#63 - Love in the Afternoon ~ Lisa Kleypas

ISBN: 978-0-7499-5309-6

The last book in 2010, but only just got a chance to update the details on here.

This is the 5th Book in the Hathaway series, and I found it completely enjoyable.  With quite a few heart churning and breath catching moments in it.  The story of the youngest Hathaway Sister, Beatrix, a free-spirited girl with a love of natural history and animals.  She had a couple of Seasons in London, and whilst men seemed to like her, the unconventional lifestyle of the Hathaway Clan never managed to ensure that a suitable mate would offer for her.

Christopher Phelan once told everyone that she was more suited to the stables than the ton in fact, so how did they end up together?

Christopher planned to marry Beatrix's friend, Prudence when he returned from fighting in the Crimea, and had arranged to write to her via his Sister-in-law, Audrey.  However, Prudence a shallow, conceited and self-absorbed lady really couldn't find any need to write back to him.  Beatrix was horrified and begged her friend to let her reply on his behalf.

Somewhere along the way those letters turned into love letters, and Beatrix wrote breaking off contact.

Christopher eventually returned a war hero, and determined to claim the girl he had irrevocably fallen in love, but soon realises that the Prudence in the letters is far from the reality of Prudence the girl.

What began as an innocent deception turns into agony and unfulfilled love for them both.

A 4.5 ***** Star read.

I've actually started reading another Liz Carlyle book,but it will span the 2010/2011.  Therefore I will count in next year's reading total.  I have been thinking about how I will keep track as well, and decided the best way forward was to keep the running #no. at the top of each post, but then add a (#no.) brackets for the total for the current year.  That way I will know if I make the 144 challenge in 2011.

Happy reading all.

Hugs

Kay

#55 - Seduce Me at Sunrise ~ Lisa Kleypas

ISBN: 978-1-44480-005-0

The second book in the Hathaway Series, telling the story of Winifred Hathaway and Kev Merripen.

Kev (a Romany) was taken in by the Hathaway clan when he was small, after being badly beaten and left for dead.  He stayed on with the family, and formed a close bond with Win.

In 1848 she suffered a terrible attack of Scarlet Fever and was left an invalid.  Unwilling to accept her fate, she persuaded the Family to send her off to France, along with the brother Leo, to a special clinic set up Dr Julian Harrow.

Kev's love for her is so fierce that he would do anything to protect her from harm ..... unfortunately, she has other ideas .... and wants Kev at any cost, and nothing can eventual stand in the way of that love.

Their story unfolds, along with the mystery ehind the tattoo of the Pooka both Kev and Cam Rohan Winifred's brother-in-law, another Rom).

It is perhaps quite possible to write Win off from the beginning as weak and helpless, but she is far from that, in the end showing extraordinary spunk to get the truth from Julian Harrow!

I would urge you to read it, not a greatly exciting story, but highly enjoyable never the less.

A 3.5. **** Star read.

Happy reading.

Kay xoxo

#45 - Mine Til Midnight ~ Lisa Kleypas

ISBN:  0-7499-3855-2

This is another in the Hathaway Series, the story of Leo's (Lord Ramsay) Sister, Amelia and the half-gypsy Cam Rohan.

A little on the slow start to begin with,  The narrative seemed a bit dis-jointed for about 4 chapters, and then settled down to a pleasant enough story.  Almost like it could of done with a bit of a further edit before being published.

I should say a 3 *** star would be appropriate for this, but essential if you are reading any of the Hathaway series.  Actually, it also links into the Wallflower books along the way as well.

#43 -Tempt me at Twilight ~ Lisa Kleypas

ISBN:  978-0-7499-0958-1

Book No. 3 in the Hathaway series proved to be entertaining and a happy read.

The story of Harry Rutledge, owner of the hugely prosperous hotel of the same name, and Poppy Hathaway, Sister of Leo Hathaway, Lord Ramsey.  Harry is also the half-brother of Catherine Marks (who eventually marries Leo - see review #40).

The book starts with Poppy chasing the pet ferret through the hotel on her own and happening upon the rarely seen Harry Rutledge.  The letter is one of love from Michael Bayning, and Poppy is desperate that the secret does not get out before Mr Bayning's father agrees to the marriage.


The encounter with Poppy only left one thing for certain in Harry's mind .... that he wanted Poppy.  What Harry Rutledge wants, Harry Rutledge gets.


A set of circumstances see Michael Bayning break off the secret engagement, and Harry makes a move.

There are some delightful scenes - I love the catching of the monkey.  There are also a couple of laugh out loud ones too, I won't say much I wouldn't want to spoil them, but the discussion the staff of the Hotel have about vegetables was so funny.

Do not pass this one, or I suspect any in the series when you browse the book shelves to find something to read.  A 4 star **** read.

I am eager now to read the others in this series to find out the stories behind the other Hathaway sisters.


Happy reading.


Kay xoxo

#40 - Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas

ISBN:  978-0-7499-5304-1

One of the Hathaway series of books (I believe this is the 4th book), but actually the first in the series that I have read.

The story of Catherine Marks (who is the paid companion of Beatrix Hathaway) and her stormy relationship with her employer, Leo Lord Ramsay.

She is not what she seems at all, but despite their arguments she is what he most definitely fantasies about.

Will she eventually out run the danger she is in, will he ultimately win the prize .. her?

I would highly recommend this as a 3.5 **** star read that was interesting and tempting enough that I have just ordered the whole set of the Hathaway stories.

****