Cold-Hearted Rake

Devon Ravenel, a wicked rake with a reputation to span the country, has just learned that his cousin died in a accident, and now Devon is the Earl, which is his greatest fear! Now he has many responsibilities and all he craves is his freedom from it all. Devon, along with his brother Weston, are heading toward Devon's estate and make decisions. Upon arrival, all that Devon wants to do is to sell it, and sell of everything that is entitled to him as the newest Earl. He wants zero duties and responsibilities and wants to be able to return to his normal routine. But upon meeting his cousins and the wife of his late cousin, Devon is startled into a new reality. “Never apologize to women. It only confirms that you were wrong, and incenses them further.” A reality that takes both Devon and Weston out by storm. He realizes that he needs to give this a shot, he knows its near impossible to try to save everything with a huge debt he has also taken responsibility of, but he also realizes that there is something more driving him to be more than what he has always been. He sees hope and affection and a life outside what he has always imagined.The HeroDevon is a hero that at first you don't like at all. Devon is irresponsible, cocky, arrogant and just wants to do what he wants with little or no consequence. Devon has never known affection apart from his brother. What Devon becomes in this story is a person that is remarkable and full of depth and strength of will that surfaces. We see a character that comes into his own skin, and finds purpose and meaning in life. Devon is a character that avoids anything serious, he is all about enoyment and being in the city. He can't stand country life or all that has been heaped upon his shoulders. What is truly miraculous about his character was the change that becomes evident from the very beginning. He starts as a young man that is determined to sell everything off and get as much as he can from it and move on. But then he meets a certain widow, and his whole perspective changes. It is truly wonderful to see this change happen, to see a character you don't like from the first page and become a hero to admire.The HeroineKathleen married Theo out of duty and because she thought that they would suit well together. Kathleen has never truly known love of family. Her own parents shipped her from Ireland, so that she could be raised on a horse farm. Then she grew up in a home of hard work and dedication, but no love was there, but was something she had always hoped to find. Kathleen is spirited and strong diligence, she fights for what is right not what is easy. Kathleen is a heroine that impressed me. Because she is grieving her husband's death, dealing with guilt and she is able to fight for the estate and all those that reside there. She can put sense into Devon and she knows exactly what buttons to push. I loved her determination. She has a short fuse though, so when she gets riled---you better watch out.Plot and Story LineWhat a beautifully woven story that kept me warmed to the toes! This is the first time Kleypas has returned to writing historical romance, after being so involved in her contemporary series so I was impressed with what she has done with Cold Hearted Rake. Now not only is this a fantastic love story, but she also sets the stage for future books in the series and to set up the feeling of the Ravenel's. I loved the course that the plot takes in this story.Its sets off with our hero and heroine meeting and hating each other from the beginning. There is no quick love match here. In fact, it takes time and work for these two to build something worth fighting for. It was quite interesting to see the tempers flare, and ignite into one hell of a fire. Oh boy, do these two like to go at it like wolves. No light playing here, full on and intense. But is there chemistry! This is what I admired so much about this book, is seeing the hate to love feeling develop. Now this isn't your average angsty romance, because it doesn't have that feel to it. Its fun and easy going at times, and the humor just hits the right spot with the tone of the story. This is what I have come to truly admire about Lisa Kleypas, is her ability to balance out variables and come out on top with a delectable romance.The secondary characters were the icing on the cake for the Cold Hearted Rake here. First we have Weston. Now Weston was a hoot!! He is very much alike his brother, but in some ways worse off as far as how much he drinks and carouses around town. Started to get fat (from all the laziness and drinking) and has no real motivation to do anything meaningful. Then that all changes, when his brother challenges him with the estate and boy do we ever see a change. He takes to the country and farm life like a fish to the sea. A complete natural once he gets his hands dirty. He also has developed a close bond with the girls here...both the widow and his cousin's sisters. Then we have Helen, Cassandra and Pandora were such a unique aspect to the story and each of them play vital roles. Helen (which is our heroine in the next book) is wonderful. Talented, education but shy at times, which is probably why I was so endeared to her. But watch out, because this character has spine when you least expect it from her. Cassandra and Pandora are twins and what spirit these two have. In fact, they are 'heathens" don't care about rules at all, and love to play and do what they want. These two added a good energy level to the story that really aids in some other aspects of building of the plot. “Time is what I'm giving you," he said, staring down at her. His hand curved beneath her chin, compelling her to look at him. "There's only one way for me to prove that I will love you and be faithful to you for the rest of my life. And that's by loving you and being faithful to you for the rest of my life. Even if you don't want me. Even if you choose not to be with me. I'm giving you all the time I have left. I vow to you that from this moment on, I will never touch another woman, or give my heart to anyone but you. If I have to wait sixty years, not a minute will have been wasted- because I'll have spent all of them loving you.” The romance is slow and easy, and I love seeing this in romances. In my mind, it builds more depth and the reader is able to connect with the story on a deeper level. There are certain key points that happen in the plot that are essential to Devon and Kathleen truly coming together. This is a story that is enriching, heart warming and is a must read for any historical romance lover.The CoverAww!! I just adore this cover...its so pretty. I just can't get enough of her dress especially since I love pink. And I like the manor in the background, with the garden and the teal colors....the cover almost has a "painting" quality to it.Overall ViewThe Cold Hearted Rake is a phenomenal story that is sweet and full of laughs, plenty of endearing character to keep you asking for more, and a love story that leaves you breathless!! A TRUE GEM!!

