My first proper romance after so long! And mind you, I've actually enjoyed it very much. I liked the innocence of it with a tinge of sexuality. The flow of the story was simple, not as dramatic yet exciting especially towards the end. I do, however, felt that the prose was a little too 'English' for me as it's long winded at some point with Harry and Sabrina's thoughts go round and round. In a way to elaborate or clarify the situation but it did felt a little too much for me at times. Other than that, it was a prim and proper regency romance novel.

The story itself was quite relatable such as abusive marriages, women empowerment, alcoholics and gamblers. Though it's set in regency era, it's still relevant now hence I can empathise the situation they were in. Also most romance novels nowadays are filled with sex plots to make the chemistry happens but I find that proper ones do too. This novel proves it with both Sabrina and Harry having so much attraction to each other without the usual sex before marriage plots. I liked that the innocence of it has been preserved here.

Thanks to Netgalley for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.
You can read my full review here:
https://www.sholee.net/2020/05/mpov-rakes-and-roses-mayfield-family-3.html ( )

Harry Stillman has truly reached rock bottom. He has lost all his money, pushed away all, his friends, and his uncle refuses to pay his debts. A mysterious Lord Damion offers to settle those debts if he changes his life and Harry takes the chance. But leaving behind the vices he has live by is not so easy, even when a beautiful woman is there to encourage him to do so.

Having followed the series from the beginning and seeing the other Mayfield romances, I was eager to read about the rake of the family. Harry is your typical young man of the Regency era. He has lived to enjoy himself and sought to improve his fortune at cards. His uncle's offer to give him an inheritance if he married well was not something he wanted. The author said this was her first attempt at a "playboy" character, and it shows.

Opposite our drunkard is Lady Sabrina, who is the illegitimate daughter of a duke and survivor of an abusive marriage. She has spent her years as a widow trying to help those who she believes are capable of turning their life around. She travels, acts as hostess for her brother, and is content with her independence.

On the surface, it seemed as though this would be a sweet and fun read. My biggest problem, however, is that there was no romance. Attraction, yes. Harry is described as a handsome and charming man, and Sabrina is witty and fierce. However, the story took a while to set up. In fact, I believe I was halfway through the book before they had a conversation where Harry was sober and in his right mind. A month was not long enough for there to be love.

I definitely have enjoyed other novels by this author a lot more than this one. I'd give this one a 3.5 stars, rounding up to be generous. Still, I am curious how the series will continue. ( )