Synopsis: The Wallflowers are four young ladies in London who banded together in their wild and wickedly wonderful searches for true love. Now happily married, they join together once again to help one of the world’s most notorious rogues realize that happiness might be right under the mistletoe.…
It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.
A Wallflower Christmas takes a trip to Victorian London, under the mistletoe, and on a journey of the heart. With her trademark charm, sensuality, and unforgettable characters, there’s no one like Lisa Kleypas to make you believe in the magic of Christmas.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed spending some time with the Wallflowers again. It was great to catch up on their lives and what they’ve been up to since Daisy’s story concluded the series.
Rafe and Hannah. Loved them! I really enjoyed their chemistry, from their first meeting until the end of the story. I thought it was really well done and I was rooting for them the whole time. Lots of awww moments between the two of them which made this book one I could not put down.
Hannah’s cousin Natalie? Didn’t care for her so much. She came off as a spoiled pampered princess and I didn’t find anything likeable about her whatsoever. Maybe this wasn’t intention, but she was condescending and mean to Hannah, which made me seriously dislike her character. Thankfully, her story is summed up by the end of this book also, so I don’t need to worry about a follow-up book about her.
Verdict: This was Very Good. I highly recommend it!
Labels: Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Lisa Kleypas, St. Martins Press, Very Good
Synopsis: 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…
My Thoughts: I have been looking forward to Kev and Win’s story ever since I finished Mine Till Midnight (I know, I know, that was just last week….). This one did not disappoint.
Seduce Me at Sunrise takes up where MTM left off. What I liked about how SMAS started is that LK devoted two chapters to Kev’s history with the Hathways, going back in time to explain why Kev is the way he his. The instant connection between him and Win also added so much to the story for me. Additionally, there was also the history of the Hathaway parents and getting to know them as well.
No surprise, I absolutely loved this story. I really felt for Win, putting her heart out there to only be trampled on by Kev, thinking he is doing the right thing for her by not letting her be with him. I honestly wanted to delve into the pages myself and slap him upside the head a time or two.
Then came page 244. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read the book yet, but that was the turning point for me. That was where Kev became my #2 favorite LK hero of all-time. If you’ve read it, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t read it, you need to and when you come to this page, you’ll figure it out.
Additionally, there was the relationship between Cam and Kev. I enjoyed seeing them come closer and bond. I look forward to seeing even more of this in future Hathaway books.
Now, Dr. Julian Harrow. He was predictable. I had him figured out right away. Again, not going to go into details, but you already know Kev and Win are going to end up together by the end of the book. So, you know one of two things are going to happen with Dr. Harrow. He’s either going to be exceptionally good and back away gracefully, or he’s going to be exceptionally bad and try to rid himself of the competition so that he can have Win all to himself.
Then there are the Hathaways. I still don’t feel like I know Poppy very well ~ hopefully she will be explained in more detail in upcoming books; Beatrix has matured somewhat and I cannot wait to see how she’s grown by the next book; Leo ~ I’m so looking forward to his and Miss Marks story (someone put a shout out to LK to finish it soon!); and Amelia and Cam were an integral part of SMAS so I felt justly caught up with them.
In MTM, we either saw or got mentions of all of the four wallflowers. In SMOS, we got to see Simon and Annabelle! I hadn’t realized I’d missed them so much until they were featured here. It was great to catch up on these characters and their lives as well.
Win and Kev’s story was everything I expected and more. I’m so glad to see how strong Win became. She’s a wonderful heroine. As for Kev, I’m so glad he came to terms with demons and allowed Win to love him; and allowed himself to love her. It made for a great story.
Verdict: The story was Excellent. Of course, I actually read this one “on time” so now I expect it’ll be another year before I get my fix of the Hathaways (although I hope not!!!). I know I said it before, I cannot wait for Leo and Miss Marks’ story!
Labels: Avon, Excellent, Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas
Synopsis: THEIR LIVES DEFY CONVENTION.
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.
THEIR DESIRE CONSUMES THEM BOTH…
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….
My Thoughts: I cannot believe that Cam and Amelia’s story has been languishing in my TBR pile for almost a year. I should be banned from the romance reading community for this one.
That being said, I’ve been anxious for Cam’s story since Devil in Winter when he stole a kiss from Daisy. In fact, I bought this book the day it came out. Just shameful, I know.
