50 Ways to Ruin a Rake

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)