FROM PUBLISHER: When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton's shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn't simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he's mended his wicked ways . . .

First read by Dreiling. 3rd in the series. Fast-paced with reasonable characters that can actually talk rather than emote or run away. Worth reading more of her work. ( )

This is the third story in the How to series from Vicky Dreiling and I was looking forward to Amy's story since we were first introduced to her character. I had such high hopes for her and frankly, after the previous two books, my expectations were very high.

The blurb sets this story very well, so I'm not going to go into it, but rather I'll tell you why I liked this story.

I liked the way the author took her time to set up the background on both of these characters and then she placed them in some complicated and interesting situations which made both take a very serious look at their past, present and future.

Will was always a `rolling-stone' and to really understand this complex man, the author gives us little bits and pieces from his past through his families stories and especially through his own musings. He admits to his own failings and wonders as to the reasons behind his past liaisons with many women and why he's never wanted nor desired a true relationship.

Amy was such a contradiction, even to herself. She, like all that knew her, always thought of her as shy and timid, yet once she really got to look deep down into herself, she found out that she had a backbone and all she ever wanted was for people to see her as she really is, a woman with a mind of her own.

In contrast to Ms. Dreiling's other two books which...thanks for heading over to read the rest of my review at http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/how-to-ravish-a-rake-by-vicky-...

ARC from NetGalley. ( )

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Known as a wallflower, heiress Amy Hardwick goes to London for one last season to try to change that and makes every effort to return eye contact, dance and do a bit more than wait in the wings and gossip. She has also decided to turn her hobby of designing dresses into a bit more. Although women are frowned upon for engaging in trade during the 1800's, she secretly cuts a deal with a dress maker and sees her creations cause a bit of a stir. The dresses she wears does more for her visibility than anything she has tried before. Will Darcett also notices her and although Amy will have nothing to do with this notorious "devil", she does find herself intrigued by him. So when the two are accidentally locked in the wine cellar during a party, she finds her reputation is ruined and the two must marry. Which it seems works perfectly with Will's plans to marry an heiress to pay off his gambling debts. This is where the story really gets interesting!

As an only child, Amy has had more freedom than most women in society during this time period but it also seems that she has a hard time coming to grips with how society limits her actions. She has the backbone to make Will behave and actually court her, through a fun wager of her own, that the story becomes a totally swoon worthy read! There are also many characters like Will's Aunt Hester, who add zest and plain spoken truth. She loves to put the family in their place. Will's sisters, Harmony, Patience and Hope are chatty and a bit overbearing but still loving towards their brother. This story is the third in a series, but you don't need to read the other two and it easily stands alone. It is wonderful how the Happy Ever After comes full circle for these two, who at first seem unsuited towards each other. You will find yourself googling the fashions described in the book during this time period since the descriptions are just scrumptious!

Overall, I adored how Dreiling worked in the mores of the 1800's and gave it a bit of a modern twist making the characters of Will and Amy actually make the best of a bad situation. Amy, although she is described as not that attractive, learns that with the right clothes, she can highlight her good points. I know Will is described as a rake and not caring about anything except his own pleasure, discovers a responsibility towards Amy and decides he does have a conscious after all. So far this is my favorite book in the series. Now, I haven't read about the next book in the series but I hope it isn't too far off since Dreiling has become one of my favorite historical romance authors! ( )

HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE by Vicky Dreiling is an exciting historical romance set in 1818 London. Book three in the "Courtship Capers",see "How to Marry a Duke",and "How to Seduce a Scoundrel". "How to Ravish a Rake" is the story of Amy Hardwick,a wallflower who is friends with characters from the other two books,has dreams of making a love match,intelligent,lonely and the last person Will "The Devil" Darcett would want to marry. But he needs a profitable marriage and Amy is a heiress after all. His plans just does not work out,in the mean time he learns Amy is not the shy,meek, wallflower he and everyone else seems to think she is,she has guts,grit, loves to design clothes, and passion. Amy learns that Will is not "The Devil" everyone thinks he is or so she hopes. Together they learn appearances can be deceiving,they must learn to trust each other,passion ingnites and desire runs depth. A serious romp of a story with witty banter,warmth,enchanting characters,and tenderness. "How To Ravish a Rake" is a true treasure and I hope to see more of Amy's other her friends in the coming books. Ms. Dreiling knows how to weave wit,with a serious story. I have read all three of the "Courtship Capers" and can honestly say each one gets better,and I didn't think they could get any better than "How To Many a Duke", but I was wrong. I would recommend "How To Ravish a Rake" for anyone who enjoys a good romp in historical romance,the Regency era and a bit of adventure. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More ( )