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miraphora's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, bhe, ormai non mi sorprendo nemmeno più. Apro un libro della Kleypas e gli appippo il voto massimo neanche fosse scontato. Eppure è così: anche questa volta la Kleypas ha prodotto una storia degna dei nomi più rinomati del genere woman fiction. Questa volta la storia è meno 'sobria' rispetto a Sugar daddy, perchè vengono trattati problemi molto gravi riguardanti la sfera privata: violenze sessuali, abusi psicologici e fisici. Insomma, di certo un presupposto per niente leggero sul quale basare la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti. Haven è la sorella di Gage, eroe di Sugar Daddy, unica Travis femmina e quindi schiacciata dalle aspettative del padre, della madre e anche dei fratelli. Quando decide di prendere una sua decisione si trova sposata a Nick, un uomo apparentemente normale ma che, con il tempo, dimostra di soffrire di una patologia chiamata 'sindrome del narcisista'. Haven subisce, quindi, sia fisicamente che psicologicamente, tutti i risvolti sgradevoli di questo problema, fino ad arrivare al culmine, quando solo con l'aiuto dei fratelli riesce a rimettersi in carreggiata e a guarire. In questo contesto ricompare Hardy, l'affascinante nemico della famiglia Travis, che non ha mai dimenticato Haven dopo tanto tempo dal loro primo incontro. Il rapporto che si instaura tra i due è molto particolare: Haven deve per forza fare i conti con i suoi complessi, mentre Hardy cambia totalmente metro di giudizio sul quale basare la sua vita. In realtà tutto il libro è la storia di Haven perchè. oltre ad essere scritto in prima persona, non si addentra mai troppo nel passato e nei perchè di Hardy, lasciando che lo si conosca solo attraverso la protagonista. Naturalmente tutto il romanzo è un inno alla forza di volontà, alla speranza di avere una vita migliore e di sapersi tirare su dopo un forte trauma. Il messaggio è chiaro: l'amore cura ogni cosa, ma soprattutto l'amore rischia di far soffrire. Un'arma a doppio taglio che Haven conosce bene: prima innamorata di Nick, che risulta essere un pazzo furibondo, e poi l'amore graduale e curativo di Hardy. Insomma, la Kleypas ha gestito moltobene una storia che parla tanto di sentimenti e che si basa un pò di meno sulla storia d'amore. C'è troppo su cui riflettere per volere più love story. Ho passato metà del libro ad augurare ogni male ai 'cattivi' del libro: da Nick a quella vacca spaziale di Vanessa, passando per i vari membri della famiglia Travis che, con tutta la buona volontà, hanno fatto quasi più danni che altro.
Non si può non apprezzare un romanzo del genere che, anche se mi ha conquistata un pochino meno di Sugar Daddy, rimane un bellissimo esempio di come si possano trattare situazioni tristemente contemporanee come le violenze domestiche unendole ad una storia d'amore che non trascende la realtà. Per la serie, alla fine l'amore e la felicità tornano sempre. Ebbrava la sciura Lisa.
Non si può non apprezzare un romanzo del genere che, anche se mi ha conquistata un pochino meno di Sugar Daddy, rimane un bellissimo esempio di come si possano trattare situazioni tristemente contemporanee come le violenze domestiche unendole ad una storia d'amore che non trascende la realtà. Per la serie, alla fine l'amore e la felicità tornano sempre. Ebbrava la sciura Lisa.
jgilge's review against another edition
4.0
Heck. Yes. This book was outstanding. It covered a serious issue so well, and didn't pull any punches when doing so. Haven and Hardy are so perfect for each other, and so sweet together I think my stomach started hurting from the overload.
hinalovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
Hardy Cates, the man I formed a very negative image of in the previous book, and a naive Haven Travis find their happily ever after in this one. No, this is not a spoiler as the synopsis as good as says this.
Like the previous book, there is an instance that I am glossing over because it goes against something I staunchly believe in. And likewise a star is being socked off for that.
