The Earl of Stainthorpe placed an advertisement in the paper asking young Englishmen to participate in a series of challenges that will conclude in Paris, the goal being to find the most suitable husband for his daughter Lady Sarah. Lord Boyce Parker decides to take part in the dare, mostly to impress his father. In order to reach Paris, Boyce opts to go by balloon, manned by the lovely lady of science Miss Eve Mountfloy, who assists her father, a distinguished aeronaut.

I was charmed right from the opening lines of WHEN A RAKE FALLS. Starting from a very clever premise, Ms. Orr weaves a fresh and charming tale filled with colourful characters and the most amusing dialogues.

Boyce is a charming, handsome and honourable rake, he has the heart of a poet; he is absolutely irresistible. Not to mention the fact that he is prone to bursting into song at a moment's notice; he appears almost without a care and yet his whole life is dedicated to the single purpose of acquiring his father's respect; he is a study in contrasts.

Eve is a perfect counterpart to Boyce: she is much more serious, resourceful and brave, if disappointed in not being recognised as a real scientist merely because of her sex. Boyce's sunny presence lightens up her mood but awakens long-forgotten dreams as well. Eve is a wonderful heroine; determined and bold, all the while remaining perfectly proper. Each and every one of the characters is fabulously entertaining: who could forget the coquette Lydia, who is superficiality incarnate, or the unflappable Lady Buxton.

WHEN A RAKE FALLS is a delectable concoction, masterfully written; it reads like a breeze and much is due to Ms. Orr's prose, which is graceful, elegant as well as very witty. The author's extensive knowledge and research on balloons is nothing short of astonishing and because of that, as well as the vivid and detailed descriptions, I got the impression of flying right along with Boyce and Eve. Ms. Orr historical accuracy doesn't end there: the dialogues, apart from being delightful and amusing, are spot-on with regards to usage and idioms; in fact, all aspects of clothing, décor, as well as the tone of the narrative are very faithful to the Regency era. Ms. Orr's prose is airy, lively, and delightfully exquisite all- around; if superlative writing could induce swooning, WHEN A RAKE FALLS might well be the cause. I expected WHEN A RAKE FALLS to wrap up tidily, but Ms. Orr keeps us guessing until the end for the exciting and suspenseful dénouement. WHEN A RAKE FALLS is one of the most romantic, joyful, and enchanting books I have ever read, and I cannot wait for the author's next book: Sally Orr is a star!