In the Wilds of Devon

by Wanda Luce

Lord Rupert Carrington, heir apparent to the Marquess of Lansdowne and former captain in His Majesty’s Royal Navy, cannot forget the girl he loved in his youth, who died after he left to fight in the war against Napoleon. Guilt-ridden, Rupert buries his regret by helping the London detectives of Bow Street take down criminals. But when Rupert ferrets out a ring of smugglers and is marked for death, the prince regent banishes him to a remote corner of England to live among the locals and be known only by his title of captain. Thus, Rupert will remain safe until the villains are arrested and brought to court, where he will offer testimony critical to their conviction.

On the first day of Rupert’s exile to the “wilds of Devon,” he meets Alexandra Dancy, a beautiful country miss whose complex character and extraordinary courage stir in him a degree of affection and admiration he has not yet felt for any lady. As fate or Providence would have it, Alexandra and her family, whose property backs his on the other side of a canal, have been hired to provide Rupert’s meals and to care for his house and stables.

When Rupert’s friendship and warm attentions awaken Alexandra’s heart, she suffers the torment of loving a man she believes is of a higher social class than he pretends, and therefore beyond her reach. The impoverished Dancys hide their own aristocratic origins to protect a dark secret known to only one man—Cecil Bedford, a blackguard of the first order, who wields a cruel power over Alexandra and her family. Can Rupert save her from Bedford’s clutches and topple the seemingly insurmountable barriers to winning her love and her hand?

Genres: Regency, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Clean Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2015

About the author

Wanda Luce developed a passion for English historical fiction in her girlhood that blossomed as she devoured the works of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Georgette Heyer, Pamela Aidan, and many others. Wanda's debut Regency romance, Lydia (2011), was revised and re-released as The Soul of a Lady in 2016. She has also written In the Wilds of Devon (2015) and A Dangerous Affection (2017). Wanda resides in Utah with her husband, Darrell, and their dog Watson, alias Mr. Piddles.
Wanda lived in Germany for over a year, exploring castles and strolling down cobblestone streets. She loves to travel and plans to do a great deal more of it someday. She also has a passion for history, nature, music, and BBC period dramas. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in German literature. She wold enjoy hearing from her readers and may be contacted at lucewandarings@gmail.com. Please visit Wanda's website and blog, www.wandaluce.com www.wandaluce.blogspot.com.

Reviews

[Donna Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming deviation from the usual "ballroom" Regency. Rich with authentic Austen-esque language, this delightful romance blends witty banter, layers of secrets, a villain I loved to hate, and just enough intrigue to keep me on my toes. But of course, the very best part was the romance itself and seeing how two very brave and honorable characters overcome such terrible odds to finally find their happily ever after. I rooted for these likable characters to the very end.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Very Much Enjoyed!
Content: Clean

[Suzan Phipps]

I loved this book. It was romantic, fun to read and really enjoyable. I work with a woman who is in her 80's and she loves to read. And it is seldom that there is a book that I can safely pass on to her as she doesn't like what she calls "the racy ones". This was a book that she and anyone would enjoy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I will have to read again and again! The details were awesome and I know I will catch more when I re-read! I loved the characters and the amazing struggle to see love through...It had intrigue and romance...perfect combo! Loved this book! I was not left wanting...phew!

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clean, sweet, romantic. A little wordy sometimes. I enjoyed the characters, and story. Main characters frustrated me a couple times, with the things they got stuck on. Overall a good read.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming read! Wanda Luce's love of language shines through on every page, in each beautifully constructed sentence of “In the Wilds of Devon.” Her writing truly evokes the spirit of Jane Austen in its grace and style. The story itself is a lovely one, too. The heroine, Alexandra Dancy, and her family have been cast into nearly impossible circumstances by a villain the reader will love to hate. Alexandra bears her plight with courage, wit, and a strength born of her great love for her family. It is wonderful to watch her spar with the handsome Captain Rupert Carrington when he unexpectedly comes into her life. It would be worse than unwise to fall in love with him, of course, when his situation is clearly so much higher than hers that she could never hope for an honorable proposal from him. Happily for the reader, the heart does not always listen to the wisdom of reason, and we are soon swept up in a romance between them that is by turns turbulent and tender. But that villain is always hovering about, threatening to destroy Alexandra’s happiness for yet a second time. Can he be thwarted and can true love triumph over all in the end? You will have to read “In the Wilds of Devon” to find out. If you love Jane Austen, beautiful writing, and sweet romance, you will not want to miss this book!

[Kareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really cute story. I loved the intrigue and all the layers to it. Alexandra was a brave and stronf heroine which is always refreshing. My only problem was the second half seemed to drag on way too long with way too many details about Rupert and the many, many things he had to do to figure out what was really going on. Took way too long... But the ending was cute. Worth a read if you like regency romance.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Regency with several surprises hidden near the end.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm finally writing the review for this book. I finished it quite a while ago but haven't had time to sit and write a review, and then I had library books that were due so I was trying to write those reviews first so I could return those books.

This book has been on my list to own after I read Wanda Luce's debut novel Lydia and saw that she had a second book about to be released. I loved Lydia and have been waiting (somewhat patiently) to read this one. Well for Christmas my husband bought me several of my wish list books and this was at the top! I was really excited. I love all things regency and Jane Austen and this fits that very well! Well when I sat down to start devouring this book I flipped to the back to read the synopsis and reviews. I opened the back cover to look at the author bio (yes I like to read those and the acknowledgment pages) and instead of her bio it was a page of reviews for Lydia. I started reading through them and guess what?! Much to my surprise and excitement my review was the last one on the page. Yay! Needless to say I was pretty excited seeing it printed in a book, and from an author that I really like! My husband had fun teasing me that I was published (hahaha) and my kids loved to tell everyone when they came over and showing them my book and review. It made for some fun excitement in our lives.

Now onto my review of "In the Wilds of Devon". This novel was set again during the regency era and was a fabulous clean read. If I had to pick a favorite between the author's two novels I would definitely say Lydia but this novel didn't disappoint in a fantastic storyline and great characters, especially a very oppressive "bad guy".

Rupert is our main male character who has happened upon a ring of smugglers and has been working to oust them and get them arrested and stop their smuggling. His life becomes endangered and he is exiled into hiding by the Prince so that he will be alive to testify against this smuggling group. Rupert isn't happy at all to have done all the work he has done to just be sent away when the group is about to be apprehended. Rupert was a captain in the navy during war with Napoleon but is also one of the most powerful men in the land, he is the Earl of Carrington. The Prince tells him to take on the persona of the captain and not divulge his identity to anyone. Rupert's friend has a cottage far removed from London in Devon that he disappears to.

Alexandra (Alex) Dancy isn't all that she seems. Her family cares for the cottage that Rupert will soon be occupying but they have many large secrets that they fear if anyone discovers them they will be ruined forever. Cecil Bedford(our villian) is allowing the Dancy family to rent the small home they are living in for free as long as Alex agrees to marry him in the near future. Alexandra is a great beauty that none can match and Cecil Bedford is completely obsessed with her. He will do anything to ensure that she belongs to him. Unknown to the reader he has a strong hold over their family which is a large struggle for Alex because she feels she has no way to extricate herself from his grasp. She has been praying for a miracle and a way to help her family escape but she has been unable to find any hope to do so.

When Captain Carrington first arrives in Devon he and Alexandra have a misunderstanding which leads her to be very upset with him and grateful that she will never have to see him again, until she discovers he is the new occupant of the cottage that her family helps care for. They are forced into each other's company time and time again. Every time Alexandra's barrier towards the captain starts to drop. She begins to realize her first impressions were not accurate and starts to form an attachment against her will. First because she knows that she is far below his social status, even more so when she starts to believe that he is higher ranked than he lets on. Second because she knows she will only suffer if she allows herself any hope from being free of Cecil.

Captain Carrington is intrigued by Alex and knows that he should not even look in her direction because her social standing would only bring her pain and ridicule from the social circles he walks in if they were to ever marry. Yet he happens to chance upon several moments, unseen, when she is speaking to Cecil Bedford. He realizes that Cecil has some sort of hold over her and her family and is determined to find out what. In the many interactions he has with the Dancy family he begins to suspect more about their history. I really don't want to spoil anything and I think that most readers will come to some sort of conclusion about her family as you start to read but I want you to be able to do that and have the experience of it rather than me telling you. Sorry if you were wanting that info.

Captain Carrington starts investigating into the Dancy family only to come up short. Luckily he chances upon clues that help him and eventually Alex reveals a little about her situation. Eventually Cecil pulls his wild card and Alex is almost out of time to secure her freedom of Cecil. She must figure it out soon or will have to be married to him and unhappy for the rest of her life.

Just to throw it out there as well, what will happen when she finally discovers he isn't just a Captain?What will he do when he discovers the secret that her family has tried so desperately to keep hidden and which keeps Cecil Bedford close by?