The thing that needs a mention is the strength of the woman in this scenario. The way she gets herself out of an abusive situation albeit a little late but that also depicts reality of the situation as from what I understand one needs to first come to terms with themselves and realise that they do not deserve what's being dished out to them. I applaud her for finding the courage to move on and getting to understand that she is not to blame!
As for Hardy, I will say he may have redeemed himself in this one but I am not ready to forgive him yet. It can be called a prejudice against this man or whatever but for me Haven is the star in this one.
My rating for the most part is for the way a very prominent social issue being highlighted in this story.
Like the previous book, there is an instance that I am glossing over because it goes against something I staunchly believe in. And likewise a star is being socked off for that.
The thing that needs a mention is the strength of the woman in this scenario. The way she gets herself out of an abusive situation albeit a little late but that also depicts reality of the situation as from what I understand one needs to first come to terms with themselves and realise that they do not deserve what's being dished out to them. I applaud her for finding the courage to move on and getting to understand that she is not to blame!
As for Hardy, I will say he may have redeemed himself in this one but I am not ready to forgive him yet. It can be called a prejudice against this man or whatever but for me Haven is the star in this one.
My rating for the most part is for the way a very prominent social issue being highlighted in this story.
Spoiler
Domestic violence is a reality that the world is catching up on as it is not considered a family matter anymore that should not involve the forces or the state. The same is true for bullying. I have been on the receiving hand of it and I can so get how frustrating it can get as it erodes your self-worth and then self-respect.riskyduck's review against another edition
3.0
Really enjoyable book with no major missteps.
Several laugh at loud parts of the book, especially with the Travis family and their defensiveness.
Main problem for me was character development, especially for Hardy. Also, Haven's passiveness when it came to dealing with her new catty boss and Nick. How many times did she identify exactly what Vanessa was and why she was doing it...and yet...nothing. It was frustrating, and the least interesting/enjoyable part of the book.
Maybe there is a bit of realism in her avoiding the seriousness of Nick's stalking, as abuse victims are likely to want to pretend there is no problem, but it was too stupid to bear. There was incredible luck in her not getting hurt from the confrontations...the kind only found in books-just so the main guy gets to be the hero.
I think Kleypas writes better in the present, and avoids some cliches that bothered me in her historical fiction. However, her present day characters are flatter.
Several laugh at loud parts of the book, especially with the Travis family and their defensiveness.
Main problem for me was character development, especially for Hardy. Also, Haven's passiveness when it came to dealing with her new catty boss and Nick. How many times did she identify exactly what Vanessa was and why she was doing it...and yet...nothing. It was frustrating, and the least interesting/enjoyable part of the book.
Maybe there is a bit of realism in her avoiding the seriousness of Nick's stalking, as abuse victims are likely to want to pretend there is no problem, but it was too stupid to bear. There was incredible luck in her not getting hurt from the confrontations...the kind only found in books-just so the main guy gets to be the hero.
I think Kleypas writes better in the present, and avoids some cliches that bothered me in her historical fiction. However, her present day characters are flatter.
kduganb's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to this book, I didn’t get the housework I promised to do done and I’m running late to my friend’s birthday. Read in one sitting.
desiree_mcl's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars.
I could not put this book down. From the first page I was swept away with all of the characters.
This book was an emotional read, I knew I would have to get through the bad parts of Haven's relationship with Nick before we got to see her with Hardy. I hated reading about the verbal, emotional, and physical abuse Nick put Haven through. It started out how I imagine it does in a lot of abusive relationships and that's subtly, Nick in the beginning, before they married didn't seem much different than any other normal guy. However after the marriage it started with some complaining about crappy furniture and moved into Nick telling Haven she 'didn't have a body' and doing what he could to break her down emotionally and mentally. While all this was going on I wanted to hop into the book and shake Haven and tell her to snap out of it and realize Nick was a bad guy but of course I couldn't that, I had to read on and experience the horror that was to come.
Although the physical abuse was painful to read, I loved reading the moment that Haven was able to shake herself loose and find the courage to leave that doorstep. Even though she had stayed through two years of various abuse that one act of not staying on the doorstep showed me how strong Haven was and I loved her character from that momement and could not wait to read the rest of her journey.
Now onto Hardy Cates, he is a man I want in my life. He is a man that I'm glad Haven found and let in. I like that he was aggressive in trying to get with Haven but it wasn't a threatening or violent type of aggressive. Hardy clearly is interested in Haven and he came up opportunities where they could spend time together or bump into each other and they'd talk about things, big or small in those moments. I especially loved when he
I hated Haven's boss/manager but
An absolutely wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone.
I could not put this book down. From the first page I was swept away with all of the characters.
This book was an emotional read, I knew I would have to get through the bad parts of Haven's relationship with Nick before we got to see her with Hardy. I hated reading about the verbal, emotional, and physical abuse Nick put Haven through. It started out how I imagine it does in a lot of abusive relationships and that's subtly, Nick in the beginning, before they married didn't seem much different than any other normal guy. However after the marriage it started with some complaining about crappy furniture and moved into Nick telling Haven she 'didn't have a body' and doing what he could to break her down emotionally and mentally. While all this was going on I wanted to hop into the book and shake Haven and tell her to snap out of it and realize Nick was a bad guy but of course I couldn't that, I had to read on and experience the horror that was to come.
Although the physical abuse was painful to read, I loved reading the moment that Haven was able to shake herself loose and find the courage to leave that doorstep. Even though she had stayed through two years of various abuse that one act of not staying on the doorstep showed me how strong Haven was and I loved her character from that momement and could not wait to read the rest of her journey.
Now onto Hardy Cates, he is a man I want in my life. He is a man that I'm glad Haven found and let in. I like that he was aggressive in trying to get with Haven but it wasn't a threatening or violent type of aggressive. Hardy clearly is interested in Haven and he came up opportunities where they could spend time together or bump into each other and they'd talk about things, big or small in those moments. I especially loved when he
Spoiler
sent her a pink toy (I think) tool box after one of their conversations. It was so sweet and showed that he was listening to her and I really liked it.I hated Haven's boss/manager but
Spoiler
I loved when she "got it" in the end. It wasn't something that Haven set up at all, it was just a mistake on the manager's part by not turning off the intercom but when we find out that everyone heard what was said in the office I admit it I giggled with joy. I love seeing bad people get what coming to them whether it be a big or small way.An absolutely wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone.
joyousreads132's review against another edition
3.0
This was another enjoyable read from Lisa Kleypas' Travises' Series. This follows the story of the only girl among the Travis siblings. You'd naturally assumed that Haven Travis is one spoiled rich girl but you'd be wrong. Haven is anything but. She's got pride in herself and she believes in earning one's keep. When she married who she thought was the love of her life, she ignored her father's threats of disinheritance.
Her marriage was blissful in the beginning but slowly turned horrific with every single day. Until that last night where she was raped and beaten within an inch of her life by her own husband. The Travis' banded together to protect the only girl in the family.
Coming back to Houston, she'd come face to face with the reality that she'll be under her family's thumbs once again. But this time, she'll fight for her independence. Slowly, she pieced together her life in the hopes of getting over her nightmare...but she never expected it would include Hardy Cates; the self-made, ambitious man who'd do anything to forget his poor beginnings. Two years ago, they had chemistry. This time, they'll be explosive. At the back of Haven's mind, she knew that Hardy would go the distance to destroy his nemesis - the Travises. But would that include breaking her heart for revenge?
I therefore conclude that when Lisa wants to tell a story, she REALLY tells a story. It almost felt like this book was a two-for-one deal. It's not like there were so many things going on, it's just two cohesive stories in one. It's good and it's bad. I like the groundwork and foundation but it also made me feel impatient for the actual story to happen.
