My The Vicar and the Rake Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Vicar and the Rake by Annabelle Greene (Society of Beasts #1) is a witty, steamy, and heartfelt Regency romance centering on Gabriel Winters—a chaste, hard-working country vicar with a past he’s sworn to leave behind. When notorious rake Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Caddonfell, flees London under threat of scandal and assassination, he returns to his childhood home and finds Gabriel gravely ill on his estate. Deciding to save his old friend (and first love), Edward inadvertently reopens old wounds and reignites a long-buried passion. Together, they navigate blackmail, mysterious intrigues, and the dangers of a society hostile to their love—all while trying to outmaneuver foes bent on their ruin. With the help of a secret society for gentlemen, clever friends, and even a mischievous kitten named Buttons, Gabriel and Edward are forced to confront their past, their fears, and what it truly means to love and be loved in a world stacked against them.
Why I Love This Book
I love The Vicar and the Rake for its blend of classic Regency atmosphere, laugh-out-loud humor, and deliciously tense romance. Gabriel and Edward’s history as childhood sweethearts turned near-strangers gives their reunion emotional stakes and palpable longing, while their banter and mutual vulnerability add layers to both characters. The supporting cast is lively and memorable, the plot is brisk and filled with twists, and the author balances the constraints of the period with genuine warmth and hope. The steam level is solidly moderate—expect several explicitly written scenes with a strong emphasis on consent and emotional connection, which pace beautifully with the story’s romantic growth. The book nails the “second chance, childhood friends to lovers” trope and weaves in both mystery and found family. It’s tender, smart, and deeply satisfying for historical MM romance fans.
Who Will Like This Book
This novel is perfect for readers who love historical romance, LGBTQ+ stories, and enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers dynamics. If you enjoy slow-burn relationships, witty dialogue, emotional growth, and a touch of suspense, you’ll be delighted. It appeals to romance fans who want both heart and heat, complex leads, and a happily-ever-after that feels earned in the face of social adversity. The steam falls at a “moderate” level with several explicit encounters that never overshadow the core of the story—emotional honesty, trust, and mutual healing.
Tagged As
historical romance, Regency, LGBTQ+, enemies to lovers, slow burn, steamy, humor, secret identities, danger, societal constraints, found family, second chance romance, open-door scenes
Steam Level
The romance is steadily steamy, with open-door scenes focused on mutual longing, vulnerability, and consent. The sensuality supports both the history and development of the main couple. If you like your historicals with genuine spice and real emotional stakes, this is a rewarding choice.
