Wild, Wild Rake: The Cavensham Heiresses

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.

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

I have been on a historical romance kick for the past few months so when I was offered a chance to read an advanced review copy of this book I jumped on it. With this being book 6 of the series I initially worried I might be lost jumping into an established series, but I had no trouble at all as this was a complete standalone. I really felt for Avalon. She is forced to marry at the tender age of 17 to a man she doesn't love and who doesn't love her. In fact he treats her abhorrently, cruelly, callously flaunting his mistress in front of her. The strength, tenacity and perseverance she displays throughout the story with whatever was thrown at her made me love her. Devan was in deed a wild, wild rake. At first, I was not on board with this man being a Vicar and having the reputation he did with women. I mean, he's the Pastor of the church, leading a flock of parishioners, giving them spiritual guidance and assisting families. But once we get more acquainted with him, I grew to really love him. I think I loved him the most in this story. The more time these two spent together, the more I liked them. I really loved the fact that they spoke to each other honestly and didn't keep secrets or try to be manipulative, even through they started out as enemies. After all, Devan was sent to spy on Lady Warwyk, so why should she trust him at all? With this being my first read of Ms. MacGregor, I was impressed with her writing style. The story flowed smoothly for me and I really was enraptured in the story. Along with the main storyline, there are a few side stories that I was very invested in. I was so happy with the ending of this book, and I really wish there was more to read! I need to go now and look up all the other books in this series. There were a few key side characters that I hope have their own stories in this series, or will have at some point. If you're looking for a story with a dashing hero - I mean, isn't that why we read historical romance? This book definitely has one with Devan. There's passion and intrigue, redemption and forgiveness. And drama! A perfect concoction for historical romance! A truly entertaining story! Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.