NEVER RESIST A RAKE (SOMERFIELD PARK #2) is an historical romance that kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters were portrayed realistically from that era in the year 1817 and the writing was so vivid and descriptive that I felt that I was there!

Marlowe's NEVER RESIST A RAKE was well written and could be a stand alone book since this is book two in the series and I have yet to read book one. In fact, I hadn't realized this was part of a series until I had started to read it. There was so much background given that I never felt lost and the book flowed smoothly.

I enjoyed that each chapter started off with thoughts from Phillipa, the Dowager Marchioness of Somerset, whom also played a vital role in the storyline. Her grandson, John, who had a less than ideal childhood thanks to her, seems to rise above it especially with his friend, Rebecca, by his side for friendship, moral support and so much more! They meet several times under less than ideal circumstances but the more they get to know each other the importance and depth of their friendship and love is revealed. It was fun to watch their actions and feel their surprise for feelings they had for each other and how when they were together all was right with their world! Most of John's "friends" in London leave a lot to be desired especially by those in society. Lady Chloe is an earl's daughter but has a less than ideal reputation. It was fun to watch her actions but she revealed another side of herself especially to Rebecca and especially when it was most needed. Blackwood shows his true colors in several different ways none of which are good and his temperament is as black as his name. Richard and his family act nobly towards John and want to include him as part of their family. Seeing John's interactions with some of them was enlightening and never what he thought it would be. Watching the logistics of how he grapples with the situation and what he does to turn it around is heartwarming at times especially knowing how much he missed out on. There were a few twists and turns to the storyline, some laugh out loud moments as well as tears. Rebecca's father was despicable in his own way and it was good to know that she had a friend, Freddie, that she could rely on especially in times of need. There were family and friends but also those with titles that attend the events at Somerfield Park and Hartley's Hunt, parties, balls, sporting events, secrets, illnesses, bad manners, servants, family history, food, romance and love. There was nice closure with a surprise ending and a happily ever after but the book ended a little too abruptly for my taste. An epilogue would have been the icing on the cake.

Marlowe is a new to me author and I will be adding her books to my always growing TBR pile! I need to read the first book in this series, A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME, and hope there are more to come!

4.5 out of 5 stars! After believing all his life that he was a bastard of a Lord, John recently learns he is the legitimate heir to his father. However, still not taking kindly to the family who abandoned him, John goes to London (with his new title) and involves himself in enough debauchery to make the ton cringe. Yet, during one of his "excursions," he "officially" meets and saves Lady Rebecca (an impoverished baron's daughter). John finds to be the first person to talk to him with honesty and to whom makes him feel like the man he was prior to earning his title. Therefore, once John's family sics themselves on him she is the first one he asks to help him. But as their "friendship" turns into something more they'll have to maneuver more than just the ton's rules to find their "happily-ever-after."

This fast-paced novel keeps you on the edge of your seats as you follow John into his new "privileged" world. Quite the dashing fellow, he does pull off being a rake but it's John's vulnerability that endeared me to him while rooting for him to win Rebecca's heart. The multiple storylines were very intriguing, especially since you could tell they were still going from (book 1) while still asserting itself as a standalone quite seemingly. I am enamored with this novel, as all of the characters were entertaining!!

Yet my true love, from this novel, would have to be John. *HAPPY sigh* I think it was his disguised morals that won me over mostly. Then how he, a bit unintentionally, goes about winning Rebecca's hand in marriage was VERY charming. Plus, their steamy scenes didn't hurt either. 😉 While in ways they seem like an unconventional pair as they say like goes to like ... and they have more similarities than expected. A perfect match!

I HIGHLY recommend this series and novel to those looking for an exciting historical romance!!

Review By: From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews
-- read more of this review and THREE TEASERS on my blog: frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com --

While this novel was entertaining I was constantly waiting for something big to happen. And then when it did it was too easily resolved. Therefore, it isn't that I wasn't satisfied with the read, but I just expected a lot more from it.

[ John and Rebecca seem to realise that they are the ones for each other quite early on. But then because she is only a Baron's daughter, he enlists the help of Lady Chloe, who seems to have him pegged for her fifth husbad... only she all of a suddon doesn't. Then when her father loses her to a notorious (and almost evil) rake who is expecting to use and abuse her telling her that she shouldn't tell anyone, she does- luckily in my point of view. John puts together a scheme which goes off without a hitch and recovers the IOU. But he is forced into a duel, which he wins... it was just all wrapped up too nicely. (hide spoiler)]

None the less, it is interesting enough a read to finish and quite fun as you're going along