The Rake's Fiancee

Ben wanted revenge on Phoebe when Phoebe left him 8 years ago. She left him because she thought that Ben was a rake and now Phoebe is a factory worker and Ben has land and a title. By chance, they meet together in bed. They were snowed in together so for the next few days they were stuck together. But Ben has this scheme to make her pay for the pain she caused him. He makes up a story about how he had amnesia and forgot about the past, a convenient way to take revenge on Phoebe. But the problem is that the revenge plan would backfire and he would remember why he had loved Phoebe 8 years ago...Also incorporated into this story is a mystery. The furniture and the prized possesions in Ben's family home all disappeared save for some not so glamorous chairs and tables. Where has all the furniture gone and what's with Ben's dotty old aunt who believes there are ghosts in the house ? Read to find out!I enjoyed this book, the story and the plot. I love how everything played out but I didn't rate it with a 5 (it really could have been a 5 but i didn't) because it ended too quickly. The setting, the plot, the scemes and the characters were all played out very beautifully but I found the ending to be bum-rushed, as if the printing press, editor or author were trying to finish up THE RAKE'S FIANCEE quickly and to just sell it off. The characters were most deffinitely most fun to read, especially Ben because he's so devillish and Phoebe with her elegance and dignity. So enjoy this tale with the delight I had while reading THE RAKE'S FIANCEE !!^_^ ~ Izzy

Miss Phoebe Lowell had thought nothing of taking a position at the Coalport Pottery Works, but Lieutenant Bennett Holden and his contemporaries thought it beneath a woman to have such menial employment. As Phoebe tired of her lodging in a women's dormitory, she wished to live at Holden House. Posing as Ben Holden's fiancée, she sneaked into the house, but it wasn't long that the engagement would soon become real. Martha Kirkland writes a very endearing story of Regency life here. Phoebe is a strong heroine, doing what some consider menial, but it is truly work that she loves. The interplay between Phoebe and Ben is witty, and the conflicts strong.

I love all Ms. Kirkland's books, and though it took me a few more pages than most to get into RAKE, it was worth the effort. I loved it. Romantic, highly amusing, and informative to boot.