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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 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 a 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?
Review:
This is another example of me, starting in at the middle of a series and hoping that it won’t impact my ability to enjoy the book. But MacGregor has written a book that stands on it’s own merit and was a pure delight to read. I’m not a fan of prologues, but this one was so heartrending, it puts you firmly on the side of Lady Avalon Warwyck. This is super important because the heroine is not particularly lovable all the time. However, MacGregor deftly uses the prologue to earn the reader’s sympathy. You understand why she behaves as she does and honestly, I will always throw hands for Avalon. She had a terrible husband who humiliated her in front of his mistress, resulting in a brittle and unhappy marriage.
When her husband eventually passes away, Avalon is left with a son she must raise on her own. But the boy’s guardian sends a disreputable, wild rake of a Vicar by the name of Devan Farris to supervise her upbringing of the boy. Avalon can’t stand him. However, as time passes, she finds herself attracted to the Vicar and grows feelings for him. She realizes that the reputation and the man have little to do with each other.
I was a little put off sometimes by Avalon’s and Devon’s interaction at the beginning, as it appeared a bit harsh. However, as their relationship progresses, there is less bite to their sniping and turns into banter heavy with the promise of physical passion. Avalon and Devon are well-rounded, complex characters who engaged me and made me buy into them as a couple. They are courageous, honorable, passionate and good. Avalon’s son is sweet and sees in Devon someone who can make him and his mother happy.
The best part is that Devon’s reputation is completely unearned. Our rakish Vicar is really a virgin and that’s always a treat in a genre that prizes sexual virility, even promiscuity in the male lead. Devon is gentle and kind, and he handles Avalon with the gentleness she should have always received. She has a lot to work through, but Devon is just the man to have at her side.
Wild, Wild Rake left me with all the feelings. I love a cranky heroine and a sweet hero and all the sparks and warmth that come from such a union.
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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