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Wild, Wild Rake

(The Cavensham Heiresses #6)

Janna MacGregor (Goodreads Author)

3.95 · Rating details · 665 ratings · 394 reviews

Her first marriage was an epic failure.

Lady Avalon Warwyck never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that is, until M ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 353 pages

Published February 25th 2020 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

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Feb 28, 2020 Tina rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, goodread-books-i-won-from-giveaways, arc-copy, historical-fiction, read-in-2020, women-s-fiction-romance-chick-lit

This is a Historical Romance, and this is the 6 book in the cavensham heiresses series. I cannot say much without spoil it. I feel this book starts super slow, but it so moving fast and I loved the middle and ending so much. I won an acr copy of this book for a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my own opinion. (*)

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Jan 25, 2020 Stacey is Sassy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, angry-fix, historical-series, douchewaffles-galore, if-this-guy-was-real

The second times the charm for our unlucky heroine…

When your confidence has been knocked, it’s hard to gain it back again. It’s amazing how quickly you start to doubt yourself and your abilities when someone attacks your core. That core could be the one thing you “thought” was your shining light. It could also be the one thing you are most leaves you the most vulnerable. Reading Wild, Wild Rake was like a revisit to my own vulnerabilities. I know what it’s like to have my shining light dimmed an The second times the charm for our unlucky heroine…

When your confidence has been knocked, it’s hard to gain it back again. It’s amazing how quickly you start to doubt yourself and your abilities when someone attacks your core. That core could be the one thing you “thought” was your shining light. It could also be the one thing you are most leaves you the most vulnerable. Reading Wild, Wild Rake was like a revisit to my own vulnerabilities. I know what it’s like to have my shining light dimmed and my vulnerabilities exposed. I guess I just needed a reminder like Avalon did, that I am loved and admired by the people that count…family.

I really enjoyed reading Wild, Wild Rake but admit to struggling a little with parts of the story. Avalon’s history is not at all pleasant and at our first introduction, I was heartbroken with what she was living through. I even admit to disliking Devan for a wee while there even with his attempts to check on Avalon’s welfare. I know that the beauty of a romance is that we will eventually get to a happy place, but these initial horrors always leave me bereft that there is no hope.

Geez, it absolutely cracks me up that I can so easily forget that romance stories always leave me happy. I suffer every heartbreak, attack and humiliation like it’s the bloody end of the world. But, then, this is proof of a good story, in my opinion. Obviously, if I can forget so easily, the author has done a good job.

I absolutely loved the growth shown in both Avalon and Devan. Avalon needs to let the barriers down so people who are trying to help can do so without feeling the bite of her icy demeanour. Devan needs to be true to himself and fight for what he truly believes in. Both Devan and Avalon also needed to communicate their thoughts and feelings a little more, not just with each other, but their loved ones.

Wild, Wild Rake was surprisingly passionate and sexy. Yes, the title has wild and rake in it but, we’re talking about a Vicar. Wild and Rake are not the words I automatically think of attached to a Vicar, let alone passionate or sexy. I’m Catholic so it’s hard for me to even think a man of God in these ways. I even admit to trying to forget the church side of things and think of Devan as a very good man who likes to help people. (I’m such a shocker!!)

My favourite part of this story was definitely Devan’s devotion to Avalon’s happiness. While I appreciated this devotion, I was quickly becoming frustrated with Avalon’s doubts. Sure, I get where she was coming from and all the doubts she had, but it was OBVIOUS Devan loved her. I’m glad that neither of them gave up or even considered walking away.

If you’re looking for a good historical romance, where second time’s the charm for this unlucky heroine, I highly recommend giving Wild, Wild Rake a try. You will not be disappointed with the hero, he absolutely deserves the title of hero and wears his cape…I mean vestments, well.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

...more

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Dec 22, 2019 Chris C - A Midlife Wife rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-romance, romance, reviews, chick-lit, womens-historical-fiction, st-martins-press, historical-romance

A sweet sexy story of a delightful naughty vicar and his strong love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love the twist in this story right from the beginning. A naughty vicar is definitely a great addition to the spice factor of any story but then to make him a virgin too? Oh yes.

This story started out strong and the author kept it going throughout. I love so much about this story! The initial hatred of each other. The snark and general dislike that gradually switched to the warm and fuzzy feelings.

I did have a ha ...more

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Feb 08, 2020 Maggie Whitworth rated it it was amazing

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Passionate and intense, Janna never fails to give you all the feels.
I adore this book.

Devon has such a beautiful way with him , an elegance with his reasoning and understanding and he is unfailingly patient with Avalon.
He shows that a man of intelligence and wit can find a deep and meaningful love, at the same time as being a member of the Ton.
So many books show them as rough and ready , sex maniacs that are only out to see how many beds they can visit.
This was both refreshing and ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Morgan & Many Books rated it it was amazing

Right, so I adored this. Like... adored it. I have been having a hard time with my PhD since the new year, and so I hovered on the 1st chapter of this for two weeks. Then I finally dived in this weekend and finished it, and wow. Just wow.

I will admit I have only listened to book 5 (Rogue Most Wanted) and couldn't handle Tim Campbell's particular blend of weird predatory voice for the lovable Will Cavensham or his weird quivery Northumberland-come-Borderland accent for Thea. Like, sometimes I ca ...more

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Apr 24, 2020 Lover of Romance rated it really liked it

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have to say that the more that I end up reading Janna MacGregor the more that I become even more impressed. I don't say that too often about regency historical authors anymore, but Janna MacGregor really wowed me in this book and honestly I LEAST expected it to hap ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Barbara Rogers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, iblog, xx-2020-read, edelweiss

Series: The Cavensham Heiresses #6
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up

I am so delighted to have finally gotten to know Devan Farris better. We’ve met him before, and frankly, I was confused by him. Was he a good guy or a – well – not bad guy but … Anyway, now we know. This is a well written, well-plotted story with very likable characters – some of whom we’ve met in other books. I even loved that the villain was duly punished!

Avalon and Devlin are prime examples Series: The Cavensham Heiresses #6
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up

I am so delighted to have finally gotten to know Devan Farris better. We’ve met him before, and frankly, I was confused by him. Was he a good guy or a – well – not bad guy but … Anyway, now we know. This is a well written, well-plotted story with very likable characters – some of whom we’ve met in other books. I even loved that the villain was duly punished!

Avalon and Devlin are prime examples of why you shouldn’t believe what you hear. Each has a reputation that doesn’t match the real person at all. In one case it was a carefully crafted reputation and in the other case, it was a reputation created by others to be hurtful. In the end, both are equally hurtful.

Devan is the gentlest, sweetest man you could meet and you would never know that from his terrible reputation – the Wicked Vicar. You know that there are alpha heroes and beta heroes – well – I’m thinking that Devan might come in as a gamma or delta hero. No, he isn’t a doormat, he isn’t a coward, he is just a very, very sweet and giving man who puts others before himself. He is the Bishop’s favorite vicar to move around to troubled parishes because he is so good at straightening them out. Everybody is charmed by him and he quickly becomes a cornerstone of whatever parish he is sent to. Except, when he is sent to Thistledown, the patroness doesn’t want him and blatantly asks him what it would take to make him go away.

Lady Avalon Pearce, Marchioness of Warwyck was forced into a marriage she didn’t want. Her husband was cruel, dismissive, and cold, but he gave her the greatest gift she’d ever gotten – her son, Thane. Then he had the good grace to die and leave her a widow. Though he still managed to mistreat her even from the grave, she was free of him and managed to build a good life for herself and Thane. Thistledown was hers. They were her people and she’d see to their welfare. They’d welcomed her when she had been abandoned by all who should have loved and protected her – and now she was doing all she could to assure their welfare. She doesn’t want the new vicar in her parish – he is too handsome, too charming, and she just knows he was sent by her son’s guardian to spy on her because he wants an excuse to take her son away. She’ll pay the vicar off, offer whatever she has to in order to get him to leave.

Since Devan has no intention of leaving – and he was sent by her son’s guardian – Lady Avalon is fighting a losing battle. Devan isn’t really spying, he refused to do that, but he is assessing Thane’s academic readiness, as well as acting as a tutor to Thane. All of that throws Devan and Avalon together more and more often. They have known each other for years and have bickered for years – now, that bickering turns to teasing and endearments. When push comes to shove, Avalon is the one to stand up and defend Devan when he needs it.

I loved how their relationship developed slowly over time – actually over all of the years they’ve known each other. Neither is what the other thought they were and it was a delight to see them come to realize that. I thought the book was a bit slow at times and it was easy to allow my attention to wander. I also got a little tired of Avalon’s back-and-forth and I thought Devan was a bit too soft and submissive, but I still thought it was an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
...more

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Dec 07, 2019 Andrea rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, historical-romance

Dedication:
For those who ever felt they didn't fit in or weren't welcomed, but forged ahead and created their own place in the world.

2.5 stars rounded up because it has main characters who actually talk openly and honestly about things and there was no stupid misunderstanding blown all out of proportion!!!!! I cannot even begin to say how happy that makes me. The focus was really on the characters' growth and the relationship between Avalon and Devan developed naturally and over time.

I initiall ...more

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Dec 23, 2019 TeriLyn rated it it was ok

**Wild, Wild Rake generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

I went into this book having only read book one of The Cavensham Heiresses series and felt as though it was fine to read as a standalone. The book was a bit rough for me unfortunately. The story neither held my whole attention nor engaged me as it started out slow and never kept me connected. The hero was the brightest spot in the book for me while it took a little longer for me to connect wit ...more

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Dec 07, 2019 Elodie rated it it was amazing

Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses Series #6
Janna MacGregor
https://www.facebook.com/JannaMacGregor/
Release date 02/25/2020
Publisher St Martin Paperback

Blurb :

Her first marriage was an epic fail.
Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desi ...more

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Feb 18, 2020 eyes.2c rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: regency-romance, netgalley

Troubled times for a lady! __________ 3.5

A couple of tropes happening here, the enemy turned to lover and the unexpected virgin--with a twist. Avalon, Marchioness of Warwyk, was married at a young age to Richard Pearce, the Marquess of Warwyk. He was a cad and bully. Her parents had forced her into this marriage, well both of them actually. Warwyk despised her for that even though he was the architect of his own problem, whilst Avalon was merely her parents' pawn. Yet she is painted by society a Troubled times for a lady! __________ 3.5

A couple of tropes happening here, the enemy turned to lover and the unexpected virgin--with a twist. Avalon, Marchioness of Warwyk, was married at a young age to Richard Pearce, the Marquess of Warwyk. He was a cad and bully. Her parents had forced her into this marriage, well both of them actually. Warwyk despised her for that even though he was the architect of his own problem, whilst Avalon was merely her parents' pawn. Yet she is painted by society as a cold hearted woman who trapped her husband into marriage. For goodness sake, Warwyk lost his favorite property, Bumble Green to Avalon's father whilst playing cards. He chose that action. He could have refused to marry Avalon but he wanted the land. So he trapped both himself and Avalon. Talk about being too much of a coward to take responsibility for his own actions. Warwyk consummated the marriage and left. Avalon fell pregnant and only saw her husband once more at their London, whilst heavily pregnant, where he threatened her. When Warwyk threatens Avalon, Mary Bolen, her husband's mistress, steps in between them. Avalon walks away, never to stay in Warwyk London home again. She is forever grateful to Mary and that relationship forms an important background to Avalon's story.
Avalon, or Lady Warlock as she's been dubbed by the less than saintly vicar, Devan Farris and younger brother to Lord Larkton, gained the reputation of being a cold hearted woman who spent extravagantly. (What she was really doing was buying jewelry and other valuables that could be readily converted to cash should her husband ever leave her with nothing.) She was right to be worried.
From that moment Avalon begins to build a community for women fallen on hard times.
Ten years late Warwyk dies, leaving Larkton as the appointed guardian for her son Thane. Larkton is worried that Avalon might be funding her project to rehabilitate fallen women, and a foundling home, from her son's inheritance. He organizes for his brother to serve as the vicar of Thistledown, the Warwyk seat, to spy on Avalon.
The bones of a good story are here. Unfortunately it becomes complicated with too many coincidences. I'm still wondering about Devan as a rake? That just doesn't fly, given his position. What Vicar romps around ton parties and drinking hells with his mates without being censured?
For me the best part was the opening chapter when Avalon stands her ground and is spurned and reviled by Warwyk's friends, Devan amongst them. Avalon grows into a woman, dedicated to her worthwhile mission (and obviously from MacGregor's notes women and children have born the brunt of society's whims down through the ages), assisted by Mary Bolen which rounds the story nicely.
The storyline does become increasingly elaborate with the various threads crowding out the main plot.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley ...more

