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We just can’t get enough of Lisa Kleypas here. Especially with series like the Ravenels. It’s a historical romance masterpiece, set in the same universe as her earlier series the Wallflowers. In this guide to the Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas, we go through the reading order, our fantasy cast and spoiler free synopsis.

Last updated February 2023

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In this guide to the Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas we are going to dive into everything you need to know. We’ve put together our fantasy cast, the reading order, and an at a glance series synopsis so you can get a feel for the books. But, don’t worry, we’ve avoided all spoilers.

Here at Under the Covers book blog we are huge fangirls of Lisa Kleypas, so putting this together was an absolute joy – and an amazing excuse to reread the series. Kleypas wrote the Ravenels series after a successful sojourn into the contemporary romance genre, for us though she will always be queen of Historical Romance. So, we were glad to she was back working her magic on historical romance by bringing us the hot tempered and passionate Ravenel family. We love it. Not only does she manage to write some fantastic romances with a range of different and quirky characters, we also get to experience the warm embrace of familial love as all the families connections intertwine.

wallflowers series guide
read the series that started it all!

The Wallflowers Series Guide

The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas is considered a spin-off of the Wallflower series, although you don’t need to have read it to start the Ravenels. But, if you do want to give this a try, check out our Wallflowers Series Guide and Fantasy Cast.

Series Synopsis

The Ravenel family is known for their hot tempers and this generation is no different. Theo Ravenel proves this after when his death leaves the title of Earl of Trenear vacant and with no children it gets handed down to a distant and entirely unsuitable cousin, Devon Ravenel. However, Theo also leaves behind his wife of three days and three sisters. The rakish and irresponsible Devon is now responsible for not only an ailing money pit of an estate, but the welfare of the ladies in the family.

With the family in shambles, with no money and very little reputation how will this generation of Ravenels navigate the dangers of high society and love? Find out in the Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas!

Read the Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas if you like…

  • Neurodiverse characters
  • Large family romances
  • Humour and witty banter
  • Heroines who take no crap
  • Emotional and powerful romances
  • Cameos from the Wallflower series

Reading Order: The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas books

Ravenels Series Fantasy Cast

Devon Ravenel fantasy cast

Devon Ravenel, Earl of Trenear

Who is he? Until Devon unexpectedly inherited the Earldom, he was a hedonistic rake who avoided all responsibility. He is also in possession of the (in)famous Ravenel temper, which he controls by taking regular exercise.
Family: His younger brother in Weston Ravenel and he is cousin to Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Cold Hearted Rake
Romance: Kathleen Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Clement Becq

Kathleen Ravenel fantasy cast

Lady Kathleen Ravenel

Who is she? Kathleen is the widow of Theo Ravenel, the former Earl of Trenear; however, he died three days after their wedding leading Devon Ravenel to inherit the title
Family: Kathleen is the daughter of an Itish peer and the sister-in-law, and very close friends, with Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Cold Hearted Rake
Hobbies: Loves horses, especially her finely bred Arabian horse Asad
Romance: Devon Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Nathalie Emmanuel

Rhys Winterborne fantasy cast

Rhys Winterborne

Who is he? Winterborne is a self-made man who started off as a son of a Welsh grocer and is now an extremely wealthy man and owns the department store Winterborne’s
Friends: Friends with Devon Ravenel, West Ravenel and Tom Severin
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Marrying Winterborne
Employment: He is driven to succeed and doesn’t like to be inactive and is deeply involved in the running of Winterborne’s department store
Romance: Helen Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Tom Ellis

Helen Ravenel fantasy cast

Lady Helen Ravenel

Who is she? Until Devon Ravenel inherited the title Helen had lived an extremely sheltered life in Eversby Priory, the Trenear estate, with little contact with the outside world. She is quiet and shy, which can be taken as aloofness when in fact she is very compassionate and maternal.
Family: Eldest sister of Pandora Ravenel and Cassandra Ravenel. Cousin of West Ravenel and Devon Ravenel. Close friends with Kathleen Ravenel
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Marrying Winterborne
Hobbies: She enjoys taking care of the often tricky and difficult orchids and has a collection of over 200 of them
Romance: Rhys Winterborne
Fantasy Cast: Saoirse Ronan

