The Perfect Rake

Anne Gracie

Jul 2005 · Merridew Series Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

A phony engagement turns into real passion in this delightful Regency romance from award-winning author Anne Gracie.

Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters—that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception...

A renowned rake, Gideon, Lord Carradice, has a way of making ladies swoon. But when Prudence arrives at his doorstep and mistakes him for his cousin, the Duke, it is Gideon who’s infatuated. The delightful spitfire claims she and the Duke are engaged—although a taller tale was never told. In spite of the lies, Gideon is so taken with charming Prudence that he’s eager to join her game, especially if it will award him a stolen kiss or two. Now, Prudence’s plot is about to go terribly, albeit deliciously, awry...

Ratings and reviews

I had to give this one a five. Yes, it resorts to over-used plot devices, and the professions of love are a bit over the top, but it is still a gem. For one, it is written well enough that the reader is not distracted by poor sentence structure or other sloppiness. The biggest treat, though, is that the humorous scenes are not just amusing, but lol funny!

I didn't want to read this book, but it kept popping up on my list. I am happy I did. It was just wonderful. Just wished Great Uncle got married.

This book had it all. Humor, love and suspense but I felt like I had read this book before. That's okay, second time around is good.

About the author

Anne Gracie is the award-winning author of the Chance Sisters Romances, which include The Spring Bride, The Winter Bride, and The Autumn Bride. She spent her childhood and youth on the move. The gypsy life taught her that humor and love are universal languages and that favorite books can take you home, wherever you are. Anne started her first novel while backpacking solo around the world, writing by hand in notebooks. Since then, her books have been translated into more than 16 languages, and include Japanese manga editions. As well as writing, Anne promotes adult literacy, flings balls for her dog, enjoys her tangled garden, and keeps bees.