The Rebel and the Rake

By: Emily Sullivan

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series will love this enchanting story of a spy who finds himself entangled with the most intriguing bluestocking—from the series that delivers “both emotional intensity and lush sensuality, and vivacious writing enhanced by ample measures of wit”. (Booklist, Starred Review)

Rafe Davies might seem like just another charismatic rake, but in reality, he is one of the crown’s most valuable agents. As relentless as he is reckless, Rafe has never come upon a mission he couldn’t complete. But when he encounters the intriguing-yet-prickly lady’s companion Miss Sylvia Sparrow while on assignment at a Scottish house party, he finds himself thoroughly distracted by the secretive beauty.

Though most women would be thrilled to catch the eye of a tall, dark, and dangerously handsome man, Sylvia is through with that sort of adventure. She trusted the wrong man once and paid for it dearly. The fiery bluestocking is resolved to avoid Rafe, until a chance encounter between them reveals the normally irreverent man’s unexpected depths—and an attraction that’s impossible to ignore. But when Sylvia begins to suspect she isn’t the only one harboring a few secrets, she realizes that Rafe may pose a risk to far more than her heart.

Critic reviews

"The subterfuge provides an intense backdrop that only enhances the complex romance between Sullivan’s intelligent, progressive protagonists. Readers will be taken by independent Sylvia’s quest for love and companionship."—Publisher's Weekly

"The literary charms of Sullivan’s superbly written debut are many, including a full cast of deftly nuanced characters, an exquisitely evoked Italian setting that would impress E.M. Forster, love scenes that deliver both emotional intensity and lush sensuality, and vivacious writing enhanced by ample measures of wit."—Booklist, Starred Review, on A Rogue to Remember

"[A] winning debut.... This satisfying love story will especially appeal to historical romance fans looking for a break from the typical English setting."—Publishers Weekly, on A Rogue to Remember

Nicely Written Story

So much better than the first in the series, the author really does a good job in this one of creating consistent characters whose strong personalities & deep convictions on life intertwine well over the story arc. Their mutual partnership doesn't happen in an unbalanced way where one partner sacrifices more or inexplicably (or lazily by author) rolls over to force a HEA. Their love seems real & the pain they each had to walk through was done partially together, but also having to be resolved on their own in order to come together again. Well done.