A GOOD RAKE IS HARD TO FIND is Book one in the Lords of Anarchy series by Manda Collins. I adore A GOOD RAKE IS HARD TO FIND -- it's the perfect blend of mystery and romance. Lord Frederick Lisle is very sympathetic as a hero: tender and sweet with the heroine as well as being a true gentleman, a man of action and a champion.

There are two important parts to A GOOD RAKE IS HARD TO FIND -- the "second time around" romance between Leonora and Frederick, and the mystery of the suspicious death of Leonora's brother Jonathan. Both aspect of this story are equally compelling and well-developed. When Jonathan Craven dies under mysterious circumstances, both his sister and his good friend have similar thoughts about investigating. There are so many elements that are deliciously evocative of an early Agatha Christie mystery that I love it. Leonora and Frederick working together amid shady characters, members-only clubs with wicked activities and danger at every turn only serves to heighten the suspense and romance throughout A GOOD RAKE IS HARD TO FIND. The excitement builds with each chapter and new development. I couldn't put this book down.

The complicated history that exists between Frederick and Leonora make their current romance more interesting. Leonora does want more independence than what is usually accepted for women at the time, but her inner demons are really what stop her from finding happiness with Frederick. In historical romances, it's usually the hero who pushes the heroine away "for her own good". However, in this instance it's the heroine who tries to push the hero away out of a desire to protect his feelings. I love when Frederick calls Leonora out on the double standard -- that if the roles were reversed, she'd resent his high- handedness. The love that never went away between them creates a very emotionally powerful romance.

A GOOD RAKE IS HARD TO FIND is both an exciting mystery and powerful love story. This is good story-telling at its best and a page-turner. I love the wonderfully complex supporting character of Lady Melisande Fincher and hope to see her turn up in a future story. I can't wait for the next book in this series by Manda Collins to see what's in store for the other characters!