They have common ground beyond their mutual desire for each other, but enough slight differences to make for compelling political debate.Īnd the supporting cast of other radical women is incredible. I admire how Sera didn’t let herself be defined as “ruined,” instead rebranding herself as The Rakess, and the exploration of the events that led to her ruination, while her “partner” in the escapades could go on raking his way through society without consequence was sad.Īdam is a great hero, and I like that he straddles the line of being conventional enough o have something to lose due to his involvement with Sera, but also being enlightened so it’s not just another “self righteous guy who thinks with his prick comes to respect a ruiend woman after being party to her degradation” story which I’ve unfortunately read in the past. Sera is an absolutely wonderful heroine, and I love how by doing the gender swap, Peckham adds nuance to the “rake” storyline to make it about the pursuit of equality. the ruined woman further excited me, due to its unfortunate continued relevance in today’s society. And the fact that the book tackles the double standard of the rakish man vs. The Rakess is a book that excited me ever since it was first announced, because it appeals to my love of flipping tropes on their heads, especially since I love a good scandalous woman (especially one with a cause) while I’ve long grown tired of purposeless rakes. I received an ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. 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. What began as a fling soon forces them to confront painful secrets-and yearnings they thought they’d never have again. 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. He could never, ever afford to fall for Seraphina.

Her ideals are her purpose, her friends are her family, and her paramours are forbidden to linger in the morning.Īdam Anderson is a wholesome, handsome, widowed Scottish architect, with two young children, a business to protect, and an aversion to scandal. To raise funds for her cause, she’s set to publish explosive memoirs exposing the powerful man who ruined her. Seraphina Arden’s passions include equality, amorous affairs, and wild, wine-soaked nights. She’s a Rakess on a quest for women’s rights…

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

The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham