Review: My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh
I’m just going to warn you now that this review is really me gushing about how wonderful the whole story and especially Sebastian Holloway.
While this book is dual POV, I really felt like it was more Seb’s story than Lady Grace’s. I felt like his character growth really drove the story forward. Also, I love him. I think he’s my top book boyfriend of all time. I don’t want to share him. He’s perfect.
I picked up this book because it’s a fake relationship trope with a nerdy, awkward, anxious beta hero. I also love that they’re all a bunch of scientists at this glorious scientific library in London that doesn’t discriminate against race, sex, or class. chef’s kiss
Grace is a naturalist who has no desire to get married. But, you know, she’s the daughter of an earl with no inheritance laws. There is ONE guy she has the hots for, another naturalist who is noble-born and looking for a wife. Unfortunately, he only sees her as a colleague.
She enlists the help of her good friend, poor anthropologist Sebastian Holloway. He’s got an abusive father and a bunch of anxiety. And he’s totally got a thing for Grace, but he never really considers pursuing her because he has no money. Oh, the pining.
I’m honestly surprised that I loved this book as much as I did because it had a few tropes that I’m not a fan of. I don’t hate a friends-to-lovers story, but they aren’t usually my thing. I also HATE LOATHE DESPISE love triangles. But this one was exceptionally well-done. It felt…genuine. Not contrived. Which is hilarious considering the plot is kind of ridiculous.
My Fake Rake is also a Pygmalion/Cinderella makeover story. I normally hate these because ew sexist. But this book flips the trope on its head. It’s the hero who gets the makeover.
I’m here for the healthy male friendships in this book, too. Seb’s BFF is a duke who plays the role of fairy godmother in this Cinderella story. He and Grace groom Seb into the most lusted after rake in London to make that other dude jealous.
It’s a really slow burn, and the steamy payoff is great. My only complaint, really, is that there’s not fifteen scenes of Sebastian getting it on. He is definitely a beta in the streets, alpha in the sheets.
Sigh.
He’s so woke and feminist and respectful. I just want to hold his hand through his horrible anxiety. He’s also got this endearing quirk of having a dirty sense of humor, which just seems so out-of-character for the normal awkward beta heroes. I love it.
Five stars. Two thumbs up. 10/10. My Fake Rake will be a go-to comfort read for years to come, I have no doubt.
Where does it hit on the Hoville Heat Level index? It’s a solid jalapeño, but, like, I could have done with just one more jalapeño in the salsa, you know? (Or a whole book of Seb porn, but you win some, you lose some.)
