Only Rakes Need Apply

Paperback
$18.95 US
On sale Oct 28, 2025 | 320 Pages | 9781496755148

In a spicy new series that turns the conventions of Regency London upside down, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce introduces three female friends, each in search of an unmarried rake or rogue for a no-strings-attached romantic romp. Irresistibly sensual reading, perfect for fans of Sabrina Jeffries, and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.

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?
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British civil service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer. She writes for Kensington, Penguin Random House UK, Rouge Romance, Carina and Cleis Press and is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self-publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate at her website at katepearce.com, on Facebook as Kate Pearce, and on Twitter @Kate4queen. View titles by Kate Pearce

About

In a spicy new series that turns the conventions of Regency London upside down, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce introduces three female friends, each in search of an unmarried rake or rogue for a no-strings-attached romantic romp. Irresistibly sensual reading, perfect for fans of Sabrina Jeffries, and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.

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?

Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British civil service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer. She writes for Kensington, Penguin Random House UK, Rouge Romance, Carina and Cleis Press and is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self-publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate at her website at katepearce.com, on Facebook as Kate Pearce, and on Twitter @Kate4queen. View titles by Kate Pearce