Devon Ravenel, London’s most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl’s three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon’s own.
A clash of wills…
Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:
Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she’s ever known?
Every once in a while, I like to deviate from the Regency period. In this case, I followed Kleypas into the time of railroads, department stores, and the dwindling fortunes of the gentry. I was interested because this book heralded Kleypas’ return to historicals after a five year hiatus, and I liked the title. Apparently, I have been in the mood for Heartless or Cold Hearted Lords.
Kleypas definitely delivers a rake (and his equally dissipated brother). In fact, he is so alpha that some are going to be turned off and think he is just a jerk. I actually bought/liked his character arc and transformation, and although I am generally a little skeptical about the “power of love to transform”, I also think that there is some sense in reforming rakes. Either they have to go deeper and deeper into depravity, or they have to grow up. Generally, most of us grow up.
The heroine, I think, is appealing to Devon (hero) and to the reader because she is comfortable with giving him the what for, and she also seems vulnerable in a way that is relatable. She doesn’t get much of a character arc, more of a gentle slope, but I think that is okay given her backstory. I didn’t love her (sometimes I was a little mystified at the attraction, honestly) but I also liked that she wasn’t a perfect heroine.
I love that Devon’s brother has a transformation, that was actually one of my favorite parts of the book. I also found a lot of the agricultural details interesting…the Cinderella aspect of taking a brokedown estate and trying to make it prosperous again was appealing to me. Honestly, I wanted more of that! I wanted more time in the Priory fixing up the moldering rooms…more time shoveling out the stalls…more whipping the place into shape. I imagine some of that will be addressed in later books.
This is the first of a series, so we get a lot of set up for the next romance…and as usual its a bit forced and awkward (not the romance itself, just the sudden cut tos). I think this, more than anything, has been what has turned me off of mass market hist ro over the last five years. Luckily, the supporting characters are interesting and likable, so its perhaps not as distracting as it could be.
Kleypas is a great writer, understands characters and how to make them unique, interesting and real, writes sexy and exciting intimate scenes, and obviously has a great editor who knows pacing. Sometimes, however, the editing was a bit too much–I wanted more of the details, more time to pause and listen to the life to get a real sense, and more time to understand the romance. Maybe without the excessive setup for book two, there would have been a bit more room for the characters to breathe.
Most fans won’t be disappointed. Many will probably read more than once (I am on the fence about a re-read. Maybe if I decide to check out book two). Others will be puzzled by the romance, feel frustrated by some of the loose ends (which I can only assume will be dealt with in future books), and like me a bit bent on the slick set up for book two. That being said, it was a fast, enjoyable read with some interesting historical tidbits.
4 out of 6 Dramatic, with great character development this is a quick read for mass market hist ro buffs.
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Mentions of mistresses, sex out of wedlock, adult themes | |
| Intimacy | |
| Three steamy scenes, plus more stolen kisses | |
| Violence | |
| A train derailment and resulting injury/death | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Although the vanilla variety of sex, there are at least three sex scenes. Its generally tasteful, but nonetheless explicit. | |
