Love in the Afternoon

Book Review of Love In The Afternoon  (The Hathaways Series)

Title: Love In The Afternoon

Series: The Hathaways Series

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Date Published:  June 29th 2010

Date Read:   April 18, 2016

The Blurb:

She harbors a secret yearning.

As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted... and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood? 

He is a world-weary cynic.

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix's friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it's becoming clear that Christopher won't come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru's disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru's letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep... and when Christopher comes home, he's determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix's innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can't be denied.

My Review

4 Mistaken Identity Stars

*Spoilers*

“From the Times. It’s reported on every day. Don’t you read the papers?” “Not the political section. My parents say it’s ill-bred for a young lady to take an interest in such things.” “My family discusses politics every night at dinner, and my sisters and I all take part.” Beatrix paused deliberately before adding with an impish grin, “We even have opinions.” Prudence’s eyes widened. “My goodness. Well, I shouldn’t be surprised. Everyone knows your family is . . . different.”-Bea and Pru 

Love in the Afternoon is the last book in the Hathaways series......NO! I don't want it to be over. As far as ending a series goes this book was great, but I really am not ready to let go of my Hathaways. I am abnormally attached to this series and this fictional family. 

Families are grieving for the lives I’ve taken. Sons, brothers, fathers. I’ve earned a place in hell for the things I’ve done, and the war’s barely started. I’m changing, and not for the better. The man you knew is gone for good, and I fear you may not like his replacement nearly so well.-Christopher in his letter to Pru

 

You ask if there is a peaceful place in the world, and I regret to say that it is not Stony Cross. Recently Mr. Mawdsley’s donkey escaped from his stall, raced down the road, and somehow found his way into an enclosed pasture. Mr. Caird’s prized mare was innocently grazing when the ill-bred seducer had his way with her. Now it appears the mare has conceived, and a feud is raging between Caird, who demands financial compensation, and Mawdsley, who insists that had the pasture fencing been in better repair, the clandestine meeting would never have occurred. Worse still, it has been suggested that the mare is a shameless lightskirt and did not try nearly hard enough to preserve her virtue.-Bea acting as Pru to Christopher in her first letter to him 

While visiting her friend Pru, Bea Hathaway found out that the man that had been courting Pru, Captain Christopher Phelan, wrote Pru a letter of his changes since going to war. Pru being the shallow person she was decided she wouldn't write Mr. Phelan back since he wrote about ugly and boring things that she cared nothing for. Bea ask to see the letter as it spoke of a dog the Captain found. While reading the letter her heart ached for the once shallow Captain who was much changed and hurting from all the ugliness of war. So she ask Pru if she could write him to try to help cheer him up and sign it as Pru. Pru agreed but didn't much care either way. What started out as kind gesture turns into deep feelings of love. When Captain Phelan returns from war will he find out that it wasn't Pru writing him? Will he hate Bea for tricking him?

“Captain Phelan and I dislike each other,” Beatrix told her. “In fact, we’re sworn enemies.” Christopher glanced at her quickly. “When did we become sworn enemies?” Ignoring him, Beatrix said to her sister, “Regardless, he’s staying for tea.” “Wonderful,” Amelia said equably. “Why are you enemies, dear?” “I met him yesterday while I was out walking,” Beatrix explained. “And he called Medusa a ‘garden pest,’ and faulted me for bringing her to a picnic.”-Bea, Christopher, and Amelia 

“I don’t think you should blame yourself,” she said. “But it doesn’t matter what I believe. You’ll have to come to that conclusion on your own. It wasn’t your fault that you were faced with a terrible choice. You must give yourself enough time to get better.”-Bea 

Bea I adored. I loved all her little quirks. She had a true love for animals and nature. She was outspoken, opinionated, and a little wild. Bea had a sense of humor and she was very sweet. I love the way Bea was with Christopher. I loved that she would use her dog training voice on him. Christopher I loved at first. Then I got a little pissed at him . Then I loved him again so uh yeah! Me and Christopher had a up and down relationship. I ached for all he went through in war, but when he first got home he would act rude or judgmental to Bea and it made me want to thump him. I love that when he realized it was Bea that had wrote the letters that he told her it was her he loved. I also loved that he wanted her before he knew she wrote the letters. 

