.

Tropes: Frenemies to Lovers, Lessons, Secret Crush

Steam: 3 (three scenes, but two are short; there is also one other interlude)

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This is the story of two young architect apprentices bickering their way through childhood with Leo, our hero falling in love along the way. He is drawn to Kitty, our heroine, because of her brilliance and her spirit. She sees him as an annoying rival. Fast forward few years when Leo leaves to find his own path and to try to forget Kitty. The minute he returns he knows it is a lost cause and no one but her will do.

It took Kitty a little longer than I thought it should have to catch up to Leo but when she did, it was worth the wait.

Very charming read.

Love love this love story! Was entertaining, funny, and engaging. I would like to read more by this author for sure.

Arc review, all opinions are my own.
It Takes a Rake it's a delightful play on the classical historical romance trope of the Rake.
When Leo tries to reconnect with the girl he's been in love with since they were teen and apprenticing together in his grandfather's architectural firm, he finds out her perfect man is nothing like him.
Kitty doesn't want a committed, hardworking man. She doesn't want a man she could accidentally fall in love, she wants a rake and a marriage of convenience where she could live a comfortable life pursuing her career without a problem.
After the announcement of an architectural contest the two struck a deal. He'll help her on her design and she'll teach him how to be a rake enough to impress his love.
In the novel we explore more of Kitty's motivation for her choices. She has a deep fear of abandonment so the worst possible thing for her is to depend on someone, loving them and losing them later on.
We learn how deeply hurt she was by his sudden departure a few years earlier, and it's easy to be frustrated with Leo for this, and his unwillingness to disclose his motivation.
I felt like overall both characters have depth and their trauma is explored, but Kitty's resolution comes too quickly out of nowhere in my opinion.
Still the way they grew closer together is very sweet and their love story is quite different from others I've read in the same genre.
4.25

I devoured this in less than a day! It was whimsical and just the perfect way to spend an evening. The cover is adorable as well!

Presenting a charming enemies-to-lovers romance, where the enmity is unrequited as Leo harbors a long-standing crush on Kitty. Leo resonated with me, emerging as a sympathetic character and an overall admirable individual. However, my connection with Kitty proved challenging, making it difficult for me to wholeheartedly support them as a couple. Unfortunately, I found it challenging to warm up to her character and, consequently, struggled to find her likable.

“It Takes a Rake” by Anna Bennett
Sometimes you need to be a Rake! Maybe.
I really liked this story. It was busy, never a dull moment as Kitty and Leo resolved fears and hurts caused by events in their pasts. And, they allowed their love to for each other to blossom. There was a tad more detail in a few ‘romance’ scenes than I care to witness, but I skimmed past them and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

Holy Moly! This was a nice turnabout in the world of historical romance. Its also hit my STEM bone if you know what I mean. Kitty is a baller and poor Leo is besotted. Highly recommend.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

IT TAKES A RAKE takes a favorite romance trope, but flips the script in a number of unexpected ways that make it a refreshing and engaging read. First and foremost, it's the FEMALE main character, Kitty, teaching the MALE main character, Leo, the rules of being a proper rake instead of the more common plot of the rake tutoring the ingenue!

Both Kitty and Leo are professional architects, rather than titled aristocrats, another twist on expectation that added depth to the story and their character arcs.

Kitty is an incredibly creative and independent thinker who is exceptionally talented at her craft, though her weak spot is numbers. She is about to come into a substantial inheritance, but still possesses a strong desire to pursue her career and open her own business. She is not looking for a love match and actually prefers the idea of a marriage of convenience, which is a rare and welcome exception in this genre!

Leo (who happens to be great with numbers, fancy that!) is a quintessential good guy. He has been a complete sap for Kitty since forever, though Kitty does not know it. When the opportunity arises for Leo to test his theory that Kitty might have latent feelings for him, he jumps in with both feet.

In the 'lessons' that follow, Kitty teaches Leo how to reform his dependably good nature in favor of more libertine qualities in order to appeal to his undisclosed love interest. She schools him in how to dress, walk, flirt, showcase his...er...assets, press his advantage, live in the moment and pursue pleasure without thinking too deeply. The more time they spend together and the more successful Leo is putting his lessons into practice, the more attractive he becomes to Kitty. Eventually, the lessons get physical, and Kitty is refreshingly honest with her critique of Leo's talents!

The story was progressing delightfully at the 50% mark, but many of the plot points after this were connected with flimsy reasoning and required substantial suspension of disbelief from the reader. The third act drama in particular depended on Kitty and Leo making choices that were out of character in addition to other plot devices that were obvious and clunky.

The resolution of the drama, including the architecture contest that had been woven throughout the story, was a bit of a disappointment. Leo makes a spectacular grand gesture to win Kitty back, but because of the weak plot in this section of the book, it wasn't as fulfilling from a readers perspective as it could have been.

I did not read the entire series, so it may be that groundwork was laid in previous books that would've benefited my reading experience. That said, IT TAKES A RAKE was a pleasant standalone read despite the problematic third act.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for providing me with this ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

An entertaining childhood rivals turned friends to lovers story. Kitty is a smart, headstrong and independent woman, and Leo is the absolutely adorable, sweet and caring man who has loved her forever. Centered around a design competition and a relationship misunderstanding, the characters have plenty of opportunities to interact and develop their relationship in the most satisfying way. This book is is well-plotted and fast-paced, with fun witty banter, plot twists and heart.
This author is new to me, and I will definitely read more of her books. This story is the 3rd in the Rogues to Lovers trilogy. Though I haven't read the first two books, I had no trouble joining the story at this point. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I think the experience would be enhanced by reading Book 1 where Kitty and Leo were introduced as teenagers. I will definitely go back to the beginning of this trilogy and enjoy spending more time with all of the wonderful characters in this series.

Spice 🌶 (more like 0.5)

Read this book for…
Unrequited love (ish)
Rivals to lovers

This was a lovely tale! It starts off with Leo Lockland and his unrequited love for Kitty Beckett. They were both apprentices under Leo’s grandfather and rivals of sorts before Leo abruptly departs for London. They meet again after a few years. Leo wants to win over and winds up under Kitty’s tutelage to become a proper rake.

While I enjoyed watching these two fall in love, I felt that something was missing. I suppose it could be the lack of tension and heart pulling of unrequited love. Or it could be the unrealistic almost clumsy description or way Kitty finds her feelings for Leo. How she abruptly asks for certain ~things~ that I will not spoil. I felt it could be done differently.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Leo has strong feelings for Kiddy. He suspects she might feel the same, so he goes through different steps to get her to trust and love him back!