Title: Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels #1)
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Edition/Pages: Mass Market Paperback, 386 pages
Goodreads page

“The last moment, I thought… I would die wanting you.”

Summary

Devon never wanted to be an Earl. But his cousin Theo was just passed away, and now the debt, land, and unkempt manor are his. And along with them manor comes Theo’s sharp and determined widow and his three younger sisters. As their wills clash, Devon and Kathleen can’t hide their attraction to each other. But Devon is a rake who wants a wife no more than he wanted and earldom.

Overview

➸ POV: 3rd Person

➸ Devon Ravenel: 28, Rake, Unwilling inherited an earldom for his cousin (and enemy) Theo, Oldest brother

➸ Kathleen Trenear: Widowed after a 3 day marriage, Countess, Difficult childhood, Love horses

➸ Content Warnings: Death of a loved one, Financial struggles, Alcohol abuse, Dubious consent

My Thoughts

I had absolutely no idea what to expect going into this. I have never read Historical romance and always considered it something I wouldn’t enjoy. But boy was I wrong… This book was everything.

I fell head over heels for the Ravenels. I’m so glad I’m coming into this series right after the final book was released because I have full intentions of binging every single book. These characters are so fun, witty, and unique. I loved watching Devon go from standoff-is and grumpy to completely enthralled with Kathleen. I love a good brooding hero.

Kathleen was such a strong, dynamic heroine. On one hand she tried really hard to maintain decorum but she also challenged thing. I completely felt her struggle between what she wanted versus what was right. The chemistry between Kathleen and Devon was well done. From their very first encounter, they challenged each other, and I loved their banter.

The one thing that kept this from a 5 star was the final conflict. I have a spoiler section in my Goodreads review where I go into detail about what I didn’t like. Non-spoiler-y I felt like it didn’t handle consent in a way a way I loved.

Overall, I really loved this book and have a new appreciation for historical romance! I cannot wait for my copies of this entire series to arrive so that I can binge the entire thing!

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