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A review by aoifesbookshelf
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Certainly not as good as the first book and there are a number of dub con scenes throughout. I know in later editions, the chapter after the library scene is revised but in all honestly I felt that some of their kisses (especially the first kiss) were much more uncomfortable to read. I would have been so easy to include a line or two or change handful of words to make this much more digestible because it reads as assault and only later in the chapter or the next chapter to we learn Lillian reciprocated or enjoyed the kisses.
I liked Lillian but not as much as the other girls. She was a bit too stubborn to the point it got annoying and immature. Despite certain scenes, I still found myself rooting for Westcliff, hoping he'd actually *say* some of the things he thought. Everytime he did something bad, he recognised it as such and then realised he needed to apologise.
The standout positive moments for me were the apology in the study, Westcliff confronting his mother (twice) and the rounders scene at the beginning. The fake-butterfly scene was sweet too.
Overall, it's not the best book, but I did get thought it very fast. I like Kleypas' engaging writing style. I found that I would be enjoying the story, the banter, the enemies-to-lovers angle and then a scene would happen between the H&h that would make me a little uncomfortable and I'd go back to disliking it. This cycle repeated several times.
St. Vincent was likable in the first 80% of the book. In fact, he *almost* suited Lillian better. Then he kidnapped her. Then at the end of the book, Evie turns up at his house to make a deal? I look forward to reading how Kleypas attempts to redeem him in Devil In Winter, especially since he is one of the most loved Heros in HR and right now, I cannot see why.
I liked Lillian but not as much as the other girls. She was a bit too stubborn to the point it got annoying and immature. Despite certain scenes, I still found myself rooting for Westcliff, hoping he'd actually *say* some of the things he thought. Everytime he did something bad, he recognised it as such and then realised he needed to apologise.
The standout positive moments for me were
Overall, it's not the best book, but I did get thought it very fast. I like Kleypas' engaging writing style. I found that I would be enjoying the story, the banter, the enemies-to-lovers angle and then a scene would happen between the H&h that would make me a little uncomfortable and I'd go back to disliking it. This cycle repeated several times.
St. Vincent was likable in the first 80% of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment