Wild, Wild Rake is part of the popular Cavendish Heiresses series. This book tells the story of Lady Avalon Warwyck. She is a widow with a young son She is happy with her independence, including a charity helping fallen women. However, when she meets the new vicar, Devan Farris, sparks fly!
I wanted to read Wild, Wild Rake because I read an earlier book in this series and enjoyed it. I love the Regency period, and this book has a prologue set in 1805 but the rest of the book is set right in the Regency period (1815).
What a fun and sweet-natured historical romance! Readers are introduced to Lady Avalon when she is still in a very unhappy, abusive marriage. After her husband passes away, she lives on an estate in England with her young son, Thane. She has a strong conviction about helping fallen women recreate their lives with work (i.e. seamstresses). Lady Avalon seems a bit reserved at first, but this is very understandable given the trials of her marriage.
The new vicar in town, Devan, is sent to the estate to check up on Avalon and Thane. Devan is the brother of Thane's guardian and he feels a family obligation to help as he can. At first there is some tension between Avalon and Devan, but they slowly become friends (with some real sparks of romance). Avalon believes that Devan is a rake, looking for an heiress to marry, and she believes he is not really interested in her. This novel tells the story of their romance.
This was a lively read. I enjoyed the format, with little epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. For instance:
"As you turn the other cheek, just remember that there's no rest for the truly wicked. - Mr. Devan Farris's theme for the Sunday sermon to his pious flock" (p. 67)
"When life throws you a surprise, settle in, grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy. - Devan Farris" (p. 123)
I really liked both the lead characters. Avalon's dedication working with women in need was very admirable. She even sets up a workroom with a nursery for the women's children on the grounds of her estate. This type of social outreach is fairly unique in historical fiction, especially historical romance.
Devan is a really likable character. He's such a good guy, with kindness and support for Avalon and a genuine interest in helping her young son find his way in life. I really was pulling for Avalon and Devan to work through their obstacles so they could find happiness together.
Wild, Wild Rake is an enjoyable Regency period historical romance. I recommend it to fans of the genre who like a lively, engaging read with a bit of a social message as well.
Book Synopsis
Her first marriage was an epic fail.
Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry. That is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.
Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?
Devan Farris–charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian–is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation–even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside–a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can he prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?
Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
Author Bio
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The Bad Luck Bride. Janna credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.
Connect with Janna
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Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of Wild, Wild Rake. (U.S. only.) Giveaway ends midnight on March 5, 2020. Winner will be contacted by email and needs to respond within 48 hours, or a new name will be drawn. Enter at the Rafflecopter below.
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7 comments:
I'm normally not a fan of historical romance, but then I read one like this and makes me question everything! Thank you for being on this tour. Sara @ TLC Book Tours
never read this author
I love historical romance and haven't read a good one in a long time. I am not familiar with this author and would love to read this book.
Fantastic cover
I love Historical Romances, the romances are always so steamy!
This looks like a great read. Historical romances are one of my favorite genres.
Such a wonderful COVER..I am newest this genre
But not to history :-)
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