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The Deverells #3
Chasing Raven
Raven Deverell laughs her way through life - and through men - on a dare and a jest. She's having fun, never letting anybody too close, and thumbing her nose at the strict rules of society. Why comply with standards set by the upper classes, since she's been told she will never belong there? And she wouldn't want to, anyway.As one of those scandalous, rebellious Deverells, she does as she pleases and nobody would dare get in her way. Until a stray wink from the back of a horse brings her mischief to the disdainful attention of Sebastian Hale.Born to duty and a title, Hale lives his life by those proper rules, and he will not let this wayward young woman -- in a most improper pair of men's riding breeches -- set his world asunder. She might think it amusing to masquerade as a male jockey and claim victory over his horse, but this is one wicked, reckless game she won't win. As the Earl of Southerton, he is a man above reproach, a man who can make or ruin a reputation. And he doesn't like to lose.The scandalous Miss Deverell has chosen the wrong opponent to wager against this time. Perhaps she has finally met her match.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 15, 2020
Another enjoyable read in this series that I seem to be whipping through at a rate of knots.
Raven is the only girl out of all of True Deverell's numerous children. I liked Raven, and I also liked Sebastian with her. His quiet, serious nature and his slightly careless way of dressing were part of his charm. His reliable steadiness and her exuberance balanced each other out nicely.
I liked the way the writer revealed some inner truths about each character that others didn't see when they only looked at the surface. Raven's unpleasant mother was also treated somewhat sympathetically, which was nicely done as well.
A little touch of mystery, but not too much, and an enjoyable romance with engaging characters. This author is becoming a new fav for me.
Raven is the only girl out of all of True Deverell's numerous children. I liked Raven, and I also liked Sebastian with her. His quiet, serious nature and his slightly careless way of dressing were part of his charm. His reliable steadiness and her exuberance balanced each other out nicely.
I liked the way the writer revealed some inner truths about each character that others didn't see when they only looked at the surface. Raven's unpleasant mother was also treated somewhat sympathetically, which was nicely done as well.
A little touch of mystery, but not too much, and an enjoyable romance with engaging characters. This author is becoming a new fav for me.
December 23, 2015
4.5 enthusiastic stars.
Let me say this first:
I challenge anybody to find more delightful, more charming prologue than in this book.
The story, third in the Deverells’ series, features Raven, the only daughter, or as her father put it, the only female cub of True Deverell’s litter. By the way, if you have not read his story True Story, the only question I have: “What are you waiting for?”
Ok, back to Raven. Raised in a tempest of scandal, survived her parents’ tumultuous marriage and the infamy of their divorce, Raven’s position in society is precarious, her chances of making a suitable match are slim. Her mother’s vulgarity and rudeness are not helping. Add to this Raven’s own outspokenness, independence, boldness and forthrightness (traits she is sure inherited from her father) and there are even less candidates who want to make her a proper offer despite her beauty. This doesn’t bother Raven. As she put it:
Well, this conviction is sorely tested by one unlikely source, Sebastian Hale, the Earl of Southerton.
He “was once accused of being calm and rational to the point of tedium, and as maddeningly immoveable as a bolder against which one broke one’s shovel.” “He was a man above reproach, so respected that one word from him could make or ruin a reputation.”
And, so, when this immovable subject crossed path with a monsoon that was Raven, there was not a chance in a world he or she would come back unscathed or unchanged.
This was such a wonderful romance. It sparkled, it entertained, it made me laugh. Delightful banter of protagonists, in-depth characterization, fast-moving plot, and imaginative writing were all top-notch. I loved both characters. It was so much fun to see how their preconceived notions of each other slowly changed as they got to know one another, as they slowly fall in love not even realizing it.
Delightful story!
Let me say this first:
I challenge anybody to find more delightful, more charming prologue than in this book.
The story, third in the Deverells’ series, features Raven, the only daughter, or as her father put it, the only female cub of True Deverell’s litter. By the way, if you have not read his story True Story, the only question I have: “What are you waiting for?”
Ok, back to Raven. Raised in a tempest of scandal, survived her parents’ tumultuous marriage and the infamy of their divorce, Raven’s position in society is precarious, her chances of making a suitable match are slim. Her mother’s vulgarity and rudeness are not helping. Add to this Raven’s own outspokenness, independence, boldness and forthrightness (traits she is sure inherited from her father) and there are even less candidates who want to make her a proper offer despite her beauty. This doesn’t bother Raven. As she put it:
“I haven’t met a man yet who can handle me. Remember sir, I told you I am in pursuit of happiness, not a husband, who will probably curtail that very thing I seek.”
