A Confirmed Rake
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- Create Date：2022-08-25 02:19:47
- Update Date：2025-09-06
- Status：finish
- Author：Martha Keyes
- ISBN：B0B37RDM6V
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Summary
When Rebecca Russell’s brother marries， she finally has the opportunity she has been dreaming of: to leave the seclusion of her reclusive grandfather’s home and enter into Society。 But when her inexperience has her making blunders and courting embarrassment， help comes from an unexpected source: the brooding， irritable brother of her chaperone。
Valentine Donovan is a rake， mountains of gaming debt and all。 With his only hope for financial relief tied up in the Admiralty Court， he must temporarily rely on his father’s charity—and all the strings attached to it。 His father demands Valentine show evidence that he is changing his ways， so when the engaging but naive young woman living with his sister presents a plan， he can’t refuse the opportunity to fulfill some of his father’s requirements， albeit reluctantly。
But Valentine is unprepared for Rebecca’s guileless optimism and how impossible he finds it to say no to her increasingly onerous requests—requests that put both their hearts and reputations in danger。
Valentine Donovan is a rake， mountains of gaming debt and all。 With his only hope for financial relief tied up in the Admiralty Court， he must temporarily rely on his father’s charity—and all the strings attached to it。 His father demands Valentine show evidence that he is changing his ways， so when the engaging but naive young woman living with his sister presents a plan， he can’t refuse the opportunity to fulfill some of his father’s requirements， albeit reluctantly。
But Valentine is unprepared for Rebecca’s guileless optimism and how impossible he finds it to say no to her increasingly onerous requests—requests that put both their hearts and reputations in danger。
Reviews
Kickyq
，
I honestly couldn’t put the volume down。 I think it’s her best book yet。 I so enjoyed the dry sense of humor that was throughout the book。You couldn’t help but like Valentine even though he was a rake。 There was something that just made you like him and wish he’d want to see the good in himself。 Rebekah helped him see the good not only in the world but in himself。 I loved Rebekah and how down to earth she was。 Different than most she didn’t mind what society said 。 I love that she was raised amo I honestly couldn’t put the volume down。 I think it’s her best book yet。 I so enjoyed the dry sense of humor that was throughout the book。You couldn’t help but like Valentine even though he was a rake。 There was something that just made you like him and wish he’d want to see the good in himself。 Rebekah helped him see the good not only in the world but in himself。 I loved Rebekah and how down to earth she was。 Different than most she didn’t mind what society said 。 I love that she was raised among the elderly and as such spoke and acted a different way than most。 This book kept me laughing and wanting to know what would happen next。 I will be reading this again soon。 A fabulous read。 。。。more
Nancy
，
What a wonderful story with characters that jumped off of the pages。 This is such an awesome series and although it could be read as a stand along story the characters and story of this family continues from book to book。 Rebecca Russell has been living with her grandfather for years in a small village with not many people her own age。 She has been surrounded by the geriatric friends of her grandfather and knows well the health complaints of the elderly。 Her isolation has made her a very sweet c What a wonderful story with characters that jumped off of the pages。 This is such an awesome series and although it could be read as a stand along story the characters and story of this family continues from book to book。 Rebecca Russell has been living with her grandfather for years in a small village with not many people her own age。 She has been surrounded by the geriatric friends of her grandfather and knows well the health complaints of the elderly。 Her isolation has made her a very sweet compassionate woman but she is very naive of what being in society entails。 Her older brother has married and brings her to live with him so Rebecca will now experience what she has always dreamed of， being in Society。 They are not in London but temporarily in Brighton where her new sister-in-law Diana， is her chaperone。When the brother of Diana， Valentine Donovan tries to break into the kitchen window， Rebecca meets him as she is sneaking a snack。 She has no idea the type of man that he is and what his reputation is amongst the Ton。 Valentine has been having financial difficulties since he has left the navy。 The prize money he is owed has been held up and being dependent on his father's charity is no longer an option。 When his creditors start hounding him for money and his father refuses to help unless he sees a big change in Valentine- he needs a place to stay。 So he appeals to his sister Diana who allows him to stay with her as long as he helps bring Rebecca out into Society。 