A Lady's Guide to Rakes

After Miss Meredith Merriweather was cruelly duped by a fortune-hunter, she decided to write a guidebook for other young innocents to prevent them from falling into a rake’s trap.

Her research had been fruitful. She prudently engaged the services of a French courtesan and a liberal-minded widow to study her subjects; rakes and rogues who charmed ladies under false pretences. As she is observing her latest discovery, the notorious Lord Lansing, Alexander Lamont, from a hot air balloon, her enthusiasm causes her to fall out and she lands squarely on her subject. Such close contact with a well-known scoundrel was something to be avoided – who knows where it might lead?

Alexander insists on accompanying Meredith back home, but this is just the beginning. It is not long before he returns to check on the progress of her recovery. Despite all of her knowledge, this ruthless rake seems to be always one step ahead of Meredith.

Alexander had never expected a chit to fall out of the sky. He had only recently promised his father, the Earl of Harford, that his reckless days were behind him, when temptation itself fell into his lap. Meredith has told Alexander that she is engaged, but he is quick to realise that there is much more to her story. When his father decrees that this will be the last scandal, Alexander doggedly begins pursuit of the one woman in London who does not want a reformed rake.

Readers who have enjoyed Kathryn Caskie’s previous historical romances, Lady in Waiting and Rules of Engagement, are sure to want to add this instalment to their collection. A Lady’s Guide to Rakes is linked, but also enjoyable as a stand alone novel. Humour is once again used liberally. This author has a delightful style of involving readers into her stories, using many laugh aloud moments. Snippets of Meredith’s rules and observations are included in each chapter, providing a humorous insight into her character.

The plot is anything but simple; by introducing a tangle of emotions and secondary character complications during the course of the romance, readers will be kept intrigued. I found myself constantly urging Meredith to follow her heart and cast aside her prejudices to see the man within. Alexander is much more than just a rake. He is able to manipulate Meredith easily, but has no intention of causing her harm. The story of his background and Scottish ancestry also highlight why he is a hero to die for. The romantic moments are brief, tender and humorous, in keeping with the light-hearted tone of this romance. If you love historical romances, you are sure to enjoy A Lady’s Guide to Rakes.

Reviewed by: Naomi