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
more
Finally, we have a vicar who is truly a good man! I thought Devan and Avalon were terrific characters and excellent foils for one another. Even if I hadn’t been introduced to them in earlier books of the series, the prologue and opening chapters gave the backstory I needed for a deeper understanding of the undercurrents beneath the surface of all their subsequent interactions. Ms. MacGregor’s world building skills added the village of Thistledown to the universe of the Cavensham Heiresses and brought it to life in my mind. I love how the family-by-choice continues to grow. From beginning to end, this is a satisfying read that can stand on its own.
I requested and voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
Thank you St. Martins for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses #6
By: Janna MacGregor
*REVIEW*
I love Regency romance, but Wild, Wild Rake is actually my first Janna MacGregor novel. I was not disappointed, and I intend to read the entire series. In this story, Avalon is a widow(gladly because her husband was a horrible man whom she never loved) with a son. On her own, Avalon can live as she chooses, so she works helping women who have fallen in the eye’s of society by making them into business woman. Avalon is content with no intention to ever marry again. One day, a man sent by her son’s guardian shows up unexpectedly. Devan Farris is a vicar with a rakish reputation. Although sent to, essentially, spy on Avalon, Devan has no desire to intrude on her life. Avalon is a very independent strong willed woman, and there is no need of a man in Avalon’s world, particularly one who allegedly misbehaves. Devan has a bad reputation, but he has actually never been with a woman. Avalon doesn’t know this, however, so she sees Devan in the wrong light. Over time, Devan falls for Avalon, but how can he possibly prove the falseness of his misdeeds? Will Avalon believe his innocence? She wasn’t looking for a husband, but Devan has opened her eyes to the possibility of love. There are obstacles to overcome, emotional walls to tear down and heartaches to be mended. That is, of course, if it’s possible for Avalon and Devan to accomplish all of this and admit their true feelings. The story is highly enjoyable and entertaining. I was immediately hooked and didn’t want to put this book down at all! I like the easy style and pace of the writing. Overall, this is a very agreeable Regency romance that I do recommend for historical fiction romance enthusiasts. You’ll love it!
This is the first time in reading this author with it not being the last time I do believe. This drew me to it because of the promised content with the main character. Lady Avalon would be the type I would want to be if I lived back then. Women did not have a lot of choices with her helping that do be different. When Davan enters in you look even more closely because you know changes are coming. It seems too the shoe almost is on the other foot with the feeling of soul mate which was refreshing. This drew me in more and more as it unraveled and took us on this journey in time. Romance was at its height also in this one that fills the yearning for a good one.
Wild, Wild Rake is Devan and Avalon’s love story and what a story it is!! Lady Avalon was forced into a loveless marriage against her will. No one knew how cruel and selfish her husband was. When her husband died, Avalon was relieved. Now, she would be able to help ex-prostitutes learn how to earn an honest living. That and raising her son has become her primary focus in life. So, she was surprised when the vicar of her church was suddenly replaced. Her surprise turned to anger when she realized that it was Devan.
Devan wasn’t a happy man. Being uprooted from another parish is one thing, but being asked to spy on his late friend’s wife is another. When he gets to the village where she has made a life, Devan realizes that what he thought he knew about Avalon was wrong. He is falling in love with Lady Warlock, and she seems to be returning the feelings. But, there are outside forces at work that threaten to tear them apart. Will they be able to weather the storm and come out on the other side?
I couldn’t read Wild, Wild Rake fast enough. The plotline went quickly, but there were not dropped storylines or characters. The flow of the plotline was terrific. Even though it is a two-person POV book, there was no hesitation when the chapters went between Avalon and Devan. It was smooth. There was also no lag in the plotline.
Avalon and Devan’s romance was slow and sweet. I loved it. What made it poignant was their shared history and the fact that he was there when Richard threw her out. That is when I got a glimpse of a Devan that would worship Avalon in this book.
