Scan barcode
newtsance's review against another edition
2.25
*TRIGGER WARNING for Domestic Abuse, On Page Rape, S/A, Abuse regarding birth control.
I honestly wish I had some trigger warnings going into this.
Hopefully this review reaches who it needs to.
Lisa Kleypas has explored uncomfortable topics before (it took me a long time to come to peace about St. Vincent) but /this book/?..... either I simply blocked out other time's it's happened, or the Blue Eyed Devil was more graphic than what she has published before.
Look, the relationship between our main protags is cute (especially post-elevator rescue), but the first half of this book is dealing with so much on page unsavory depictions of sexual assault. It is handled realistically, and the characters do deal with the emotional fall out, but there isn't a warning going into the chapter. Compared to the overarching romance, the abusive marriage depicted in this book is an ice bath.
I honestly wish I had some trigger warnings going into this.
Hopefully this review reaches who it needs to.
Lisa Kleypas has explored uncomfortable topics before (it took me a long time to come to peace about St. Vincent) but /this book/?..... either I simply blocked out other time's it's happened, or the Blue Eyed Devil was more graphic than what she has published before.
Look, the relationship between our main protags is cute (especially post-elevator rescue), but the first half of this book is dealing with so much on page unsavory depictions of sexual assault. It is handled realistically, and the characters do deal with the emotional fall out, but there isn't a warning going into the chapter. Compared to the overarching romance, the abusive marriage depicted in this book is an ice bath.
elste's review against another edition
5.0
Holy Cowboy! Lisa Kleypas did it to me again!
Once more, as with the Hathaway series, I have been bewitched and spellbound by the Travis Family. Lisa Kleypas delivers some powerful storytelling. Each volume is brought forth through the eyes of our heroine. Her story is told almost autobiographical; reflections, memories, and most importantly, the people and relationships responsible for shaping and shifting their individual life path.
Sugar Daddy, being that of Liberty Jones’ story, is expressed through the heart of a compassionate dreamer. Liberty is a rock solid woman. She knows about hardship, sorrow, tough decisions, and sacrifice, but through it all she never becomes disillusioned. Her generous heart and giving spirit remains steadfast and true. Sugar Daddy brings together Liberty Jones and Gates Travis with tenderness, passion, and old fashioned true grit. (4+ Stars)
Next, Blue-Eyed Devil -- Okay ... I confess, this one is my favorite. Actually, I read this one first, but after reading Sugar Daddy ... Yep, had to go back for seconds on Blue-Eyes. The emotional resonance of this story is both wretchedly tragic, and triumphantly redemptive. The coming together of Haven Travis and Hardy Cates is perfection, heart-rending and precious. Each born and breed on separate sides of the track, but ultimately forged from the same hellfire's. Hence, igniting their soul deep understanding of one another; as only those that have bore witness to the dark place can truly comprehend and accept in another. These two hearts that have been bloodied, scorched, and irrevocably scarred, finally find a place of healing in each others arms. Damn, I am a sucker for second chances, and this one takes the prize. (5 Stars)
Lastly, Smooth Talking Stranger. In this volume, Lisa Kleypas has a little fun. Turn the lights down low, turn up the perfect mood music, and relax with the entertaining sharp wit and sizzling passion between Jack Travis and Ella Varner. Of course, as with all things̶sometimes you must swallow the bitter with the sweet. So amidst the laughs and playful banter, Jack and Ella must navigate their budding relationship through personal fears, dysfunctional family members, and potential misunderstandings. Nevertheless, Smooth Talker plays-out as a light, lovable, and rousing romantic comedy. Have fun, y’all. (4+ Stars)
In addition to the wonderfully drawn characters, Kleypas breathes life into the wild and vivid State of Texas, as if it were a character unto itself. It has been said that everything is bigger in Texas, and if the Travis Family is presented as leading evidentiary support ... Then I am forced to yield to such an overwhelming affirmation. The Travis brothers, and Hardy Cates are, without a doubt̶keepers. To paraphrase from a line in a movie -- I didn’t think they made those models anymore?
Sweet indulgence ... Tall, Texan Men, can it get any better than that? Go on, you deserve it
Once more, as with the Hathaway series, I have been bewitched and spellbound by the Travis Family. Lisa Kleypas delivers some powerful storytelling. Each volume is brought forth through the eyes of our heroine. Her story is told almost autobiographical; reflections, memories, and most importantly, the people and relationships responsible for shaping and shifting their individual life path.
