Janna MacGregor’s writing shines in this story. She depicts how a brilliant writer brings characters to life. Through the words you can see the care she takes in her creativity of characters and plot. If you have been following along with this series you will know that each one is unique in its own way. Avalon and Devan’s journey to love is no different. Avalon has learned to be fearless and strong because of her life experiences. This has empowered her to do good for others. Devan took on a career he didn’t really want, for the love of his older brother. This did not stop him from being brilliant at what he did. These are two people who had been circling in each other’s orbit for many years, but armored themselves against each other with disdain. It takes a major crisis for them to see each other as they truly are. This is a story that will inspire and delight you.

This is a wonderful ugly duckling story! Poor Lady Avalon Warwyk is married married to a man who doesn’t even like her for her parents and husbands gain. Thankfully first husbands don’t live for ever! After she was banished to the country estate his her son, Lady Avalon devoted her like to the community and women needing an escape from terrible situations. She finds peace and contentment in her community and good deeds. She barely noticing her quiet and somewhat lonely existence with all of her activity.

Can a vicar be a rake??? Well, the handsome and charming Devan Farris sure has the reputation of a rake… even is its not true. But what harm can come from the reputation of being a ladies man if it keeps all the ladies his brother tries to match him up with at bay? Well, for one, when you finally do find your one and only can she ever trust you after your lies by omission?

Avalon and Devan are a perfect pairing and it was a lot of fun watching them come together (trough some outside influences) and find a way to trust and love each other. I am a big fan of a good second chance romance, and Avalons tale is definitely that! Devan is a Devan as the virgin vicar was book boyfriend material. This story also had plenty of twists and turns that kept me on my toes, but didn’t leave me over stressed. All in all this was a great read, and I highly recommend it!

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is scheduled to release February 25th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#WildWIldRake #JannaMacGregor #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Wild, Wild Rake is the sixth book in The Cavensham Heiresses series by Janna MacGregor and is a historical romance. A captivating story with a delightfully naughty but sweet sexy romance. Wild, Wild Rake is full of twists and turns from the very beginning making you second guess every page you read. You are sure to fall in love with the characters! What starts out as an initial hatred of each other turns to undeniable heated chemistry that will keep you turning the pages. Wild, Wild Rake is an exciting, fast-paced read that is sure to leave you wanting more! I can't wait to read the next story in The Cavensham Heiresses series.

I tried multiple times to read and I've struggled. This was, unfortunately, a DNF for me. I don't know why I can't seem to get into the book but the story is just not grabbing my attention.

Avalon Warwick’s marriage showed just how much grit was hidden under the glitter of the Regency. Her parents sold her in marriage to a man who absolutely despised her, to the point where he put his mistress in her place and exiled her to his country estate with as little money as he could indecently get away with.

All the while spreading stories around town that painted her as a cold, waspish spendthrift who left him. He ruined her reputation among the ton in every possible way except sexual, as he claimed she was much too cold to want any man in her bed.

But the only time their marriage was consummated left her with his son and heir, so when he died she received enough to maintain them, raise her son, and start an extremely charitable foundation in the village he exiled her to.

So things stand until the story opens, when the young Marquis is rising 10 and his male guardian, her late, unlamented husband’s friend, decrees that the boy should go to Eton as soon as he’s ready. Which in Avalon’s mind will be never.

The man he sends to tutor Thane is his brother Devan, a vicar known for his libertine ways. Devan’s job is to become the parish priest, tutor the boy in anything he might be lacking, and discover just exactly where Avalon is getting the money to set up and maintain that charitable foundation.

He’s happy to do the tutoring, but refuses the spying. Not that Avalon isn’t perfectly aware of why he’s been sent. She just thinks she can make him a better offer financially, to either turn him to her side or drive him away.

But her son wants to go to Eton. And he wants a father. He’s willing to manipulate events to keep Devan around as both tutor and father so he can go to Eton and not leave his mother lonely.

Devan discovers that he is surprisingly onboard with that plan. At least until fate steps in and makes a hash of everything, including the tenuous but surprising romance between Devan and Avalon.

Escape Rating B: This was definitely a mixed-feelings read for me, and it’s going to be a mixed feelings review.

This was a very hard book to read after the two previous books this week. Why? Because both of those featured heroines with a LOT of agency in situations where they could, or were forced to, exercise that agency at every turn.

