If you’ve been craving a deliciously angsty historical romance with a rake you can’t help but fall for, Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas is your next must-read. This series starter delivers enemies-to-lovers tension, swoony banter, and the kind of emotional payoff that proves why Kleypas reigns supreme in the genre. Fans of character-rich Victorian romance will eat this one up.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

What is Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas all about?

In Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas, Devon Ravenel inherits an earldom he never wanted, and with it, a crumbling estate, three wild young cousins, and the fierce Lady Kathleen, his late cousin’s widow. She’s sharp, spirited, and absolutely not on board with Devon’s rakish ways. But as they clash, sparks fly, and soon neither can deny the pull between them.

Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas Book Review

WARNING: This review contains more fangirling than a 13 years old girl at a One Direction concert. 

Do you even need a synopsis? This is a Lisa Kleypas book after all and even more than that, it is a HISTORICAL Lisa Kleypas book, something we have all been waiting for since she foolishly decided to dally in contemporary romance (although, I kind of loved those for the most part as well, the woman has skillZ with a capital Z). I admit, I didn’t waste time reading the blurb, I was too busy opening the first page and getting my read on.

This had the potential to seriously disappoint me, as you can tell, my expectations of Lisa Kleypas are sky high. I really didn’t want to topple to the hard ground of reality by finding this book less than what I expected. However, I should have known better than to doubt Ms Kleypas, to sum up in three small words: I loved it.

Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas introduces us to the Ravenel family, famous for their hot passions and even hotter temper, in particular the last two men left in the family Devon and West. Devon has unexpectedly inherited the Earldom after the death of his cousin, a burden that he doesn’t want, especially when it comes with three younger girl cousins and Kathleen, his cousin’s widow. And he especially doesn’t want to feel this helpless fascination with Kathleen who manages to drive him mad even as she ignites his lust and other feelings he doesn’t want to think about.

As always Kleypas has delivered a romance that was intense, full of emotions and sexual chemistry as Kathleen and Devon alternatively battle each other and fall in love. She masterfully builds up the relationship between them with a bit of sexual tension, arguments and a few tender and vulnerable moments thrown in as well. But, it wasn’t just the main couple that I loved seeing, we were introduced to the quiet, shy Helen, the rambunctious twins Pandora and Cassandra and Devon’s younger brother the dissipated West.

Skillfully written, and imbued with humour, romance and emotion Lisa Kleypas has once again proven why she is the best in the historical romance genre. I am now impatiently waiting for the next  book in the series, which I have feeling I will love even more than this one, is it possible to give a book 6 stars?

Whether you’re a longtime Kleypas fan or just dipping your toes into historical romance, Cold Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas delivers that signature slow-burn magic wrapped in high-society stakes and heartfelt tension. It’s an unforgettable kickoff to a series that only gets better from here.

About The Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas

Set in Victorian England, The Ravenels series follows a fiery, scandal-prone aristocratic family as they navigate love, loss, and legacy. With each book spotlighting a different sibling or connected character, Kleypas blends rich historical detail with swoony, emotionally driven romance. The series includes seven books, beginning with Cold Hearted Rake and culminating in Devil in Disguise.

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