I loved how Diana accepted and supported him even knowing his reputation as a rake and gambler。 Valentine's life story made me so sad- the loss of his mother who had loved him and accepted him was something that really effected him。 The animosity of his father from when he was young had nothing to do with him but as he grew older- his reaction was to do anything contrary to what his father wanted。 Being around Rebecca in Society was supposed to help his reputation。 He never expected that her encouraging sunny disposition would help him become a better man。Would Valentine let his fears of ruining her reputation keep him from the woman he is coming to love and need？I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review。 。。。more
Desiree
，
I thoroughly enjoyed this book。 So much so that there was a bit of a book hangover and I couldn't get into another book for a little bit。 I started and stopped about 5 different ones after this。 This wasn't a comedy but there were many moments that made me laugh or smile。 I just loved the two main characters and how they were written beyond cookie cutter/cliche/one-dimensional。 The h was wide eyed and good。 The H was seasoned and hard。 I thought it was maybe like a twist on beauty and the beast。 I thoroughly enjoyed this book。 So much so that there was a bit of a book hangover and I couldn't get into another book for a little bit。 I started and stopped about 5 different ones after this。 This wasn't a comedy but there were many moments that made me laugh or smile。 I just loved the two main characters and how they were written beyond cookie cutter/cliche/one-dimensional。 The h was wide eyed and good。 The H was seasoned and hard。 I thought it was maybe like a twist on beauty and the beast。 She found the good and was such a support。 Their interactions were sweet， genuine and just awwww。 Martha Keyes writes relationships so well。 I feel like I went through this story so fast because the story was engaging， interesting and well written。 The story flowed fantastically。 All the characters added to the enjoyment of the story and made the book very well rounded。A couple favorite quotes "Rebecca， this is for the best。 Tonight is what we have been working toward。 I have served my function， and now it is time to let other gentelman have their chance with you。""The devil you will，。。。。You will be the death of me" 。。。more
Laramee
，
I loved this opposites attract grumpy/sunshine sweet romance！ I also enjoyed the theme of redemption and change that is threaded through this story！ You will get all the feels with this one！ I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own。
Chrishelle Shuttliff
，
This was a great book。 The characters were Complex and had me hooked from the beginning。 I liked how Rebecca was bright and full of hope。 And you got to see valentines reasons behind his struggles。 Even though you saw the reasons， it didn’t give him excuses。 My favorite part of the book was the realization that you have two paths to choose: thoughts that spiral downward and make you choose horrible decisions in despair。 Or thoughts of positive experiences that help process negative emotions in a This was a great book。 The characters were Complex and had me hooked from the beginning。 I liked how Rebecca was bright and full of hope。 And you got to see valentines reasons behind his struggles。 Even though you saw the reasons， it didn’t give him excuses。 My favorite part of the book was the realization that you have two paths to choose: thoughts that spiral downward and make you choose horrible decisions in despair。 Or thoughts of positive experiences that help process negative emotions in a helpful way。 There were a lot of life lessons and I enjoyed reading this book。 Thanks。 。。。more
Jenna Killpack
，
5 Stars！ LOVED Valentine’s story！ Rebecca is innocent and sincere in such an endearing way and I laughed so many times at her misuse of cant phrases。 Valentine quickly realizes her charm but unfortunately he has chosen to deal with his struggles in unhealthy ways。 He may be a “confirmed rake” but is he redeemable？ Love this sweet regency romance。 There is so such chemistry between the two， Keyes is such a talented writer！ I finished it in 2 days and I could probably immediately read it again and 5 Stars！ LOVED Valentine’s story！ Rebecca is innocent and sincere in such an endearing way and I laughed so many times at her misuse of cant phrases。 Valentine quickly realizes her charm but unfortunately he has chosen to deal with his struggles in unhealthy ways。 He may be a “confirmed rake” but is he redeemable？ Love this sweet regency romance。 There is so such chemistry between the two， Keyes is such a talented writer！ I finished it in 2 days and I could probably immediately read it again and still enjoy it！ I would definitely recommend this book and have enjoyed the whole series so far！ Can’t wait for Phineas 。。。more
Jennifer
，
This book was perfect。 I loved Rebecca and Valentine and how natural their relationship was。 My favorite of the series！
Sandra Hartzel
，
