A
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Everybody calm down. Calm down. I know you’re all losing your shit because Lisa Kleypas released her first historical in five years. My shit, too, has been lost. I am here to answer all your questions, which I suspect are:
- Is it good? Yes, it is very, very good. I stayed up all night reading it even though I was so tired that I’d been craving sleep all day the way an addict craves heroin. When I came home and that book was in the mail, I knew any plans I had to do anything else except read were fucked.
- Okay, but is it as good as the Wallflowers series? No, it’s not. It’s still really, really good, but doesn’t quite meet the perfection that was The Devil in Winter ( A | BN | K | G | AB ) or It Happened One Autumn ( A | BN | K | G | AB | Au ).
Here’s the thing: Kleypas is an amazing writer. In my opinion, she might be the most technically skilled historical romance author out there. So when I say “This book by Kleypas is really good but not as good as other Kleypases,” that’s kind of like saying, “that was a really great orgasm but not the best orgasm I’ve ever had.” It’s so good you have to create a frame of reference to measure it against itself.
Cold-Hearted Rake has the elements that make me love Kleypas so much as a writer: female friendships, a hero who is a rake but somehow also emotionally aware, a setting that’s fully developed and not a backdrop, and scalding sexual tension.
When Devon Ravenel becomes an earl after the untimely death of his cousin, he also inherits a large estate in Wales, Eversby Priory. The problem is the estate is a crumbling 400-year-old money pit. Devon knows that estate farming is no longer profitable, and the renovations needed just to make the house livable are astronomical. So he plans to sell the house and all of the land associated with it.
Problem is, the place comes with 200-some tenant farmers. It also comes with his cousin’s widow, Kathleen, Countess Trenear, and his three younger, female cousins. Kathleen, Helen, Pandora and Cassandra have not been provided an inheritance, so Devon needs to settle them somehow.
If Devon is a cold-hearted rake (he’s really more of a pragmatic rake, honestly), then Kathleen is a hot-blooded bitch (note: we fully embrace the word bitch here at the Bitchery OBVS so this is not meant to be disparaging). Kathleen says what she thinks and she’s smart and determined. She thinks Devon’s decision to sell the estate is unconscionable. She’s also stressed about how the hell she’s going to provide for her sisters-in-law.
Kathleen was married to the previous earl for all of three days before they got into a huge fight and he drunkenly decided to ride an untrained horse that belonged to her and then got thrown and broke his neck. She feels kinda guilty for the Victorian version of drunk-driving-after-a-fight that went down. Kathleen is also fairly emotionally closed up and reeling from a wedding night that I need to qualify with a trigger warning for attempted rape.
Of course Devon is unbearably attracted to Kathleen. Of course she feels the same way. Of course they spend a lot of time hissing and circling each other. Then Devon decides to restore Eversby Priory because it will keep him closer to Kathleen NOT because it’s the right thing to do. Stupider decisions have been made with dicks. The math checks out.
SO MUCH happens in this book. SO MUCH STUFF. Here’s a rundown:
- Home improvement. Discussions of plumbing and plaster and curtains.
- Devon’s brother, West, becoming a decent man who thinks about people other than himself.
- A train accident.
- A significant set-up for the next book, a romance between Devon’s young cousin, Helen, and his friend, department store magnate Mr. Winterborne.
This novel worked despite ALL THOSE THINGS. In fact, it worked because of them. Kleypas has the remarkable ability to take tiny details and minor characters and breathe so much life into them that they make the whole book richer. There’s a very brief section with a servant named Quincy and even though it’s a tiny section, it’s a little fully developed story on it’s own.
I also liked that Devon is a typical Kleypas hero. He’s an unrepentant rogue, but he’s got emotional intelligence. He knows what’s going on with the people around him and he’s self-aware enough to know he can be a stubborn ass. He shows very real tenderness to Kathleen when she’s vulnerable, and that’s a Kleypas staple too. Her heroes step up around vulnerable women, not because it’s the manly thing to do, but because it’s the human thing to do. In Secrets of a Summer Night, Simon cares for Annabelle tenderly after she’s been bitten by a snake, even though her illness is more unpleasant than Delicate Victorian Fainting Syndrome. In this book Devon holds Kathleen while she has a cry and I can’t tell you why it’s powerful without spoiling the impact but it is so powerful.