I have to say it was just a great read. The two main characters were well developed, the backstory was well set up and revealed slowly throughout the novel. I could guess at the ending but wasn't 100 percent for sure until the final reveal. I enjoy books like that. After reading many books with the predictable outcome(which I do love by the way) it is nice to have one that although predictable it is hard to put your finger on the exact secret of the characters.

I am sure I could go on and on about the book but I am out of time and have to run. If you are wondering if you should read this book or not I say do it. Just pick it up and enjoy the suspense and unraveling of the secrets in it all the way to the last page. Then if you haven't already read Lydia pick that one up too. I'm happily awaiting for any further books Wanda Luce decides to write.

Happy Reading!!!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had it's issues, but if I take the time to finish it I can give it 2 stars.
The Good- This book had a great story line and the idea was new and good and I was surprised at the end when all the mystery's were solved. That is a big plus. The character building was good you had a really good sense of why both these characters did what they did. I liked her and her spunk and I thought he was a good leading man. This book had passion and you really wanted to find out what the heck made these people do what they did. There were some passionate kissing scenes and the bad guy was not too awful. I hate when there is an attempted rape in books like this. So it was kept clean and there was talk of believing in God and praying to him but that was it.
The Bad- UHGG I started skimming at the end because every Single time the character has inner reflection it was the SAME thing over and over! The repetition in this book was everywhere. The main characters had the same fight Every single time they talked to each other. They never got to know each other or much at all about the other. By the end of the book the leading lady knew almost nothing about the leading mans life, little things like he had been in love before, I don't even think she knew his first name. There was an aspect of the story that drove me crazy about the barrier that kept them from being able to get married and it drove me crazy. I wanted more of them getting to know each other, less inner dialogue that went on and on at the end of each chapter. Sadly I have no desire to read anymore by this author it bugged me that much.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggle between the early 19th century British class system and matters of the heart is what we love about Regency romance, and Wanda Luce has done a wonderful job of it in her novel In the Wilds of Devon. Lord Rupert Carrington has been banished to the country for his own protection—the era’s answer to the Witness Protection Program. Yet nothing can protect his heart when he meets Alexandra Dancy, who is “not only very beautiful . . . but unequalled in strength and goodness.” Though Rupert’s match in every way, Alexandra is far below his social station . . . or is she? Rupert sets out to solve this mystery while at the same time protecting Alexandra from Cecil Bedford, an insanely dangerous man who will have Alexandra at all cost.
With effortless prose we are shown the historical context of the British Regency—so we have the magical feeling we readers love: that we are actually there, smelling the lilacs after a rain shower and feeling the bulky awkwardness of a poorly tied cravat. The characters, as well, are shown to us—strong, yet each with a likable vulnerability that allows them to come to life. Luce cleverly balances the inward emotional struggles of her characters with a what-happens-next pace that keeps you moving from page to page . . . and before you know it, it is way past your bedtime. Go ahead and stay up—it’s worth it!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda Luce’s latest release, In the Wilds of Devon, is the greatly anticipated historical fiction, regency, clean romance novel that readers have been waiting for. This story has everything a reader needs deception, scandal, crime, intrigue, and of course romance. Forced into obeying the commands of her almost fiancé due to financial problems, Alexandra Dancy and Lord Rupert Carrington whom is currently in hiding so he can testify at court will charm readers from page one with their engaging and lovely relationship. Not only has Wand created characters that readers will love, but it is set in the regency ear as a backdrop. I highly recommend this novel to readers that enjoy clean, historical-regency fiction.

Genre: historical fiction, regency, clean romance
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Publication date: August 16, 2015
Number of pages: 350

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by the author, Wanda Luce

[Kelly Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re like me a sweet Regency romance is my favorite go-to genre when I’m craving a good book. I’ve wanted to read this one since I first heard about it. In the Wilds of Devon drew me in and held me captive. With a band of criminals threatening his life, Lord Rupert Carrington is sent to the country and forced to hide his true identity as the Marquess of Landowne. He poses instead as a mere Captain retired from the Royal Navy. What he assumed would be a dreary country exile turns into a welcome retreat when he meets the lovely and mysterious Alexandra. But as a member of the working class she is out of Rupert’s reach, not to mention the man trying to blackmail her into an unwanted marriage. It seems as if fate will keep them apart. Rupert and Alexandra both have secrets, and I couldn’t put the book down as I waited to find out who would solve the mystery first. With such likable characters, I was cheering for them from the first page.

