Wild, Wild Rake, the next sweeping, emotional, witty, and sharp romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from beloved author Janna MacGregor. 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: … 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 prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?
Praise for the Cavensham Heiresses series
“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”–New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell
“Sparkling…MacGregor brings England’s Regency era to life.” —Publishers Weekly
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This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, a tragic first marriage, a heart-warming romance, an adorable son, a strong bond between sisters, and a happily ever after ending. This is an excellent addition to Ms. MacGregor’s outstanding Cavensham Heiresses series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. The series does not have to be read in order. I am looking forward to reading Paul and Daphne’s story with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel ,and the narrator, Mr. Tim Campbell, has a captivating voice, and does an outstanding job depicting the voices and expressing the personalities of the characters.
I’m not really a fan of romance, and romance novels. We all know what happens and how it works and so I will be honest, I was a bit hesitant on reading Wild, Wild Rake. This is another example of it judging a book by its cover! It’s got ton more to offer than romance, yes there is a little of that but it has a great historical storyline, as well as hope, family, mystery and one powerful woman at the forefront.
Lady Avalon Warwyk, often referred to as Warlock behind her back has been outcasted by her ex-husband who moved his mistress in at the same time! She has every right be angry, mad and hateful towards both Richard and his mistress but Avalon has more dignity than that and left in silence to leave them two, as he made clear, she was no longer wanted. Avalon has made quite the little village, and life for herself and her son. She has taken on other “soiled” women and had made a small community that has thrived and helped each other. She is happy, life is good, her son is nothing like his horrid father and she couldn’t ask for anything more.
Devan Farris, is reluctantly put into a position that he was not happy to be forced into. Avalon’s son had been given a guardian and Devan has been assigned by him to head to her little town and find out where all the funds are coming from that they are prospering. He believes she’s misusing funds, and this may be what it takes to take son, rightful heir of Richard away from her. Avalon is under the impression that Devan is more than just assigned to her town as vicar and is going to figure out just what he’s doing here.
The two tip toe around each other, trying to gain insight into the other’s true insight and tid-bits of truths start coming out and both realize that the other may not be out to harm, hurt or hinder the other as what was assumed. The two quickly engage helping the other, and trust is built as well as secrets cone out that have never been spoken to others before. They find themselves in compromising situations and fear of their true intent is threatened and will be exposed. An unexpected old “friend” of Avalon’s is brought in to help aid the situation.
Will the history and past stay in the past, and can the two really forge a bond and relationship that will last and keep the community strong and trustworthy of them? Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for giving this opportunity to find a new author, and to the author for graciously sending me an arc! I enjoyed this novel and it really has a great, eventful storyline that held your attention.
A Regency Romance that immediately pulled me in and kept me totally immersed in all that was happening and I truly loved the captivating characters, emotional and touching read. I just wasn’t ready for the book to end when I got to the last page. I really liked Lady Avalon Warwyk a widow raising her son and taking care of everyone in Thistledown and loved her dynamic with the other characters especially charming vicar, Devan Farris who is a reported rake. No one writes Regency romance quite like Janna MacGregor and you really should read “Wild, Wild Rake” by this gifted author. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
When I was a young teenager we had a priest join our parish who was young and gorgeous. We aptly dubbed him Father WhatAWaste. Devan is the embodiment of that priest in my mind (except Devan can marry). I thought the portrayal of him as a vicar was sweet and right on point. His being a virgin because he wanted to save himself for love is downright swoon-worthy. The “foreplay” with the remarks and verbal jousting is hilarious and brought Devan down to earth. Can you tell I am digging on him. Not to mention that Lady Warlock (Avalon)…hehe, his name for her, was a worthy opponent. This story has all of the feels that makes it a five star read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Lady Avalon Warwyk’s first husband was a cruel tyrant who caused her undue humiliation. The only good thing to come out of the marriage was her beloved son, Thane. With Lord Warwyk’s early death, Avalon is finally free to live her life as she saw fit and to raise her son in a loving home. When Thane’s guardian informs her that his brother Devan Farris has been appointed the vicar in her parish, Avalon is prepared to bribe him to leave her alone. The last thing she needs is a spy watching everything she does, or does Devan represent a new lease on life for the young widow?
