Marrying Winterbourne - Lisa Kleypas (Avon - June 2016)

Series: Ravenels (Book 2)

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

Fantastic book that picks up right where Cold-HeartedRake left off. In that book, Helen and Rhys had been introduced by her cousin Devon, who was looking to use Helen to form a business alliance. When both men were injured in a train accident, Helen took it upon herself to nurse Rhys back to health. It was an odd friendship that developed, between the common-born self-made tycoon and the shy and sheltered Lady Helen. Rhys decided then that he wanted Helen for his own, and she agreed for reasons of her own. But a misunderstanding and interference from her sister-in-law Kathleen, ends the engagement.

This book opens with Helen visiting Rhys at his place of business (just not done!) to explain what had happened and try to reinstate their engagement. I was impressed by Helen and how she stepped way out of her comfort zone to do so. Rhys was not welcoming at first. Though a talented and confident man, sure of his abilities in business, there is part of him that is very vulnerable. He saw Helen's earlier reaction to him as disgust and a rejection of who he is, and now believes she only wants him back because of his wealth. I loved this entire scene, as Helen slowly convinces him that it was him she wants. I especially loved the part about the ring. Though Helen gets her wishes, Rhys has his own condition to guarantee that the marriage will take place. He wants her thoroughly compromised so that no one can stop it. Rhys is both determined and nervous about carrying out his plan - he wants her like he has no other, but he also realizes that he must treat her carefully. This scene was steamy and sweet, and I loved seeing Rhys's tenderness.

The reinstatement of the engagement causes some new tensions, as the desire between Rhys and Helen flares hotter every day. Rhys wants them to marry immediately, but Helen wants to wait until their mourning for her brother is over. Once again, Rhys finds himself wanting to make Helen happy, even if it is hard on him. As her family moves back to the country to put some distance between them, both Helen and Rhys miss each other desperately. During the trip home, Helen discovers something about her past that explains several things, but leaves her more confused about herself. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that her secret could have a direct effect on her marriage to Rhys.

Their return to London puts Helen and Rhys in close contact again. I loved how they found ways to be together. While their physical relationship continued to intensify, there were also times where they simply talked. I loved seeing how quickly Helen began to understand Rhys and what drives him. She also has a determined way of defending him, to others and to himself. Rhys turned out to be an even more sensitive man that I expected. He is obviously smitten with Helen and determined to do anything to make her happy. The changes in him were obvious, as he went from brooding workaholic to a man who is able to let his softer side show.

When the secret that Helen has rears its ugly head in London, she has some serious decisions to make. Does she tell Rhys and take a chance that he will take it badly, or follow others' advice and keep quiet? A horrifying discovery sends her on a quest for something that could end it all. I loved her determination to make things right, no matter the cost to herself. The intensity of this part had me wondering how it was going to turn out. I loved the ending, with Rhys being both tough and tender, protective and besotted. The follow up scene was hilarious as he planned and carried out their elopement.

I also loved the secondary characters. Helen's sisters, Cassandra and Pandora are terrific in their determination to be themselves, not just another society miss. They are intelligent and kind-hearted and would do anything for their sister Helen. Devon's brother West makes only a small appearance in this book, but I still loved seeing him pretend to hang on to his rakish ways. I loved Dr. Gibson, the lady doctor who made such a big impression on Rhys. Her feistiness and self-confidence were great, as was her assistance to Helen. I also loved Rhys's secretary, Mrs. Fernsby and her ability to manage Rhys.

Cold-Hearted Rake - Lisa Kleypas (Avon - Nov 2015)

Series: Ravenels (Book 1)

A twist of fate . . .

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.

A clash of wills . . .

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?

Very good book, though I did have my doubts at the very beginning. Devon has inherited the title and estates after the unexpected death of his cousin. Both the debts and the responsibility are unwelcome, and he plans to sell the properties to pay off the debts as soon as he can. The opening conversation between Devon and his brother West shows two men who are focused on their own pleasures and avoid anything that hints of respectability. Devon even states his intention to turn his cousin's widow and sisters out of the house as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, he is overheard by Kathleen.

Kathleen has not had an easy life. At the age of five her parents sent her to live with relatives. They were not loving, and were very focused on appearances. She learned early to keep her emotions to herself and to rely on herself for everything. She had married a man she hoped would give her the family she craved, only to have him die in a drunken accident three days after their wedding. Now she discovers she's about to lose her home too.

There were sparks between Devon and Kathleen from the beginning, mostly of the adversarial variety, but with an underlying attraction. Devon's callous decision to sell everything grated on Kathleen's sense of responsibility. She tore into him over his disregard for the effects his actions would have on so many people. He made it plain he didn't want the headaches that came with keeping the place. But something she said went to work on the conscience he didn't even know he had, and he found himself deciding not to sell. His brother's reaction wasn't complimentary, but when it came down to it, West agreed to help.

By this time, Devon has decided he wants Kathleen, but she isn't cooperating. She's attracted also, but is mindful of appearances since she is still in mourning.  There are some pretty amusing exchanges between them over the next few weeks, as Devon is in London attempting to find ways to save the estate, and Kathleen remains in Hampshire. Devon makes the occasional visit, and the chemistry between them burns hotter.

At the same time, West is in Hampshire, unwillingly helping Devon. West has been even worse than Devon, with his careless behavior and heavy drinking. But a confrontation with Kathleen causes unexpected changes in him. I loved how she stood up to him. It was amazing to see the transformation he went through in both appearance and attitude. It also created a change in the relationship between West and Devon.

Devon's return to Hampshire created further tension between him and Kathleen. He hasn't given up on his plans to seduce her, and Kathleen is still desperately trying to resist. When Devon invites a friend for the holidays Kathleen is angered by his plans.  Then a devastating accident makes both of them admit that whatever is between them is growing. But even giving in to the desire between them doesn't guarantee a future. Devon is adamant that he will never marry, and Kathleen doesn't want someone who avoids commitment anyway. It was fun to see her stand up to his plans for them with her own conditions. I loved Devon's "aha" moment, when he realized just how he felt about her, and how he finally convinced her of those feelings.

Though I didn't like Devon at the beginning, I really enjoyed seeing him change from irresponsible rake to a man who could be relied on. It wasn't an easy transformation, and he fought it each step of the way. It started with a protectiveness he didn't recognize, and his desire to stay near Kathleen. I had fun with their confrontations as the sparks flew between them. His protectiveness and jealousy at the end surprised them both. Though I liked Kathleen from the start, she too had her issues. I liked the way she looked out for the sisters, and how she was determined to keep them safe. Her upbringing had her very concerned about appearances, and there were times I was definitely on Devon's side to get her to lighten up. I liked the way she stood up for the people of the estate and opened Devon's eyes to his responsibilities. Her experience with her late husband made it difficult for her to trust Devon with her heart. I also got a bit angry with her interference in Helen's life, even though her intentions were good.

There was also a secondary relationship between Devon's friend Winterbourne and Kathleen's sister-in-law Helen. Devon had planned to set the two up as a way to marry off Helen and gain financial assistance from Winterbourne. The railway accident that badly injured Winterbourne gave he and Helen a chance to get to know each other a little. But Winterbourne is a blunt and rough around the edges man, and Helen is a very sheltered, innocent and shy young woman, and things don't go smoothly between them. A misunderstanding, and interference from Kathleen, puts their fledgling relationship at risk. At the end of the book, Helen takes her courage in hand to talk to Winterbourne about what happened. It's an interesting lead in to the next book, which is their story.