The sex scenes were not graphic. The author was able to convey what was being done without getting explicit. I liked it. What I liked is that the roles were reversed when Devan and Avalon had sex. Devan had no experience while Avalon only had sex once (and got pregnant with Thane!!). That first time was sweet.
The main storyline where Avalon was helping the ex-prostitutes was interesting. I wasn’t aware that this was common during that time. The author’s note cleared up any questions I had about why people were getting irritated with the prostitutes settling in town.
The secondary storyline with Devan getting as much information as possible on Avalon was sad. The result was that her son was going to be taken from her and sent to a school where he wasn’t mentally ready to go to (Eton). I did think that the plotline was going to go sideways. I felt that way because women were not treated equally, and their children could be taken away from them. I was glad when Devan realized that Thane wasn’t ready for Eton or to leave Avalon.
The secondary storylines that involved one of the girls from the parish were interesting. I thought the storyline was going to go in another direction and was not prepared for what happened. I was left shaking my head and going, “No way.”
The end of Wild, Wild Rake was action-filled. I was not expecting what happened to happen. I also was not prepared for what Avalon did. I am wondering if Sophie’s story will be next and, if so, who she will fall in love with.
Wild, Wild Rake is the first book I’ve read by Ms. MacGregor and it certainly won’t be my last. When I finished Wild, Wild Rake, I immediately went to Goodreads and added all of the other Cavensham Heiress books. That reaction really speaks to how I felt about this book.
When first diving in, I was struck by how familiar all the characters were in the book. Avalon has a jerk husband who is doing her no favors and yet he has a mistress who is far from what one would expect. Mary comes to Avalon’s defense at exactly the moment it’s needed and it changes Avalon’s life forever as is evident in her activities to take care of those around her throughout the book.
Fast forward a few years and Avalon’s husband has passed away. There’s a new vicor in town, Devon, who is just divine as much as Avalon doesn’t want to admit it. And yet the stars align and maybe, just maybe, someone can break into the fortress around Avalon’s heart.
In many ways, this story is completely relateable. We have all had someone(s) break us down and yet there’s always that one person who comes along, gets through and picks us up. We’ve all tried to be strong and avoid what’s really happening. We have all met that person who makes up a tale or two to swing fate the way they want it. I love that while this book takes place many years before our time, it still has current people issues.
I love the juiciness of this story too. I’m a sucker for it, what can I say?! And while I felt like I could guess which way the plot was headed, I was drawn in and didn’t want to put the book down. There was a point where I was chanting Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! in my head. I am definitely looking forward to reading more!
Thank you to Janna and HFVBT for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily reviewed the book and the opinions expressed are my own.
Avalon and Devan have met before, and they do not like each other. He resents her for jilting his friend, and she believes him to be a rakish vicar. Her hateful and neglectful husband is dead, and Avalon lives on the country estate with her son Thane, who is now the Marquess Warwyck. She manages the estate and supports a charity that offers prostitutes a chance at a new life. Devan is sent at the request of his brother, who is her son’s guardian, to be vicar in Avalon’s local parish. His true purpose is to determine how Avalon is managing the estate, discover the source of money for her charity, and act as tutor for Thane. Will spending time together help them learn to understand and trust each other?
Appearances can often be deceiving. Neither Avalon or Devan is anything like their reputations (although Devan has encouraged his). They are kind, caring, honorable, and loving. Thane is an intelligent, observant boy who loves and wants to protect his mother. He is sweet, curious, and happy. With Avalon’s sister Sophia, the three of them make a wonderful family, the kind of family Devan wants to a part of. This is an interesting and heartwarming story. Sparks, romantic and otherwise, fly between the main characters. Snarky and witty exchanges add humor to the story. There is some tension, a little scandal, and some surprises. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to others in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley.
