Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas

What is the price of love?
Nick Gentry is reputed to be the most skillful lover in all England. Known for solving delicate situations, he is hired to seek out Miss Charlotte Howard. He believes his mission will be easily accomplished — but that was before he met the lady in question.
For instead of a willful female, he discovers one in desperate circumstances, hiding from a man who would destroy her very soul. So Nick shockingly offers her a very different kind of proposition — one he has never offered before.
He asks her to be his bride.
And he knows that this will be much more than a union in name only. For he senses what Charlotte does not yet know — that her appetite for sensuality matches his own. But what Nick learns surprises him. For while London's most notorious lover might claim Charlotte's body, he quickly discovers it will take much more than passion to win her love.

This is the third book in the Bow Street Runner Series.

So Nick and Lottie marry. Lottie because she wants Nick's protection. Nick because he desires Lottie. Nick here is a very skilled lover. He learned all his moves from a famous madam. So we have a few steamy love scenes. We also have a shower scene. Seems showers were just being introduced. What amazed me is that after Lottie has her first shower, the servent says she can have another in a few hours. Because that's how long it takes for the water to heat!

Anyway~ We have Nick is also fighting his personal demons. When he was 14, he was sentenced 10 months to a prison hulk. During his sentence, he saw things that no one should have to. He keeps his distance from Lottie afraid once she learns the truth, she'll leave him.

All in all a good read. I liked Lady Sophia's Lover more, but enjoyed this one more than Someone to Watch Over Me. I give it a B.

Again the order for the Bow Street Runners Series are:

Someone To Watch Over Me
Lady's Sophia's Lover
Worth Any Price

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas.

*I don't think I could do this book review without spoilers so if you read this review, be prepared for lots and lots of spoilers, if you don't want to read them, please skip this review and come back to read it when you've read the book, this book was a sure winner in my book but I'm so damned excited about this review that I probably WILL spoil it for you so this is your warning.*

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Hero: Hardy Cates, Gage Travis
Heroine: Liberty Jones
Grade: A

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.

This book gets a whopping WHOA DANG and a THASS WASSUP! from me.

Lisa Kleypas knocks this one right out of the park. A total grand slam that had me sighing with all the goodness one could hope to find in a book. As a first contemporary, I think she did a fantabulous job with this book.

Liberty Jones was a heroine to admire, befriend and love because of everything she went through and everything she lived through. The determination that was piled into this young woman was an honor that I quite liked...very much. To see Liberty Jones grow up before my eyes in this book was a delightful journey that had me rootin' her on from the very beginning. Her love and drive for her younger sister, Carrington was enough to seal my love of this story from the moment little Carrington came into the story. To see the fierce bond between the sisters is something that I found quite charming. I loved reading about Liberty's struggles and her triumphs and just everything she went through to grow into the shoes she was wearing at the very beginning.

She totally rocked!

Lisa Kleypas did an extraordinary job of making me fall in love with two totally different men. I don't think I've ever fully loved two heroes in a book as much as I did Hardy and Gage. I mean, I haven't read many other books where there were two heroes but I know that in all of the books that I read with two heroes, I loved one more than the other right from the very first. That wasn't the case in this book.

In Liberty's youth, she falls in love with Hardy Cates and if you ask me, it wasn't hard to fall in love with the boy who took such good care of you. The one that helped you get over your fear of the mean growling pitbulls, the one who taught you how to perfect your basketball skills so you wouldn't get teased mercillessly at school about it, the guy who drove your pregnant mother to the hospital to have your little sister, the one who cared enough to help you with your baby sister when you were babysitting and fretting about a school test that you needed to pass but couldn't study for because the baby was being fussy, the one who cancelled a date to help you study for the test you want. The one who felt just as passionately about you as you did for him but couldn't be with you because you were too young.

The one who wanted so much more than the town of Welcome, Texas could ever give him, the one who had nothing to offer you but wanted so much to offer something.

It wasn't hard to fall for Hardy and his determination to get out of Welcome and make something of himself, to get out before he turned into the Father he never wanted to be.

When Hardy left town, I had my fingers crossed that he would find himself and come back for Liberty and Carrington. Make them a family, I wanted that so much that I was giddy to read on and see what would happen between Hardy and Liberty.

But then I met Gage Travis.

He was so different from Hardy and yet had the same steely strength that I loved so much in Hardy Cates. Seeing Liberty come out of her shell the way she did with Gage, mainly because it was so unexpected (okay not really but still, for Liberty it was) and their romance was slow to ignite, I fell hard for Gage.

It was amazing how Lisa Kleypas had the ability to make me feel Liberty's indecision when faced with both of the men she's loved all of her life. She's had many men come and go in her life but her heart had only been touched by two.

Hardy and Gage.

Her indecision was just as hard on me as it was for Liberty because like Liberty, I was torn between the two men.

