Reforming the Rake

Book started out alright, but by the middle got depressing and by the end I felt it was harsh, full of classically abusive behavior, and not much fun to read at all.

Reforming the Rake was fun and full of great dialogue. The main characters, Beatrice and Charles, engaged in some wonderful sparring. I LOVED the supporting characters and hope Ms. Elliott will focus on them in upcoming projects--I'd love to know if Charles' friend, the rake Jack Davenport, ever meets his match; if Beatrice's brother Ben finds love; and if Charles' and Beatrice's sisters are successful during their "seasons." I enjoyed this book so much; if you are looking for a romance that is slightly different than the regular woman meets man/they instantly know they want to be together/but obstacles set them apart, this is it! Both Beatrice and Charles (but Charles especially) really fight against falling in love due to events in their past. All is eventually overcome and it is a lot of fun watching it happen. The story was also touching and kept me thinking about it the whole next day. Great job, Ms. Elliott!

I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. Ms. Elliott has told a wonderful tale here, with strong characters. Beatrice and Charles are a perfect pair. They are perfect complements for each other and give everyone hopes of someday finding that special kind of love. The secondary characters are also wonderful. I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. This was just the kind of romance novel I love. Wonderful characters. Characters that seem real because they are not perfect-something most novels like this lack. The secondary characters are not boring. The chemistry between Beatrice and Charles was very sensual and immediate. The heroine is the perfect foil for the hero's cynicism and intellect. Beatrice and Charles were both wounded, intriguing, complex, wonderful characters. The sex was HOT and perfect for the story. Reforming The Rake is a great escape from reality. I love seeing the hero change his ways and attitudes the more he gets to know his wife and falls in love with her. Charles is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman. From page one the characters in this charming book reached out and grabbed me. Page after page I just got sucked in deeper until I closed the book with a happy sigh. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms.Elliott. I really like to see Beatrice and Charles's sisters get their own book as well Beatrice's brother and Charles's best friend. This book was great fun to read. I read in a half a day. Nice way to kill time on a lazy afternoon.

Sarah Elliot delivers a first-rate historical romance that keeps you wanting more. If you are looking for an afternoon of playful whimsy, I highly recommmend this novel and hope that Ms. Elliott continues to write great stories.

She is twenty-three years old and starting her fourth season in five years having taken time off for good behavior because Beatrice Sinclair wants only to marry for love. Since she has refused several proposals, the Ton calls her "Cold Fish". Derek Summerson has no plans to marry, but he notices the beautiful woman in the next door garden. He goes out of his way to meet her at the boring Teasdale Ball. His mother notices her son's interest in Beatrice so she invites her to dinner. Beatrice quickly realizes he is the man she has been waiting for. Though he is knows he is a certified rake that a good female should not fall in love with, Derek cannot stop thinking of Beatrice. However, he refuses love as he remains scarred from the deaths of his brother and father in a carriage accident years ago. Sarah Elliot's historical novel is a fine Regency romance that uses the classic (some will say overly used) theme of an innocent finding love but to attain her soulmate, the heroine needs some REFORMING THE RAKE. Beatrice is not a cold fish, but simply wants a lifetime of love only to find it in the wrong person. However, Derek makes the tale as his reason to shun love goes back to his childhood when as the sudden man of the family he never found closure with the deaths of his father and brother. If this is any indication of her writing skills, Ms. Elliot will live up to her surname with a long successful career. Harriet Klausner