Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Last Rake In London by Nicola Cornick
Historical romance released by Harlequin Historical 1 Jun 08

If one were to only study British history by way of romance novels it would be easy to deduce that all history of the island started in 1811 and ended in 1820. As someone who genuinely loves historical romance, I find this particularly frustrating, because vibrant time periods can be found throughout history – not in just during a period that lasted less than a decade. Thank goodness for Harlequin Historicals and their willingness to publish books outside of Regency England. Reading Nicola Cornick’s latest was not only an excellent way to cleanse my reading pallet, but it was a lovely surprise as well.

What we have here ladies and gentlemen is an honest-to-goodness Edwardian set novel. A time often viewed as the birth of the modern age. Cars were the latest craze, although they frightened the horses, militant suffragists were protesting, and communication picked up a faster pace thanks to telephones. It was also a time when women were enjoying more freedom. Such is the case with our heroine, the refreshingly forthright Miss Sally Bowes.

Sally runs an incredibly fashionable night club in London called the Blue Parrot. She falls asleep at her desk, looking over invoices, when in storms Jack Kestrel, heir to a Dukedom and highly annoyed. He suspects that Sally is blackmailing his frail, elderly uncle and Jack has come to put a stop to it. Of course, it doesn’t take long for him to realize that the beautiful, enchanting Sally isn’t the blackmailer – although she knows very well who is. However by then it’s too late for Jack. It’s lust at first sight.

Sally is a business woman, smart and capable, and not about to have her head turned by a handsome face. One disastrous marriage was enough for her thank you! But even she cannot deny the incredible chemistry that her and Jack seem to share. It’s all very complicated though. What with his scandalous, rakish past, her near-divorce and the fact that she owns a club, not to mention that blackmailing scheme. For while Sally had no part in it, she’s determined to protect the guilty party.

What works so well in this story are the refreshing setting and delightful repartee between Sally and Jack – especially in the early chapters. The chemistry sizzles between them, and leaps off the page. They do fall in bed together rather quickly, but one can hardly blame them! It’s amazing they keep their clothes on as long as they do.

That being said, this story isn’t entirely perfect. Trust isn’t easy to come by for either of these characters, and for a good chunk of the story they share an adversarial relationship. Jack especially is determined to believe the worst about Sally, fearing that he’s managed to be duped by a pretty face and tantalizing figure. In turn, Sally is determined to protect her livelihood, the club, which Jack threatens her with on more than one occasion.

This story moves rather quickly, with the whole thing taking place in one weeks’ time. That might strain the credulity for some readers, especially given the aforementioned trust issues, but it worked better for me in this story than in most because of the palpable chemistry simmering between Sally and Jack.

Cornick fans will no doubt take delight in knowing that the author has tied this book to her earlier Regency-set, Blue Stocking Brides series, but newcomers should have no fear. While past characters are mentioned briefly, this story stands on its own. There aren’t nearly enough historical romances written in the Edwardian period, and lucky for readers that Cornick has written an especially fine one. Snap it up.

Grade: B

Summary: Under a blaze of chandeliers, in London’s most fashionable club, Jack Kestrel is waiting. He hasn’t come to enjoy the rich at play, he’s there to uphold his family name. But first he has to get past the ice-cool owner: the beautiful Sally Bowes. And Jack wants her to warm his bed-at any price!

Edwardian society flocks to Sally’s club, but dangerous Jack Kestrel is the most sinfully sensual rogue she’s ever met. Inexperienced with men, the wicked glint in Jack’s eyes promises he’ll take care of satisfying her every need….

Read an excerpt.

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