Sandy M’s review of How to Sin Successfully (Rakes Beyond Redemption, Book 3) by Bronwyn Scott
Historical Romance published by Harlequin Historical 16 Oct 12

I’m sorry to see the last of Bronwyn Scott’s rakes. While they find love and happiness, which none of them ever thought would be theirs and what we as romance readers ultimately want, it’s also fun getting to know them as the actual rakes they are. It’s what made them the men they are today, along with a few other heartaches thrown in, all of which is slowly revealed to give you a glimpse into these men’s hearts.

Riordan is the last of his friends to find love and redemption. He’s just gotten word his brother has died, leaving behind two young wards – to Riordan. Riordan himself loves to have a good time and what does he know about children? So you can imagine the bemusement of Governess Number Six, our heroine Maura Caulfield, when she reports for her first day of work and not two, but three “children” race to answer her knock on the door.

But Maura is willing to put up with anything to keep this position. She’s in hiding, running from the arranged marriage to a despicable man her uncle sold her to, all to wipe out his gambling debts. London is a big city and she’s covered her tracks well, but discovery can still happen at any time, something Maura will avoid at all costs. Though she had been warned about Riordan’s rakish ways, and though his smile and sensual overtures are enough to nearly bring her to her knees, Maura holds fast to keep the children on a schedule that will hopefully keep her out of Riordan’s charming presence.

However, Riordan finds ways to tease and arouse Maura, despite the fact he has to hunt for a wife. To keep the children out of the hands of money-grubbing relatives, his best bet is to make a safe and stable household for them. Thus, he tasks Maura with bringing together the most eligible women of the season at a dinner in his home. At the last minute Maura steps in to even out the numbers when a guest has to cancel. The first scandal involving Riordan and Maura has begun when he can’t take his eyes off her, basically ignoring the other lovelies around the table.

It’s all fun for the reader, though, because the sensual tension and subsequent loving between these two is wonderful. They both feel they have to take what they can from the other in the time they have. Unfortunately, the scandals won’t quit, which leaves them both in their respective troubles: Riordon close to losing the children and Maura having her whereabouts discovered. Things begin to move swiftly now, villains taking extra risk to get what they want and love making itself known just in the nick of time.

If you’re ready for some great rake stories, don’t miss this trilogy. They’re full of fun, romance, danger, poignant revelations, and characters you won’t forget for a while.

Grade: B+

Read my How to Disgrace a Lady review & How to Ruin a Reputation review.

Summary:

Riordan Barrett: Last Rake Standing

With his comrade rakes-in-arms succumbing to respectability, anyone might think that wicked Riordan Barrett is next. But such happy endings aren’t for him—the whole of society knows there isn’t a redeemable bone in his sinfully sexy body.

Suddenly Riordan finds himself not only an earl…but father to two young wards! His only experience is in the art ofirresponsibility.

This rake needs help—and hiring a young, pretty governess won’t be such a hardship!

Sweet, innocent Maura Caulfield is the only lady in London seemingly unaware of Riordan’s disreputable ways. But it won’t stay like that for long. He’ll show her just how much fun sinning can be….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: