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Diamonds of Welbourne Manor Spin Off #2
How To Marry a Rake
Back from Europe, heiress Mae Halford has mended her heart after her friend Stephen Manning's rejection. Looking radiant and full of confidence, she's ready to find herself a husband!
Only, the first man she bumps into at a Newmarket house party is Lord Stephen himself! When the two find themselves covertly working together to find a missing prized racehorse, romance blossoms. But can Mae believe that Stephen has changed enough that their adventure will lead to the altar?
Spin-off from The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
Only, the first man she bumps into at a Newmarket house party is Lord Stephen himself! When the two find themselves covertly working together to find a missing prized racehorse, romance blossoms. But can Mae believe that Stephen has changed enough that their adventure will lead to the altar?
Spin-off from The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Deb Marlowe
87 books431 followersUSA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 26, 2017
A well-formed Regency Romance with lovely characters and a diverting side plot. This is one of my favorite examples of the genre.
June 1, 2020
My cup of tea, Newmarket, details of race week, a gentlewomen's education of racing, all dear to my heart. Must mention the cover. The heroine's portrait perfectly described her personality. A very delightful read, again with miscommunications that occasionally became bothersome. Stephen's respect of Mae's extraordinary gifts of intellect, planning solving, organizing have already sealed the deal. On her side the dark secrets she saw in Stephen were deep psychic scars and she wanted in. Both got what they wanted. It was fun to see the gathering of clues. The clusters of characters at the race meetings and the frolics that accompanied them were delightful to read. Mae's maid deserves a call out. Definite reread
March 29, 2014
It's so cute! I'm always craving for a series about siblings or group of friends stand-alones, and finding a really good series is so hard. Maybe because my standard is the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn.
So happy I found this book.
So happy I found this book.
February 4, 2018
I love a competent heroine. Mae has this in spades, and has spent too long learning how to temper herself so she fits into the world of regency England where woman aren't really allowed to be clever.
The hero is her childhood best friend, but they've spent several years apart. When a famous horse goes missing, they figure out the mystery together. It's a solid gambling plot line, and the horse details are all excellent.
As a historic romance, the sexual tension is subtle and nicely done. I like that the hero falls in love with Mae's competency.
The hero is her childhood best friend, but they've spent several years apart. When a famous horse goes missing, they figure out the mystery together. It's a solid gambling plot line, and the horse details are all excellent.
As a historic romance, the sexual tension is subtle and nicely done. I like that the hero falls in love with Mae's competency.
July 20, 2025
I was hooked on the first three books and wanted the books on the brothers. I got them and so far I really like these books too, along with the characters and the plots. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
dnf
March 25, 2021DNF. This is the second try I have it and I just didn’t care enough to read the story. I didn’t care if they got together, and I didn’t care if the side plot was resolved.
April 15, 2018
A sweet story, that caught me far along the way. The ending is a let-down or maybe I'm just not a fan of people gushing out all their pocket-psycho-babble in the name of love. But I really liked the story and the characters. And if you don't mind skimming a bit at the end then it's worth a read.
June 2, 2011
Reviewer:Stephanie
What I love most about historical romance is how it's set in a completely distant era, yet how passion and love are both still conveyed in the same way we all know best. Harlequin's How to Marry a Rake is a perfect example.
Though Deb Marlowe's writing style is not particularly enchanting, the emotions she delivers from the deepest of her characters' hearts is what makes her stories worth swooning over. Mae Halford, the female protagonist, faces an imperative problem: the man she swears to herself, she's totally over, is suddenly, maddeningly, breathtakingly back in her life. But this time around, she's not going to let him get to her head, oh no. This time, Stephen Manning is going to fall head over heels for her.
The plot itself is theatrical that way, and paired with the mystery of figuring out who stole Newmarket's most prized racehorse, Pratchett, is an overall light and enjoyable read. Some parts are a little slow (and I feel, rather unnecessary), but most of it is fluffy and very feel-good. Mae and Stephen's chemistry is witty and scalding at the same time, though I do wish their characters had been developed a little more heavily. The characters are not relatable; however, fortunately, their situations are. The ending is predictable, but it's a happily-ever-after conclusion that's bound to leave all romantics sighing and readers with wishful tears in their eyes.
What I love most about historical romance is how it's set in a completely distant era, yet how passion and love are both still conveyed in the same way we all know best. Harlequin's How to Marry a Rake is a perfect example.
Though Deb Marlowe's writing style is not particularly enchanting, the emotions she delivers from the deepest of her characters' hearts is what makes her stories worth swooning over. Mae Halford, the female protagonist, faces an imperative problem: the man she swears to herself, she's totally over, is suddenly, maddeningly, breathtakingly back in her life. But this time around, she's not going to let him get to her head, oh no. This time, Stephen Manning is going to fall head over heels for her.
The plot itself is theatrical that way, and paired with the mystery of figuring out who stole Newmarket's most prized racehorse, Pratchett, is an overall light and enjoyable read. Some parts are a little slow (and I feel, rather unnecessary), but most of it is fluffy and very feel-good. Mae and Stephen's chemistry is witty and scalding at the same time, though I do wish their characters had been developed a little more heavily. The characters are not relatable; however, fortunately, their situations are. The ending is predictable, but it's a happily-ever-after conclusion that's bound to leave all romantics sighing and readers with wishful tears in their eyes.
