Veena’s review of Hello Stranger (The Ravenels, Book 4) by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 Feb 18
Historical romances were my first love. However, in the past few years I’ve found myself enjoying romantic thrillers and romantic suspense novels. This is a great period story that blends all the elements that make it a win for me. Ethan and Garret are delightful modern characters in a historical time warp with a great story to tell. Thank you, Sybil, for suggesting I read the book.
Garrett is a the perfect heroine. Against all odds she has achieved her dream of becoming a doctor. The determination and self-will that have forged her into the only woman doctor in England are clearly evident, but what makes her character adorable is her scintillating wit, sense of humor, and strong sense of self. Her first encounter with Ethan is disturbing as he quickly demonstrates how her self-confidence might be a little misplaced, but it isn’t until he demonstrates street fighting in the safety of the studio where she trains that she understands the risks to herself and how Ethan can train her to overcome the same.
It’s quite refreshing to see the naïve innocent who feels the surge of lust in Garrett’s reaction to Ethan. Her initial meeting at her home surgery is enlightening to both of them. Ethan is embroiled in shadows and secrets that have the potential to derail governments. The last thing he needs is to fall in love and make himself vulnerable, but the heart wants what the heart wants and it would take a stronger man than Ethan to stand firm against Garrett’s determined siege.
It’s inevitable that Garrett be swept into Ethan’s shadowy world where she finds that he’s been hiding more than government secrets. She pulls off a medical miracle and fights to create a future for Ethan and her. The cast of characters is superb, and it’s clear that there’s history there that I am determined to find and read in the earlier books in the series. The next book in the series holds a lot of promise from the glimpses that we’ve seen so far.
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can’t resist her
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.
I can’t believe you haven’t read Devil in Spring!!! You must!!!
I enjoyed this one but it was more a B- for me. Garrett is fabulous but Ethan was a bit… dunno I expected more from his character. After you read Marrying Winterborne (where we meet the h/h) and Devil in Spring, I so wanna know what you think.
Cold-hearted Rake is good. About a C+ read but by far my least fave of the series.
I need to read all the others too, having read only Devil in Spring, which I absolutely loved. Maybe that’s why I haven’t started those yet. I really really love DiS!
Ladies cool your jets! I found Devil in Spring and loved it. I think it’s connected to the Wallflowers series which I loved. I also enjoyed Marrying Winterborne which is not as powerful as DiS. What a different view hindsight gives one. I have not read Cold Hearted Rake since I did not have it in my TBR pile and given your review of it will pass. I never thought I’d say “Too many books not enough time to read” but I think I’m there.