Long and Short Reviews

A Rake’s Redemption by Maureen Mackey
Awe-Struck E-Books
Historical Romance
Full length, Sweet
Review by Dandelion

Can anything induce an unrepentant rake to abandon his indulgences and reform himself? Prudence Culpepper doubts her childhood playmate, Lord Harry, is capable of changing his irresponsible ways. But a fire, and a desperate chase through the countryside bring out the best and worst in both of them. Prudence learns appearances can be deceiving, while Harry discovers falling in love can be more satisfying than pursuing empty pleasures. They both come to realize that only love can redeem their past mistakes and open their hearts to happiness.

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This Regency romance by author Maureen Mackey offers readers a light-hearted and enjoyable, if predictable, tale about the dashing but rakish Harry, who gambles and drinks his life away until his father decides to force responsibility upon him and arrange a marriage to Prudence, a neighboring squire’s daughter. The marriage will offer financial security for both families, regardless of what Harry and Prudence really want. Throughout the course of the story, Harry and Prudence at first resist any interest in each other, even though they were childhood friends, since Harry’s sullied reputation precedes him and Prudence would rather be a happy spinster working on her father’s farm than settle down with an irresponsible drunkard. Of course, in due time they find themselves attracted to each other, which just muddies the waters. Plus there is the little problem of the handsome but somewhat mysterious Lt. Franklin, who’s also wooing Prudence. Though Harry finds out that Franklin is much more of a rake than Harry is, Prudence is blind to that fact and lets Franklin get away with more than she should. The result is an abduction that threatens to ruin Prudence’s reputation and force her to marry the wrong man – unless Harry can reach them in time and save the day.

I enjoyed the character development in this story, especially Harry’s. When he realizes that his father and his father’s land agent are sorely neglecting the tenant farmers, he takes matters into his own hands and dirties himself to save the poor people. He also nobly saves Prudence and her reputation on more than one occasion. He is funny and handsome and likable, and his “redemption” is fun (if predictable) to read. I also liked the fiery, independent Prudence. The two characters make a good couple, and the attraction between them is believable.

I wasn’t as sold on Prudence’s feelings for Franklin – for a smart girl, she’s drawn into his web too easily. And the final “misunderstanding” between hero and heroine, which almost leads Prudence to marry the wrong man, wasn’t quite as convincing as it might have been.

However, overall A Rake’s Redemption is a fun read, set in the countryside outside seventeenth century London. It features some fun minor characters too, including Harry’s manservant Bumble, the fathers on both sides, and a devoted mutt, Atlas, who is the first to teach Harry the meaning of love and commitment. If you’re a historical romance fan who likes to read about the independent young woman who brings a rake to his knees with love, then this might be the perfect story for you.

Comments:

Date: Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Your Name: Pam P
Your Comment: I do enjoy reading light regencies and have read and enjoyed others by this author.