Her choice at the end was great, I was totally happy with her decision because when you look back, it was the right choice for her. It was the right choice for who she was and the person she became. I loved that she loved her chosen man with all that she was and that the hardness we all went through (me, her and the men, LOL) was necessary because it made her appreciate and love the man she chose with nothing holding her back. There wasn't an elephant in the room when the decision was made, everything she went through took part in the way the book ended and I couldn't have been happier.

Though, I was a bit disappointed in one of the men, it didn't change how I felt about the story as a whole. This was a sure winner and I couldn't have been happier with a book. I loved how the characters came to life for me and I loved how much I felt where all of the characters were concerned. When one of them hurt, I hurt and when one of them was happy, I rejoiced in their happiness. I loved how all of the i's were dotted and all of the t's were crossed. There wasn't anything left hanging and I'm so glad, because it made me enjoy the book all the more.

Great great book!

A definite read!

Thanks Lisa for a great read!

Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas

Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power—now he needed a wife to help secure his position in society...and warm his bed in private. But not just any woman will do for a man whom all of London knows is not a gentleman. Then he unexpectedly swept Lady Holly Taylor into his arms for an unasked for—but very alluring—kiss, and suddenly he knew he had found a woman whose fierce passions matched his own.
Lady Holly Taylor was beautiful, generous, and, as a widow, destined to spend her life playing by society's rules, even when they went against her bolder instincts. But Zachary's kiss had aroused her, and though the shocking offer he made didn't include marriage, she was compelled to risk everything and follow him to the place where dreams begin.

A reread. I loved it. I forgot how much I love Zack! Here we have man who had to fight for everything he's got. The only thing he wants more than anything, is Holly. Holly was married to George who was perfect gentleman in every way. After 3 years, she still wears the half mourning clothes. She still loves her late husband, but it unsure of what she's supposed to do in life with him.

Zack offers Holly a position in his household to teach him, his mother and sister manners. Since he has become extremely wealthy, he wants to show the ton he's somewhat of a gentleman. While teaching Zack to become a gentleman, Holly starts feeling things she never felt before. But feels guilty for betraying George's memory.

My favorite quote is from Zack:

"I've had to fight for everything I've ever gotten. But I won't fight for you. You'll come to me because you want me. I'll be damned if I'll bully or beg you to have me."

Holly, leaves the house and returns to George's family. It's then she realizes she loves Zack.

Love this book. Love it. Grade: A

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses -- the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.
Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.


Holly Says:

This is the fourth and final book in Lisa Kleypas' Wallflower series. I was very anxious to read it, because though I didn't really care for It Happened One Autumn, I loved Devil In Winter and was curious about Daisy. Plus, something happens with Daisy and Cam Rohan from DIW, and I wondered if it would go anywhere.

It didn't, but that worked for me, because I ended up really liking the hero.

So, Daisy's been out for a couple of seasons but doesn't have any marriage prospects lined up and her father is upset about it. He tells her she either has to bring someone up to scratch within a certain amount of time, or he's setting her up. Daisy is horrified when her father tells her who he's chosen, too. None other than the scrawny, cold, machine-like Matthew Swift, whom she hasn't seen in years.

Little does she know, however, that Matthew isn't the same scrawny, cold guy anymore. Now he's all man, built and muscular and charming and...perfect for Daisy. Only, she refuses to see that at first.

For Matthew's part, he's wanted Daisy since he first laid eyes on her ten years ago, but he's harboring a secret that could destroy his life, so he knows he can't risk being with Daisy.

Though I enjoyed this one, it doesn't come close to DIW. I never really got a feel for Matthew. Maybe it's because I skimmed quite a bit, but I just never felt connected to him like I did with Sebastion.

The Good: Daisy. She was a great heroine. I had some issues with the way she was constantly referred to as elfish, but that's a personal issue and doesn't have much to do with the story itself. Though she TRIED to dislike Matthew, she couldn't, and I loved that once she commmited she stuck with it.

The Bad: The character development. Though I got a great feel for Daisy, I didn't get hardly anything for Matthew. He just didn't seem...alive to me. Which I hate.

Plus, his "secret" was just...dumb. I mean, the secret itself wasn't, but the way it played into the story was. And in the end, it was solved way too easily. It didn't make one lick of sense that LK added this element in and didn't expand upon it. Besides, it seems to me that she already played this storyline out in Stranger In My Arms.

The Ugly: Lillian Bowman. Bitch had her own book, she didn't need to star in this one, too. Though she bugged a little in her own story, she was downright obnoxious in this one. I hated her. Flat out. She drove me to distraction the way she constantly meddled and told Daisy what to do and refused to listen to anyone but her overblown self. She didn't seem strong and independant at all, but needy, controlling and bitchy. Very bad form, IMO.

Overall the story was good, but not amazing. I enjoyed Daisy and liked how once she made a decision she stuck with it, but I wasn't super impressed with this last installment in the series.

I'm giving this one a:

3.5 out of 5 (mostly for Daisy)

Isabel Says


Holly gave a good rundown of the plot so I won't bother with that.

