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Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake | 
 enlarge | Author: Laurie Brown
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
Buy New: $1.99
You Save: $5.00 (72%)
New (26) Used (26) Collectible (1) from $0.33
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 322797
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 400
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 4.3 x 1
ISBN: 1402210132
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9781402210136
ASIN: 1402210132
Publication Date: September 1, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
A modern career woman thrust back in time into the glittering Regency period and the arms of an unscrupulous rake…
Josephine Drummond is a professional paranormal researcher (aka, a ghostbuster) hired to prove that the ghost of Lord Deverell Thornton, the very handsome Earl and a notorious rake in his time, haunts the crumbling Waite Castle. But the ghost drags Josephine back to the Regency period to help him try to prevent the swindle that impoverished the Earl and threatens to turn his castle into a most undignified
modern-day tourist attraction.
Josephine has to contend with being a modern career woman trying to navigate the complex social scene of the Regency period, make sure no one discovers her real identity and unmask a charlatan. But all of these are easier than resisting her undeniable attraction to the Earl, who is clearly determined to sweep her off her feet.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
A very good romantic paranormal read w/ historical fiction elements as well June 2, 2008
I had never read anything by Laurie Brown prior to this book, but was intrigued by the possibility of a historical paranormal romance - all those elements in one book just HAD to be a fun read.
The characters, albeit not entirely three dimensional, did tend to follow the normal patterns of behavior and were not jumping into bed two seconds after meeting. (I really hate it when writers rush the beginning feelings of love - that's the best part!) The relationship did actually develop over the course of the book, which always seems to enhance the inevitable declaration of love toward the end of the story.
I was very impressed by the accuracy of the customs of the time period. It was obvious that the writer went to great lengths to have those particulars covered. The extra effort added to the appeal of the setting, and at times I really did feel like the character - an average everyday girl trapped in a time period you had to see to believe. I also appreciated the language used, and felt that it only added to the allure of the time period.
I would say that this is a great read for anyone who wants a good twist on an old romance story.... although the climax of the story does follow a bit of a Scooby-esk feel, it is still a fun read that is easily enjoyed without much effort. If you have the time and want just a fun historical romance/ paranormal romance book, pick this one up for sure!
 5 stars February 17, 2008
Josie Drummond finds herself not only hired by a ghost, but as part of her work, taking a trip back in time to prevent her employer, Deverell Thornton, the Ninth Earl of Waite, from meeting with a ruinous event. A modern woman in the Regency era is somewhat of a fish out of water, but with the help of Deverell the ghost and her own wits, she manages. She also begins to fall in love with the living man, Dev, who is in his own way as charming as the ghost he will become. Romance might be the angle she would like best to pursue, but there are mysteries to solve, a fraud to unmask, and she does need to decide which version of the Earl of Waite she belongs with, all before Deverell's power is exhausted and she has no hope of ever returning home.
***** Combining multiple unusual plot devices into a compelling romance that sweeps across the centuries, Ms. Brown gives her readers a fascinating story filled with twists and surprises, particularly the startling ending. Josie's love triangle is perhaps the one that of all literary triangles can be considered truly unique. How many people fall in love with the same man, but have to choose which version of him to be with? Though this is clearly a satisfyingly complete tale that leaves little to no room for it to become a series, readers will want to keep their eye out for more from this talented author, at least this one shall. *****
Amanda Killgore
Time Travel at Its Best! February 15, 2008
I really didn't care how authentic facts relating to the Regency period were, I liked the book for pure entertainment. I liked the plot and the characters. I don't particularly like "period" or "historical romances", but I do like the premise of time travel. I just enjoyed this book, the story and the characters. I really couldn't predict how the book would end and was actually in suspense as it neared the end!
Excellent Debut by Laurie Brown November 25, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you like ghosts, historical romance, time travel and great characters - pick up this book. An American ghostbuster finds herself confronted by a early 1800 ghost who wants her time travel with him. He wants her to prove the gypsy that has stealing from his mother that she is a fake. She does not think time travel is real but is willing to spend time with the handsome ghost for scientific purposes. This book was excellent! - Enjoy!
I would also recommended;How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins, Spirited Away & Into Thin Air by Cindy Miles, Have Glass Slippers Will Travel by Lisa Cach and Crazy For You by Kate Angell.
 Slow beginning, good middle, disappointing end November 24, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
JMO, but the first 90 pages of this book were really boring. I started reading Reform a Rake but put it down after only a few pages and read a different book. A few days later I tried again, but once more put it down and read a different book. A month or two later I finally made it past page 90, and my interest was finally engaged. From this point the story was fun and lively... until the last chapter.
Issues I had with the book:
1) The first 90 pages of the story dealt with Josie learning the niceties of Regency life. The scenes with Josie and the ghost Deverell were fun, but the lessons on Regency table manners, dancing, etiquette, social order, etc were a drag on the story.
2) I found the naming of the two male leads Dev (mortal of the past) and Deverell (ghost in the present day) confusing. It took me a few encounters to figure out which was which. What was really confusing was that in the last chapter the names were reversed. The character formerly known as Dev was suddenly called Deverell.
3) The constant changes in point-of-view were jarring. In one sentence you were seeing the world from Josie's perspective and the next sentence you were in Dev/Deverell's head. The transitions were never smooth and every time it happened I had to stop and reorient myself.
4) The ending... JMO, but it was rushed and incomplete. I had to read the last chapter twice just to figure out who Josie ended up with: Dev (mortal of the past) or Deverell (ghost of the present day). All-in-all I found "Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake" an unsatisfying read.
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