Rakes and Roses is the type of book where you intend to read one chapter and then head to bed. Next thing you know, you have finished the book and it’s three o’clock in the morning! This newest Proper Romance from Shadow Mountain is THAT good. Bestselling author Josi S. Kilpack brings an air of mystery with lots of romance to this continuation of the Mayfield Family Saga. The third book in the series, readers do not need to read the previous two works to follow its character-driven plot. Main character Harry is a complex character and unlike a typical Regency-period hero, his evolution throughout the book felt realistic and proved deeply satisfying. The book boasts plenty of chemistry and flirtations, as well as strong writing from Kilpack. The triumph of the characters in overcoming their challenges is a most rewarding part of the story. Highly recommended!
Review of an Advance Reading Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Shadow Mountain
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: A few implied occurrences of violence including beating a child and domestic abuse; secondhand reports of violence including a fight between men and domestic abuse; a few brief scenes of violence including fistfights; an extended incident of violence (over 1 page) involving a man being beaten by a group of men; a brief scene of blood and gore involves the injuries relating to the said beating.
Sex/Nudity: Several incidents of kissing on the hand and lips; several sexual references including talk of being an illegitimate daughter and recollections of seducing women; several implied or reported incidents of sexual activity involving mistresses, debauchery, implied offers to a widow for ‘comfort’ and ‘trying’ for an heir.
Mature Subject Matter:
Death of husband and family members, domestic abuse, gender inequality, women’s rights, panic attacks, depression, gambling, infidelity, verbal abuse and bullying, miscarriage and the inability to have more children, clubfoot, abandonment, attempting thievery.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
A main character is an alcoholic and drinks excessively; the character goes through alcohol withdrawal and/or detox.
