Helpful Score: 6
~ Second half of the book far better than the first ... and how can I get my own Leo?! (3.5 stars) ~
[1852 - Hampshire and London, England]
So here it is! The long awaited romance of "Marks" and Leo! I know I'm not alone when I say that by the end of the second Hathaway book, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, I was sensing that they would be matched up in the future and was already anxiously anticipating it.
Many readers have been counting down the days till this book came out, and that same pressure and excitement also made me nervous - would it be able to live up to our expectations? I'm very conflicted on what my answer to that question is and cannot give a straight yes or no (hence the middling rating of 3.5 stars). One thing I will say is that I don't think this book should be read on its own, for two reasons: 1) reading Hathaway Books 2 and 3 will allow you to enjoy the Marks and Leo relationship *that* much more, and 2) see my CONS section.
SUMMARY:
Catherine Marks (23) has been the governess and now-companion for the two youngest Hathaway girls for three years and during that time, the antagonistic relationship between Cat and her employer, Leo Hathaway, Viscount Ramsay, has only grown stronger. Leo (30) has changed from the drunken wastrel that he became following the death of his fiancee, however he is still irreverent and enjoys nothing more than a good argument with the pinch-faced eyeglass-wearing "Marks" (as he so "affectionately" calls her). They are like night and day: the relaxed, charming, devil-may-care facade aristocrat and the closemouthed, rigid (though NOT unkind!), somewhat stern governess.
The normal routine of their relationship - one of constant fighting and teasing - changes drastically one afternoon when Leo finally gives in to the urge and kisses Cat ... and she kisses him back! There is no going back from the desire and attraction they have now been forced to admit they feel for one another, and each must face their own issues before any HEA can take place. Leo struggles with his increasingly resolute decision to pursue their relationship, while nonetheless wanting to avoid falling in love at all cost, not willing to put himself at risk of suffering another heartbreak. Cat has really only ever known solitude and loneliness in her life, and she is hiding a mysterious past that has left her in doubt of her own worth and wary and mistrustful of men.
Throw in Cat's concerned brother who also happens to be Leo's sister's husband, this mysterious past coming back to haunt her in the form of a vile 40-year-old lecher whose fixation borders on obsession, two people who wish our heroine ill, and a will that says Leo must marry within a year and produce a male heir or they will all have to leave Ramsay house, and you'll find yourself MARRIED BY MORNING!
PROS:
Leo is a fabulous hero, though granted I've had a soft spot for him from the beginning ... well maybe not the *very* beginning, when he was somewhat of a selfish lout, but almost :-). I've always loved that he calls Cat "Marks" and you can't help but smile when he's teasing and trying to get a rise out of her. We see a decent amount of all members of the Hathaway clan in this book, which fans of the family will enjoy, and the repartee among the Hathaway siblings and their respective partners is wonderful to read and often very humorous. Cat was intriguing and I'd been curious about her back story since we're first introduced to her; it doesn't disappoint, though how it plays into the book might (see CONS).
One of the strongest things about this book is that you really feel the characters of Cat and Leo belong together; you can see how they just fit right and actually picture them as a real-life couple. They are both what the other one needs and are extremely strong individuals in their own right, but made all the stronger - because they're made vulnerable - with the other by their side. We see their growth - Leo, over the course of the series, and Cat, in this particular book. Leo is finally able to gain the peace and happiness he deserves and Cat is able to let herself be vulnerable and rely on another person. (And did I mention I *LOVE* their kissing game, lol - so cute). Their banter is fabulous, the arguing/teasing is wonderful, and their tenderness and care for one another is adorable (and makes one oh so envious, ::sigh::).
CONS:
When I started the book, it was a rocky beginning and I was afraid that I was not going to be able to get into the story. It improved, but it really wasn't until the second half that the central relationship began to feel authentic. Part of the reason for this is that everything happens too quickly right at the beginning: much of Cat's "mysterious" past comes to light (by chapter three), she and Leo face their attraction, Leo begins intently pursuing her, etc. If someone starts starts the series with MBM it will definitely be jarring, but even for me, who has read the other 3 books multiple times, I felt like we were thrown into the story headfirst and blind. Yes, it's been building up for a few books, but even so, those previous interactions and passages don't do enough to smooth the way. Additionally, THIS is the book featuring Leo and Marks' story, so it's in THIS book that I want to see the full development of their relationship, (as much) start to finish (as possible).
Although at times the chemistry between Marks and Cat was sizzling, for the first half of the book I did not feel it AT ALL - Kleypas' skill in writing the passages was evident, but it just wasn't believable to me (which I think is a result of my criticism above). I also felt - again, especially at the beginning - that much more of the story was told from Leo's POV than from Cat's, so although Leo was very accessible, Cat remains an elusive character for quite awhile. It drove me crazy that she kept on "my-lording" him so far into the book; even the second time they sleep together, Cat says "my lord" while they're in bed together!