Avalon, on the other hand, is in a situation where she needs agency and wants it badly but is forced at pretty much every turn to confront how little she has truly managed to claw out of the hands of the men who are legally able to control her life.

Not that she hasn’t done a damn good job carving out a fiefdom as best as she can, and not that she is not administering said fiefdom extremely well when the story begins, but the tension that underpins the eventual romance is the fact that Devan’s brother can take Avalon’s son away from her whenever he wants, and that Devan was sent by his brother to provide a pretext for that taking.

He doesn’t actually need such a pretext, but he’s trying to be a “gentleman” about it. GRRRR.

So the situation in this story gave me a screaming fit. At the same time, I finished the book at 2 in the morning because I wanted to see how the author resolved the romantic dilemma. Which means that the book is plenty well written, just that I’m not the audience for it.

But for readers who can get past or ignore the harsh realities that underlie Avalon’s situation, there’s a lovely romance between a woman who has done her very best to stand firmly on her own two feet and help as many other women as possible to rise with her and a man who appears to be one thing and is actually something entirely different.

Both Avalon and Devan do a very successful job of putting up a strong front – one that hides their equally soft and gooey centers. They are, after all, made for each other. Watching them figure that out was definitely the fun part of the story.

A truly awful event in the beginning hooked me into finding out what happens in this historical romance. I was charmed by the book to over the halfway mark.
The heroine is kind and despite her trials does good for others. The hero is refreshingly virtuous with a strong will to back up his belief in fidelity.
After marriage there is a lot of drama that I would have preferred be left out. The affirmations of love were nice at first then became flowery and then happened so much that it felt unbelievable.
The title is silly. The hero has a reputation but it is fake. I have a difficult time believing he could be trusted by the church and yet be considered a rake. The heroine repeatedly refers to him as naughty when there isn't any proof. I suppose The Misunderstood Vicar isn't a title to grab attention.
There is some heated kissing but all the rest of the intimacy happens after they are married.

If I read this again I would just read the parts about the main characters

I reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

We need more Vicars as heroes in romance!
That was one of my favourite parts of this story. Devan being a vicar. Not only was he a vicar but he enjoyed being one. I find stories with 3rd of 4th sons who must choose the church for a job don't really want to be there. Not true for Devan. He did want to be elsewhere in the beginning but completely understood his eldest brothers reasoning on purchasing him a commission.
I loved the banter between Devan and Avalon. Devan calling her Lady Warlock had me laughing. I just enjoyed these two characters so much. Devan not giving up on Avalon and her learning that not every man was as terrible as her deceased husband.
I also adored Avalon's son. He was a very smart boy for 10. The side characters were great, even though one got on my nerves a bit. You'll know who I'm referring to if you read the book. Avalon's sister, her maid, Devan's brother, and Mary added much to the story.
Another great book by Janna MacGregor and I can't wait to read more.

This book is slow paced. Part of the story is captivating, but part of it is stretched out a little too much. The concept is good, but some of the content takes away the focus from the main story.

Avalon has been through some depressing and hurtful times in her first marriage. After being widowed, she vows that nobody else would take away her independence. She dedicates her time to her son, her sister and helping women who have been through a hard time. This is an admirable trait, but some of her behaviour and reasoning are contradictory.

Devan relectuntly accepts a post in her parish, where he is also to tutor her son. He has always believed in the disparing comments made by Avalon's husband. This has lead to them disliking each other. Now that he has a chance to get to know her, he quickly changes his mind and becomes enamoured. The thing is that Avalon finds it hard to trust and getting through to her proves to be difficult. To make matters worse, a lie could destroy his life, reputation and a chance at happiness.

It's a good concept, but outstretched in places, where it becomes tedious. It does have the desired outcome.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

After the cruel manner in which Lady Avalon Warwyck’s husband treated her, she decided that she would be in control on her life. After his death, she does all that she can to help women rise above their ‘fallen’ status, to become successful business women. She does this gladly as a way to thank her husband’s mistress, who came to her rescue when she needed to protect her unborn child. As a widow, she lives a quiet life, raising her son Thane, until Mr Devan Farris arrives as the new vicar of the town. Devan and Avalon have not had the friendliest of relationships as Devan never forgave her for not marrying his friend, He calls her Lady Warlock, and she believes he is a wicked and wild rake. It is only as they begin to spend time together that they realise the true nature of the other.
What made this novel stand out is that for most of the story, as the couple begin a friendship and then begin to explore their feelings for each other, they are able to communicate quite effectively. Consequently, there are few misunderstandings between the couple, allowing for honest dialogue between the couple. Of course, love never runs smoothly but this is a sweet romance between two misunderstood individuals.
Whilst this is part of a series, it is a stand alone novel. Another great story in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Like the other stories in The Cavensham Heiresses series, Wild, Wild Rake could be read as a stand-alone title for the story is self-contained enough to have it feel completely whole in just one story – but, frankly, the rest of the series has been an utter delight to me, so I would definitely recommend that you read it in order if at all possible.

