Book Review: The Rake's Tale

Published Oct 2015

Blurb: In Regency-era England, Sarah Edwards is a Shakespeare-obsessed debutante who falls for Lord Basil Fairfax, a cruel rake who makes public sport of crushing her heart. Reinventing herself as the Ice Queen, Sarah plans on exacting retribution by out-raking the rake. Unfortunately, she didn’t plan on Benedick Merritt, a duke with an irritating penchant for rescuing damsels—whether they are in distress or not. So, through a whirl of Shakespearean quote wars, lovesick Juliet wannabes, and one torturous matchmaking musicale, Sarah must decide which is really sweeter: Revenge or giving happily ever after a second chance.

Bettie Williams is amazing as she beautifully weaves words together to form this magnificent romantic tale. Sarah Edwards had me so angry many times throughout the tale. I kept thinking, "Stupid!!! Can't you see it yet?" Ack! Any book that makes me feel that angry, yet hopeful for a character must be written well. The character development is wonderfully done and the story itself is fun. Then there's Lord Basil. Grrrrr... can I just rip all his hair out and stuff it in his mouth? And Benedick? He may be irritating, yet charming all at the same time. There are even fun sub plots weaved throughout the story. If you love Austen and a feisty female protagonist then you'll enjoy this book!

For those of you who worry, there is a sex scene in it and a moderate amount of minor cuss words.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it five stars. *****

Bettie Williams has been an award-winning author of novels, short stories, and some really bad poetry for over 20 years. She has been published in numerous literary anthologies. She has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. THE RAKE'S TALE took first place in the South Carolina Writers’ Association’s 2014 Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Awards. A former journalist and technical writer, Williams holds dual bachelors degrees in English and communications. In addition to writing, she is obsessed with all things William Shakespeare and Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice is her favorite book of all time); has a closet fascination with Benedict Cumberbatch (Then again, who doesn’t?); and becomes a bloodthirsty tyrant whenever anyone dares to bring out a Scattergories game (She’s never lost a match). She makes her home in the midlands of South Carolina where she serves as handmaiden to a feisty Pomeranian/Chihuahua named Callie. THE RAKE'S TALE is her first published novel, but it won't be the last.

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This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.