The Perfect Rake cover art

The Perfect Rake

Merridew Series, Book 1

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The Perfect Rake

By: Anne Gracie
Narrated by: Heather Wilds
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About this listen

A phony engagement turns into real passion in this delightful Regency romance from award-winning author Anne Gracie.

Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters - that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception....

A renowned rake, Gideon, Lord Carradice, has a way of making ladies swoon. But when Prudence arrives at his doorstep and mistakes him for his cousin, the Duke, it is Gideon who's infatuated. The delightful spitfire claims she and the Duke are engaged - although a taller tale was never told. In spite of the lies, Gideon is so taken with charming Prudence that he's eager to join her game, especially if it will award him a stolen kiss or two. Now, Prudence's plot is about to go terribly, albeit deliciously, awry....

Contains mature themes.

©2005 Anne Gracie (P)2020 Tantor Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Regency Regency Romance Romance Funny Witty
All stars
Most relevant  
This story is ruined by a narrator that although she has a pleasant and refined voice, reads every sentence with the same inflection. There is no emphasis on the important words leaving you constantly aware she is mindlessly reading without involvement.

Terrible narration

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A well written regency romance with scandal, intrigue and drama in good measure.
Great Uncle Oswald delivered many laugh out loud moments and Prudence was equal parts coquettish and innocent as well as forthright and bold.
Really enjoyable story which was mostly well delivered by Heather Wilds, but she has an annoying tendency to run from on paragraph or character to the next without pause, which results in some confusion while the brain registers that she is now delivering the story from another characters point of view.
That aside, I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend this book.

Worth the time

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the author takes you through the story of a big sister who madly protects her sisters. eventually escaping to find help family and love.
an adventure ending happily.

story of love betrayal and heros

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Great story that keeps you fully engaged with a well balanced mix of drama and humour with excellent characters. Narrator is excellent too. I’ve listened to a lot of these regency romance type novels and this one is up there with the best.

Loved it

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I've just listened to this for a second time and found it as charming as I did the first time. Romantic, dramatic, but above all hilarious. I was giggling out loud from almost the beginning. Anne Gracie uses humour well in her novels, but in this book the humour is next level, especially in the character of Gideon, who is imbued with a very naughty and quick wit which Anne writes very well. The situational comedy is also delightful with Prudence, Great Uncle Merridew and Aunt Gussie also featuring in a humorous light.

I do love a man with a wicked sense of humour.

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Lovely historical romance story. Loved the constant twists and turns of this story certainly kept the interest level high. Usually I'll miss bits of the story here and there while doing noisy tasks but this one I had to pause so I wouldn't miss a thing. Probably up there with my favourite HR stories.

I did find the performance sometimes a little (idk) off somehow. Almost as if the readers voice just grated at times but still a very good performance overall.

Who doesn't love a reformed rake?

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Although it opened darkly, the story was very well-developed and to my pleasant surprise was peppered with humour. As each chapter unfolded, I eagerly anticipated the next. The writing was excellent, as was the narration. It had an interesting mix of characters from loving, quirky, loyal, and chivalrous, to misogynistic, callous and violent.

This book sat in my wish list for about a year however I wish I’d listened to it sooner. It’s definitely a goodie, and I’m now eager to listen to all of the other books in the series. I highly recommend.

A surprising gem of a HR story

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Great story with some different twists, easy listening and met expectations. Recommended to others who like historical romance

Great story

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A quaint story with some great descriptions or love scenes. Needed a little more excitement.

Wonderful romance

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a comedy of errors. lots of fun and fast paced. got a bit soppy towards the end as expected. but really well worth a listen

lots of fun

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