A delightful blend of love story and history, "Secret Lessons with the Rake" is an exceptional Regency Romance from the very talented Julia Justiss. Determined to redeem his reputation to that of a Parliament-worthy gentleman, Christopher Lattimar must smooth his rough edges and polish his image in order to find a suitable bride. The problem is, the woman he most desires is Ellie Parmenter, a longtime acquaintance who was once a courtesan. Ellie is the most lovely and charming woman Christopher has ever known, and while they cannot take their mutual admiration beyond friendship, Ellie agrees to make over Christopher in order for him to make his politically advantageous marital match. While they go forward with his plans for Parliament, their hearts yearn for each other. Each of them knows all to well the repercussions an affair between them could bring, as the double standards of class and society weigh heavily on the course of their lives. Can they find the courage to boldly seek the happiness they so deserve? This is the fourth and final book in the "Hadley's Hellions" series from Julia Justiss, and you won't want to miss the first three books: "Forbidden Nights with the Viscount"; "Stolen Encounters with the Duchess"; and "Convenient Proposal to the Lady". Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance.

Book Copy Gratis Author ( )

Secret Lessons With The Rake (Hadley's Hellions) by Julia Justiss  
What happens when a reformed siren sets her sights on refining the town rogue? Seduction. Looking to change his image Chris seeks a respectable woman to marry. What he gets is a temptress in hiding when he sets his sights on Ellie. Past choices forced Ellie to change her ways and become a creature of habit. Will Chris give her the push she needs to bring her out of her shell? Julia Justiss finds fun ways to teach deep lessons. Secret Lessons With The Rake teaches the value of self worth and true love. ( )

Christopher Lattimar needs a marriage, he wants to get a proper marriage and overcome some of the gossip in his family. He's a politician and he has been a rake but now he has to settle down. He turns to Ellie Parmenter, a former courtesan, she knows how to advise him but he has to try to resist her charms, she doesn't want to be a courtesan again.

There is a bit of justification of his attraction for her, she's from a "good" family, who fell on hard time but her family's treatment of her is appalling. It's not a bad read and I was rooting for the pair. ( )

Secret Lessons with the Rake by Julia Justiss is a 2017 Harlequin Historical publication.

I have really enjoyed this series!!

Christopher is hoping to secure a position in parliament, which has him thinking it might be time to settle down and get married. However, he has little experience in courting virtuous virgins.

Enter Ellie Parmenter, a woman who once moved within polite society until a fall from grace left her ruined.

Ellie has started a school for women to help them escape the courtesan life, which is how she meets Christopher, whose mother is a supporter of the school.

Once conversation leads to another and soon Ellie has offered to teach Christopher the fine art of wooing respectable young ladies.

But, the more time they spend together the more their desire for one another strengthens. But, Ellie knows falling for Christopher will only lead to heartbreak. She refuses to become a mistress again and Christopher can’t marry a society outcast.

While we may all feel burnout from our present day political turmoil, I have really enjoyed the political backdrop for this series, which outlines social reforms.

Ellie’s situation is so sad, and will absolutely make your blood boil. But, she’s a strong woman who has decided to turn her bad luck into something constructive, thus earning my immense respect.

Christopher may have been a bit promiscuous, but, in his heart he is a little envious of his fellow Hellions and longs for the love, companionship and family they have found. His loneliness is palpable, despite his pragmatic approach to marriage.

I enjoyed the ‘lessons’ Christopher learned, and he really was pretty charming… and a little naughty.

The story is a little angsty at times, since Ellie must cope with her unrequited feelings for Christopher, suffering moments of doubt and weakness.

But, overall this is a terrific love story, defying proper society and its staid rules. All the Hellions have found their HEA and not a single one of them were conventional, with each man standing up to society’s norms and expectations to right wrongs and overcome unreasonable barriers.

Once again, I would like to offer my appreciation to this author for writing an authentic Regency series. I've been very burned out on Regency novels and frustrated by the 'modernization' of them, but Julia keeps the storyline fresh and interesting without compromising the genre! Well done!

Here’s to ‘The Hellions’!

I highly recommend this series to all romance readers!! ( )