by Hazel Statham

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (April 7, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601544650
ISBN-13: 978-1601544650

Description
Can a rake reform his ways and truly love? Lizzie's head tells her one thing, her heart another. Infamous rake and Corinthian, Maxim Beaufort, Earl of St. Ive, finding himself in possession of a property in Yorkshire, is unprepared for the changes it will bring into his life. Irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth Granger, the former owner's daughter, he attempts to help the family, finding himself filling the role of benefactor. When the house is razed to the ground, he arranges for temporary accommodation for Elizabeth and her siblings on his estate. When Elizabeth rejects his proposal of marriage, he is nonetheless determined to win her over. However, events and his reputation conspire to thwart his efforts and his course is one fraught with dangers. Trust does not come easily and determined to protect her heart, Elizabeth struggles to resist her own longings. At times, their difficulties appear insurmountable but the earl is widely known as 'The Indomitable' and the name was not lightly earned.

Review
What a delightful book this is! I had never heard of this author so I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book, and I was pleasantly surprised. Lizzie's Rake is a wonderful romance set in the Regency Period, but it's not your average historical romance. I found the characters to be entertaining and very fleshed out, and not just Maxim and Elizabeth, but her siblings, Aunt Bella and others were written so you felt that you knew them. It also wasn't your usual fighting-our urges type of romance where the man is constantly trying to get her into bed. The bedroom door stays firmly closed in this one and would be perfectly fine for younger readers. It's nice to have a hero who goes out of his way to preserve the reputation of the heroine. I found this book to be charming and fast paced, and well worth picking up. I'd heartily recommend it, and I'm giving it 5/5 stars.




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