I had an ARC for this book， but this is my voluntary and honest opinion。 Rebecca Russell’s sister in law Diana is her sponsor/chaperone for the season。 She has lived reclusively with her grandfather so is quite inexperienced。 Diana’s brother Valentine Donovan is a rake and doesn’t get along with his father who will no longer support his lifestyle。 Rebecca helps him see a better way to live， and to address his darker side。 This book includes endless mercy as the main theme， along with forgiveness I had an ARC for this book， but this is my voluntary and honest opinion。 Rebecca Russell’s sister in law Diana is her sponsor/chaperone for the season。 She has lived reclusively with her grandfather so is quite inexperienced。 Diana’s brother Valentine Donovan is a rake and doesn’t get along with his father who will no longer support his lifestyle。 Rebecca helps him see a better way to live， and to address his darker side。 This book includes endless mercy as the main theme， along with forgiveness and love。 A heartwarming story well worth reading。 。。。more
Jessica Sievers
，
I loved this story of an especially rakish rake！ I enjoyed witnessing Valentines progress throughout the book。 He was not especially love able at the beginning but he grows on you as you see the why behind his behavior。Rebecca has the best kind of naïvety and general lust for life。 I especially liked her growing list of words and phrases she was trying to decipher， sounds like something I would have done at her age too 😂It just takes the right combo of opposites to attract！I couldn’t put this on I loved this story of an especially rakish rake！ I enjoyed witnessing Valentines progress throughout the book。 He was not especially love able at the beginning but he grows on you as you see the why behind his behavior。Rebecca has the best kind of naïvety and general lust for life。 I especially liked her growing list of words and phrases she was trying to decipher， sounds like something I would have done at her age too 😂It just takes the right combo of opposites to attract！I couldn’t put this one down and prioritized finishing it in just a couple days which with a toddler and a newborn is no small task。 。。。more
Amanda Morrill
，
“I am not strong enough to resist。” Her voice came in a whispered plea。 “Then do not resist。”I fell in love with this book！ This is a total opposites attract and I’m here for it。 Valentine has been hurt so he has found drinking， gambling， and “raking” （as Rebecca calls it 😂） a good substitute。 On the other hand， sweet Rebecca has led a very sheltered life so she is completely naive and innocent。 When they get together it is so great！ She makes a list of not so lady like words and phrases and Val “I am not strong enough to resist。” Her voice came in a whispered plea。 “Then do not resist。”I fell in love with this book！ This is a total opposites attract and I’m here for it。 Valentine has been hurt so he has found drinking， gambling， and “raking” （as Rebecca calls it 😂） a good substitute。 On the other hand， sweet Rebecca has led a very sheltered life so she is completely naive and innocent。 When they get together it is so great！ She makes a list of not so lady like words and phrases and Valentine “enlightens” her regrettably。 They help each other， Rebecca to come out in society and Valentine to reform。 Then they fall for each other。 I love the smiling chocolate and the roses and the waltzing。 There are so many great quotes and I could read chapter 29 on repeat。 Trust me on this one。 It’s a good one！Thank you to the author for the advanced copy！ 。。。more
Nari
，
I loved this book。 It is my favorite so far。 I laughed at how Valentine and Rebecca first met。 Rebecca is so kind and sees the best in everyone。 This is exactly what hurting and jaded Valentine needs。 I also like how he sees the best in Rebecca。 I simply adored this book and enjoyed it to the very end。
Angie
，
I loved this couple！ What a great pairing！ I must admit I'm not usually a huge fan of stories about rakes， even reforming ones， but this was so well done。 The reasons and motivations behind Valentine's behavior and choices， and eventually his transformation， were clear and believable。 And Rebecca！ She was so good， so sweet and optimistic， but sadly she was dismissed by many as too naive。 But Valentine saw and appreciated her true value。 Meanwhile， she saw the good in him that many overlooked， an I loved this couple！ What a great pairing！ I must admit I'm not usually a huge fan of stories about rakes， even reforming ones， but this was so well done。 The reasons and motivations behind Valentine's behavior and choices， and eventually his transformation， were clear and believable。 And Rebecca！ She was so good， so sweet and optimistic， but sadly she was dismissed by many as too naive。 But Valentine saw and appreciated her true value。 Meanwhile， she saw the good in him that many overlooked， and she brought out the best in him。While this could probably work as a standalone， I recommend reading these in order。 I'm looking forward to reading about Phineas the next book。This review is based on an E-ARC I received， but I have also pre-ordered my own copy。 。。。more
Carissa
，
Valentine’s story was the one I anticipated the most and it did not disappoint！ I loved everything about it！ The characters were wonderful and the transformation of Valentine from his “raking” ways was so good！ Rebecca Russell is basically the adult version of Pollyanna 😃。 And you can’t help but love her！ She’s sweet， innocent， and a bit naive when it comes to the ways of Society but in the most delightful way。 Perpetually happy and always looking for the good in things。 Enjoying every aspect of Valentine’s story was the one I anticipated the most and it did not disappoint！ I loved everything about it！ The characters were wonderful and the transformation of Valentine from his “raking” ways was so good！ Rebecca Russell is basically the adult version of Pollyanna 😃。 And you can’t help but love her！ She’s sweet， innocent， and a bit naive when it comes to the ways of Society but in the most delightful way。 Perpetually happy and always looking for the good in things。 Enjoying every aspect of life。 She also has a playful （and a bit mischievous） nature which balances so well。 The notebook of cant phrases and lists she compiled were great 😂。 Her character was pure delight， just like her smiling hot chocolate。Valentine Donovan is a rake。 With a reputation that proceeds him and not bothering to correct any bad assumptions about his character。 Broke， in debt， and in a constant battle with the man that raised him。 A seemingly bad man on the outside but with a tender heart of gold， awakened fully by Rebecca。 I LOVED his transformation！ The beautifully good qualities that he had stifled for so long coming more and more to the surface as he became better acquainted with Rebecca。 She saw the good and believed the best about him and it made all the difference。 He could finally have confidence in BEING a good person。 Their friendship and love story developed so nicely and I enjoyed every step of the journey。 The epilogue was perfect！！！ If you haven’t picked up this series yet， do yourself a favor and give it a go！ You won’t regret it！ I received an advanced copy of this book from the author。 I was not required to give a positive review。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more
Lauren （thebookscript）
，
This is simply the best thing that Martha Keyes has ever written。 I was lucky to receive an early copy and I can't wait to express all the love and feelings I have for it。 This is the second official book in the Donovans series surrounding Diana's rakish brother Valentine。 It COULD be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading in order for the best experience and character overlap and relationships。 Can I just say that I absolutely loved that Valentine was an actual rake？ It made him su This is simply the best thing that Martha Keyes has ever written。 I was lucky to receive an early copy and I can't wait to express all the love and feelings I have for it。 This is the second official book in the Donovans series surrounding Diana's rakish brother Valentine。 It COULD be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading in order for the best experience and character overlap and relationships。 Can I just say that I absolutely loved that Valentine was an actual rake？ It made him such a delightfully grumpy character with a redemptive story that tugged at ALL my heart strings。 Valentine has a strained relationship with her father but its the relationship with Diana that really takes the cake。 Their sibling bond was written so well and is one of the simple joys in this series。 For the last two years Valentine has lived a life he isn't proud of。。。drink， gambling， women。。。he really has done it all。 When he meets the lovely and naive in the ways of the world Rebecca， he starts to see things in a new light and realize there might be another way to deal with his sorrow。OH MY GOSH。 These two were the perfect pairing。 Rebecca's sweetness to Valentines supposed taint is incredibly endearing。 Valentine teaches her the ways of the world （in jest） while Rebecca helps him to see his value as a man。 There was zero judgement or weird conflict。 This story was pure and raw wonderful all wrapped up in one book。 This book made me smile， I was misty eyed （ok fine I cried）。 It was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change a dang thing about it。 One of my top historical romance reads of the year and no I will not be taking those strong words back。 *running （ok patiently waiting） to purchase a physical copy 。。。more
Melissa （christianbooksandcoffee）
，
