A Reputable Rake (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Diane Gaston (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical | Publication Date: May 1, 2006

Cyprian Sloane's reputation is of the very worst. A gambler, smuggler, rake and a spy, he now faces the greatest challenge of all--respectability! He will force Society to accept him. Nothing will stand in his way....

Until he meets Morgana Hart, whose caring nature thrusts her into the company of ladies of the night and risks a scandal that will destroy them both. To become a gentleman Cyprian must sacrifice the lady--or is there a way for the rake to save them both?

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

After spending the last few years as a gambler, smuggler, and rogue, Cyprian Sloane is ready for a new life of respectability. As part of his plan to reform, Cyprian has moved into a proper new home and begun courting the eminently suitable Hannah Cowdlin. The only roadblock on Cyprian's new path is Morgana Hart, Hannah's cousin and Cyprian's new neighbor. To help out her maid's sister, Lucy, and three other young ladies who have escaped from a ruthless madam, Morgana has been secretly running a "school for courtesans." If the ton finds out, the potential scandal will ruin not only Morgana but Cyprian as well. Unless, of course, Cyprian reverts to the rake he once was to help the lovely and vexing lady with her daring and dangerous scheme. In her latest RITA-nominated historical Regency, Gaston deftly manipulates the simmering sexual chemistry between her refreshingly unconventional heroine and her bad-boy hero struggling to reform to create a fabulously entertaining romance. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037329400X
• ISBN-13: 978-0373294008
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #874,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diane Gaston grew up the daughter of an Army colonel, living on army posts and even in Japan for a year. Diane's first career was as a county mental health social worker, helping others craft their own happy endings, but her secret dream was to write romance novels. One day, when her life calmed down a bit, she decided to make that dream come true and now writes full-time. Diane's Regency Historical romances have won top awards, including Romance's highest award, the Romance Writers of America's RITA award.
Visit Diane at her her website http://dianegaston.com with links to her blogs, Twitter, and Facebook.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diane Gaston has won me as a fan!, May 7, 2006

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Reputable Rake (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Cyprian Sloane has a wretched reputation. A known rake, gambler and smuggler, he also worked as a spy. But those days are over. Sloane is determined to be accepted by society and gain respectability. Unfortunately, he meets Morgana Hart, whose altruistic nature is bound to ruin her reputation and his respectability.

All Morgana wants to do is save her maid from prostitution. Unfortunately, in doing so, she has acquired a house full of ladies of the evening. Morgana's plan has gone slightly awry. Now, she has placed her reputation in jeopardy. And Sloane's as well.

Sloane is faced with a decision. His goal of respectability or Morgana. Unless he can find a way to have both, he must chose one over the other.

My favorite part of reading A Reputable Rake was the way in which Ms. Gaston drew me into the story. I was unable to see a tidy resolution to Sloane's dilemma and that's what makes this such a great story. You are turning every page with anticipation to see HOW these two will find their happily ever after. Because, after getting to know Morgana and Sloane, I was desperate for them to find happiness together. Ms. Gaston did not disappoint.

I'm a big fan of historical romance. And, I have been missing out on a really great author. If A Reputable Rake is typical of Ms. Gaston's writing, Diane Gaston writes really good historical romances. Now that I've met the characters in A Reputable Rake, I want to go back and read The Mysterious Miss M and The Wagering Widow. Diane Gaston has won another fan!

Annabelle
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from one of my favorite authors!, May 6, 2006

By 

Linda Morelli "Romance Author, editor, review... (Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Reputable Rake (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Diane Gaston, aka Diane Perkins, has done it again in "A Reputable Rake" - a novel nominated for the coveted RWA RITA Award for 2006. It's easy to see why, for "A Reputable Rake" is an outstanding, exciting tale of respectability and the dark side of England's ton life. The characters are enchanting, vividly alive and the story is intriguing, filled with danger and excitement that will keep the reader turning the pages. I literally could not put down this book until I reached the last page, and even then, I wanted more. An excellent, highly enjoyable read I'd recommend to all.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ms. Gaston does it again, May 2, 2006

By 

Danielle DeBuono (Wheaton, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Reputable Rake (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

As I anxiously waited for this book to come out, I wondered if my expectations would be too high and I would be disappointed. Needless to say I wasn't, this book meet all of my expectations.

Cyprian Sloan our hero is one amazing man!!! (Other reviewers have already described him). Morgana our heroine, is outspoken, caring and speaks her mind.

Without realizing it, Cyprian ends of helping Morgana in her latest scheme to help turn four destitute young women into "courtesans". Poor Cyprian all he wants is to be accepted back into society and helping Morgana could just hurt his chances. He has his heart set on marrying Morgana's cousin, who could drive anyone crazy with her chatter.

Your fall in love with Cyprian's nephew David, the rest of the "courtesans" and the butler too. I loved the trap that David and Cyprian set up with Cyprian's father and David's grandfather.

This book is a definite keeper for me; Ms. Gaston is an amazing writer whose books are different and so creative. If you haven't read The Mysterious Miss M and The Wagering Widow, pick them both up, you won't regret it.