I've listened to this lovely story three times now and it continues to entertain me immensely, can't wait to read it again! Sadly romance like this just doesn't exist in today's world. Highly recommend!

Excellent narration! Great story. Nice set up sir the next book.

A Nice story full of good humour. I really enjoyed the banter between the brothers.

Loved it., it was very entertaining. At times I was laughing out loud, because some phrases West and Devon said were so funny. And I loved them both, but Katherine annoyed me a bit till the very end. Loved Helen though.
As always the narrator, Mary Jane Wells was brilliant I love the way she narrates. She's one of my favourite narrators.
Now on to the next one.

Fantastic enemies to lovers romance. Devon Ravenel is a fairly awful human being, as is his brother West. He doesn't change instantly upon meeting Kathleen, but she challenges and infuriates him to the point where he eventually starts to become a better human.

Kathleen is no Mary Sue, her personality is forceful, presumptuous, and often annoying. Her transformation is far more gradual than Devon's, but she too learns how to let go of her own rigid sense of control and actually enjoy life.

The personality is of the hero and heroine compliment each other. A good start to a new series, looking forward to reading the next book about Helen and Rhys.

There were parts of this I liked. The steamy portions were super steamy and I love a reformed rake, but I sort of hated the heroine. She was a straight up bitch, and there was nothing, absolutely not a blessed thing, that would explain why the hero fell for her. There was a momentary discussion of how she was taking control and not living at the whim of a man, and I am all about that, but that did not really work as a reason for most of her behavior. Maybe there could have been some discussion on how she was cast into a maternal role for her late husband's sisters even though she was scarcely older, and she overcompensated with the "propriety" thing as a result. That discussion didn't happen though, and she just seemed like a prig.

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.

This page-turning long-awaited historical romance put a spell on me. I stayed up late to finish. H/H were well-drawn and nuanced, and the family relationships--between brothers, and also among the step-sisters, and sisters themselves--were fascinating and moving. A few jarring notes though, especially that West, the hero's brother, would be a 24hr a day drunk one day and wake up the next sober and responsible. Also some historical details about farming and railroad innovations as well as the final fortuitous find on the land seemed mighty implausible. Overall though, very enjoyable and recommended--especially for fans of the BBC series Cranford.

A great come back for Lisa Kleypas to writing historical romance novels again with this book. I always enjoy reading LK's books, so with this story. I like it very much and looking forward to the next books in this series, it has to be, with so many fun characters waiting for their turns, for their own stories to come out.

Loved the characters, and plots. The twins are in a world of their own. Wes is a doll.

I bought this book in its print version long time ago and then I sampled the audio. I was blown away at the narration by Mary Jane Wells and just had to have it. This is predominantly an Audio review.

If I had three words to describe it, they would be: Fun, heartwarming and brilliantly narrated!

But what stood out the most was the complex characters of the hero and heroine. They were flawed and yet compelling, which endeared them to me.

There are just too many memorable moments in this story, from the initial meeting of the two, their slow-burning attraction, but the time he told her he loves her and was giving her time to accept that love and would be faithful to her from that moment on, that was such a memorable speech and moment.


“Time is what I'm giving you," he said, staring down at her. His hand curved beneath her chin, compelling her to look at him. "There's only one way for me to prove that I will love you and be faithful to you for the rest of my life. And that's by loving you and being faithful to you for the rest of my life. Even if you don't want me. Even if you choose not to be with me. I'm giving you all the time I have left. I vow to you that from this moment on, I will never touch another woman, or give my heart to anyone but you. If I have to wait sixty years, not a minute will have been wasted- because I'll have spent all of them loving you.”


I also loved every secondary character introduced to us. All were fun and funny.

Seriously, this is a must!

I adored the narration! From now on, I'm on a lookout for Mary Jane Wells's narration :)

BTW, the second book in this series is Marrying Winterborne and it is as good as this one.