Then there’s the whole bit with Helen and Winterborne and… ugh. I can’t.
Even when Devon starts to have feelings for Kathleen, he knows what’s going on. He’s not like other romance heroes who mistake love for gas because they don’t know why their “tummy feels funny.”
The only complaint I have about this book is that some of the conflict is resolved Deus ex machina style, but I didn’t really care that much.
I do want to briefly address a comment made in the Publisher’s Weekly review of this book that the hero “pushed the boundaries of consent.” I did not feel that way about the book at all and I’m not sure where that particular reviewer took that from. I’m not in the habit of remarking on other reviews because, well, they’re reviews and that means they are someone’s opinion and I’m totally good with having a different opinion on a book than another reader. The idea that it pushes the boundaries of consent might be troubling for a lot of readers though, so I wanted to specify why I didn’t feel that way.
There is a scene where Kathleen recalls how her late husband tried to rape her on their wedding night. That definitely happens, but the hero isn’t the perpetrator.
The only other scene I could think of that might even call consent into question was when Kathleen and Devon have sexy times in the stable. They’ve just been going to town hardcore third base style:
Devon was more aroused and entertained than he’d ever been in his life. After tugging the [carriage] door open, he pulled down the folding step. “Here’s your choice: Out here, in full view of anyone who passes by… or in the carriage, where no one will see.”
She blinked and started at him, seeming aghast. But there was no concealing the deep flush of excitement on her face.
“Out here then,” he said ruthlessly, and reached for the waist of her trousers.
Galvanized into action, Kathleen turned with a whimper and climbed into the carriage.
A few paragraphs later:
“I’ll stop if you tell me to,” he whispered. “Until then we’ll play by my rules.” He moved to strip off his coat with a grimace of effort. He pressed a smile against her head as he felt her hands go to the knot of his necktie.
I took the first comment about out in the open or in the carriage to be teasing, not an actual a-or-b choice. I also took Kathleen’s whimper to be more of “Oh, shit, I am going to tear this guy’s clothes off in a barn,” and not any actual distress.
Also Devon explicitly states that he will stop if she tells him to. The sex scene that follows involves two active, enthusiastic participants.
The whole rake/rogue trope involves (typically) a sexually proficient hero who “corrupts” the heroine according to the standards of the day. The heroine is an enthusiastic participant, and her distress isn’t from being coerced into sexual activity but from her anxiety of how society would perceive her own sexual agency.
In this book Kathleen worries that her feelings for Devon are inappropriate because she’s a widow in mourning. She also worries that Devon will never want the type of long term relationship she does, but I never felt there was any question of consent.
So if I haven’t convinced you to buy Cold-Hearted Rake yet, I probably never will. And if I have, you’re probably not even reading this right now because you skipped down to the buy links below. I’m going to attempt to actually get some sleep now and recover from my book hangover. Happy reading!
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Fabulous review here!! I can hardly wait to read this. I have already ordered it, but I think its important when reading this not to compare it with my favorite books by this author. Because its going to be different but if its the type of story that can keep one up all night….HOOYAH Am I super excited for it.
Very pleasant surprise….I clicked expecting this to be over $10 like BEG (which wasn’t worth the price IMO), it was not CHA CHING bumped up to the top of my TBR.
Like everyone, been waiting anxiously for this one. Thanks for the review!
I did want to address a tangential point from your review about skirting the boundaries of consent. Just last week I mentioned to a friend who had read the same book I had (ironically, another Kleypas: Brown-Eyed Girl) that I thought the hero was just on the edge of pushing the boundaries of consent because even though in several scenes the heroine indicated that either she wanted to talk about some issue or she didn’t want to deal with the hero, he kept initiating foreplay-type things and because of Uncontrollable Mutual Attraction, they would then end up having sex. While once things got started she participated, I thought that the number of times he distracted her with sex was noticeable and to me, a bit disturbing. However, my friend hadn’t noticed that aspect at all. I guess without evidence of actual force or non-consent, opinions can vary on this.
