Susan's Review of Janna Macgregor's Wild, Wild Rake

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?

Devan Farris and Avalon Cavensham are not on good terms. Devan has not forgiven Avalon for jilting his best friend and has given her the sobriquet of Lady Warlock. Avalon believes the gossip in the Midnight Cryer that Devan has earned his reputation as the Naughty Vicar. I wondered how Janna MacGregor was going to craft a love story for two people who disliked each other so much.

Janna MacGregor make a great choice by setting the novel ten years after Avalon married Richard, the Duke of Warwyk. Now widowed, Avalon has moved to the family estate in Thistledown to raise her son and sister. She is loved and respected by her neighbors. Avalon has a passion—she’s devoted to helping women who want to better themselves. Gavin Farris is the guardian of Avalon’s son. He is convinced that Lady Warwyk is using funds from the estate to purchase the buildings and equipment to fund the homes she is building. He decides to send his brother Devan to spy on Avalon.

Loved reading the scenes which depicted Avalon is fighting her attraction to Devan. His presence unsettles her! Avalon ogles Devan during their first meeting and she is horrified when he tells her he has a collection of Midnight Cryers that feature his bad boy reputation!

I adored Devan. He enjoys being a vicar-he cares for his parishioners and community. He’s a handsome man, a consummate flirt and a romantic. Devan accepts the position and agrees to tutor Thane-Avalon’s son. This choice puts him in close contact with Avalon—and both of them realize that they misjudged the other. Loved the chemistry between Avalon and Devan. Sparks flew each time they were in the same room or shared a conversation. The romance was a slow, sensuous burn and it gave the readers a chance to understand that Devan was devoted to Avalon. Both of them needed to trust each other and believe the best of each other.

Janna MacGregor’s primary and secondary characters are well developed in the Wild. Wild Rake. I enjoyed reading about the real Devan Farris-not the person depicted in the Midnight Cryer. Avalon’s story was heartbreaking, I admired her courage to put the past behind her and create a new life for her family. The descriptive writing style and the dialogue is outstanding—the witty, teasing banter between the couple is laugh out loud funny! The plot is well developed and contains several plot twists.

Wild, Wild Rake has all the feels- a heartwarming, emotional; story between an unlikely pair, great supporting characters and a sensuous, complicated romance. I loved that Lady Warlock cast her spell on Devan—it provided the perfect ending to the series!