It's All About the Duke: The Rakes of St. James

Amelia Grey

May 2018 · The Rakes of St. James Book 3 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

“A master storyteller.”—Affaire de Coeur

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal—but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise...

Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desires. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?


It's All About the Duke is the next Regency romance in The Rakes of St. James series from Amelia Grey.

Ratings and reviews

I admired what a strong and confident Marlena Fast, the heroine Ms. Grey created in her lasted book. The love, care and independence provided for Marlena by her previous guardians helped shape the woman she became while living a somewhat carefree life. Having a well known Rake, the Duke of Rathburne, as her latest guardian was bound to affect her and restrict some of her independence as she readied for her debut season. The shenanigans created a few years prior by the Rakes with their secret admirer letters had lasting consequences that none of the three Rakes of St. James realized or knew about. Writing the scandal sheet under an alias name, Marlena’s secret could cost her the love of a good man. I felt badly how guilty she was feeling as she met many of the people she had written about over the years. I was quite glad that she realized how hurtful her words were and how they could have affected those people. In fact, the Rakes of St. James were also made aware of how much those recipients of their letters were affected. Yes, it is wise to think before we act as Marlena and Rath learned in this wonderful love at first sight story. Ms. Grey wrote a wonderful story with relatable characters, humorous as well as a few uncomfortable situations. I really enjoy reading this book and had trouble putting it down, turning page after page, wanting more once I turn that last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

What could be worse? Trying to outlive an old scandal or trying to make a new one by writing about it? This series is about three rakes who made a wager long ago that has haunted them for years. With two happily married, the third, Rath, the Duke of Rathborn is left. Marlena Fast, has been writing a column under the pen name Miss Honora Truth, using her gossip sheet to keep reminding the public of the three men's misdeeds. When fate steps in and Rath accepts a request to assume guardianship of Marlena and help present her to society, the irony is not lost on her. Has he found out who she is? Of course there is an automatic attraction that they both try to fight. Each chapter began with a quote of her witticisms from her column or thoughts. But the chemistry between the two is just overwhelming. There are several twist and turns with many delightful side characters coming into play. The story runs its course and comes to a page turning conclusion. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. But be sure to read the others and you will be glad you did!!

This was such a good read. I fell in love with Rath and Marlena and their road to romance. I loved the dynamics going on and the back and forth repartees between them. Marlena fell for Rath. The first encounter between them was written with such sweetly sensuous phrasing. This author has a talent for great storytelling, as her writing is more like a traditional Regency and very character-driven. She deftly incorporated some subterfuge and secrets into the character’s stories.

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen and she’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since. Her awards include the Booksellers Best, Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the prestigious Maggie Award. Her books have sold to many countries in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and most recently to Japan. Several of her books have also been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia is the author of over twenty-five books. She’s been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.

Amelia is the author of The Heirs' Club series, including The Duke In My Bed, It's All About the Duke, and Wedding Night With the Earl.