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 

Mine Till Midnight

Book Review of Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways Series)

Title: Mine Till Midnight 

Series: The Hathaways Series

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Date Published: October 2nd 2007

Date Read:   April 11, 2016

The Blurb:

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter...

My Review

4 Hummingbird Stars

***Spoilers***

When it comes to historical romance I am very picky. Over the years I have found that a lot of HR will have cheating and mistresses in their books. So much so that I quit reading HR books until I discovered Goodreads and was able to see spoilers and make sure there would be no cheating in that book. I was craving some HR and a friend said to try Lisa Kleypas that they loved her. So when I was out book shopping I found the whole Hathaway Series for 4.00, bought it and here we are. My first taste of Lisa Kleypas and I loved it. I really enjoyed her writing style. I connected and fell in love with all the characters including the secondary characters which just makes me want to read all their HEAs. Mine Till Midnight, the first book in the Hathaway series, was an awesome read that did a great job of hooking me. So much so that I didn't want to stop and write a review I wanted to rush and start Winnifred and Merripen's story. 

"You have a vivid imagination, Miss Hathaway." His tone was bland. But there was a flare of provoking laughter in his eyes. "I have no such thing. The rest of my family is steeped in imagination—I'm the one who clings desperately to reality." -Cam and Amelia 

"God help anyone who stands in your way. You do like to manage other people's lives, don't you?" "Only when it's obvious I can do a better job of it than they can. What are you smiling at?"-Cam and Amelia 

The heroine in this book Amelia was 26 which made her a spinster. After being burnt by her ex love ( her brother's ex bf Christopher Frost) She had no desire to get married and just wanted to take care of her sisters and brother. Her brother Leo the oldest of the Hathaways, and newly titled viscount was in self destruction mode and suicidal over the death of his fiancee Laura. Amelia being the second oldest was trying to hold the family together and save her brother. Amelia was stubborn, smart and acted like a mother hen. She tried to control things and took all the family's problems (which were many) on her shoulders. Though she really wanted Cam she held him at arms length because she was worried that he would leave her like her ex or resent her for his lost of freedom. I really liked Amelia and could understand where she was coming from. I didn't fault her for holding Cam off although at times I did get frustrated with her. I did however take a star off of my rating of this book because of something she did. After her and Cam have slept together and Cam had repeatedly asked her to marry him (at this point she was still saying no to him about marriage) Cam leaves for London to get some workers for her home. While gone a bunch of shit happens and she is super upset and stressed, her ex Christopher shows up. She talks to him in which he kisses her twice! No she doesn't kiss him back, shocked she just stands there caught off guard but and here is the part that pissed me off she didn't tell him to never touch her again or slap him. Nothing! Then she doesn't' tell Cam about the two kisses although he does find out about her talking alone with Christopher. It pissed me off so much that I took a star off. This is what she should have done.....

"Stop running from me and listen. I do want you. I want you even knowing if I marry you, I've got an instant family, complete with a suicidal brother-in-law and a Gypsy houseboy with the temperament of a poked bear." "Merripen is not a houseboy." "Call him what you like. He comes with the Hathaways. I accept that."-Cam 

Cam was amazing. I loved him so much. Cam was half Roma Gypsy /half Irish. He was an outcast in both worlds. He wanted for so long to fit in and be Roma and longed for the freedom of the Gypsy lifestyle that he was scared of his deep feelings for Amelia. Cam was really the best of both worlds civilized, hard working, loyal but he knew how to have fun he had a wild side and could be dangerous when needed. Cam was very charming. He wanted Amelia as his wife and he wasn't taking no for an answer. Cam was a rock for Amelia. Helping her with her family problems and just being there for her. He got her to live a little, to let go. 

"I find you thoroughly, deeply interesting. I want to open you like a book and read every page." A smile curled the corners of his lips as he added huskily, "Footnotes included." Feeling the stiffness of her neck muscles, he coaxed the tension out of them, kneading lightly. "I want you. I want to lie with you beneath constellations and clouds and shade trees."-Cam 

"It would be disastrous." Heat climbed in her breasts and throat and face. "You would resent me for taking away your freedom and I would resent you for taking mine. I can't promise to obey you, to accept your decisions and never again be entitled to my own opinions? "It doesn't have to be that way." "Oh? Would you swear never to command me to do anything against my will?"-Amelia and Cam 

Cam and Amelia's relationship was a passionate one. Total opposites they complemented each other nicely, but also butted heads too. Which usually ended with them in bed. I really liked all of Amelia's sisters. Each had unique personalities that made them stand out as individuals. I loved Merripen was intrigued with him and Winnifred love story which is next. Leo was a sad case. My heart broke for him and in the same breathe I wanted to choke the shit out of him. I understood that he was in so much pain over losing Laura, but the things he did, the way he was reckless made me want to shake him and yell snap the hell out of it. I loved just about everything in this book and I really can't wait to start Win and Merripen's book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romances.

"You're not like any man I've ever known," she said. "You're not even someone I could have dreamed. You're like someone from a fairy story written in a language I don't even know." "The prince, I hope." "No, you're the dragon, a beautiful wicked dragon." Her voice turned wistful. "How could anyone have a normal everyday life with you?"-Amelia and Cam