Sandy M’s review of Chasing Cassandra (Ravenels, Book 6) by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance published by Avon 18 Feb 20
I’m one of those who found Lisa Kleypas quite late in my years of romance reading. In fact, I discovered her by reading her contemporaries first. At that time I thought she couldn’t get any better. I was very wrong. While her Travis family books are still some of my favorites, I find myself captivated every so much by her historical romances. In this last book of the Ravenel series, while Tom is not my favorite hero, I did so enjoy watching him slowly but surely realize what he’s always believed about himself is nowhere near the truth.
Lady Cassandra Ravenel has just wished her twin sister a happy honeymoon and is now lamenting the hope she may find someone who will love her just as the rest of her family has found. She’s headed into her second season, and things aren’t looking too terrific for her to find love. The meeting between Cassandra and Tom Severin, a commoner, is delightfully done with Tom’s assurance he will marry her.
However, Tom doesn’t feel much, having only five feelings he’s had to deal with all his life – the ones he allows himself to feel – since he got through his horrible childhood and is now a self-made man. He knows he can never love Cassandra, but he can make her happy and give her her every heart’s desire. But Cassandra wants more and refuses Tom’s offer.
There are some wonderful scenes throughout the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed Cassandra joining Tom on the kitchen floor as he repairs a broken boiler, asking questions and showing interest in his talents. Later the scenes with Basil and his refusal to bathe will keep you chuckling. And Tom ever missing the point of the novels Cassandra recommends to him are quite fun. It’s scenes like this that draw Tom and Cassandra closer together, forcing each of them to grow and develop. Especially Tom. He has the farthest to go to realize he has so much more to offer anyone other than wealth.
After a bit of time goes by, Cassandra’s realization Tom is the man she wants isn’t met with nothing positive at all by her family. Her male cousins are friends with Tom and know him too well. But Cassandra has gotten to see and know a side of him no one else has ever witnessed. Of course, Tom’s heart continues to melt the more he interacts with Cassandra, and you just know his awakening is going to be superb.
Another wonderful story from Ms. Kleypas. With this series ending, I’m so very curious to see what she has planned next.
Grade: A
Summary:
Everything has a price . . .
Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.
Everything except her . . .
Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.
When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:
Never underestimate a Ravenel.
The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun . . .
Read an excerpt.
