Carole's Tuesday: Wild Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

Author: Janna MacGregor

Title: Wild, Wild Rake

(The Cavensham Heiresses #6)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 353 

Published: February 25th 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

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 Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris―charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?

Didn't realize this was part of a series until after I finished this, but it worked perfectly fine as a standalone which made me really happy. I am curious about the others...

The story follows Lady Avalon who had a terrible, loveless marriage. She becomes widowed and now is free. Devan Farris is a vicar, but he is also rumored to be a reputed rake. He is the brother of Avalon's son's guardian and is forced to spy on her to see where she is getting the money her charity project. He doesn't want to meddle in her affairs, but he becomes entranced by her. 

Oooooo poor Avalon. She had such a terrible husband. And people are so cruel! Judging her as if she was the problem. Screw them! I'm so glad she didn't let those terrible people bring her and her good heart down. I am happy Mary was there and the complexity of their relationship. Made me smile. 

I was worried about if I would like Devan especially when we find out that he was friends with Avalon's husband. He had judged her pretty harsh at first until he realized she wasn't horrible like the husband said she was. I didn't trust Devan either at first, but he grew on me and I loved the twist to his story.  

There was insta-lust. It seemed like love, but it took a while for them to realize that it is true love. I'm glad it took a while especially since Avalon had been in a terrible marriage and she had terrible parents who used her like a tool. Loads of trust issues for sure. 

I enjoyed this a lot, but...I did have some issues with the side story with Penelope. Sure, I felt for her when we learned more, but I just didn't care overall about her. Penelope had no redeeming qualities for me to really get on her side and root for her. 

All-in-all, this worked extremely well as a standalone and I enjoyed this a lot. It took a while for the two to get truly together and realize they need each other. Not crazy about the side story with Penelope...but I get why it was there. This was a good one and I am curious about the previous novels. I'll give this 4 stars.