I love Janna McGregor books and this latest installment was quite enjoyable. I loved Devan. He was witty, charming and thoroughly smitten with Avalon. Ms. McGregor slowly teases out the horrendous details of Avalon’s first marriage and why she’s so skittish around men. The book earned 4 stars instead of 5 because the last part of the book was about Avalon’s sister instead of keeping the focus on Avalon and Devon. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
This is another example of me, starting in at the middle of a series and hoping that it won’t impact my ability to enjoy the book. But MacGregor has written a book that stands on it’s own merit and was a pure delight to read. I’m not a fan of prologues, but this one was so heartrending, it puts you firmly on the side of Lady Avalon Warwyck. This is super important because the heroine is not particularly lovable all the time. However, MacGregor deftly uses the prologue to earn the reader’s sympathy. You understand why she behaves as she does and honestly, I will always throw hands for Avalon. She had a terrible husband who humiliated her in front of his mistress, resulting in a brittle and unhappy marriage.
When her husband eventually passes away, Avalon is left with a son she must raise on her own. But the boy’s guardian sends a disreputable, wild rake of a Vicar by the name of Devan Farris to supervise her upbringing of the boy. Avalon can’t stand him. However, as time passes, she finds herself attracted to the Vicar and grows feelings for him. She realizes that the reputation and the man have little to do with each other.
I was a little put off sometimes by Avalon’s and Devon’s interaction at the beginning, as it appeared a bit harsh. However, as their relationship progresses, there is less bite to their sniping and turns into banter heavy with the promise of physical passion. Avalon and Devon are well-rounded, complex characters who engaged me and made me buy into them as a couple. They are courageous, honorable, passionate and good. Avalon’s son is sweet and sees in Devon someone who can make him and his mother happy.
The best part is that Devon’s reputation is completely unearned. Our rakish Vicar is really a virgin and that’s always a treat in a genre that prizes sexual virility, even promiscuity in the male lead. Devon is gentle and kind, and he handles Avalon with the gentleness she should have always received. She has a lot to work through, but Devon is just the man to have at her side.
Wild, Wild Rake left me with all the feelings. I love a cranky heroine and a sweet hero and all the sparks and warmth that come from such a union.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted to https://www.serataino.com/bookshelf-wild-wild-rake-the-cavensham-heiresses
Wild, Wild Rake
by Janna MacGregor
Wild, Wild Rake is a fun read with a rollercoaster ride of the feelings, a heart-rending pursuit as the characters face their fears and uncertainties. A story that has a bit of everything: hearsay, manipulation, misjudging, lingering scars, doubts, hostility, trust issues and a bit of romance. A page turner that keeps the readers interest from the first chapter, setting the pace of the book and defines the future of the stories characters.
The characters are well-developed and are perfect for one another; a greedy social climber and a victim of circumstance. Our heroin is strong and brave woman, and Our hero is sent to spy on her. The strength of hero was spot on, and he challenges her and provokes her, just to see the sparkle in her eyes and she unsettles him at every turn. They realized the goodness in each other, which helps build on this story and they have found their happily ever after.
Ms. Janna MacGregor has a talent for writing wonderful characters that are far more complex than what they appear, they are multi-faceted. Janna MacGregor speaks to her readers with her writing and pulls them in with her creative words, finding that love truly can win at the end of the day and redeem those who thought never thought to have it. Her writing is perfect, the characters are amazing, and their interaction make for a delicious read. I expected nothing less from this talented author. I am a new Janna McGregor fan and love how she wrote this book, and this is the most amazing book.
Readers should be prepared to be swept of their feet while reading Wild, Wild Rake, which is more a tale of healing than one of hostility. They will be thoroughly captivated by the love/hate battle between the two main characters then developing into a teasing/sensual banter as the sparks began to fly. I read it in one setting and I highly recommend reading this book. I was gifted an ARC of Wild, Wild Rake, which deserves a 5-star rating.
What I liked: The story came at a time I needed a lighthearted romance, and this undertook that well. Avalon and Devon are adorable together.
Avalon’s betrothal felt authentic to the time: an arranged marriage and a courtesan who becomes a mistress, then a life mate. Through all of that, it was refreshing to see Avalon develop a loose friendship rather than the standard jealousy and vindictiveness. Due to her marriage situation, the mission Avalon adapts is a worthy one. She is doing a very charitable thing by aiding those down on their luck. Avalon does not feel like the typical reserved, snotty, and stuffy lady of wealth found in that time frame, and this endeared her to me pretty quickly. Devon is splendid as the witty, charming Victor. He uses that appeal to gain favor, but not in a sleazy way. Not once did I feel Devon was unsincere in his actions or words.
