by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sin #2
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
It Takes A Lady- Brilliant scholar Genevieve Barrett knows how to keep a secret. Her identity as the author of her father's academic articles has always been her greatest deception—until a charming housebreaker tries to steal the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel from her. She doesn't reveal that she recognizes her father's devastatingly handsome new student as the thief himself. For Genevieve, this will be the most seductive secret of all...To Catch A Thief-Sir Richard Harmsworth has been living a lie, maintaining a rakish façade to show society that he doesn't care about his status as a bastard. Yet long haunted by his unknown father's identity, Richard believes the Harmsworth Jewel will confirm his claim as the rightful heir. But when Richard sets out to seduce the bookworm who possesses the stone, he instead falls for its beautiful owner. But even as she steals Richard's heart, Genevieve will be in greater danger than her coveted treasure...
I thoroughly enjoyed Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed the first book in the Son’s of Sin series by Anna Campbell and was delighted to begin reading A Rake’s Midnight Kiss. This time we get Sir Richard Harmsworth tale and what a fun romp it was. The tale and its characters quickly captured my attention leaving reality behind. Three-word review: romantic, humorous and enchanting.
Despite his father’s acceptance and family title, Richard has lived with the ton’s scrutiny since being born on the wrong side of the blanket. He believes the Harmsworth Jewel will confirm his claim as rightful heir and sets out to obtain it. He makes plans to seduce the country bookworm who possesses the precious stone but Sir Richard has never encountered anyone quite like the scholarly Genevieve Barrett. She is quite the gem and the tale that unfolds has mischief, danger, and a few heated encounters.
Campbell has a way of creating flawed, brilliant, lovable character from the hero to the stable boy. Genevieve Barrett is a vicar’s daughter and she is toting around a few secrets. Including the fact, that she is the author of her father’s academic articles. She never intends to marry and is quite the amateur detective. I loved her outspokenness and how Richard could make that brain of hers turn to mush. Sir Richard is stiff and conscious of his every move throughout the ton. I was surprised he could move for fear of wrinkling his cravat. When he takes on the identity of Christopher Evans we see a transformation in him and I adored watching him become comfortable in his own skin. The interaction between them was absolutely delightful. Filled with snark and humorous moments I quickly became caught up in their story. Lord Neville is our villain and you will love to hate him. Genevieve’s dad, Dr. Barrett needs a serious slap! Camden Rothermere, the Duke of Sedgemoor is dreamy and will be the hero in the next book. Eep! The characters from book one, Jonas and Sidonie, were present as well and it was nice to get an update on their happily-ever-after.
A Rake’s Midnight Kiss, was such a fun tale, filled with suspense, and cat and mouse games. I enjoyed the delicious humor and snorted aloud quite a few times. I love tropes where a person pretends to be someone they are not and has this huge plan. Of course, that plan blows up in their face and I love watching it all unfold. Watching Richard transform was lovely and Genevieve gave him no slack. Her snarky, straightforward personality was refreshing. The thread regarding the heirloom kept me on edge, as Genevieve found herself in danger. Campbell’s characters are fleshed out and felt genuine making me root for them. This is the type of romance that you lose yourself in. The love scenes are heated, with just enough detail to curl your toes. Campbell knows how to describe a kiss! I read this in exactly two sittings and if my body hadn’t betrayed me it would have been one. *I fell asleep with the nook in my hands..drats* I cannot wait for Camden’s tale and will be counting down the days.
Fans of historical romance, with fleshed-out, flawed and humorous characters will adore A Rake’s Midnight Kiss. Each book in the Son’s of Sin series can be read as a standalone…but what fun is that?
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
Hmm, another book for my TBR list! This sounds delightful.
kimbacaffeinate
*nods head* Yes, adding it!
Tash
Okay moving this book up the review pile. I had it for a while but I need a change of genre to keep things interesting. I love the first book and so glad you enjoyed the second book.
kimbacaffeinate
I am simply loving this series!
Dani C
Awesome review! I actually just finished a HR this past week that was sooooo good I may just have to start picking up a few more! Looks like this one can go on my list!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo what was it..don’t hold out on me!
