Never Romance a Rake

Liz Carlyle

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
• eBook ISBN:
  9780731810321
• Year: 2011

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, this lush historical romance delivers smoldering chemistry, dangerous aristocrats, forbidden attraction, and all the scandalous intrigue of London’s most intoxicating season.

Kieran, Baron Rothewell, is one of society’s most dangerous men—a darkly seductive rake with a scandalous reputation and a past he refuses to outrun. While the ton dances beneath crystal chandeliers, Rothwell prefers London’s forbidden underworld: smoky gaming hells, secret salons, and pleasures too wicked for polite society. Cynical, untamed, and utterly irresistible, he has long since sworn never to trust his heart.

Until one fateful night changes the rules of the game.

At an illicit gathering steeped in decadence and danger, the notorious Comte de Valigny proposes a shocking wager: a single hand of cards…for the hand of his beautiful daughter.

Mademoiselle Camille Marchand has spent her life surviving the cruelties of powerful men. Abandoned by her aristocratic father until she becomes useful to him, Camille has learned to rely on no one but herself. Intelligent, fiercely independent, and hiding secrets that could destroy her, she knows the infamous Baron Rothewell is every bit as dangerous as the world whispers.

But from the moment their eyes meet across the card table, sparks ignite.

As desire blazes between them, Camille and Rothwell are drawn into a seductive game filled with betrayal, scandal, and perilous secrets lurking beneath society’s glittering façade. Yet the greatest risk may be surrendering to the passion neither of them can resist.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Mademoiselle Marchand leaned into him, set her hands on his lapels, and dropped her sweeping black lashes.
• Praise
• ALSO BY LIZ CARLYLE FROM POCKET BOOKS
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Prologue: In the Cane Fields
• Chapter One: In which Rothewell meets the Grim Reaper
• Chapter Two: In which le comte Hosts a Card Party
• Chapter Three: In which a Profitable Proposal is made
• Chapter Four: A stroll in the Garden
• Chapter Five: In which Lord Nash hosts a Betrothal party
• Chapter Six: In which Rothewell Tastes Wedded Bliss
• Chapter Seven: A Slippery Slope
• Chapter Eight: In which Rothewell receives a great deal of Unwanted advice
• Chapter Nine: A Stubborn Silence
• Chapter Ten: In which Chin-Chin goes to The City
• Chapter Eleven: In which Lord Rothewell dines Al Fresco
• Chapter Twelve: The Gathering Storm
• Chapter Thirteen: In which Lady Rothewell stands Firm
• Chapter Fourteen: In which Dr. Hislop steps In
• Chapter Fifteen: A return to Tattersall’s
• Chapter Sixteen: Joyeux anniversaire
• Epilogue: The Tell-Tale Kipper