The Rake is the first book I've picked up by Gillian Hawser and while I have another book of hers in my library, I'm holding on picking it up. I didn't love this story. For me, I have to connect with the characters and I didn't really love any of them in this book.

Jaspar, while wholly fitting the title, isn't great. He apparently has been working his way through the ladies of the Ton but most recently, seduces an innocent, Laura Ludgrove. When things go sideways and he decides to head out of town, he comes across a mysterious woman who eventually shoots him. As he is recovering, he has an epiphany that he decides he wants to change and find a relationship like the one his sister has with her husband. He also keeps flashing back to the woman who shot him. Eventually they cross paths again and he finds out she is Grizelda Ludgrove, Laura's sister.

As Jaspar and Grizelda continue to cross paths their relationship changes. I found it a bit odd how her feelings changed and honestly didn't love that Jaspar had a relationship with both. It seemed weird.

As I said, I didn't love this one but the writing was great and I will pick up the other book eventually.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.