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Wilds of Devon is a thoroughly enjoyable regency romance. Alexandra is a very likable character, and I quickly became interested in her delima. Cecil was an absolutely despicable villain, but also a believable character. I really liked Rupert. He was a fantastic hero, and his motives were believable and real. While the characters were suited to the time period, none of them felt like cookie cut-outs. Each was unique and three dimensional. Both the good guys as well as the bad guy, and folks in between. The story drew me in very quickly, and I found myself rooting for Alexandra and Rupert, and hoping that they would find a way to make sure that Cecil got his comeupance. There were dances and pretty dresses, and more than one revolver discharging, plus a few exciting and unexpected twists in the plot. The end, I found wonderfully satisfying, and I am very glad I read this book. Wanda Luce is a great author!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In the Wilds of Devon” was very good! It is a story of carefully kept critical secrets by Captain Rupert Carrington and the family of beautiful young Alexandra Dancy. Captain Carrington is exiled to the wilds of Devon for protection as he awaits testifying in the trial of a soon to be captured criminal.

Alexandra and her family have a repulsive blackmailer haunting them with pressure of lovely Alexandra to become his wife, or suffer dire consequences. While enduring their secrets, the two become well acquainted and feeling of devotion, and eventually trust win out. But in the meantime, the pressure to save her family from ruin is critical, as is the fate of their feelings.

This is the first book of author Wanda Luce that I have read. It is from my favorite Regency time period so it won me over from there. Alexandra’s secrets were a bit drug out for me, but not enough to be frustrated. I would definitely read more from this author.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into In the Wilds of Devon by Wanda Luce. The story flowed smoothly with just the right blend of mystery and clean romance and a touch of humor to offset the villain's darkness.
Here's a little sample of her light-hearted writing that I enjoyed: "His gaze held her spellbound, and the set-down she instantly formulated refused to take charge of her lips. Finally, her feet heard her call to move, and she turned away from him and started for the door."
I really appreciated learning more about early 19th century England, mainly through dialogue, and enjoyed the characters, wondering how all would be resolved so that love would win out in the end.
I will definitely read more books by this author.

[Holly Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that needs to come with a warning: "Do not read unless you are prepared to devour in one sitting." The story consumed me and I found myself sneaking any moment possible to read it. Because I'd been reading a lot of contemporary, it took me one or two pages to get into the regency speech, but after that I was hooked. The characters were wonderfully developed and the plot was riveting. The only complaint I sometimes have with regency is that there is too little romance to be satisfying (just kiss her already!). But in this story, Luce managed the perfect amount of sigh-inducing, heart fluttering romance without going overboard. Which is why I can't wait to read her next book.

[MaryLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this Regency type romance for two reasons. First, it was more realistic about the difference between classes in that time period and the unlikelihood of a happy marriage with great social disparity between the partners. Second, the leading lady seemed fairly normal without the usual sudden lack of common sense and loss of intelligence, and the overwhelming need to immediately act on emotional angst that is a plot twist in many Regency romances. That said, it was a bit overwrought and the lead characters were stereotypically drop dead gorgeous, but much can be forgiven for a happy ending.

[Luvbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Wilds of Devon is a beautifully written regency-set romance by a writer with a sure pen and a lovely, lyrical voice. The language was exquisite but not difficult to understand. There is also plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. This story contains some truly beautiful descriptions that brought scenes and emotions vividly to life. The hero and heroine are both well written with noble qualities as well as human foibles. Lovers of this genre will be very happy with this book!

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I can't say enough about how much I love this author's books. Quickly becoming one of my favorites.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a chance on an unknown author and it was ok but really dragged for me. I didn't care for the lunatic having such power throughout the story and how quickly Rupert (and every other male in the story) fell so completely for Alexandra. They can't possibly know enough about her to be falling for more than her looks initially.

I liked Alex's family and felt they helped balance the story. Also liked the servants and Victoria. Rupert was pretty good overall, other than how quickly and fully he fell for Alexandra.

Typos annoy me and on pg 93 they introduce Mr. Bedford's 2nd daughter as Charlotte, pg 94 she is Isabelle, pg 95 Isabella, pg 188 back to Isabelle. She is hardly mentioned in the book as a whole and honestly could have been left out entirely.

I just didn't like the storyline and the long process for things which is why I wouldn't read it again and only give it 2 stars.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very hard book to read through. For the first half I felt I'd missed a prior book in the series (but there isn't one) and the second half I just sloughed through waiting for it to end. Very predictable story and the characters were trite.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Genre:Fiction/romance/regency) Lord Rupert Carrington is sent to the country to lay low while the Bow Street runners work on bringing a criminal to justice. Lord Carrington has been pursuing this criminal in an investigation on behalf of some tenants of his father's lands. But now he is being ordered off the case and out of London until further notice. Chaffing at being sent out of London and society (for his own safety), he isn't even allowed to use his title or acknowledge his real identity. Resuming his military title of Captain Carrington, Rupert takes occupancy of a small cottage owned by a friend and colleague. But no sooner is he out of one mystery/investigation, then he finds himself in another. The Dancy family are employed to be caretakers of the cottage that Rupert is staying at and they immediately catch his attention. Especially the oldest daughter, Alexandra. Suspecting that they are a family that has fallen from their previous social standing, Rupert attempts to learn their history, only to be rebuffed. The Dancys are hiding something from their neighbors and Rupert would very much like to know what it is. Especially when he suspects that a neighboring nobleman is in on their secret and is holding a strange power over the entire family.
The Dancy family enjoy their new neighbor, Captain Carrington, despite not fully trusting him. Alexandra is especially wary. She is pretty sure that he is actually of higher social standing than he is currently pretending to be, and in her family's current situation she knows that she is not marriageable material to anyone in the ton and she has no intention of being anyone's mistress. She would really like to be free of their current situation. Unfortunately, her family is hiding a secret and the despicable nobleman who is involved in that secret is wielding it as a weapon of blackmail to force her into marriage.
I found this book at the library and although I had never heard of this author, I thought I would give it a try. I didn't love it, although I can't put my finger on why. Maybe I thought the Dancy family held on to the secret longer (much longer) than I thought they should and I was just wishing for resolution. :) 3 stars.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Wanda Luce's Lydia and so I was anxious to read her latest book. Unfortunately, while the writing was really good and the characters were likeable, there were a few things that just didn't click for me. Hence, the three stars.

It seemed like it took forever to figure out the horrible secret of Alexandra's family. There were times I just wanted to scream at her to tell Rupert what it is! Rupert was also annoying with his constant going back and forth between loving Alexandra and feeling like he could never love her because of her lowly station. The author spends so much time telling us why the characters can't be together and never lets us see the characters really getting to know each other.

Also, the author introduced what felt like key plot points only to have them be ignored or dropped. For instance, Rupert's first love dies tragically of consumption while he is at war yet he never shares this with Alexandra. Also, I wasn't sure why it took him so long to figure out Alexandra's family history. It seems like as soon as he knew who the crest belonged to it would have been obvious. I also couldn't understand why the author would have him buy the family's personal belongings at the auction never to have it mentioned by any of the characters ever. The story was good. The villain was deliciously evil. It was well written and I liked it, I just think that perhaps with a little more attention to detail and fewer internal monologues by the main characters , it could have been even better.

[Tausha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Charming! I really enjoyed this sweet, well written book. The only reason it wasn't a five for me was there were a few occasions it seemed to drag a little (kind of wordy, if that makes sense?) Our Heroine was such s fighter and yet so tender hearted. Our Hero was every bit the charmer, and a true Knight determined to rescue the damsel in distress. The villain...seriously despised the guy!!! The end was quick but didn't seem forced and of course absolutely love the "happily ever after". Fun read! Clean.

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential. I was so disappointed. It took me forever to get through this book because it seemed to drag on and on. The main characters had the same inner reflection about each other over and over and over. And it was just a little annoying how many men were falling all over themselves for her, and how many women for him. Yes, I get it, they're just gorgeous, but you shouldn't have to keep telling the readers that. I found myself skimming to the end just to get through it, and rolling my eyes, a lot.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked a lot about this book. But I started skimming at the end because it all started to be the same. We got to hear the main characters same thoughts over and over. But there were a lot of fun things in this. The suspense was okay, and I liked the romance, of course. If you like clean, historical fiction with a little bit of suspense, then you would probably like this.

[Kristen Robison]

I couldn't finish this book. I read Ms Luce's first book and hoped this one would be a little better. It WAS better than the first. BUT, I am NOT a fan of Georgette Heyer and her writing is too reminiscent of Ms Heyer. I read the first third of the book but couldn't finish. I skimmed through the remainder.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many things I liked about this book. At last the woman was not confused about her feeling or how the gentleman felt. I suppose the several kisses went a long way in making that apparent. Some different twists and turns that gave it a bit of mystery, intrigue, and even a bit of adventure. For someone who is looking for a clean romance I would recommend.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is great if you like reading the same scene over and over. As in literally, the characters change location and have the exact same conversation about 6 times. By the 6th time, I was saying, "Okay, okay, just spit it out so we can move on."