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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Three stars instead of four, since I can't help feeling that the obstacles were forced and/or that the issues keeping them apart could have been resolved much sooner.
And we should all listen to the wisdom of Ransom: “Take my advice, you daft block o’ wood. Be happy while you’re living—you’ll be a long time dead.”
And we should all listen to the wisdom of Ransom: “Take my advice, you daft block o’ wood. Be happy while you’re living—you’ll be a long time dead.”
Don’t you just love when a girl falls in love with the man who used to bully her deceased husband and then he is so nice to her kids it makes you want to cry?
Rumors can be difficult to overcome, but so are the opinions of oneself. West Ravenel thinks his former reputation and lack of rank make him not good enough for the widowed Lady Phoebe.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
Review for previous book, [b:Hello Stranger|34379276|Hello Stranger (The Ravenels, #4)|Lisa Kleypas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520360805l/34379276._SY75_.jpg|55467230], here. 5 ⭐
Since the first book ([b:Cold-Hearted Rake|24431358|Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1)|Lisa Kleypas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431563998l/24431358._SY75_.jpg|43110668]) I've been waiting for the story of Devon's charismatic brother Weston Ravenel and although it wasn't what I expected, it doesn't disappoint! I love West. A former unhappy fat kid and bully turned hedonistic society rake, he cleaned up his act when his older brother needed his help to save the estate he unexpectedly inherited.
Curious and clever, West has turned himself into Devon's right-hand man, managing the practical concerns of the tenant farmers in the face of modernization while Devon deals with financial and legal matters.
Self-deprecating and charming, West falls to pieces when he meets Gabriel's sister Phoebe at his wedding party (to Pandora). Recently widowed with two small boys, Phoebe is a shadow of herself but finds herself magnetically drawn to West in turn.
But West is determined to keep his distance, ashamed of his past (he bullied Phoebe's first husband at school when they were boys, an unusual point of connection). West thinks Phoebe is too far above him, and fears becoming a terrible father like his own.
However, West has finally met his match, and once Phoebe decides she loves him, she won't let anything - including West's self-sabotaging doubts - stand in her way!
I absolutely NEED to read the related The Wallflowers series now! Part of what I love about Kleypas' romances are the family interactions. Too often characters are paired off, never to cross paths again. I love that you see glimpses of love stories still going strong, even over generations. Phoebe's parents are still very much in love (and lust!) despite having grandchildren!
The families still interact, and it's a wonderful backdrop that not only feels more realistic but gives an added dimension to the happiness both Devon and West Ravenel have found, since neither had ever had a true home before. Delightful!
Since the first book ([b:Cold-Hearted Rake|24431358|Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1)|Lisa Kleypas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431563998l/24431358._SY75_.jpg|43110668]) I've been waiting for the story of Devon's charismatic brother Weston Ravenel and although it wasn't what I expected, it doesn't disappoint! I love West. A former unhappy fat kid and bully turned hedonistic society rake, he cleaned up his act when his older brother needed his help to save the estate he unexpectedly inherited.
Curious and clever, West has turned himself into Devon's right-hand man, managing the practical concerns of the tenant farmers in the face of modernization while Devon deals with financial and legal matters.
Self-deprecating and charming, West falls to pieces when he meets Gabriel's sister Phoebe at his wedding party (to Pandora). Recently widowed with two small boys, Phoebe is a shadow of herself but finds herself magnetically drawn to West in turn.
But West is determined to keep his distance, ashamed of his past (he bullied Phoebe's first husband at school when they were boys, an unusual point of connection). West thinks Phoebe is too far above him, and fears becoming a terrible father like his own.
However, West has finally met his match, and once Phoebe decides she loves him, she won't let anything - including West's self-sabotaging doubts - stand in her way!
I absolutely NEED to read the related The Wallflowers series now! Part of what I love about Kleypas' romances are the family interactions. Too often characters are paired off, never to cross paths again. I love that you see glimpses of love stories still going strong, even over generations. Phoebe's parents are still very much in love (and lust!) despite having grandchildren!
The families still interact, and it's a wonderful backdrop that not only feels more realistic but gives an added dimension to the happiness both Devon and West Ravenel have found, since neither had ever had a true home before. Delightful!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Sexism, Classism
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
I was actually pleasantly surprised to discover how much I enjoyed this book.
West’s development throughout the previous book was wonderful and read, and I was incredibly excited for his book. And, his story is definitely one you wouldn’t expect from such a character, but I actually really enjoy the tranquillity that was offered to him by the end of the book.
I understand this book isn’t for everyone, and especially not people who like the loud love proclamations screamed on rooftops, but, I really did enjoy this book and the more quiet version of love and romance.
West’s development throughout the previous book was wonderful and read, and I was incredibly excited for his book. And, his story is definitely one you wouldn’t expect from such a character, but I actually really enjoy the tranquillity that was offered to him by the end of the book.
I understand this book isn’t for everyone, and especially not people who like the loud love proclamations screamed on rooftops, but, I really did enjoy this book and the more quiet version of love and romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Gun violence, Sexism
Minor: Infidelity
Excellent. Rising to the top of my favorites in this series. It helps that West is familiar and likable, but Phoebe is very likable too, and I like her strong, yet gentle nature. Mary Jane Wells’s narration sweetens the story and characterizations, too.
6+ STARS!!!! I hope and pray this isn’t the end, because I can’t get enough of these characters. <3
Good historical romance with lots of sexy action. Reformed rake falls in love with single mother to create beautiful new family. Just lovely. Major brownie points were achieved as we see so many characters of previous books. Phoebe wasn't my favorite FL just cause she was super high levels of naive door mat. Not really the behavior I expect from the "devil's daughter". Really she inherited not once ounce of moxey from Sebastian or Eve.