Stories of abuse are a bit hard to read sometimes; and Haven's story was one that was compacted into few pages so you're getting the cold-hard facts with little emotions. Don't get me wrong, it was still a daunting read; but the narrative took some of the edges off. It doesn't mean that it was any less harder to read. What I like about this was Haven didn't fall into the vicious circle of forgiving her husband and going back to the old habit. The girl has spunk and fight in her. She's got determination to never fall victim again which is what made her all the more admirable.
I must admit that I liked Hardy here better than when I first read about him in Sugar Daddy. But there's just something missing about his character. Perhaps I've been reading too many versions of take-charge males, but Hardy lacked a certain hardness that a man of his character should have. I mean, growing up dirt-poor and in an abusive household should've given this man a bit more harshness but he seemed softer than how I pictured him. But in the end, it's how he treated Haven that matters. And he was an absolute sweetheart! Yeeesh. Did I just write that?
VERDICT: Likeable characters, well-conceptualized plot and a realistic writing made this book one of the better romance novels I've ever read in a while. Much like its predecessor, Blue-Eyed Devil will tug at your heartstrings. Be prepared to tear up a little because this book starts off with a not-so-pretty romance.
Her marriage was blissful in the beginning but slowly turned horrific with every single day. Until that last night where she was raped and beaten within an inch of her life by her own husband. The Travis' banded together to protect the only girl in the family.
Coming back to Houston, she'd come face to face with the reality that she'll be under her family's thumbs once again. But this time, she'll fight for her independence. Slowly, she pieced together her life in the hopes of getting over her nightmare...but she never expected it would include Hardy Cates; the self-made, ambitious man who'd do anything to forget his poor beginnings. Two years ago, they had chemistry. This time, they'll be explosive. At the back of Haven's mind, she knew that Hardy would go the distance to destroy his nemesis - the Travises. But would that include breaking her heart for revenge?
I therefore conclude that when Lisa wants to tell a story, she REALLY tells a story. It almost felt like this book was a two-for-one deal. It's not like there were so many things going on, it's just two cohesive stories in one. It's good and it's bad. I like the groundwork and foundation but it also made me feel impatient for the actual story to happen.
Stories of abuse are a bit hard to read sometimes; and Haven's story was one that was compacted into few pages so you're getting the cold-hard facts with little emotions. Don't get me wrong, it was still a daunting read; but the narrative took some of the edges off. It doesn't mean that it was any less harder to read. What I like about this was Haven didn't fall into the vicious circle of forgiving her husband and going back to the old habit. The girl has spunk and fight in her. She's got determination to never fall victim again which is what made her all the more admirable.
I must admit that I liked Hardy here better than when I first read about him in Sugar Daddy. But there's just something missing about his character. Perhaps I've been reading too many versions of take-charge males, but Hardy lacked a certain hardness that a man of his character should have. I mean, growing up dirt-poor and in an abusive household should've given this man a bit more harshness but he seemed softer than how I pictured him. But in the end, it's how he treated Haven that matters. And he was an absolute sweetheart! Yeeesh. Did I just write that?
VERDICT: Likeable characters, well-conceptualized plot and a realistic writing made this book one of the better romance novels I've ever read in a while. Much like its predecessor, Blue-Eyed Devil will tug at your heartstrings. Be prepared to tear up a little because this book starts off with a not-so-pretty romance.
penandpencil's review against another edition
4.0
Horrendous title for what is actually a pretty good book! Who comes up with these horrible romance novel titles anyway????
naps1995's review against another edition
5.0
this book has been my guilty pleasure for many a years. i go back to it constantly as some sort of weird comfort read. do recommend for great spicy scenes and a good 'ol respectful texas gentleman.
moonshineforest's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
“wet triangle” really makes me think of the bermuda triangle more than genitalia so I wish kleypas would’ve picked a different euphemism lmao
“wet triangle” really makes me think of the bermuda triangle more than genitalia so I wish kleypas would’ve picked a different euphemism lmao