What I didn’t like: The romantic conflict felt pretty thin to me. It almost felt a little insulting to Avalon’s intelligence, but I could be projecting. The situation did not ruin the experience for me, only a minor irritation. Ultimately, the resolution was satisfactory.
Wild Wild Rake is an incredibly enjoyable Historical Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Avalon and Devon’s tale.
Wild, Wild Rake (The Cavensham Heiresses #6)by Janna MacGregor Another great book in this series…So many feels… questions answered….Wonderful characters and story.
This book is so much more than just a Regency Romance. Wonderful characters with a twisted plot, adventure and some danger, keeping the reader turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down.
Seventeen year old Avelon was betrayed by her parents, who sold her to a man, Richard Pearce, the Marquess of Warwyk. who was in love with his mistress, but was forbidden to marry her. He made it clear that he hated her and was extremely cruel. But the one night that he bed her, she became pregnant with her beloved son, Thorne.
She made a life for herself and her son at Warwyk Hall in Thistledown, becoming the heart of the community and taking in women who are all alone and did not want the life of a prostitute.
Richard died without ever seeing Thorne. He had left in his will that his friend Gavin Farris, the Earl of Larkton, as Thorn’s guardian. The Earl wants to know where Avalon is getting the funds to house and train these women, so sends his younger brother, Devon, a pastor to replace the last vicor and spy on her. But Devon has a strange relationship with Avalon, first cruely calling her Lady Warlock, but as he comes to know her, it becomes a tease and then a nickname of admiration.
I became immediately engrossed in the story, and loved the story. However, one thing I did not understand how her parents, Cavenshams would have treated their daughter the way they did.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Will the vicar with a roguish reputation win the heart of the lady dead set against marrying again? The answer can be found in Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor. This is book 6 of her popular Cavensham Heiresses series.
Vicar Devan Ferris is not happy with his meddling brother the Earl of Larkton. The Earl was named guardian to Lady Avalon’s son, the ten year old future Marquess of Warwyk. Larkton pulled some stings in order to have Devan re-assigned to a new parish, so that he might keep tabs on the Lady and her son. While Devan refuses to report on Lady Avalon, he does agree to assist in tutoring the young Marquess.
MacGregor’s writing again takes me on an emotional journey. Starting with outrage over the injustices Lady Avalon suffered at the hands of her deceased husband, to admiration for the way she handled what life threw at her. All the while moving ahead and forging a new life for herself on her terms. Yes there were also some tears shed as well.
While Devan and Avalon both have generous hearts, they also happen to have a ten year history which includes some misconceptions. Those aside, I truly felt these two were meant for each other. You see it in the way they take one another’s feelings into consideration and eventually allow themselves to trust and be vulnerable with one another. They also stood up for one another without hesitation, which was a refreshing change to see in a story.
I have to say I truly ADORE this cover! It totally captures the sweet romantic innocence of their relationship and I cannot stop looking at it. It’s one of those covers that means so much more once you read the story. While I realize this won’t matter to some, those of you who share my pet peeve about covers not matching the main characters at all can relate. For me it’s part of the overall experience.
Those that enjoy sweet, sizzling romance with humor and unlikely alliances, not to mention children that know best, won’t be disappointed.
Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun and action packed adventure filled with exciting charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to more from this author.
Romantic, tantalizing, and witty!
Wild, Wild Rake is set in the English countryside during 1815 and features the independent, fiery Lady Avalon Warwyk who after a decade of blissful widowhood suddenly finds herself under the watchful eye of her late husband’s friend, the devilishly handsome, new parish vicar Devan Farris.
The prose is light and engaging. The characters are sweet, tentative, and alluring. And the plot is an amusing mix of Regency lifestyle, scoundrel behaviour, familial drama, mystique, attraction, admiration, tricky mishaps, danger, and steamy romance.
Overall, Wild, Wild Rake isx1b a tempestuous, entertaining, scandalous read by MacGregor that’s a wonderful addition to The Cavensham Heiresses series and a delightful indulgence.
