Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2)
by Lisa Kleypas
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Book Reviews of Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2)
Book Review: When She's Good, She's Very, Very Good...
Summary: 4 Stars
...Lisa Kleypas, that is. I loved the first book in the series, "Mine Til Midnight" and I'm happy to report that this book is every bit as good as the first.
I confess, I was worried that I wouldn't like the two lead characters, Win and Kev, as much as I absolutely adored Cam and Amelia. Kev was such a dark character, and Win had that ethereal, too good to be true quality in the first book. I'm so pleased to see that LK was able to add different dimensions to each of them, resulting in two very compelling people. I'll confess that I still prefer Cam to Kev, but I now understand why Win loved him all those years.
So why four stars instead of five? Unlike some other reviewers, I loved the way the whole Hathaway clan barged in and out of Cam and Amelia's stories and rather missed the added texture that those family interactions added to the character development in the first book. The lack, I believe, resulted in a sense of disconnection between Kev and the Hathaways. And the whole mysterious tattoo storyline and appearance of the long-lost relative in the final nine pages of the book were entirely predictable.
But all in all, this is a lovely book - sweet, sensuous and filled with excellent dialogue between interesting characters. And while the book stands quite well on its own, it is best enjoyed as a sequel to "Mine 'Til Midnight."
Thank you, Ms. Kleypas, for returning to your historical romance roots after those two contemporary disasters you published last year. Welcome back, we missed you.
Book Review: Fabulous sequel...couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I finally finished it last night. I LOVED it. Loved, loved, loved. It still isn't as good as Derek Craven's book and Alex and Lily's book (my two favorites, obviously), but I loved it. Part of the reason I loved it so much is I really didn't care for the last book. Very disappointing, as Cam was one of my favorite heroes. In my opinion, he got a dud of a heroine. I think Amelia is super annoying. Blech. But anyways, I was hooked into this book almost right away. That hotel scene. Woooh. I couldn't put the book down after that. I even got up at 5am to read before work. I loved Kev's inner thoughts regarding Win, especially when they were younger. I was hoping that he'd eventually share that with her. The things he thought about Win were so romantic and beautiful. I was very touched. That's what I love in a romance novel...romance! So many books get caught up with mystery and lust (which I don't mind), but I really just want the flowery, lovely words that get my heart fluttering, and Kev had that...er...but just in his head. I'm still not a fan of Leo and was really hoping he and Ms. Marks would just have a sub plot romance in the book. I don't think he can carry his own, although with all the side characters from past books, it'll be worth it.
I've also been wondering how LK is doing all this. How many books does she put out a year??? She has the modern ones and the Wallflowers and the Hathaways. Every time I turn around there's another LK book.
Anyways, glad I could finally put my two cents in:)
Book Review: Wasn't effective where it needed to be
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm a huge Kleypas fan, have been since her Bow Street Runner series, but in recent years with her Wallflowers and Hathaways, I feel like she's settled into a very different voice and pace, and not for the better. She used have characters with conviction, and now everyone just bounces around crying "woe is me," giving into their carnal sides at the drop of a hat.
With Seduce Me at Sunrise, yes, it was emotional and intense, but at the same time... shallow. Rather baffling how she pulled that off. I have to quote SB Candy on this one, a phrase she's used repeatedly for Kleypas in the past: GET OVER IT, YA G!@#$%! P@!$!. There's no sympathy to be found, because Kev's inner conflict is preached to you. You're supposed to forgive him all the rash, stupid things he does to Win because he's haunted by his Deep, Dark Past--what, does he want a cookie? For someone who's supposed to be so strong and hardened, he has the weakest spine in the entire novel. The back and forth nonsense that he and Win do for most of the book gets tiring very quickly. It wanted to be one of those fevered romances, all uncontrollable, passionate, and deep, but it came off selfish, weak, and just... immature. And for an author whose characters I have always loved, I found myself not caring a fig for Kev or Win by the end of it all.
That said, the book's saving grace was Leo, a welcome comic relief and easily the most resolute Hathaway. I can't wait to see what he and Catherine Marks can cook up in their book.
Book Review: engaging Victorian romance
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1836 the English attack a Gypsy camp. The youngster Kev Merripen tried to fight, but was knocked in the head by the butt of a rifle and stabbed in the back by a bayonet. His tribe fled leaving him behind to die. A hated Gadjo the Hathaway patriarch saves his life though Kev's disdain would have someone think otherwise. Filled with gypsy superstitions, Kev is raised in the home of a rationalist. However, his host's daughter Winifred softens his hostile outlook. Kev loves Win who is sent to France to recover from an illness.
A dozen years later she comes home only to find her childhood friend angry and nasty towards her and seemingly everyone else. He tries to drive her away even as she only shows him kindness. Win knows she loves her gypsy and considers seduction to win his heart. However, she begins to give up on him leaving room for other suitors as Kev struggles between his desire for Win and his belief that a Gadjo and Romany cannot unite even in love.
Lisa Kleypas' latest Victorian romance (see MINE TILL MIDNIGHT and THE DEVIL IN WINTER) is an engaging tale starring a wonderful extremely tolerant female and a somewhat self defeating hero. Kev is the posterboy for the self fulfilling prophecy as he assumes the worst of others so takes no chances on his heart. Readers will appreciate the determined Win trying to persuade the obstinate Kev they belong together although his stubbornness can become a trifle frustrating.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Another intensely passionate love story
Summary: 4 Stars
A beautifully fragile woman has always loved the handsome, dark and brooding "gypsy" raised in their home. He has always loved her, but believing his dark past is a danger to her, has never allowed himself to touch or dream of her.
In Seduce Me... you are captivated by Win's drive to conquer her frailty and Kev's intense love for Win. You can feel their need for one another sometimes before they realize it themselves. There is no question as to will they or won't they, as they always do. The marvel is the how and the moment in which they finally do. Explosive.
As always, we are rewarded with cameos from past favorite characters, a glimpse of a future romance, and very steamy love scenes. This book will be hard to put down.
Lisa Kleypas is, if not the best, certainly one of the best historical romance writers of our time. I admit to having read too many of the regency era romances. Kleypas can weave an intensely passionate love story like no other. I don't know how she manages to capture our hearts each and every time, but I am certainly glad she does. I cannot wait to see how the other Hathaways find their true loves.
Other recommendations: Kleypas' Wallflower series, especially my favorite, The Devil in Winter. The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3)