Devon Ravenel becomes the next Earl of Trenear when his distant cousin Theo dies in an accident. Devon is used to spending his days riding his horse in the park and his evenings at his club. Now he has inherited a crumbling manor house and an entailed estate that has a huge debt. Devon also doesn't know what to do with Theo's widow, Kathleen, or his three unwed sisters. Devon plans to sell off pieces of Eversby Priory, but the lovely widow's pleas to rebuild the estate have him changing his mind.
Kathleen was married to Theo for only three days when he was killed. She has no other family and feels responsible for Theo's sisters. The girls have been sheltered, living at Eversby Priory their whole lives. Kathleen plans to do anything she can to protect them.
This is the first book in the Ravenel series. I enjoyed watching the changes in Devon and his younger brother, West, as they got to know the women of the house and learned about the people working the estate. I'm looking forward to reading about the three sisters; but my favorite character was West. I can't wait to read his story. My rating: 4 Stars.
Kathleen was married to Theo for only three days when he was killed. She has no other family and feels responsible for Theo's sisters. The girls have been sheltered, living at Eversby Priory their whole lives. Kathleen plans to do anything she can to protect them.
This is the first book in the Ravenel series. I enjoyed watching the changes in Devon and his younger brother, West, as they got to know the women of the house and learned about the people working the estate. I'm looking forward to reading about the three sisters; but my favorite character was West. I can't wait to read his story. My rating: 4 Stars.
Very good book, though I did have my doubts at the very beginning. Devon has inherited the title and estates after the unexpected death of his cousin. Both the debts and the responsibility are unwelcome, and he plans to sell the properties to pay off the debts as soon as he can. The opening conversation between Devon and his brother West shows two men who are focused on their own pleasures and avoid anything that hints of respectability. Devon even states his intention to turn his cousin's widow and sisters out of the house as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, he is overheard by Kathleen.
Kathleen has not had an easy life. At the age of five her parents sent her to live with relatives. They were not loving, and were very focused on appearances. She learned early to keep her emotions to herself and to rely on herself for everything. She had married a man she hoped would give her the family she craved, only to have him die in a drunken accident three days after their wedding. Now she discovers she's about to lose her home too.
There were sparks between Devon and Kathleen from the beginning, mostly of the adversarial variety, but with an underlying attraction. Devon's callous decision to sell everything grated on Kathleen's sense of responsibility. She tore into him over his disregard for the effects his actions would have on so many people. He made it plain he didn't want the headaches that came with keeping the place. But something she said went to work on the conscience he didn't even know he had, and he found himself deciding not to sell. His brother's reaction wasn't complimentary, but when it came down to it, West agreed to help.
By this time, Devon has decided he wants Kathleen, but she isn't cooperating. She's attracted also, but is mindful of appearances since she is still in mourning. There are some pretty amusing exchanges between them over the next few weeks, as Devon is in London attempting to find ways to save the estate, and Kathleen remains in Hampshire. Devon makes the occasional visit, and the chemistry between them burns hotter.
At the same time, West is in Hampshire, unwillingly helping Devon. West has been even worse than Devon, with his careless behavior and heavy drinking. But a confrontation with Kathleen causes unexpected changes in him. I loved how she stood up to him. It was amazing to see the transformation he went through in both appearance and attitude. It also created a change in the relationship between West and Devon.
Devon's return to Hampshire created further tension between him and Kathleen. He hasn't given up on his plans to seduce her, and Kathleen is still desperately trying to resist. When Devon invites a friend for the holidays Kathleen is angered by his plans. Then a devastating accident makes both of them admit that whatever is between them is growing. But even giving in to the desire between them doesn't guarantee a future. Devon is adamant that he will never marry, and Kathleen doesn't want someone who avoids commitment anyway. It was fun to see her stand up to his plans for them with her own conditions. I loved Devon's "aha" moment, when he realized just how he felt about her, and how he finally convinced her of those feelings.
Though I didn't like Devon at the beginning, I really enjoyed seeing him change from irresponsible rake to a man who could be relied on. It wasn't an easy transformation, and he fought it each step of the way. It started with a protectiveness he didn't recognize, and his desire to stay near Kathleen. I had fun with their confrontations as the sparks flew between them. His protectiveness and jealousy at the end surprised them both. Though I liked Kathleen from the start, she too had her issues. I liked the way she looked out for the sisters, and how she was determined to keep them safe. Her upbringing had her very concerned about appearances, and there were times I was definitely on Devon's side to get her to lighten up. I liked the way she stood up for the people of the estate and opened Devon's eyes to his responsibilities. Her experience with her late husband made it difficult for her to trust Devon with her heart. I also got a bit angry with her interference in Helen's life, even though her intentions were good.
