Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stellar Originality - An Outstanding Author, 6 Feb 2006
In his earlier days, Cyprian Sloane was a less than reputable gentleman. He embraced the life of a rake, gambler, smuggler, even though some of those deeds were committed as a cover-up while spying for the crown during the war. Now, he wants respectability, not so much for himself, but to rub it in the face of a father who has always despised him. As he took steps to gain his rightful place in ton society he crossed paths with the caring, determined, and outspoken Miss Morgana Hart. Without choosing to, he became embroiled in Morgana’s latest madcap scheme of turning four destitute young woman into ‘courtesans’. If discovered, any inroads he’d made for a successful entrée into ton society and a suitable betrothal to a respectable but boring young woman would all be for naught. Sloane would have to make a decision as to whether retribution for the cruelty of his childhood was worth losing the remarkable woman he’d come to love. Ms. Gaston is a remarkably gifted author of extremely well written regency tales which encompass an amazing zest for creativity. I find her stories original, bringing to life well-developed characters that will remain in your thoughts long after the last page has turned. This latest, after such stellar releases as THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M, and THE WAGERING WIDOW clearly show this author has what it takes is one to watch, enjoy, and savor as well as put on ‘auto-buy’ status!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful romance, splendid writing, characters to love, 30 Nov 2005
A REPUTABLE RAKE, the newest romance from Diane Gaston, is well worth the read.
Sloane, the hero, is extremely complex, more so than most romance heroes I've encountered, since, as a former rake, spy, and smuggler, his entire quest is to become respectable, and thus, in the novel, he denies himself the pleasures of Morgana, the heroine, for quite some time. This created a fair bit of tension, but of the page-turning sort.Sloane's physical heroism, past exploits, and spy work afford him the means to get needed information about those who are a real danger to Morgana and her charges. But Morgana's plans for 'educating' these young women fly squarely in the face of Sloane's plans for respectability, and his acceptance into the upper echelons of Regency society. You wonder how they'll ever be together, which keeps you glued to the story. Morgana is quite outspoken and unconventional, but not in an annoying way. I liked her immediately. Ms. Gaston's characters are quite simply the most "realistic" of any romances I've read, and I've read my share of them. They're beautiful but flawed characters, with quirks and foibles such as we all have. The reader feels great empathy for them; we truly care what will become of them. Even her secondary characters seem so 'real'; the author truly has a gift for bringing people to life on the page. The love scenes were beautiful and my only wish was for more of them! A plot twist at the novel's end is quite brilliant. Indeed I wondered how Sloane could possibly manage to stay with Morgana without playing the complete cad in a previous near-betrothal, but the solution was perfect. This novel is rich and full of beauty -- the characters grow before our eyes, and learn so much about themselves and about their own motives; and Morgana, thanks to Sloane, finally comes to believe she is desirable and beautiful. I was left quite starry-eyed, reading it all. A REPUTABLE RAKE is definitely a 'keeper', and I eagerly await the author's next effort.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual Approach . . ., 29 Jan 2006
Unmistakably, Diane Gaston's approach to the Regency period is often SURPRISING. And her newest novel, A REPUTABLE RAKE, is no exception! The author's latest historical certainly doesn't follow the usual Regency standard, but her storyline is certainly innovative and original.
Miss Morgana Hart cannot help her soft-hearted manner; intensely, she cares. However, now, she pushes the boundary! Her latest liberal idea and unorthodox scheme will probably bring about her damnation - or so her neighbor, the dashing Cyprian Sloane, thinks! Indeed, her plan to teach and to turn destitute girls into courtesans is unbelievable! Does this lovely woman, of the `beau monde', not know what she is doing? Good heavens she is destroying everything - everything that Cyprian has accomplished. All Cyprian wants, is acceptance - an entry into proper society - and that little hoyden, next door, and is hell-bent on destroying it!
Initially, author Diane Gaston made romance history by writing her stunner, "THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M." Such lofty achievements are usually hard to duplicate! Nevertheless, in A REPUTABLE RAKE, Gaston's sense of doom and ruin, surrounding the idea of the Courtesan school, is palpable. Likewise, the intrigue of a scorned Madam is tangible, thus creating the storyline's "rocky road." And the glandular pull between Morgana and Sloane is well portrayed. When they are together, Gaston's pages practically steam. Unfortunately, the author chooses to delay the much anticipated buff action. Regrettably, when the lovers finally get it on, the effort feels forced; as if the author suddenly realizes, she HAS to get these two people into a bed. What a shame, for Gaston has the PRIZE - THE prize to exploit - the courtesan instructions. Just imagine the rakish Sloane and the innocent Morgana - experimenting - with her sexual lessons!
A REPUTABLE RAKE does refer to characters and references from Diane Gaston's previous two books, but this story can stand alone. A REPUTABLE RAKE may not be "ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER" but it is a pleasant read and deserves consideration!
Grade: B
MaryGrace Meloche.
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by Diane Gaston
by Diane Gaston
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