Review: It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Wallflowers Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 382
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It happened in the garden...

When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed... thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It happened one autumn...

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable... as his bride?

Review

This is a really good series and I wanted to re-read the whole thing so I can do a series review. I've re-read this one a couple of times and it really went up in my thoughts this time. It has a couple flaws, but I think it's my second favorite in the series.

My only real concern is that Westcliff gets a little too forceful. As a romance reader I get what Ms. Kleypas is doing and it's pretty standard. But I wouldn't want my brother, son, etc to ever treat a woman like that. It just depends if that bothers you or not.

Lillian and Westcliff are two alphas who are constantly challenging each other. I just love that dynamic. And Ms. Kleypas does it so well. They are such a passionate couple and you know they love each other. And they are great with their friends and family which I always like to see.

I was going to wait on reading the third one, but I just can't. Evie and Sebastian are faves and are calling to me.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Wallflowers Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 375
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

It happened at the ball...

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It happened in the garden...

When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed... thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It happened one autumn...

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable... as his bride?

Review

This was the third or fourth time I've read this, but it has been awhile. I only remembered a couple of  things from the end. This is a great example of a traditional Lisa Kleypas book-social maneuvering/differences and strong female relationships.

Annabelle and Simon have instant chemistry that is a constant. Generally, I like both of them-especially Simon. Annabelle is a little snobby to Simon and her friends. But in the end, I think it's a huge part of her development. It still makes me cringe reading it, but I can appreciate the characterization.

It would be nice if they talked more as a couple. Simon seems to know a lot about Annabelle, but not the other way around. They're still a great couple, but there are some flaws in the relationship development.

The core of this series is the four Wallflowers-Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy. And this is the source of their relationship. Lillian is a little obnoxious, but I still like the friendships. And I'm not sure how much groundwork was laid for Evie's future decisions and development. And she's my favorite wallflower.

Thanks for reading!
Holly