Book Review: Scandal in Spring (Wallflowers # 4) By Lisa Kleypas

Scandal in Spring
Wallflowers #4
By: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

Quirky and fun-loving American heiress Daisy Bowman is the last unmarried Wallflower. Her exasperated father has informed her that if she can’t find a husband by the end of her third London season, she will be forced to marry a man she hates—the ruthless entrepreneur Matthew Swift. 

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, so she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone... anyone... other than Matthew. What she doesn’t count on, however, is 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 when a scandalous secret is uncovered, it could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy’s wildest fantasies.

 

My Thoughts:

Scandal in Spring was the last book in the Wallflowers Series, and it was bittersweet leaving behind my much beloved literary friends, Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy, but what a wonderful happily ever after!

Daisy Bowman, Lillian's younger sister, was such a fun character, and one that I could relate to.  Daisy is known for always having her head in a book, and getting lost in her spectacular imagination.  Her father, has given Daisy a short window of time to find a husband, or she will be forced to wed his business associate, Matthew Swift.  

Daisy hasn't seen Matthew in many years, but what she remembers of him is a serious stuffed shirt, who always took great strides to impress her father.  Daisy is determined to find a man to marry, and isn't going to be picky; because she doesn't want to get stuck with Matthew.

When Matthew comes to England, she see's a gorgeous man that she doesn't recognize.  As these two spend more time with one another, Daisy finds herself falling in love, but Matthew is hiding a secret from Daisy; one that could put her in danger.  Will Daisy get her happily ever after?

Scandal in Spring was a wonderful love story.  I loved Daisy and Matthew.  She was the relatable bookworm, and Matthew was so sweet and devoted to Daisy.  He had always had feelings for Daisy, but she had never known how he had felt about her.  He genuinely was a good guy that was misjudged, and I was glad when Daisy saw him for who he really was.  These two set my speakers on fire!  Their romance was both sweet and steamy.  Ms. Kleypas has officially cemented a place on my favorite authors shelf!!!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Books

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Book Review: Devil in Winter (Wallflowers #3) by Lisa Kleypas

Devil in Winter
Wallflowers #3
By: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to: Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

Four young ladies enter London society and band together to each find a husband. Has the third "Wallflower" now met her match?

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.

 

My Thoughts:

Evie has been my favorite wallflower, so I have been most excited for her story.  She is strong, and resilient, yet painfully shy and quiet.  Evie is a great friend, and is always there to offer compassion, caring, and a shoulder to lean on, whenever Annabelle, Lillian, or Daisy need her.  She has a slight stutter, that get's worse when she is uncomfortable; and improves when she doesn't feel threatened.  

Her mother died when she was young, and her father, who runs a gambling establishment, put her in the care of her mother's family.  Unfortunately, she has suffered from their maltreatment; and verbal and physical abuse throughout the years. 

Evie needs a husband, so that she can escape out of the clutches of her mother's horrible family, who plan to marry her off to her disgusting cousin, so that they can get all of Evie's father's money.  Evie knows that Sebastian St. Vincent is in desperate need of funds, while she needs her freedom; and so she proposes that they get married, and then go their separate ways. Evie wants to be with her father who is on his deathbed, because up until this point she's been kept from seeing him.  Sebastian agrees to the arrangement, and what follows is a whirlwind and unexpected romance that these two never saw coming.

Sebastian has always been able to have any woman he's ever wanted, but Evie is no pushover.  She may be quiet, and shy, but she is also strong and formidable.  Sebastian can't help but fall in love with Evie, the more time he spends in her presence, and just by knowing her, he changes into a much better man.  Evie saw the good in him, despite his flaws, and she makes him want to be better.  I fell in love with these two wonderful characters.  I swooned and smiled so much.  Seeing the gentle, protective, caring, and compassionate side of Sebastian, made me fall in love with him right alongside Evie.  

Our female lead was the type of character that I'd want as a best friend.  I just can't gush about how much I loved her.  So many times in romance novels, it is the male lead that we fall in love with, but I loved both of these characters equally!  This is a favorite read of mine, and I can't recommend it enough.  I will always have a special place in my heart for Evie and Sebastian!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Book Review: It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers #2) by Lisa Kleypas

It Happened One Autumn
Wallflowers #2
By: Lisa Kleypas
Published: September
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to: Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

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?