There are always two sides to every situation, and in many cases, to each person – the real one and the perceived one. Previously in this series, Avalon didn’t come off as the most pleasant woman around town and it was only near the end of the last story that we got a glimpse of Avalon’s true situation. So, before I had even opened up the book the idea of this heroine intrigued me for I really wanted to know more, to understand why on so many levels. All of that was most delightfully delivered in Wild, Wild Rake. And, oh my goodness, who wouldn’t fall for a naughty vicar, even if that reputation is pure fabrication as a protection from Devan’s overbearing, bullying brother. Together they make a most unusual couple, but one that eventually works quite believably well.

All that you’d really need to know before picking up Avalon and Devan’s story can be found in the Cover Description – I don’t intend to go into spoilers for this one (like all stories) is best experienced first hand. Yet the emotional impact of Wild, Wild Rake is something that I feel you’ll enjoy on several levels for different reasons. What the world, the ton, knew of both of these people is so far from the actual truth to be ridiculous in fact. Both have had their lives changed, controlled by others. Each would have had a much different life if they had been given that choice. But the time period they lived in wouldn’t allow for that freedom. Once you know their backstory, get to see them as real people, not the general perception of them, Avalon and Devan will capture your heart as they heal each other in so many ways. There is definite sizzle here, and our vicar is very, very well-read (wink) it seems or possibly has quite the imagination for his passion for Avalon rings true and deep. Admittedly, Avalon holds on to that icy persona longer than I’d hoped for, but then that has been her shield for so long that it’s difficult to let a safety net go.

I had an amazing time in this world once again, and would not hesitate to recommend Wild, Wild Rake to any Historical or Regency Romance reader who enjoys a bit of naughty, sizzle and discovering the true people behind the masks they wear, and definitely a couple falling in love when least expected. I had fun and I believe you will, too.

Wild, Wild Rake releases on February 25, 2020.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

For those who like a regency themed romantic tale featuring a wealthy, but hard luck life heroine and a gentlemanly hero, who supposedly has a rakish past, this book may appeal to you. For me, around 40%, I realized I wasn’t finding the story line or main couple overly interesting.

Upfront, we are given a brief glimpse into the train wreck, past marriage of Avalon to a now thankfully deceased, deplorable, poor excuse of a husband. Sadly, it’s proven history that many, titled wealthy nobles in that era felt entitled to take mistresses, treat them like wives on the side, and openly have children with them. With the actual wife duty bound to provide legal heirs while sequestered somewhere like a plague being quarantined. In this case, Yeah, you guessed it. That was Avalon’s life. The OW’s occupation only made it worse, too, folks.

Devan, the hero, being a vicar with a past rakish reputation felt like a contradiction. Aren’t they pious, men of the cloth? Wouldn’t he have been in hot water if any misbehaving was even suspected? Good news is he didn’t come across rakish. It was also a contradiction he dubbed Avalon a nickname in the past she clearly despised then later claimed she liked.

Except for when it came to Devan, Avalon was a caring, thoughtful, forgiving person. Becoming friends with her hubby’s brothel mistress owner over the years had me questioning her sound judgement. Along with just how far this book was going to stretch my imagination and limits.

Here’s to hoping others love this story. I wish this author continued writing success. For me, it was just an average read. I wasn’t enjoying it enough at mid-way to continue to the end.

Title: Wild, Wild Rake, Series: The Cavensham Heiresses, Author: Janna MacGregor, Pages: 368, stand-alone but part of a series, Vicar with a rake reputation past, strong, resilient but treated badly heroine.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Wild, Wild Rake is Devan and Avalon’s love story and what a story it is!! Lady Avalon was forced into a loveless marriage against her will. No one knew how cruel and selfish her husband was. When her husband died, Avalon was relieved. Now, she would be able to help ex-prostitutes learn how to earn an honest living. That and raising her son has become her primary focus in life. So, she was surprised when the vicar of her church was suddenly replaced. Her surprise turned to anger when she realized that it was Devan.

