Series: Ravenels (Book 1)
A twist of fate . . .
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?
Very good book, though I did have my doubts at the very
beginning. Devon has inherited the title and estates after the unexpected death
of his cousin. Both the debts and the responsibility are unwelcome, and he
plans to sell the properties to pay off the debts as soon as he can. The
opening conversation between Devon and his brother West shows two men who are
focused on their own pleasures and avoid anything that hints of respectability.
Devon even states his intention to turn his cousin's widow and sisters out of
the house as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, he is overheard by
Kathleen.
Kathleen has not had an easy life. At the age of five her
parents sent her to live with relatives. They were not loving, and were very
focused on appearances. She learned early to keep her emotions to herself and
to rely on herself for everything. She had married a man she hoped would give
her the family she craved, only to have him die in a drunken accident three
days after their wedding. Now she discovers she's about to lose her home too.
There were sparks between Devon and Kathleen from the
beginning, mostly of the adversarial variety, but with an underlying
attraction. Devon's callous decision to sell everything grated on Kathleen's
sense of responsibility. She tore into him over his disregard for the effects
his actions would have on so many people. He made it plain he didn't want the
headaches that came with keeping the place. But something she said went to work
on the conscience he didn't even know he had, and he found himself deciding not
to sell. His brother's reaction wasn't complimentary, but when it came down to
it, West agreed to help.
By this time, Devon has decided he wants Kathleen, but
she isn't cooperating. She's attracted also, but is mindful of appearances
since she is still in mourning. There
are some pretty amusing exchanges between them over the next few weeks, as
Devon is in London attempting to find ways to save the estate, and Kathleen
remains in Hampshire. Devon makes the occasional visit, and the chemistry
between them burns hotter.
At the same time, West is in Hampshire, unwillingly
helping Devon. West has been even worse than Devon, with his careless behavior
and heavy drinking. But a confrontation with Kathleen causes unexpected changes
in him. I loved how she stood up to him. It was amazing to see the
transformation he went through in both appearance and attitude. It also created
a change in the relationship between West and Devon.
Devon's return to Hampshire created further tension between
him and Kathleen. He hasn't given up on his plans to seduce her, and Kathleen
is still desperately trying to resist. When Devon invites a friend for the
holidays Kathleen is angered by his plans.
Then a devastating accident makes both of them admit that whatever is
between them is growing. But even giving in to the desire between them doesn't
guarantee a future. Devon is adamant that he will never marry, and Kathleen
doesn't want someone who avoids commitment anyway. It was fun to see her stand up to his plans for them with her own conditions. I loved Devon's
"aha" moment, when he realized just how he felt about her, and how he
finally convinced her of those feelings.
Though I didn't like Devon at the beginning, I really
enjoyed seeing him change from irresponsible rake to a man who could be relied
on. It wasn't an easy transformation, and he fought it each step of the way. It
started with a protectiveness he didn't recognize, and his desire to stay near
Kathleen. I had fun with their confrontations as the sparks flew between them.
His protectiveness and jealousy at the end surprised them both. Though I liked
Kathleen from the start, she too had her issues. I liked the way she looked out
for the sisters, and how she was determined to keep them safe. Her upbringing
had her very concerned about appearances, and there were times I was definitely
on Devon's side to get her to lighten up. I liked the way she stood up for the
people of the estate and opened Devon's eyes to his responsibilities. Her
experience with her late husband made it difficult for her to trust Devon with
her heart. I also got a bit angry with her interference in Helen's life, even
though her intentions were good.
There was also a secondary relationship between Devon's
friend Winterbourne and Kathleen's sister-in-law Helen. Devon had planned to
set the two up as a way to marry off Helen and gain financial assistance from
Winterbourne. The railway accident that badly injured Winterbourne gave he and
Helen a chance to get to know each other a little. But Winterbourne is a blunt
and rough around the edges man, and Helen is a very sheltered, innocent and shy
young woman, and things don't go smoothly between them. A misunderstanding, and
interference from Kathleen, puts their fledgling relationship at risk. At the
end of the book, Helen takes her courage in hand to talk to Winterbourne about
what happened. It's an interesting lead in to the next book, which is their
story.
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