Most Helpful Customer Reviews
105 of 107 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a definite keeper, July 20, 2005
Ever since I read "Tallie's Knight," I've had an immense admiration for Anne Gracie. Here was an author who had managed to infuse her novel with romance, sensuality, tenderness and poignancy. I've always regretted that I have been unable to easily find her other romance novels, so that when I discovered that the first installment in a new series written by her was about to be published, I knew that I had to keep an eye out for this book. "The Perfect Knight" lived up to my every expectation -- here was a book full of tender romance, sensuality and poignancy, complete with a touch of the gothic.
Ever since their parents tragic death, the Merridew sisters have been living with their brutal and heartless grandfather, Lord Dereham. A man driven almost mad with bitterness and anger, Dereham has been beating his five granddaughters for years, as well as isolating them from society. Finally escaping from their mad grandfather, the Merridew sisters make for London and for their granduncle Oswald's house, where they hope that he will launch the elder sisters into society, and where they're devoutly counting on the second Merridew sister, Charity (who happens to be exceedingly beautiful) to contract an advantageous marriage. Their plans, however, hit a snag when granduncle Oswald insists that plain jane Prudence, as the eldest sister, make her come-out before her more beautiful sisters. At her wit's end, Prudence concocts an imaginary engagement to the hermit duke, the Duke of Dinstable. But once again, Prudence's plans hit a snag when she finds, through of a comedy of errors and mistaken identities (you really have to read the book to appreciate this plot gambit), she finds herself engaged in earnest (in her granduncle's mind at least) to the duke's rakish and sinfully handsome cousin, Lord Carradice. As Prudence tries to distance herself and protect her susceptible heart from this engaging rouge, a very smitten Lord Carradice tries to persuade the plain and courageous Prudence Merridew that he has fallen in love in earnest, and that she was fashioned solely for him. Will Lord Carradice succeed in his endeavours? Certainly the poor man has his work cut out for him...
"The Perfect Rake" turned out to be a stellar read, and is definitely going on my keeper shelf. I've always had a soft spot for novels where either the hero or heroine was considered to be plain and was quickly dismissed as not being up to snuff by the sharks that seemed to congregate at Almacks. So that "The Perfect Rake" was truly my cup of tea. The novel was a standout because of several factors -- good storyline, witty and humourous prose style, wonderful hero & heroine, the sensual heat that the hero & heroine generated, and in particular for the tenderness of the love that developed between Prudence and Carradice. But what really made "The Perfect Rake" a memorable romance novel for me, was the character of its sterling and totally endearing hero, Lord Carradice, and how the author portrayed his total captivation for the novel's heroine, Prudence. It's the kind of book that will make one sigh with satisfaction, and make for enjoyable rereading over the years. All in all, "The Perfect Rake" is a superb romance novel that shouldn't be missed, and is definitely worth both the cover price and touting as an excellent read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fans of historical romance will enjoy this, October 29, 2005
Prudence Merridew has four younger sisters, all terribly beautiful. Although she is considered plain, she loves her sisters and would do anything to protect them from their tyrannical grandfather. When opportunity presents itself, Prudence, using forgery and wit, whisks her sisters away to their their Great-Uncle in London. Unfortunately, Great-Uncle Oswald insists Prudence secure a husband before her younger sisters. That Prudence already has a fiance, albeit without her grandfather's approval, is a secret Great-uncle Oswald cannot learn.
Gideon, Lord Carradice, a dashing rake, is amused and intrigued by the spirited young woman that has mistaken him for his cousin, the Duke. Deciding to play along with Prudence and her fictitious story of a secret engagement, Gideon enjoys the farce that ensues, along with the stolen embraces. Finding Prudence enchanting, Gideon's rakish nature struggles with unexpected new feelings. Can he win her heart away from her absent fiance, Phillip Otterbury?
Gideon is not only handsome and sensual, he's very amusing. His perception of Prudence brings a smile to my face. I adore his single-minded infatuation. Smart, witty, and fast thinking, Prudence's stubborn will and loyalty make her a heroine worthy of such a splendid rake!
I am really looking forward to the rest of this series! I must say that while there were times in the story that I wanted to smack Prudence because of her loyalty to the undeserving Phillip, I found the book very satisfying. Ms. Gracie has a talent for adding humor into an already delightful romance. If you are a fan of historical romance, you will enjoy The Perfect Rake.
Annabelle
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't miss this one - a brilliant read!, December 22, 2005
Like Tregatt above, I, too, have been enchanted by this author since her debut a few years ago. Indeed, I wrote the first review for amazon of her first book, The Gallant Waif. I am only sorry her books do not appear with more frequency. However, they are worth waiting for!
Rather than sum up the plot (which, by the way, is quite complicated) I'd rather comment on the characters the author places on her stage. The idea of a family of a family of beautiful sisters with an ugly duckling in charge has been done many times but rarely with such charm. The heroine, Prudence, is feisty, spirited and charming but like her sweet, gorgeous sisters, she is a tortured heroine. The mad grandfather (somewhat over-drawn but nevertheless very fearsome) has been a child abuser and none of the five sisters was spared. However, Prudence has borne the brunt of his ire and the reason why is something I found unique in a Regency novel. I won't spoil it!
Our hero, Gideon, Lord Carradice, is also tortured. He is one of my favourite sorts - the rake with a secret hurt and a heart of gold. He is steadfast and loyal to Prudence and his love for her is satisfying and realistic to the reader. He has looks, charm, a great sense of humour, etc but ultimately, it is his deep and abiding love for Prudence which marks his character.
There is a great deal of sexual tension in this novel - something Anne Gracie has always managed to achieve with great skill. Although nothing happens between the H/H until the end of the novel, you can feel the sizzle between them and the consummation is written with great skill and in the very best of taste. Yes, taste. Too many sexual scenes in romance novels are a tale of gymnastics rather than an expression of love.
I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series - A Perfect Waltz - as I am very keen to meet Prudence and her delightful sisters again. Highly recommended and a keeper!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
