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The Perfect Rake

Book 1 in the series:The Merridew Sisters

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'The Perfect Rake' by Anne Gracie follows the story of Prudence Merridew, a strong and protective older sister who risks everything to safeguard her siblings from their abusive grandfather. When they encounter the charming and flirtatious Gideon, a rake with a vulnerable heart underneath his frivolous exterior, Prudence's world is turned upside down. As Prudence and Gideon navigate a slow-burn romance amidst dark pasts and challenging circumstances, they find themselves drawn to each other in a heartwarming and humorous tale that blends romance, humor, and emotional depth. The plot unfolds with a mix of witty banter, endearing characters, and moments of darkness and light, culminating in a charming and engaging regency romance.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and well-developed, with the hero being charming and humorous while the heroine exhibits strength and complexity amidst her perceived plainness.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a humorous and engaging style that intertwines comedic dialogue with emotional depth, effectively balancing lightheartedness and serious themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around Prudence Merridew's attempts to escape her abusive home life while navigating a fabricated engagement to a rake, leading to humorous situations and a quest for true love.

Setting:

The story is set in Regency-era England, contrasting the oppressive domestic environment with the vibrant possibilities of London society.

Pacing:

Pacing begins briskly with engaging developments, though it can become sluggish midway, affecting overall momentum.
Her twin added, "I wanted to go up and try, too, but I could not get this undone in time." She gestured to her left wrist. It still bore rope marks. "Besides, he's locked the door. Charity said to fet...

Notes:

Prudence Merridew and her sisters are named after virtues.
Their grandfather is abusive and they seek to escape his control.
Prudence is considered the plain sister among her beautiful sisters.
To protect her sisters' chances of marriage, Prudence creates a fake engagement with the Duke of Dinstable.
Prudence mistakenly meets Gideon, the Duke's rakish cousin, thinking he is the Duke.
Gideon finds Prudence irresistible despite her plain appearance.
The book has humor that contrasts with darker themes of abuse.
The relationship develops through miscommunications and comedic situations.
Gideon is protective and loving towards Prudence, finding her beautiful when others do not.
The story includes strong themes of sisterhood and resilience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for physical and emotional abuse, particularly relating to the protagonist's past.

Has Romance?

Romance is a central theme in the book, characterized by significant development and chemistry.

From The Publisher:

A phony engagement turns into real passion in this delightful Regency romance from award-winning author Anne Gracie.

Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters-that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception…

A renowned rake, Gideon, Lord Carradice, has a way of making ladies swoon. But when Prudence arrives at his doorstep and mistakes him for his cousin, the Duke, it is Gideon who's infatuated. The delightful spitfire claims she and the Duke are engaged-although a taller tale was never told. In spite of the lies, Gideon is so taken with charming Prudence that he's eager to join her game, especially if it will award him a stolen kiss or two. Now, Prudence's plot is about to go terribly, albeit deliciously, awry…

Ratings (11)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (6)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (32):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (13)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (7)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
2 years

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

 

About the Author:

Anne Gracie is the award-winning author of the Marriage of Convenience Romances and the Chance Sisters Romances. She spent her childhood and youth on the move. The roving life taught her that humor and love are universal languages and that…

 
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