What I liked: I liked this story. I like Matthew. I know some weren't that impressed. But I don't know. He just had something. He's not St. Vincent or Simon though. Those men were yummy. But I think Matthew held his own. I really liked how he calmed Annabelle's baby. He gets awwww points for that.

I like Daisy. Loved how she locked them in the room and put the key down her corset. Go Daisy!!! I felt so bad for her when her father called her a parasite. What an awful thing to say about your daughter. Damn.

I also liked how Daisy stood by Matthew. She didn't get all, "You lied to me!" like some heriones do.

What I didn't Like: Lillian. Like I told Holly in an email: BITCH NEEDS TO SHUT THE HELL UP! Ok, I know she was preggers and her horomones were crazy, but damn. Lay off Daisy. She's perfectly able of making her own decisions. Christ.

Matthew's Secret. Meh. It could've been played out better.

Grade: B

I like Evie's story the best.


Secrets of A Summer Night
It Happened One Autumn
Devil In Winter
Scandal In Spring

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

A devil's bargain

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.


Isabel Says:

I stayed up until 11:30 last night reading this. The last couple of chapters, I had to reread to make sure I didn't miss anything, cause I could feel my eyes fighting to say open last night.

I liked this one. I think out of the Wallflower series, this is my favorite. I love how Sebastian took care of Evie after they were married. He helped her get ready for bed, cleaned her up the morning after and bought that foot warmer thingy for carriage ride home. It's little things like that that just make my heart melt. Then him taking the bullet for her. sigh... But quick question, maybe I was tired and missed it, but was there mention why Sebastian kept trying to push Evie away? Was there mention of his childhood? We know about Evie growing up, but did we get a glimpse of Sebastian's childhood.?

I liked Evie. She had spirit and determination to stay by her father's side. Although her trying make Sebastian abstain from sex for 6 months made me laugh out loud. Yeah right. Even the 3 months I thought was a little much, but hey, he was willing to do it. I cheered when she told Sebastian he was going to lose the bet and took advantage him. Sebastian telling her to leave cause he wanted to prove to her he could, was just... I can't think of the word... noble, no. I don't know. I love he wanted to prove he could do it though.

I don't remember where I read it, maybe it was on Where's My Hero? blog, but I remember reading something Sebastian was supposed to rival Derek Craven in hotness. I think not. Sebastian is swoon worthy, don't get me wrong. But Derek Craven is just... to good for words. Derek is my lobster out of the Lisa Kleypas heroes.

This book is the 3rd in The Wallflower Series
1) Secrets of a Summer Night
2) It Happened One Autumn
3) Devil In Winter
4) Scandal In Spring coming 7/26/06 (according to Barnes and Noble)

There you have it people. I give it a B+ until I reread the series.

Reread

It's still my favorite out of the series. Still laughed at Evie asking him to abstain.

Grade: A-

Holly Says:

I loved this book. It was just what I needed to get me out of my historical slump. I was a little bit disappointed in SoaSN. It was alright, but it didn't just GRAB me like this one did.

I think Evie is easily my favorite heroine of the series so far. I'm reserving judgement until I read Daisy's book, but I loved Evie. And watching Sebastion fall for her was nothing short of amazing.

You must have missed some of it, Isabel, because they talked about how Sebastion's mom died in childbirth and three of his siters died of Scarlet Fever. The fourth sister died in childbirth and his father was a greedy, selfish bastard who thought only of himself. That's the main reason he was afraid to love Evie, I think. Because every person he ever loved before died. *sniffle*

I loved that he took such good care of her. And when he was ill, I loved how strong Evie was for him. They were perfectly matched, I think.

4.5 out of 5

Dylan's Turn:

Hero: Sebastian St. Vincent
Heroine: Evangeline Jenner
Grade: B+

I really liked this book, I loved how Sebastian turned into one of those reformed rakes that we all know and love. I love the way he took care of Sebastian and the way he protected her from her evil Uncles, and I just love how his I'm bad and don't you forget it attitude, he was definitely swoonworthy.

Do I like him more than Derek Craven though? No. Is he my favorite hero of Lisa Kleypas? No. That title still belongs to Simon Hunt. There was just something about Simon that I hella loved and can't get over, so for me, it's still Simon Hunt leading the race for my favorite LK hero.

I really liked Evie as well, I've always liked her and I loved watching her come out of her shell and to see her stammer slowly disappear, the more comfortable she got around Sebastian, the more happy I got. She was a great heroine, I knew I was going to enjoy getting to know her. I loved the whole story, getting to know her, see where she was, the mystery surrounding her family coming out was just GREAT! I loved reading every bit of this book.

But for some reason, Secrets of a Summer Night still holds the title of my favorite Wallflower book. I really enjoyed Sebastian, seeing him grow and fall in love with Evie, of all the girls in London, for him to fall to the shy girl with the stammer, just made my heart go pitter patter in my chest, it was just all that's good and yum in this world!

