Eva Leigh always astounds me with her dynamic couples. Yet again, I found myself falling in love with her characters as they fell in love with one another. The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh was a 5 star read for me!
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The summary, from Amazon:
In USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh’s new novel a notorious rake and an innocent debutante strike a scandalous bargain…
When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?
Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.
In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.
Buy The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes here.
Kieran is a known rake and man about the town, along with his brother Finn and best friend Dom. But when Dom leaves his bride-to-be (also Kieran and Finn’s sister) at the altar, the men are given an ultimatum. They must settle down and marry respectable women or lose their income. Kieran takes the threat most seriously and appeals to Celeste, Dom’s sister, for help. He knows no one more respectable and believes she can gain him access back into society and help him meet eligible brides.
Meanwhile, Celeste has dreams of her own. Growing up, she always had a crush on Kieran. Her family puts so much responsibility on her, and with an engagement to a boring earl looming, she promises Kieran she’ll help him in exchange for a desire of her own. Kieran agrees to take Celeste out on the other side of the town, to enjoy all the seedier things life has to offer. Of course, during their daylight and evening outings, the pair falls in love.
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What really appealed to me about this one is that Eva Leigh subverts the entire “reformed rake, respectable woman” trope. While Celeste and Kieran remain loyal to one another, the epilogue shows that they continue to have their fun attending parties that are “improper” after they are engaged and plan to continue once they are married. Being around more forward-thinking people, having fun, and embracing her sensuality frees Celeste, and Kieran both loves watching this transformation and enjoying the pleasures of life himself. I loved that these two didn’t settle down after making it work between them. They really are #relationshipgoals.
Find out more about how I rate books here.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Omg, what a fun, sexy, empowering read. I’m obsessed with everything about this one. I love that we get two MCs who like to go out and be a little wild and getting their HEA doesn’t stop them from having that fun. ❤️ With a whole lot of dirty talking and a dash of guyliner, Celeste & Kieran are relationship goals.
Book Club Questions
- Explain the relationship dynamic between Celeste and Kieran.
- What obstacles stand in Celeste and Kieran’s path?
- Why does Kieran enjoy the party scene so much? What about Celeste?
- What makes Celeste and Kieran a compatible couple?
Interested? Buy The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes.
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