Book Review: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Ravenels Book #5

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 384

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he's a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband's life a misery, and she'll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself...as none other than West Ravenel.

West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire...not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn't bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She's the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England.

Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past?

Review

This book was almost perfect. If there had been just a little bit more at the end or maybe an epilogue it would've gotten 5 stars.

Lisa Kleypas is just a master storyteller and this book is no exception..

I'm not usually a fan of widow/widower books-especially if kids are involved-but I loved Phoebe. Her strength and compassion is beautiful. I also loved the story around her first husband. And she was such a caring and good mother. West is a lot like Phoebe's dad, Sebastian, and his growth over the series was very well done. He cares deeply for people and works hard which is respectable.

The romance was very mature. Phoebe and West have a mutual attraction and immediate chemistry. They also both have a reason to not act on that attraction, but the way they handle it feels very mature and adult-like. And who knew talking about farming and accounting could lead to a strong and interesting foundation for a romance.

The children were pretty adorable. Maybe now that I've turned 30 I'm turning into a softy. The easy and natural interactions Phoebe and especially West had with the boys was adorable. I want Justin to have a book someday just so I can read more about his relationship with West.

How can I talk about this book without mentioning my OTP: Evie and Sebastian. I love that Ms. Kleypas threw in a little scene with those two. And it was nice to see them as parents-especially Sebastian. Oh my gosh, every scene with him was just perfection. Oh, and the Merritt mentions were fun, too. I'm always game for Wallflowers references. I wouldn't complain if some Hathaways showed up as well.

I'm not ready for this series to be over, so hopefully it isn't. There is still one Ravenel not paired off so I'm hopeful. I also wouldn't be mad if Ms. Kleypas wrote about Sebastian and Evie's younger kids someday.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Ravenels Book #4

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 375

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

A woman who defies her time

Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every rule

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett's skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he's ever known. 

Review

This book took me a little while to finish. Normally, I finish a romance in 1-2 days tops. It was a good book, but I think it's getting harder for me to read about life or death suspense.

Garrett is a great heroine. She's the first female doctor which means she has to be strong and determined. She's also incredibly intelligent. The confidence porn surrounding her job was perfection. And she still has emotion which helps make her a real character.

Then, there's Ethan. He is one of the best male characters I've read. He is also intelligent and he really cares about Garrett. And women in general. It's nice to see that mindset in someone-especially a historical character.

The romance was cute and I loved their interactions. Ethan and Garrett really bring out the best in each other.

There was also some suspense throughout the book. Like things were really dangerous kinds of suspense. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, but I think it's getting harder for me to handle emotionally.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Hathaways Book #5

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 332

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted... and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?
Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix's friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it's becoming clear that Christopher won't come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru's disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru's letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep... and when Christopher comes home, he's determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix's innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can't be denied.

Review

Pretty sure this is the first time I've re-read this and it was better than I remembered. Or my likes have changed. Or both. But it was still my least favorite book in this series. The rest did get 5 stars though so it was a pretty high bar.

Beatrix is awesome. She's unique in an already unique family. I love her positive outlook on people and life. And her relationship with animals is just so cute.

Christopher is a good character. And he's dealing with some PTSD from war which I love reading about. Does it make me a bad person to like that?

The romance is nice. I really love that they really get to know each other through letters. That is one of my favorite storytelling devices. And it's nice to read about them dealing with his PTSD as a couple. Love is great but it doesn't just heal all of lifes' problems.

This is a great story with great characters. It was a nice conclusion to the Hathaways series. I'm glad I took the time to reread these.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Hathaways Book #4

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 321

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

For two years,
Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a
pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo
Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their
constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel
ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response—and even
more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

Leo must marry and
produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's
respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But
to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man
resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to
separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish
the shadows and give in to their desires.

Review

This is such a well-crafted story. I love seeing the growth of the relationship between Leo and Cat.

Leo, especially, has grown so much throughout the course of this series. Their romance has the right

amount of passion and compassion.

While reading this, I realized what I really love about this series. It all comes down to the family.

The Hathaways are such an amazing family. I love seeing how supportive and accepting they are.

There is just so much of it in this particular book and it warms my heart. I love reading about good/

positive families.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Hathaways Book #3

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 373

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Poppy Hathaway loves
her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate
leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and
inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their
flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by
accepting his proposal—only to find that her new husband offers his
passion, but not his trust.

Harry was willing to do
anything to win Poppy—except to open his heart. All his life, he has
held the world at arm’s length…but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to
be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows
between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. Now if Harry wants to keep
Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and
for all.

Review

 

I flew through this one. I remembered liking this, but it was even better than I remember.

Poppy is great. She does remind me a lot of Win because she has a kind of calm outside, but she's still her own person/character. She is an incredibly strong and passionate person.

Harry is definitely a hard person. Ms. Kleypas does a fantastic job of explaining why he is the way she is. It would be easy for him to come across as unlikeable, but she finds a nice balance for him.

