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!!!

Then Came You

by Lisa Kleypas

Part of the Gamblers Series

Rated 4.5 stars

Back Cover:

She thought her heart was safe, but…...

Reckless, wild, and beautiful, Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society -- and now she is determined to rescue her sister from an unwanted impending marriage to the notorious Alex, Lord Raiford, by fair means or foul. But while she succeeds outrageously, Alex is a master gamesman who is not to be undone.

Alex has lost one bride, yet he is enchanted by this remarkable lady who is willing to break any rule to flaunt her independence. When Lily offers him only scorn, he counters with kindness, and he parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, tender touch. The spirited miss will pay dearly for her interference -- with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, unyielding heart. But will Alex's own heart be the prize to be won in this sensuous game of love?

My Thoughts:

Lily is notorious for her crazy behavior, however her antics hide a secret she keeps from all but the one friend she can absolutely trust. She uses her "persona" to keep people at a distance, especially men. She has vowed never to marry, to never be the property of a man, to let someone have that much control over her.

Alex is considered to be powerful and somewhat distant. He is the morose and reserved Lord of the manner. He was once engaged to a lovely and spirited woman who died in a tragic hunting accident. This is a loss from which Alex has never really recovered. He has since chosen a docile, obedient, sweet woman to become his bride. She is the polar opposite of his deceased fiance, and therefore a "perfect" fit for him, since she will not remind him of his lost love. His new fiance happens to be Lily's sister, Penelope.

Lily feels she must rescue her sister from a tyrant, and in doing so puts herself into his path. Alex is intrigued by Lily, as well as angered by her. He has a lot to overcome before he is ready to give his heart away, and so does Lily. She was gilted at the alter some 10 years ago and fled to the continent to be a companion for her Aunt. During this time she is avidly courted and seduced by an Italian who turns out to be a big fat doo doo face! She becomes pregnant from their one time together and after two years with her daughter, the daughter Nicole, is taken. Guiseppe (aka doo doo face) blackmails Lily, with the bait that he will give her information about her daughter, and perhaps give her back to Lily.

This is their journey. They must find the road to healing in their own hearts, and to trust someone else. They must also heal in order to open themselves up to Love.