Reviews of two books by Lisa Kleypas…

Suddenly You
Published 28 Nov 06 by Avon 

I picked this up for my first book by this author.  I had several books but this was a single title. Since she’s a new author for me I didn’t want to start a series.

I’d been struggling through a couple of bad books the last few days and I thought it was my mental state.  I was wonderfully surprised to be drawn in and pulled right along.  I indulged and finished the book at 7 in the morning.  I will be reading a lot more by this author.  (And I won’t be trying even one more Bertrice Small.  Life is too short.)

The heroine Amanda Briars is a sensational novelist.  She’s also a spinster.  When she turns 30 years old she takes her situation in hand and goes to a madam to hire a man for her birthday.  The man who shows up at her door, though, stops short of fulfilling his duty.  He won’t take her innocence.

Jack Devlin is definitely an alpha hero.  He determines to have Amanda but not under false pretenses.  He uses her pent up desires and some strong body language against her on several occasions.  At the same time, he feels unworthy of her and fights himself every step of the way.

The chemistry in this book is very strong.  Actually flushed face, squirming strong.  I have to say most erotica with all of the explicit description doesn’t come near what is accomplished with tension in this book.  (And, sorry ladies, I think this carriage scene is much better than the one previously discussed.)

I’m actually surprised Rosario gave this book such a high rating.  It seems to hit most of her hot buttons.  Amanda says “no” over and over and is ignored by Jack.  Not only does he assume that she doesn’t mean it… she doesn’t.  This isn’t just in essence a bodice ripper.  This is literally a bodice ripper.  He does it at least twice.  The ending, too, I thought wasn’t her usual thing.  Well, rules are made to be broken.  I am not at all surprised that these two trumped the obvious objections with the sheer power of their story.

Grade: A-

Someone to Watch Over Me
Published 4 May 99 by Avon

My first book by Kleypas was Suddenly You.  Continuing my discovery of this wonderful author I next chose Someone to Watch Over Me.  I figured a trilogy would be a good way to get better acquainted. StWOM is a revenge/amnesia story. 

Kleypas’ picture of Regency England is more clear than any I’ve read.  I’m gaining a feel for the period that I didn’t have before.  While not possessing of an especially unique plot this story does have the author’s gift for emotion.  There is a suspense sub-plot but nonetheless I would still say it is a character-driven story.  The H/H were well drawn.  This book doesn’t even approach Suddenly You, though, in the depth of the emotion (intensity).

So far, both books have had an especially drawn out ending/epilogue.  I consider both of them completely unnecessary to the point that they detracted from my feeling of satisfaction when I closed the cover.  I appreciate authors like Suzanne Brockmann and Linda Howard in their respect for their readers’ intelligence, not explaining every detail where we can fill in the blanks.

But the H/H in StWOM  are sweet.  Kleypas doesn’t make it the very last page before they are willing to declare their love (refreshing).  Misunderstandings and secrets aren’t hounded to death.  There is good tension and the story is very enjoyable.  I highly recommend it.  

Grade: B+