Wild, Wild Rake: The Cavensham Heiresses

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.

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

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!