Helpful Score: 7
I was seduced by the hype on this book. It boasts an impressive 2nd place on AAR's top 100 romance novels poll, so perhaps I was expecting an epic rather than simple brain candy. Don't get me wrong, the story was enjoyable in a trite sort of way - but it was no "second best bodice ripper ever". No sir.
I'll go ahead and state up front that I absolutely abhor plot lines that flow around a plain jane mouse who couldn't catch the eye of any man on the planet, much less the attention of the delicious rake with the fabulous abs and brooding eyes. But then suddenly, her spectacles are removed, her hair is unbound and lo and behold, what have we here? A goddess of breathtaking proportions! Paaa leezz.
Anywho.....If that's what makes your socks go up and down, by all means - delve right in.
Onto my review....(as I remove my glasses and take out my hair clip...)
Although as I stated above, this sort of plot line grates against me, I thought there were some redeeming qualities. Couple things I liked: For one, the heroine wasn't all: "Oh darling, you've got loads of money, of course I'll help you spend it!" I like that she felt a bit awkward when it came to suddenly being ridiculously loaded. Also, the reformation of the hero was touching in it's own sweet way. So was every moment with the heroines parents. Very cute. The heroine was a bit of a Holly Hobby, going around winning everyone on the blessed earth over with her cheery optimism and sunny disposition. Excuse me while I choke on that overused character spin. Her one good quality was that she insisted on being an independent working woman instead of barefoot and pregnant,but ahem...if that's the only thing you got going for you... Just sayin.
Meanwhile, the blackheart hero was delightfully flawed and fabulously emotional, keeping the pages somewhat turnable. The plot twists and turns were rather predictable and I didn't warm up to the heroine until about three quarters of the way through the book. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this book to a friend. Unless I knew that this sort of story line was their "thing".
Overall, I would have given the story a paltry two out of six stars, but since the ending turned out to be rather smashing with the characters finally endearing themselves a smidge, I'll bump it up to 3 stars.
I'll go ahead and state up front that I absolutely abhor plot lines that flow around a plain jane mouse who couldn't catch the eye of any man on the planet, much less the attention of the delicious rake with the fabulous abs and brooding eyes. But then suddenly, her spectacles are removed, her hair is unbound and lo and behold, what have we here? A goddess of breathtaking proportions! Paaa leezz.
Anywho.....If that's what makes your socks go up and down, by all means - delve right in.
Onto my review....(as I remove my glasses and take out my hair clip...)
Although as I stated above, this sort of plot line grates against me, I thought there were some redeeming qualities. Couple things I liked: For one, the heroine wasn't all: "Oh darling, you've got loads of money, of course I'll help you spend it!" I like that she felt a bit awkward when it came to suddenly being ridiculously loaded. Also, the reformation of the hero was touching in it's own sweet way. So was every moment with the heroines parents. Very cute. The heroine was a bit of a Holly Hobby, going around winning everyone on the blessed earth over with her cheery optimism and sunny disposition. Excuse me while I choke on that overused character spin. Her one good quality was that she insisted on being an independent working woman instead of barefoot and pregnant,but ahem...if that's the only thing you got going for you... Just sayin.
Meanwhile, the blackheart hero was delightfully flawed and fabulously emotional, keeping the pages somewhat turnable. The plot twists and turns were rather predictable and I didn't warm up to the heroine until about three quarters of the way through the book. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this book to a friend. Unless I knew that this sort of story line was their "thing".
Overall, I would have given the story a paltry two out of six stars, but since the ending turned out to be rather smashing with the characters finally endearing themselves a smidge, I'll bump it up to 3 stars.
Helpful Score: 6
Sara Fielding, a proper, if somewhat eccentric, country-bred English gentlewoman, is also a well-known writer of popular fiction. Her first novel, "Mathilda," is beloved by most who can read. Ms. Fielding has traveled to London to research the underworld of gambling for her latest book. Venturing into the London stews late one evening, and taking copious notes on Cockney street cant, local color and any noteworthy incidents that might add flavor to her fiction, Sara inadvertently witnesses and interrupts a violent stabbing. She pulls out the pistol she carries for protection, (target-shooting at home in Greenwood Corners is a necessary hobby, obviously). She shoots one of the attackers, meaning only to wound, while another escapes. Thus, 25 year old Sara Fielding saves the life of Derek Craven.
Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.
Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.
Helpful Score: 4
One of my favorites by Lisa Kleypas! This is one I have read over again, because the characters were so great in this book. If you like Lisa Kleypas this is a must read.
