ARC Review: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Series:	Ravenels #5
Pub. Date:	Feb 19, 2019
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	384 pgs
Source:	Publisher

Oh man, I think we may be out of Ravenels... or close to anyway. I really love this family. They have all been so interesting and likable... but I have particularly liked the Ravenel men. Reformed rakes, the lot of them. And there is just something appealing about a former bad boy that catches my attention.

I was a bit curious about the title on this one, as I wasn't quite sure who our heroine was. It's Phoebe, daughter of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, and Evangeline, from The Devil in Winter. I have to admit, I haven't yet read the Wallflowers series! It's been on my list forever, but as its personal reading (not ARCs), that personal list is slow going for me. Now I know I definitely have to move those books up, and plan to start the series in audio in a few weeks. Anywho, I digress. Back to our heroine, Phoebe, Lady Clare. Phoebe is a sympathetic heroine, still mourning the loss of her husband after two years. But Phoebe was more of a caretaker to her first husband, who was sickly since he was a boy. That situation certainly didn't match Phoebe's dynamic personality, and I was happy that Phoebe was coming back to herself in this story. I was a little worried at first at how she was going to treat our hero given her late husband's dislike of him, but she surprised me in her grace and forgiveness. Overall, Phoebe was a solid heroine and I had no complaints about her character.

Now, our hero, yum! I just loved Weston Ravenel. I have loved him through all of the books. He's a former reprobate who has turned his life around over the last few years. Now he seems well-liked by everyone, from commoner to nobility.  I love a man who is not afraid to work with his hands, and West certainly has proven his mettle after taking on the Ravenel estate management. Throughout the series, he has increased the wealth of the family, and dug himself a spot in our hearts with his charm and humility. In his own book, West's nobility was going to be the doom of his happiness. Luckily, Phoebe was willing to fight for what she wanted.

The chemistry between West and Phoebe was there at first sight, but it grew stronger as the story progressed. I loved the banter between the two of them, and West's ability to accept and entertain Phoebe's children was heartwarming. The kids also added a sweet aspect to the story. 

I do wish I had read The Devil in Winter prior to this one, as Sebastian and Evangeline had some cameo appearances in this story. Not knowing their backstory didn't detract from this installment, but I always like to revisit old characters and I know I would have enjoyed that aspect more if I had known their tale.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.

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