Finally, the mystery-villain subplot seemed contrived. Why would this man from Cat's past be obsessed for so long? Echoing another reviewer, Kleypas seems to have a penchant for certain evil subplots: particularly villainous men with an unhealthy fixation on the heroine (this book, WORTH ANY PRICE, THE DEVIL IN WINTER, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE, etc.) and kidnappings (most of the ones previously mentioned, plus DREAMING OF YOU, TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT, etc.). The other side of Cat's past involving her family was interesting and unfortunately not too hard to imagine, though one thing that kept driving me nuts was that these family members were supposed to be of the lower class and not very sophisticated, yet they spoke perfect English and had an admirable vocabulary.
HATHAWAY SERIES:
(Note: LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON comes out June 29! Two Kleypas books in two months: the HR goddesses are smiling on us!! And although I wasn't looking forward to Beatrix's story because she's always seemed immature in previous books, reading the excerpt at the back of this book has me VERY intrigued.)
1) MINE TILL MIDNIGHT - Amelia and Cam
2) SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE - Book 2, Win and Merripen
3) TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT - Book 3, Poppy and Harry
4) MARRIED BY MORNING - Leo and Cat ("Marks")
5) LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON - Beatrix and Christopher
BOTTOM LINE:
It's an enjoyable read and although I can't bring myself to give it 4 stars - I had too many issues, particularly with the first half of the book - I don't regret visiting the same bookstore twice in one day to finally get my hands on a copy or staying up late at night to finish reading it. If you haven't read the other Hathaway books, I would definitely urge you to do so before approaching this one (they're wonderful, so it's no hardship, I promise!).
P.S.:
For those readers like myself who don't like the hero or heroine to have had someone whom they truly loved before their HEA-partner (oh we're horrible!): although Leo did honestly love Laura, there is no vying for affection here and he is fully over her by the time this story takes place.
[1852 - Hampshire and London, England]
So here it is! The long awaited romance of "Marks" and Leo! I know I'm not alone when I say that by the end of the second Hathaway book, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, I was sensing that they would be matched up in the future and was already anxiously anticipating it.
Many readers have been counting down the days till this book came out, and that same pressure and excitement also made me nervous - would it be able to live up to our expectations? I'm very conflicted on what my answer to that question is and cannot give a straight yes or no (hence the middling rating of 3.5 stars). One thing I will say is that I don't think this book should be read on its own, for two reasons: 1) reading Hathaway Books 2 and 3 will allow you to enjoy the Marks and Leo relationship *that* much more, and 2) see my CONS section.
SUMMARY:
Catherine Marks (23) has been the governess and now-companion for the two youngest Hathaway girls for three years and during that time, the antagonistic relationship between Cat and her employer, Leo Hathaway, Viscount Ramsay, has only grown stronger. Leo (30) has changed from the drunken wastrel that he became following the death of his fiancee, however he is still irreverent and enjoys nothing more than a good argument with the pinch-faced eyeglass-wearing "Marks" (as he so "affectionately" calls her). They are like night and day: the relaxed, charming, devil-may-care facade aristocrat and the closemouthed, rigid (though NOT unkind!), somewhat stern governess.
The normal routine of their relationship - one of constant fighting and teasing - changes drastically one afternoon when Leo finally gives in to the urge and kisses Cat ... and she kisses him back! There is no going back from the desire and attraction they have now been forced to admit they feel for one another, and each must face their own issues before any HEA can take place. Leo struggles with his increasingly resolute decision to pursue their relationship, while nonetheless wanting to avoid falling in love at all cost, not willing to put himself at risk of suffering another heartbreak. Cat has really only ever known solitude and loneliness in her life, and she is hiding a mysterious past that has left her in doubt of her own worth and wary and mistrustful of men.
Throw in Cat's concerned brother who also happens to be Leo's sister's husband, this mysterious past coming back to haunt her in the form of a vile 40-year-old lecher whose fixation borders on obsession, two people who wish our heroine ill, and a will that says Leo must marry within a year and produce a male heir or they will all have to leave Ramsay house, and you'll find yourself MARRIED BY MORNING!
PROS:
Leo is a fabulous hero, though granted I've had a soft spot for him from the beginning ... well maybe not the *very* beginning, when he was somewhat of a selfish lout, but almost :-). I've always loved that he calls Cat "Marks" and you can't help but smile when he's teasing and trying to get a rise out of her. We see a decent amount of all members of the Hathaway clan in this book, which fans of the family will enjoy, and the repartee among the Hathaway siblings and their respective partners is wonderful to read and often very humorous. Cat was intriguing and I'd been curious about her back story since we're first introduced to her; it doesn't disappoint, though how it plays into the book might (see CONS).
