It Takes a Rake by Anna Bennett ~ a Review

by MK French

Miss Kitty Beckett has always found trouble as a girl, but now she's an heiress with the skill of an architect. She doesn't plan on getting tricked into marriage, and plans to win Bellehaven Bay's first architectural design contest. Leo Lockland was an apprentice architect along with Kitty and always had a crush on her. Now back home after a few years in London, he must pretend to be a rake. He takes to the role a little too well, putting Kitty's plans in jeopardy.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

January 2024; St. Martin's; 978-1250793959
audio, ebook, print (320 pages); Regency romance

It Takes a Rake is the third book in the Rogues to Lovers series, but not to worry, no need to have read the other two to understand this one. Kitty and Leo had past interactions as fellow apprentices, but Leo has the mathematical mind while Kitty has the whimsy and fantasy design elements. Leo abruptly left for London and is the perennial nice guy who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Kitty wants a rake, as they don't want any long-term relationship; people leave her, so she doesn't want any emotional attachments to break her heart. She asks Leo to go over her math, so he asks for rake lessons to attract her attention in return, which she assumed was for someone else. 

Of course, there's a misunderstanding before Leo confesses that Kitty's the one he wanted. She has feelings in return and is deeply hurt when he doesn't explain why he left so suddenly. The addition of Leo's colleague from London arriving to join the contest gives more competition and adds a wrinkle to the growing relationship. He's annoying from the start and clearly selfish. We didn't need to see the contrast to Leo, who had already been a good fit for Kitty. We get a happily ever after for them, which was fun to see. It's a cute romance to spend the day with. 

Buy It Takes a Rake at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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