To Tempt a Rake

Cara Elliott

Kate Woodbridge had been raised on the high seas and had spent part of her young life as a pirate. When her parents died she kept a promise to them. She went to England and found her grandfather. The Duke of Cluyne is distant with her and expects her to behave like any well bred young lady in the ton. Regency London doesn't cater to intelligent young women with minds of their own.

Fortunately, Kate found sisters in the Circle of Scientific Sybils, or Circle of Sin as they call themselves. With them she can pursue her education and knowledge. She doesn't have to act like a vapid, empty headed miss. She is comfortable with them.

When her grandfather asks her to join him for a country retreat. He is hosting a meeting in preparation for a Euroopean meeting in Vienna to determine the future of the Baltic States now that Napoleon is exiled to Elba. She welcomes the chance to examine his conservatory and discuss politics with the visiting abassadors.

Unfortunately, one of the visitors is Conte Marco Ghiradelli, a reknowned rake. Marco lives a desolute life devoted to his pleasure as he tries to escape his past. He also has an occasional secret task. There are times he spies for Lord Lynsley for the English government. That is why he attends the Duke's country home for the social meeting. He also is glad for the chance to get to know Kate better. There's something about her that attracts him.

Kate is not the virginal young miss that Society believes her to be. She has secrets from her pirate past. There's one she is specifically keeping away from Marco. They met in the past in Naples. She hopes he doesn't remember their meeting.

Marco admits to himself that he's becoming too much of a rakehell. He ignores his responsibilities at home. There's something about Kate, though, that makes him consider his current lifestyle.

To Tempt a Rake takes all the traditional Regency romance appeal and pieces and gives a moden, sexy novel. In some ways I'm reminded of an up to date Georgette Heyer. I liked Heyer's work when I was younger so had fun with Cara Elliott's novel.

Also, the mystery pulled me in. The story line is predictable. Of course Marco is going to change his ways. Of course they fall in love. But the backdrop of history brings the story to life. I never knew about politics that affected Europe after Napoleon was exiled. The mystery and intrigue that is intertwined gives a good suspense to round out Elliott's story. To Tempt a Rake is a fun, sexy romance. It's a good way to escape for a few hours.

Notice:  Strong sexual content

To Sin With a Scoundrel
To Surrender to a Rogue
To Tempt a Rake