Rating: 
Summary: Enthralling, beautiful, heartwrenching... perfection
Review: I thought I'd read excellent books before I read 'The Rake'. Iloved 'The Diabolical Baron' - but it was a mere taster compared tothis book. 'The Rake' is quite simply the most beautiful,heartwrenching, unputdownable historical romance I have read.You need to read 'The Diabolical Baron' first.......vividly portrayed, especially his occasional setbacks - the struggle in the library with Alys is both frightening and heartwrenching.......Alys is wonderful too: her refusal to be intimidated by her new employer and her determination to succeed in a man's world are very well portrayed.......If I've given other books five stars in the past, this one deserves ten. It's quite simply unforgettable. END
Rating:
Summary: A great favorite!
Review: I was very pleased to see this wonderful novel reissued (in a slightly revised version). It remains my favorite Putney book, and I've read it more than once. A fascinating and charismatic hero, a smart and strong heroine, a sensitive and intelligent story which is nonetheless full of wit, and a lovely 18th century English countryside setting. What more could a reader want?
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story, It is a keeper.
Review: My copy of the Rake and the Reformer is worn out, so I will probably order this latest edition. This is one of the best regency romances I have read. Putney is a great writer, and this is one of her best.
Rating:
Summary: An accurate and compassionate look at alchoholism
Review: Regency novels are often accused of being light and superficial--all rout parties, Almacks, and flights to Gretna Green. This book stands out as a well-written examination of a struggle with a very common illness, then and now, and the characters are extremely well-drawn. There is warmth, humor, and a bulls-eye accurate view of human nature. A fantastic book, which I think rates almost up there with my personal favorite Putney novel, "One Perfect Rose." A definite keeper. I only have one question, though: does Lord Michael Kenyon know absolutely EVERYBODY in England? It's beginning to seem so.
Rating: 
Summary: Very cute romance novel
Review: Reggie and Alys' story is classic and beautifully written. This is the first Putney novel I have read and I will surely read more! The characters are well developed. There is no false pretense of perfection. I was kind of expecting (especially from the title) a rake to fall madly in love and mend his ways and realize the need to marry blah blah blah... This was not the case at all. While Alys does play a part in his reformation, he makes the conclusion himself. I loved the fact that no one in the book is fooled by her dressing like a man. When read the back of the book I was worried about that scenario as well - as I have read it several times before. This was delightfully unpredictable.
Rating:
Summary: Another for my top ten list.....
Review: Reginald Davenport is an alcoholic. Alys Weston is a gifted businesswoman and estate manager living a life of lies layered on one another like an onion. What an unlikely pairing - but it works! Reginald's cousin opens the door to his transformation by restoring an estate to him which had been unlawfully withheld; however, it is up to Reginald to walk through that door. The book traces Reginald's journey, as Alys becomes a reluctant companion along the path. That the two fall in love is not surprising; what makes it interesting, is that in the end, it is Alys's flaws that threaten to destroy their relationship, and not Reginald's addiction. Reginald's character is written so well - it's as if MJP was able to get inside the head of an addicted person and those around him who either collaborate with the addiction, or try to neutralize it. This story has credibility and depth, and is one that I'll be recommending to my friends. Excellent job.
Rating:
Summary: An anti-hero and a woman who thinks herself unlovable
Review: Reginald Davenport is the exact opposite of the typical romance hero: villain of a previous book in the series, he's an alcoholic, a gambler and a rake who is offered one last chance to atone for his past mistakes when he retires to Strickland. The first surprise awaiting him there is that the skilful manager of his new estate is a woman, Alys Weston, strangely beautiful and very competent. Alys is afraid to lose her position as Strickland's manager when the new master settles on the estate, seemingly for good. But Reggie, although intrigued by this woman who dresses in pantaloons and supervises the estate in a masterful way, doesn't dismiss her, and he quickly treats her as his equal. It's not just her managerial skills that fascinate Reggie, but also her uncommon beauty. She's taller than the average woman and her eyes don't match, but what she sees as flaws makes her even more beautiful in the eyes of her new master. The unusual relationship that develops between them keeps the reader enthralled from start to finish. If Reggie's reputation as a rake followed him to Strickland, Alys doesn't let it destabilise her. She fears for her wards at first, especially the lovely and innocent Meredith, but Reggie is quick to reassure her that he has no interest in the young woman. Indeed, his fantasies are set on Alys herself. One aspect of the book that was particularly interesting is Reggie's fight against his addiction to alcohol. There are several powerful scenes that show how far alcohol can lead, and without any voyeurism or overboard drama, Mary Jo Putney draws her hero's journey through this delicate part of his life, as well as Alys' influence on his behaviour. Alys' character is as complicated as her male counterpart's. She hides a background and a life that Reggie doesn't suspect, but can her secrets compromise the future of any relationship that might settle between them? Once again, Mary Jo Putney draws three-dimensional characters whose attitude takes root in their tumultuous past. The world she pictures in her novels is never black and white, and The Rake is no exception to her outstanding writing-style.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Fabulous
Review: Thanks Mrs. Giggles for recommending this book. It was as wonderful as you said it was. I really liked the fact that the hero was flawed (like real men), and the heroine was tough and resilient (like real women). What can I say that many others haven't already said about this marvelous book? It's inspired me to try my hand at a historical novel. Great writing, Mary Jo Putney!
Rating:
Summary: Simply Fabulous
Review: Thanks Mrs. Giggles for recommending this book. It was as wonderful as you said it was. I really liked the fact that the hero was flawed (like real men), and the heroine was tough and resilient (like real women). What can I say that many others haven't already said about this marvelous book? It's inspired me to try my hand at a historical novel. Great writing, Mary Jo Putney!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Very Best
Review: The is a story of redemption. Reggie is the worst sort of rake. He drinks, gambles and uses people with no thought for their feelings. He is on a downward spiral with only two outcomes, death or resurrection. His cousin, the Earl, who has been funding his life style decides to give Reggie an estate and let him sink or swim. Reggie has a problem with alcohol, which at the time of this story is considered a weakness of character not a disease. Reggie is determined to make a better life. The story evolves with the struggle to be redemeed and in the process he falls for his steward. It is one of the best books I have read. Definitely a keeper.
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