THE RAKE – Mary Jo Putney
Zebra (Reprint Edition)
ISBN: 978-1-4201-1727-1
April 2012
Historical Romance

Regency England

Reggie Davenport , dubbed the “Despair of the Davenports ” for his bad behavior, lost his parents and siblings at eight. His uncle, the late Earl of Wargrave, far from the kindliest of men, took Reggie from his home and brought him up as his heir. Reggie could never please the old earl, so why try? Thus began his care-for-naught behavior. Now thirty-seven, with nothing but more drinking, gambling and womanizing to look forward to, Reggie has even been displaced as heir by a newly found grandson of the old earl. Richard Davenport, the new and younger head of the family, summons Reggie, not to cut his allowance as Reggie expects, but to bestow Reggie's old home upon him. As part of his mother's dowry, the Strickland estate should always have been his, but chalk that up as one more example of the old earl's meanness. In the hands of an excellent steward, Strickland should provide Reg a good living. Strickland is the last place Reggie was happy, and it's with mixed feelings he contemplates visiting his old home. The emptiness of his present existence finally impels him to do so.

A.E. Weston is indeed an excellent steward who has improved the land and the profits while providing good jobs and a school for the locals. A.E. Weston is also a woman…a well respected employer who fears losing her job when Mr. Davenport discovers her gender. Alys Weston was once a pampered daughter whose heart was broken some years ago. She left home, became a teacher and a governess, and when her employer died leaving Alys guardian of three young people she began as steward at Strickland.

I won't try to describe the scene when Reggie arrives unexpectedly at Strickland to find a tall, attractive woman nicely filling out men's garb and learns she's his steward. It's a scene you'll want to savor for yourselves.

This is the third edition of a groundbreaking, much loved novel. Reggie is the consummate damaged hero not nearly as bad as his reputation would have him. There is an innate honor in him that prevents him from hurting the innocent…except for himself. Reggie's alcoholism grows worse, and he must stop drinking or suffer dire consequences. One of his saving graces is his sense of humor—one that Alys will find matches her own. Another is his acceptance of the foibles of others; he keeps her on as his steward. Can their friendship help steady Reggie along with the responsibilities he's acquired? Maybe, but it won't be easy.

THE RAKE has other delightful characters, as well. There are Alys's wards, sweet and beautiful nineteen year-old Meredith Spencer and her brothers Peter, fifteen, and William, seven, plus Reggie's young friend Julian and various household and estate workers who add much interest. Mix in a dangerous enemy with grudges and the plot becomes richer yet.

Mary Jo Putney holds a special place in my heart as the author who first introduced me to the wonderful world of the romance novel. Through her I discovered the endless variety of excellent writing with riveting plots and moving character development?tales told with emotion, humor, and warmth. THE RAKE was one of those early discoveries, along with her Fallen Angels series. I can't thank her enough for many hours of reading pleasure.

Jane Bowers