Gabriel Challon fantasy cast

Gabriel Challon, Lord St Vincent

Who is he? As the son of the Duke of Kingston he has huge expectations on him and is under constant scrutiny from those around, as such he ensures that he strives and succeeds at being perfect at everything he tried his hand at.
Family: He is the eldest son of Evie Jenner and Sebastian Challon, from Devil in Winter (Wallflowers #3). (See our Wallflower series guide to learn more!). Brother to Phoebe, Lady Clare
Book: First appears in Devil in Spring. Romance in Devil in Spring
Romance: Pandora Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Lucky Blue Smith

Pandora Ravenel fantasy cast

Lady Pandora Ravenel

Who is she? Pandora is unconventional with boundless energy with a clever mind that often skips from one subject to another. She is also partially deaf in her left ear which means she has poor balance and cannot move around very well in the dark
Family: Twin sister to Cassandra Ravenel. Younger sister of Helen Ravenel. Cousin to Devon Ravenel and West Ravenel. Close and sisterly/maternal bond to Kathleen Ravenel
Ambitions: Is determined not to marry and instead have a board game company. She already has designed a game called Shopping Spree, which is near production. Rhys Winterborne predicts it will be a huge success
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Devil in Spring
Romance: Gabriel Challon, Lord St. Vincent
Fantasy Cast: Alexandra Daddario

Ethan Ransom fantasy cast

Ethan Ransom

Who is he? Born of Irish parents, he is now in London doing mysterious and dangerous work for the government amongst other things. He is well suited for clandestine activities as he has a sharp mind with an eye for odd details.
Family: Now now, that would be spoilers!
Book: First appears in Marrying Winterborne. Romance in Hello Stranger
Romance: Dr Garrett Gibson
Fantasy Cast: Samuel Anderson

Garret Gibson fantasy cast

Dr Garrett Gibson

Who is she? Garrett is the only female doctor in England and works with the latest methods. Fierce and clever, she is also adapt at fencing and takes a cane around with her so she can defend herself when called for.
Employment: Works for Rhys Winterborne as a staff doctor for all of Winterborne’s employees and has since become close friends with Helen Ravenel
Education: Garrett went to medical school in Sorbonne, France because no medical school back home would admit a female, she is now the only female doctor in England
Book: First appears in Marrying Winterborne. Romance in Hello Stranger
Romance: Ethan Ransom
Fantasy Cast: Bianca Comparato

West Ravenel fantasy cast

Weston Ravenel

Who is he? Known as West, he starts the series as a drunkard whose life of excess has led to his body being bloated and his face showing signs of excessive drinking. However, it can’t entirely disguise his sharp wit and intelligence.
Interests: Initially his only interests are hedonistic in nature, however, he soon develops an interest in innovative methods of land management and farming.
Family: The younger brother of Devon Ravenel and he is cousin to Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Devil’s Daughter
Romance: Phoebe, Lady Clare
Fantasy Cast: David Giuntoli

Phoebe, Lady Clare fantasy cast

Phoebe, Lady Clare

Who is she? Widowed with two young sons, she had a happy marriage with her childhood sweetheart Henry, Lord Clare until he died a few years ago. She is clever and kind and after her fog of grief, determined to make her own choices.
Family: Phoebe is the mother of Stephen and Justin. She is also the eldest daughter of Evie Jenner and Sebastian Challon, from Devil in Winter (Wallflowers #3). (See our Wallflower series guide to learn more!). Older sister to Gabriel Challon, Lord St. Vincent
Book: First appears in Devil in Spring. Romance in Devil’s Daughter
Romance: West Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Elena Satine

Tom Severin fantasy cast

Tom Severin

Who is he? Tom was forced to grow up young when his father abandoned him, now he believes himself heartless. He professes to only allow himself to feel five emotions to ensure he is not overburdened and swayed by feelings
Employment: Tom is a ruthless business man, even with his friends. His interests currently lie in the railway, but he has a variety of business interests, making him a very powerful man
Friends: Friends with Devon Ravenel, West Ravenel and Rhys Winterborne
Book: First appears in Marrying Winterborne. Romance in Chasing Cassandra
Romance: Lady Cassandra Ravenel
Fantasy Cast: Nicholas Hoult

