The definitive guide to seduction…
The Rake’s Handbook was written on a dare, and soon took the ton by storm. Now its author, Ross Thornbury, is publicly reviled by the ladies—who are, of course, forbidden to read the handbook—but privately revered by the gentlemen. Unfortunately, Ross’s notoriety is working against him and he flees London painfully aware of the shortcomings of his own jaded heart.
Spirited young widow Elinor Colton lives next to Ross’s country estate. She’s appalled not only by his rakish reputation, but also by his progressive industrial plans. Elinor is sure she is immune to Ross’s seductive ways. But he keeps coming around…impressing her with his vision for England’s future and stunning her with his smiles.
How does one resist the man who wrote the manual on love?
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“You really are a rake,” she whispered, the sight and feel of their joined hands warming her cheeks. “A proper gentleman would never hold a lady thus. I have been warned about your charms. Perhaps I too should write everything down. Pen a handbook to instruct my widowed sisters what to expect upon attempted seduction and how to fight it.”
“Factual or satirical?”
She bit her lower lip to stop an indelicate reply.
“I could write that handbook too.”
His boast made her smile. “I seem to have found another trait of a rake.”
“Humph. I’d be delighted to show you all of my traits. Perhaps start with chapter one?” The determination in his voice indicated he was quite willing to comply.
“Please do, sir,” she replied in a facetious tone, tugging her hand free. “But I can already tell that I’ll stop reading your book after the table of contents. You know, all of those funny pages in the front of the book numbered v and i.”
He chuckled softly, then stared at her until he captured her gaze. “My handbook starts with fine eyes.” He reached up and swept back a ringlet that had fallen over her eye and carefully tucked the curl under her bonnet.
Her heartbeat raced.
“The eyes are followed by a notable vee.” His gaze lowered to the upper edge of her bodice and lingered in the center.
“Oh my, if that’s the table of contents, I don’t dare read chapter one.”
“I’d be pleased to read you all of the chapters. There are a total of . . .” He glanced at her leisurely, from the top of her leghorn bonnet down to her sensible half boots. His focus returned up to her neck—almost. His chest broadened as he inhaled. “Ten.”
“Ten.”
He gave her a smoldering look from under heavy lashes. “Ten in volume one,” he continued in a silky baritone. “Let’s start with chapter one.” He leaned forward slowly, staring at her mouth, as if he might take liberties and kiss her. The distance between them shortened to inches. Close enough to feel his warm breath.
Sally Orr worked for thirty years in medical research, specializing in the discovery of gene function. After joining an English history message board, she posted many, many examples of absolute tomfoolery. As a result, a cyber-friend challenged her to write a novel. Since she is a hopeless Anglophile, it's not surprising that her first book is a Regency romance. Sally lives with her husband in San Diego, surrounded by too many nerdy books and not enough old English cars.
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This has been on my list at Amazon and I can't wait until it comes out.
ReplyDeleteI would classify a rake as someone who enjoys partying and really doesn't worry about tomorrow. I can't think of any modern day rakes except perhaps Prince Harry.
ReplyDeleteI would classify a rake as some one who wants pleasure without the responsibility. I do not follow today's gossip so I know of no one.
ReplyDeleteA rake is a man who doesn't want to be caught, he is sinfully delicious and has a wicked way with words. Modern day rake...Bradley Cooper would be one
ReplyDeleteI'd say he's a guy who does what he wants when he wants particularly when it comes to chasing women. (Although these days a lot of women do the chasing!)
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't pay enough attention to celebrities to say who would be a modern day rake.
I think a rake is a man who dares to risk ridicule and censure by pushing the limits of decorum and proper conduct. I think in today's world only the rich and famous could be labeled rakes and I'm not familiar enough with those to name one. Thanks for the interesting question and this post. jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI think a rake is someone who likes to live life by his own terms; someone who likes to push the limits. I asked my teenage daughter who she thought was a modern-day rake (after explaining what one was, that is) and she said, "Oh, that's easy! How about Harry Styles from One Direction--constant parties and a new girlfriend every other week."
ReplyDeleteI must say a book titled "a Rouge's Handbook" (with a field guide) sounds exciting. Rakes are guys that sometimes get a bum rap but at the same time they usually take risks with their lives and the females in their lives that the term "rake" still applies. Deep down most of the them (at least the ones I read about) turn out to be pretty great guys!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting question! I would say that a modern rake would otherwise be known as a "player." Rakes and players are selfish, live for themselves and put pleasure first. That's why people love reformed rakes, all of a sudden they find someone they want to put before themselves. Players are the same way.
ReplyDeleteA rake is someone still sowing their wild oats and doing it by their own rules. Maybe Prince Harry? LOL
ReplyDeleteMarcy Shuler
A Rake is a man who doesn't want to commit to a relationship - George Clooney used to be one until last weekend!
ReplyDeleteChris Pine would be a present day rake. Matthew McConnegha before he got married.
ReplyDeleteA rake is a man who tries to devastate as many women's hearts as possible and not giving his heart to anyone. A modern day rake that finally was conquered is George Clooney.
ReplyDeleteI would define a rake as a man who cares more about the game of seduction, rather than giving his heart to one woman. I would say Jake Gyllenhaal, Bradley Cooper, Prince Harry, and of course, George Clooney until his recent marriage.
ReplyDeleteA rake is a rake - a man who "plays the field" without regard to a woman's feelings.
ReplyDelete