The Rake: Lessons in Love

This is the best book I've read in quite a while. I read it in one sitting and loved every page. Dare is probably my favorite rake since Lord St. Vincent in Lisa Kleypas' Devil in Winter. I liked that this was a bit different from other "reformed rake" books in that the hero and heroine had a history together that the reader isn't present for. Six years ago, when Georgiana was 18, she was courted by Tristan, Lord Dare and gave him her innocence, believing he wanted to marry her. She was livid when she found out it had all been part of a bet. Dare never bothered to apologize or try to explain things to Georgiana, but he's never forgotten their one night together. Time and circumstances have changed him, but Georgiana doesn't realize that and when she sees him courting another young woman, she fears the girl will suffer the same fate she did at Dare's hands. So, she sets out to teach him a lesson about being considerate of other people's feelings by breaking his heart. What she doesn't realize is that in the process of making him fall in love with her, Georgiana will fall for Dare all over again. She manages to take her revenge, but once the two are "even," Dare isn't willing to let Georgiana go a second time, no matter what. This time he's determined to have her as his wife. I loved the clever interactions between the characters and the witty banter that appears throughout the book. The love scenes were steamy and the supporting characters were wonderful. I can't wait to start on the other two books in the series and I'm especially looking forward to reading more about Robert in his book. He has the makings of a great tortured hero.

This was my first Enoch book and I've now read all her books because I loved it so much. She creates great characters who really compliment each other and are a pleasure to read. Dare and Georgiana are equals, all throughout. She's not a simpering miss hoping to catch a man or desperate for a proposal. He doesn't think he has the right to talk down to her or give her orders. Although these two people have hurt each other, they never do so in the cruel, abrasive way found in other "romances." They have a rough past that they work through and *shock* actually talk about and resolve. Sex does not magically heal all in this book. Neither character forgives the other just because they can't resist the passion between them. Enoch always does a fabulous job of developing great characters you grow to love. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good romance that doesn't contain subjugation or submissiveness. Not a spanking, rape, or vicious arm-grabbing in sight.

What a fun book!This delightfully fun and wicked book opens with our heroine discussing men with two of her friends. After lamenting on the many failures of the males in their circle, and in particular, those of Tristan Dare, Georgianna concocts a short list of rules of behavior for men. For some time, readers don't know the true extent of Georgianna's dislike of Tristan. Six years ago, he seduced her and stole her stocking to win a wager. She had fallen for him and he left her brokenhearted. However, he decided not to admit to getting her stocking because it would have ruined her. Still, Georgianna has hated him ever since then, though she cannot forget the memory of their passionate night.Tristan is in dire financial straights. He needs to marry money, and quickly, or else lose his estate and be unable to care for his two aunts and three brothers. Georgianna and Tristan's witty repartee throughout the book is funny and entertaining.This book reminds me of the sharp and witty dialogue in Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn movies. It's funny and well written.I hope Robert's story is next. I think anyone who is a fan of historial romance will adore this book, as I did.

I am so sad that other people found this book lacking. I laughed, I almost cried, and I was thoroughly entertained. I love Suzanne Enoch's books. You never know what to expect and The Rake was a perfect example of this. Lord Dare is very yummy and once he decides that he wants Lady Georgianna for his own, nothing will stop him, even an ill-placed wager, the fact that the lady in question thinks she hates him, or a debutante set on being the next Lady Dare. Georgianna and Tristan's encounters were witty and fast-paced and exactly what you want to read during the summer or even a cold winter evening. I only wish I could find a man as enchanted with me as Tristan is with Georgianna.Suzanne Enoch's books are the best and I will continue to read them over and over.

I've loved Dare ever since he appeared in Suzanne Enoch's last book -- he was charming and sooo funny. In THE RAKE, he's all that and MORE. And this time, he's met his match in Georgianna. Years ago, Dare accepted a wager to charm Georgianna out of her innocence -- and he succeeded. Georiana found out about the wager and the two parted less than friends. To his credit, Dare never collects on the wager -- he realized his mistake though it was too late.Years later, Georgianna returns, only this time it's war and not love, that she's after. She's going to make Dare pay ... and in the most delightful way.I just loved this book. As usual, Suzanne Enoch writes some of the most delightful dialogue -- Georgianna and Dare light up the pages! Wonderful book, funny premise, terrific characters ... a GREAT summer read!