Nothing But a Rakehell by Deb Marlowe
A series of unconventional courtships #2. Historical romance. Can be sad as a stand-alone.
Lady Glory Brightly is riding her horse when she discovers the Earl of Keswick stuck in a bog. He doesn’t want to lose his boots so Glory helps him out using her well trained horse. He’s grateful but hiding himself from a desperate debutante, just as she’s hiding from society ridicule for a limp she can’t hide. Their meeting starts a relationship that both are curious to peruse.

Poor Glory was bullied by school mates and unfortunately it has continued in society settings. That makes Keswick mad and he vows to help her. He feels he can’t offer anything of himself but he can teach her to handle the public. The two take the lessons in an entirely provocative direction.

I hated the bullying and loved Keswick’s support of Glory. I didn’t expect the intimacies!
This series is unconventional courtships and I’m enjoying the settings and characters. Definitely will follow up with more. ( )

I really liked this book as I was reading it but the last few chapters are what pushed me over from like to LOVE. Deb Marlowe does an amazing job of writing characters who suffer at the hands of the ton - whether from gossip or cruelty or scheming.
Lady Glory hasn't had a come-out yet because her sister-in-law did not was to be embarrassed by Glory's "deformity" -her leg was crushed by a horse when she was a child and now she walks with a limp.
Lord Keswick's damage is internal - his father's cruelty and demanding nature has left Kes with demons that keep him from really forming attachments to people except a few close friends from when he was in school.
When the 2 meet at her sister's house party they manage to overlook everything that the ton would notice and see into the heart of things. He is able to see the woman behind the limp and she is able to see the kind man behind the indifferent mask that he wears. In the end - while Kes would walk away to save Glory, she steps into the danger to save Kes.
Deb Marlowe is the master of the strong heroine. Her heroines are the least likely women to be appreciated by the ton, one overlooked or looked down upon by the ton. Their internal strength allows them to live by their own rules.
I received an advanced copy of this book. ( )

Nothing But a Rakehell (A Series of Unconventional Courtships Book 2) by Deb Marlowe is another outstanding sweet Regency Historical Romance. While, book 2 it can be read as a standalone. Book 1, "Love Me, Lord Tender".

Follow, Lady Glory Brightley, sister of Lady Hope, now Lady Tensford, and the Earl of Keswick, Lord Tensford's friend. Set in Gloucestershire, at a house party.

A tale of coming of age, second chances, secrets, disability,
finding an inner strength to reach for your desires, running from your demons and learning to face your demons. Fantastic read!!

Ms. Marlowe did a wonderful job with Lady Glory's disability. I could easily relate to Lady Glory's disability as I have a disability myself. I loved how Ms. Marlowe managed to convene to her readers the issues people have with disabilities, how they can overcome and deal with they disability, instead of being bitter Lady Glory has a inner strength. I also loved the relationship between Lady Glory and the Earl of Keswick. Watching them grow from friends to a couple was heartwarming and compelling.
WOW! I can hardly wait to read the next adventure. Well done, Deb Marlowe!!

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR ( )