This annual countdown goes from December 1st until Christmas with one share per day. In the original challenge, the “rules” were (1)published in 2021 and (2)five-star read with “Red Hot Reads” titles automatically making the list. I kept the 2021 publish year “rule” as I have a lot of recent releases that were amazing. Since I already do my top novels of the year (5 star and sometimes 4.75 stars), I decided to highlight some of my 4.5 star reads as they are still amazing, but often get passed over in my countdowns. The choices are in a semi-random order with some novels that I enjoyed a little more making it a little higher in the countdown.
#Bookvent DAY 10
A Rake Like You (Linfield Hall #2) by Becky Michaels
About to turn thirty, Charles Finch finally realizes his luck has run out. He’s twenty thousand pounds in debt, his entire family hates him, and the powerful Duke of Rutley is watching his every move. So Charles sets out to do what any handsome but impoverished earl would: find a young lady with an impressive dowry to marry him and replenish his coffers.
Louisa Strickland much prefers managing the successful estate her father left her to the company of society. But now that her younger sister has come of age, Louisa finds herself in Mayfair, forced to protect her family from desperate fortune hunters like her neighbor, Charles Finch. And when Charles sets his sights on Louisa’s sister, Louisa will do anything to avert his attention elsewhere.
As Charles and Louisa find themselves rekindling an old friendship that once went up in flames, Charles begins to wonder if there could be something more between them. He only needs to prove he’s not the man he once was. But unfortunately for Charles, it will take much more than passionate kisses and giving up brandy to convince independent Louisa to marry a rake like him.
While the first novel focused on August, the newest member relating to Linfield Hall, and the estate’s solicitor, Samuel Brooks, the second novel dives deeper into the family as it focuses on Charles Finch, August’s half-brother, and Linfield Hall’s neighbor, Louisa Strickland of Strickland Manor. As a result of this setup, the novels can be read as standalone stories, but they read better as a series in order. Charles was not likeable in the first novel, so it was interesting exploring his character more and seeing his side of the story. If you are a fan of historical romances, then this series has been greatly enjoyable for me so far and I cannot wait to see if more will be added in the future.
Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
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