Tilly and the Unreformed Rake

by Sofie Darling

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.

Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:

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Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

A really sweet story with a couple of main characters that really appealed to me, including a remorseful reformed rake seeking redemption, and a feisty heroine seeking to grab some joy for herself and strive for her future. A differing social status romance with a noble rake and a lady's maid FMC, with a bit of fairy tale magic.

Lord Rhys is the younger son of a nobleman and in his dissolute ways did something that he truly regretted and has been seeking to redeem himself, while maintaining the facade of a rake. What he did not expect, when his goal is in his grasp, is to have success snatched away by a mysterious bubbly blonde. Tilly Birdwell had the opportunity to have a grand night at a lavish gala and decided to grasp the opportunity and enjoy the night to the fullest. During her revels, she managed to win something that would help her gain her dream. However that is the very item Lord Rhys has been trying desparately to win back.

A Regency Cinderella story that ends with a rake redeeming himself, but also finding an unexpected love and fulfilling future for himself and Tilly. Who doesn't love a tale with a rake finding redemption, love, and a HEA?

This was also part of the What Happens in Brighton anthology.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burning strangers-to-lovers romance set during the reign of William IV, with its added opposites attract, class disparity, masquerade and redemption arc tropes. The plot is very well written and filled with emotion, LOL moments and spice. I love a good story about a reformed rake, and Tilly’s sassy, no-nonsense attitude—and the way she brought Rhys to his knees—made reading this a real pleasure.

At a masquerade in Brighton, former spendthrift and rake Lord Rhys Osborne attempts to win back his father's signet ring, which he lost to Lord Felix Mortimer a year ago. Instead, however, the ring goes to a strange young woman.
Former prostitute and now Lady Percival's lady’s maid Tilly Birdwell wants to enjoy a carefree evening and sneaks into the masked ball with a discarded invitation from her employer and friend. There she wins a signet ring from her former lover Lord Felix and flees. By chance, Tilly and Rhys' paths cross weeks later in London, and Rhys tries to convince her to give him the ring. But Tilly doesn't want to make it that easy for the notorious waster; first Rhys has to perform three good deeds. The more time Rhys spends with the vivacious young woman, the clearer it becomes to him that it is no longer just about the ring, but also about the respect of this inspiring woman who lives her life with purpose and intention…

Overall, a very entertaining quick read with likable characters, heart, humor and heat, that I‘m happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Class differences? Check. Opposites attract? Double check. Explosive chemistry? Off the charts. Sofie Darling serves up a deliciously chaotic meet at a masquerade ball in Brighton.

Tilly Birdwell is a former East End survivor, current lady’s maid, and forever queen of zero‑nonsense. Armed with a discarded invitation from her friend & employer, she walks into a masquerade ball and promptly sees an ex-lover from nine years ago who had promised her the world when she was sixteen but broke every promise. She sits to play a game of Loo (he had taught her & all his tricks & cheats), Rhy Osborne is also at the table trying to win his father's signet ring back from the cheat. However, Rhys was soon out money against two cheats and Tilly wins the signet ring from her former lover Sir Felix and quickly flees the table & the ball.

Rhys, this son of the Earl of Ashburn, is a reformed spendthrift and hopelessly outmatched man, never stood a chance against a woman like Tilly. She takes his legs out from under him almost before he even knows her name, then makes him earn his father’s signet ring back with three good deeds. Watching him scramble to impress her is half the fun; watching him fall for her purpose, fire, and sharp wit is the other half.

This story is emotional, funny, and wonderfully original; exactly the kind of romance where the heroine runs the show and the rake is delighted to be reformed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances of a different kind

Tilly is a former strumpet turned lady’s maid grateful for her luck, a voluptuous strong-willed world-wise beauty, a student of fashion with a plan to become a stylist to the ton.
Rhys is a former wastrel, coddled 3rd son of an earl, sober & celibate for a year now, desperate to reclaim his father’s lost signet ring and find his purpose in life.
They’ve both been cheated by the same man, and both are out for payback at the same Brighton masquerade. Too bad her winnings included his ring, and even worse, she disappeared!
A few weeks later he accidentally stumbles upon her in London. He pounces, but she refuses to be bullied by a lordling. However, since the ring turned out to be unsellable, she’s willing to return it... if he performs three noble deeds.