My Thoughts:

It Happened One Autumn is the second book in the Wallflowers series. In this sequel, we get Lillian Bowman's story.  Lillian is a bold, brash, and outspoken American.  Her parents want her and their younger daughter Daisy to marry an English gentleman with a title.  Unfortunately, Lillian's disposition is a huge turnoff to most of these gentlemen, because they prefer meek, quiet, and conservative women. 

Marcus is ultra conservative, and has an elevated place in the aristocracy.  He is one of the most sought after elgible bachelors.  Marcus and Lillian drive each other crazy!  She thinks he's uptight and aloof, and he thinks she is unsuitable for marriage.  However, Lillian feels a stirring when she's around Marcus, and he is amused and entertained by her honesty and authenticity.  I loved the fire and heat between these two characters.  The chemistry between them was combustible!

It Happened One Autumn was a story that I fell in love with.  I enjoyed it at the begininng, but before I knew it, I was completely immersed and in love with this romance.  The Wallflowers series just keeps getting better, and I know I'm going to be sad when it comes to the end. 

I adore Anabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy's strong and loyal bond of friendship.  They are always there for each other, and are more like family than friends. With each new book in this series, I feel like I get to know the characters better, and like I'm being reunited with old friends.  If you are a fan of historical romance, I recommend you check out the Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Book Review: Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers #1) by Lisa Kleypas

Secrets of a Summer Night
Wallflowers #1
By: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to: Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands . . . no matter what it takes.

Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.

Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

My Thoughts:

I've been listening to The Ravenels Series by Lisa Kleypas on Audible, and after reading both of the St. Vincents siblings love stories; Gabriel and Phoebe, I was excited to learn that their parents had their own love story, which is part of the Wallflowers series.  However, when I went to listen to their story, Devil in Spring, which is the third book in the series, I felt lost.  So I decided to begin the Wallflowers series with book one.  I would not recommend these books as standalones.  These books are best read in order.

First, I would like to mention that I prefer Mary Jane Wells, who is the narrator of The Ravenels Series.  She has a really pretty and soothing voice, and she is such an excellent narrator.  The narrator of the Wallflowers Series, Rosalyn Landor, does a really good job, but her voice comes across as more prim and proper, and mature sounding.

Secrets of a Summer Night introduces readers to four wallflowers; Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy, who forge a strong friendship, and band together to help each other find a husband.  Annabelle has a striking beauty.  Unfortunately, she can't find a husband because she lacks a dowry.  Her family is destitute after losing her father to a heart attack.  Pressure  is placed on her to marry a wealthy man so that her spouse can support her mother and brother, along with Annabelle.

Annabelle meets Simon Hunt who is not of the same social standing as she is, because he is a butcher's son.  However, Simon has made a vast amount of wealth through hard work and intelligent investments.  When Simon and Annabelle meet, sparks fly, and there is no denying their sizzling chemistry.  Simon makes his interest in Annabelle well know, but she is determined to resist him...

I wasn't the biggest fan of either main character at the beginning of the story.  Annabelle came off as snobby.  I didn't like the way she was so quick to count Simon out, just because he wasn't part of the same social class as she was.  I'm glad to say that as the story developed, I grew to like Annabelle.  She underwent a lot of character growth, and became a better person after all of the trials and tribulations she went through.  I liked Simon's big heart, and loyalty, but something that turned me off about him was how pushy and aggressive he could be towards Annabelle.  I liked his protectiveness and how he didn't play games and went after what he wanted, but at times, he was just too much.

However, after Annabella and Simon spent more time together, and I got to see more layers to who they were, I grew to like them both.  Their love story had romance, tenderness, and sweet moments, and undeniable chemistry.

My favorite part of this story was the four girls friendship. They are all so unique, but their sisterhood is strong, loyal, fun, and admirable. I can't wait to read each of their stories, and see them all together, teasing each other, scheming, always loyal, and up to their ears in shenanigans!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Book Review: Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels #6) by Lisa Kleypas

Chasing Cassandra
The Ravenels #6
By: Lisa Kleypas
Published: February 18, 2020
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

Everything has a price... 