I’m thrilled for this one! My first ever Kleypas was Devil in Winter, which all but owned my soul in the hours between when I picked it up and when I finally set it down again. I was such a romance newbie at the time that I had no idea who the author was or what I was in for: reading it was basically the best out-of-nowhere sucker punch to the stomach ever.
And thanks as always for the thoughtful discussion of consent in your review! As someone who prefers to see 100% express, enthusiastic consent (it’s progressive AND sexy!), I can get a little wary when someone suggests the boundaries of consent are pushed in a novel. Your explanation is helpful and cogent– based on what you’ve written, I expect this one may be a shade removed from my ultimate ideal (which, honestly, many of my favorite romances are), but won’t trigger my ranting.
You know I love forced seductions! And Lisa is the very best at it….take Married by Morning for example and It Happened One Autumn and etc etc. Her heroes are the perfect combination…protective, tender, predatory. I do hope that she never tones down the steaminess and tropes like ruthless seductions
I’ve never read anything by Lisa Kleypas (don’t judge me! There are too many books!), but this review makes me think I’m definitely missing out.
One question – the other two books you mention look like 2 and 3 in a series? Is it necessary to read the series in order – will I be unbearably spoiled for the preceding books if I just dive straight in?
Hey The FormerAstronomer, for the Wallflower series, while each book does stand alone I think they are far better and richer if you read them in order. And you won’t regret it — they are all wonderful, although Devil in Winter is my all time favorite.
Thanks so much for the review, Elyse. Can’t wait to start this one, but after I finished Ancillary Mercy I was so sad to be done that I had to go back to reread Ancillary Justice and now rereading Ancillary Sword. So many good books out there, so little time. Something tells me after I finish Cold Hearted Rake I’ll be rereading the Wallflowers series for the nth time as well…
@TheFormerAstronomer
If you start with It Happened One Autumn (which is #2 in the series), you’ll definitely get spoiled for the first book (i.e. the couple and how they fall in love), so I do recommend starting there if you’d like to avoid that. Secrets of a Summer Night is still a very good book- it’s just that #2 and #3 may be pinnacles of the historical romance genre.
OMG I meant *don’t* start with the second book if you don’t want to get spoiled. This is why I shouldn’t type comments before breakfast
@TheFormerAstronomer:
I agree with Mochabean and ppyajunebug – you can read them as stand-alones, but the impact of the middle two is much more powerful if you’ve read book 1. Devil in Winter is amazing.
@TheFormerAstronomer
I would definitely read the first four books of the series, and in order. I can take or leave the final one, Scandal in Spring, and the novella that followed, but Again the Magic, Secrets of a Summer Night, It Happened One Autumn, and Devil in Winter are must reads, in my opinion, and are best read sequentially.
I’m about a quarter of the way into Cold-Hearted Rake and enjoying it so far! Like you say, Elyse, Kleypas has already done a great job of making me interested in Kathleen’s sister-in-laws and I’m already looking forward to their books.
Yay! An Elise historical romance review.
In regards to consent, the one thing i love about Lisa Kleypas men is that they are uber sensitive while being total alphas. Blue-Eyed Devil is an amazing example of that. Hardy is so tender and sweet with Haven who was in an abusive marriage and has major issues with physical intimacy. I freaking love that book.
But having said that – perhaps instead of just whimpering maybe the heroine should also say “yes” – just because it would remove doubt. Believe me – i love some pretty raunchy erotic scenes – i am a Charlotte Stein fan but maybe thats the line between romance and erotica. i dont know – it freaking interesting to think about. AND excuse me – cause i got a book to download…;-)
You had me at ‘Kleypas released her first historical in five years.’
Thanks for the great review and now I’m off to buy a new book.
I have this book waiting for me at home. And honestly I was planning to read it no matter any of the reviews said. But I wanted to tell you that now I’m busy thinking of ways to work this into any of my daily conversations:
Stupider decisions have been made with dicks. The math checks out.
So thank you!
I just finished it and I liked it quite a lot. But now I am so excited for Marrying Mr. Winterborne, and it is only going to be out next spring. Torture, I loved the teaser and I really like the Innocent Girl finally goes for what she wants Trope. Like Sarah always says on the podcast: Give it to me now! *Good Book Noise* (although I only read the teaser)
To the consent discussion: I did not feel like the heroine did not consent, but I second JaniceG, the distracting the heroine with sex was a bit too much for my personal liking, but it’s perfectly fine in the book.
When it comes to consent, I think Kleypas often has the heroine somewhat reluctant or ambivalent, only to be persuaded by the hero’s general studliness. I don’t think it’s at all forced. (Heck, in THE DEVIL IN WINTER, when the hero says that because they’re married she has to consent to sex, she actually dares him to force himself on her –and he won’t. Of course they come to an agreement/bet that leads to lots of sexual stuff…)
***********************Longing****************************** to read this. Not in the public library and $6.99 for kindle. Groceries or book?
@ Gloriamarie Amalfitano – my library has the eBook and there are 49 waiting in the hold line!
Elyse, your review is making me remember why I used to read only historical novels. Must control one-click finger ….
LauraL, well, get in line! I can only hope my library will get this in soon as they have a ton of other stuff by Kleypass.
I thought the excerpt for this book was really boring so I’m suprised and happy it’s getting a good review here. I’ll definitely be getting it.
“Of course Devon is unbearably attracted to Kathleen. Of course she feels the same way. Of course they spend a lot of time hissing and circling each other.”
What a PERFECT description.
Didn’t know this book was coming out, what an excellent surprise to the morning!
Read it in one sitting. Loved it.
Devil in Winter is still her best, but OMG, Devon, West and Rhys are right up there with the rest of the men in the Wallflower/Hathaways! I am so looking forward to Rhys and Helen’s book and then the rest of the series.
I’ve tried to read her contemporaries but just can’t make my way through them, I am so glad she has returned to historicals.
I think I’ve read just about everything Lisa Kleypas has written, except for a few of the magical contemporaries. I loved Devil in Winter, along with the rest of the Wallflower series, and Mine till Midnight in the Hathaway series was also a big favorite. I can’t wait to read this new one, and I’m on the hold list at the library. Glad to hear it’s worth the wait!
“The math checks out”, lol. Thanks for the great review, Elyse. However I think you did miss out by not making the title of this review “Again, the Magic”.
I rate Secrets of a Summer Night #2 in the Wallflowers series ahead of the Autumn book. Probably because I like the poor girl who is a survivor/Cinderella trope better than the enemies to lovers trope. Devil in Winter is of course #1. No one does predatory alphas with a soft center better than Kleypas.
Thanks to the power of coffee I was able to hold off sleep and my conflicting desires to nap to finish this book in a 24-hour period. I loved it so much! And I’m so glad Kleypas is writing a new historical series! Kleypas will always have a place in my heart because It Happened One Autumn was my first historical and it lead me to Smart Bitches; I loved it so much I had to see if it made other people have feelings, and thus I Googled reviews =)
Thanks Mochabean, ppyajunebug et al!
*adds to TBR*
I felt exactly the same! The h/H both lacked juuuuust a little smidge of something that made me love them like some of my all-time favorite Kleypas protags (maybe a bit to acerbic, with a hint less self-deprecating wit?), but it’s far and away better than 99.9% of all other historicals I’ve read. Still made me cry at least thrice. So glad she’s back.
Add my cheers for a new Kleypas historical in the mix. I’ve got this book waiting for me, just as soon as I complete a stack of grading.
BUT, can I say how much I HATE the cover?! Maybe hate is strong word. But it’s just so, 1990s historical? Wait, when was Miami Vice on TV? Cuz this cover is like channeling all the neon-love of that show. And why ARE the hills the background aqua?
