This is a book I've looked forward to ever since I started the series. West is, by far, my favorite romance hero EVER, and he did NOT disappoint in this book. Overall, this book was filled with heart, fun, desire, and history that had me laughing out loud (which doesn't happen often).

West is the heart of this book. He's so kind and hilarious to all of the Ravenel girls that I often marveled that he didn't end up with any of them. He is funny, observant, and truly the wittiest hero, and the author didn't even need to tell me so! He was a perfect blend of modern manhood and historical manhood by working in the fields to learn about agriculture but not being burdened with the title. Whenever dukes did that in other books, it always rang hollow to me, but I genuinely believed West would go into the fields from dawn to dusk. While a lot of this transformation happened in the earlier books (the curse of falling in love later in the series), I still saw him grow in this one.

Phoebe brought the best out of him, and he brought the best out of her. Phoebe is another widow who's aristocratic and pale husband made her agree to marry his best friend on his deathbed. This book is eerily similar to Where Dreams Begin which has almost the exact same plotline. That made this book feel a little recycled, but Phoebe had a strong personality without seeming flighty or stupidly stubborn, which breathed a little life into this trope. However, we never really get to see Phoebe fully transform into a strong and capable heroine because, when she finally starts getting into her estate's account books, they're too muddled for her to figure out. It really pissed me off that West then pushes her away to figure them out for himself rather than having her help EVEN THOUGH HE SPENT THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK SAYING SHE SHOULD TRY HARDER. It felt a bit dehumanizing and sexist.

As much as I loved this book, I docked it one whole star for the ending scene. It is a HUGE deal for me if the characters don't work out there issues for themselves but someone else has to do it for them. The fact that Sebastian from Devil in Winter, even though he's Phoebe's father, had to talk West into marrying his daughter almost ruined the book for me. I'm fine with other characters dispensing advice, but they should never solve the conflict between the two main lovers. The hero and heroine should do that for themselves. They need to come together and show how their love really will conquer all. The fact that this doesn't happen here is a major strike against it because it essentially gives the horrible message that your super powerful father will fix everything.

Sorry for that slight spoiler, but I didn't say what issue Sebastian solved! Despite my grumblings, this book is still fun and light and romantic and lovely... just don't expect anything ground-breaking. ( )

I really felt Phoebe was weak and I wasn't too impressed. ( )

Devil's Daughter
3 Stars

Emerging from mourning two years after the death of her husband, Phoebe Larsen is wary of reentering society. Her fears are realized at her brother's wedding when she encounters her late husband's childhood nemesis, West Ravenel. Dark, daring and dangerous, West is the antithesis of her husband, and Phoebe is resolved to steer clear at all costs. Now if only she can convince her body and her heart to do the same ...

Unfortunately, this is the weakest installment in the series mainly due to the fact that Phoebe and West have absolutely no chemistry, and the only obstacle to their happiness is their own ridiculousness.

Phoebe is an exceedingly bland heroine, which is very disappointing considering her parents' incredible romance (see Devil in Winter). Whatever backbone she might once have had has apparently vanished for good as she attempts to suit the role of dutiful widow and young mother. By the time she does decide to re-establish her independence and will, it is too little, too late.

West's characterization in the previous books as a reformed rake who turned his life around had such potential. However, all of his achievements are undermined by his constant self-flagellation and claims of being unworthy, which get very old, very quickly.

Despite the lackluster romance, the book does have a few saving graces. These include West's delightful relationship with Phoebe's young sons, Sebastian and Evie's cameo appearances, and the minor subplot focusing on the estate of Phoebe's late husband.

Overall, this would have been better as a short novella rather than a full novel. The couple in the next book is Cassandra Ravenel and Tom Severin, West's dissolute friend. Will they be the next Sebastian and Evie? I certainly hope so. ( )

So glad that West got his HEA with Phoebe as he’s one of my favorite characters. I do wish the end hadn’t been quite so abrupt but it worked out as we already saw how well they live together when he visited her in Essex. All these later Ravenel books are interesting as they overlap and sometimes run parallel to each other. ( )

West has been one of my favourite characters in this series so I was delighted to have a book focus on him. I did really enjoy it though I felt like not much happened in the book. ( )