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I enjoyed the first book, too, and now I’m looking forward to this one. Thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
The wait will seem like forever ..LOL
Cyn
Yay! Awesome review. I loved the snark! I think I read this in almost one sitting too haha. Why must we wait so long for Cam’s story!
kimbacaffeinate
I know..the wait is killer 🙂 of course Cam’s story is the one I have wanted the most *sigh*
Berls
Oh this sounds good! The cover alone has me interested. I don’t do a lot of historical fiction, but I think this one might have to be one of the few I do read. I’m a huge fan of flawed characters too. I know you said it can be read as a stand alone – but how much does book 1 add to the story in your opinion? Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
While these all truly work as standalone, I adored Seven Night’s and its whole beauty and the beast vibe. The men are all friends from Eton and we do meet them all in book one, but truly you could read them out of order. I should tell you book one made my top 10 adult reads in 2012 🙂
Berls
Well on that note, I guess I’d better check out the first book! I do like some historical fiction (loved Outlander for example) and this sounds pretty great!
Kimberly
Great review Kimberly, I’ve been really curious about this author’s writing for awhile now. Looks like I’m going to have to borrow one of her books.
kimbacaffeinate
I have read perhaps 4 books by her now and enjoyed each of them, but this series is my fav thus far. 🙂
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
I *ADORE* Anna! I got to meet her once and she was so darn delightful. Her writing is just the same. Glad to hear this was a winner 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have worked with her and agree. This series is such fun 🙂
Christy
I’m in desperate need of a fun romp. lol. Seriously this series does sound fun and sexy. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, romps are good!
sharonda
I just saw this on NetGalley I believe. Haven’t read a good historical romance in a while, might have to check this out 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I think it was on there 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh yea… this sounds like the kind of historical romance I enjoy. So not going to just read this one. Must read the first too! I do like it can be read as a standalone though… you know… with my reading out of order and all… 😀
kimbacaffeinate
ooh I loved both, in fact book one made my top ten adult list for 2012 🙂
blodeuedd
I still got two I have not read by her *hides in shame*
kimbacaffeinate
*shakes finger a you*
Aurian
Great review, I really like bookworm like heroines in my books.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too Aurian I instantly connect with other readers 🙂
Sam
Haha! I am always falling asleep with an ereader in hand. This sounds like a lot of fun! The humour much be great if it had you snorting aloud. Lovely review, Kimba. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe, I so wish sleeping was optional!
Candace
Anything with ‘rake’ in the title gets MY attention! This one sounds really great and like the story line is just as great at the romance!
kimbacaffeinate
*giggles* my thoughts exactly!
Andrea
I love a historical romance that has tons of humor. This sounds like a great read. Glad you enjoyed!
kimbacaffeinate
It was Andrea, this series has been quite fun 🙂
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Sounds like another great series! Still pondering how one can fall asleep reading-I’m jealous! lol
kimbacaffeinate
It is a battle, usually with me struggling to read just one more chapter and losing the battle. Sometimes injury occurs when I drop the Nook on my face!
Sarah
Wow, this series sounds good! Smarts are so sexy on a heroine! 🙂 Genevieve sounds like my kind of lady.
Kitties Like Books Too
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, thanks Sarah 🙂
brandileigh2003
Love the sound of Campbell!
kimbacaffeinate
Campbell is a fun author, thanks Brandi!
Farrah
I totally loved this book, too! I’m loving this series and I can’t wait for the next book. More dreamy heroes, witty heroines, and thrilling stories. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I am glad you liked this too Farrah and now we wait!
Jenea
Sounds like a great read. Glad you enjoyed it, wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea, you know I love my HF fix each month..LOL
Nick
I debated getting this book when it was available on NG and I decided against it when I saw my blog schedule, but your review is making me regret my decision a bit.
I love it when historical romance heroines are feisty and outspoken. I can tell that Genevieve is a heroine who will appeal to me. And this book made you snort? Yes! I need a good funny book!
Lovely review, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to pick it up soon Nick, and I have made that decision myself quite a few times and then kicked myself..LOL
Adria
I loved this book too! I know it just came out but I can’t wait for the next book already.
kimbacaffeinate
It seems like we are always waiting on series we love 🙂
Tanja
I haven’t read something like this is a while, really. I’m so happy to see that this book is also funny, beside being romantic. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
She creates characters you cannot help but like, thanks Tanja 🙂
kindlemom1
Sounds like another fabulous read! Thanks for sharing this one with us Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
it was Ali, enjoy the day!