The Last Rake In London (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Nicola Cornick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008 | Series: Harlequin Historical (Book 899)

"All my winnings tonight against one night with you."

Under a blaze of chandeliers, in London's most fashionable club, Jack Kestrel is waiting. He hasn't come to enjoy the rich at play, he's there to uphold his family name. But first he has to get past the ice-cool owner: the beautiful Sally Bowes. And Jack wants her to warm his bed--at any price!

Edwardian society flocks to Sally's club, but dangerous Jack Kestrel is the most sinfully sensual rogue she's ever met. Inexperienced with men, the wicked glint in Jack's eyes promises he'll take care of satisfying her every need....

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Historical; First Thus edition (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373294999
• ISBN-13: 978-0373294992
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,602,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I started writing when I was about fourteen. I had read all the romance books in my local library and the librarians were growing tired of me asking when the new books would be coming in so they suggested I should write one of my own. I think they were only trying to get rid of me but I took their advice seriously.

Sixteen years later, True Colours was published. It took me that long because it wasn't very good to start with! I rewrote it three times, went to college, got married, moved house and changed my job several times in between trying to write!

These days I am a full time writer and spend lots of time on the creative process, which involves drinking coffee with my writing friend Sarah Morgan and scandalising the staff in the caf' where we meet because they think we are talking about real life not fiction.

In my spare time I work as a guide at Ashdown House, a fabulous and romantic seventeenth century hunting lodge just down the road from here. It has a fascinating history and one day I will get around to writing about it.

My writing inspirations are my grandmother, with whom I used to watch all the BBC costume dramas on a Sunday night ' Robin of Sherwood, Poldark, Pride and Prejudice (the 1970s version); my English teacher Mr Conway (I'm still worrying about correct grammar and punctuation); my husband because he is decidedly a hero, Jane Austen, Alice Chetwynd Ley and many, many romance authors who have given me so many hours of reading pleasure. Thank you!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Last Rake in London--a sparkling read, December 12, 2008

By 

Kathryn Albright "historical romance from the... - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Rake In London (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

I was compelled to read Nicola Cornick's, The Last Rake in London, after learning it was a Rita nominee and also about the Edwardian era. I'd never read any books by this author before and I must say I enjoyed this immensely. When I think of the times, I think: Titanic, unbridled wealth without taxes (at least in the US) and a time when social forces were struggling for a foothold to make a better society. The author brings all of that into this book (except the sinking of the ship!) always keeping the emphasis on the romance. The chemistry between Jack Kestrel and Sally Bowes burns up the pages and their dialogue sparkles. A few instances occurred where I had no idea how the author would get Sally gracefully out of the predicaments she found herself in, yet she did so, with style. A delightful read!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars for any historical romance reader looking for a sweet love story, July 14, 2008

By 

Laurel "The Mystic Realm" (Hamilton, ON) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Rake In London (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Jack Kestrel is cool and calculating when he decides to destroy the woman who is blackmailing his uncle. Sitting in Sally Bowes club The Blue Parrot, playing a game of cards with the King, he decides that bankruptcy is one way to go. After accusing Sally of blackmail, he learns he's accused the wrong sister. He is really looking for Sally's sister Connie. Which is a good thing, because Sally intrigued him with her dignified and calm ladylike manner. Intrigued he ups his ante and offers her a daring proposal.

Sally is shocked at his audacity but finds herself attracted to his charm and irresistible good looks. However she is concerned and devastated that her sister has put her reputation on the line once again and this time it can literally ruin her. After a confrontation with her sister Connie, Sally informs Jack that her sister is back and together they seek her out. But they are too late; Connie has fled with his cousin to elope before anyone else can stop them. Not believing that Sally did not help them escape he forces her to tag along with him as they follow the pair of lovers, arriving at his sister's estate smack dab in the middle of a family gathering. As to not alarm the others of their real reason for being there, they pretend to be engaged and madly in love. A situation that neither claims they can tolerate, but privately wish was a reality.

Nicola Cornick's latest novel The Last Rake in London is a novel for any historical romance reader looking for a sweet love story. It is well written, with the right blend of a humour and drama to match the engaging story and well-developed characters. Jack was considered to be the rakes of all rakes in this turn of the century novel. He was a cool reserved character, with an egotistical charm determined not to love another woman again. Sally is a widow and successful businesswoman who started her life over by opening the Blue Parrot escaping the sorrow and pain from her past. She would do anything for her two sisters even if it casts doubt on her intentions which leads Jack to think the worst of her. She is a strong and likable character, a perfect match for a man whose own sister thinks, "He's a great rake trapped in the wrong century." Something I found rather humorous but in this case entirely true. I enjoyed this story and characters; I look forward to reading more novels from this talented author.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Last Rake in London, September 29, 2011

By 

Dollie M. Flechler - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Last Rake In London (HH 899) (Paperback)

This book was one in a series and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to anyone that reads Nicole Cornick.