4.5 Swoony Hearts!
Swoon! This book made my heart melt and I absolutely adore Avalon and Devan. Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is a delciously romantic, captivating, and heartwarming love story.
I love reading romance books and pretty much any stories that has a bit of it, but this is my first time picking up a Regency Romance story. I have to say… the dialogue at times was a bit weird for me and a little cringy, but definitely not in a bad way. Different time period and different ways of flirting and such. Anyway, once I got hooked, which surprisingly didn’t take very long, I actually found myself swooning and really loving this. I enjoyed Janna MacGregor’s writing (my first book from her too) and was quite enthralled with the story, the romance, and the characters.
This is Book #6 in The Cavensham Heiresses Series and after finishing this, I’m definitely adding the other books on my TBR. This lovely story is about Lady Avalon Warwyck, a heartbroken and widowed mother left to raise her 10 year old son, and Devan Farris, a devilishly charming, handsome, and kind vicar who has a reputation as a rake.
Betrayed, humiliated and hurt in the past, Avalon is slow to trust and has a difficult time letting her guard down. Devan is known as a wild rake, but he’s actually a gentleman with a good heart. When Devan’s brother sends him to Warwyck Hall to tutor Avalon’s son and spy on her, he unexpected begins to fall for her. Avalon doesn’t want to be hurt by another man again, but she just can’t resist Devan’s charms and kind soul. Can Devan slowly win Avalon’s heart and show her that they can have true love and a happily ever after together?
This absolutely will not be my last regency romance and I think I have a new obsession. I ended up really loving this book that I’m so excited to read more, not only from this author, but also check out other regency romance stories. I enjoyed the drama and excitement, the spine-tingling swoony romance, the loveable characters, and the beautiful story about two people finding love when they least expect it. Avalon is an amazing and likeable heroine. I admired her determination, strength, passion, and kindness. Devan is just as great and I completely adore him. He’s patient, caring, sweet, and has a heart of gold. I thoroughly enjoyed the bantering and chemistry between them and all their cute moments togehter. The plot is entertaining and fun. There’s plenty of feels and passionate scenes, lighterhearted and fun times, and wonderful moments that warm you and fill you with so much joy.
Janna MacGregor’s Wild, Wild Rake is an exciting, sexy, romantic, and captivating love story that made me smile and had me swooning and blushing at times. Her writing is engaging, the storyline is fun and heartwarming, and the characters are just delightful. Wild, Wild Rake is truly an enjoyable romance story and the ending is just lovely and perfect. Honestly cannot recommend this enough!
If you love historical romances with humor, steam, and a lot of heart, then add this book on your TBR!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher for participating in a blog tour hosted by TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
London – 1805
Avalon, the Marchioness of Warwyk, is due to have a baby in a few months. Her marriage to her husband was pushed upon her and him by her parents. Thus, they cannot stand one another. He is very ugly, brutish, and demeaning to her. But when he dies, she is so relieved.
1815
Avalon lives with her son, Thane Pearce, age 10, in the village of Thistledown. Gavin Farris, the Earl of Larkton, is the guardian and conservator of Avalon’s son, Thane, and the estate. Gavin thinks that Avalon may be using funds from the estate to help support her projects to build housing to rehabilitate prostitutes and their children. However, that is not the case as she is using her own funds. Therefore, Gavin decides to send his brother, Devan, a vicar, to become the new vicar of Thistledown. This does not set well with either Devan or Avalon as there as always been animosity between them. He calls her the Marquess of Warlock and she calls him the Vicar of Vermin. So, they start off on the wrong foot as she tries to thwart any authority he might have and he gives it right back to her. However, Thane proves to be the mediator between them as Devan helps to tutor the boy in Latin and teaches him to play chess. He wants to prepare him for Eton. Thane and Devan bond well and enjoy being together. But Avalon continues to resent him being there. What can be done especially when their animosity turns to attraction? Is there a way that these two opposites can come together?
An enemies to lovers book that is very sweet. Lots of chuckles as each of them learns to see the other for the really good person that they are. I truly enjoyed this book and Janna MacGregor has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Well done! Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a good read. I liked Avalon and Devan. Devan helped Avalon to learn how to live a little again. He also helped her to learn to realize that her son was growing up quicker than she wanted. This had some romance and a little bit of intrigue. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Publishing group for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor
Cavensham Heiresses #6
What if your parents decided you should marry someone you did not want and that did not want you?
