The Rake and the Reformer

• Author: Mary Jo Putney
• Publisher: Signet
• Year: 1989
• Setting:
• Amazon Listing - The Rake And The Reformer - Out-of-Print

Reggie Davenport is a drunk and a ne'er do well. But when he inherits an estate, he sees a chance to redeem himself. Alys Weston is the farm's manager, hiding from the world as she buries herself in work. She and Reggie slowly and carefully become friends and lovers -- but Reggie's love of drink threatens their fragile relationship.

As is typical of a Mary Jo Putney book, there is humor mixed with the strong emotional punches. The topic of alcoholism is never treated as a plot device, and the scenes where the charming-when-sober Reggie becomes out-of-control drunk are vivid and powerful.

Mary Jo Putney rewrote and expanded this book. The new version was released as The Rake

Awards

• 1990 RITA® in the Regency category

Related Titles

• The Diabolical Baron - Hero of this book is the villain of The Diabolical Baron