2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

A twist of fate.

Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house—along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

A clash of wills.

Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains: can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she's ever known?

Settings
Hampshire, England - August 1875
Alton, England
London, England

33 Chapters
Epilogue

Character List
(view spoiler)[
Devon Ravenel: New Earl of Trenear. He’s 28-years old, tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
Kathleen Ravenel, Lady Trenear: Widow of Theo Ravenel, the former Earl of Trenear who recently died. She was the daughter of Lord Carbery, an Irish peer. She was only married to Theo three days before he died. She has amber eyes and auburn hair.
Weston (West) Ravenel: Devon’s younger brother. He’s 24-years old.
Helen Ravenel: Theo’s oldest sister. She’s 21-years old.
Cassandra Ravenel: Theo’s younger sister, Pandora’s twin. She’s 19-years old with blond hair and blue eyes.
Pandora Ravenel: Theo’s younger sister, Cassandra’s twin. She’s 19-years old with dark brown hair.
Theo Ravenel, Lord Trenear: Former Earl of Trenear who died when he was thrown from a horse.
Lord Berwick: Man who, along with his wife, took Kathleen in when she was sent away by her parents.
Lady Berwick: Woman who helped raise Kathleen after she was sent away by her parents.
Rhys Winterborne: Wealthy businessman and owner of a successful department store.
Tom Severin: Railroad magnate. He owns London Ironstone, a private railway company. He’s a friend of Devon.
Sutton: Devon’s valet.
Quincy: Theo’s former valet, now working for Rhys Winterborne.
Clara: Kathleen’s lady’s maid.
Mrs. Church: Eversby Priory housekeeper.
Mr. Bloom: Stablemaster.
Weeks: Doctor.
Totthill: Estate agent for Eversby Priory.
Carlow: Land agent who works for Totthill.
Wooten: Eversby Priory tenant whose land is being considered for sale to Tom Severin.
Hamlet: The sisters’ pet pig.
Asad: Kathleen’s horse, an Arabian.
Napoleon: One of the Trenear’s two dogs.
Josephine: One of the Trenear’s two dogs.
(hide spoiler)]

Spoiler Info
(view spoiler)[
Kathleen is pregnant and now engaged to Devon.

West decides to stay in Hampshire and help manage the estate. He’s discovered that he feels more alive and useful there.

West also discovered there were minerals on the Wooten property, which is why Severin wanted the rights. Fortunately, Devon unwittingly refused to sign them over. The money from the minerals will save the estate.

Devon had arranged for Rhys to marry Helen and released her from the obligation but she still wants to marry him. He broke the engagement when he thought Helen felt he was beneath him. However, when he returned the delicate orchid to her, Helen realized he’d made it thrive and she found that meaningful. (hide spoiler)]