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

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