Reviewer: Lori Graham
Title: A Reputable Rake
Author: Diane Gaston
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 0-373-29400-X
Release Date: May 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1817
Overall rating: 4.75
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Language (profanity) rating: None
Voilent content rating: None (some alluded to but even that is very mild)
Diane's Website:
www.dianegaston.com
Cyprian Sloane has led a life almost from a distance. He has certainly engaged in life but yet even that engagement has been from a distance. He was born out of wedlock to an Earl. While the Earl acknowledged him, he wasn’t really a part of the family. Society had to accept him but not embrace him. So, he did what any young man would do – rebel. He became known as a disreputable, womanizing, drunkard rake and that suited his purposes just fine. If they knew what he was really up to, society would be shocked. He was able to move in shadows throughout his life and go places normal men would not tread.
He has now returned to his home. The life he led will be left behind and he will become reputable. He has made substantial amounts of money so he must blend into society and find a quality woman to marry to complete the transformation. One of his first nights there, however, he gets pulled into bailing out Morgana Hart. Morgana may be the daughter of Baron Hart who is a diplomatic representative but she follows her heart wherever it may lead. Granted she has followed her father around the world in his various posts but she has returned home to settle for awhile. Currently residing with her grandmother (who is slightly senile and pays no attention to what she does), Morgana can’t help but help others in need even if it is at her expense.
This particular evening one of her maids is being accosted by a man while they were on their evening walk. Cyprian can’t just walk by and let helpless women be injured by this ruffian so he comes to her aid. They are both in for some surprises though as Cyprian discovers this damsel is far from helpless and Morgana finds that the man who fills her dreams is courting her cousin.
I have to admit there is more to this story I would really like to share but I find myself stopping at this point because I really want you to discover it on your own. When Morgana finds out what really happened that night in the park and reasons behind it, a whole new adventure opens up to her and she can’t ignore it – safety be forgotten. Cyprian risks the very reputation he so deeply desires in order to help her and protect her – from herself and others.
I really enjoyed how Diane Gaston created and displayed Cyprian Sloane. This is a man of incredible strength, character, depth and cleverness but yet a side of him that remains chivalrous and compassionate. Granted there have been times he has had to put those emotions on a shelf in order to complete his missions but once left to his own devices they rise to the top. A Reputable Rake is a delightful read full of events to tickle your senses. Everything from humor to meditative to sadness to passion is covered.
As Morgana works on her mission, sometimes we see that things don’t turn out the way we planned but they can turn out a whole lot better!!
Lori
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Lori know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews