The Rake (Davenport #2) by Mary Jo Putney. HR.
Jun 11, 2023 7:54:32 GMT -7
Banana Boat, bj, and 5 more like this
Post by mlover on Jun 11, 2023 7:54:32 GMT -7
RITA winner!
England 1817. IMO this book stands the test of time. The copyright pg indicated this was originally entitled The Rake
& the Reformer. Gave this a rare 5 of 5 stars.
This had 3 love stories: the MCs, Merry & a man, Reggie's valet Mac & a woman.
Reggie, an earl's heir had to adjust when informed his cousin, Richard, a former army officer, became the earl instead.
Reggie's late uncle was cold toward him & sent orphaned Reggie at age 8 away to school. Richard, in present day, told
Reg his Mom had bequeathed to Reg his childhood home in Dorset w/ 3K acres. Reg always wanted to be a horse
breeder. Too many rumors spread about Reggie the rake.
Alys "Allie" served as steward of this property. She took a place in the red & turned it solidly "in the black." She added
several small businesses which benefited the tenants & ex-soldiers. She established a school. Reggie seemed impressed
by her accomplishments. She kept her position. Allie helped raise 3 wards, including the stunning Merry.
Allie gave up on children of her own because (her perception) she was too tall (nearly 5'10") & unattractive. She'd
been in love before but disillusioned. Reggie a rake, showed his gentlemanly side. He denied his alcohol problem.
The author sensitively explored his struggle. The MCs grew close after many challenges. Allie believed Reggie only
wanted to kiss her when inebriated (untrue). The MCs exchanged witty comments and some which cut deeply.
Secondary characters: Mac was a valet and a friend, Merry kind/ beautiful, & the vicar too judgmental & needed a
time-out or reassignment.
Favorite scenes: Reggie used reverse psychology on a friend's angry sire. And Richard helped calm some desperate
former soldiers. A well-balanced story. IMO a keeper.
England 1817. IMO this book stands the test of time. The copyright pg indicated this was originally entitled The Rake
& the Reformer. Gave this a rare 5 of 5 stars.
This had 3 love stories: the MCs, Merry & a man, Reggie's valet Mac & a woman.
Reggie, an earl's heir had to adjust when informed his cousin, Richard, a former army officer, became the earl instead.
Reggie's late uncle was cold toward him & sent orphaned Reggie at age 8 away to school. Richard, in present day, told
Reg his Mom had bequeathed to Reg his childhood home in Dorset w/ 3K acres. Reg always wanted to be a horse
breeder. Too many rumors spread about Reggie the rake.
Alys "Allie" served as steward of this property. She took a place in the red & turned it solidly "in the black." She added
several small businesses which benefited the tenants & ex-soldiers. She established a school. Reggie seemed impressed
by her accomplishments. She kept her position. Allie helped raise 3 wards, including the stunning Merry.
Allie gave up on children of her own because (her perception) she was too tall (nearly 5'10") & unattractive. She'd
been in love before but disillusioned. Reggie a rake, showed his gentlemanly side. He denied his alcohol problem.
The author sensitively explored his struggle. The MCs grew close after many challenges. Allie believed Reggie only
wanted to kiss her when inebriated (untrue). The MCs exchanged witty comments and some which cut deeply.
Secondary characters: Mac was a valet and a friend, Merry kind/ beautiful, & the vicar too judgmental & needed a
time-out or reassignment.
Favorite scenes: Reggie used reverse psychology on a friend's angry sire. And Richard helped calm some desperate
former soldiers. A well-balanced story. IMO a keeper.
), I have put this on the wish list for when the mood swings back to the genre.