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?
Sparrowgal's rating: 9.5/10
Sparrowgal's Thoughts: Spoiler alert!
This is the first book in the Ravenel series - I actually read the 4th book first (unknowingly, as I didn't realise it was part of a series) and loved it so much I came back to get the first book.
Devon Ravenel was a carefree, young bachelor who led a middle class life (ie not part of the upper crust of society) and never expected to get a big windfall. The Ravenel family is known for it's violent tempers and he comes into his earldom after a distant cousin falls off his horse after a temper tantrum dies unexpectedly. He is now the owner of a debt ridden estate with a widow and 3 female cousins under his care, that he couldn't give a whit about.
Until he meets Kathleen.
Kathleen is a fiery, sharp-tongued woman who had a very sheltered upbringing. The two don't hit it off straight away - they hate each other at first sight, though Devon finds her attractive - and the rest of the book is about them overcoming their dislike and coming together.
Kathleen is not much older than her sisters in law, and yet has a motherly role to them.
Some of the best parts of the book are where Devon does heroic things - like saving commoners after a train crash where he himself was injured - and Kathleen realises that she does care for him after all. Cliche? Yes. But I loved it.
It also introduces the protagonist of the next book in the series, Rhys Winterbourne, who is Ravenel's friend.
I loved the wit and words in this book, as well as the down to earth nature of Devon and his brother West. They worked hard to make their estate work and earn money, and I was happy to see everything working out for them. The romance is endearing, the plot engaging the characters lovable and the sex scenes steamy enough but not taking over the whole book. I highly recommend this series.
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