Although many historical romance series have solid but fairly simplistic ties between books, NEVER RESIST A RAKE and the previous book in the Somerfield Park series (A Rake by Any Other Name) feel more like parts of a serial, in that many of the characters from the first book have integral roles in the second. Mia Marlowe adds another twist in that involvement by belowstairs folk is a much greater part of the story than in many books of the genre. Because of the interweaving of storylines, I very much recommend you read A Rake by Any Other Name before NEVER RESIST A RAKE.

Although I completely enjoyed book one in the Somerfield Park series, I have to confess I had some difficulty liking one of the main characters in NEVER RESIST A RAKE. Although he was very well-written and his reactions true to the historical times and his situation for some unknown reason (maybe I was just in an off mood) it took me well into the book before I cared much about his happiness. Your experience may very well be different from mine when you read it. The female lead (Rebecca) on the other hand had my sympathy and admiration from page one. When I did finally develop an affection for the new Lord Hartley, it was whole-hearted and sincere.

The conclusion of NEVER RESIST A RAKE had one of the most villainous characters I've encountered receiving a most delicious comeuppance where all came right and Lord Hartley redeemed himself in my affections. Although I don't know when book three in the series will come out, I will definitely be buying it. In the meantime I can look forward to a brand new series by Mia Marlowe, The Order of the M.U.S.E., slated for publication this summer.

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