If You Give a Rake a Ruby (Jewels of the Ton, #2)

by Shana Galen

[Angie]

Even though it's been quite a while since I read the first book, I do think I enjoyed this sequel even more! If You Give a Rake a Ruby follows another one of the Three Diamonds: Fallon the Marchioness of Mystery. Fallon comes home one night to find a strange man in her bed! Of course, since she parades as a courtesan she assumes that he wants sex from her. Well, Warrick is actually there for information. He knows Fallon's real name and her history. Which he intends to make public knowledge unless she helps him with his mission.

If You Give a Rake a Ruby was so much fun! There's nonstop action and plenty of sexy times! It is a bit unbelievable that a gentleman like Warrick would knowingly drag a woman into danger. But I didn't mind because I had such a good time reading about their adventure! Fallon use to know a prominent crime lord in London which is why Warrick comes to her for help. He's trying to find whoever is out to murder the Diamonds in the Rough and Lucifer's Lair is his starting point. Obviously, things must go wrong at every turn. Their lives are put on the line, injuries are inevitable, but so are passionate kisses.

As exciting as the suspense plot was, the romance was even better! Fallon and Warrick are instantly attracted to each other, and after that initial misunderstanding there's no denying that the chemistry is there. I loved how Fallon wasn't this nervous virgin who didn't know what to do with those feelings. In fact, much of the time she takes charge and was quite vocal about what she wanted! I also loved how Warrick was the one to declare his love first rather than being broody and denying his feelings. Fallon does have some issues to work through, but she comes around soon enough.

I do wish that If You Give a Rake a Ruby didn't have such a rushed ending. Fallon and Warrick get engaged. He figures out who the traitor is. Then it's over! I was left very eager to pick up the final book, but I also wasn't ready for this one to be over yet!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.