Dreaming of You

by Lisa Kleypas
#14 Dream title
Rated 5 stars

Back Cover:
She stood at peril's threshold --
then love beckoned her in…...
A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.
Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.

My Thoughts:
We meet Ms. Fielding in the beginning of this story, as she rescues our Derek from a couple of thugs intent on scarring him and beating him to a pulp. So, our spinster, country mouse has a little spunk. She is then allowed entrance into Craven's to do "Research" for her newest novel. Many things are done in the name of research but we begin to see that although Sara is innocent she has a courage and sense of adventure. She is the person who doesn't want life to be lived around her but wants to embrace life. She is drawn to our Derek, can you tell I love him? Our Derek is drawn to her even though he tries valiantly not to be. He knows he can never be good enough for her. Oh, Pish! Our Derek is Wooooonderful. He is a supreme tortured hero, and we Love him. He tries again and again to push her away, and somehow keeps coming back. Luckily for us he does. Sara and he finally come together, and even though Our Derek has never known happiness or contentment of even complete Love, he Loves her. He is unable to say, it until circumstances put him face to face with seeing that Love disappear.

I like Sara's sense of adventure and her soft heart. I love the Mathilda storyline too. We meet up again with Alex and Lily Raiford from Then Came You. And Stalwart Mr. Worthy. And of course, Our Derek. (did I mention that I love him?)
This book is a keeper for sure!!!