Reforming a Rake (With This Ring, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Suzanne Enoch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2000

A governess must never be alone with a man. Her reputation mustn't have even a hint of scandal. She must never reveal personal emotions. No matter how strong the provocation by her employer. A governess never questions her employer's commands. Even when he's tempting her to forsake respectability for desire? She must never, ever, fall in love with someone above her station. Especially a rake—no matter how devastating his kisses may be . . .

Alexandra Gallant is a governess extraordinaire—and if it weren't for that unfortunate incident at her last position, she wouldn't now be forced into the employ of Lucien Balfour, the most notorious rake in London. Though the sinfully attractive earl hired her to teach his young cousin, his seductive whispers and toe-curling kisses suggest he has something far less respectable in mind . . . And that will never happen. For although Lucien seems determined to teach her about pleasure, she has a few lessons to teach him about love!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: Regency England
Sensuality Rating: 8

Lucien Balfour, the sixth earl of Kilcairn Abbey, is compelled by his father's last will and testament to launch his cousin into society. A confirmed bachelor and acknowledged rake, Lucien can barely tolerate his country cousin (let alone her obnoxious mother); determined to marry her off as soon as possible, he advertises for a finishing governess.

Alexandra Beatrice Gallant is a highborn lady who has been forced to earn her keep as a governess and desperately needs employment. Nevertheless, when she realizes that the handsome man interviewing her is the notorious earl, she has grave misgivings about accepting his job offer. Indeed, it soon becomes apparent that Lucien is not only committed to polishing his cousin's social skills, he's also dead set on bedding the lovely Alexandra. Unfortunately for Lucien, Alexandra is as strong willed and levelheaded as she is beautiful, and although Lucien doesn't believe in love, he finds himself wanting to slay dragons for the gorgeous governess. For her part, Alexandra has increasing difficulty refusing the earl's kisses. Still, despite scandal and interfering dowagers, the biggest barrier to a happy conclusion is Alexandra's own self-doubt, and winning her hand will test Lucien's determination to the limit.

Author Suzanne Enoch doesn't miss a beat in this charming Regency tale. The dialogue snaps with wit, the plot possesses interesting twists and turns, and the secondary characters are unforgettable, especially the horrid aunt. The heroine is intelligent and well educated, sensible as well as warmhearted, and is the perfect foil for the hero's cynicism and intellect. Reforming a Rake is sure to delight. --Lois Faye Dyer

About the Author

A native and current resident of Southern California, Suzanne Enoch loves movies almost as much as she loves books. She once appeared on an E! special, Star Wars Is Back, as an expert on the romance in the Star Wars movies. Other highlights include winning her third grade spelling bee, receiving an E.T. poster and T-shirt in an alien-inspired poetry contest, and submitting a script for The A-Team (which was not why the series was cancelled). When she is not busily working on her next novel, Suzanne likes to contemplate interesting phenomena, like how the three guppies in her aquarium became 161 guppies in five months.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (March 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380809168
• ISBN-13: 978-0380809165
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A lifelong lover of books, Suzanne Enoch has been writing them since she learned to read. She is the author of two well-received Avon Regencies, The Black Duke's Prize and Angel's Devil, and five Avon Romances: Lady Rogue, Stolen Kisses, By Love Undone, Taming Rafe and Reforming a Rake. Born and raised in Southern California, Suzanne lives a few scant miles from Disneyland with her collection of Star Wars action figures and a Cairn terrier named Katie (after the heroine of her first Regency). She's still looking for her own hero, and hopes he will be handsome, titled, and just a little wicked. Meanwhile, she's currently at work inventing him in her next historical romance.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The hero, Lucien, is adorable, March 16, 2000

By 

"dfischet" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reforming a Rake (With This Ring, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

The opening paragraph of 'RAR' sets the whole tone for the book. It also set the tone for the hero Lucien's character. He was witty without even trying and I could give this book five stars on the strength of his character alone. What an adorable hero! Looks, intellegence, and wealth. Heavens, what more could a girl want. Hey, he's also pretty darn nice too, even though he wouldn't agree. Did I mention loyal? Enoch really created one heck of a romantic hero here. Alexandra almost seems pale in comparison to Lucien (almost). But she too is an interesting character in a nicely written tale.

But 'Reforming a Rake' is Lucien's tale, I think. Some of his dialogue is just wonderfully witty. He believes Alexandra without question when she tells him what happens at her last position and the scandal that followed. If there was one thing I would wish to change about the book, I would like to have had Enoch attempt to restore Alexandra's reputation. She had done nothing wrong and I would have liked to have seen Lady W. bested. The old biddy!

So, RAR has a delicious hero, a neat heroine and a wonderfully nasty villian (that will surprise you). The two main characters really click, the writing is well done and the plot not too well worn. What more could a romantic reader want. Nothing terribly heavy here. And that's fine with me. Can't wait for the next book - this one about the Vixen. debbie

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A witty and romantic read, March 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reforming a Rake (With This Ring, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it twice in a row - the story and dialog are so good I wanted to be sure that I didn't miss anything! Alexandra Gallant and Lucien Balfour, The Earl of Kilcairn Abbey, are two "notorious" members of British society who come together when Lucien hires Alexandra to be governess to his intolerable niece. The immediate attraction between these two leads to lots of witty repartee, and some very heated moments. Although Alexandra and Lucien quickly fall in love, they must both shed their self-protective shells before they can commit to each other. Surprisingly, it is Lucien who breaks down first! I enjoyed seeing him do everything that he can think of (and he does some crazy things) to convince Alexandra to marry him. There are also some great supporting characters in this story, including two who do everything they can to foil Alexandra and Lucien's union. You'll love these characters and this book!

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, March 26, 2000

By 

Bonnie Gilbert - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reforming a Rake (With This Ring, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

When the most notorious rake in London is in need of a governess who does he turn to? The governess with the worst reputation in London.

Lucien Balfour, the earl of Kilcairn Abbey, isn't delighted to have his cousin and her mother in his home to look for a husband. When he finds her lacking in the department of manners and style her places an ad to hire a governess. In walks Alexandra Gallant, a perfect governess with a not so perfect past. Lucien takes one look at Alexandra and wants her. Not only for his cousin's governess but in his bed as well.

Lucien and Alexandra play cat and mouse for awhile, but eventually the attraction to eachother wins out. The two fall in love. When Lucien proposes marriage Alexandra flatly turns him down and procedes to leave London. But Lucien has other plans.

Suzanne Enoch has written a wonderfully witty romance that is sure to please. Lucien will make you swoon while Alexandra will make you smile. Highly recommended