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The Rakess

Book 1 in the series:Society of Sirens

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The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham is a historical romance novel that follows the story of the strong and sensual heroine, Seraphina, and the architect, Adam. The novel explores their complicated and steamy relationship, touching on sensitive topics such as grief, loss, addiction, and empowerment. Despite the ups and downs in their journey, the book delves into the complexities of their characters and the challenges they face, leading to a resolution that may not address all concerns but focuses on making the relationship work.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and nuanced, each carrying their own burdens while engaging in a layered relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is witty and deep, skillfully balancing emotional weight with engaging storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a strong, sexually liberated heroine navigating her complicated life, riddled with grief and feminist themes.

Setting:

Set in early 19th century UK, the story reflects the societal issues and challenges faced by women at that time.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some parts feeling slow and repetitive while others are more engaging, especially during intimate moments.
At the ungodly hour of half past two on a sun-braced afternoon, Seraphina Arden stood before her looking glass in her flimsiest chemise, squinting against the glare coming off the ocean as she removed...

Notes:

The Rakess is the first book in Scarlett Peckham's Society of Sirens series.
The heroine, Seraphina Arden, is a sexually liberated woman who engages in multiple relationships.
The book features complex characters with real-life struggles, including grief and addiction.
The story incorporates feminist themes highlighting women's rights in the early 19th century.
The hero, Adam Anderson, is a widower with children who represents a more progressive view of women for his time.
The book is noted to be more imaginative in its sex scenes compared to typical historical romance formulas.
Content warnings include miscarriage, alcoholism, and other serious themes.
The narrative explores the consequences of casual sex in historical contexts, depicting its darker realities.
The story includes a notable role reversal, with the female character acting as the 'rake' in the relationship.
Scarlett Peckham is praised for her detailed portrayals of the characters' emotions and personal growth.
The Rakess includes elements like a jade butt plug in the sex scenes, which is relatively rare for historical romance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Rakess include themes of miscarriage, alcoholism, grief, and societal bullying.

Has Romance?

The romance in The Rakess is a central focus, deeply woven into the character development and plot progression.

From The Publisher:

Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction

Named one of the Best Romance of 2020 by EW, Washington Post, NPR, and Bookpage!

Meet the SOCIETY OF SIRENS-three radical, libertine ladies determined to weaponize their scandalous reputations to fight for justice and the love they deserve…

She's a Rakess on a quest for women's rights…

Seraphina Arden's passions include equality, amorous affairs, and wild, wine-soaked nights. To raise funds for her cause, she's set to publish explosive memoirs exposing the powerful man who ruined her. Her ideals are her purpose, her friends are her family, and her paramours are forbidden to linger in the morning.

He's not looking for a summer lover…

Adam Anderson is a wholesome, handsome, widowed Scottish architect, with two young children, a business to protect, and an aversion to scandal. He could never, ever afford to fall for Seraphina. But her indecent proposal-one month, no strings, no future-proves too tempting for a man who strains to keep his passions buried with the losses of his past.

But one night changes everything...

What began as a fling soon forces them to confront painful secrets-and yearnings they thought they'd never have again. But when Seraphina discovers Adam's future depends on the man she's about to destroy, she must decide what to protect… her desire for justice, or her heart.

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