I loved, love, loved reading Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor, book six in her Cavensham Heiresses series and am so glad these two secondary characters from previous books received their own happily ever after. Lady Avalon Warwyk was forced into a loveless marriage by her uncaring parents. Her husband was selfish and cruel to her as he loved another. The only blessing Avalon took from the union was her son. After being widowed, Avalon finally felt she could live as she wanted as well as do the work she loved; helping fallen women become businesswomen. For ten years Avalon has focused only on helping those less fortunate with never an eye to remarry; at least until Vicar Devan Farris is assigned to Thistledown. Devan is a charming vicar and known rake, sent to the village to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. This is not a placement Devan wanted as he did not care to meddle in her affairs. Avalon is strong and independent with deep-seated beliefs and will have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation. Little does she know, Devan has never given his heart or body to another. Now, if he could only show Avalon who he truly is; a good true soul, looking for his soul mate; his other half.
Ms. MacGregor wrote an amusing, entertaining, and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, strong women, sexual chemistry and endearing characters giving Avalon and Devan a chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend Wild, Wild Rake to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It was fun to read another in The Cavensham Heiresses Series. Lady Avalon went through terrible things but was strong and channeled her energies into good things. I love a strong heroine! The characters had great chemistry and I loved the development of their relationship.
Straight to the Heart. Was he truly a wild, wild rake? Devan Farris, vicar, was undeniably handsome and charming and had a reputation, whether it was truly earned or not. Sometimes people saw what they wanted. He was really not happy when his brother, who was the guardian of Lady Avalon Warwyk’s , sent him to Thistledown, near her estate to become the vicar there and tutor her young son. Unfortunately he was to spy on her and see where are her money was coming from she was spending on her “charitable endeavors”. This was that last thing he wanted to do because he had witnessed the cruelty of her husband, Richard before he died.
Avalon had enjoyed being free from her husband these last ten years. She has thrived doing what she can to help the women who had little choices in their lives and fallen into the only life they could. She never wants to marry again, one horrible time was enough. But when she receives the letter from her son’s guardian that his brother Devan is coming to take up the vicorship and tutor her son, she knows he is only coming to spy.
These two are in for a journey of finding out who each other really are and what in the end matters the most. Janna MacGregor always speaks to me in her writing and pulls me into her created words to find that love truly can win the day and redeem those who thought never thought to have it. Sigh.
Lady Avalon Warwyk has created a community that takes care of the less fortunate. She does not take money from her son’s inheritance. She is respected but also plans to never marry again. She is independent and does not really answer to anyone but her son’s guardian. Devan Farris is the new vicar and also the brother of Avalon’s son. From the moment he has met her, she has set his soul ablaze. He teases her, he is educating her son and also helping with the people of the community. What neither one of them is prepared for, is how much everyone would love to see them together. When trouble comes, Avalon steps up and calms things down. Trust is still the biggest issue for her, yet Devan is determined to win her heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Great characters, intriguing premise. And a vicar with a heart of gold.
Avalon had a bad marriage to say the least. Now, a widow with a son, she helps other women.
Devan is a vicar with a bad rep. He’s a rake. Or is he?
All the feels, thoroughly satisfying and I need me a good vicar, too!
Highly recommend.
There are many extremes in this book. The first is the extremely cruel first husband of Avalon. The second extreme is Avalon befriending her husband’s mistress whom he treated like a queen. The third was the supposedly rakish vicar. I was okay with the book, but I was uncomfortable with the final chapters where Devan keeps claiming that he misportrayed himself and he is and never will be worthy of Avalon. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
*4.5 swoony stars*
I was hooked immediately in the prologue by Avalon. Her husband was ridiculously cruel but I love that she took him by the coin purse, literally, and eventually found a community that loved and respected her. I loved how complex Avalon was and her aloof exterior obscuring her desire to help others and her community. Devan was a delightful hero! Our naughty vicar was equal parts charismatic, sweet, and just a hint of naughty when teasing Avalon.
I think it is pretty clear that I adored this romantic story and I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have read of the Cavensham Heiresses series. Wild, Wild Rake works perfectly as a standalone but, of course, I recommend you circle back to read the rest of these romantic tales like I am going to. If you are curious, you can read my review of Rogue Most Wanted (Cavensham Heiresses #5) and the full review for Wild, Wild Rake on the blog (Dream Come Review).
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book after winning it in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader copy!
Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses
Janna MacGregor
St. Martin’s Press, Feb 25, 2020
Historical Romance
Provided by Author’s rep via NetGalley
The cover is lovely and romantic, even more so than the rest of the books in this series. I have read and reviewed only the first and fifth books. All of the covers are really nice. I believe I mentioned how wonderful the golden yellow cover was on Rogue Most Wanted. But the cover on this book, Wild, Wild Rake, is dark and lush and creates a very sensuous mood. With the couple so intimately involved with each other at the top, it can’t help but catch the eye of many romance readers on bookstore shelves.
Our heroine this time is Avalon, married to Richard Pearce, the Marquess of Warwyk. Their marriage is forced on them by her father. Neither wanted it and both of them are unhappy with it. Avalon is innocent. Warwyk is evil. He has a long-standing mistress who is the madam of a London brothel. She is pregnant at the same time Avalon is with Warwyk’s heir. Both women have sons. Warwyk moves his mistress, Mary Bolen, into his London townhouse and throws his wife out in a very public scene. Avalon swears to never be at his or any man’s mercy again. She orders a large carriage and four white horses, all new gowns, expensive jewelry and she gets herself her own townhouse. She moves her household to the country house and attempts to help women who have been taken advantage of by men as she was. She works with a connection in town that no one would suspect. She raises her son to see women as equals. As her son reaches the age typically consider old enough to go to school, her husband sends someone to evaluate the situation, someone who witnessed her public humiliation of being thrown from her home.
Mr. Devan Farris is the younger brother of the Earl of Larkton. He is a member of the clergy, still young and handsome. But since he saw her face her husband’s humiliation of her that day, he has gained great respect for her strength of character. So when he is sent in by her son’s guardian and conservator of the estate to spy on her, he is more on her side than they realize. Devan settles into Thistledown, Lady Warwyk’s small village as the new vicar and tutor for her son and sets about getting to know what’s going on as well as getting to know the lady in charge and her secrets. He’s surprised and very impressed with what he learns as he gets to the heart of the matter. In spite of shenanigans and manipulations by others, they find their HEA and it makes for a really good story. Their night in the wine cellar and just who locked them in. An attempt to leg-shackle the vicar by a local girl. Lies about the lady of the manor and more. This sixth book in the series is another really good read I highly recommend!
This book grabbed my attention right from the start as Avalon meets her husband’s very pregnant mistress although she doesn’t yet know that.
There is a most humiliating confrontation with her husband and his mistress Mary in front of his friends. One of those friends Devin, has coined the title of Lady Warlock in reference to her. This is just one of the barbs and almost assault that forces her their country estate.
The story really begins eleven years later, after Avalon’s husband has died from illness. Her son Thane, Marquess of Warwyk is ten years old and should be heading to Eton soon, but she doesn’t want him to go. Although Avalon handles all the day to day of the estate, Gavin Farris the Earl of Larkton is the boys guardian and custodian of his estate.
Until now Gavin has mostly stayed away, his curiosity has been aroused by an article in a gossip paper. For years Lady Warwyk has been settling young women who wish to get away from prostitution in her home village of Thistledown. Gavin wants to know where the money is coming from, convinced she is taking it from her son’s inheritance.
Gavin has managed to get his brother a vicar reassigned to Thistledown. To not only spy on her but also tutor Thane to prepare him for Eton.
What ensues is a lively tale of unusual friendships, romance and the consequences of deceit and gossip.
I now have to go back and read the rest of this series.
