C2’s review of Hello Stranger (Ravenels, Book 4) by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 Feb 18
Ah, Faithful Reader, it’s so lovely to see you here! Sure, everyone and her sister has reviewed this already, but I’ll offer up my two cents, too. You’re welcome.
In the latest installment of the Ravenels series, Ms. Kleypas tells us the story of the Dr. Garrett Gibson, the family’s physician. But is that the only connection? Or is there something we don’t know about the mysterious Ethan Ransom?
Ethan has been watching over Garrett from afar for a while – which she doesn’t really appreciate, after she finds out…even though he rescues her from some thugs. Still, she does recognize his point, eventually, and agrees to extra self-defense training from him and her fencing master.
As the attraction between them grows, Garrett is more willing to have a fling than Ethan is. She doesn’t see marriage as something in her future but is intrigued by him. Ethan doesn’t think he will live long – spies, you know – but doesn’t want to expose her to extra danger and doesn’t want to make himself vulnerable, either. She could be used against him and they would both end up dead. But…you can’t fight chemistry. And Ethan is a romantic.
Truthfully, for me, the spy aspect of the story is the weak point. Or the I-don’t-care point. I enjoyed the interactions between Garrett and Ethan, as well as the interactions with the Ravenels (especially West), but the spy stuff? Whatever. This villain isn’t as unrealistic as some spymasters I have met in other books, but uber evil villains are never my fave.
This is my least favorite book of the series so far, but that’s just a quibble (for those interested, my order of preference: Devil in Spring, Marrying Winterbourne, Cold Hearted Rake, Hello Stranger). Of course, it is very good! Few people do historicals as well as Ms. Kleypas and this is a worthy addition to her booklist.
Can we pause and talk about the cover, though? I mean…1992’s prom called and wants that dress back. Also, hello SEARING PINK! Lisa Kleypas is a big name and solid performer, she deserves better than that. Jeez.
Grade: A-
Summary:
A woman who defies her time
Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.
A man who breaks every rule
As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.
No excerpt available.
Other books in the series:
