Only Rakes Need Apply
A steamy historical romance

A sexy new series begins as three daring Regency ladies each seek lovers with no strings attached . . . and find even the most unfettered hearts can get tangled up in passion.

What’s a woman to do when her husband has departed but her . . . desires . . . very much remain? The only thing Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding misses about her late spouse, a notorious gambler and adulterer, is his expertise between the sheets. After two years donning mourning dresses, it’s her turn for some frisky fun. But with no intention of remarrying, how can she find the right devil-may-care rogue for the job?

Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance . . .

The anonymous newspaper advertisement leaves little to the imagination, and has the gentlemen of the ton wagering who is the temptress taking applications–and measurements!–to fill a most enticing position.

Thanks to an unexpected inheritance, confirmed bachelor Julian Laurent is free to indulge his passions–including the occasional seduction of married ladies. Still, he is appalled to discover his longtime friend, Carenza, is behind the public proposition. Surely Julian can prevent a damning scandal by pleasuring the lady to her heart’s content. After all, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. . . . But as their sensual escapades tumble into a dangerously addictive game, might their friends-with-benefits arrangement take them from bedding to wedding?

Released on October 28, 2025
9781496755155
Starred review from Publisher's Weekly

"This sparkling Regency series starter from bestseller Pearce (the Sinners Club series) kicks off with widowed Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding confessing to her friend Olivia Sheraton that she misses sex. The women decide to place a newspaper to ad find her a lover: “Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance. Please reply to this advertisement with precise measurements including height, age, length and girth of male member, and current financial statements. Interviews will be conducted before the end of the month.” The ensuing interviews are as comical and unfortunate as one might expect, with none of the prospective candidates appealing to Carenza. But when her longtime friend Julian Laurent discovers Carenza placed the ad, he offers up his own “sexual services.” Their affair is intense and highly sensual as they indulge in clandestine trysts. Meanwhile, in two suspenseful subplots, Julian faces accusations that the orphanages he supports are fronts to lure children into prostitution, and the wife of Carenza’s late husband’s heir accuses Carenza of stealing family jewels. The riveting friends-to-lovers romance makes the pages fly while Pearce’s commentary on the gendered double standards in Regency society adds depth. It’s hot, heartfelt, and addictive. (Oct.)"

Link to review

~ Publisher's Weekly
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