A Dash of Spice in the Regency: A Review of Only Rakes Need Apply
Every now and then, a book catches your eye and makes you do a double-take, and for me, that was Only Rakes Need Apply by Georgia M. McBride. I mean, who could resist the premise of a bold widow navigating desire in the intricacies of Regency society? A fresh take on romance starring Carenza, a widow who knows what she wants—and what she doesn’t want—certainly piqued my interest. With a solid rating of 3.75/5 and a heat index of 7/10, I settled in, happily anticipating a delightful romp through love and longing.
At its core, the story revolves around Carenza and Julian, her rakish friend who steps in to help satisfy her needs without the ties of a traditional relationship. It’s a clever premise that instantly drew me into the characters’ swiftly budding chemistry. Our heroine, Carenza, is refreshingly self-aware—not the typical passive lady swept off her feet, but a widowed woman yearning for more than societal norms would allow. Julian, the charmer with secrets of his own, is ready to dive into an arrangement that’s as convenient as it is tantalizing.
What I appreciated most about McBride’s writing is how she deftly sidestepped the dragged-out tension common in many romances. Carenza and Julian don’t tiptoe around their desires; they embrace them head-on. Yet, as much as I relished their passionate escapades, there were moments I felt a craving for additional conflict. While the foundation of their romance was grounded in a solid friendship, I found myself longing for more twisty plots or angsty miscommunication. Sure, there are tensions and varied fears—Carenza’s past and Julian’s genteel demeanor add layers, but with the steam factor turned up, the plot occasionally felt left behind.
Now, let’s talk about the spice factor. McBride crafts her love scenes with a commendable finesse, balancing explicit allure with heartfelt camaraderie. It was heartwarming to see Carenza take the reins in their interactions, even if I secretly wished she’d been a tad more domineering! It definitely felt like a modern twist for a historical context, and that is something I truly appreciated. Carenza isn’t merely driven by physical attraction; she’s an empowered figure who makes herself heard.
One slight eyebrow-raiser, however, was the subplot involving Julian’s brother heading off to fight in India. While this adds a historical touch, in a contemporary setting, I found it questionable. Why the need for such imperial undertones? It felt a bit out of place, distracting from the intimacy of Carenza and Julian’s bubble.
So, who would enjoy Only Rakes Need Apply? If you’re someone who appreciates a friends-to-lovers narrative sprinkled with humor, emotion, and a touch of spice, you will likely find this book delightfully satisfying. It might not be the most unforgettable read in the sea of historical romances, but it offers a genuine exploration of connection and desire without the heavy angst often found in the genre.
This book reminded me that sometimes, comforting predictability can be just the balm we need in our reading lives. So if you crave a leisurely escape into a world filled with wit, warmth, and plenty of passionate encounters, it may be time to let your heart take a gamble on this charming Regency romance from Georgia M. McBride.
Discover more about Only Rakes Need Apply (Rakes of London #1) on GoodReads >>