A Rake's Reform

by Cindy Holbrook

The Marquess of Torvelle was in a lather. And all because Mandalee Ashton had told her mama a little white lie; that Torvelle, the most notorious rake in the ton, had compromised her. In truth, she and he had never even met. But, to save her sister Constance from ruin, Mandalee had claimed that it was she and not Constance, who had been in the garden with a lover. After all, how could scandal hurt a confirmed spinster like Mandalee? And why would a rogue like Torvelle notice such an insignificant blot on his not-so-sterling reputation?

How was Mandalee to know that Torvelle had been trying to convince the ton he was reformed! So she proposed a mock engagement. Torvelle would act the perfect gentleman, and she would play the adventuress...and jilt him! Now the Marquess had to teach Mandalee about kisses and champagne, card-playing and seduction. And Mandalee had to teach her heart not to break -- for she was falling scandalously in love!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Regency Romance, Humor, Historical, Traditional Regency

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Before becoming a romance novelist, Cindy received a BFA in theater and pursued a career in real estate. She was both a broker and a general contractor and actually began writing to entertain herself while she sat open house as a realtor.

Although born in Wisconsin, Cindy moved to Florida with her family at a young age and has never left. Her home in Fort Walton, on the Emerald coast, provides Cindy with warm weather, beautiful beaches, and magnificent waters. She loves reading, pretending to cook (she says that she reads cookbooks far more often than she actually makes anything), and admiring old cars-especially Mustangs. Cindy is also a devoted dog person who maintains that dogs are actually women's best friend.

Reviews

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Rake's Reform was rather entertaining in parts. It went on too long, in my opinion, and was too silly at times. I actually liked the mistress towards the end and the solution to her indebtedness.

[Yue · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of those books that could have been better if it was shorter. Here in GR says it is 256 pages; and it really is 416 pages long. Adam, the rake, is rather charming. Mandalee is a good heroine for around 60% of the story. She is very independent, because she knows how to play cards, so it is a good income for her. The plot is predictable, but the writing is very good, so it make it a charming book.

There are also 2 other love stories besides Mandalee/Adam, which are her sister Constance/Stephen, and likely-Adam's-bride-to-be Bettina/Perry (brother of Adam's former mistress). Ha, just looking at the couples you can realize it is a tangle. I like that there are no real villains in the story; only a jealous ex-mistress and an annoying suitor. It is a clean romance, although it has some passionate kisses, and allusions to more intimate moments.

The 3 main gentleman are likeable, but the 3 girls were sometimes annoying. They cry a lot, and Constance faints constantly. Towards the end, Mandalee does something that make me not like her anymore; her plan was selfish and silly.

However, Cindy Holbrook is a terrific writer. The book is good, but I've read Lord Sayer's Ghost which was excellent.

[Megan Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned nothing from this book, but it’s highly entertaining. I think Cindy Holbrook is a hilarious writer. I laugh out loud when I read her books. My husband rolls his eyes and makes fun of me for reading them because they are Romance books (but no Sex, so don’t worry)

[Seema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hilarious book with lots of crazy situations, great chemistry between the lead pair and a fairly decent plot. I thought Mandalee and her hero Adam were funny. Of course the innocence of the three girls was over the top but I enjoyed reading this traditional regency.

[Tasha Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.
Really cute and entertaining and I liked the main characters.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Going into this one I didn’t think I would enjoy it that much, it uses a plot device that I don’t normally care for. Mandalee (the good girl) and Adam (the hardened rake) meet under unusual circumstance and come up with a plan where Mandalee with help Adam reform so he can win his true love. In return Adam will help Mandalee become a “seductress” so she can ruin her reputation and never have to marry. I liked that Mandalee wasn’t this gorgeous heroine, she was more on the plain side, but Adam saw something more in her. He was drawn to her personality and throughout the book her beauty grows. Mandalee was a fun character, I did enjoy her personality and she was always finding herself in scrapes. I didn’t think I would, but I also ended up liking Adam. I don’t really care for the rake storyline, I guess those type guys never appeal to me. But, Mandalee definitely brings out the best in him. His reformation seems believable. Along the way Mandalee has a scare and she no longer wants to be a seductress, so instead she turns to cards. I was glad for the plot twist, I liked that she stuck to her morals and Adam also was very protective of her.

I only gave it a lower rating because of the innuendo. For the most part it was pretty mild, but there was one scene with two side characters that was a tad steamy. Overall, I really enjoyed this one.

Content: Clean. No bedroom scenes, but mild innuendo. Talk of mistresses, etc. Mild language.