The story opens with Sara frantically scribbling away in her notebook, on a dark street outside of the club. Her next book project is to be set in a gambling hall, and her extensive research takes her to the most well-renowned social club in London–and home to the infamous blackguard owner, Derek Craven. From her sheltered country life, she lives vicariously through the characters she writes about–for Sara also is none other than S R Fielding, noted popular author. Move over Dain, Lord of Scoundrels of Loretta Chase’s classic titled novel–you’ve got some serious competition with Derek Craven. Kleypas, however, I decided that it was finally time to take this book off the shelf, peel off that Borders price tag, and get reading.Īnd wouldn’t you know it–I loved this book.

But considering the “classic” label on this historical romance, and keeping in mind some of my less than completely enamored forays into the genre, I put off reading this novel.

I had read some of Lisa Kleypas’s other works–the Wallflowers series, Sugar Daddy, and finally the prequel Then Came You–and loved them. So, it was with some reluctance that I read some of Ana’s suggestions. I love romantic themes and a large side serving of it with my books, but it’s not really my element. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper “mouse” can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress-and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion.and the promise of love.Īs Ana can testify, I am not a romantic reader at heart. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world-with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven-and into Derek Craven’s dangerous world.Ī handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from, poverty to become lord of London’s most exclusive gambling house-a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams.

For months it sat on my TBR shelf, until we decided to do a Lisa Kleypas appreciation week, and I had run out of stalling excuses! Why did I read this book: After reading and really enjoying the first book, Ana encouraged me to try this sequel. Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand alone, although is a sequel of Then Came You, following different main characters

Lisa kleypas lily lawson