Series: The Gamblers #1
Published by HarperCollins e-books on October 13th 2009
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
She thought her heart was safe, but ...
Reckless, wild, and beautiful, Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society—and now she is determined to rescue her sister from an unwanted impending marriage to the notorious Alex, Lord Raiford, by fair means or foul. But while she succeeds outrageously, Alex is a master gamesman who is not to be undone.
Alex has lost one bride, yet he is enchanted by this remarkable lady who is willing to break any rule to flaunt her independence. When Lily offers him only scorn, he counters with kindness, and he parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, tender touch. The spirited miss will pay dearly for her interference—with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, unyielding heart. But will Alex's own heart be the prize to be won in this sensuous game of love?
I have been meaning to read these two books for a re read, and then I realized that I was in the mood for some good Kleypas re reading, and plus I could fit them into one of my reading challenges!! I was shocked to learn I hadn’t done reviews on this series and that has GOTTA change now!! Because quite frankly both of these books are amazing. But let me discuss the first book in the series…Then Came You. Now what is so great about this book?? Well quite frankly quite a bit. We have our heroine, who is unconventional, wild and free and doesn’t like to be tied to. She likes to ride, hunt, shoot, wear trousers and jump into freezing waters for a thrill. Not your typical debutante? Well she isn’t any typical heroine. But she also has many vulnerabilities, including the fact that she is on the search for her daughter who was kidnapped. When she learns her young shy and quiet sister Penelope is set to marry the formidable Alex the Lord of Wolverton. Alex seems to be harsh and cold, but he just hides who he really is. He still suffers from grief of his fiancee who died while riding and broke her neck. But Lily wakes up his passions and his possesive nature.
“I want to give you whatever elusive, impossible, goddamned mysterious thing it is you need in order to be happy. Does that frighten you? Well, it frightens the hell out of me. Don’t you think I’d stop feeling this way if I could? It’s not as if you’re the easiest woman in the world to—” He checked himself suddenly.”
These two are quite frankly….EXPLOSIVE!! Re reading this book was a fun ride and I can’t believe I hadn’t read this one in so long. I really adored both characters, I would have five starred this one but there were a couple scenes where anger gets the best of the heroine and I didn’t exactly concur with her actions. But overall what a enjoyable story! I love the humor, the fabulous dialogue and the chemistry these two have. And we get some fun times with the hero of Dreaming Of You Derek Craven. He really pulls matchmaker a bit here, and I enjoyed his role in their story.
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Dreaming of You by Lisa KleypasSeries: The Gamblers #2
Published by Avon on June 30th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 373
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 038077352X
She stood at danger's threshold—then love beckoned her in.
In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven—and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.
A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house—a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion...and the promise of love.
Now I get to talk about Dreaming Of You!! What a book, this is still one of my top favorites to read from this author!! I still can’t get enough of these two and most especially Derek Craven is one delicious hero and would make for the best book boyfriend. He is one of those heroes, that may not seem like the best heroes but he proves his love over and over and never needs to say it. Our hero, started from the bottom. He was raised by prostitutes, lived on the streets and learned how to survive, found his brain with math, and built himself up to his dream and runs the most famous gambling hell in London. He has everything he could ever need….wealth, estates, respect but there is one thing he doesn’t have….love and a family to come home to. But he makes a mistake in having an affair with a married woman—-who is a bitch (sorry for my language…but she is!) She is so crazy. Well he ends up injured and finds himself being resscued by a small country mouse of a woman, who likes to write and read. She is quite famous with her book, that is quite popular. She is working on her sequel, and needs to do her research in rookeries, brothels and gambling hells. When she comes across Derek Craven, and finds out who he really is….she is so excited. She is almost giddy to enter a gambling hell!! I loved her enthusiasm and spirited nature. She is sweet and kind, but is tough when needed. I love the way she turns Derek into a mess of emotions. He has never met a woman like her before, and I really enjoyed seeing her turn him inside out.