It took me one day to read this book, I inhaled it and was glad that I did because it was just so good...Sebastian and Evie were such a great couple and their book was fantabulous! Can't say enough good things about this book...

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing and persistent admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition ... but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses ... and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

This is the first book in the wallflower series. Annabelle needs to find a husband. This is her last season and not only does she need a husband but she needs wealthy one. Her family has been making ends meet and they are walking a fine line of becoming poor. Her mother has been exchanging sexual favors with Lord Hodgeham to try and ease the debts. But Lord Hodgeham is tired of Annabelle's mother. He now wants Annabelle. She'll die before becoming his mistress.

At one of the balls, she befriends 3 other wallflowers: Lillian, Evie and Daisy. Together they vow to find each other husbands and become best of friends.

Annabelle sets her sight on Lord Kendall but she can't stop thinking about Simon Hunt. Simon is not a member of the peerage, but he's extremewealthyhly. A man she can't think about marrying. Even though he's rich, he's not titled. Now, this makes Annabelle seem... snobbish. But I keep thinking, this is how it was back in the day.

Simon Hunt. Yummy. I loved when he told Annabelle to cut her game short or he'd make love to her right then and there. He tells her she has 5 minutes to get upstairs. They don't make it of course and ending making love in a linen closet. His comment, "For the rest of my life, the smell of starch will always make me hard." Yeah baby.

Another favorite scene was when Annabelle was bit by an adder. Simon was so caring and tender towards. It was really touching how he didn't want to leave her side.

Grade: B

Dylan's Take:

Hero: Mr. Simon Hunt
Heroine: Miss Annabelle Peyton
Grade: B+

Simon Hunt.

Holy hot damn this man was all that and then some for me. I hella loved me some Mr. Hunt. I really enjoyed this book. I'm hecka kicking myself for not giving Lisa Kleypas a try before now. Her writing style is fantabulous! She writes great stories and her Heroes are just the right amount of yummy!

Izzy already broke the story down for you...so I'll just tell you how I liked the book.

It was great!

There were a few times when I wanted to strangle Annabelle for being such a snob where Simon was concerned but then there were times when I understood why she was the way she was. She couldn't help she was a snob, look at her Mom! I liked though, how she learned the error of her ways and the way she stormed into the factory to save Simon....gosh, that was so cute. And then the scene where she finally sees Simon AFTER that incident and he's with Marcus. And then how she asks him to look at her and he's all bleeding pissed off at her? SO CUTE! That was my favorite scene in the whole book, the scene where they both finally acknowledge their feelings for each other. It was a long time coming and so worth it because I thought that scene was just perfect!

All of her eavesdropping was just too funny to me, when she eavesdropped on Simon and his Mother, I was glad to see that Simon stuck up for her and didn't just brush off his Mother's words, because that was his wife...I really liked how he was waiting to make her his mistress and then ended up making her his wife. I thought that bit was cute.

My favorite part was when she told Simon where she belonged...that scene was just too freaking cute!

Another thing I loved about this book was THE WALLFLOWERS! How cute were they? When they got caught by Lord Westcliff and Simon during their Rounders game had me laughing out loud at the soccer games yesterday, it was just too funny! Lillian and her loud mouth had me laughing when she dared to blame them getting caught on Lord Westcliff and Simon, gosh it was hilarious.

This book was light, extremely funny and the characters were fantastic to get to know, a big time winner in my book! I'm trying to remember if I didn't like anything in this book apart from Lord Hodgeham and there were a lot of descriptions in this book that took me forever to get through, but as soon as I finished with those endless descriptions of the fields and Simon's parents house and all that goodness, I was able to jump right into the story...I could have done without a LOT of the descriptions (which were way too wordy for me) but aside from that, the book was great!

Would I recommend this book? Absofreakinglutely!

A sure winner for real!

Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas

Because the Dream. . .

Young, high-spirited Lady Madeline Matthews is expected to wed an aging, lecherous lord. But she would rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom, and resolves to render herself unmarriageable by indulging in a torrid affair with Britain's most acclaimed actor and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott.

Because the Heart. . .

He is a legend in the footlights and in the bedchamber. But when the curtain falls, Logan is an intensely private, guarded man still tormented by past betrayals that cut deep into his pride and his heart. Now a forward little minx who seems completely out of place in the bright, sophisticated world of the London stage is disrupting his orderly existence with her constant presence, her unspoiled beauty and vibrant charm. And what begins with an onstage kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real. But first Logan and Madeline both must be brave enough to drop the masks they hide behind. . . and reveal their true selves in the golden glorious light of love.

This book was sooo much better than Somewhere I'll Find You.

Plot: Maddy is supposed to marry a Duke. He's old and ugly. Maddy decides she's going to ruin herself. She sets her sights on Logan Scott. The owner of Capital Theater and one of most gift actors. She runs away from home and gets a job at the theater.