Well, this conviction is sorely tested by one unlikely source, Sebastian Hale, the Earl of Southerton.
He “was once accused of being calm and rational to the point of tedium, and as maddeningly immoveable as a bolder against which one broke one’s shovel.” “He was a man above reproach, so respected that one word from him could make or ruin a reputation.”
And, so, when this immovable subject crossed path with a monsoon that was Raven, there was not a chance in a world he or she would come back unscathed or unchanged.
“You once accused me of spoiling your sport,” she murmured…”But now I think I have become your sport, Sir.” “You are certainly as slippery as a fox this evening, Miss Deverell.” “Like you, I do not intend to be caught.” “But you enjoy being chased.” “And neither of us like to lose,” she replied softly. “I can only wonder how this will end.”
This was such a wonderful romance. It sparkled, it entertained, it made me laugh. Delightful banter of protagonists, in-depth characterization, fast-moving plot, and imaginative writing were all top-notch. I loved both characters. It was so much fun to see how their preconceived notions of each other slowly changed as they got to know one another, as they slowly fall in love not even realizing it.
Delightful story!
February 26, 2018
When I read True's Story, I didn't like Raven all that much, but I could see the potential in her and I was right.
She's a very willful in a rebellious kind of way. I could understand why she behaved like she did.
A child of divorced (and then it WAS a big shame!) parents, constantly harassed by a mercenary and bitter mother, it must not have been easy for her!
So she pretends that the opinion of others doesn't count. But she's not True. For her it does count, even if not as much as the other girls of that time.
Here we can see what's happening in her mind and how she sees things from her perspective. And a very nice person comes out.
Yes, she's impulsive and irrevernt, but she also loves both her parents. Her mother is a spoilt, disillusioned woman and Raven knows that very well. She doesn't mince words with her mother, but she takes care of her and understands her needs. She's her mother's guardian.
She's also fiercely loyal to her friends, even if that loyalty is not always deserved.
She wants to help, but not everybody appreciates her desire to help.
I had much more trouble accepting Hale's interest in Raven. He starts chasing her with very dishonorable intentions: first vengeance, then lust...
He's so stuck up that's it's a wonder he doesn't snap! I wanted to slap him so many times for being a overbearing a**!!!
So, while I liked Raven I didn't like him very much.
He didn't stand up for Raven. His aunts kept throwing dirt on Raven at every oppotunity and he just smiles... He just leaf her to defend herself, knowing very well the opinion other had of her. He never made things easier for her, all the contrary!
So, he fell for her, but I didn't see it all that clearly...
Anyhow, since Raven was Raven, I think this book deserves 4 stars fully!
She's a very willful in a rebellious kind of way. I could understand why she behaved like she did.
A child of divorced (and then it WAS a big shame!) parents, constantly harassed by a mercenary and bitter mother, it must not have been easy for her!
So she pretends that the opinion of others doesn't count. But she's not True. For her it does count, even if not as much as the other girls of that time.
Here we can see what's happening in her mind and how she sees things from her perspective. And a very nice person comes out.
Yes, she's impulsive and irrevernt, but she also loves both her parents. Her mother is a spoilt, disillusioned woman and Raven knows that very well. She doesn't mince words with her mother, but she takes care of her and understands her needs. She's her mother's guardian.
She's also fiercely loyal to her friends, even if that loyalty is not always deserved.
She wants to help, but not everybody appreciates her desire to help.
I had much more trouble accepting Hale's interest in Raven. He starts chasing her with very dishonorable intentions: first vengeance, then lust...
He's so stuck up that's it's a wonder he doesn't snap! I wanted to slap him so many times for being a overbearing a**!!!
So, while I liked Raven I didn't like him very much.
He didn't stand up for Raven. His aunts kept throwing dirt on Raven at every oppotunity and he just smiles... He just leaf her to defend herself, knowing very well the opinion other had of her. He never made things easier for her, all the contrary!
So, he fell for her, but I didn't see it all that clearly...
Anyhow, since Raven was Raven, I think this book deserves 4 stars fully!
May 23, 2022
This might be favorite of the Deverells series. Impetuous troublemaker Raven meets a steady, methodical earl, who just can't think of anything but her. The little dance they do is pretty entertaining.
January 17, 2016
An all round solid book that patiently builds up the spark that ignites between an outcast from high society & a somber earl.I especially liked how the author links the childish request of a young girl to what occurs later in the book
"Tis a uggly olde washe anyway. I only tewke it tew make ye chayse me. Best Regards, Sin Serrilly and all that, R." And beneath that, scrawled in even greater haste,
"Will yew marry me. Yea or nay?"