Helpful Score: 4
All I can say is WOW!...This is a wonderfully well written love story. I love Lisa Kleypas and this book deserves it's spot close to the top of the AAR list.
You simply cannot help falling in love with Derrek right along with Sara, I really really recommend it.
You simply cannot help falling in love with Derrek right along with Sara, I really really recommend it.
Helpful Score: 2
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Sara, a simple country maid who is also a published author, and Derek, the scandalous owner of a very successful gambling club.
After Sara saves his life, Derek reluctantly agrees to allow her to visit his club to further her research for her latest novel - as long as she agrees to stay out of his way! Needless to say, Sara's is a much noticed presence as her sweet, charming ways manage to captivate the staff...and Derek.
This is a beautiful story with many interesting secondary characters such as Derek's scorned mistress, Sara's coddled fiance, and the inhabitants of Craven's.
I highly recommend this book!
After Sara saves his life, Derek reluctantly agrees to allow her to visit his club to further her research for her latest novel - as long as she agrees to stay out of his way! Needless to say, Sara's is a much noticed presence as her sweet, charming ways manage to captivate the staff...and Derek.
This is a beautiful story with many interesting secondary characters such as Derek's scorned mistress, Sara's coddled fiance, and the inhabitants of Craven's.
I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 2
As many people have said before me, this is possibly one of Lisa Kleypas' best books. The characters are very vivid and realistic. Derek Craven is the ultimate flawed romantic hero. His story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This is a wonderful story that you will remember for many years to come. You will never want to repost this book. Its a keeper!
Helpful Score: 2
Well blast, I just found out that this book is a sequel to THEN CAME YOU (part of the Gamblers Series). Several reviewers have stated that it is important to read these in order. When looking at the synopsis of THEN CAME YOU, it is obvious why reviewers say this. The first book explains the friendship between Lily Lawson and Derek Craven, the gambling den owner.
In the book Im discussing, DREAMING OF YOU, Derek Craven is the major personality and Lily is an important, but secondary, character. Derek is wildly wealthy but unhappy. Hes tried just about everything to satisfy his emptiness; however, he cant fix what is wrong until he figures out what IT is. He is a seriously flawed hero and that makes him so interesting!
This is my first book by Lisa Kleypas and she is adept at creating fascinating characters and those characters breathe, rant (or not) and have problems. These characters have interesting back stories that explain many of the thoughts and actions of characters in the here-and-now. Bravo! I find it particularly aggravating when there is no hint as to why a character responds in a certain way.
On the negative side, I had a hard time accepting the Mouse, Sarah Fielding when she goes to the Assembly and does a personality change so she is the center of attention, knowing just what to say to the men surrounding her.
On the positive side, this is certainly a page-turner. Theres suspense and danger for both of the lead characters. This was an emotionally satisfying book. 4 stars
Gamblers
1. Then Came You (1993)
2. Dreaming of You (1994)
In the book Im discussing, DREAMING OF YOU, Derek Craven is the major personality and Lily is an important, but secondary, character. Derek is wildly wealthy but unhappy. Hes tried just about everything to satisfy his emptiness; however, he cant fix what is wrong until he figures out what IT is. He is a seriously flawed hero and that makes him so interesting!
This is my first book by Lisa Kleypas and she is adept at creating fascinating characters and those characters breathe, rant (or not) and have problems. These characters have interesting back stories that explain many of the thoughts and actions of characters in the here-and-now. Bravo! I find it particularly aggravating when there is no hint as to why a character responds in a certain way.
On the negative side, I had a hard time accepting the Mouse, Sarah Fielding when she goes to the Assembly and does a personality change so she is the center of attention, knowing just what to say to the men surrounding her.
On the positive side, this is certainly a page-turner. Theres suspense and danger for both of the lead characters. This was an emotionally satisfying book. 4 stars
Gamblers
1. Then Came You (1993)
2. Dreaming of You (1994)
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a great read! After getting to know Derek Craven in Lawless Lily's story (Then Came You), it was wonderful to get to know his character more in depth. I highly recommend this book and Then Came You (BK 1 in the Gamblers Series).
Helpful Score: 1
this is a fun entertaining read. keeps you interested but there arent any suprizes. there are twists and turns in the plot but they are very typical and easy to see coming.
Helpful Score: 1
Slightly unrealistic premise, and always Lisa Klepyas does a great job of creating interesting relationships. A well-written story that I enjoyed.
