50 Ways to Ruin a Rake

March 23, 2015
Lee’s first Rakes and Rogues Regency romance is a middling affair that relies too heavily on the ridiculous. When Melinda Smithson, beautiful, rich, and logical, is proposed to for the umpteenth time by her obsessively poetic but brutish cousin Ronnie, she bemoans her inexplicable lack of other prospects. Trevor, future Duke of Timby and a former student of Melinda’s father, pays a visit and complains that his grandfather has cut off all funds until Trevor becomes engaged. Quickly he
realizes that a fake betrothal will let him introduce Melinda to men who might court her and will also unlock his bank accounts. Unexpected reactions, high emotions, determined suitors, and scenes of passion soon blur the lines between falsehood and reality. Lee begins her tale with an unsuccessful attempt at humor and relies on extreme emotional drama to propel the action. Her formulaic and unoriginal plot strikes out. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates.

May 1, 2015
Melinda Smithson wants to get married, but since she is stuck living in the countryside with her father, her only suitor is her annoying, poetry-spouting distant cousin, Ronnie. Melinda would love the opportunity to meet other eligible bachelors, but what is a poor girl to do? Trevor Anaedsley's grandfather, the Duke of Trimby, has cut off his allowance until Trevor settles down and gets married. When Trevor bumps into Melinda while visiting her father, he immediately sees the perfect solution to both their problems. If Trevor proposes to Melinda, he will once again have access to his money. As Trevor's new fiancee, Melinda will have the opportunity to meet a wide range of gentlemen. Once Melinda finds the man she wants to marry, Trevor will break up with her. It all sounds perfectly logical, right? With its wonderfully whimsical characters and fanciful plot, Lee's (What the Groom Wants, 2014) latest romance, the first in her new Rakes and Rogues series, is tailor-made for readers who like their Regency-set historicals served up with plenty of frothy fun.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)