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Feb 28, 2020 Jypsy rated it really liked it

Thank you St. Martins for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses #6
By: Janna MacGregor

*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I love Regency romance, but Wild, Wild Rake is actually my first Janna MacGregor novel. I was not disappointed, and I intend to read the entire series. In this story, Avalon is a widow(gladly because her husband was a horrible man whom she never loved) with a son. On her own, Avalon can live as she chooses, so ...more

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Feb 21, 2020 Nursebookie rated it it was amazing

Wild, Wild Rake is the 6th book in Janna MacGregor's The Cavensham Heiresses series. I have not read any of the book from the series, and I still enjoyed this as a stand alone perfectly well. I WILL definitely go back and read the rest - I really enjoyed this regency period.

Lady Avalon Warwyck is a widow, and happily so as she was married to a nasty and cruel man, and was also raising her son Thane by herself. Avalon is an amazing heroine and helps fallen women become businesswomen.

Avalon cros ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Debby rated it really liked it

Shelves: a-netgalley-read, x-2019-in-2019-book-count-challenge, a-series-reads, authors-m-n

I've become a fan now of Janna MacGregor and enjoyed this story immensely. The plot was great and the characters were good also. When I first started I wasn't sure whether I was going to like the book but it turned out to be quite quite nice.

I thank the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC for a fair and honest re iew. All opinions are mine. ...more

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Jan 13, 2020 Krystal rated it it was ok

Like the other novels in this series, this story completely stands alone. While there may be mention of characters found in prior novels, it is done in a way that enhances the readers' enjoyment of the current story without overshadowing it in any way.

Speaking only to this novel... this one was hard to stay invested in. For one thing, I found it hard to understand how Devan didn't come under fire from the Bishop long before he did. While his reputation was apparently a lie, he was supposedly we Like the other novels in this series, this story completely stands alone. While there may be mention of characters found in prior novels, it is done in a way that enhances the readers' enjoyment of the current story without overshadowing it in any way.

Speaking only to this novel... this one was hard to stay invested in. For one thing, I found it hard to understand how Devan didn't come under fire from the Bishop long before he did. While his reputation was apparently a lie, he was supposedly well known for being a womanizer and a devilish rake. Tell me, what parish would condone a vicar with that kind of reputation proceeding him? How could the Bishop not have intervened for the good of the church? Instead, they waited until circumstances forced them to address the issue.

And then there was Avalon. She was..... something else altogether. Deeply hurt during her marriage, it was understandable why she had sworn off men, choosing instead to focus on raising her son. What wasn't understandable is why her son not only appeared to be coddled but spoke like a man instead of the child he was supposed to be. I also found it hard to believe that Avalon would essentially throw herself at Devan during her soiree knowing that he was sent there to spy on her. Regardless of how she felt, she didn't completely trust him (as was evidenced later on in the novel), so I cannot begin to fathom why she would risk giving him, and by extent his brother, ammunition against her. Also, I did not care for the fact that she used Devan's brother's perceived "threat" to pretend that she hadn't gone into those negotiations with him and the Bishop knowing exactly how it was going to end. She even alludes to as much during her discussions, but suddenly it was forced?

Now don't get me wrong, there were some lovely moments where these two slowly become friends, and even more moments when they wrestle for control of the situation, and/or purposely goad one another. There just weren't enough of these moments to overshadow all the others that made this one so hard to get into.