Last night I was wandering the aisles of Safeway at 11:30, on a mission from hell to find infant tylenol because molars are the devil’s invention, and I found this and a Toblerone and suddenly life seemed doable again. They all three came home with me and are my plan to deal with tonight’s wail-fest.
@Jessica Ohhh I do not envy you. Hopefully this book and chocolate make your day a little better
But . . . is it worth the Paula Abdul earworm? Because now that song will not leave my head.
Randall is asking the hard questions. So true.
@Jessica:
Molars are the worst. We used to tag-team Tylenol and Motrin to get as much pain coverage as possible. I drew up a schedule so we wouldn’t miss a dose.
And then, after all that agony, a few years later, they start LOSING their teeth. Every time my kids lose one, I look at it and think, “I went through hell for you to show up and now you just fall out. Slacker.”
Molar time is the pits, but it doesn’t last too long. You can do it, especially with Toblerone.
I didn’t like this book as much as Elyse did. The main character is always talking about propriety and making everyone around her talk her into doing what she wants to do anyway. Every single time she says something can’t be done because it isn’t proper, she goes ahead and does it, but not before making the other characters responsible.
The end drove me a little crazy, too. What she does to Helen is entirely unjustified. She takes away Helen’s ability to make her own decision in a way that would be unacceptable in a male character. Also, the byproducts of the Deus ex machina is totally skimmed over. If everyone was upset because a railroad was going to reduce the amount of farmland available, how will they react to this? (Sorry for the vagueness, I’m trying to avoid spoilers)
I still enjoyed the book, but I would have switched grades with the Heath book reviewed above.
First LK historical romance book in five years? I agree with others that while it’s not as good as some previous LK books (The Devil in Winter FOREVER), it’s still one of the best new releases of the year. I remember reading the Hathaway books and having Leo and Marks teased at me during Books 2-3, and almost passing out by how good they were in Book 4. So when I say that Helen and Rhys are Leo and Marks teasing material, that’s my frame of reference.
But it was really good. I liked Devon, and I’m a huge fan of him understanding from the getgo that he’s willing to go to great lengths to have Kathleen. Not jumping from that to marriage also makes sense — it’s not about her, it’s about his own lack of confidence at whether he’ll be good at this.
I did think West’s change of character was a bit abrupt, but maybe he’ll have some more layers and depth when we get to his, inevitable, story. I liked him noneless and look forward to seeing him fleshed out.
Late to the party, but as mentioned, there’s an interminable hold wait at library.
I love this book, and while it’s true it’s not as good as Devil in Winter, what is? It’s still fabulous.
I have exactly the problems with the heroine that @Jamicita explains so well, and thus I do think the consent somewhat dubious – not because the hero is a rapey prick but because the heroine is so grounded in her time period, and the historical accuracy of her attitudes can make her tiresome.
Also, very confused by one small detail. I doubt anyone cares about this but it’s driving me even more crazy than the earworm inducing title (whyyyyyy?).
The heroine at one point muses that Helen is the only one that is named after a mortal. Only there’s that whole business with the eggs, so Helen was Zeus’s daughter and Clytemnestra was Tyndareus’s? And Clytemnestra kills Cassandra, who was thus demonstrably mortal, in addition to being of mortal parentage? I mean, you can even argue that Pandora is mortal, since in some versions mortality is one of the things she unleashes from the box, and she’s subject to it. So is that Kathleen being wrong as some sort of foreshadowing of her misunderstanding of Helen’s character, or is there some Victorian take on mythology that’s different, like she would have read some bowdlerized version that doesn’t deal with Leda’s difficulties? What does it mean?!
I’m so upset that I have to wait 7 months for Winterbourne and Helen!
Ok: I’m a big time romance / suspence book reader. I lover lisa klepas, gena showalter, larissa ione, kresley cole , christine feehan , joan johnston etc reader. I love any book where a man is willing to give so much more to get what he wants. In this book Devon is very willing to give. All i gotta say is Amen. Good book!.
I lov Lisa kleypas,her 1st book I read was Again the magic n also when strangers marry…she is a gifted writer!