Impromptu shopping, tea at a fancy hotel, maid for a day, a bumbling backdoor call, kissing in the snow, a hilarious but touching intervention, a HOT bath – and then she cuts things short. A bittersweet goodbye. My heart broke a little.
Luckily, Rhys is not a quitter, and, oh my, what a grand HEA he orchestrates!

I loved this story and its fairytale vibes! Small, humorous, playful and oh so romantic! Just a short novel, but it felt complete, and both Tilly and Rhys stole my heart!
She’s plucky and bright, careful with her heart, makes him work for it, but can’t deny they click. It’s instant kindship, no matter how unlikely given their class difference, and slow-build trust as their personal history trickles through.
He’s dreamy with a dark cloud, a little tormented and stuck, effortlessly suave, but disarmed by her quick wit. Her drive and dream inspire him to do more, be better – and her challenge is the perfect starting point.
In short: he’s in a dark place, and she’s his light.

This was an absolutely marvellous, swoonworthy read! I dove in and didn’t come up for air until it was done – and then I swooned a little more. Simply perfect!

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Brought Them Together ! LOVE 💕 Changed There Lives 🥰 !
Tilly And The Unreformed Rake : Shadows And Silk Book 8 ; Sofie Darling Tells A Remarkable Story That Touches Your Heart ❤️ ! Two People One A Noble Who Lost His Way And The Other A Commoner Trying To Work For A Better Life ! Together There Tale Becomes A Magical Journey Filled With
Compassion ! Life’s Lesson ! Learning From One Another ! Kindness ! Most Of All LOVE 💕 ! A True Beautiful Experience To Read !
Tilly Birdwell You Could Say Had A Hard Life ! At 14 Cast Onto The Street Having To Make Her Own Way ! When A Noble Lady Took Her Under Her Wing A Gave Her An Opportunity ! With All That She Had Been Trough, She Never Let It Take Her Down ! Always Striving To Be Better !
Lord Rhys Osborne Was The Third Son Of The Earl of Ashburn . Since He Wasn’t Needed He Took On The Life Of A Wastrel And Rake ! When He Hit Rock Bottom He Started To Mend His Ways !
Tilly And Rhys Meet At A Card Game ! She Has Something That He Needs ! There Story Begins There ! How Will He Get It Back ? She Offers Him A Way !
3 Noble Deeds ! This Sparks There Relationship ! Working Together Changes Everything !
A Feel Good Story ! So Enchanting ! The Perfect Couple 🥰 !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and easy read, perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, romantic, and a little whimsical.
Tilly Birdwell is an absolute delight. She goes into the night wanting just a taste of magic—champagne, dancing, and a bit of harmless flirtation—and ends up with far more than she expected. I really liked how she isn’t a typical shy heroine. She’s spirited, stands her ground, and doesn’t let herself be easily swept away.
Lord Rhys Osborne, on the other hand, starts off as exactly the kind of man you expect—a bit arrogant, a bit reckless, and very used to getting his way. But as the story goes on, there’s more to him than meets the eye. His determination and the hints of regret in his past add a nice layer to his character.
The dynamic between Tilly and Rhys is playful and engaging. Their chase across England adds a sense of adventure, and their chemistry builds in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. The romance has that fairy-tale feel, but with enough personality and humor to keep it from feeling too predictable.
Overall, this is a charming, feel-good romance with a touch of magic, a bit of mischief, and a couple you can’t help but root for. A great pick for when you want something sweet, simple, and uplifting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light-hearted romance
Tilly has gone up in the world. From the East End to lady’s maid to the daughter-in-law of a duke, having learned to read and write. And Tilly has a long-term plan. She is saving as much as she can on her wages to open her own boutique, where she will counsel ladies on how to achieve their best ‘total look’. When she manages to get hold of a discarded invitation to a masquerade, she decides to attend. After all, she has that one Parisian creation gifted to her on her birthday by her lady. And who would know if she left before the unmasking.
Rhys is at the masquerade with a purpose. To win back his father’s signet ring that he wagered and lost in a game of loo… to a card cheat. The evening, however, doesn’t go according to plan and Tilly wins the ring from the current owner in revanche for what he did to her all those years ago.
Determined to get the ring no matter what, he agrees to Tilly’s conditions: do three noble deeds and the ring is his. Will he succeed? And what about these pesky feelings popping up between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys and Tilly