Overall, I am sure there are loads of people (fans of this series and fans of historical romance in general) that will enjoy this one more than I did. But I will definitely read more from this author (especially if they have to do with this family).

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. ...more

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Nov 09, 2019 Sarah rated it really liked it

I couldn’t wait for this book! It has one of my absolutely favorite tropes, the virgin hero! I really enjoyed this book. I loved both the hero and the heroine. I loved the friends to lovers. The only thing that would have made this book perfect is if the heroine had been more experienced.

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Nov 22, 2019 Alison rated it it was amazing

Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses #6
Janna MacGregor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lady Avalon Warwyck never really loved her husband and he was not her choice at all. Her parents made her marry him. He’s arrogant, selfish, cruel, and it’s nothing short of a blessing when she is widowed and left to raise her son Thane all by herself. She can finally live freely and do the work that she loves to do which is helping women become businesswomen that would not normally have that chance in life. She has lived her life in p Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses #6
Janna MacGregor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lady Avalon Warwyck never really loved her husband and he was not her choice at all. Her parents made her marry him. He’s arrogant, selfish, cruel, and it’s nothing short of a blessing when she is widowed and left to raise her son Thane all by herself. She can finally live freely and do the work that she loves to do which is helping women become businesswomen that would not normally have that chance in life. She has lived her life in peace with no desire to marry for the last ten years until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Devan Farris is a charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian. He has been sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son, something he seems reluctant to do. He wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he doesn’t like to interfere with a woman’s independence. But she seems to want nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation even though he has never given his heart or body to another. All he wants is to find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside. He wants to show her that he is a good soul who is just looking for his other half to complete him. But how can he prove this to her. How can he prove that he wants her like he has never wanted another soul before? That he will love her until death do them part.

Janna MacGregor brings us a lovely tale of love that comes to two deserving people. These two main characters were just meant to be together. They have been through so much. Avalon had such a cold mean husband who seemed to delight in tormenting her. He hurt her in public in front of their peers and the ton without batting an eyelash. She in turn took it and held her head high even though it was killing her inside. Devan also comes from a well to do family, but as he is not the oldest he has become a vicar and his brother pushes him around and tells him what he will do and to what parish he will go. He goes because that is his only means of making money. So now he finds himself in love with Avalon and will do anything to win her love. This is where the story becomes sweet and you can only hope that Avalon will give him a chance. This is what makes the perfect enjoyable story in my book and I give this book a big thumbs up. Ms. MacGreggor you did a wonderful job and I really enjoyed this book. ...more

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Nov 13, 2019 Suzannah rated it it was amazing

Wild,Wild Rake is book 6 in the Cavensham Heiresses series by Janna MacGregor. I have to say I adored the characters in this book. Vicar Devan Farris is a wonderfully delicious hero. It is rare to find a romance that portrays a man of integrity and honor. Devan is all that and more. But his romance has anything but an easy start. In fact, this is more of an enemies to lovers trope. I struggled at first with Devan’s teasing manner towards the heroine- Avalon Warwyk. But as the story progressed, I ...more

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Feb 26, 2020 Frankie (Chicks, Rogues and Scandals) rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, hfvbt-blog-tours

