Title: How To Court A Rake
Author: Bronwyn Scott
Paperback
Pages: 268
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9781335540034
Release Date: April
Where To Find It: Wherever books are sold!
Time that the story takes place? Late June 1826
POV? Third Person
What caught your eye? It was written by new my favorite author Bronwyn Scott.
Did you enjoy it? God yes.
Was it predictable? Actually no.
Was it sexy? Tame? It was sexy alright, but intellectually sexy. Smart sexy.
Did you find it funny? Entertaining? Wildly entertaining.
Would you read it again? You betcha!
Is this part of a series? It is, Wed Within A Year
This is seriously one of the best books I’ve read this year. Which is really saying something as the last “best book I’ve read this year” was from the same author. What can I say, this lady knows how to write. What truly infuriates me is the fact that this book is one of the Harlequin Monthly offerings . . . as in, get it while it’s out because there’s no promise of getting a hard copy once the supply is depleted. This book deserves to be at the counter at every major bookseller with candles and wreaths of gold surrounding it.
All weekend I’ve been telling my husband the blasphemous line, “If Jane Austen were writing today, this is the stuff she’d be writing.” And I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic, this book is pure gold.
Now, even though this is a review, there’s a great deal I’m hesitant to speak of as I don’t want to ruin any surprises. On the other hand, I wish I had the time and space to go chapter by chapter to point out the wonderful details of the glorious book.
Caine Parkhurst our truly fearless hero, is a spy. He and his three brothers are The Four Horsemen, doing whatever is needed and necessary to protect King and Country, though entirely out of sight. The four brothers are considered rakes and unsuitable for any lady.
Lady Mary Kimber is our leading lady and she’s had the misfortune of having “lost” a couple of dukes as prospective husbands in the last few Seasons. Sadly, the young lady has a very loathsome set of parents. Sorry, but they are. Especially her father, yikes.
As there are already several reviews online detailing the meat of this story and all covering the same bases of what this book is about, I’m going to bypass all the talk of spies and intrigue and having to find a spouse by the end of the year and talk about what really made this book wonderful. At least to me.
The relationship between Caine and Lady Mary is so pure and natural. From their first meeting at a ball and making obligatory small talk before he asks her for a dance—which turns out to be a disaster when he has to literally leave her on the dancefloor—to their second meeting at yet another ball, where he asks her dance again and this time finishes it.
Not only to do they finish it, but they go for a stroll in the garden and end up sneaking into a room not in use during this party and have a bit of a chat. Chapter Six, I must say that was one of the most delightful chapters in the book. And it I think it’s because at this point, there is no motive. There is no scheme to woo or court Mary, and she has no real romantic interest in him, they are merely friends sharing a quiet moment and a drink together. It was a chapter that really sets the tone for their budding relationship, they are able to simply talk to each other. Not only that, but they also seem to enjoy each other’s company.
One of the things I love the most about Bronwyn Scott’s writing is the fact that she creates intelligent characters. Her women are smart with more than one interest and are accomplished. Lady Mary is an excellent horsewoman and damn good shot when it comes to archery. The men are equally smart and don’t ply their women with nonsensical sweet nothings, they are protective, sensitive, and have the ability to totally beat your ass if you cross the line.
At one point in the book, Caine and Mary are having a competition in jumping horses over various obstacles. Never once is Caine annoyed or upset that Mary is going to beat him in this friendly competition, he’s actually proud and impressed with her skill. He knows he’s a good rider and clearly doesn’t mind being beaten by a woman.
In so many novels, one struggles to see beyond the lust and haze of romance to understand why and how these two people fell in love. Not here, you can absolutely see why they fell for each other. While of course we could argue that it’s obvious from the start of the novel that these two will end up together, it isn’t obvious to our leads, and that’s the joy of it. Watching Caine come to Lady Mary’s aid on more than one occasion, the inside jokes between them, the athletic relationship between them, and of course the sensual relationship is perfect.
You can see them finding a solace and peace in each other and I found that to be more romantic than anything else.
Do yourself a favor and pre-order this book at once. It is delightful. Delightful, charming, romantic, suspenseful, and all at the same time. I was never bored for one minute, and the epilogues! Yes, plural: epilogues! I felt as if I were watching a period drama and all that was needed was a true fade to black with the words “To be continued,” scrolled across the screen.
I thank Madam Scott for sending me this book. I have enjoyed every single book of yours I’ve read thus far and I’m certain I’ll enjoy all the rest. You are a truly gifted author.
