Last Chance Scoundrels: Book # 1
Publication Date: February 22, 2022
In USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh’s new novel a notorious rake and an innocent debutante strike a scandalous bargain…
When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?
Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.
In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes is my first book by Eva Leigh. And it’s the first book in a new series, Last Chance Scoundrels. I’ll admit, I picked up this book solely on the title and author, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I got.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes follows the romance of Kieran and Celeste. Kieran’s an absolute rake, banned from polite society. After his parent’s decree that he has to marry a respectable lady, he enlists the help of Celeste, his best friend’s sister. But Celeste is willing to help Kieran if he shows her some of the seedier side of London. The premise is solid and something new to me in historical romance, so I was excited to jump in.
Kieran and Celeste were both complicated characters. They had this outward appearance that society saw but was completely different on the inside. And they both felt very trapped in their circumstances and their family’s demands. It was fun to watch their personal growth while they were falling in love.
It was also interesting to visit some of the racier sides of London. It’s not the first time that most of these locations, gaming hells, backstage at a theatre, etc., have been seen in historical romances. But for me, it was the first time seeing them all in one book and with the female leads visiting them all. Ms. Leigh’s descriptions of these locals and parties were vivid, and I felt I was right along with Kieran and Celeste.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes was a wonderful introduction to Eva Leigh and this new series. My only complaint is that the obstacle keeping Kieran and Celeste apart was too easily resolved for me. Otherwise, I was pulled into the story, and I enjoyed the ride. I can’t wait to read future books in this series.
Eva Leigh is a USA Today bestselling author who writes novels chock-full of determined women and men who are here for it. She enjoys baking, spending too much time on the Internet, and listening to music from the ’80s. Eva and her husband live in Central California.
Eva also writes in multiple romance genres as RITA-award nominated Zoë Archer. As Alexis Stanton, she wrote the novel on which the top-rated Hallmark holiday movie “A Timeless Christmas” was based.