What if your husband openly and truly loved another woman but had to beget an heir?
What if you were verbally abused and sent away to live alone?
What if…
Well, Avalon was married off to a marquess and though she had position and access to money she was never happy as Richard’s wife. Ten years after she was widowed, with her young son beside her, she had made a good life in Thistledown. She had respect, loved the villagers and was loved in return, had a purpose, was solvent and perhaps a wee b it lonely.
Devan Farris is a Man of God with a wicked reputation. He is gorgeous, kind, likes to tease, smiles readily and loves to stir the woman he calls “Lady Warlock” up. His life’s path was determined by his eldest brother and though not the course he had hoped to follow he did make the best of it. When he ended up in Thistledown to spy on Avalon and Tutor her son Thane, well, sparks did begin to fly.
What I liked:
* Avalon: she had grit, vision, determination and managed to make the best of a bad situation.
* Devan: friendly, likable and a whole lot more than surface charm.
* Thane: a son who knew what was best for his mother and went about acquiring it
* Mary Bolen: a strong woman that loved deeply and did what s he had to to make a living
* The possibilities for stories about Henri (ladly’s maid), Devan’s three brothers,
* Sophie (Avalon’s sister) finding Marcus
* The tying up of Penelope’s story
* Side stories about the women who benefited from Avalon’s organization
* Pretty much all of it except…
What I did not like:
* Richard, Marquess of Warwyk – understood him but did not like the way he treated Avalon
* Penelope – though I finally understood her a little bit better after a few things were made known
* Renford – you will understand when you read the book
* Avalon’s parents – ewww
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Historical romance is not a genre that I normally gravitate towards, but I made it a goal of mine to read more of them in 2020. And Wild,Wild Rake kicked things off for me, this year. Rake (well not the tool to collect leaves) and vicar were fairly new terms to, so it was interesting to learn about what that actually entailed in this one.
With this being my first read by Janna, I was completely sucked in from the very beginning. She even had my heart breaking and about ready to break down and cry because of what Avalon was put through by her horrible husband. Ten years later and a widow, she definitely made the most of her life and of course, Devan was coming to shake things up. And I was here for every moment of it.
I liked that they definitely had that enemies to lovers sort of relationship or well, just the constant dislike for one another. Because it really played into their present and made their story a lot more exciting to read about. However, Devan had some making up to do, but of course, it didn’t take him too long to win me over.
These two had a lot of growth during the story, I loved that Avalon was finally able to get past her insecurities and let her walls down. There were times when Devan seemed to play around a bit too much, but he totally ended up being the man that Avalon needed.
I haven’t read a lot of historical fiction and the language is definitely something to get used to. I enjoyed this one immensely and can’t wait to pick up my next read by Janna!
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY TLC IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Janna MacGregor
Lady Avalon Warwyk’s first husband was a cruel tyrant who caused her undue humiliation. The only good thing to come out of the marriage was her beloved son, Thane. With Lord Warwyk’s early death, Avalon is finally free to live her life as she saw fit and to raise her son in a loving home. When Thane’s guardian informs her that his brother Devan Farris has been appointed the vicar in her parish, Avalon is prepared to bribe him to leave her alone. The last thing she needs is a spy watching everything she does, or does Devan represent a new lease on life for the young widow?
I love Janna McGregor books and this latest installment was quite enjoyable. I loved Devan. He was witty, charming and thoroughly smitten with Avalon. Ms. McGregor slowly teases out the horrendous details of Avalon’s first marriage and why she’s so skittish around men. The book earned 4 stars instead of 5 because the last part of the book was about Avalon’s sister instead of keeping the focus on Avalon and Devon. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this enjoyable series.
Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is book 6 in The Cavensham Heiresses Series. This is the story of Devan Farris and Avalon Warwyck. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Avalon husband has past away leaving her and her son Thane. Avalon’s marriage was not a good one at all. So Avalon has set out to of course raise her son but also help unfortunate women too. Devan is vicar with a reputation that presides him so Avalon isn’t so sure of him. But Devan has been asked by his older brother who is the guardian of Avalon’s son to go to them with the attention to check on them. But Devan has himself being attracted to Avalon which he easily walk away from.
Enjoyed their story.