Sandy M’s review of Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady by Bronwyn Scott
Historical Romance released by Harlequin Historical 1 May 08

I gave Ms. Scott a hard time in my review of her latest book, The Viscount Claims His Bride, in that I wanted more action than I got. I was comparing that book to the previously related book, Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss, where there was plenty of action going on. I’m happy to say that Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady goes the way of LLPM with little action to be had, but this time around I loved the storyline and the characters immensely. The only thing I’m sorry about is that I waited so dang long to read this one.

I really loved the characters in this book. Though Julia usually does as her uncle and aunt ask, when they try to force her into a loveless marriage for their gain, she’s having none of it. That the proposed groom is one of those leering, disgustingly arrogant men only spurs her on toward a decision that will cost her much, but if the only consequence of that is to live her life in the country, so be it. Thus, she seeks out the most notorious rake in London to help her in her plan to ruin herself so that said groom will no longer want her.

Paine Ramsden is a third son, one who drove himself into the deserved reputation that has followed him for years. Even a stint in America hasn’t caused the ton to forget what he’s done in the past. So when the lovely Julia lays her plan and herself before him for the taking, he forges ahead with no qualms at all. It’s only during her ruination that foreign feelings emerge in Paine, urging him to keep Julia sated and safe. Realizing who is behind her forced marriage, Paine knows far better than anyone how dangerous the man can be. He calls on his honor, about the only thing left to him, and goes home to his brothers for the help he’ll need to reclaim respectability for both himself and Julia, hoping she’ll want to stay with him when all is said and done.

There’s really not a lot of action in this book, relying on its characters to pull you in and make you want to follow along in their story, and that’s done quite well. I found myself cheering for Julia and Paine every step of the way. For a woman of her time, and knowing what would happen to her if she truly followed through with her plan, Julia bucks the restrictions on women and does what she needs to for herself. And though the cliche a man needs the love of a good woman, it fits perfectly here for Paine. It’s his honor and love for Julia that pull him out of his rakish ways to see her safe and cared for. Going to his brothers for help was difficult for him, but it was all worth it for the homecoming he receives.

I really liked those brothers myself. I checked Ms. Scott’s site to see if, by chance, those brothers might get books of their own. My hopes haven’t been totally dashed, there’s nothing there at all for anything coming soon. So, Ms. Scott, hear my plea. Especially now that Paine is home and married, those Ramsden brothers would make great heroes. I know in your capable hands those stories would be just as wonderful as this one.

(Did I suck up too much?)

Grade: A

Summary:
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Determined not to enter into a forced marriage, Julia could see no way out–unless she were to become a ruined woman! Notorious rake Paine Ramsden was reputed to have no qualms about seducing innocents, so maybe he would help with her…predicament.
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Certainly, Paine deserved his rakish reputation, yet Julia was so achingly pure, one night with her might just ruin him! Awakening Julia’s sensuality aroused unfamiliar feelings in him–was it too late to make them both respectable?
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Read an excerpt.