Their romance begins under some questionable circumstances, but it does work. This isn't a storyline every author can pull off, but Ms. Kleypas can. And I love seeing Poppy and Harry navigate being a new couple. They have to work through the ups and downs of married life. Those are some of my favorite types of books.

And Ms. Kleypas provided glimpses of the two previous couples which makes my heard happy. It's always nice to see and makes the world feel more flushed out. Then, there's the sequel bait. Ms. Kleypas is like the queen of sequel bait and it was strong here. So strong that even though I've read the whole series before I had to pick up the next book immediately.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Hathaways Book #2

Format Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 360

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Synopsis from GoodReads

 

He has tried hard to forget her.

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation... and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Can she remember the man he once was?

Then, Win returns to England... only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...

 

Review

 

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book. This was always my favorite in this already amazing series. Now, I think it may be falling down in my rankings, but still 5 stars obviously.

 

Win is great. She's a very refined and caring person. She may appear delicate especially because of her health issues but she has a fierceness and strength. She's kind, but doesn't let anyone walk all over her.

 

Merripen is angsty and brooding. He also feels deeply-especially for Win. I like that he works so hard and he does care for all the Hathaways. But I wish his life centered a little less around Win.

 

The romance is gripping and passionate. The fierceness with which these two love each other was always what I loved about the book. It still gets to me, but I see some of the flaws in this type of romance now. And Merripen has alpha/gypsy tendencies I'm sure some people would see as problematic.

 

I've really enjoying re-reading this series...again.

 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Hathaways Book #1

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 376

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter.

Review

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book. As a series, this is my favorite Lisa Kleypas series. And this is one of my favorite books in it. 

Amelia is a fantastic heroine. She's so strong and independent. She's also a wonderful and caring sister. But she isn't a push-over with her family or men. Cam is also a great hero. He's intriguing and a little mysterious with the whole half gypsy/Roma thing.

I love the romance between Amelia and Cam. They balance each other very well. They're also a great example of what Ms. Kleypas does best: social differences. It is not normal or accepted in society for these two to be together. This is a reality they have to deal with. While this is a romance with a happily ever after it doesn't avoid harsh truths.

Oh, and the sequel bait. I forgot how much there was for the next book. There's so much angst between the next couple.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

April Wrap-Up (2017)

April is kind of a blur to me. I don't really remember what happened in my life or reading. I read a decent amount of books and a nice blend of genres. I also read quite a few books I've read before.

Below are the books I read this month along with their ratings.

Just for Now-2 Stars

The Viscount and the Vixen-5 Stars

Scandal in Spring-4 Stars

Darkest Hour-4 Stars

Good Boy-4 Stars

The Understatement of the Year-4 Stars

When Beauty Tamed the Beast-4 Stars

Every Girl's Dream-3 Stars


What did you read?

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Ravenels Book #3
Format: Mass Market Paper Back
Pages: 366
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

An eccentric wallflower…

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake…

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot…

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven...

Review

Yet again Lisa Kleypas proves why she's one of my favorite. Her books are just full of magic that captivates me. The absolutely adorable Evie and Sebastian scenes don't hurt.

Pandora was fantastic. She's quirky, but fully formed character. As someone who can be easily distracted, I get her. She's also a very strong personality who never loses who she is. Gabriel is beautiful. He's sweet and understanding. Although there were hints of "dark" parts of his personality that never really went anywhere. It's actually the only thing that stopped me from giving thsi five stars.

The romance was great. They had really fun chemistry and banter. I personally love reading about characters strengthen each other. It makes them better characters and couple. This was also a nice take on the marriage of convenience story.

Ms. Kleypas included some historical elements that added an extra layer. There were things surrounding women's rights and marriage. Then, the parts about medicine and science. Especially since this brought Dr. Gibson back in. I read her book is next which is great. I want to know more aobut the mysterious doctor and hopefully the mysterious Detective Ransom. There has to be more to that story.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Wallflowers Book #3
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 368
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts—which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions... or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Review

This is one of my favorite books. I can't count how many times I've read it. And it is one of the books I reach for when I need a pick me up. It's like an old friend.

I know I'm not alone in this opinion, but Sebastian is one of the best-developed heroes out there. he never disappoints. Evie is also great. She's soft spoken, but strong which I respect and love to read about. And they are a spectacular couple with a fantastic relationship.

And their son is going to have a book. I just can't. They better be in the book!!!

Thanks for reading!
Holly

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

Review: Brown-Eyed Girl by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Travis Family Book #4
Format: Hardcover
Pages:
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Piatkus

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn't believe in love--at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can't resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

After a one night stand, however, Avery is determined to keep it from happening again. A man like Joe can only mean trouble for a woman like her, and she can't afford distractions. She's been hired to plan the wedding of the year--a make-or-break event.