There was also a secondary relationship between Devon's friend Winterbourne and Kathleen's sister-in-law Helen. Devon had planned to set the two up as a way to marry off Helen and gain financial assistance from Winterbourne. The railway accident that badly injured Winterbourne gave he and Helen a chance to get to know each other a little. But Winterbourne is a blunt and rough around the edges man, and Helen is a very sheltered, innocent and shy young woman, and things don't go smoothly between them. A misunderstanding, and interference from Kathleen, puts their fledgling relationship at risk. At the end of the book, Helen takes her courage in hand to talk to Winterbourne about what happened. It's an interesting lead in to the next book, which is their story.
Kathleen has not had an easy life. At the age of five her parents sent her to live with relatives. They were not loving, and were very focused on appearances. She learned early to keep her emotions to herself and to rely on herself for everything. She had married a man she hoped would give her the family she craved, only to have him die in a drunken accident three days after their wedding. Now she discovers she's about to lose her home too.
There were sparks between Devon and Kathleen from the beginning, mostly of the adversarial variety, but with an underlying attraction. Devon's callous decision to sell everything grated on Kathleen's sense of responsibility. She tore into him over his disregard for the effects his actions would have on so many people. He made it plain he didn't want the headaches that came with keeping the place. But something she said went to work on the conscience he didn't even know he had, and he found himself deciding not to sell. His brother's reaction wasn't complimentary, but when it came down to it, West agreed to help.
By this time, Devon has decided he wants Kathleen, but she isn't cooperating. She's attracted also, but is mindful of appearances since she is still in mourning. There are some pretty amusing exchanges between them over the next few weeks, as Devon is in London attempting to find ways to save the estate, and Kathleen remains in Hampshire. Devon makes the occasional visit, and the chemistry between them burns hotter.
At the same time, West is in Hampshire, unwillingly helping Devon. West has been even worse than Devon, with his careless behavior and heavy drinking. But a confrontation with Kathleen causes unexpected changes in him. I loved how she stood up to him. It was amazing to see the transformation he went through in both appearance and attitude. It also created a change in the relationship between West and Devon.
Devon's return to Hampshire created further tension between him and Kathleen. He hasn't given up on his plans to seduce her, and Kathleen is still desperately trying to resist. When Devon invites a friend for the holidays Kathleen is angered by his plans. Then a devastating accident makes both of them admit that whatever is between them is growing. But even giving in to the desire between them doesn't guarantee a future. Devon is adamant that he will never marry, and Kathleen doesn't want someone who avoids commitment anyway. It was fun to see her stand up to his plans for them with her own conditions. I loved Devon's "aha" moment, when he realized just how he felt about her, and how he finally convinced her of those feelings.
Though I didn't like Devon at the beginning, I really enjoyed seeing him change from irresponsible rake to a man who could be relied on. It wasn't an easy transformation, and he fought it each step of the way. It started with a protectiveness he didn't recognize, and his desire to stay near Kathleen. I had fun with their confrontations as the sparks flew between them. His protectiveness and jealousy at the end surprised them both. Though I liked Kathleen from the start, she too had her issues. I liked the way she looked out for the sisters, and how she was determined to keep them safe. Her upbringing had her very concerned about appearances, and there were times I was definitely on Devon's side to get her to lighten up. I liked the way she stood up for the people of the estate and opened Devon's eyes to his responsibilities. Her experience with her late husband made it difficult for her to trust Devon with her heart. I also got a bit angry with her interference in Helen's life, even though her intentions were good.
There was also a secondary relationship between Devon's friend Winterbourne and Kathleen's sister-in-law Helen. Devon had planned to set the two up as a way to marry off Helen and gain financial assistance from Winterbourne. The railway accident that badly injured Winterbourne gave he and Helen a chance to get to know each other a little. But Winterbourne is a blunt and rough around the edges man, and Helen is a very sheltered, innocent and shy young woman, and things don't go smoothly between them. A misunderstanding, and interference from Kathleen, puts their fledgling relationship at risk. At the end of the book, Helen takes her courage in hand to talk to Winterbourne about what happened. It's an interesting lead in to the next book, which is their story.
This one took a while to get into. Kathleen's husband Theo (married for 3 days) was killed tragically in a horse riding accident. This made Devon, a cousin, an Earl. It also turns out that the estate is up to its eyeballs in debt and he has 3 unmarried ladies and 1 widow to take care of.
