Much has changed in Isabel Aubrey’s life since she last saw the Earl of Ashby. Once she was a carefree girl who fancied herself in love with the dashing Earl. The one kiss they shared before he went off to war was forever embedded in her memory. When Paris and her brother Will answered the call to defend their country, neither realized the great sacrifice they would make. Will lost his life on a battlefield and Paris suffered a cannon blast that had scarred his face forever. Guilt over returning without his best friend had made him lock himself away from the world and spend his days as a recluse.

Isabel was heartbroken when she learned that her brother had taken his last breath on a battlefield. To help deal with her grief she threw all her energy into being the chairwoman of a local charity, now in desperate need of funds. And so she devised a plan to ask Paris to act as sponsor. As she stood on the steps of Lancaster House her mind filled with memories of Paris. With a heavy heart she didn’t know what she would encounter when she saw him once more. Would she be able to convince him to start living for the present instead of being locked in the past? Could the love she felt for him give him strength to show his face back in society?

Once a Rake is an exceptional book that is filled with all of the elements romance lovers crave. Ms. Sharon's writing style will leave you wanting to see more. Paris and Isabel’s story is one that is purely magical. Be prepared to set aside the time to read this one from beginning to end. Once a Rake comes with my guarantee that once you read it, you will become a devoted fan of Rona Sharon. Very highly recommended.