Logan wants nothing to do her. But then he's starts getting grumpy and short tempered. He can't stop thinking of Maddy. Someone has a crush!!!! Of course he keeps turning down her advances.

Logan gets really sick and Maddy takes care of him. Logan decides why not have Maddy. Only he realizes he loves her. The night after they make love, Maddy is prepared to go home. She made a promise to God if Logan got well, she'd return home. Logan tries to stop her when dear ol daddy comes to collect Maddy. Logan is very upset.

What I Liked: I really liked Maddy. She made her intentions clear. She told Logan, "I'm going to be your next lover." Girls has some guts there. When Logan kept rejecting her, she kept pursuing him. If I had been maddy, I would've moved on. She even took care of him. She stayed by his side until he was well.

Logan, damn. He's a hottie. He came from nothing and now he's one of the wealthiest, gifted actors of his time. Although he did irk me when he after he married Maddy, he still tried to keep her at arms length.

What I Didn't Like: Maddy's sister Justine. She tried seduce Logan but he was having none of it!

Grade: A-/B+

Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

Hero: Lord Alex Raiford, Earl of Wolverton
Heroine: Miss Lucy Lawless
Category: Historical Romance
Page Count: 403 pages.
Grade: B-

From the Publisher:

Reckless and wild, beautiful Lilly Lawson delights in shocking proper London society—and will break any rule to flaunt her independence. And now she is determined to rescue her helpless sister from an upcoming, undesired marriage to Lord Alex Raiford, the arrogant Earl of Wolverton. Through fair means and foul, the headstrong hellion succeeds outrageously — but her handsome adversary is not to be outdone. A master gamesman, Lord Alex counters Lily's scorn with kindness, and parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, sensuous touch. For he has resolved to make the spirited miss pay dearly for her interference — with her body, her soul. . .and her stubborn, unyielding heart.

This book started out a bit slow and I didn't think I was going to like it nearly as much as I did. I wasn't looking forward to reading the rest of this book from the first four chapters, but after about the fourth chapter, the book really picked up and it was great! I'm glad I read it. Lisa Kleypas is a total gem in the historical genre of romance, this is my second book by her that I've read and I'm glad that I finally picked up her books to read.

I don't know what has taken me so long to get to this author, but I like her style.

Lily Lawless was once jilted at the altar by a man she thought she loved. Then while she's traveling the world with her eccentric Aunt Sally, she meets and falls in love again with an Italian man who turns her world upside down again. And now, she's back in London, living on her own rules, gambling at Cravens (YAY! I love this man! Oh sorry, Holly! LOL) and is a really good friend of, Derek Craven himself. A friend of hers who is in love with her engaged sister, Penelope wants Lily's help to try to get Penelope for himself.

Lily's soft heart can't help but help her friend, so she sets out to end the engagement of her sister, Penelope Lawless and Lord Alexander Raiford, the Earl of Wolverton. And she's not above making a fool of herself as long as she gets the job done.

That's where the journey begins.

Now, this book wasn't as good as Dreaming of You, but I did really enjoy this book, I enjoyed Alex and Lily's struggle to find common ground on just about everything and I hecka enjoyed reading about them falling for each other...as in all books, it was such a joy to read.

After the book picked up speed in about the fifth chapter, it was smooth sailing for me after that, I enjoyed the book and ripped through it pretty fast, so I wasn't bored at all after that. The characters were great, I enjoyed meeting Henry and seeing the bond between him and Alex. It was so cool to see Harry quoting all of Alex's good qualities to Lily, how cute. And it was cool to see Alex's concern for his brother, most guys don't care one way or another, but Alex did and I thought that was cool.

Zack and Penelope were cute, Penelope made me roll my eyes a time or two but she wasn't a bad sort. My favorite character though was, Derek Craven of course.

Poor Derek, doesn't think he's good enough for Lily...so he's pushing her into Alex's bed, not that he was complaining or anything. I'm so glad that Derek got his own book and that I don't have to wonder about him, I love him and his snaggled tooth ass with his cockney accent...it's okay Derek, sometimes I don't say my H's either...LOL.

As for the things that bothered the piss out of me, well there really was only the one thing that I can remember right now and that is Lily not coming clean to Alex about her big secret. She had ample time to fill him in so that he didn't look like an idiot in front of everyone but she never came clean until it was too late, until the truth of her secret was all but thrown into his face. I mean, I'm glad that at the end, Alex came to the rescue but I just would have been a bigger Lily fan if she had come clean about the secret. You'll have to read it to find out what it was.

This book gets a B-, good book for real!

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Four young ladies enter London society with one necessary goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So they band together, and a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
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?

The Plot: Lillian's mother wants her to marry a man of title. When Lillian and Marcus meet, its hate at first sight for these two. So of course we know these two will end up together.

What I Liked: Lillian and Daisy playing rounders with the staff. Marcus catching them and then teaching Lillian to improve her swing.

Marcus making up an excuse for Lillian to leave to the dinner table so she doesn't puke at the sight of calf head.

