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nanvazq's review against another edition
4.0
I'd already read a later book in this series, so I knew a little of the enjoyable family dynamics in this first book in Kleypas's Ravenels series. The hero this time is Devon, a London-based rake, who, upon the death of his cousin, is suddenly thrust into the role of Earl and owner of Eversby Priory, a huge country estate in desperate need of renovation. The estate is home to plenty of servants and four women, including his late cousin's widow, Kathleen. She'd been married to the previous earl for all of 3 days when he was thrown from her prize Arabian and killed. Devon's first impulse is to sell the estate and go back to his life of ease in London, but that means evicting Kathleen and his three young cousins. I enjoyed the romance between Devon and Kathleen but the real pleasure here are the surrounding characters, including Devon's brother and his young cousins. Kleypas understands that the setting and surrounding characters are central to building a believable romance.
shellireadz's review against another edition
5.0
Finally, a historical with some promise. It has been quite a while since I have read a good historical romance. It is a shame that this won't be out until the end of 2015. The teaser that I read sounds great.
I just finished this novel, the only real question that I have is what was the purpose of introducing the information about Kathleen's father, that storyline went nowhere.
I always did not like how controlling Kathleen was at the end of the book, related to Helen. I understand that it helped to set us up for the next novel but she coerced and manipulated a situation that did not concern her.
I loved the relationship that developed between Devon and Kathleen.
I just finished this novel, the only real question that I have is what was the purpose of introducing the information about Kathleen's father, that storyline went nowhere.
I always did not like how controlling Kathleen was at the end of the book, related to Helen. I understand that it helped to set us up for the next novel but she coerced and manipulated a situation that did not concern her.
I loved the relationship that developed between Devon and Kathleen.
kellciferyaya's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
I am so bummed that I didn't like this story more. I think my issue with it was that the focus was not on the main couple enough—there was so much else going on in the story to set up the series that the main couple got sort of lost in the mix. I mean, the epilogue wasn't even about them!
I am so bummed that I didn't like this story more. I think my issue with it was that the focus was not on the main couple enough—there was so much else going on in the story to set up the series that the main couple got sort of lost in the mix. I mean, the epilogue wasn't even about them!
magandsons's review against another edition
5.0
There are 2 hard parts about reading a Kleypas novel, putting it down and waiting for the next in the series. She hooks me every time! I think this family is great and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
danifaye44's review against another edition
1.0
The heroine was AWFUL. She's the queen of leap to the wrong conclusion and blow everything out of proportion. Could barely get through it without throwing my nook across the room.
suzannalundale's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I was quite entertained by this one, and will continue with the series. I thought West's transformation was a little rushed, but I suppose it worked, since he's not the center attraction, and is needed as a scaffold for the main plot. In any case, the whole process of useless drunkard to principled man of purpose can be lengthy, and is one we've all read a hundred times, so I think it was for the best.
I *think* this was my first Kleypas. She has a fluid writing style, with smooth character and plot development. As an added bonus, she doesn't (at least in this book) deploy any of my pet peeves.
I was quite entertained by this one, and will continue with the series. I thought West's transformation was a little rushed, but I suppose it worked, since he's not the center attraction, and is needed as a scaffold for the main plot. In any case, the whole process of useless drunkard to principled man of purpose can be lengthy, and is one we've all read a hundred times, so I think it was for the best.
I *think* this was my first Kleypas. She has a fluid writing style, with smooth character and plot development. As an added bonus, she doesn't (at least in this book) deploy any of my pet peeves.
fv_angela's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one, not my favorite Lisa Kleypas, but still very good. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series and thankful that I only wait until March until its release.
dani_saavd's review against another edition
4.0
Extrañaba a Lisa, así que he decidido releer la saga.