But complications start piling up fast, putting the wedding in jeopardy, especially when shocking secrets of the bride come to light. And as Joe makes it clear that he's not going to give up easily, Avery is forced to confront the insecurities and beliefs that stem from a past she would do anything to forget.

The situation reaches a breaking point, and Avery faces the toughest choice of her life. Only by putting her career on the line and risking everything--including her well-guarded heart--will she find out what matters most.

Review

After like a year I finally picked this up. It isn't my favorite in the series, but it was a solid book. Plus, it was nice to spend time with the Travis family again.

Avery was an interesting POV character. She's very realistic in appearance and has some of the same insecurities as me. I appreciate that she is open to some change in her appearance but for herself not someone else.

Joe was truly amazing and I wish we got his POV. He seems like such a beta and that makes me want to see more about his life perspective. He's such a kind and generous guy.

They do have chemistry and a nice relationship. It's not often that you see characters get to know each other. But it could've been more in depth when they had to face conflict.

Actually that's how the whole book felt. There were a lot of interesting story-lines, but they weren't explored as much as I would've liked. The other books in this series had a lot of emotional depth which is why it was a little bit of a let down from this one.

But it's still a decent Lisa Kleypas book and I recommend it.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

August Wrap-Up (2016)

August really flew by. I think a huge part of that is that work was busy. This is already our busy season and this is the worst I've seen it in my five years there. So, I've been working a lot of overtime. This cuts into a lot of free time including reading.

I have to prioritize other things like sleep. Especially when I have to be 100% at work.

So, I read six books. It could've been better, but I'm not disappointed. Probably doesn't hurt that I finally read a few books by two of my favorite authors. And all but one of them (which was a re-read) were library books.

Below are the books I read and their ratings.

The Shadows-4 Stars

Blood Kiss-4 Stars

The Beast-4 Stars

Lover Eternal-5 Stars

Brown-Eyed Girl-4 Stars

Fortune's Pawn-4 Stars

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Ravenels Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 416
Rating: 4. Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

A ruthless tycoon

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better…

A sheltered beauty

Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable… the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…

Marrying Mr. Winterborne

Review
The first book in this was good, but this is why Lisa Kleypas should never stop writing historical romances. And the next book?! My favorite characters from my favorite book are coming back.

This felt a lot like an older Kleypas book. I reminded me a lot of Tempt me at Twilight and Secrets of a Summer Night. She really knows how to write a social differences story. And I'm a real sucker for those.

Helen and Rhys are both great characters and they are an enjoyable couple to read about. Rhys is a very well written alpha male. She explores whyhe is that way instead of it just being an alpha-hole. Helen is also fantastic. She is so gentle and kind, but isn't just a push over.

Seriously, if you haven't read a Lisa Kleypas book you need to.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Ravenals Book #1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 386
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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.

 

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?

 
Review

Before I get into the actual review I want to say something stupid. Evertime the Ravenel name was mentioned I thought of the show Southern Charm on Bravo. It's not the best show and there is a man with that name on the show.

Moving on.

I was so happy that Lisa Kleypas is writing historicals again. And this has the great family dyanmics and socio-economic challenges she does so well. The heroine, Kathleen, sort of adopts her sisters-in-law and I love their relationships. They have touching and funny interactions. The twins especially. They are just so great.

Generally, I lied the romance, They fight a lot and that's were so much of the tension comes from. That's one of my favorite tropes. But sometimes Kathleen would get on my nerves. Even when Devon would try to be nice she would just shut down. She seemed to be the cold-hearted one not him.

Ms. Kleypas took some time to develop side characters who I assume will get their own books. Normally, this bothers me because it distracts from the main romance. But I actually liked it here. I have no idea how she is going to handle the Helen/Rhys relationship, but I'm very intrigued. And I really liked seeing West's growth and journey to become a responsible adult.

Welcome back to the genre Ms. Kleypas.

Thank you!
Holly

Review: Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Travis Family #2

Format: Paperback

Pages: 328

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I have no idea how many times I’ve read this book and it continues to be a five star read for me. Haven’s story always touches me and is such an important one. But one of Lisa Kleypas’ great skills as a writer is character growth and their personal journey.

For me, Haven is a great character and I immediately connect with her. Some people might think she’s a spoiled rich girl, but I don’t see her that way. And she shows that money can’t protect you from everything. I originally read this book when I really hated first person, but I still loved her voice. Plus, this story is so much about her personal recovery that it has to be told in first person. And Haven never plays the victim or comes across as whiny.

Then, there’s Hardy. He’s an alpha male I can really love. He’s strong, smart, and ambitious, but he’s also caring and gentle. Ms. Kleypas gives him enough backstory and development for him to be a fully realized character, but allows the story to be about Haven.

And I love them as a couple. They have great chemistry and really work together. Haven talks about how their flaws fit together like puzzle pieces and I think that’s very true. And they are a great example of a couple who equally support and respect each other. I will always love them as a couple and want more of them.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly