Cold-Hearted Rake

September 21, 2015
This Victorian romance from Kleypas (the Wallflowers series) is dripping with period flavor and beautifully written depictions of the peculiarities of running a foundering estate, but its hero is less than heroic. Devon Ravenel inherits an earldom, a rotting estate, a houseful of female relations, and a mess of debt when his cousin is thrown from a horse and killed. Devon initially wishes to sell the property and get back to his bachelor ways, but his passion for his cousin’s widow and his dedication to rescuing the estate both sneak up on him. That passion, however, takes an ugly turn, with many of the more physical scenes pushing the boundaries of consent. At times the story feels more like a case of Stockholm syndrome than a blossoming romance, souring the enjoyability of an otherwise well-crafted story. Agent: Mel Berger, William Morris Endeavor.

Starred review from August 15, 2015
Inheriting an earldom riddled with debt, Devon Ravenel intends to sell everything off and sink back into his feckless life-until he sets foot on the land and feels the seductive pull of responsibility and meets the beautiful widow trying to hold everything together. Devon detested his cousin Theo, the Earl of Trenear, but he's extremely annoyed when Theo dies and he inherits the title and the ramshackle estate that goes with it. Determined to get every cent he can from his inheritance and then turn his back, he's stunned to discover that he feels an unwelcome responsibility toward his legacy. Figuring out how to save Eversby Priory becomes an exhausting burden, but working toward a difficult goal has a positive effect on him and on his brother, West, who takes on the unofficial role of estate manager. Both men, who had previously avoided emotional attachments, quickly become connected to their three young female cousins who live on the estate and to Kathleen, Theo's widow, who has been running things with graceful competence since her husband's death. Devon spends most of his time in London, but when he's involved in a devastating train accident on his way back to Hampshire for Christmas, Devon and Kathleen admit to a sizzling attraction despite the fact that she's in mourning and he is resolved to never marry. Kleypas begins a new historical romance series with two damaged characters who might find happiness if they can ever learn to trust themselves and one another. Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic, and with secondary characters and an epilogue that will leave readers anxiously awaiting more. A gratifying series starter from a not-to-be-missed romance author.

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Starred review from October 15, 2015

Devon Ravenel is comfortable with his superficial London life, until his cousin is killed in a riding accident, and Devon inherits an earldom and a failing estate. Now his life is turned upside down with responsibilities--including providing for his cousin's sisters, as well as his lovely, self-possessed young widow, Kathleen. A cadre of three-dimensional characters who captivate from the moment you meet them and a multilayered plot that allows the characters to grow will keep fans intrigued by this addictive, rewarding story. VERDICT A reluctant, rebellious hero faces a steep learning curve but gradually comes into his own as he meets his match at the hands of a smart, determined woman who won't let him off the hook. This delightful, compelling story is the first in Kleypas's new Victorian series about the Ravenel family. Kleypas (Brown-Eyed Girl) lives in Texas.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2015
Devon Ravenel has never been anyone's hero, nor does he wish to become one. Unfortunately, after his cousin, Theo, unexpectedly dies, Devon inherits the family title and all the responsibility that comes with it, including the ramshackle estate, Eversby Priory. Devon's initial plan is to dismantle the manor and sell it piece by piece, but this strategy hits an unexpected snag in the person of Theo's lovely young widow, Kathleen. Eversby Priory has survived four hundred years of revolutions and wars, and Kathleen isn't about to see it wiped off the face of the earth by one irresponsible, self-serving rake. However, convincing Devon to accept his responsibilities as the new Earl of Trenear is definitely going to take all of Kathleen's wits and more than a few of her womanly wiles. The first in a new historical series delivers everything readers have come to expect from RITA Awardwinning Kleypas (Brown-Eyed Girl, 2015), including insightful characterization, an abundance of super-charged sexual chemistry, a dash of dry humor, and a to-die-for hero, all of which will have the author's legions of fans giddy with delight at her triumphant return to historical romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)