“No, it wasn’t a game . . . Pru showed me your letter, and she said she wasn’t going to answer it. And I had to. I felt as if it had been written for me. It was only supposed to be once. But then you wrote back, and I let myself answer just once more . . . and then one more time, and another . . .” “How much of it was the truth?” “All of it,” Beatrix burst out. “Except for signing Pru’s name. The rest of it was real. If you believe nothing else, please believe that.”-Bea and Christopher 

“Talk to me. Would you really have let me marry Prudence?” “If you seemed happy with her. If she was the one you wanted.” “I wanted you.” He kissed her, his mouth strong and punishing. “It nearly drove me mad, looking for the things I loved in her and not finding them. And then beginning to see them in you.”-Christopher and Bea 

Bea and Christopher had a powerful connection. Bea was able to heal his battered soul and bring him peace. Christopher was able to accept and love Bea for who she was. He made her feel safe. I want to say that I hated Pru with a deep passion. I wanted her suffer. She was such a selfish, shallow, air headed bitch that every time she showed up in this book I wanted to scream. I was glad that Bea stole Christopher from Pru. I wish she would have did worse. I know, I'm mean. Sorry not sorry! I loved how the series wrapped up. Love seeing all the other couples and their growing families. I loved the HEA that Bea and Christopher got as well. It has been a really long time since I got a book hangover, but I have one now. I finished this book yesterday and put off writing the review because I wasn't ready for it to be over. Now I feel like I am having Lisa Kleypas withdrawal. I can't believe there will be no more Hathaways. How will I know if they have more babies????? I loved every moment of this series, loved this family , and I love Lisa Kleypas. 

“I know that she steals things unintentionally. She wears breeches, and references Greek philosophers, and has read far too many veterinary manuals. I know that she keeps the kinds of pets that other people pay to have exterminated.” Thinking of Beatrix, he felt an ache of yearning. “I know that she could never reside in London, that she could only thrive by living close to nature. I know that she is compassionate, intelligent, and brave, and the only thing she truly fears is being abandoned. And I would never do that, because I happen to love her to distraction.”-Christopher 

Married By Morning

Book Review of Married By Morning  (The Hathaways Series)

Title: Married By Morning  

Series: The Hathaways Series

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Date Published:  May 25th 2010 

Date Read:   April 17, 2016

The Blurb:

He is everything she wants to avoid...

For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response—and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

She is not at all what she seems...

Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires...

My Review

3 Marks Missed The Mark Stars

“Are you afraid of me, Marks? You, who bludgeon and cut me down to size at every opportunity?” “Of course not, you arrogant ass. I only wish you would behave like a man of your station.”-Leo and Cat 

“Ah, there’s the governess voice. All stern and disapproving. It makes me feel like a naughty schoolboy.”-Leo 


***Spoilers***

I have to be honest and say that this book just wasn't a hit for me. I was really looking forward to Leo and Cat's story. After reading Leo suffering the lost of his love Laura. Go into self destruct mode, nearly kill himself in the first book. To really turn his life around starting with the second book I was dying for him to have his HEA and for it to be a great one. Cat and Leo's story has been building up since book two. Fighting like cats and dogs I figured this book would explode with passion. Sadly this book was just okay for me.

“No. In fact—” She broke off abruptly. “In fact?” Leo prompted. “What were you going to say?” “Nothing.” “You were. Something along the lines of liking me against your will.” “Certainly not,” Catherine said primly, but Leo saw the twitch of a smile at her lips. “Irresistibly attracted by my dashing good looks?” he suggested. “My fascinating conversation?” “No, and no.” “Seduced by my brooding glances?” He accompanied this with a waggish swerving of his brows that finally reduced her to laughter. “Yes, it must have been those.”-Cat and Leo 

“I have never said this to anyone before.” Leo’s voice was like ragged velvet. “But the idea of you with child is the most insanely arousing thing I’ve ever imagined. Your belly all swollen, your breasts heavy, the funny little way you would walk … I would worship you. I would take care of your every need. And everyone would know that I’d made you that way, that you belonged to me.”-Leo 
Leo was amazing. He was charming, sarcastic, funny, and super protective. He is the reason this book got 3 stars. He and Dodger the ferret! He really shined in this book. He wanted Cat and he romanced her. Waited for her. He slowly broke down her walls and showed her, she could trust him. He respected her and made her feel beautiful. I never felt like Leo wanted his dead ex more or that he still loved her. Leo was all about Cat. Leo was great which is why I was so disappointed with Cat's pushing him away until like the 98% mark of the book! I wanted to pull my hair out. At the start of the book Cat was sweet, vulnerable and I could understand her fear. When the book laid out the life she was running from and we readers got the back story I could sympathizes with her. But I lost all that sympathy after she slept with Leo repeatedly and then turned down his numerous marriage proposals. I may have forgiven her cowardly fear if she didn't push Leo away until the last few damn pages before the epilogue! Really what Leo was good enough to sleep with but not good enough to Marry? Leo suffered too much for her to push him away so damn much. It just pissed me off. And like I said I could understand her fear to a point, but she just took that shit too far. I wanted to shake her hard and be like "Get the fuck over yourself already whiner!" just sayin!

“Don’t try to be charming,” she muttered. “There’s nothing more annoying than someone trying to make one feel better when one wants to wallow.” Leo bit back a grin. “I’m sorry,” he said contritely. “Go on and wallow. You were doing so well at it until I interrupted.” “Thank you.” She heaved a sigh and waited a moment. “Blast,” she finally said, “I can’t do it now.”-Cat and Leo

“I wouldn’t believe you. Because I know how unhappy you would become, seeing your sisters’ marriages, remembering how devoted your parents were to each other, and knowing that ours was a counterfeit by comparison. A parody.” “What makes you so certain that we won’t come to care for each other?” “I just am. I’ve looked inside my heart, and it’s not there. That’s what I meant before. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to trust anyone enough to love them. Even you.” Leo’s face was expressionless, but she sensed something dark lurking beneath his self-control, something that hinted of anger, or exasperation. “It’s not that you’re unable,” he said. “It’s that you don’t want to.”-Cat and Leo 

There wasn't a lot of other Hathaways in this book as there were in other books and I missed them. Poppy was in this book with Harry more than the others. I wanted more Win, Kev, Cam, Amelia, and Bea. Dodger the ferret was adore in this book. I kinda want a pet ferret now lol! Overall Leo saved the book for me. I didn't hate Cat I just thought she could have loved my Leo back sooner. I did enjoy the epilogue, although with their relationship not really being sealed til the last few pages it made the ending feel rushed. I have been really looking forward to Bea's story. I hope I love it better than this one. Still a great series and I am still loving the Hathaway!

“I love you,” he said shortly. As he stared at Catherine’s small, shivering figure, he felt his color run high, and his soul open with an emotion deeper than he had ever imagined could reside in him. “I love you, Marks. My heart is completely and utterly yours. And unfortunately for you, the rest of me comes with it.” Leo paused, struggling for words, when they had always come so easily to him. But these had to be the right words. They meant too much. “I know I’m a bad bargain. But I’m begging you to have me anyway. Because I want the chance to make you as happy as you make me. I want to build a life with you.” He fought to steady his voice. “Please come to me, Cat, because there’s no surviving you. You don’t have to love me back. You don’t have to be mine. Just let me be yours.”-Leo 

Tempt Me at Twilight

Book Review of Tempt Me At Twilight (The Hathaways Series)

Title: Tempt Me At Twilight 

Series: The Hathaways Series

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Date Published:  September 22nd 2009

Date Read:   April 16, 2016

The Blurb:

He was everything she'd sworn to avoid.

Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal—only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.

And she was everything he needed.

Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy—except to open his heart. All his life, he has held the world at arm’s length…but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. Now if Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all... 

My Review

4 The Princess and The Villain Stars

“Harry. You’re not supposed to court a girl by telling her you’re the villain.”-Poppy 

****Spoilers****

“I’m sure I’ve read too many fairy tales. The prince is supposed to slay the dragon, defeat the villain, and marry the servant girl, and carry her off to his castle.” “Fairy tales are best read as entertainment,” Harry said. “Not as a guide to life.” -Poppy and Harry 

Temp Me At Twilight, the 3rd book in The Hathaway Series, was a great read. 3 books into this series and I am still all smiles. What can I say I love the Hathaways. Every one of them. And with each new book I read in this series my love for them grows. I love that even though Poppy and Harry's love story starts out rough, and Harry wasn't really a sweet romance guy that I still fell in love with this couple. And I love that their love story starts with a mischievous ferret.

“If I were going to molest you,” he pointed out, “I would have done so by now.” Her flush deepened at his bluntness. “So you say. But for all I know, you could be a very slow molester.”-Harry and Poppy 

“You were courted by a boy, who had to do as he was told.” His hot breath feathered against her lips as he whispered, “You should try it with a man, who needs no one’s permission.”-Harry 

I really enjoyed that the hero was more of a villain in this book. Harry wanted Poppy so much that he wasn't above cheating, stealing, and fighting dirty to have her. Harry met Poppy after Bea's ferret ran off with a love letter from Michael to Poppy. Harry wanted Poppy and when he found out Poppy had feelings for another man, Michael(who had been secretly dating Poppy because his father wouldn't approve of the match) he did what any good, kindhearted man would...... He told Michael's daddy! Daddy disapproved and Michael being the little bitch that he was didn't fight for Poppy, but instead broke up with her. Leaving Harry to swoop in and take her. I loved that Harry wasn't your typical hero. Harry had been raised with no love and neglected so he didn't show emotions. He came off as cold, selfish, and hard at first. But as the story goes on you can't help but fall in love with him. I also loved that even though he softens with Poppy's love, he never regrets how he stole Poppy from Michael. 

“I’m everything they told you and worse,” Harry said without hesitation. “But what they didn’t tell you is that you are the most desirable and fascinating woman I’ve ever met, and I would do anything to have you.”-Harry 

“I will never forget that you took away the man I loved and put yourself in his place. I’m not certain I can ever forgive you for that. The only thing I am absolutely certain of is that I will never love you. Do you still want to marry me?” “Yes,” Harry said without hesitation. “I’ve never wanted to be loved. And God knows no one’s done it yet.”-Poppy and Harry 

Poppy just wanted a normal, calm life. She thought she would have that with Michael. She loved Michael and it crushed her that he broke off their relationship. When she went to a ball to show everyone that she wasn't Michael's off cast she ends up dancing with Harry. Getting upset and not wanting to cry in front of everyone she asked Harry to take her for fresh air. While outside Harry kissed Poppy and they were seen. Leaving Poppy with the choice to be a fallen woman or to marry Harry. She married Harry even after finding out about Harry telling Michael's father, but deceit made for a rough marriage. I loved that it took awhile for Poppy to give her heart to Harry. She didn't just forgive him and hop into his bed. She didn't even kiss him. And she let her displeasure of his actions be known. But Poppy was a loving, happy kind of person and the more she was around Harry and saw the real him when he let his walls down the more she fell in love with her husband. 

“I can’t. I’ll never be sorry about it. Because if I hadn’t done it, you’d be his now. And he only wanted you if it was easy for him. But I want you any way I can get you. Not because you’re beautiful or clever or kind or adorable, although the devil knows you’re all those things. I want you because there’s no one else like you, and I don’t ever want to start a day without seeing you.”-Harry 

“I want you to be happy, you exasperating man. I want you to understand that I love you for exactly what you are.”-Poppy 

I loved that Harry and Poppy's love was slower to come. The lust was there but Harry had to earn her trust. When the love came it was beautiful, full of passion, and kindness. Love changed Harry for the better. I will be honest, I didn't feel the least bit sorry for Poppy's ex Michael. A real man wouldn't let daddy stop him from being with the woman he loved. I couldn't stand Michael. I thought he was a coward, and was glad that after Poppy married Harry, he suffered. Just sayin! I loved getting to see the other Hathaways in this book and getting to catch up with Cam, Amelia, and their son. There was some big and happy news for Kev and Win too. I was really enjoying the playing between Cat and Leo. I'm excited to start their book. I missed Bea a bit as she and her animal freak show kinda took a backseat in this book. Bea's story is the one I am looking forward to most. Great read, great series!!

“Because I have so much to lose now. But I’m going to love you anyway, because there doesn’t seem to be any way to stop doing it.” He kissed her forehead, eyelids, cheeks. “I have so much love for you, I could fill rooms with it. Buildings. You’re surrounded by it wherever you go, you walk through it, breathe it . . . it’s in your lungs, and under your tongue, and between your fingers and toes . . .”-Harry 

Seduce Me at Sunrise

Book Review of Seduce Me At Sunrise (The Hathaways Series)

Title: Seduce Me At Sunrise 

Series: The Hathaways Series

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Date Published:  September 30th 2008

Date Read:   April 14, 2016

The Blurb:

He has tried hard to forget her.

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation... and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Can she remember the man he once was?

Then, Win returns to England... only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...

My Review

5 All or Nothing Stars

***Spoilers***

"If you marry me, you'll never be a lady of position." "There is no better position for me than being your wife."-Kev and Win 

OMG I loved Kev and Win's book!!!! I loved everything about their story. Going into this book I knew it was going to be angsty and it was. But it wasn't so angsty that it was torture to read. The push/pull of Kev and Win's relationship was emotional and gripping and made it all the more sweet when they got together. I can see now just from reading two books that Lisa Kleypas is an amazing writer. I am now a devoted fan-girl . She has completely captivated me with this charming, quirky family. 

Kev loved her. Not in the way that novelists and poets described. Nothing so tame. He loved her beyond earth, heaven, or hell. Every moment out of her company was agony; every moment with her was the only peace he had ever known. Every touch of her hands left an imprint that ate down to his soul.-Kev 

Since my illness I have had the strength to do very little except to love [Win had written], but that I have done, and I still do, in full measure. I am sorry for the way I shocked you the morning I left, but I do not regret the sentiments I expressed. I am running after you, and life, in desperate pursuit. My dream is that someday you will both turn and let me catch you. That dream carries me through every night. I long to tell you so many things, but I am not free yet. I hope to be well enough someday to shock you again, with far more pleasing results.-Win 


Kev had a rough start in life. Abused and used for the human version of a fight dog as a child. Kev was never shown love or kindness. Rough around the edges he loved Win with a passion bordering on obsession. He would do anything for her but be with her. He was afraid he wasn't good for her. That he would hurt her. That he wouldn't be able to give her a good life. So he tortured them both by fighting their relationship. So much so that he almost lost her to another man. Kev was surly, hard working, and loyal. Though he had been with the Hathaways since he was left for dead as a child he still held himself apart from them. He loved all the Hathaways, but he was a loner and didn't feel like a part of the family. He had a vulnerable side that when shown melted me and had me forgiving all his stupid moments. I loved Kev!

"I have nothing to offer you," he finally said in a guttural voice. "Nothing." Win's lips had turned dry. She moistened them, and tried to speak through a thrill of anxious trembling. "You have yourself," she whispered. "You don't know me. You think you do, but you don't. The things I've done, the things I'm capable of- you and your family, all you know of life comes from books. If you understood anything-" "Make me understand. Tell me what is so terrible that you must keep pushing me away." He shook his head. "Then stop torturing the both of us," she said unsteadily. "Leave me, or let me go." "I can't," he snapped. "I can't, damn you."-Kev and Win 

"All the fires of hell could burn for a thousand years and it wouldn't equal what I feel for you in one minute of the day. I love you so much there is no pleasure in it. Nothing but torment. Because if I could dilute what I feel for you to the millionth part, it would still be enough to kill you. And even if it drives me mad, I would rather see you live in the arms of that cold, soulless bastard than die in mine."-Kev 

Win was amazing. I was worried going into this book that she would be a doormat character. Boy I couldn't have been more wrong. She had pride, integrity, and passion. She went for what she wanted. Spoke her feelings with a sweet honesty but she didn't let Kev break her. When he told her they couldn't be together she didn't fall to pieces. She told him, fine your loss I will live my life to the fullest. I really loved that about her. She didn't just beg after him she was going to move on. She was a fighter. She had been deathly ill and for years thought she would never have a life so even though she loved Kev she was not going to give up her second chance at life. She wasn't sassy but she had a quiet peace and strength that wasn't in your face but still stood out. One of my favorite heroines to date!!

"I've been give a rare opportunity… a second chance at life. And I intend to make the most of it. I'm not going to waste my love on a man who doesn't want or need it. I won't bother you again."-Win

"How could I touch you with these hands?" he asked, his tone shredded with anguish. "How could you stand to let me? God, if you knew all the things I've done-" "I love your hands," she murmured. "I'm not good enough for you. But no one is. And most men, good or bad, have limits to what they would do, even for someone they love. I have none. No God, no moral code, no faith in anything. Except you. You're my religion. I would do anything you asked. I would fight, steal, kill for you. I would-"-Kev and Win 

What I really loved about this book was that though it was about Kev, Win and their beautifully intense love story it was also about the whole Hathaway gang. I loved getting more Cam and Amelia. And OMG their baby news! I liked getting to see Poppy, and Bea out in society. What I really loved was Kev, Cam and Leo's brother bonding. Leo has really come a long way since the first book. He was really turning his life around in this book. I loved the bickering between Leo and the governess Miss Marks. I really can't wait to get Miss Marks back story. I was losing my shit when my poor Cam was poisoned and almost died! My favorite part of the book was when Kev kidnaps Win as part of the Roma courting and takes her away to ravish her. Talk about hot! The ending Wow it was so damn sweet. I was melting all over the epilogue. It was beautiful!!! 

"Do you believe in happy-ever-after?" she persisted, gasping a little as he gave her a playful nip. "As in the children's tales? No." "You don't?" He shook his head. "I believe in two people loving each other." A smile curved his lips. "Finding pleasure in ordinary moments. Walking together. Arguing over things like the timing of an egg, or how to manage the servants, or the size of the butcher's bill. Going to bed each night, and waking up together each morning."-Win and Kev