#BookReview – ‘How to Marry a Rake in Ten Days’ by Samantha Holt

Blurb

Dear Miss Manners, 
I have been following your column for some time since I made my debut into society some five years ago. As a young woman, I took your advice to become a well-mannered, polite young lady who would surely find herself a husband during her first season. However, it soon became clear to me that your teachings no longer have a place in this century. England is a modern place now with modern gentlemen. They do not expect us to be coy and polite. In fact, such behaviour only has the effect of turning one into a wallflower. I would wager that the eligible gentlemen of today value a woman who can hold a strong conversation and show intelligence instead of submissiveness. After all, how are we English ladies meant to hold our own against these American heiresses and French beauties? 
Now, it is likely too late for me but there are many other young women out there following your advice, many of whom are to be consigned to spinsterhood. As an unmarried woman yourself, how are we to trust your advice? 
I challenge, you Miss Manners, to prove the worth of your advice. Show myself and your readers that etiquette can win the heart of a fine prospect. Christmas is approaching and it is a time to reflect is it not? I am sure many a man is considering the worth of a wife. I highly anticipate,and look forward to, the announcement of your own engagement by the start of the New Year. 
Your once loyal reader, 
Miss Disbelieving

Review

Angelina Ashdown withdrew from the eyes of high society after a scandal, and now she makes her living writing an etiquette column for a London newspaper. After a disgruntled reader writes to the paper and challenges Angelina to live up to her proper advice and find a husband before New Years, Angelina has no choice but to attend a Christmas house party in an attempt to find a husband. If she doesn’t secure a proposal, she could lose her job, her home, and her independence.

Benedict Britton attends the party to secure funding for his invention. Though he’s quite intelligent, his reputation as a rake precedes him. He never expected Angelina, the only woman he’s ever loved, to be at the party. The problem is, she hates him, and he doesn’t blame her for it. Stuck together at the snowy estate, Benedict and Angelina soon realize not everything is as it seems, and that there’s fine line between love and hate.

This is a really cute story. Both the H/h are very likable and have great chemistry. They’ve made mistakes and are willing to make amends, and that shows how they grew throughout the course of the novella.

4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.