"Tis a uggly olde washe anyway. I only tewke it tew make ye chayse me. Best Regards, Sin Serrilly and all that, R." And beneath that, scrawled in even greater haste,
"Will yew marry me. Yea or nay?"
May 26, 2023
“Did you invite me here to make me your mistress?"
“I did not plan that. Certainly not."
"I didn't think you would. You don't seem to be the sort. And I wanted to let you know that I am not a side dish. I will be the main and only course, or I will not be on the menu."
<><> Story Overview <><>
The book blurb explains it fairly well.
However, let’s be clear - Raven is a virgin. So the first sentence that says “Raven Deverell laughs her way through life - and through men” doesn't mean she sleeps around. This is a historical, after all.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Sebastian Rockingham Hale, Earl of Southerton ; Age: 31
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: had buried his father, his wife and his infant son all in the space of twelve months, doesn't like to lose, doesn't like people who break the rules, calm and rational to the point of tedium, maddeningly immoveable, does not express his emotions in public, expects perfection and absolute loyalty from everything and everybody around him, honorable, above reproach, so respected that one word from him could make or ruin a reputation, stuffy, widower
Heroine: Raven Deverell ; Age: 22;
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: wayward, mouthy, opinionated, attracted to trouble, not meek, loves a good dare, always looking for something extraordinary and magical, restless, rebellious, outspoken, cunning, untamable, self assured, unapologetic, impertinent, spirited, reckless, fiercely loyal
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ I liked the prologue and especially how that was tied in to a scene later in the book. The prologue definitely established Raven’s character
— “Sebastian's watch was returned to him shortly after, by a waiter who brought it on a silver salver with a folded note covered in ink blots. He assumed it was meant to be an apology.
"Tis a uggly olde washe anyway. I only tewke it tew make ye chayse me. Best Regards, Sin Serrilly and all that, R."
And beneath that, scrawled in even greater haste, "Will yew marry me. Yea or nay?"
^^ ~ the mother - Lady Charlotte - she severely annoyed me and I longed for scenes where she was absent. Her selfishness and negativity was really too much to take and by 60% I found myself skipping pages so I didn't have to deal with her. She just brought the story down
^^ ~ the story seemed to skip some essential parts between the time Ransom rescued Raven and the epilogue. Raven and Hale’s reconnection after that episode and the all important I Love You’s was definitely needed to wrap up their love story.
^^ ~ Some unanswered questions:
…..what happened to Raven’s wish to open up a Ladies Club?
…..Did the Aunts ever accept her?
…..how did Lady Charlotte react when she found out the truth about Reynaux?
^^ ~ not really sure what to think of the epilogue. It was s bit odd
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: nothing
- Setting: London 1847
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful to read the series in order. There are recurring characters from the previous book that appear in this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical
- Hero likable? yes
- heroine likable? yes
- h virgin? Yes
- First time they kiss: 54%
- First time they sleep together: 86%
- Safe sex? No
- First time they say I Love You: didn’t happen
- steamy? they had a couple scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? kind of, although neither Raven or Hale were interested in the other parties
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? a few. I just got tired of the negativity of the mother and the aunts
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? Yes. maybe 6 months later
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“English gentleman did not succumb to public displays of sentiment any more than he would scratch his filberts in the presence of the monarch.”
"I will be everything to a man," she said, "or I will not be his at all."
"You tugged on my heart strings before I knew I had any."
“I did not plan that. Certainly not."
"I didn't think you would. You don't seem to be the sort. And I wanted to let you know that I am not a side dish. I will be the main and only course, or I will not be on the menu."
<><> Story Overview <><>
The book blurb explains it fairly well.
However, let’s be clear - Raven is a virgin. So the first sentence that says “Raven Deverell laughs her way through life - and through men” doesn't mean she sleeps around. This is a historical, after all.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Sebastian Rockingham Hale, Earl of Southerton ; Age: 31
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: had buried his father, his wife and his infant son all in the space of twelve months, doesn't like to lose, doesn't like people who break the rules, calm and rational to the point of tedium, maddeningly immoveable, does not express his emotions in public, expects perfection and absolute loyalty from everything and everybody around him, honorable, above reproach, so respected that one word from him could make or ruin a reputation, stuffy, widower
Heroine: Raven Deverell ; Age: 22;
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: wayward, mouthy, opinionated, attracted to trouble, not meek, loves a good dare, always looking for something extraordinary and magical, restless, rebellious, outspoken, cunning, untamable, self assured, unapologetic, impertinent, spirited, reckless, fiercely loyal
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ I liked the prologue and especially how that was tied in to a scene later in the book. The prologue definitely established Raven’s character
— “Sebastian's watch was returned to him shortly after, by a waiter who brought it on a silver salver with a folded note covered in ink blots. He assumed it was meant to be an apology.
"Tis a uggly olde washe anyway. I only tewke it tew make ye chayse me. Best Regards, Sin Serrilly and all that, R."
And beneath that, scrawled in even greater haste, "Will yew marry me. Yea or nay?"
^^ ~ the mother - Lady Charlotte - she severely annoyed me and I longed for scenes where she was absent. Her selfishness and negativity was really too much to take and by 60% I found myself skipping pages so I didn't have to deal with her. She just brought the story down
^^ ~ the story seemed to skip some essential parts between the time Ransom rescued Raven and the epilogue. Raven and Hale’s reconnection after that episode and the all important I Love You’s was definitely needed to wrap up their love story.
^^ ~ Some unanswered questions:
…..what happened to Raven’s wish to open up a Ladies Club?
…..Did the Aunts ever accept her?
…..how did Lady Charlotte react when she found out the truth about Reynaux?
^^ ~ not really sure what to think of the epilogue. It was s bit odd
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: nothing
- Setting: London 1847
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful to read the series in order. There are recurring characters from the previous book that appear in this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical
- Hero likable? yes
- heroine likable? yes
- h virgin? Yes
- First time they kiss: 54%
- First time they sleep together: 86%
- Safe sex? No
- First time they say I Love You: didn’t happen
- steamy? they had a couple scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? kind of, although neither Raven or Hale were interested in the other parties
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? a few. I just got tired of the negativity of the mother and the aunts
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? Yes. maybe 6 months later
- Recommend? Yes
<><> Quotes <><>
“English gentleman did not succumb to public displays of sentiment any more than he would scratch his filberts in the presence of the monarch.”
"I will be everything to a man," she said, "or I will not be his at all."
"You tugged on my heart strings before I knew I had any."
February 3, 2016
Three for three, the books in the Deverells series suffer from a peculiar but common affliction: an ending that made me want to howl and throw things. After the first two books, I've kept mum because I loved True Story (The Deverells Book 1) enough to ignore the discontent and didn't care for Storm (The Deverells Book 2) enough to raise the issue.
I wish I could say the same for Chasing Raven. As much as I enjoyed the riot of a prologue and the offbeat courtship of the characters - I do love me a good chase - I was put off the story by their sophomoric escapade at the end. I had trouble with the unexpected time jump into the fourth month after their marriage. In skipping those first months, the challenges they would have faced as a couple were left unexplored, leaving a significant part of the conflict unresolved.
The symbolism of the closing scene, which addressed the heroine's concern that they would tire of each other after the hero "caught" her, wasn't lost on me, but it was certainly wasted. Though I suspect my reaction to this scene would have been different, if all the loose ends were neatly tied up beforehand. I might have overreacted when I returned my copy, but I can't say I'm tempted to pick it up again.
I wish I could say the same for Chasing Raven. As much as I enjoyed the riot of a prologue and the offbeat courtship of the characters - I do love me a good chase - I was put off the story by their sophomoric escapade at the end. I had trouble with the unexpected time jump into the fourth month after their marriage. In skipping those first months, the challenges they would have faced as a couple were left unexplored, leaving a significant part of the conflict unresolved.
The symbolism of the closing scene, which addressed the heroine's concern that they would tire of each other after the hero "caught" her, wasn't lost on me, but it was certainly wasted. Though I suspect my reaction to this scene would have been different, if all the loose ends were neatly tied up beforehand. I might have overreacted when I returned my copy, but I can't say I'm tempted to pick it up again.
May 30, 2020
4.5 Wonderful. Liked both Raven and Sebastian. Loved the chase and the winning.
Well written, well depicted romance with good interaction between the characters with great chemistry.
Ending could have been made better. Epilogue too.
Well written, well depicted romance with good interaction between the characters with great chemistry.
Ending could have been made better. Epilogue too.
August 28, 2016
4,5 stars
February 10, 2018
3.5. When I pick a Jayne Fresina, it is because I want DIFFERENT.
Every single story I have ever read of her was completely original, she never shy away from taking risks with her characters, and storylines, the worlds she builds are always rich and delightfully surprising. In a very GENERIC and FORMULAIC HR world, she is one of the very VERY few who proposes something else, her books are most of the time absolutely UFOic, her she-hero TRULY witty, intelligent, unapologetic, non nonsense heroine and the chemistry forever sizzling.
And thats why this story was quite a disappointment, it played by the HR book rules ,felt constrained, lacked depth, there were some banter, but not the laughing-out-loud wittiness she does so well. Raven was a good character but nothing very outstanding about her, and I think that the story suffered greatly from the headless insta-love/lust of the male character.
I liked this book but did not love it.
So on a Jayne Fresina scale that would be a 2.5. But, objectively, on a HR scale it deserves at least a 3.5.
Every single story I have ever read of her was completely original, she never shy away from taking risks with her characters, and storylines, the worlds she builds are always rich and delightfully surprising. In a very GENERIC and FORMULAIC HR world, she is one of the very VERY few who proposes something else, her books are most of the time absolutely UFOic, her she-hero TRULY witty, intelligent, unapologetic, non nonsense heroine and the chemistry forever sizzling.
And thats why this story was quite a disappointment, it played by the HR book rules ,felt constrained, lacked depth, there were some banter, but not the laughing-out-loud wittiness she does so well. Raven was a good character but nothing very outstanding about her, and I think that the story suffered greatly from the headless insta-love/lust of the male character.
I liked this book but did not love it.
So on a Jayne Fresina scale that would be a 2.5. But, objectively, on a HR scale it deserves at least a 3.5.
July 15, 2021
I started off really enjoying this, but something went wrong around the 30-40% mark. It felt like insta-love instead of the good ol' conflicting feelings the stuffy MC should have been feeling. He was supposed to be an uptight rule follower, and while he started off that way, very suddenly he wasn't anymore. It wasn't a progression, it was instant and I didn't think it fit into the characters personality.
December 13, 2020
Absolute dazzler of a book. You don’t need to read the predecessors to understand plot, which is nice. One of the only period romances I’ve read that explicitly deals with children of divorce. Features my favorite character type- a dry old stick. In this case he meets Raven Deverell, daughter of a gambling club owner. It would be easy to do the flighty energetic girl meets dour man, but Fresina really adds some fresh flair to this theme. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2019
3.5 stars
October 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book and the whole series. I hope that Ms. Fresina would give us some short stories that go back and catch up with the characters after the series is completed.
September 12, 2021
Kindle - really good, female protagonist Raven - loved her.
August 4, 2022
Dnf at 87%
December 29, 2020
Good characters with a touch of adventure
June 19, 2021
I love Jaynes novels! If I just want to be entertained and relaxed she’s my go to author. This story is a continuation of the Deverell family and I can’t wait till vacation to pick
Up number 4!
Up number 4!
August 25, 2019
4.5 stars
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I expected her father, True, and his wife Olivia to make an appearance so that disappointment stops me from giving it 5 stars.
Mild spoilers ahead
I loved Raven...I already felt there was more to her than what the first 2 books suggested, spoiled and strong headed...she is good and really cares for her mom even if she doesn't slightly deserves it!
She grew up amongst several brothers so being impulsive and daring is how she kept up with theirs and her father's strong characters!
When she met Hale, she met her match, both not used to ever losing, they immediately started a battle of wits which was so fun to read!
I loved how they started falling for each other without almost realising it!
He told himself, he followed her everywhere to keep her out of trouble, she thought him harmless for her heart because she was sure, he would never marry a Deverell!
I loved Mary and I was so happy to read that she will be Ransom's love interest in the 4th book!!!!
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I expected her father, True, and his wife Olivia to make an appearance so that disappointment stops me from giving it 5 stars.
Mild spoilers ahead
I loved Raven...I already felt there was more to her than what the first 2 books suggested, spoiled and strong headed...she is good and really cares for her mom even if she doesn't slightly deserves it!
She grew up amongst several brothers so being impulsive and daring is how she kept up with theirs and her father's strong characters!
When she met Hale, she met her match, both not used to ever losing, they immediately started a battle of wits which was so fun to read!
I loved how they started falling for each other without almost realising it!
He told himself, he followed her everywhere to keep her out of trouble, she thought him harmless for her heart because she was sure, he would never marry a Deverell!
I loved Mary and I was so happy to read that she will be Ransom's love interest in the 4th book!!!!
August 12, 2024
I didn't like Raven in the first two books much, and I wasn't sure I wanted to read this one. But she and Hale were such great foils for one another that I ended up enjoying this one the most of the three.
August 12, 2016
Always good stories.
This book was Raven's and Hale's story what a good story about their history. They endure the hardships and found their happy ever after. Hope there will be more stories about the Deverells.
This book was Raven's and Hale's story what a good story about their history. They endure the hardships and found their happy ever after. Hope there will be more stories about the Deverells.
January 28, 2016
I LOVE this series! Can't wait for the next one!
February 2, 2017
Raven and Hale are such delightfully engaging characters, you don't want to put the book down. I should have been in bed ages ago. And setting up Ransom and Mary? That will be quite a tale.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews