Last week, Marcus tried his hand at making sourdough with me, which ended up with flour from the kitchen to the dog’s tail. There’s nothing quite like cozy chaos and laughter to remind me how much I love our home routines. While waiting for the bread to rise (and cleaning it off the ceiling), I slipped under my favorite blanket and began reading Letter from a Rake. It's funny how a messy baking attempt can make a quiet afternoon with a good romance novel feel all the more restorative. I guess in our busy lives—between family antics and freelance deadlines—I look forward to stories that sweep me away but don’t take themselves too seriously. This book did exactly that.
Plot Summary
Letter from a Rake: A Regency Historical Romance (The Duke of Strathmore Book 1) by Sasha Cottman follows Miss Millie Ashton, recently arrived in England after growing up in India. London society, with its sharp-tongued debutantes and chilly parlors, immediately tests her confidence. She soon finds companionship with Lady Lucy Radley and, through her, meets Alex Radley, the Marquess of Brooke, whose first impression is anything but charming. What begins as a humiliating encounter evolves into a friendship brimming with misunderstandings, stubborn pride, secret letters, and romantic tension. Set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London in 1817, it's the first in the Duke of Strathmore series and weaves together themes of belonging, family loyalty, and second chances.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Millie is refreshingly unique—confident, curvy, and not afraid to stand out with her nose ring, even when the Ton gossips. The emotional ups and downs made me root for her happiness. The banter between Millie and Alex is witty and kept me grinning; their stubbornness felt relatable, and sometimes I wanted to reach through the page and give them both a nudge. The supporting cast, especially Lucy, adds warmth and humor. Sasha Cottman’s writing gives cozy charm to Regency drama, blending mistaken identities and heartfelt moments with just the right level of tension. It’s the kind of book that draws you in quickly and makes the world fall away.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy Regency historical romance with clever heroines, endearing—and occasionally infuriating—heroes, and family-centered stories, you’ll likely love this book. Fans of slow burn romance, witty repartee, and second chance love will appreciate the layered relationships. It isn’t dark or taboo, but there’s real emotional depth and gentle humor. Personally, I found the story comforting and the setting immersive—perfect for curling up with during a thunderstorm or after a busy family day.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Some social humiliation, brief mentions of class-driven prejudice, and romantic angst. No explicit sexual assault or abuse.
Tagged As
Regency romance, historical romance, London society, witty banter, second chance romance, friends-to-lovers, curvy heroine, scandal, aristocracy, slow burn, series starter, family drama, indie romance, HEA, miscommunication, cozy
Steam Level
The romance is gentle and mostly closed-door; chemistry builds steadily with meaningful touches and longing glances. Some tension and mild sensuality, but major scenes are fade-to-black, keeping the story focused on emotion and relationship rather than explicit detail.
