Dreaming of You is one of the first, if not the first, historical romance I have read where the main characters aren’t aristocratic tonish omgbutheisaduke/sheisaladyIamnogoodforhim/her people.
Of course he still isn’t good enough for her ;).
I really enjoyed this book, the hero still had a ton of money because really we can’t get too normal everyday people in a historical romance. And I am ok with that, if I want that I will go read The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber and be depressed.
Sara Fielding and Derek Craven are two of my favorite characters. Even though Derek does get a touch, oh, possessive but you can understand it. He grew up with nothing and fought for every little thing he has. And there is a deep down terror you can feel in him and in his shock that he has been given a chance at happiness with Sara. You can believe he is just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Sara was great, loving, patient and all round perfect for Derek. I found it amusing, she asks herself at one point could she live the rest of her life with constantly running into people her husband had sex with. (or something like that) Because honestly that is something I think I couldn’t deal with every time I read the rakish, slept with half the ton, being tamed man. I mean really, could you do it? Every ball or party you walk into there will be at least one person that has screwed your hubby.
Cuz really how many people ARE there in the ton? Then again I seem to over think on odd things. Go figure…
I must go get Then Came You because I adored Lilly. I haven’t read too many LK books but after this one I think I am going to.
I go back and forth between DOY and Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels as my all time favourite book.
I’ve read everything Kleypas has written, including her VERY HARD TO FIND early releases. Although for the most part I really like her, for me she never really came close before or after Dreaming of You.
I have When Dreams Begin, Because You’re Mine, Someone To Watch Over Me, and Worth Any Price – which would your rec next. I also have Suddenly You but I have read it.
Here’s my list of favorites
1) Dreaming of You
2) Suddenly You
3) Where Dreams Begin
4) Worth Any Price(this one has a a star. The Hero in this one is the villian in Lady Sophia’s Lover. I hated LSL and can’t really recommend it except for the character of Nick Gentry. But then I’ve noticed quite a few people love LSL)
5) Secrets of a Summer Night
6) Stranger In My Arms
7) Someone to Watch Over Me
The rest I all kind of lump together.
Damn I am good, I already have your first four…
heh unless you were just putting my books in order. 🙂
I am still not sure about number five and that series. I have just been very eh, every time I pick it up.
sybil