Title: Cold-Hearted Rake
Author: Lisa Kleypas
First published October 27, 2015
416 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780062371836 (ISBN10: 0062371835)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
A tale of romance and inheritance. When Jack Miller, a successful businessman, unexpectedly inherits his late uncle’s estate, he’s thrust into a world of aristocracy and responsibilities.
His new position comes with more than just wealth, however. The estate is in disarray, and Jack must navigate his way through familial drama and a bevy of unexpected surprises.
Amidst it all, he finds himself drawn to Olivia, a headstrong and independent woman who has a sharp wit to match his own. Olivia knows better than to trust a man like Jack, but the undeniable chemistry between them is too strong to ignore.
As they embark on a whirlwind romance, Olivia wonders if she can keep from falling for the most alluring man she’s ever met.
About the Author
Lisa Kleypas has won the prestigious RITA award for her outstanding work as an author of 21 novels. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages and have achieved global bestseller status.
Accompanied by her husband and children, Lisa resides in Washington State.
Editoral Review
Lisa Kleypas has become one of the most revered and celebrated writers within the historical romance genre with her latest book, Cold-Hearted Rake, only strengthening her reputation as a master storyteller. First published on October 27, 2015, the book marks her return to writing historical romance novels after a several-year hiatus to explore contemporary romance novels.
The book is set in 1875 in the English countryside where Devon Ravenel, a known rake, has inherited an earldom and estates from his cousin who died unexpectedly. Whereas Devon does not take kindly to his new social standing, he is even more unwilling to tend to the large and unkempt estate left to him.
In the midst of his efforts to offload the estate to the highest bidder, he meets Kathleen, the widow of a previous earl, who has been entrusted to look after the estate until a new lord arrives to take over. Kathleen and Devon could not be more different, but there is an undeniable connection between them that feels real and palpable.
As they both learn to navigate their changing circumstances and the often-oppressive rules of society, they find that they need each other more than they could have ever imagined. However, their newfound love is threatened by forces beyond their control, including Devon’s loyalty to his childhood friend, who is also interested in claiming Kathleen’s heart.
At the heart of Cold-Hearted Rake is the theme of redemption and self-discovery, which sees the two protagonists grow and evolve in ways that feel organic and believable. Kleypas’ writing is nothing short of impressive and immediately draws the reader into the world she has created.
Her world-building is equally impressive, with the society she portrays feeling richly textured and vividly brought to life. However, one weakness of the book is that the plot at times feels formulaic and predictable, which may turn-off some readers that prefer novels with unexpected twists and turns.
Additionally, some readers may feel that the pacing at the beginning of the book is slow, which may require a bit of patience to keep reading. Overall, Cold-Hearted Rake is a fantastic book that is an excellent addition to the Lisa Kleypas canon.
It sits comfortably alongside her other works with its engaging characters, richly imagined world, and emotional depth. Fans of the historical romance genre and those who enjoy a good love story should definitely give this book a chance to immerse themselves in the world and experience the sparks between Kathleen and Devon firsthand.
The book earns a four out of five stars from me for its remarkable character development, writing, and the overall emotional journey it creates for readers.