HR-ML's Reviews > The Rake

The Rake by Mary Jo Putney
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62510039
Received a 1990 RITA under original title.
IMO a keeper!

England 1817. This story of 2 lost souls has held up to
several re-reads. Per the copyright page, the original
title was "The Rake & the Reformer."
Gave this 5 of 5 stars.

This had 3 love stories.
1) Allie & Reggie: 30 & 37 respectively.
2) her beautiful ward Merry and a young man.
3) his valet & a woman betrayed by another man.

Reggie an earl's heir, adjusted when his cousin, former
army officer, Richard, became earl instead. Reggie,
orphaned at age 8, was sent away to school by his
uncle. Richard informed Reg that his mom bequeathed
him a 3K acre Dorset property yrs ago. (Where Reg lived
as a child.) Reg always considered being a horse breeder.

The earl assumed Reggie's Dorset property's steward of
4yrs, was a man. Actually Alys "Allie" turned this place
around & put the property solidly 'in the black.' She added
several small businesses to benefit tenants & ex-soldiers.
Reggie praised her for her accomplishments & allowed her
to keep her position. Allie had 3 wards living w/ her,
including Merry.

Allie thought she was too tall (nearly 5'10') & unattractive.
The color of her eyes didn't match. She kept a secret. Reg
showed his gentleman side which belied his rake moniker.
He denied his alcohol problem. The author sensitively
explored his struggle with this. MCs drew closer together
after facing many challenges. Both MCs exchanged witty
convos, but some convos: not so calm.

The author had many interesting side characters. I liked
Mac the valet, best. Merry was as kind as she was
beautiful. The vicar needed to reflect on his judgmental
ways.

My fav. scene? Reggie used reverse psychology on his
friend Jullian's upset sire. A well done story!

Revised.
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Reading Progress

2023 – Started Reading
June 9, 2023 – Shelved
June 9, 2023 – Shelved as: animals
June 9, 2023 – Shelved as: kids
June 9, 2023 – Shelved as: military-past-or-present
June 9, 2023 – Finished Reading
June 10, 2023 – Shelved as: eyes-don-t-match
June 10, 2023 – Shelved as: older-couple
June 10, 2023 – Shelved as: peer-did-manual-labor
July 9, 2023 – Shelved as: award-winning

Comments Showing 1-2 of 2 (2 new)

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message 1: by Lauren (new)

Lauren Good review, HR-ML!


HR-ML Thanks Lauren!


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