When Only a Rake Will Do — Jennifer McNare

With a fondness for fairytales, Daphne Hewitt has long-dreamt of falling in love and living out a romantic tale all of her own. Unfortunately, however, when her brother recklessly gambles away the family fortune her idealistic fantasies are abruptly shattered. Reluctantly agreeing to marry a man she despises to save her family from ruin, a man old enough to be her grandfather, Daphne is forced to accept that her future will be nothing like the storybook love affair she's always envisioned. Nevertheless, she is boldly determined to experience at least one aspect of her forsaken fairytale before saying I do, passion. And who better to aid in her quest than Lord Brendon Leighton, the devilishly handsome rogue whose skill in the bedchamber is rumored to be unsurpassed?

As one of England's most infamous and beloved rakes, Brendon Leighton is well-accustomed to the amorous attentions he receives from the women of his acquaintance. Even so, nothing could have prepared him for the scandalous proposal he receives from Lady Daphne Hewitt, an innocent young miss out for her first London Season, or for the overwhelming temptation that it would present. Nonetheless, and despite being utterly captivated by her remarkable beauty and winsome nature, he knows that he can't possibly agree to her bold request. But all too soon, Brendon discovers that doing the honorable thing is far more easily said than done.

The Reformed Rakes Series:
Book 1 â€" Until You (Nicholas)
Book 2 â€" You, and Only You (Alex)
Book 3 â€" When Only a Rake Will Do (Brendon)

(Although these books are part of a series, written in chronological order and feature recurring characters, each can be read as a stand alone novel if so desired.)

Please note: This is a short novel of approximately 62,000 words.