Cassandra Ravenel fantasy cast

Lady Cassandra Ravenel

Who is she? Cassandra is very different from her vivacious and outgoing twin Pandora Ravenel. She has far more traditional ambitions and longs to have a family of her own and is known for her warmth and kindness. She has a fondness for sweets and since the first book has become fuller figured, much to her chagrin.
Friends: Twin sister to Pandora Ravenel. Younger sister of Helen Ravenel. Cousin to Devon Ravenel and West Ravenel. Close and sisterly/maternal bond to Kathleen Ravenel
Book: First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Chasing Cassandra
Romance: Tom Severin
Fantasy Cast: Amelia Clarkson

Keir MacRae fantasy cast

Keir MacRae

Who is he? Keir is a proud Scotsman who’s a little rough around the edges, but kind and with a poetic turn of phrase when moved. He’s not used to being around nobility and the peerage and is more comfortable around his men.
Employment: Keir owns and runs the whisky distillery MacRae Distillery on the remote Scottish Isle of Islay. He inherited the business from his adopted father, and loves working with his men.
Family: Keir was adopted when he was a baby by an older couple who raised him and loved him deelpy. His birth mother and father are unknown
Book: First appears in Devil in Disguise. Romance in Devil in Disguise
Romance: Lady Merritt Sterling
Fantasy Cast: Unknown

Merritt Sterling fantasy cast

Lady Merritt Sterling

Who is she? Lady Merritt Sterling, formerly Lady Merritt Marsden, is the widow of Joshua Sterling. She is vivacious, smarts and charming. She is adept at speaking to people of all walks of life and steering people, gently, into doing what she needs.
Employment: She runs her deceased husbands shipping company Sterling Enterprises with the assistance of her youngest brother Luke Marsden
Family: Merritt is the eldest child of Lillian Bowman and Marcus Marsden, Lord Westcliff, from It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers #2). (See our Wallflower series guide to learn more!). She is also Phoebe, Lady Clare’s best friend.
Book: First appears in Devil’s Daughter. Romance in Devil in Disguise
Romance: Keir MacRae
Fantasy Cast: Zoey Deutch

Other books you may enjoy:

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Best Books by Lisa Kleypas

Our list of the must read books by Lisa Kleypas. Such a hard thing to narrow down because she’s one of the best authors, in our opinion. But it’s definitely a good place to start.

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Andra

I love the cast choices for The Revenels series!

Kim

Thanks for the refresher course on the Ravenel family and their acquaintances.

denise

love the casting for the Ravenels

Elizabeth

While not my favorite historical romance author, I know I can rely on her for a decent read.

Diane Sallans

I haven’t had a chance to read the Ravenels series yet – but now I have to!

BookLady

What a fascinating series! Thanks for sharing the character summaries.

Timitra

Thanks for posting!

Kim Perry

I love the Wallflowers series! I can’t wait to read this series!

Glenda

Love the Ravenels series and your cast choices!

Janie McGaugh

I’ve really been enjoying the Ravenels series, and I especially enjoyed Marrying Winterborne.

Anita H.

I can’t wait to catch up on the series, love your choices for the cast especially David Giuntoli as West!!!

Sue G.

I have not read this series, but I love the breakdown you did! Thanks!

Irma

I’ve read the Walflowers series and loved it. Lisa is my go to author.

Amy R

Adding to my wishlist.

Glenda

Love the Ravenels series and your cast choices!

Kim Perry

I love the Wallflowers series! I can’t wait to read this series!

Timitra

Thanks for posting!

BookLady

What a fascinating series! Thanks for sharing the character summaries.

Elizabeth

While not my favorite historical romance author, I know I can rely on her for a decent read.

Diane Sallans

I haven’t had a chance to read the Ravenels series yet – but now I have to!

Anita H.

I can’t wait to catch up on the series, love your choices for the cast especially David Giuntoli as West!!!

denise

love the casting for the Ravenels

Sue G.

I have not read this series, but I love the breakdown you did! Thanks!

Irma

I’ve read the Walflowers series and loved it. Lisa is my go to author.

Amy R

Adding to my wishlist.

Kim

Thanks for the refresher course on the Ravenel family and their acquaintances.

Andra

I love the cast choices for The Revenels series!