“Tilly and the Unreformed Rake” is book eight of Sofie Darling’s Shadows and Silk series. I enjoyed this tale of reforming rake Lord Rhys, a noble’s third son, who was a wastrel, a gambler, a womanizer, a drinker and no nonsense Tilly Birdwell, lady’s maid and aspiring entrepreneur. Rhys was on a self proclaimed quest to regain possession of his father’s signet ring after swearing off his former worthless lifestyle. When Tilly won it, his life transformed. Both of these characters were great. I loved their banter, I thought the path Tilly set for Rhys to get the ring was perfect for his character, the romance suited both Rhys and Tilly. I also liked that both main characters had pasts and both were experienced. I especially liked the respectful way Rhys treated Tilly. Tilly’s spark and drive certainly set the pace for the story. Lots of steam, spice and passion. A great feel good story with a satisfying happy ever after. Definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this story when it was part of a collection of stories that take place in Brighton. I was happy to see it was being released on its own as part of the Shadows & Silk series. It’s such a heart-warming, fun story that deserves to find the most readers possible.
Tilly is ladies maid to Lady Percival, who is featured in To Win A Wicked Lord. She is more friend than servant to Lady Isabel, & takes great pride in her job. She has big goals & dreams, & has made plans to eventually reach them.
Lord Rys Osborne, 3rd son of an Earl, has done much to change his ways after making some overindulgent life choices. When he encounters Tilly, it definitely tests his reformation.
I really like this story of how these two meet & fall in love. She has something he wants, but soon she is all he wants. Despite their differences in class & circumstances, it’s really easy to root for them to end up together.
Thanks to the author & publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy via Booksprout.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Tilly who has come up in the world from very humble beginnings! She has never forgotten them! So when a very handsome former rake and wastrel encounters her at a masquerade she runs! Lord Rhys Osborne is the third son of an Earl he lacks purpose and direction! So he engages the assistance of Lord Percival Bretagne to track down a scoundrel who used treachery at cards to gain his father’s signet ring from him!
But Tilly has her own reasons for being at the Masquerade and life in St Giles taught her some valuable lessons!
One of those she has imparted to Rhys in fact she offers him three chances at redemption!
But Rhys learned something early on that his world without Tilly was gray and lifeless!
What would it take for this beautiful tough on the outside fearless woman to be his!
Rhys loved the thrill of chance but this one will be life altering! Bravo
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute treat. Rhys wants to make amends to his father for gambling away his signet ring, so he goes sits down to gamble with the man who has it, hoping to get it back. Unfortunately, he fails. This time it isn’t the cheating scoundrel who take it, but a beautiful young woman. Tilly is lady’s maid who has been rescued from a squalid life in the rookeries by her employer. She is clever and full of life and optimism. She looks forward to her future. Rhys is, or is trying desperately to be, a reformed rake. Tilly agrees to return his ring if he can perform three noble tasks. Can he do it? Maybe, and watching him try is absolutely delightful. He and Tilly have a zing between them. She is good for him. Will they find their happy ever after together. The odds are good.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slow-burning strangers-to-lovers romance had it all: opposites attract, Cinderella, masquerades, and redemption arc tropes. Tilly Birdwell was a sassy, no-nonsense heroine with a dream and a plan for her future, and Lord Rhys Osborne was an unreformed rake of a hero determined to right a wrong in his past. A minor con: I love period appropriate language in historical romances, but the slang words “waster” and “wastrel” were used incessantly; they grated on this reader’s nerves to the very end. The plot was original and very well written; it overflows with emotion; I think the heart of the story was in the noble deeds! Heat level? A 7 out of 10. Once again, Sofie Darling demonstrates why she is an award-winning author of historical romance. I definitely recommend!