I enjoyed Cam and Amelia’s first meeting. How he went out of his way to try to help her look for her brother, and then when Leo was found he kissed her goodbye with every intention of never seeing her again. And how sweet was it that he stole one of her ribbons from her bonnet? I was already hooked, but that right there sealed it for me.
But they did meet again on several occasions and each time they met the attraction grew, and I as the reader became more and more submerged in the story. And then came the turning point, as I rooted “He’s got to go back to her!”
I absolutely loved this story. I enjoyed Amelia and how protective she is of her family. In fact, I enjoyed the whole Hathaway clan and cannot wait for each of their stories. I cannot wait to see what LK has conjured up for each of them: Win, who’s health was affected by a bout of fever ~ who isn’t rooting for her and Kev after they almost stole the show in MtM???; Poppy, I cannot wait to get to know her better; Beatrix, still so immature and I know LK has a great story planned for her (she said so over at Book Smugglers this week); and Leo, I cannot wait to see how LK redeems his character after this one.
As if it weren’t enough to have such a great story between Amelia and Cam, I got to see the Wallflowers again. Lillian, Evie, Saint and Lord Westcliff all got some time in this novel so I felt I was able to catch up on their stories; and Annabelle, Simon, Daisy, and Matthew were all mentioned! That in itself is enough of a reason to read this for those of use die-hard Wallflower fans.
The one thing I probably loved the most is Amelia didn’t automatically give up her independence. Cam actually had to work pretty hard to convince her that they were meant to be together. Her resistance and his determination kept me turning each page until the very end.
Verdict: The story was Excellent. Of course, I really expect nothing less of LK by now and cannot wait to read Seduce Me at Sunrise.
Labels: Excellent, Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas, St. Martins Press
Synopsis: MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL
His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.
MEET THE HEIRESS
She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.
WATCH THE SPARKS FLY. . . .
Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.
My Thoughts: First. Thank you so much, Rosie, for mailing this to me so I could have it to read on vacation. After finishing Sugar Daddy so quickly, I could not wait to get my hands on this one to read. And just like Sugar Daddy, this one did not disappoint.
There was a spark the minute Haven and Hardy met. I felt it. And at that moment, I was glad (again) that Liberty and Gage ended up together.
It was interesting to see the family dynamic of the Travis’ through Haven’s eyes. Having experience it from Liberty’s point of view in Sugar Daddy, it was great to get a different viewpoint. I also found it interesting that Churchill, who was like a surrogate father to Liberty, is standoffish with his own daughter. Although I’m not a huge fan of first-person narratives, that is a plus in their favor. You really do get to experience the full viewpoint of the main character.
The abuse storyline, at least for me, was very true-to-life. I think LK put in a lot of time researching this and Nick was a great example of a narcissistic abuser. I’ve read a few reviews out there of people who didn’t think the abuse line was very realistic. I disagree. Abusers are sneaky and they take everything in baby steps, just like Nick did. Slowly, you find yourself losing little pieces of yourself until one day the person you were is gone. This doesn’t happen overnight ~ it happens overtime, so that even the strongest of us don’t even really realize what’s happening until it’s happened. Bravo to LK for realistically telling this part of the story. Abuse isn’t pretty and I believe LK did a fantastic job with this area of the storyline.
I also enjoyed watching Haven rediscover herself once she returned home. She had chanced, and thankfully Gage and Liberty both gave her the space and the time that she needed in order to heal. Watching her learn to reconnect, to trust, and to just live again was an incredible journey, and just an awesome reading experience for me.
I also enjoyed how Hardy reentered Haven’s life. The highpoint for me? The elevator scene. That’s when it all seemed to fall into place for Haven and Hardy. From that point on, it seemed that Hardy was on a mission to have Haven and nothing was going to deter him. I loved that. I loved his determination to win her over, and in the end I loved that he did. I also loved that he redeemed himself ~ I loved his conversation with Churchill. Let’s face it. Look at the number of times I’ve used the “word” love in this paragraph alone. I loved the whole blasted thing.
Verdict: This was Excellent. I enjoyed the whole story and literally could not put it down. This was definitely a great sequel to Sugar Daddy, and I’m hoping that we get another Travis’story soon!!!.
Labels: Contemporary Romance, Excellent, Lisa Kleypas
Synopsis: SHE’S FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas---if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn’t need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.
HE’S THE ONE MAN SHE CAN’T HAVE
When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon---a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family’s past.
WILL THEY FIND THEIR HEARTS’ DESIRES OR WILL HEARTBREAK TEAR THEM APART?
Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you’ll root for every step of the way. A love story you’ll never forget.
My Thoughts: It’s been awhile since a book grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go until I finished reading it from beginning to end. I opened up Sugar Daddy last night and before I knew it, I’d had 200 pages read. Tonight, I finished it. And it was unbelievable. I loved every minute.
I almost regret that it took me so long to read this. But I, like several others, just didn’t know how to react when I heard Lisa Kleypas was writing a contemporary. But being a Kleypas fan, I wanted to love it. So, I got the hardback from the library last year ~ 3 times and never ended up reading it. And then when it came out in paperback, I snatched it up right away ~ and just now got around to reading it. Almost makes me regret waiting so long. Excellent books don’t come around that often.
***POTENTIAL SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK***
Sugar Daddy was amazing. I loved Liberty, her openness, her capacity for love, her tenaciousness when it comes to taking care of her family. I enjoyed her friendship with Hardy and I could completely relate to how her heart broke when he left. When she left Welcome to go to Houston she blossomed. And her paternal-like friendship with Churchill Travis was wonderful ~ especially for a girl who’d never known a father, I especially enjoyed this part of the story.
Gage ~ well, I pretty much figured out who Gage was the minute he and Liberty were introduced. I enjoyed the passion of their relationship ~ and how deep they seemed to connect. And just when I was getting giddy at the prospect of their future together, Hardy makes a reappearance.
Verdict: This was Excellent. I enjoyed the whole story and literally could not put it down. I’d definitely recommend it and cannot wait to read Blue Eyed Devil.
Labels: Contemporary Romance, Excellent, Lisa Kleypas
Oh, and is anyone else planning on watching The Memory Keeper's Daughter on Lifetime tonight? I am, even though I've still never read the book.
Labels: Lisa Kleypas, Movies, Ramblings
Derek's an excellent second choice; and Nick would be a fabulous backup!
Labels: Book Crazy, Lisa Kleypas, Ramblings
Scandal in Spring is the fourth and final book in the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas. First off ~ I like Daisy. She’s always got her nose book; just like someone else I know
Daisy is crafty ~ much craftier than I thought she would have been. For those who have read the book, I’m referring to incident with the key. I laughed so much through that part. I truly like Matthew ~ liked him since the beginning of the book, and their love story was so sweet. I read the book pretty much cover to cover and stayed up way past my bedtime. I just couldn’t put the thing down. As far as the big “secret”, I pretty much had figured out the gist of it long before it was revealed.
Lily was quite a bit high-strung, but I forgave her for that. She's honestly looking out for Daisy's best interests. She truly does love her sister and just wants to keep her sister close. I also enjoyed the fact that the 4 wallflowers spent quite a lot of time together.
I would say that for me, this book was somewhere between good and very good. Devil in Winter is my favorite of the series, but I'd say Scandal in Spring is now my second favorite.
Labels: Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas, Very Good
Labels: Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas, Very Good
My niece and I listened to "Elsewhere" by Gabrielle Zevin on the drive to Minnesota. It is such a haunting story and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. This book haunts me still, days after I've read it. Imagine being 15, and dead. Never having a 16th birthday. Just learning how to drive, and never having a license. Finding out that your aging will now be reversed, until you are again a baby, and again ready to go back to earth. And then imagine falling in love for the first time...........
This was a wonderful story. Definitely one worth revisiting. I'd rate it an A+. My only warning is that there is a tiny speck of language, but only a smidge.
After finishing DOY, I read "Suddenly You" by Lisa Kleypas. Now, I love Ms. Kleypas' stories and hardly ever find fault with one. This story, I'd maybe rate a C ~ not bad, but not one I'd necessarily read again. This is the story of Amanda and Jack. Amanda is a successful author; Jack is a publicist. Amanda meets Jack through unusual circumstances ~ their matchmaker, a local madam who is acquainted with both of them. The book started out sizzling, but I started getting bored to toward the middle. Like I said, not bad ~ but not one of my favorites.
Labels: Excellent, Gabrielle Zevin, Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas, Okay, Travels, Young Adult
Speaking of being on the road ~ we are surrounded by fires. There's not a road out of town that doesn't go by fire. I have backup routes in case the roads are closed when we leave on Thursday. I am going on vacation ~ I don't care how long it takes me to get there!
Labels: Lisa Kleypas, Very Good
Labels: Connie Brockway, Julia Quinn, Kinley MacGregor, Lisa Kleypas, Sabrina Jeffries, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Susan Wiggs