It Takes a Rake

Bennett concludes her Rogues to Lovers series (after One Duke Down) with this witty Regency. Four years after leaving home to become a London architect, Leo Lockland returns to Bellehaven Bay, the seaside home he left behind—and to Kitty Beckett, an heiress who apprenticed alongside him in his grandfather’s architecture firm and for whom Leo has pined for years. Though Leo has always gotten “under her skin,” Kitty now seeks his mathematical genius in assisting with her entry in a local architecture design contest. In exchange, she agrees to help “predictable, principled, and nice” Leo become a rake in hopes of capturing the interest of the woman he desires—though Leo does not disclose that the object of his affections is Kitty herself. As she guides Leo to act rakishly in his manner, dress, and kisses, she feels the effects of Leo’s charms, but she also fears surrendering her heart. Readers will see, however, that Kitty, an admirably candid and tenacious woman unafraid to express her opinion, is the perfect match for Leo, whose genuine, easygoing manner simultaneously intrigues and frustrates her. This sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary. (Jan.)