Melanie for b2b

Book number one in The Ravenels series. Devon Ravenel has inherited an earldom that comes with a lot of debt and more complications that the charmingly wicked bachelor cares to deal with. First there are the late earl’s three unmarried sisters, who still live at the manor house, and secondly, there’s the beautiful, headstrong young widow, Kathleen, Lady Trenear. Sparks fly and passion overcomes sensibility and rules of propriety. Not bad for a regency romance, and after immersing myself in the genre this month I certainly see the reason why they are so popular, even if I’ll probably spend most of my reading time on other genres. Still, not saying I’ll never read another. They are entertaining. Mary Jane Wells does a fine job of performing the audio. She sets a good pace, and her narration completely held my attention.

I enjoyed this book. After being married for 3 days Kathleen’s husband dies in a drunken horse riding accident. The cousin arrives to take over his inheritance an estate that is in dire straights. They argue, name call, hate each other before realizing they are falling in love. Devin enlists his playboy brother to help and between the brothers they begin turning things around and turning their own lives around.

All the exceptional characters just exploded with so many possibilities it was an exceptional read haven't heard it yet.

No doubt LK suffers from first in a series syndrome, overdeveloping the dynamics of the family and secondary characters. By the end, I cared more about Winterborne & Helen.

And I was so there for the Ice Queen and hot tempered rake (apparently).

But eh mostly meh

2nd read- I liked this maybe even more the second time. The hero grows so much as a person. I do wish the heroine had as much growth, but one out of two isn't bad. (They all make a big deal that his family has such tempers, but really she's the one more ruled by her emotions all throughout the book.) Their irregular relationship is interesting to watch unfold though. A significant part of the next couple's relationship takes place in this book, which isn't quite as nice, but both times I've read this book I have/am following it right up with the second book, so it doesn't make all the much difference in my case. This is a nice introduction to the majority of the characters in the later books. I would say this is one of my favorite HR series. It's a nice mix of fun, meltiness, and steam.

Cold-Hearted Rake
4 Stars

When a distant cousin falls to his death days after his marriage, Devon Ravenel is saddled not only with an Earldom he has not desire to hold, but an estate riddled with debt, three young cousins and a beautiful widow to boot. Lady Kathleen Treaner takes an instant dislike to the new Earl, but finds it virtually impossible to resist his rakish charm and the devastating way he makes her feel. Can these two opposites find any common ground for the sake of those who need them?

Learning that Lisa Kleypas was returning to her tried and true genre of historical romance was one of the highlights of my reading year and on the whole, she does not disappoint.

Her writing is as smooth and engaging as ever, and Kathleen and Devon’s love/hate relationship is entertaining despite their bickering and minor angst.

The secondary characters are fleshed out well, especially Devon’s brother West and the Ravenel cousins. The twins are particularly charming, and the introduction to Helen and Rhy’s romance is excellent and has me eager to read their story - I love a good tortured hero and Rhys is shaping into one of the best.

Now for the problems, which although minor, do detract somewhat from the story.

First is the fact that Kathleen and Devon’s characters are woefully underdeveloped. Their personal back stories are virtually non-existent and this is particularly lacking when one takes their interactions into account. Much could have been explained with some details about their childhood years.

Second is a glaring factual error that could have been easily remedied with a little research, i.e., the fact that according to the text, Helen is the only sibling named after a mortal from Greek myth when both Casandra and Pandora are also mortals and there is no Theo in Greek mythology. Perhaps it is the teacher in me, but it is extremely annoying when an author makes an error of this type.

Nevertheless, it was well worth the wait for Kleypas’s return to the genre and the next book can’t come soon enough.

Great book as expected from Lisa. Now to read Winterborne’s story!

I have never read a “romance” with so much nasty dominance of men over women, and I’m not talking about the 50 shades kind. More like “you will never escape me. I’ll find you,” (not a direct quote-can’t find it now, but it definitely was a close paraphrase) which was meant to show his determination and love, which is exactly why it was scary. A woman should be able to decide she doesn’t want to be with a man. She shouldn’t have to worry about him hunting her down when she tries to get away.

I don’t understand the high ratings on this one. Of the entire Ravenal series this is without a doubt my least favorite. The relationship between the H and h is just… yuck. I found their exchanges stilted, the progression of their “relationship” unnatural. To add insult to injury, this couple is referenced in later books enough to be annoying… for someone like me who didn’t find this love story particularly endearing, having to stomach several times over just kills the reading experience of the later books.

Loved the story as I always do with Kleypas, but I HATED Kathleen. She is a prude, a bitch, and there is no reason other than lust for Devon to be drawn to her.