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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Hardy, who shows up in the first book, returns. Honestly, with the first book, I was almost upset Hardy didn't end up being the love interest. But this book gives him a fitting end. I can appreciate that Lisa Kleypas sets up the story and gives the characters realistic instincts and timeline to discover one another. Another great book in this series.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first quarter of this book was hard to read. I had to take some much-needed breaks because what happened to Haven was heartbreaking. Unfortunately, it's also the reality for a lot of women. The fact that this book was written more than 15 years ago and to this day still more than relevant proves that we still have a lot of work to do in regards to domestic abuse. It opens up conversations about narcissists and how best to deal with them as well.
Spoilers & Trigger Warnings:
****Graphic descriptions of rape & domestic violence (physical & emotional abuse).****
I had to skip several chapters because of the violence but managed to enjoy Hardy & Haven’s relationship.
****Graphic descriptions of rape & domestic violence (physical & emotional abuse).****
I had to skip several chapters because of the violence but managed to enjoy Hardy & Haven’s relationship.
I have a huge grin on my face (and a lump in my throat). At the very beginning when the "blue-eyed devil" was introduced, I was thinking No! It's too soon! How could it be?. But it was. And their chemistry was intense. Neither one of them expected anything like what happened, but it was intense.
On the one hand, I was glad that Haven attempted to stand up to her family and marry who she wanted, regardless of what they thought. But as soon as Nick started distancing her from everyone, belittling her at every turn, blaming her because they didn't have money (what part of "I will disown her if she marries you" did you not understand?)... that first strike. Why, oh why didn't she call her family? I've thankfully never been in that position, so it's difficult for me to understand why someone would keep something like that to herself. Why you'd accept that it was your fault when you'd done absolutely nothing wrong. And him not letting you attend a beloved family member's funeral because he has to attend a company picnic and you have to put on a happy face for it??? Kick that fucker to the curb, thankyouverymuch! But she didn't. And my heart broke for her. Over and over again.
I have to hand it to Hardy. He recognized cues from Haven and was able to make her feel safe enough to divulge her secrets. He was her white knight in so many ways, and I think she saved him a little bit, too. After what happened in the first book, I can understand why everyone was so hesitant about him. I kept expecting him to fuck up. I'm sure even he was wondering when he was going to fuck up. I was surprised and yet not that he even tried to make that stupid deal at the end, but I was glad he saw how stupid that was.
Haven and Hardy made a great pair. Can't wait to see who's next!
On the one hand, I was glad that Haven attempted to stand up to her family and marry who she wanted, regardless of what they thought. But as soon as Nick started distancing her from everyone, belittling her at every turn, blaming her because they didn't have money (what part of "I will disown her if she marries you" did you not understand?)... that first strike. Why, oh why didn't she call her family? I've thankfully never been in that position, so it's difficult for me to understand why someone would keep something like that to herself. Why you'd accept that it was your fault when you'd done absolutely nothing wrong. And him not letting you attend a beloved family member's funeral because he has to attend a company picnic and you have to put on a happy face for it??? Kick that fucker to the curb, thankyouverymuch! But she didn't. And my heart broke for her. Over and over again.
I have to hand it to Hardy. He recognized cues from Haven and was able to make her feel safe enough to divulge her secrets. He was her white knight in so many ways, and I think she saved him a little bit, too. After what happened in the first book, I can understand why everyone was so hesitant about him. I kept expecting him to fuck up. I'm sure even he was wondering when he was going to fuck up. I was surprised and yet not that he even tried to make that stupid deal at the end, but I was glad he saw how stupid that was.
Haven and Hardy made a great pair. Can't wait to see who's next!
TW: Physical abuse, rape
Everyone is raving about amazing Hardy Cates is. BUT can we please talk about the awesomeness that is Haven Travis. I have only two words to describe this girl-
✨ Pure Kindness ✨
I CRIED when I read about what she went through during her marriage. Lisa Kleypas did such a good job describing how one feels trapped in an abusive relationship. Haven struggling with the trauma after her divorce, and overcoming it was really why I give this book 4 stars. Hardy's cool too, but he was more of a lukewarm hero. I think that because we didn't get his perspective, it was hard to make him out as a complicated character.
I took one star away because all of the major villains in this book (Nick, Vanessa), BASICALLY FACED NO REPURCUSSIONS. I found it hard to believe that Nick didn't even get a slap on the wrist during the divorce. Other than that though, this is a solid read.
Everyone is raving about amazing Hardy Cates is. BUT can we please talk about the awesomeness that is Haven Travis. I have only two words to describe this girl-
✨ Pure Kindness ✨
I CRIED when I read about what she went through during her marriage. Lisa Kleypas did such a good job describing how one feels trapped in an abusive relationship. Haven struggling with the trauma after her divorce, and overcoming it was really why I give this book 4 stars. Hardy's cool too, but he was more of a lukewarm hero. I think that because we didn't get his perspective, it was hard to make him out as a complicated character.
I took one star away because all of the major villains in this book (Nick, Vanessa), BASICALLY FACED NO REPURCUSSIONS. I found it hard to believe that Nick didn't even get a slap on the wrist during the divorce. Other than that though, this is a solid read.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
I am very familiar with the effects narcissism personality disorder can have on a person. I had no idea that this book had a narcissist and his victim as characters. I was quite awed by Kleypas's descriptions of the behaviors of not only the narcissist, but the victim. Her research on this subject was quite thorough.
Rather than berate myself for taking so long to read this, I'm glad to have finally succumbed to the awesomeness that is Lisa Kleypas.