Well, what can I say about this marvellous book, that hasn’t been said already? It’s a beautifully intense and emotional story with two complex and sensitive characters.
This is actually the first I have read by Janna Macgregor, I don’t know how her books have gone under my radar for as long as they have done, I love her emotional and enlightening writing which is richly textured and engaging, I will certainly be reading more from this fine author,
Devan wasn’t at all how I thought he would be, I Well, what can I say about this marvellous book, that hasn’t been said already? It’s a beautifully intense and emotional story with two complex and sensitive characters.
This is actually the first I have read by Janna Macgregor, I don’t know how her books have gone under my radar for as long as they have done, I love her emotional and enlightening writing which is richly textured and engaging, I will certainly be reading more from this fine author,
Devan wasn’t at all how I thought he would be, I know the book is all about a; Wild, Wild Rake, but to actually have a vicar in that role is a new one on me, he certainly makes you stop and go; ‘Oh, my!‘ But not so much in the ‘oh, my goodness he is soooo sexy‘ which he is, but more in an ‘aww, he is melting my heart with his tenderness‘. Devan being the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian, he has come in to keep an eye on the young widow. There was a moment when I saw him as a bit of a bad ‘un, I thought there was something not very nice about him, but that soon melted away to reveal that he is a genuinely good man who unfortunately has a very dark reputation for a vicar. Yes, he may now be a man of the cloth but he has a notorious reputation as a rake, as a rogue and Avalon wants nothing to do with him, after ridding herself of one foul, arrogant man of a husband she doesn’t want to become entangled with another.
Poor, Devan he doesn’t like the idea of spying on and interfering in this woman’s life, but he can’t deny that he is inexplicably drawn to her; like a moth to a flame. He senses there is something beneath her icy and proud exterior and it is her caring and kind inner self that he so desperately wants to know, but can he really chisel his way through the cemented wall she has built around herself to guard herself against men like him?
Avalon is a woman after my own heart, she wants to be independent, she wants the ability to care for herself and her son without outside interference. She wants to be able to provide for herself and not having to rely on others, but more than that she really wants to help those who are less fortunate or those who have fallen on hard times and that to me speaks of such a commendable, caring, kind and passionate woman. She is wonderful if guarded character, I also felt that in her thirst to be free and to be rid of her own personal demons, she has built this wall around herself that is almost impenetrable, she has locked off her heart, she hates to think of being helpless and she hates others coming in and taking everything she has away from her. At times I really wanted to weep for her, plus shout at her to give love a go. She is such a broken and lonely woman, she hasn’t had the best start in life, which is why she looks on Devan as the enemy she wants to hold him back.
Overall, this is a great second chance love story, full of pent up emotion, that will take the reader on a roller-coaster ride from page one right to the finale. Thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended! ...more

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Mar 02, 2020 Romance Schmomance (Malia) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Historical romance is not a genre that I normally gravitate towards, but I made it a goal of mine to read more of them in 2020. And Wild,Wild Rake [image error] kicked things off for me, this year. Rake (well not the tool to collect leaves) and vicar were fairly new terms to, so it was interesting to learn about what that actually entailed in this one.

With this being my first read by Janna, I was completely sucked in from the very beginning. She even had my heart breaking and about ready t ...more

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Feb 24, 2020 Diane Peterson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance, kindle-doc

4.5 stars. I truly and thoroughly enjoyed this Janna MacGregor book! I think it is the best of the series -- so far!

Our heroine, Lady Avalon Warwyk has survived a bad marriage. Upon the death of her husband she is left with a young son, a lot of money and her dignity, but also with a very damaged heart. She lives at the family's estate and devotes her time to her son, Thane, and a program to assist women in trouble.

Devan Farris, vicar and younger brother of Thane's guardian, is assigned to the ...more

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Apr 24, 2020 Sarah rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical-romance

DNF. Too slow for me. I couldn’t feel any chemistry and trust me, I so wanted to. I’m dying to read a good vicar/widow romance but sadly this wasn’t it. More needed to be said on his feelings for her. We barely knew what devan was thinking so it didn’t help me feel connected to him at all. Swing and a miss for me.

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Feb 23, 2020 Sharlene rated it it was amazing

Wow, Janna MacGregor does it again. A fun, Historical Romance that pulls you in from page one and does not let you go. As delightful on the inside as is the gorgeous cover.

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Feb 03, 2020 Niki (mustreadalltheromance) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, steamy, virgin-hero

3.5 stars rounded up.

Mr. Devan Farris is a vicar with a very rakish reputation, but what most don't know is that his wild ways are a carefully fabricated ruse to keep his meddling brother, the Earl of Larkton, at bay. Devan knows his brother means well with his constant attempts to set him up with lovely heiresses, but Devan longs for a loving match like their parents had and won't settle for less. Despite his frustrations with him, when the Earl asks Devan to transfer to a new parish to check u 3.5 stars rounded up.

Mr. Devan Farris is a vicar with a very rakish reputation, but what most don't know is that his wild ways are a carefully fabricated ruse to keep his meddling brother, the Earl of Larkton, at bay. Devan knows his brother means well with his constant attempts to set him up with lovely heiresses, but Devan longs for a loving match like their parents had and won't settle for less. Despite his frustrations with him, when the Earl asks Devan to transfer to a new parish to check up on his ward, the young Marquess of Warwyck and his mother, Lady Avalon, to ensure she is not spending her son's inheritance, Devan reluctantly agrees; Devan doesn't want to interfere, but he's always found himself unwittingly intrigued by Avalon and takes the opportunity to spend some time with her.

Lady Avalon Warwyck has thoroughly enjoyed independence in her widowhood after a terrible marriage forced on her by her parents. She may be lonely, but she's got her ten year old son and her charity work helping women who've fallen into unsavory professions establish themselves in business. She's never wanted a man's company, but that all begins to change with the arrival of the new vicar. At first, Avalon tries her best to get rid of the loathsome Devan, but soon enough he becomes an integral part of the community. Now it's up to Devan to show Avalon the good-hearted man he truly is beneath his reputation, and help her regain her own confidence.

Devan was adorable in his utter cluelessness about women. Avalon would take several steps forward, only to take great leaps back and while this did grow rather tiresome, especially with her consistent regression to doubting Devan, it was also understandable given her past experiences and how shattered her confidence was. This element also gave sweet Devan more opportunities to shine as he reassured her. However, Avalon was very eager to take on everyone else's problems as her own and at times it was almost like she looked for things to come between her and Devan, even after she supposedly loved him. I kept forgiving her and understanding her motivations, but she just kept on and on. Even with Devan doing everything perfectly and treating her so well, she kept finding reasons to doubt him anyway and seemed not to care if that would hurt him. She'd say hurtful things and fling accusations at him and then retract it and say she didn't mean it, which I can understand to an extent, but the number of times this happened got to be rather tedious. Devan carried this book and though I liked it, it didn't hold up to how much I loved its predecessor.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and will look forward to more in this series and from this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo... ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Melissa rated it it was amazing

"Once a wild rake, always a wild rake." She pressed her lips to his "But you're mine."

Having been emotionally abused by her husband, Avalon builds her own life for herself by helping women who most people wouldn't give a second look due to their unsavory past. She vows that no man will ever control her again, especially one that has a reputation as a rake.

This story exceeded my expectations. Not only did at have a really strong main story, the action of the side characters really played into mak ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Trude rated it it was amazing

I have become a huge fan of Janna MacGregor over the last couple of years. She writes some of the most romantic, sensual and sweet romance around! Wild, Wild Rake doesn't disappoint. Its a charming and emotional story. Devan and Avalon have appeared in other books...but this book is all theirs! We find out the truth of Avalon's first marriage. What turned her into Lady Warlock, as Devan likes to call her. We learn why he cultivates the title of rake.
Devan becomes the Parish Vicar when his brothe ...more

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Dec 19, 2019 Cyndi rated it it was amazing

Excellent Regency romance. Our hero starts out as quite the jerk. His brother is friends with our heroine's husband. A husband that goes past being a jerk and into cruel. He didn't want to marry her and always lets her know that he blames her because he had to make a deal with her parents.
After he impregnates her he introduces her to his mistress, who just gave birth to their son.
This is the kind of romance that we all love to read. A strong heroine and a redeemable rake. ...more

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Mar 14, 2020 Sans rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: wtfery, romance, how-about-no, not-my-cuppa, the-writing-it-burns, 2020-reads

Why did I stay with it, keep reading when it was so squicky and bad? I don’t know. I do know that I have never used the vomit emoji more than I did forcing updates of this book on unsuspecting friends.

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Feb 23, 2020 Becky rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical-romance, net-galley, experienced-heroine, virgin-heroes

This is my second Janna MacGregor (I also read #5). This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters from the previous book (and possibly others) are in it. Also, the heroine from this story is the one that ruthlessly broke the heart of the hero in book 5. It's not a huge part of the story, which is why I say it can be read alone, but as usual with a series you will get more from the characters if it's read in order.

Avalon has had a horrible first marriage. Widowed, she is happy to rais This is my second Janna MacGregor (I also read #5). This book can be read as a standalone, but the characters from the previous book (and possibly others) are in it. Also, the heroine from this story is the one that ruthlessly broke the heart of the hero in book 5. It's not a huge part of the story, which is why I say it can be read alone, but as usual with a series you will get more from the characters if it's read in order.

Avalon has had a horrible first marriage. Widowed, she is happy to raise her son alone while helping fallen women get back on their feet. Her son's guardian sends his brother, Devan, to keep tabs on her and her spending. As Devan is a vicar, he takes up residence in the town. Well known to have a rakish reputation, he is fooling everyone with what's truly underneath.

I think you should give this story a try if you are looking for
the ever elusive virgin hero!
- You prefer widowed heroines
- You like a bit of enemies to lovers feel, though not overwhelming (a bit of push and pull, but their relationship progresses well before the end of the book, enough that they don't feel like enemies for long)
- You like a lot of plot devices going on, things to keep the book rolling right up to the end
- You want a different kind of hero – with him being a vicar and a virgin, Devan just felt different than other heroes I have read lately
- You like a child in the story and watching those family dynamics form with the main characters.

Personally, there were a few things that put me off this book. Some parts were overly dramatic to me, especially the beginning. I did get past it and enjoyed a bit of the middle, but then again the book started having a lot going on that pulled you outside of the actual relationship of the two main characters. If you like a book that keeps you busy and moving, you will probably like this more than me. There were a number of others things, but I'll include those under a spoiler header.

I love the cover!

Thanks netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own about the book.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Feb 29, 2020 Chelsie rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-my-shelves, advanced-reader-books, autographed-copy

I’m not really a fan of romance, and romance novels. We all know what happens and how it works and so I will be honest, I was a bit hesitant on reading Wild, Wild Rake. This is another example of it judging a book by its cover! It’s got ton more to offer than romance, yes there is a little of that but it has a great historical storyline, as well as hope, family, mystery and one powerful woman at the forefront.

Lady Avalon Warwyk, often referred to as Warlock behind her back has been outcasted by I’m not really a fan of romance, and romance novels. We all know what happens and how it works and so I will be honest, I was a bit hesitant on reading Wild, Wild Rake. This is another example of it judging a book by its cover! It’s got ton more to offer than romance, yes there is a little of that but it has a great historical storyline, as well as hope, family, mystery and one powerful woman at the forefront.

Lady Avalon Warwyk, often referred to as Warlock behind her back has been outcasted by her ex-husband who moved his mistress in at the same time! She has every right be angry, mad and hateful towards both Richard and his mistress but Avalon has more dignity than that and left in silence to leave them two, as he made clear, she was no longer wanted. Avalon has made quite the little village, and life for herself and her son. She has taken on other “soiled” women and had made a small community that has thrived and helped each other. She is happy, life is good, her son is nothing like his horrid father and she couldn’t ask for anything more.

Devan Farris, is reluctantly put into a position that he was not happy to be forced into. Avalon’s son had been given a guardian and Devan has been assigned by him to head to her little town and find out where all the funds are coming from that they are prospering. He believes she’s misusing funds, and this may be what it takes to take son, rightful heir of Richard away from her. Avalon is under the impression that Devan is more than just assigned to her town as vicar and is going to figure out just what he’s doing here.

The two tip toe around each other, trying to gain insight into the other’s true insight and tid-bits of truths start coming out and both realize that the other may not be out to harm, hurt or hinder the other as what was assumed. The two quickly engage helping the other, and trust is built as well as secrets cone out that have never been spoken to others before. They find themselves in compromising situations and fear of their true intent is threatened and will be exposed. An unexpected old “friend” of Avalon’s is brought in to help aid the situation.

Will the history and past stay in the past, and can the two really forge a bond and relationship that will last and keep the community strong and trustworthy of them? Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for giving this opportunity to find a new author, and to the author for graciously sending me an arc! I enjoyed this novel and it really has a great, eventful storyline that held your attention. ...more

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About Janna MacGregor

Janna MacGregor

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Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisin ...more