Okay, so just to let everyone know – it has taken me almost a year to find a used copy of this book. I’m not sure if I have bad luck or what, but I found every other book in this series at Half Price Books except for this one. Soooo I’m starting The Ravenels at a much later date than I originally desired, but nevertheless, I am STOKED about this series. 

I fell head over heels in love with Kathleen from the first moment we meet her. She is headstrong and witty. Even though she’s small and was recently widowed, she doesn’t let Devon intimidate her. Her strength (as well as her looks) are what intrigue Devon from the get-go. He inherited the earldom when his cousin, Kathleen’s late husband, fell off of a horse and died. Devon has no desire to be an earl, specifically the responsibilities of maintaining Eversby Priory and pulling the family out of debt. Unfortunately for him, he falls into lust with Kathleen very quickly and ends up changing his tune on all of his original ideas for the ancestral family domain. Kathleen’s late husband has three sisters, all of which have never been introduced into society, and all of which are unique and incredible in their own way. Devon falls (platonically) for each of his young cousins almost as quickly as he falls for Kathleen. He changes slowly over time, but never loses his arrogance. He is definitely a bit of an asshole for the entire book, but I found it enduring and comedic. I read other reviews where readers comment that they never felt like they warmed up to him, but perhaps it was because those readers aren’t accustomed to the bully romance genre? This book definitely read a bit like a bully romance. Devon says a lot of horrible things to Kathleen, but means none of them. In my opinion, actions speak louder than words, and Kathleen was strong enough to see past his “fits” of anger. The Ravenels are apparently known for having tempers and she married his cousin before him, so I think she had a bit of an idea what she was getting herself into. 

If you’re looking for a scorching hot historical romance, look no further. This might be the sexiest book I’ve read by Lisa Kleypas. I LOVED IT. I also adored the introduction of Rhys and Helen’s storyline during this book – it was brilliant and I don’t think any reader would be able to resist starting the next novel immediately. Round of applause for this wonderful novel – 5 stars!