Lillian getting foxed and her finger stuck in the bottle because she wants the pear. I love how she declares "I want it."

How Marcus went crazy at smelling her perfume and how the wallflowers all experimented with it.

What I didn't like: The countess. Oh she was a bitch. Hated her.

I did like the book, but I enjoyed reading the first book much more.

Grade: B-

Dylan's Take:

Hero: Lord Marcus Marsden, Earl of Westcliff
Heroine: Miss Lillian Bowman
Grade: B-

This book was good.

I really enjoyed the entire story, going into this book though I didn't expect to like it, because I wasn't wild about Lillian in Annabelle's story, because gosh this woman was so damn loud and "I know everything, it's my way or the highway" type of girl, I didn't think I'd like her. I should've known better though, because Lisa Kleypas certainly delivered with this story.

I loved the sparks between her and Marcus, I loved the whole "it's the perfume" that's why he's wildly attracted to me. I loved how Marcus knew what the secret ingredient was and how he turned out to be right. I just liked the whole damn book, it was fantabulous!

I even enjoyed the whole, Sebastian stealing her away from Marcus, leaving Marcus to come and save the day! Was I mad at Sebastian for doing it? No...did I hate him? No...but that's probably because I knew he was the hero in the next book and was giving him the benefit of the doubt...I just really enjoyed all of the coming together of Marcus and Lillian, I loved the secondary characters as well, especially Mr. Simon Hunt and his wife, Annabelle. They were the bomb in this story just as they were in their story.

Besides, the old cow that is Marcus' Mom, I hated that Annabelle referred to her husband, as Mr. Hunt and not Simon. It bothered me, don't know why but it did...hello, you're amongst friends, your best friends at that, there's no need for you to be so formal when talking about your husband, GOSH!

Aside from that, I really enjoyed the story and the way the whole story ended, leading into Evie's story, I LOVE IT!!!! It made me start the next book right away. Just effing loved this whole book. Daisy is STILL my favorite though, but I'm not so mad at Lillian for being such a big brute about everything, she's cool for the moment...haha.

Great book! FANTASTIC series!

This book is second in a series. The first being:

Secrets of a Summer Night

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

Updated: Dylan's Review at the Bottom!

She stood at danger's threshold-

then love beckoned her in.

In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.

A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from, poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion. . .and the promise of love.

I love this book. Love it. I fell in love with Derek Craven when I read this.

A man who grew up not knowing love, trust or friendship. Derek meets Sara but feels unworthy of her. He sstrongstong, unfeeling,invunerablerable but really, he craves to be loved by Sara. He wants her like no other, but knows he does not deserve her.

He forces her to leave believing its for her good. While she is gone, Derek is short tempered and hostile. He runs into Sara at a mutual friends house and meet in the garden. Sara confesses her love for him.

"You can't change the truth. You can act as if you're blind and deaf, you can
walk away from me forever, but the truth will still be there, and you can't make
it go away. I love you."-Sara to Derek

She asks him to stay with her and he walks away from her. She is then later attacked and Derek asks her to marry him. They have a happy marriage. Derek adjusting to having a wife. But then his jealous ex lover (who is jupsychoyscho slut) burns the club and takes Sara hostage leaving Derek to believe she's dead.

"I love yocouldn'tdln't say it before. I couldn't-"
"I love you," he repeated hoarsely, burrowing against her. "I would have
given my life to have one more day with you, and tell you that."-Derek finding out Sara is alive.

Derek is my favorite hero of all time. He's my lobster. When he got scared and protective when Sara teased on how she may not marry him cause he's so rich touched my heart. How he ached for her so much. I mean the man stole her glasses and kept them near his heart. Sigh....

I love Derek Craven. I know Holly doesn't understand why I love him so. And that's ok, cause I don't get the Ben Lewis attraction. But Derek is my ultimate hero and this is one of my favorite books.
Grade: A+

Dylan's Review:

Hero: Derek Craven
Heroine: Sara Fielding
Grade: A+

Before I start this review, I've got to apologize to my dear friend, Holly. Holly, I tried very hard to not like this book as much as I did, but as you can see by my grade, I failed in that endeavor. So, because I LOVE Derek Craven, I apologize to you for letting you down. I hope you don't cut me out of your will, because I still love you. ;)

Now, on with the review.

Wow.

This story took me on one helluva rollercoaster, I tried very hard not to turn into a raving lunatic over Derek Craven and though I've accomplished that (not by much though), I have got to say that I can totally see why everyone is totally loco for this guy. The story and the characters were just oh so great.

I enjoyed this book immensely.

The storyline was great, I thought Sara Fielding was a GREAT heroine, one who didn't shy away from her feelings once she accepted them, she didn't try to make Derek crazy, telling him one thing and meaning another thing, she was straight up with him about everything and I really admire that because it's so hard to really do that. She didn't try to belittle her feelings for Perry when she got back and I loved how she gave them a chance even though she knew deep down that she was really in love with Derek.