The beginning 3 chapters had me smiling and I knew this was going to be a good book。 And it did NOT disappoint！ Make sure to read The Art of Victory before this one！ I LOVED this book！ Rebecca is so naive， she reminds me of myself。 She is so cute with her always asking Valentine what certain words/phrases mean。 I love how she sees the good in Valentine and not just his rakish ways。 She is also very funny and matches well with Valentine’s humor。 Valentine is so considerate of Rebecca， he doesn’t The beginning 3 chapters had me smiling and I knew this was going to be a good book。 And it did NOT disappoint！ Make sure to read The Art of Victory before this one！ I LOVED this book！ Rebecca is so naive， she reminds me of myself。 She is so cute with her always asking Valentine what certain words/phrases mean。 I love how she sees the good in Valentine and not just his rakish ways。 She is also very funny and matches well with Valentine’s humor。 Valentine is so considerate of Rebecca， he doesn’t want harm to come to her。 I love how he wants to better for her。 I loved both characters and they work so well together。 Some of the tropes in this book:Fake relationship Grumpy/sunshine Redemption Negatives（For me personally）2 uses of the literal term for illegitimate child used in context but would have preferred “illegitimate” instead。 Overall great story。 I enjoyed it so much and can’t wait for the next one！ Definitely recommend！ I received a complimentary copy from the author。 All views are my honest opinion。 。。。more
Bee
，
This 3rd book of The Donovans is so beautiful。 I have read the last two and although every of them has a different style， I love them all the same。What I love in this one is how you can enter into the mind and the heart/feelings of Valentine。 The author has made a great work of it。 I also like how naive Rebecca is and her innocence。 Its interesting the way in which Martha has written the moments when she ask the questions about the meaning of some words she doesnt know and you can feel the awark This 3rd book of The Donovans is so beautiful。 I have read the last two and although every of them has a different style， I love them all the same。What I love in this one is how you can enter into the mind and the heart/feelings of Valentine。 The author has made a great work of it。 I also like how naive Rebecca is and her innocence。 Its interesting the way in which Martha has written the moments when she ask the questions about the meaning of some words she doesnt know and you can feel the awarkdness in the air and how Valentine struggles answering them。 There are some great moments， as in the club （because of how you came to know a little more about Valentine） as well as in the box theatre。 I have enjoyed also the moments at the outdoor ball and many others that will occupy the entire review！I also love Valentine as a character and the whirling of emotions that emerges trough him。 I think that he is the start of the book！ I have also enjoyed the character of Captain Yates。 I would like to read a story about him。 He is so funny。Martha has announced already the next book in this series。 This last is about Phineas， other Donovan sibbling。 Cant waint to read about him too！ 。。。more
Mandy
，
Wow！ This book was SO good！ I just absolutely loved the balance between sweet Rebecca and rakish Valentine。 These two characters were the perfect opposites and I loved the way they made each other better by helping one another believe in themselves。 Everyone needs a Rebecca in their lives I have decided。 Her character was the epitome of sunshine and optimism and I thought it powerful she never let go of that light。 Valentine was broken and battered in so many ways and I just felt for him in all Wow！ This book was SO good！ I just absolutely loved the balance between sweet Rebecca and rakish Valentine。 These two characters were the perfect opposites and I loved the way they made each other better by helping one another believe in themselves。 Everyone needs a Rebecca in their lives I have decided。 Her character was the epitome of sunshine and optimism and I thought it powerful she never let go of that light。 Valentine was broken and battered in so many ways and I just felt for him in all that was revealed。 The redemption arc of this novel was beautiful and deep and moving。 There was so much testament to the worth of individuals and the idea that people can change and that we should never give up on someone or base all judgement solely on past choices。 Rebecca and Valentine had their own kind of banter and humor， that while different than The Art of Victory， it fit them and the naivety Rebecca had and Valentine's assistance in her education cracked me up in the best of ways。 I just loved their romance so much。 Excellent chemistry， excellent themes， excellent writing。 I cannot wait to read this again。I received an advance reader copy of this novel。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more
Melissa Hayford
，
I have been anxious for Valentine's story since the beginning of this series。 I loved his story。 He is a complex character who deserves to be loved。 Rebecca is the perfect person to do that。 I loved her character。 Yes she's naive， but she's also loving and has a lot of spunk。 Her and Val were so good together。 You couldn't help cheering them on and seeing Val through her eyes。 I loved their story。 I have been anxious for Valentine's story since the beginning of this series。 I loved his story。 He is a complex character who deserves to be loved。 Rebecca is the perfect person to do that。 I loved her character。 Yes she's naive， but she's also loving and has a lot of spunk。 Her and Val were so good together。 You couldn't help cheering them on and seeing Val through her eyes。 I loved their story。 。。。more
Annie
，
I especially appreciated the last 20% and how Keyes really showed Valentine’s true resolve to change。 It was a good installment in the Donovan series， and I’m excited for Phineas’s story next！ :） *Thank you for eARC！*
Tasha （the_clean_read_book_club）
，
I am very rarely speechless when it comes to books， but Martha Keyes has rendered me speechless！ I had no idea how this book would live up to my love for The Art of Victory。 I was in raptures over that book and a little nervous going into this one。 The characters would be so different。 I knew the banter would be different。。。I should not have been worried， nor will I ever be worried again when it comes to a Martha Keyes' book。 I was thoroughly entertained and LOVED this story of opposites attract I am very rarely speechless when it comes to books， but Martha Keyes has rendered me speechless！ I had no idea how this book would live up to my love for The Art of Victory。 I was in raptures over that book and a little nervous going into this one。 The characters would be so different。 I knew the banter would be different。。。I should not have been worried， nor will I ever be worried again when it comes to a Martha Keyes' book。 I was thoroughly entertained and LOVED this story of opposites attract-grumpy/sunshine。 I may have highlighted more passages in this book than book 1。 My mind has been blown in the best， most entertained way。I also love a good redemption story and #reformingtherakes just might be the best thing to happen to literature right now！！ If you have ever read a Martha Keyes' book you know exactly what you are getting。 If you haven't picked up any of her books I highly recommend starting with this series！Content: Valentine is a rake and he did rakish things during all of his "rakery" （I can't wait for you to read this book so you will get that joke lol） Nothing explicit or detailed， but it is discussed in general terms throughout the story。 Illegitimacy is also briefly discussed。 I would feel completely comfortable letting my teen read this。 。。。more
A。
，
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it， click here。 4。5* Martha Keyes has juxtaposed a rake with an innocent debutant with convincing character development in her latest installment to her Donovans series。 The clever word play with cant phrases and the motivation of Valentine to reform highlight Keyes' skill with lighter and deeper subject matter。 I appreciated that Rebecca's character was portrayed as sincerely good， unfailingly optimistic， and whole-heartedly loving。 Her interactions with Valentine are clearly what helps him see his potential a 4。5* Martha Keyes has juxtaposed a rake with an innocent debutant with convincing character development in her latest installment to her Donovans series。 The clever word play with cant phrases and the motivation of Valentine to reform highlight Keyes' skill with lighter and deeper subject matter。 I appreciated that Rebecca's character was portrayed as sincerely good， unfailingly optimistic， and whole-heartedly loving。 Her interactions with Valentine are clearly what helps him see his potential and find a path and a reason to change。 The characters in this book are best understood with context provided in the other books in the series。I received a complimentary copy of this book。 All opinions expressed are completely my own。 。。。more
Lindy Thompson
，
ALL THE STARS， friends。 Martha Keyes just keeps getting better and better。 I adored her Scotland series， and the Donovan family is quickly becoming another favorite series！ So much emotion， so much growth， and so many deliciously sweet moments。 I adore Rebecca。 She is so completely naive and innocent with a heart of pure gold and the ability to always see the best in everyone。 Valentine has a lot of baggage， a lot of heart ache， and a life he's been trying to run from。 But when he agrees to assi ALL THE STARS， friends。 Martha Keyes just keeps getting better and better。 I adored her Scotland series， and the Donovan family is quickly becoming another favorite series！ So much emotion， so much growth， and so many deliciously sweet moments。 I adore Rebecca。 She is so completely naive and innocent with a heart of pure gold and the ability to always see the best in everyone。 Valentine has a lot of baggage， a lot of heart ache， and a life he's been trying to run from。 But when he agrees to assist Rebecca in her first Brighton season， all bets are off。 And I've never been a bigger fan library ladders than I am now。 So drop everything and pick up this book！！ Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book。 All opinions here are my own。 。。。more
Lisa
，
I enjoyed this！！ I loved Valentine and his brooding and Rebecca was so darn likable。 This was a unique story and enjoyed every second of it！ Martha Keyes is one author where I just know I will love it when I read it and I know there will be something that I will learn as well！ The incident with the wax at the play！！ That had never crossed my mind before but of course that would happen and I am so glad she put that in there！！
Kira （the book belle）
，
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of @authormarthakeyes's second full length novel of The Donovan's series， and let me tell you。。。it was the perfect mood read。Valentine is the definition of a Rake， a Rake with a past of drink， debt， and irresponsibility。 Enter Rebecca Russell， the innocent doe with a lively spirit and curious mind。 Two unlikely people come together in a beautiful sweet love story。I absolutely adored this book！ It's not often you get a story of a true Rake and Valentine has I was lucky enough to get an early copy of @authormarthakeyes's second full length novel of The Donovan's series， and let me tell you。。。it was the perfect mood read。Valentine is the definition of a Rake， a Rake with a past of drink， debt， and irresponsibility。 Enter Rebecca Russell， the innocent doe with a lively spirit and curious mind。 Two unlikely people come together in a beautiful sweet love story。I absolutely adored this book！ It's not often you get a story of a true Rake and Valentine has the perfectly， challenging redemption arc。 He has such a big heart underneath all of that heartache。 It pained me to see all his family struggles。 I looooove him so much！ He needs an HEA！And who comes to his rescue unexpectedly， an adorable， witty little angel， Rebecca， who has the sweetest heart。 Their relationship is so genuine， and beautiful from the inside and out。 Oh goodness the meet-cute was fabulous！！！Also， I thoroughly enjoyed Valentine's relationship with his sister Diana。 The Donovan siblings are all delightful！ I can't wait for Phineas' book！My friends， this story was so raw， real， and full of emotion。 All the feels！ Everyone needs to read Valentine and Rebecca's story！This book releases 8/24！ Available on KU and pre-order on Amazon！Happy Reading！Thank you Martha for the early copy！ All thoughts and words are my own。#histfic #historicalromance #thedonovans #marthakeyes #kindleunlimited #SweetRomance #lovestory #acomfirmedrake #bookrelease #pubday #augusttbr 。。。more
MK
，
I’ve always loved a redemption story and Valentine Donovan’s story was beautiful。 I was intrigued by Valentine when I read the first book and it did not disappoint。 I loved learning his story and Rebecca’s。 Rebecca may not be well acquainted with society， or the phrases used therein， but she knows how to see someone’s heart。 I love her ability to see someone’s good traits and potential and not focus on the negative。 If only we could all be more like Rebecca。 This grumpy/sunshine redemption story I’ve always loved a redemption story and Valentine Donovan’s story was beautiful。 I was intrigued by Valentine when I read the first book and it did not disappoint。 I loved learning his story and Rebecca’s。 Rebecca may not be well acquainted with society， or the phrases used therein， but she knows how to see someone’s heart。 I love her ability to see someone’s good traits and potential and not focus on the negative。 If only we could all be more like Rebecca。 This grumpy/sunshine redemption story is one that will stay with me。 I loved the themes， and tender scenes， and the funny moments these two characters had together。 Martha Keyes is an auto buy author for me and this novel proves to me again why。 。。。more
Meagan
，
Martha Keyes wrote another wonderful story。 I was looking forward to Valentine’s story and this book did not disappoint。 I love a good redemption story and this was one。 I loved Valentine’s treatment of Rebecca and the immediate trust Rebecca had in him。 Valentine had a lot of baggage to work through。 Rebecca’s sweet unlikely friendship was what helped him work through it。 It was so enjoyable to see the story unfold with morning chocolate， library fun， and other sweet moments。 I received an eARC Martha Keyes wrote another wonderful story。 I was looking forward to Valentine’s story and this book did not disappoint。 I love a good redemption story and this was one。 I loved Valentine’s treatment of Rebecca and the immediate trust Rebecca had in him。 Valentine had a lot of baggage to work through。 Rebecca’s sweet unlikely friendship was what helped him work through it。 It was so enjoyable to see the story unfold with morning chocolate， library fun， and other sweet moments。 I received an eARC from the author。 All opinions expressed are my own。 。。。more
Rachel
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I enjoyed this book。 At first Rebecca seemed a little too trusting and naive to like， but she really grew on me and my favorite thing was her misuse of inappropriate words and phrases。 Some made me laugh out loud！ I also loved her willingness to look beyond Valentine's reputation and the theme of redemption throughout the book。 Such a great series！ I enjoyed this book。 At first Rebecca seemed a little too trusting and naive to like， but she really grew on me and my favorite thing was her misuse of inappropriate words and phrases。 Some made me laugh out loud！ I also loved her willingness to look beyond Valentine's reputation and the theme of redemption throughout the book。 Such a great series！ 。。。more
Julie
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I was so excited to read Valentine's story and I was not disappointed。 I loved this book！ Rebecca and Valentine are perfect for each other。 Rebecca's innate kindness and goodness are just what Valentine needed to change his ways。 Rebecca is able to discover all the hurt inside of Valentine and help him to find other ways to cope。 Valentine is enthralled with Rebecca from the first meeting。 She intrigues him with her innocence and love of life。 I laughed and sighed （the good sighs） all through th I was so excited to read Valentine's story and I was not disappointed。 I loved this book！ Rebecca and Valentine are perfect for each other。 Rebecca's innate kindness and goodness are just what Valentine needed to change his ways。 Rebecca is able to discover all the hurt inside of Valentine and help him to find other ways to cope。 Valentine is enthralled with Rebecca from the first meeting。 She intrigues him with her innocence and love of life。 I laughed and sighed （the good sighs） all through the book。 I would highly recommend this book and the series。 。。。more
Genesis （geny。reads）
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Read it for the: -Sunshine/Grump-Redeemed Rake-Fake relationship -Internal Struggles –Complex Family Dynamic -Layered characters The story between Valentine Donovon and Rebecca Russell was one of my most anticipate dreads of the year， and Martha Keyes did not disappoint in her delivery。 Valentine was a wonderfully layered character。 I enjoyed the fact the story did not shy away from exploring his past as a capital R Rake。 To spite his father， a straight laced-Naval Admiral， he indulged in gambli Read it for the: -Sunshine/Grump-Redeemed Rake-Fake relationship -Internal Struggles –Complex Family Dynamic -Layered characters The story between Valentine Donovon and Rebecca Russell was one of my most anticipate dreads of the year， and Martha Keyes did not disappoint in her delivery。 Valentine was a wonderfully layered character。 I enjoyed the fact the story did not shy away from exploring his past as a capital R Rake。 To spite his father， a straight laced-Naval Admiral， he indulged in gambling， drinking， and woman， such that his reputation followed him everywhere。 Valentine accepted this part of himself and fought quite hard against the idea that he was redeemable。 Rebecca on the other hand has never had a chance to experience Society。 She was innocent and inexperienced when it came to interacting with others， and a tad naive when it came to society。 Yet she was kind-hearted and strived to find the light in every situation。 Valentine recognized her goodness and acted as a protector to her， but she did not disappoint when the tables turned。 Both in personality and outlook on life， Valentine and Rebecca were opposites， and yet it worked so well for their relationship。 The romance was the core of this story。 The themes of redemption and truly coming to know a person- flaws and all-were explored beautifully。 But the chemistry and angst this severed！ It was the perfect recipe for a story that kept the pages turning。 While this is a historical romance- the historical research comes out in stubble ways which helped the reader vividly imagine the settings without distracting from the wonderful storyline。 What set this story apart I think was the subplots and character building。 Valentine’s complex relationship with his father， the Admiral， his siblings， and others， made for a nice touch of drama and added a unique realism that pushed this book to a 5-star rating。 These characters were flawed。 They were stubborn， prideful， hurtful， loyal， and passionate-they made mistakes。 All of them were a piece of the complex puzzle that shaped the Donovan family。 Not everything was as it seems， and for this reason， I keep coming back for more with each release。 A confirmed Rake is a clean historical romance that can be read in one setting （and trust-you will want to）。 While the story explored the darker tones of the consequences of an unredeemable past， Martha Keyes manages to keep the tone light-hearted without sacrificing chemistry， heart， or emotional moments。 I highly recommend it。 I received a complimentary copy of this book。 The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own。 。。。more
Laura
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Delightful story。 Rebecca is full of naivety， compassion， and is truly a gem。 The confirmed rake， Valentine， succumbs to her charm almost instantly and spends the book fighting his attraction。 As he works to overcome his vices and change， Rebecca supports him along the way。 Their wit in their interactions made me laugh。 I loved the sweet dynamic of these two。
Reference
google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=A Confirmed Rake
hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=A Confirmed Rake&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft
The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,A Confirmed Rake&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0