Sandy M’s review of Cold-Hearted Rake (Ravenels, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 Oct 15
I began reading this series with the third book, then continued with the next two after that, which includes Ms Kleypas’ latest release, Devil’s Daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed each Ravenel in those books, so decided it was time to get the full picture of this family from the beginning. And I am so very happy that I did.
Devon Ravenel has just become earl of his family after his cousin’s death – three days after he married. Having no idea how to go about being an earl and taking care of everyone and everything that entails, he’s determined to sell it all off. He prefers his rakish ways with no responsibility. But then he meets his cousin’s virgin widow – yes, you read that right, and I enjoyed her story of how that happened – and Devon’s feelings begin to change. Along with Lady Treanor there is also her three sisters-in-law he has inherited. I so love this Ravenel family, and eventually Devon does too. What he doesn’t know about farming and everything else his tenants are involved in, he finds out. He’s even corralled his brother, West, to figure out how to save the estate.
Kathleen, Lady Treanor, doesn’t have a lot of experience with running a household or estate either, but she’s made the most of it in the months since her husband’s death. She’s quite strict when it comes to society’s rules concerning mourning and everything else women had to endure of the times. Trying quite hard to keep Devon at bay, once he decides to stay to get the lands up to par, she finds it more and more difficult to resist the man. Which makes me happy, because she could be a bit overbearing at times with those rules. They live in the country, for heaven’s sake, so her steadfastness became a bit tedious at times. I also don’t care for her invasiveness when it comes to Helen once she lets it be known she’d like to marry Rhys Winterbourne. I realize she’s trying to protect her sister-in-law, but she does exactly what she’s been preaching to everyone she and they shouldn’t do. So, needless to say, it’s Devon – and everyone else – who make this book. I’m still a little irritated with Kathleen.
Where Kathleen doesn’t change or grow much throughout the story (deciding the let Devon have his way with her is the the best change), both Devon and West definitely come into their own and learn to live a totally different way of life than before. I love Cassandra and Pandora, the twins, and they keep you entertained every step of the way. I really look forward to Marrying Winterbourne after meeting both characters in this book. A lovely story even if I do have a couple of issues with the heroine.
Grade: A
Summary:
A twist of fate . . .
Devon Ravenel, London’s most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl’s three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon’s own.
A clash of wills . . .
Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:
Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she’s ever known?
No excerpt available.
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