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give. 

Everything except her... 

Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win. 

When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride: 

Never underestimate a Ravenel. 

The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun...

My Thoughts:

Chasing Cassandra was a story that completely swept me away... Cassandra was so sweet, kind, and I genuinely loved her character.  She's longed to fall in love and get married.  Her twin is happily married, and didn't even want it like Cassandra did!  Now she's stuck attending another season; alone, and bored with the men who are her prospects.  She attracts a lot of attention, because she is so beautiful, and comes with a generous dowry.  Unfortunately, finding luck in love hasn't been her fate.

Tom Severin is a man who gets what he wants.  Brilliance, business savvy, hard work, and determination have made him in to a successful and powerful railroad magnate.  Yet Tom is lonely for companionship.  When he see's the beautiful Cassandra, he is determined to make her his wife.  

There is a spark of attraction between the two of them, and Tom's personality intrigues her.  He is different from any man she's ever met before. Tom wants her to agree to marriage, but she refuses him when he says he will never love her, or anyone for that matter, because he believes himself incapable.

A male suitor that wants Cassandra, plays dirty by starting rumors about her, in order to try to force her hand into marriage.  Tom is angry that anyone would do that to Cassandra, but decides to use it as an opportunity to try to get her to wed him.  However, Cassandra isn't willing to settle on any road that doesn't lead to true love.

I adored this story!  Tom Severin was so amusing, and made me laugh.  The narrator really got in to character and became Tom. I can't tell you how many times I laughed.  Tom's personality really came through, and I fell in love with him, right alongside Cassandra.  He had so many layers to his character, and I enjoyed discovering each and every one.  For a man that believed he only had five emotions, we learned that he had a huge heart.  His past had shaped him in to the man he had become, but Cassandra brought out the best in him.

I loved all of the literary references, and how Tom always managed to put his own twist on each story's lesson.  Together, Tom and Cassandra were magic.  Their story was chock-full of feels, romance, swoons, laughs, and entertainment.  A favorite read of 2020, I highly recommended you pick up this story if you haven’t already! 

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks 

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Book Review: Devil in Spring (The Ravenels #3) by Lisa Kleypas

Devil in Spring
The Ravenels #3
By: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon Books
Published: February 21, 2017
Add to Goodreads
Source: Cloud Library Rental

An eccentric wallflower… 

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger. 

A cynical rake… 

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain. 

A perilous plot… 

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven... 

My Thoughts:

Devil in Spring was a fantastic audio, and a book where I didn't want to take my headphones off.  I'm enjoying The Ravenels Series, but have been listening to it out of order, more based on interest than anything else.  These can be read as standalones, and I have not had any problems following along.

Pandora is a a quirky, determined, and independent wallflower.  She doesn't ever want to get married, because her dream is to start her own game board business, and be the one running and controlling every aspect of it.  Unfortunately, once a lady marries, everything she owns becomes her husband's property.
Pandora has been attending the season, more as a support, so that her twin Cassandra, can find what she yearns for most; love and marriage.  However, at one such ball, Pandora finds herself in what appears to be a compromising position.  The handsome, wealthy, and upperclass, Lord Gabriel St. Vincent is just trying to be of assistance to Pandora, but their position is misconstrued. 

Now Lord St. Vincent must marry Pandora, or her reputation and that of her family will be ruined. The Ravenels' accept an invitation to spend the week with the St. Vincents at their estate, so everyone can get to know each other.

What follows is a beautiful love story that had me smiling and giddy.  I loved Pandora's strength, unique, fun, and impulsive personality.  I thought Gabriel was the traditional romantic hero.  He was gallant, and once he started to fall for Pandora, he was all about her.  My heart melted with how he was willing to give her what she needed, wanted, and deserved, in a time where women were considered second-class citizens.  His actions showed us how much he loved and treasured her.

If you like historical romance, or want to give it a try, I recommend reading, Devil in Spring.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Books

About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram