MY FAKE RAKE - Eva Leigh
The Union of the Rakes
Avon Books
ISBN: Print - 978-0-06-293240-2
Ebook- 978-0-06-293241-9
November 2019
Historical Romance

London - 1817

Lady Grace Wyatt has managed to avoid the marriage temptation for years, preferring, instead, to pursue her studies of reptiles and amphibians. She's not entirely opposed to being wed but finding the right man who fits her needs is another thing. Most eligible men looking at an earl's daughter to marry are not interested in science or would approve of Grace's pursuit of such. However, the recent return of a well-known naturalist, and bachelor, to England may open the door for Grace. With her father's sudden illness and her parents' hopes to see her settled, Mason Fredericks could fit the bill. The only problem is, Fredericks thinks of Grace as a fellow scientist, and not an eligible mate! What to do? Perhaps if Grace were seen around London in the company of a known rogue, Fredericks would realize that she is a woman worth pursuing. But, in order to do that, Grace must find a suitable, and safe, rake. 

Anthropologist Sebastian Holloway, bookish, quiet, and unassuming is a dear friend of Grace's. He has always loved his brilliant, lovely friend, but has never dreamed of marriage due to his limited resources. Seb would also like to go on a research expedition, so when Grace offers to fund this if he would transform himself into a wild and rakish dandy so that she can attract Mason Fredericks, Seb reluctantly agrees. What could go wrong?

So, the charade begins. All along, Grace makes it seem as if Mason is her goal, but she knows deep inside that Seb is really the sort of man she actually wants. But a deal is a deal, and the two must complete the bargain. With the aid of a close friend of Seb's, Grace begins to work on making her friend into someone he truly isn't. Will Mason Fredericks fall for this? Who knows? And what if he does? Is this really what Grace is prepared for, or is she going to regret the outcome?

MY FAKE RAKE is a delightful story with two beautifully written characters who understand each other more than they understand the world around them. Secondary characters add to the tale, usually in a humorous manner. Readers will love the entertaining ending.

Jani Brooks