Helpful Score: 1
In an online poll, Derek Craven is listed as the #1 favorite Lisa Kleypas male character. I had to read this book based on that poll alone. I like him a lot, and loved him in the previous book (Then Came You) of this series. He resists. He's damned. He's emotionally broken and stunted. Just the way you love them.
Sara is smart, beautiful, and tough. I like that she's intelligent, that she'll talk to anyone and she upholds her own values.
If you like stories of damned and broken men, Derek Craven is one of the best characters of this ilk. This story is paced to first build a lust story, then a love story, and then redemption for a complex character. Nobody writes this type of character better than Kleypas.
Update: I just re-read this book and it really holds up under second reading. There will be a third and fourth reading of this book. It is that good.
Sara is smart, beautiful, and tough. I like that she's intelligent, that she'll talk to anyone and she upholds her own values.
If you like stories of damned and broken men, Derek Craven is one of the best characters of this ilk. This story is paced to first build a lust story, then a love story, and then redemption for a complex character. Nobody writes this type of character better than Kleypas.
Update: I just re-read this book and it really holds up under second reading. There will be a third and fourth reading of this book. It is that good.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book as usual. Romantic and sexy.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good story of two people from totally different backgrounds coming together in love.
Helpful Score: 1
Dreaming of You is a beautiful romance between a shy "country mouse" and then man who owns London but has never known love. This was the first book that I've read by Lisa Kleypas and it won't be my last!
Helpful Score: 1
Very well written, keeps you turning the pages. Loved the ending!
Derek Craven's story...a big romance fan favorite.
One of Lisa's best! Make sure you read Then Came You first--the hero of Dreaming of You is introduced in that one first (another great read!).
Derek Craven's has been in several of Lisa's stories..He finally gets 'leg-shackled' I just love Derek
One of the best romance I've read in a while.
VERY GOOD READING
While researching the backstreets of London for her next novel, Sara Fielding stumbles upon two men beating on another man. Worried they will kill him, Sara pulls a gun and saves Derek Craven. Derek is a man who was raised by prostitutes. He pulled himself out of the slums and now owns one of London's most popular gaming clubs. Sara sees this as her chance to get first-hand information about the workings of a gambling hall for her next book.
One of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books. Derek may be a tortured hero, but he is not your typical romance hero. He has a heavy cockney accent, a scar on his face, and believes he is beyond redemption. Sara is, of course, just what he needs. I loved the characters and I loved the story. This time around I listened to the narration by Rosalyn Landor which was fantastic. My rating: 5 Stars.
One of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books. Derek may be a tortured hero, but he is not your typical romance hero. He has a heavy cockney accent, a scar on his face, and believes he is beyond redemption. Sara is, of course, just what he needs. I loved the characters and I loved the story. This time around I listened to the narration by Rosalyn Landor which was fantastic. My rating: 5 Stars.
I really enjoyed this book.
Iloved this book
Read this book so many times...I can read this every year it's so good.
will read anything by her...great!
I don't re-read my books but if I did this one would definitely be re-read. I love Lisa Kleypas's books. (I just need to take time to read them all lol) They are excellent, historical romance novels with excitement, intriguing characters and suspense. They are very well written and are the types of books you will not want to put down. Derek Craven is a highly, memorable character! If you like historical romance at all, then you will not be disappointed in any of Lisa's books:0)
One of my all time favorites!!!
Another excellent story by Lisa Kleypas. This second book in the Gambler's series is the story of Derek Craven and a 'must read' for her fans. I gave this book 3.5 stars out of 4 on my personal rating system!
I enjoyed this book, the characters were very well developed, had great chemistry and I liked the sparring between the main characters.
Good tension and some excitement with the storyline.
Good tension and some excitement with the storyline.
She stood at danger's threshhold--then love beckoned her in. In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Fielding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven--and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
I loved this book. Hard to put it down. Ann Willman
My favorite Lisa Kleypas book so far!
In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven--and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Feilding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven--and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.
A 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. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world--with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. 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.
This was my 2nd time reading this book. Derek Craven was the perfect tortured hero & Sara Fielding was his perfect match. He had felt himself unworthy of love & she had a really hard time convincing him that she wanted him as he is. There was one particular villain in the form of one of his spurned lovers that caused many of the conflicts in this book, but ultimately causes Derek to realize the depth of his feelings for Sara. Very touching love story with a sweet epilogue.
This is probably my favorite Lisa Kleypas book.... I have almost all of her books. It is a great book, great read...such great lovable characters.
Lisa Kleypas never fails to entertain and captivate reader with great characters and story lines.