Janie McGaugh

I’ve really been enjoying the Ravenels series, and I especially enjoyed Marrying Winterborne.

Carmen G

Where is a book on Cassandra Ravanel, where is her stoey

Cait

I love this series so much! Alexis Bedel is perfect for Pandora!

Amy R

Thanks for the post, I haven’t read this series.

The Ravenel family is known for their hot tempers and this generation is no different. When a fit of the Ravenel temper leads Theo Ravenel to his death he leaves the title of Earl of Trenear vacant and with no children it gets handed down to a distant and entirely unsuitable cousin, Devon Ravenel. However, Theo also leaves behind his wife of three days and his three sisters and the rakish and irresponsible Devon is now responsible for not only an ailing money pit of an estate, but also their welfare.

Note: The Ravenels series can be considered a spin off of the Wallflowers series.  You can check out our Series Guide and Fantasy Cast for that series here

Lisa Kleypas is one of UTC’s favourite authors, in our minds she reigns supreme over Historical Romance. And now, after a successful sojourn into contemporary romance she is back working her magic on historical romance bringing us the hot tempered and passionate Ravenel family. We love it. Not only does she manage to write some fantastic romances with a range of different and quirky characters, we also get to experience the warm embrace of familial love as all the families connections intertwine.

Book 1: Cold-Hearted Rake
Main couple: Devon Ravenel & Lady Kathleen Ravenel
UTC Review

Book 2: Marrying Winterborne
Main couple: Mr Rhys Winterborne & Lady Helen Ravenel
UTC Review

Book 2: Devil in Spring
Main couple: Miss Pandora Ravenel & Gabriel, Lord St Vincent
UTC Review

Book 4: Hello Stranger
Main couple: Dr Garrett Gibson & Ethan Ransom
UTC Review

  • Devon Ravenel, the new Earl of Trenear
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeRomance in Cold-Hearted Rake
  • His younger brother in Weston Ravenel and he is cousin to Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
  • Married to Kathleen Ravenel
  • Until unexpectedly inheriting the Earldom he was a hedonistic rake who avoided all responsibility
  • Possess the (in)famous Ravenel temper, which he controls by taking regular exercise
  • Tall and muscular with dark hair and blue eyes ringed in black (the Ravenel eyes).
  • Fantasy Cast: Clément Becq

  • Kathleen Ravenel, daughter of an Irish Peer
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeRomance in Cold-Hearted Rake
  • Is the sister-in-law and very close friends with Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
  • Married to Devon Ravenel
  • Is a widow who married Theo Ravenel, however, he died three days after their wedding leading Devon Ravenel to inherit the title
  • Her parents sent her away when she was 5 years old to live with friends and she never saw her mother again
  • Loves horses, especially her finely bred Arabian horse Asad
  • Slim and petite and very striking with a triangular shaped face with cat like amber eyes, full lips and auburn hair
  • Fantasy Cast: Angharad Jones Buxton

  • Rhys Winterborne, son of a Welsh grocer
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeRomance in Marrying Winterborne
  • Friends with Devon Ravenel, West Ravenel and Tom Severin
  • Married to Helen Ravenel
  • He is a self-made man who started off as a son of a grocer and is now an extremely wealthy man and owns the department store Winterborne’s
  • He is Welsh and retains his accent and often slips into the Welsh language when he is impassioned
  • He is driven to succeed and doesn’t like to be inactive and is deeply involved in the running of Winterborne’s department store
  • Swarthy skinned, big boned and tall with black hair, dark eyes and sharp features.
  • Fantasy Cast: Luke Evans

  • Lady Helen Ravenel the eldest of the Ravenel sisters
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeRomance in Marrying Winterborne
  • Sister of Pandora Ravenel and Cassandra Ravenel. Cousin of West Ravenel and Devon Ravenel. Close friends with Kathleen Ravenel
  • Married to Rhys Winterborne
  • She is quiet and shy, which can be taken as aloofness when in fact she is very compassionate and maternal.
  • Until Devon Ravenel inherited the title she had lived an extremely sheltered life in Eversby Priory, the Trenear estate, with little contact with the outside world
  • She enjoys taking care of the often tricky and difficult orchids and has a collection of over 200 of them
  • Willowy figure, beautiful with pale skin, ice blonde hair, with dark brows and eyelashes and light blue eyes
  • Fantasy Cast: Saoirse Ronan

  • Lady Pandora Ravenel, one of the Ravenel twins
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted Rake. Romance in Devil in Spring
  • Twin sister to Cassandra Ravenel. Younger sister of Helen Ravenel. Cousin to Devon Ravenel and West Ravenel. Close and sisterly/maternal bond to Kathleen Ravenel
  • Married to Gabriel St. Vincent
  • Until Devon Ravenel inherited the title she had lived an extremely sheltered life in Eversby Priory, the Trenear estate, with little contact with the outside world
  • She is partially deaf in her left ear which means he has poor balance and cannot move around very well in the dark
  • She is unconventional with boundless energy whose clever mind often skips from one subject to another
  • Is determined not to marry and instead be a business woman with a board game company. She already has a game designed and near production called Shopping Spree. Rhys Winterborne predicts it will be a huge success
  • She is slim but strong with pale skin with thick, straight dark brown hair and blue eyes ringed in black.
  • Fantasy Cast: Alexis Bledel

  • Gabriel Challon, Lord St Vincent
  • First appears in Devil in SpringRomance in Devil in Spring
  • He is the eldest son of Evie Jenner and Sebastian St Vincent from Devil in Winter (Wallflowers #3). (See our Wallflower series guide to learn more!)
  • Married to Pandora Ravenel
  • As the son of a Duke he has huge expectations on him and is under constant scrutiny from those around, as such he ensures that he strives and succeeds at being perfect at everything he tried his hand at.
  • Much like his father he is considered to be a beautiful man, with hair like antique gold and cool blue eyes and golden skin. He has a strong and leanly muscled physique
  • Fantasy Cast: Christopher Mason

  • Dr Garrett Gibson
  • First appears in Marrying Winterborne. Romance in Hello Stranger  
  • Works for Rhys Winterborne as a staff doctor for all of Winterborne’s employees. Becomes close friends with Helen Ravenel
  • Married to Ethan Ransom
  • Went to medical school in Sorbonne, France because no medical school back home would admit a female, she is now the only female doctor in England
  • She is adapt at fencing and takes a cane around with her so she can defend herself when called for
  • Slim build, with green eyes, chestnut hair and full lips
  • Fantasy Cast: Lyndsy Fonseca

  • Mr Ethan Ransom, born of Irish parents
  • Worked from Rhys Winterborne in Marrying Winterborne to follow and protect Helen Ravenel
  • First appears in Marrying Winterborne. Romance in Hello Stranger
  • Married to Garrett Gibson
  • He has a hint of an Irish brogue
  • He is sharp mind with an eye for odd details
  • Striking good looks with a lean face and dark hair, piercing midnight blue eyes under dark heavy brows and a nose that once had been broken
  • Fantasy Cast: Giulio Berruti

  • Lady Cassandra Ravenel, one of the Ravenel twins
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeShe has not had a romance yet
  • Twin sister to Pandora Ravenel. Younger sister of Helen Ravenel. Cousin to Devon Ravenel and West Ravenel. Close and sisterly/maternal bond to Kathleen Ravenel
  • Until Devon Ravenel inherited the title she had lived an extremely sheltered life in Eversby Priory, the Trenear estate, with little contact with the outside world
  • Is very different from her twin Pandora Ravenel and wishes to marry and have children
  • Beautiful with blonde hair and blue eyes
  • Fantasy Cast: Taylor Swift

  • Weston Ravenel, known as West
  • First appears in Cold-Hearted RakeHe has not had a romance yet
  • The younger brother of Devon Ravenel and he is cousin to Pandora Ravenel, Cassandra Ravenel and Helen Ravenel
  • When he first appears he is a drunkard whose life of excess has led to his body being bloated and his face showing the signs of excessive drinking.
  • Sharp witted and intelligent
  • Fit and lean with brown-black hair, blue eyes ringed in black and an easy smile
  • Fantasy Cast: David Giuntoli

  • Tom Severin
  • First appear in Marrying Winterborne. He has not had a romance yet
  • Friends with Devon Ravenel and Rhys Winterborne
  • Ruthless business man, even with his friends and his interests lie in the railway
  • Has one eye that looks more green and one eye that looks more blue

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