The ruin of a rake

Despite what his sister, Eleanor Standish, might think, Julian Medlock is not a miracle worker. Although he would do anything possible to ensure her happiness, rehabilitating the reputation of her friend Lord Courtenay may prove to be impossible. After all, Courtenay is already known as one of the most notorious and debauched rakes in London, and the recent publication of the scandalous The Brigand Prince of Salerno, with a libertine hero rumored to be based on Courtenay, is certainly not helping matters. Yet despite the odds, Julian reluctantly agrees to try, only to find his campaign to improve Courtenay's social status taking an unexpected turn when Julian admits he has feelings of his own for Courtenay, which could create a scandal that may very well ruin them both. In her latest flawlessly written Regency-set historical, Sebastian once again gifts readers with the kind of realistically complicated characters, deliciously dry humor, and combustible sensuality they have come to expect from her while at the same time crafting a love story that quietly, yet powerfully, demonstrates the universal power of love to change lives.--Charles, John Copyright 2017 Booklist

Lord Courtenay never expected to move back to England, but he made the sacrifice to be close to his nephew, Simon. Now Simon's father refuses to allow him to see his uncle, owing to Courtenay's reputation as a dissipated rake. Courtenay is desperate to change his image, even if it means spending time with Julian Medlock, a bland, uptight man but one who commands high society's respect. Julian is resentful of his infatuation with Courtenay and assumes Courtenay deserves his bad name for scandalous behavior. Nevertheless, as a favor to his sister, Julian agrees to try to reverse Courtenay's legendary infamy. Slowly, Julian discerns Courtenay is not the reprobate he imagines, while Courtenay discovers Julian's dull façade hides a clever and passionate man. The charm, vulnerabilities, and hidden depths of Courtenay and Julian are infectious, and the chemistry between the two is both tender and steamy hot. Verdict Sebastian (The Lawrence Browne Affair) might use the well-worn opposites-attract trope to get her lovers together, but her mastery of conflict, tension, and timing along with flawless characterization and sexual attraction turn The Ruin of a Rake into a unique and entrancing romance that touches the heart deeper than most.-Eve Stano, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Despite what his sister, Eleanor Standish, might think, Julian Medlock is not a miracle worker. Although he would do anything possible to ensure her happiness, rehabilitating the reputation of her friend Lord Courtenay may prove to be impossible. After all, Courtenay is already known as one of the most notorious and debauched rakes in London, and the recent publication of the scandalous The Brigand Prince of Salerno, with a libertine hero rumored to be based on Courtenay, is certainly not helping matters. Yet despite the odds, Julian reluctantly agrees to try, only to find his campaign to improve Courtenay's social status taking an unexpected turn when Julian admits he has feelings of his own for Courtenay, which could create a scandal that may very well ruin them both. In her latest flawlessly written Regency-set historical, Sebastian once again gifts readers with the kind of realistically complicated characters, deliciously dry humor, and combustible sensuality they have come to expect from her while at the same time crafting a love story that quietly, yet powerfully, demonstrates the universal power of love to change lives. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.