So, while I did like Kathleen and Devon's story, I was more interested in the rest of the family. Helen, Cassandra, and Pandora are interesting characters. Devon's brother West had excellent growth in this one too. I didn't like him at the beginning and now hope he gets a story too. It was interesting learning some of the history or orchids and the changing farming techniques.
So, while I did like Kathleen and Devon's story, I was more interested in the rest of the family. Helen, Cassandra, and Pandora are interesting characters. Devon's brother West had excellent growth in this one too. I didn't like him at the beginning and now hope he gets a story too. It was interesting learning some of the history or orchids and the changing farming techniques.
After a much too long absence, Cold-Hearted Rake is a thrilling reintroduction onto the historical scene for Kleypas. Kathleen and Devon are a sensuous pair, and I for one ate up their love scenes as few authors can write them as satisfyingly intimate as she can. As an added treat, one of the sisters gets her first taste of romance with the wildly rich but lowborn Mr. Winterborne and proves to be a tantalizing glimpse of the story to come. With a few unexpected turns and great pacing, we get to see the glorious character transformations of not one, but two, self-absorbed rakes. Definitely recommended at 4.5 stars.
Well, it's not Lisa Kleypas' best, but it's still pretty good. I was not captivated by the main characters at first, but they did grow on me. The hero, Devon, inherits an earldom along with a rundown indebted estate, and it was a bit unrealistic when he does a quick turnaround from wanting to dump it, to deciding to make a go of it, after meeting Kathleen and her sisters-in-law. But OK, I'll roll with it. Kathleen, the heroine, is the widow of the previous earl. However there is barely any backstory on either the hero or heroine, just a few small hints about what made them the kind of people they are. For instance, why is the hero such a commitment-phobe? Family background? Previous bad experiences in love? I have no idea. Certain plot points, like the conflict about cutting up tenant farms to bring through a railroad line, sort of got dropped and never picked up again. But there is lots and lots of detail about Victorian mourning garb, more than I needed to know. After about the halfway point, there is not much plot development at all, but a lot of long drawn out love scenes. And although they are well written and enjoyable, some of them were, dare I say it, gratuitous to the story?
Anyway, I only read those love scenes on my second time through the book. What happened was, as soon as Rhys Winterborne appeared, and he started to become involved with Helen, the oldest sister-in-law, I started skipping through the pages, looking for the parts about them. I was more captivated by this subplot than the main story, and I will totally be counting the days until "Marrying Mr. Winterborne" is released.
I also enjoyed Devon's younger brother as a character, and Helen's two younger sisters, as silly as they were, made for good comic relief.
Like I said, not a whole lot of plot, no villains, no spies, no wars, no mystery, no major issue that would prevent the H&h from having a happy ending. There is one traumatic event, which I won't give away, but no permanent harm comes to anyone. This review actually sounds more critical than I meant it to be, because Kleypas writes as well as ever, and even her not-best is better than a lot of other stuff out there.
P.S. Terribly inappropriate cover, because the heroine is in mourning for her late husband, and wears nothing but black throughout the entire book.
Anyway, I only read those love scenes on my second time through the book. What happened was, as soon as Rhys Winterborne appeared, and he started to become involved with Helen, the oldest sister-in-law, I started skipping through the pages, looking for the parts about them. I was more captivated by this subplot than the main story, and I will totally be counting the days until "Marrying Mr. Winterborne" is released.
I also enjoyed Devon's younger brother as a character, and Helen's two younger sisters, as silly as they were, made for good comic relief.
Like I said, not a whole lot of plot, no villains, no spies, no wars, no mystery, no major issue that would prevent the H&h from having a happy ending. There is one traumatic event, which I won't give away, but no permanent harm comes to anyone. This review actually sounds more critical than I meant it to be, because Kleypas writes as well as ever, and even her not-best is better than a lot of other stuff out there.
P.S. Terribly inappropriate cover, because the heroine is in mourning for her late husband, and wears nothing but black throughout the entire book.
What a joy to read a new LK book. I've read and re-read everything she's written and it's so nice to have a new story and set of characters to enjoy.
Cold-hearted Rake is perhaps not LK's best effort, but it does establish a new situation and a new set of appealing characters from which to build a series. The setup for the next book is well done and I loved the excerpt at the end. Overall, I bet this will be a terrific series.
Cold-hearted Rake is perhaps not LK's best effort, but it does establish a new situation and a new set of appealing characters from which to build a series. The setup for the next book is well done and I loved the excerpt at the end. Overall, I bet this will be a terrific series.