July 16, 2015
Prelim Review: When I originally read The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor I had a sincere wish that the stories therein were longer. The Fitzmanning Brood was an odd, interesting mixture of people, all related in some way or other. The anthology focused on the female part of the Fitzmanning's (mostly) and Marlowe chose Stephen of the boys left.
The Stephen of this novel is a more somber fellow who seems to have become a worry-wort in the years since Charlotte's wedding (about 2 years or so ago I believe). He decided to take his responsibilities to the estate his mother left him, Fincote, seriously and let that rule his life. Mae meanwhile took his rejection of her, nursed her feelings of unhappiness for a bit and then took off to live her life.
Some of the ridiculousness from the anthology's premise finds it way into this story as well, but its nowhere near the level it was. We see first hand the damage that was wrought by Stephen's father. Issues that were only brushed upon in the anthology took full root here--such as Stephen's mother and the devastated state she lived in after his father left her.
Full Review to be posted at Romance Readers at Heart
The Stephen of this novel is a more somber fellow who seems to have become a worry-wort in the years since Charlotte's wedding (about 2 years or so ago I believe). He decided to take his responsibilities to the estate his mother left him, Fincote, seriously and let that rule his life. Mae meanwhile took his rejection of her, nursed her feelings of unhappiness for a bit and then took off to live her life.
Some of the ridiculousness from the anthology's premise finds it way into this story as well, but its nowhere near the level it was. We see first hand the damage that was wrought by Stephen's father. Issues that were only brushed upon in the anthology took full root here--such as Stephen's mother and the devastated state she lived in after his father left her.
Full Review to be posted at Romance Readers at Heart
July 8, 2011
The reader will enjoy the main characters’ - Mae Halford’s and Stephen Manning’s - humorous, attraction-filled friendship as they try to accomplish their double goal of finding a “stolen” thoroughbred and a husband for Mae. Descriptions of 19th century English racing provide an appealing side story; it also adds to the comedy because of the wives’ plans to take an interest in the sport in order to participate in their husbands’ obsession.
Young adults and adults will enjoy this love story between open-hearted, strong-willed Mae and Stephen who is just discovering his loyalty to his tenants and his love for intelligent, organized Mae.
Young adults and adults will enjoy this love story between open-hearted, strong-willed Mae and Stephen who is just discovering his loyalty to his tenants and his love for intelligent, organized Mae.
May 6, 2011
Ms. Marlowe's characters are always such a treat to read about. Mae and Stephen in How to Marry a Rake grow beautifully as individual characters as does their relationship with each other. I love Mae's intelligence and spunk. It was so refreshing to have the heroine accept, and especially to use her intelligence without hiding it or adding a touch of simpering to deflect her true self. Stephen is an excellent match for her. His ability to not only accept Mae, but scheme and respect her a joy to see in a regency relationship. Ms. Marlowe has created another winner.
June 28, 2012
The title is misleading. Mae Halford is definitely on the hunt for a husband, but Lord Stephen is hardly a rake. He WAS a wild one two years prior, but he hasn't been the same since taking over his inherited estate.
This book is better than I thought it would be. The characters are engaging, and the history of horse racing at Newmarket is interesting. Plus, there is a mystery to be solved, something that always makes for plot twists and turns. Good, crisp writing.
This book is better than I thought it would be. The characters are engaging, and the history of horse racing at Newmarket is interesting. Plus, there is a mystery to be solved, something that always makes for plot twists and turns. Good, crisp writing.
June 6, 2023
3.5 stars. One of those books where the title doesn't have much to do with the plot - there aren't really any rakes in this book, and no weddings either. I really enjoyed the Newmarket setting - the horse racing world is often mentioned in Regency romances but I've never seen it take center stage. The chemistry between Mae and Steven fell a little flat for me, unfortunately, though I liked them both.
January 22, 2012
So the title felt completely wrong to me - Stephen was in no way, shape, or form a "rake", so I admit that threw me off quite a bit.
Kind of cliche at times, but hey, cliches exist because they work well in a story, so that's a very minor complaint.
Full review and final rating to follow, but for now, 4/5 Stars
Kind of cliche at times, but hey, cliches exist because they work well in a story, so that's a very minor complaint.
Full review and final rating to follow, but for now, 4/5 Stars
March 30, 2012
I loved it. I know nothing about horse racing but this was enlightening, fun and romantic. I found it was interesting and informative. I didn't need the couple of sex scenes included but at least they were not graphic or explicit. I enjoyed the plot. The mystery of the missing horse is included.
January 8, 2013
Lord Stephen Manning has a lot of emotional baggage from his childhood. His friend from childhood, Mae Halford, knows how to read him but cannot get him to reveal himself. Mae has been to Europe and has come back to find a husband. Stephen has been working to bring his estate back. They meet at a horse race and now they are looking for a horse and looking at each other with new eyes.
December 23, 2011
I seem to be alone in my review, but I did not enjoy Marlowe's writing style. The characters and storyline did not hold my interest either. Not one I'd recommend, but like I said, other reviewers definitely disagree!
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
May 28, 2011
Enjoyed this one. A strong heroine, not afraid to be herself, determined to marry to please herself, not expectations. Good romance with strong sexual tension. Good mystery.
May 15, 2012
Excellent read! I purchased it specifically for the Regency horse racing plot and wasn't disappointed.
October 16, 2012
Easy read...fluff.
May 17, 2013
Quite good. I find it amusing that I seem to enjoy the males stories of this family and hate the girls.
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June 1, 2011Miniseries: The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
Read
January 13, 2019I read 120 pages but I’m just not into this one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews