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Book CoverLawson’s review of Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Historical romance released by St. Martins 30 Sep 08

Before I start on anything, everyone reading this needs to take a moment and enjoy, probably for the millionth time, the beautiful red cover on this book. It’s so pretty, isn’t it? And now down to business: the story. Picking up where Mine Till Midnight left off, we see Win, the second Hathaway daughter, leaving England to go to a hospital to get healthy again. One of the major plot points from MtM was Leo and Win’s sufferings after having scarlet fever a couple of years before the action of the book. When Win returns, however, some things have changed.

Win returns to a different situation than when she’d left. Her sister Amelia’s marriage to Cam Rohan has benefited the family, who have some money for once. Her friend, Kev Merripen, who has been with the family for years, has become a harder person since Win left. Both Win and Merripen have been in love for years, but both haven’t done anything about it. Win has decided to move on and is considering an engagement to her doctor, Julian Harrow.

Win is shocked at the changes in Merripen, but with her feelings for Julian, she thinks that things will work out. The family leaves London to go to their country home, which is next door to Stony Cross Park, home of Lord Westcliff (of the Wallflower series). Win is happy to be healthy, in the country and being able to live her life for herself, though she chafes under some of her family’s well meaning care. What bothers Win the most are the changes in Merripen, who she had been very close to, and their arguments about what is best for Win and her life lead to some excellent scenes.

Win is a great leading lady. She’s been used to being the invalid of the family after her bout with scarlet fever left her very weak. Coming back from the hospital with Dr. Harrow helped not only her health, but her self esteem has improved enough that she stands up for herself to her family and to Merripen. She also tries to go after what she wants, which is Merripen, and though he rebuffs her due to his own fears, Win is able to convince him of his errors in judgment.

Merripen is a great foil for Win. Where she’s delicate and ladylike (but not weak) he’s strong and earthy. His life as a gypsy before coming to live with the Hathaways wasn’t easy, and he bonded with Win easily, though since he’s much taller and more muscular is always afraid that he’ll hurt Win. His realization that she is his woman and his steps to make everyone see that as well (especially Julian) shows the extremely passionate side of Merripen and makes him an excellent hero.

What makes this book so well done is the relationships of Win and Merripen, not only with each other, but with the other members of the family. Leo is definitely changed since MtM (he went to the hospital with Win and did some recovery himself). The way that Leo has matured makes me wonder when his story will come, and who will be a good match for him. The younger sisters, Poppy and Beatrice, have a new governess to help ease them into society, though of course, they are rather exuberant but they are endearing to their governess (who has some clashes with Leo and Bea’s pet ferret).

There’s also the discovery of Merripen’s gypsy family and the continuation of Cam’s search for his gypsy roots, and yes, the reason why Cam and Merripen have similar tattoos is also revealed. To tell the whys and hows, of course would be spoilers, and no, I’m not going to do that. But it’s a beautiful, passionate story with two characters that have lots of growth and get a very touching happily ever after. All with some humor, family and some satisfying endings, as well as beginnings along the way.

lawson-icon.jpgGrade: A

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…

Read an excerpt.

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