Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Written on Mar 22, 2020
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?
- ISBN13 9781250296016
- Publish Date 1 March 2020 (first published 25 February 2020)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 5 October 2021
- Publish Country US
- Publisher St Martin's Press
- Imprint St. Martin's Paperbacks
- Format Paperback
- Pages 384
- Language English
- URL http://melia.co.uk/page/detail/?k=9781250296016
Reviews
Romance Schmomance
Written on Mar 2, 2020
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 to break down and cry because of what Avalon was put through by her horrible husband. Ten years later and a widow, she definitely made the most of her life and of course, Devan was coming to shake things up. And I was here for every moment of it.
CHECK OUT THE REST OF MY REVIEW | HERE
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chymerra
Written on Feb 11, 2020
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.
stacey_is_sassy
Written on Jan 25, 2020
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.