Sugar Daddy, being that of Liberty Jones’ story, is expressed through the heart of a compassionate dreamer. Liberty is a rock solid woman. She knows about hardship, sorrow, tough decisions, and sacrifice, but through it all she never becomes disillusioned. Her generous heart and giving spirit remains steadfast and true. Sugar Daddy brings together Liberty Jones and Gates Travis with tenderness, passion, and old fashioned true grit. (4+ Stars)
Next, Blue-Eyed Devil -- Okay ... I confess, this one is my favorite. Actually, I read this one first, but after reading Sugar Daddy ... Yep, had to go back for seconds on Blue-Eyes. The emotional resonance of this story is both wretchedly tragic, and triumphantly redemptive. The coming together of Haven Travis and Hardy Cates is perfection, heart-rending and precious. Each born and breed on separate sides of the track, but ultimately forged from the same hellfire's. Hence, igniting their soul deep understanding of one another; as only those that have bore witness to the dark place can truly comprehend and accept in another. These two hearts that have been bloodied, scorched, and irrevocably scarred, finally find a place of healing in each others arms. Damn, I am a sucker for second chances, and this one takes the prize. (5 Stars)
Lastly, Smooth Talking Stranger. In this volume, Lisa Kleypas has a little fun. Turn the lights down low, turn up the perfect mood music, and relax with the entertaining sharp wit and sizzling passion between Jack Travis and Ella Varner. Of course, as with all things̶sometimes you must swallow the bitter with the sweet. So amidst the laughs and playful banter, Jack and Ella must navigate their budding relationship through personal fears, dysfunctional family members, and potential misunderstandings. Nevertheless, Smooth Talker plays-out as a light, lovable, and rousing romantic comedy. Have fun, y’all. (4+ Stars)
In addition to the wonderfully drawn characters, Kleypas breathes life into the wild and vivid State of Texas, as if it were a character unto itself. It has been said that everything is bigger in Texas, and if the Travis Family is presented as leading evidentiary support ... Then I am forced to yield to such an overwhelming affirmation. The Travis brothers, and Hardy Cates are, without a doubt̶keepers. To paraphrase from a line in a movie -- I didn’t think they made those models anymore?
Sweet indulgence ... Tall, Texan Men, can it get any better than that? Go on, you deserve it
greylandreviews's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Book deals heavily on abuse and I'll be leaving my TW at the bottom. This was really good until it wasn't. When Hardy mentioned that he payed off a girl's family off for one of his brothers, it gave me a bad taste in my mouth.
Trigger Warnings: abuse: child, emotional, physical, and verbal, rape, narcissistic personality disorder, bullying, doxing, mention of cancer, and violence
Book deals heavily on abuse and I'll be leaving my TW at the bottom. This was really good until it wasn't. When Hardy mentioned that he payed off a girl's family off for one of his brothers, it gave me a bad taste in my mouth.
Trigger Warnings: abuse: child, emotional, physical, and verbal, rape, narcissistic personality disorder, bullying, doxing, mention of cancer, and violence
autrucheplume's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lerz's review against another edition
emotional
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
star_tbr2020's review against another edition
4.0
Hardy Cates is one sexy character. The mistaken identity scene is pretty hot. The storyline between Haven and Nick is so sad. The scene where Haven calls Gage got me teary-eyed. The one thing that stood out as a bad thing for me was how they were ok with just paying Nick off to avoid Haven having to go through a trial. I know they're rich but I really wish LK had written that they would fight back rather than trying to sweep things under the rug. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this one. I previously read book #3 STS and will definitely read book #1 soon.
hannibanani29's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual content, Gun violence, Rape, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Blood
Minor: Pregnancy, Cursing, Vomit, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, and Alcohol
eslismyjam's review against another edition
4.0
Hardy Cage is my new book boyfriend. I had no idea that I had a thing for Texans, or maybe it's just Lisa Kleypas.
I adore Kleypas historicals, but I didn't know if I would like her contemporaries. I'm glad I gave it a go, this story was poignant and satisfying. Haven has a rough go of it at the start, she gets married and her husband is abusive. Though Haven is a victim, she isn't pitiful. In fact I think she is sort of a testament to inner strength. So while you definitely don't want to read this if you are bothered by scenes of abuse and rape it is really a beautiful story of recovery after you get past the beginning.
But let's talk about Hardy. Good lord. He's dreamy and dark and mysterious all while being the perfect gentleman. He's the guy the word swoon was invented for. I could not get enough. Near the end, around 80% there is a scene where we finally learn about the skeletons in Hardy's closet it was gut wrenching and fantastic all at the same time. The connection between Haven and Hardy is steamy and raw.
I picked this up because Dear Author recommended it for fans of 50 Shades of Grey who are looking for more book with bad boys in them. This is light-years better than 50 Shades and Hardy is a thousands times more delicious than Christian Grey ever dreamed of being.
I adore Kleypas historicals, but I didn't know if I would like her contemporaries. I'm glad I gave it a go, this story was poignant and satisfying. Haven has a rough go of it at the start, she gets married and her husband is abusive. Though Haven is a victim, she isn't pitiful. In fact I think she is sort of a testament to inner strength. So while you definitely don't want to read this if you are bothered by scenes of abuse and rape it is really a beautiful story of recovery after you get past the beginning.
But let's talk about Hardy. Good lord. He's dreamy and dark and mysterious all while being the perfect gentleman. He's the guy the word swoon was invented for. I could not get enough. Near the end, around 80% there is a scene where we finally learn about the skeletons in Hardy's closet it was gut wrenching and fantastic all at the same time. The connection between Haven and Hardy is steamy and raw.
I picked this up because Dear Author recommended it for fans of 50 Shades of Grey who are looking for more book with bad boys in them. This is light-years better than 50 Shades and Hardy is a thousands times more delicious than Christian Grey ever dreamed of being.
klowry's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0