I loved most of all, how she saw behind the mask Derek wore for everyone and loved the man for all that he was and all that he became.

She didn't love him because of what he could for her, or what he could buy for her, she loved him for HIM. She loved Derek Craven, for better or for worst and I really liked the way she tried to make Derek see that he's more than worthy of her love, like in the above quote Izzy supplied us with.

This book hit all the right spots with me, I thought it was exceptional and was the perfect first book to read by Lisa Kleypas, as it made me all the more excited to read the rest of her books, the only thing that irked me a little was the fact that I found out, AFTER I read the book that Lily and Alex's book came BEFORE this book, I have that book and didn't even bother looking at it, was too anxious to start Derek's book.

Derek Craven is a fantastic hero...he hasn't replaced KMM's Dageus MacKeltar or SB's Sam Starrett but he comes very close, he's very close to the top, usurping Sin MacAllister's spot in my heart (sorry Grace). I loved this man. I loved the man he grew up to be, the man he tried desperately to hide from the world and regardless of his snaggled tooth, I loved every part of him, he was so dreamy...the perfect hero, or one of them anyway..

Thanks to all of you out there in the bloggerworld for pimping this book to me, it was a great great read for me!

I loved it!

Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas

All London is at Julia Wentworth's feet. The beautiful, enchanting actress is the toast of the theater world—and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the incomparable leading lady guards a devastating secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention. . .and cannot love.
For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his unscrupulous parents wed him to without his consent. Wanting no more than to be legally rid of the foolish chit, Damon is shocked to discover his "bride" is the exquisite stage performer whom he intended to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon's—until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals. . .and the stellar lady's proud, independent heart.All London is at Julia Wentworth's feet. The beautiful, enchanting actress is the toast of the theater world—and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the incomparable leading lady guards a devastating secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention. . .and cannot love.
For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his unscrupulous parents wed him to without his consent. Wanting no more than to be legally rid of the foolish chit, Damon is shocked to discover his "bride" is the exquisite stage performer whom he intended to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon's—until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals. . .and the stellar lady's proud, independent heart.

This was all right. Damon and Julia were married at a very young age. When Julia is old enough she leaves homes and becomes an actress. A very good one. At some function for the theater, she meets Damon for the first time. Because she knows his name, recognizes him as her husband. Since she goes by her stage name, Jessica, Damon does not know it's her. What gets me, she's pretending she's not married (not by sleeping with men) cause she hated she was married at a young age but she gets mad cause Damon claims to not be married. Whatever.

Damon wants Jessica. He wants to end his marriage to Julia so he can pursue her. It's his lucky day when he figures out Jessica is really Julia but he doesn't want Julia to be an actress. sigh.

Meh. It was all right.

Grade: C-

Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas

She gave him her innocence . . .Lady Aline Marsden was brought up for one reason: to make an advantageous marriage to a member of her own class. Instead, she willingly gave her innocence to John McKenna, a servant on her father's estate. Their passionate transgression was unforgivable — John was sent away, and Aline was left to live in the countryside . . . an exile from London society . . .and he took her love.

Now McKenna has made his fortune, and he has returned — more boldly handsome and more mesmerizing than before. His ruthless plan is to take revenge on the woman who shattered his dreams of love. But the magic between them burns as bright as ever. And now he must decide whether to let vengeance take its toll . . . or risk everything for his first, and only, love.

In Again the Magic we follow a story of two children, one born to peerage and one a lowly servant, that form a friendship and when they grow up a passionate love. Both know it can never be but they love each other so much they take all the risks to be with each other when ever they can. Until one day Aline's father finds out about the relationship and banishes McKenna from the manor. Aline knows McKenna will never go if he knows she loves him, he'd always find a way back and then her father would ruin him. So she makes him believe that she has just been playing with him and she could never really love a lowly servant. And although it crushes her she watches him walk away thinking she hated him and knowing he'd come to hate her for it.

Twelve years later McKenna returns to Stoney Cross not a servant anymore but a successful business partner from NY in America. And he comes with one thing in mind, to take Aline, to use her ... to get his revenge.

But when Aline and McKenna are together feelings they both do not want to acknowledge cannot be held at bay. Aline has secrets from a horrible accident and McKenna cannot trust the girls who once broke his heart.

So while reading this book first I was thrown because in the first few chapters we are lead to believe that Aline and McKenna have such a unique and special bond as to even be the others half. They know each others thoughts with just a look. And yet when Aline's father finds out the truth and tells McKenna he is to leave, and he goes to see Aline he just believes the bull she is spouting? She has always said she'd love him forever, and they knew each other so well, why then didn't he argue with her? Why couldn't he see the fake front she was putting on?

So 12 years later when McKenna returns for his revenge and they both fall for each other all over again what happens? Well because of a accident Aline had years ago she won't let the love bloom. She AGAIN pushes him away. I mean how many times does the man need to get his heart broken? It is all about the heroine making the ultimate sacrifice for the hero, the sacrifice that is so stupid you want to hit her.