Clinging to him desperately, Sara kept her mouth at his ear. “Listen to me.” All she could do was play her last card. Her voice trembled with emotion. “You can’t change the truth. You can act as though you’re deaf and blind, you can walk away from me forever, but the truth will still be there, and you can’t make it go away. I love you.” She felt an involuntary tremor run through him. “I love you,” she repeated. “Don’t lie to either of us by pretending you’re leaving for my good. All you’ll do is deny us both a chance at happiness. I’ll long for you every day and night, but at least my conscience will be clear. I haven’t held anything back from you, out of fear or pride or stubbornness.” She felt the incredible tautness of his muscles, as if he were carved from marble. “For once have the strength not to walk away,”she whispered. “Stay with me. Let me love you, Derek.”
These two are quite wonderful together and once Derek realizes how he feels about her and admits it….then the ball really gets rolling on their story. He fights it there for a while, but once he stops fighting his feelings for Sara, he becomes the most devoted husband. I just loved that!! But the end there….really can get to your emotions. Big Time!!
“I love you,” he told her, wiping impatiently at the tears that kept trickling down his face. “I couldn’t say it before. I couldn’t –” He clenched his trembling jaw, trying to control the hot flow of tears. It only made them worse. Giving up, he buried his face in her hair. “Bloody hell,” he muttered.
Sara had never seen him so undone, had never imagined it possible. Stroking his dark head, she whispered meaningless words, trying to give him comfort.
“I love you,” he repeated hoarsely, burrowing against her. “I would have given my life to have one more day with you, and tell you that.”
I love how Kleypas developed this story…everything is just perfect for this book and it fits just right for the characters. I honestly can’t recommend enough to read this one if you haven’t picked it up yet!! Plus its on sale right NOW!!
I have never read any of her historical ones
oh really? did you like her contemporaries? Blue eyed devil is my favorite. She does really great with HR though. You should pick one of them up.
You were enjoying some Kleypas. I really like most of the books of hers that I read. I admit that I haven’t read a ton of them.
Yes I love Kleypas!! She is such a talented author especially when it comes to writing historical’s. I think I have read all of her books, except maybe one of the earlier ones. You definitely should read more of her.
Looks like I need to read some Kleypas books!!!
oh you do Lily…she is wonderful to read. 🙂
LISA KLEYPAS!!
Lily truly was very unconventional heroine even for LK but I loved her. Though she could be quite reckless and temperamental at times. But yes, she and Alex were very explosive together!
But ahhhhh! Sara & Derek are MY FAVORITE. I love them so so much. This book has some of the best romantic quotes! <3 I just love how Derek melted around him. I re-read this one earlier this year, but now you're making me want to pick it up again!! 🙂
Wonderful reviews!
Derek and Sarah are so AMAZING!!! I just love these two, from the beginning they have a great connection. But boy does it get pretty emotional and I loved reading their story again since it had been quite a few years.
The first story sounds good, but I think that second one would grip my emotions and give me a great story. I can see why they are re-reads.
oh yes Sophia….even though this was a re read, I was still sobbing in the end. Definitely need to pick this one up.
I adore Dreaming of You. I think it was the first Lisa Kleypas book I ever read. Although I could be mistaken. I haven’t read it in years. I should totally reread it. Derek is sooo swoony, and I love Sara, too.
Derek is awesome right? I love these two together, they just balance one another out in the end.
Thank you for a heads up with the sale! I so need to read something, especially a historical, by this author — I can’t believe I haven’t done yet. Great double review ♥
Oh Eva you need to pick this author up NOW!!! I promise you will love her. She is one of the best historical romance authors out there. And the book is on sale, so you can’t lose right? Hope you enjoy it if you pick it up *grins*
Dreaming of You is one of my top reads of all time and Derek Craven one of my all-time favourite heroes.
oh I agree Carol!!! Derek is so memorable isn’t he? I have read quite a few HR’s…but he is one of those that I still love reading even after all these years.
Renee, there are some heroes who are just unforgettable.
Okay, I was all excited for the fist one b/c Lily s SO my kind of heroine. Then I read your review for the 2nd one ….. NEED!
Gah I’m a horrible historical romance reader. I’ve still not tried Kleypas. They both sound fantastic and such gorgeous covers!
Love the reviews! I’m still kind of new to her historical romances although I’ve really enjoyed the few I’ve read. (Marrying Winterborne is so flipping good!!) I will SO be reading these two! LOL
Dreaming of You was one of those books I liked the first read, but with every re-read I love it a little bit more! I’m thinking I need to re-read again soon, haha.