Devan wasn’t a happy man. Being uprooted from another parish is one thing, but being asked to spy on his late friend’s wife is another. When he gets to the village where she has made a life, Devan realizes that what he thought he knew about Avalon was wrong. He is falling in love with Lady Warlock, and she seems to be returning the feelings. But, there are outside forces at work that threaten to tear them apart. Will they be able to weather the storm and come out on the other side?

I couldn’t read Wild, Wild Rake fast enough. The plotline went quickly, but there were not dropped storylines or characters. The flow of the plotline was terrific. Even though it is a two-person POV book, there was no hesitation when the chapters went between Avalon and Devan. It was smooth. There was also no lag in the plotline.

Avalon and Devan’s romance was slow and sweet. I loved it. What made it poignant was their shared history and the fact that he was there when Richard threw her out. That is when I got a glimpse of a Devan that would worship Avalon in this book.

The sex scenes were not graphic. The author was able to convey what was being done without getting explicit. I liked it. What I liked is that the roles were reversed when Devan and Avalon had sex. Devan had no experience while Avalon only had sex once (and got pregnant with Thane!!). That first time was sweet.

The main storyline where Avalon was helping the ex-prostitutes was interesting. I wasn’t aware that this was common during that time. The author’s note cleared up any questions I had about why people were getting irritated with the prostitutes settling in town.

The secondary storyline with Devan getting as much information as possible on Avalon was sad. The result was that her son was going to be taken from her and sent to a school where he wasn’t mentally ready to go to (Eton). I did think that the plotline was going to go sideways. I felt that way because women were not treated equally, and their children could be taken away from them. I was glad when Devan realized that Thane wasn’t ready for Eton or to leave Avalon.

The secondary storylines that involved one of the girls from the parish were interesting. I thought the storyline was going to go in another direction and was not prepared for what happened. I was left shaking my head and going, “No way.”

The end of Wild, Wild Rake was action-filled. I was not expecting what happened to happen. I also was not prepared for what Avalon did. I am wondering if Sophie’s story will be next and, if so, who she will fall in love with.

*** 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

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor.

Avalon and Devan are wonderful characters. Avalon doesn’t want to have anything to do with him at first, but as they get to know each other, she starts to view him differently. Throughout the story one gets to see how their relationship develops. They start to depend on one another and when there are problems they talk things through.

The care that Avalon and Devan have for their community and their ability to forgive is shown through their interactions with the secondary characters of the village.

I enjoyed reading how Avalon changed over the course of the story and was able to deal with her issues from the past.

This story is part of a series but can be read standalone.

Wild, Wild Rake
By: Janna MacGregor
3 Stars ⭐️
Blurb: 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.
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?

- H likable? Yes, but Devan fell into insta attraction/lust with Avalon. He is handsome, caring, and all around a good man. He is not wild or a rake!
- h likable? No! Avalon went through a lot in her first marriage. He first husband was horrible. She was a survivor and made the best of the hand she was dealt.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 39%
- First time they sleep together: 68%
- OW/OM drama? Yes, the H is being pursued by another woman.
- H/h cheat? No
- Steamy? No, mild
- Did I skip pages? Yes
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- How it ends: HEA
- Recommend? Yes, though not my fav but decent read. I couldn’t connect with Avalon and I don’t enjoy a insta attraction/lust.
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

I absolutely loved this sweet and sensuous love story!

Devan and Avalon start off on opposite sides, as he can't forgive her for breaking his friend's heart and she won't forgive his association with her dreadful husband. Years later, however, these two have significantly matured yet are still cautious about the other as they're thrown together by his brother, who is her son's guardian.

One remarkable thing about this story is that even the worst of the antagonists are shown to be just as victimized by circumstances as those who they persecute. It's a talented author that can make you hate and love the same characters at the same time, based entirely on seeing those people through the eyes of the different relationships they have. Both Richard and Penelope could have been written as simple selfish characters, but instead we're given all sides of their lives so we can sympathize with their choices even while we hate their actions. Likewise, the friendship between Avalon and Mary should have been surprising, given their connection, yet it seemed natural and even empowering that they would make the best of a situation neither had chosen.

The romance between Avalon and Devan is enchanting throughout the book. There's a strong current connecting them even when they're at cross purposes. Watching them gradually lower their walls and learn to trust each other was heartwarming and captivating. All the books in this Cavensham series are outstanding, but this one is my favorite of all. From the heartbreaking beginning to the charming HEA, it's absolute perfection on every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is the sixth book in the Cavensham Heiresses books. I have read all the previous books in the series, however I do not feel that it is necessary to read them in order to enjoy this book. Wild, Wild Rake can be read as a stand-alone, although I'm not sure why you'd want to miss the others.

This book highlights Lady Avalon Warwyck. She was forced to marry her husband, who t proceeded to treat her abominably. Avalon, however, found the strength to succeed for her child and proceeded to make her home and town a safe place. After her husband's death, Mr Farris was named their guardian. In order to better watch her, her guardian sent his brother Devan to spy for him. Devon is a vicar and is quite charming. He has been entranced by Avalon since they met. Working with her and the other citizens of the town really opened his eyes to her life. Unfortunately as we know, true love never goes smoothly for either Avalon or Devan. There always seems to be way too many things that could happen.

I found I really felt for Avalon and Devan. The characters of the book were good people who were in an uncomfortable situation. I I I enjoyed the scenes when Avalon and Devan were sniping at each other. I enjoyed Avalon son, Thane who was just a riot! It is amazing to me, how someone can find in their heart of hearts how to help others when they have been treated so horribly is wonderful! Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is a good read.

Wild, Wild Rake is a captivating, luscious love story! A devilish vicar and a beautiful widow are the captivating stars of this book, and I loved every minute! Their prickly dialogue at the beginning of the story was great fun to read, as they broke through their barriers; the love and passion that followed was sweeter because of it! I think I’ve said this with each book in this series, but this one is my favorite!

Each time I read a book by Janna MacGregor, I am so excited to see where the plot will take us next! It's always a surprise, usually a pleasant one, and when I finish the book, I am left thinking about it for several days, mulling over the characters and their lives in my mind. Wild, Wild Rake was such a book, particularly with how the heartbreaking beginning, throwing the reader into immediate emotions and wanting to beat up the heroine's now-deceased husband. This book also provided a unique opportunity to read about a religious hero, in a romance that is definitely not what one would term an "inspirational" romance. No closed doors for this couple in love.

Lady Avalon Warwyk has been done with men for the last ten years, ever since being forced to marry a man who hated her and bearing his son while his mistress had her own. She built a life for her son away from society, focusing on charity work and building a community in the village near her husband's country estate. All of that is threatened, however, when her son's guardian sends his brother to spy on her. Mr. Devan Farris is a fourth son who hoped to enter the army but instead entered the clergy. He used to hate Avalon after she jilted his friend in favor a titled gentleman, but after witnessing her humiliation at the hands of her husband, and her response to it, he has admiration and sympathy for her situation. As they are forced into each other's company and grow closer, old wounds are opened, and only love can help them find their way to happiness.

The romance in this book was more complex than I am used to, with a lot of history between the main characters that should throw a wrench into their plans. I naturally assumed they would eventually have a time where they hashed out their differences, and while they danced around it, I don't feel like those differences were truly resolved. They were just brushed under the rug, Avalon had a lot of pain in her past, and she let how men treated her before to cloud her judgment. There was a misunderstanding about midway through the book, and even though Devan had done his best to ease Avalon's mistrust of the situation, it took quite a bit of time for them to recover. Particularly when Avalon discover's Devan's secret, which, in all honesty, I had a hard time believing myself. All in all, they were a great couple together who had to work through a lot of issues, and I thought that the way things ended just showed how strong they both were.

I will say this book had quite a lot of religious references, which, if not for the fact that the romantic scenes were not closed door, would lead me to believe this was an inspirational romance. The hero is a vicar, so naturally he's going to lend toward the religious and you'll hear it quite often. It was somewhat confusing for me to wrap my head around, because I usually don't see a lot of religious content in mainstream historical romance books. Janna wrote the character very well though, and she did a good job balancing his profession with who he was as a man.

Very excited to see what she writes next! Janna Macgregor is always a go-to author for me.

I enjoyed this title and it’s take on the enemies to lovers trope. I absolutely adore virgin heroes and thought Devan was a great guy. I didn’t always understand what he found appealing about Avalon but in the end I came to like her more. This has definitely been my favorite of this series!!