Avalon jilted his friend, she became persona non grata, and Devan nicknamed her Lady Warlock.
It wasn’t a choice, and the sobriquet hurt, but she never let anyone see the pain. Widowed and with a son to protect, she took on causes to help women, living a quiet life away from London.
When the Devan, the vicar with a rake’s reputation, was assigned to her parish, her world was threatened. Until, the undeniable pull between them surfaced. Could she trust him with her secrets, her son, and her world?
Each had undeserved reputations, and a lot to overcome, but the passion between them was irrefutable. Letting down the walls around their hearts to find love might just work… but danger lurks in the corner and threatens everything.
An incredible tale of love, romance, and redemption!
**received an ARC from Netgalley**
Lady Avalon Warwick’s first marriage was a nightmare! Her husband didn’t want her and they hated each other! Lucky for her she became pregnant on the first try and never had to sleep with him again and he died while their son was still an infant. However, her late husband asked his best friend, the Earl of Larkton to act as guardian to his sons (the other by his mistress) and he expressly instructed that they both go to Eton when they are ready. Lady Warwick has been giving him push-back about sending her son to Eton, saying he is needed on the Estate, so the Earl arranged for his brother, Devan, to be placed as vicar of the village in order to spy on her. Back when her husband was alive, Devan gave Avalon the name of Lady Warlock, and he has continued to call her that.. Through no fault of their own, Devan and Avalon spend a night locked in her wine cellar where they open up to each other and become friends. As a result, they are forced to marry to save his career with the church. This is a beautiful story of two people looking past their misconceptions of each other and becoming the best of friends, as well as lovers.
Wild, Wild Rake is a captivating, luscious love story! A devilish vicar and a beautiful widow are the captivating stars of this book, and I loved every minute! Their prickly dialogue at the beginning of the story was great fun to read, as they broke through their barriers; the love and passion that followed was sweeter because of it! I think I’ve said this with each book in this series, but this one is my favorite!
I really enjoyed the story of Avalon and Devan falling in love. The only part I didn’t like was the first 1/4 of the book Avalon constantly bemoaning about Devan and how he rattled her. The only “sin” against her he’d done was to witness her humiliation at her husband’s hands and show her compassion 10 years before. I thought that was mentioned a few too many times, as well as continually harping about how handsome Devan was and everyone “falling under his spell”. I quickly read over those and the rest of the story was great! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!
I very much enjoyed Janna MacGregor’s latest novel, “Wild, Wild Rake,” the sixth book in the Cavensham Heiresses series. It reads as a complete standalone, and I recommend it for both new and existing readers of the series.
The main characters of “Wild, Wild Rake,” Avalon, Lady Warwyk, and Mr. Devan Farris, were briefly introduced earlier in the series, but in this story we quickly learn that neither of them is exactly who they first appeared to be. Devan, for example, has carefully cultivated a rakish reputation over the years and resisted all of his older brother’s matchmaking efforts, but secretly, he longs for a love match like the one his parents enjoyed. Avalon has developed quite a reputation as well, but as an ice queen who loves nothing more than to spend her late husband’s money on extravagant gowns and jewels. In reality, Avalon is a deeply passionate woman who loves her son, younger sister, and community, and she uses the proceeds from her husband’s “gifts” to fund her charitable endeavors.
Even though they didn’t realize it at first, Avalon and Devan were very well matched. There was a fun enemies-to-lovers aspect to their relationship that I really enjoyed, especially because of the amusing conversations and bickering between them as they got to know each other. In addition, I loved Avalon’s character growth over the course of the story. She was such a strong woman and fought so hard to create an independent life for herself, but it was difficult for her to let down her guard and trust that Devan wouldn’t hurt her. Considering how terribly her parents and first husband treated her, that was completely understandable. Devan was worth the risk, however, and it was easy for me to cheer them on to their HEA.
I look forward to reading whatever Ms. MacGregor writes next!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.