Of course at the end we get our happily ever after, and McKenna was so swoon worthy at the end he totally made up for annoying me a bit in the story. But Aline? Yeah, by the end maybe I understood her a bit more, but she still totally irked me. She just seemed a bit shallow, or maybe just really stupid.

I was a lot more impressed with the secondary characters Gideon and Livia. Such a sweet romance with them. With true struggles not shallow superficial one's. I would love to have an entire book on them. A man actually struggling with a real problem, being an alcoholic, and a woman that loves him so much ... to much to marry him and watch him kill himself slowly. So in them we see Gideon struggle to over come his demons not only for a woman's love but for himself, and Livia with such an unselfish love.

So I would say this is a must read if only for Gideon and Livia. And for the ending with McKenna. And grudgingly I'll admit that although the hero and heroine annoyed me a bit with there ignorance through a lot of the book it kept my interests. So good writing.

And here are a few of the memorable quotes from McKenna, the man did have a way with words:

"My lady, you're about to receive an education in how to conduct and affair. Because for the duration of my stay at Stony Cross, you're going to work off your debt to me...on your back, your knees, or any other position I desire you in."

"I want you for a thousand reasons other than your legs, and ...no, damn it, I want your for no reason at all, other than the fact that you're you. I want to shove my self deep inside you and stay for hours...days...weeks. I want morning and noon and nightfall with you. I want your tears, your smiles, your kisses...the smell of your hair, the taste of your skin, the touch of your breath on my face. I want to see you in the final hour of my life...to lie in your arms as I take my last breath."

"You sleep too," she said groggily, her hand creeping to the center of his chest.
"No." McKenna smiled and pressed a soft kiss against her temple. His voice was husky with wonder. "Not when staying awake is better than anything I could find in a dream."

Grade- C+ (the plus is because of the great secondary plot)

Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas

Why is Lady Sophia looking for a lover?And could she seduce the most marriageable man in London?
Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal -- to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.
She knows he is falling more in love with her each day. But she never counted on falling in love with him. And she never dreamed he might very respectably ask for her hand in marriage...

Isabel Says: *originally posted 01/12/06*
I normally don't like revenge plots. It's usually:
Woman has grudge against man. (usually it's they kissed before and the man disappears)
Woman plots to make man fall in love with her and then leave him. (you know to get even)
Woman falls in love with man.
Woman learns truth as to why man may have been a jerk before.(Usually man is a spy or has a family obligation.)
Woman still follows her revenge plot.
Therefore dragging the story of the book.

This didn't happen. Lady Sophia fell in love with Ross. She admitted to her plan. He forgave her and they got married. Of course, there is always some plot twist to spice things up. Which, I didn't mind too much. Also, the love scenes were a bit spicy and naughty. Not that I mind, but it caught me by surprise with this author. (the chamber horse scene. WOW!)

To sum it up. I enjoyed this book. I liked it a lot better than Someone To Watch Over Me.
This is the second book in the Bow Street Runners Series. If you like to read in order, you gotta read the first book. The characters from the first book are mentioned in this one. I give it a B+

So the order so far:
Someone to Watch Over Me
Lady Sophia's Lover.

Holly Says:

Dude, I missed this one, somehow. Either that or I just totally forgot everything about it, because I read it this weekend and it was like reading it for the first time!

In any case, I loved it. LK has always been a favorite of mine and she didn't disappoint with this one.

I loved Sophia and Ross and seeing the more evil side of my favorite Nick was great! Like, Isabel, I don't usually like a revenge plot, but this one was great!

4 out of 5

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible...but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.

Jack Delvin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently-bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected...but both soon craved.

This is one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books.

The story is sweet, funny and slightly emotional. Watching the tortured Jack Devlin come to care for the independant Miss Briars is sweet.

There are times when I'm mortified beyond belief for her, and times when my heart was breaking.

Overall a great read!

4.5 out of 5

Someone To Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas

She couldn't remember who she was...A temptingly beautiful woman awakens in a stranger's bed, rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of enigmatic, charming Grant Morgan. Her life is in his hands. Deep in her heart, she knows he has mistaken her for someone else...
He was the only man she could trust. As one of London's most eligible, and unattainable catches, Grant Morgan is a man who has known every kind of woman. And the one in his arms now seems so innocent, so vulnerable, that he can't help but be enchanted. And as his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to unravel the secrets of her past and discover the truth no matter what.

This is the first book in the Bow Street Runner series. Grant Morgan doesn't care for Miss Vivien. Seems when he snubbed her, she told everyone she turned him down. When Grant finds Vivien almost drowned, he decides to take advantage of her. He wants to hurt her like she hurt him.

This book was good. It wasn't great, but it had a good story line. I didn't like how Morgan wanted to hurt Vivien in her vulnerable state. Loved how he had to apologize to her in the end though. All in all a good read. I give a C.