I received an ARC of this book in Ebook format from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Tilly Birdwell, a ladies maid like no other, instantly captured my heart. She’s clever, spirited, and a true breath of fresh air—I felt connected to her from the very first page.

Then there’s Rhys, the ultimate reformed rake. On a daring mission to reclaim a treasured family heirloom he recklessly lost in a card game, he never anticipates that Tilly will outplay him and win his father’s signet ring. What follows is pure delight: Tilly challenges him to complete three noble deeds, and with every test, her influence pushes him to grow, transforming him into a man worthy of admiration.

This enchanting tale hooked me from start to finish—I laughed, swooned, and didn’t want it to end!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys is the definition of a wastrel, drinking and gambling his life away.
Until he loses his father’s signet ring in a card game to a cheater.
He quits drinking and determines to retrieve the ring at a masquerade.
Tilly had had a checkered past but now works as a lady’s maid.
She escapes one night to go disguised to a masquerade. She wins the ring from the cheater and Rhys once again needs to try to retrieve the ring. Tilly tells him he has to earn it with noble deeds and she will give it to him.
Their romance is exciting and forbidden with class differences and past mistakes.
He is determined to make something for himself with her love and support.
Fun read and an happy outcome.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t enough stars in the rating for this fabulous story! If I can’t be Tilly when I grow up, I want to be her friend as she is such a ray of light, and we should surround ourselves with such people. She is inspirational with her wit, insights into the human psyche, perseverance, and grasp of the important things in life. Rhys holds his own against such a great character with determination to improve, steadfastness toward the goal he set for himself, romantic soul, and awe for Tilly. He definitely earns an HEA. I devoured this story in one day and smiled throughout the reading. I will definitely reread it multiple times and the revisiting with Tilly and Rhys will bring me joy each time!

I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saints and sinners…

For nine years, Tilly has been a ladies maid. In that time she learned to read has impeccable taste in dressing her lady and has a plan to open her own advice shop in fifteen years. She lifted herself up and out of the gutter to be better.

Rhys is a waster, a rake and has been a waste of space for his whole life. It’s only been in the last year that he’s looking for redemption. At a masquerade ball, he attempts to get it and Felix Mortimer, except Tilly happens to him. She was at the ball to dance and have fun and then leave before the masks come off. Tilly is amazing. She deserved a Prince, not Rhys, sho surely has an STI.
5 stars for Tilly.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly is a firecracker ladies maid with dreams she will not relinquish . Rhys is a wastrel and a rake. The author does a wonderful job of showing the addiction that had Rhys in its thrall. I loved how Tilly brought light into his world and showed him the good in himself. I adored the epilogue and how that ended. A short story with no crass language(thank you author) and an enjoyable “class” difference tale.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This eighth book in the Shadows and Silk series and the sixth book in the What Happens In Brighton Anthology was an absolutely delightful class difference fairytale inspired historical romance. It was very engaging from a masquerade ball, gambling, a quest for a lost ring, of redemption and personal betterment, emotional issues, and other exciting twists with humor and wit that kept me entertained and laughing throughout. I really enjoyed the fabulous depth of the characters and their journey to love and a happy ever after. I highly recommend reading

[Theresa25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story this was. I was hooked from the first couple chapters. I thought Tilly and Rhys were a very cute couple together. Even though Rhys was trying to become a better person, I think once he met Tilly his attitude changed inwardly and he wanted to become a better man for her and also mend his relationship with his father by getting back his father’s ring which Tilly now had. The addition of the three things he needed to do in order to retrieve the ring was well written and a pleasure to read. This is my favorite book so far from this author. I would highly recommend it.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple featured in this story wasn't the typical pairing. Working class Tilly was a ruined woman and Lord Rhys was a reformed rake. Over time both realize that they are better together.
The couple first meets during a card game at a masquerade. He's there trying to win back his father's signet ring and she's there secretly enjoying a one-time night of freedom. Once Tilly innocently ended up winning the ring, the chase was on!
This was a cute feel-good story and I recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeds, Gambling, Delightful Romance
This is a fun story that took me on a topsy-turvy adventure with two wonderful characters.
The plot was adventurous and the desirous and sizzling passion had me captured to the very end
I loved the short story and read it in one day.
The ending was marvelously written and put a smile on my face for a story well done.
My only con is the overdone repetitive slang word "Lawks" which I found frustrating.
Mature Advisory:2/5

[Josee A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly and Rhys are great characters who do not fit into the mold of what a traditional historical romance is. I loved how Tilly has pulled herself out of a world where she had to survive by however means necessary and has made something of herself with the support of her friends. Rhys was already on the road of redeeming himself from a wastrel when he met Tilly. She inspires him to be better, to do good, and he loves and supports her unconditionally. A beautiful tale of love and redemption.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly and the Unreformed Rake is a delight from start to finish! Sofie Darling has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is heartwarming. The characters are wonderfully vivid and engaging, each one leaping off the page with distinct personality and charm. Tilly herself is a captivating heroine, and the so-called “unreformed rake” makes for a perfect match—watching their relationship grow is a joy.

The plot is clever, well-paced, and full of satisfying twists that keep the pages turning. Darling balances humor and romance with finesse, building a story that captivates from the very first chapter and never lets go. Best of all, it all leads to a happy ending that leaves the reader smiling long after the final page.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The different spin is that neither of the main characters are what society would expect. Tilly is a lady’s maid who has a shady past. However, she is determined to make her way up in the world.

Rhys is a third son and a wastrel. But he has a good, noble heart within him. He just has to find it.

I enjoyed their banter and the story of their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice read about a Lord who falls in love with a Ladies maid who helps him be a better person. Rhys was looking to redeem himself for something he lost that was his father’s. Tilly helped him get it back and enjoyed the reformed Rake. This story was in the book What Happens in Brighton. But I enjoyed reading about Tilly and Rhys again.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly came from a life of being used until she was saved by a woman and her husband. She serves as her lady's maid even though she does not have to. When she wins a signet ring from a man who used her, she meets Rhys who needs the ring back for his father. She asks him for three noble deeds. Working on these deeds brings them closer together and Rhys doesn't want her to leave. It will take one last noble deed to win her hand.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this charming romance. I found the plot charming.

I loved Tilly, the heroine. Despite her difficult past, she’s an incredible optimist and has a unique vivacity. She is the perfect combination for Rhys, the hero. Their relationship is delightful.

The book grabs me from the beginning. It is an enthralling and wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is pure delight and Tillie and Rhys are magical together! From beginning to end this story had me smiling . From the moment that Tillie, a ladies maid, seeks one night of adventure at a masquerade party, meets Rhys, the reformed rake, son of an Earl, and then disappears into the night with his father’s signet ring, we know that we’re in for quite an adventure! Don’t miss this one !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, beautiful story! Rhys and Tilly meet in the most unexpected, unfortunately timed, perfect place and time. Their journey is such a wonderful explanation of love and understanding of each other, that it makes my heart melt for the two of them. It is simply lovely.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this first as part of an anthology and I loved it!
It's a gorgeous novella, well written as always with Darling's books. I particularly loved the female character, Tilly, so full of sunshine and love to give, who didn’t let life crush her.
Rhys is a great reformed rake, and I loved that he didn’t change for her, but for himself. A perfect little gem!