The Rake's Daughter: A Brides of Bellaire Gardens Romance by Anne Gracie

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

An earl is forced to play matchmaker for the daughters of a rake in a smart and witty new Regency romance from the national bestselling author of The Scoundrel’s Daughter.

Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must introduce Clarissa to London society and find her a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in aristocratic circles. 

However, the girls are determined to enter society together. They’re devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal and ruin if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. Much to Leo’s frustration, nothing he says or does will convince them otherwise. To further complicate matters, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.

Called away for a quick visit to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home and consider their position. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Clarissa and Izzy have launched themselves into society—and with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society himself, protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious Izzy, and the rich, unworthy men drawn to her beauty.

my thoughts:

A charming and delightful read, The Rake's Daughter by Anne Gracie, is a delicious treat! Set during the Regency era, this book introduces us to Clarissa and her sister, Izzy. Their father has passed away and as a result of this loss, they have been taken in by the new Earl of Salcott, Leo.  Except, Leo is not too keen to take in both sisters, especially Izzy. You see, Izzy was the illegitimate daughter of Clarissa's father. However, Clarissa and Izzy have always viewed each other as sisters through and through. So, Clarissa refuses to leave her sister behind. Meaning, that since Clarissa  is to be introduced to London society, she wants Izzy to also be introduced. However, Leo is not having it. And, to be honest, he finds Izzy rather fetching. No matter, he is set on doing right by Clarissa. Except, he gets called away and upon his return home, he finds the two sisters have taken it upon themselves to introduce themselves to London Society. Say what?! Yep, they went ahead and did it and turns out that London LOVES them. Now Leo, must make sure that Clarissa is not taken advantage of and that Izzy doesn't get the best of him.  Then again, it appears that Izzy may have stolen his heart. 

Wow! Talk about a fun and exciting story chock full of romance and sisterhood. I just loved getting to know Izzy, Clarissa, and Leo. What a great book! I think The Rake's Daughter is the perfect addition to Gracie's series, A Brides of Bellaire Gardens Romance. 

I would happily recommend The Rake's Daughter to fans of Gracie and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out ASAP! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!