Review: It Seems Rakes Can Be Reformed
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 11, 2014
This is the one book in the series I wasn't sure I wanted to bother reading.  Lachlan, AKA "The Seducer of the Highlands," was presented as such a ladies' man to the point he had two illegitimate sons in the village by two different women, one could only wonder how many other he had strewn about the countryside.  To Lachlan's credit he claimed and supported both sons and was determined to have a relationship with them but had no intentions to settle down and marry for many years - after all he wasn't the Chief of the MacGrath Clan and had no need to marry.While on a mission to England on behalf of his brother, Alasdair MacGrath, Lachlan finds himself having the run of King James' court and "The Seducer of the Highlands" soon finds himself involved with the lovely ladies.  What he doesn't count on is being mistakenly accused of compromising the lovely Lady Angelique Drummagan, ward of the King.  It seems she is quite the spitfire and the King wants her married and out of his way so he gives her a choice of three men, including Lachlan - none of whom she desires to marry.  But, she has to marry someone so she chooses Lachlan which results in Lachlan actually becoming an Earl and the possessor of Draughton Castle, Angelique's inheritance.This story is actually quite humorous in some respects.  Lachlan's good friends Dirk and Rebbie are continually by his side and Rebbie's teasing nearly drives Lachlan up the wall.  Having never had to actually chase the ladies - no, it seems they have continually chased him, Lachlan doesn't quite get Angelique who wants nothing to do with him.  When she requires that he have his "tarse" inspected for disease before she will allow him to bed her, Lachlan is so determined to have her that he finds a physican and submits himself to a humiliating experience.  Rebbie finds out about the exam and continues his fun at Lachlan's expense.  I enjoy these parts.In time, it seems that Lady Angelique has some strong reasons to fear the act of marriage and someone is indeed set on killing her and taking their revenge.  When Lachlan takes Angelique to Draughton Castle, will he be accepted as the rightful ruler?  Thankfully he has Dirk and Rebbie to watch his back.  Actually, Lachlan turned out so much better than I thought he would.  He is kind to Angelique, gentle and persuasive and eventually determined to become a man that she will accept as a husband.  At some point, he has some internal struggles and his pride about his ability to lead and protect comes under his own scrutiny.  But of course, he rises from the ashes and brings it all together.Possibly the best book in this series to date.  I have read all of them and I loved Lachlan's will to change and Angelique's refusal to be just another one of his harem.