One of the strongest things about this book is that you really feel the characters of Cat and Leo belong together; you can see how they just fit right and actually picture them as a real-life couple. They are both what the other one needs and are extremely strong individuals in their own right, but made all the stronger - because they're made vulnerable - with the other by their side. We see their growth - Leo, over the course of the series, and Cat, in this particular book. Leo is finally able to gain the peace and happiness he deserves and Cat is able to let herself be vulnerable and rely on another person. (And did I mention I *LOVE* their kissing game, lol - so cute). Their banter is fabulous, the arguing/teasing is wonderful, and their tenderness and care for one another is adorable (and makes one oh so envious, ::sigh::).
CONS:
When I started the book, it was a rocky beginning and I was afraid that I was not going to be able to get into the story. It improved, but it really wasn't until the second half that the central relationship began to feel authentic. Part of the reason for this is that everything happens too quickly right at the beginning: much of Cat's "mysterious" past comes to light (by chapter three), she and Leo face their attraction, Leo begins intently pursuing her, etc. If someone starts starts the series with MBM it will definitely be jarring, but even for me, who has read the other 3 books multiple times, I felt like we were thrown into the story headfirst and blind. Yes, it's been building up for a few books, but even so, those previous interactions and passages don't do enough to smooth the way. Additionally, THIS is the book featuring Leo and Marks' story, so it's in THIS book that I want to see the full development of their relationship, (as much) start to finish (as possible).
Although at times the chemistry between Marks and Cat was sizzling, for the first half of the book I did not feel it AT ALL - Kleypas' skill in writing the passages was evident, but it just wasn't believable to me (which I think is a result of my criticism above). I also felt - again, especially at the beginning - that much more of the story was told from Leo's POV than from Cat's, so although Leo was very accessible, Cat remains an elusive character for quite awhile. It drove me crazy that she kept on "my-lording" him so far into the book; even the second time they sleep together, Cat says "my lord" while they're in bed together!
Finally, the mystery-villain subplot seemed contrived. Why would this man from Cat's past be obsessed for so long? Echoing another reviewer, Kleypas seems to have a penchant for certain evil subplots: particularly villainous men with an unhealthy fixation on the heroine (this book, WORTH ANY PRICE, THE DEVIL IN WINTER, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE, etc.) and kidnappings (most of the ones previously mentioned, plus DREAMING OF YOU, TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT, etc.). The other side of Cat's past involving her family was interesting and unfortunately not too hard to imagine, though one thing that kept driving me nuts was that these family members were supposed to be of the lower class and not very sophisticated, yet they spoke perfect English and had an admirable vocabulary.
HATHAWAY SERIES:
(Note: LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON comes out June 29! Two Kleypas books in two months: the HR goddesses are smiling on us!! And although I wasn't looking forward to Beatrix's story because she's always seemed immature in previous books, reading the excerpt at the back of this book has me VERY intrigued.)
1) MINE TILL MIDNIGHT - Amelia and Cam
2) SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE - Book 2, Win and Merripen
3) TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT - Book 3, Poppy and Harry
4) MARRIED BY MORNING - Leo and Cat ("Marks")
5) LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON - Beatrix and Christopher
BOTTOM LINE:
It's an enjoyable read and although I can't bring myself to give it 4 stars - I had too many issues, particularly with the first half of the book - I don't regret visiting the same bookstore twice in one day to finally get my hands on a copy or staying up late at night to finish reading it. If you haven't read the other Hathaway books, I would definitely urge you to do so before approaching this one (they're wonderful, so it's no hardship, I promise!).
P.S.:
For those readers like myself who don't like the hero or heroine to have had someone whom they truly loved before their HEA-partner (oh we're horrible!): although Leo did honestly love Laura, there is no vying for affection here and he is fully over her by the time this story takes place.
Helpful Score: 5
Another for my ***Top 10*** List. Leo, Viscount Ramsay (the Hathaway brother) and Miss Catherine Marks (the sisters' society coach and prim companion) loathe each other. Their dialogue is filled with dry sarcasm, rapier sharp wit and in-your-face insults. I loved all the barbs, zingers, and digs they throw at one another, all the while they are falling head over heels. In many places, laugh-out-loud hilarious, right to the very end. You will surely enjoy this one.
Helpful Score: 3
As always Lisa Kleypas delivers again. I loved this book and the series. If you haven't read them then you must order them today. The characters grow right before your eyes and you become a part of their family, and what a family it is. I can't wait for the next. All of Ms. Kleypas' books are great.
Helpful Score: 3
Marks has been the paid companion for Poppy and Beatrix for three years, and she and Leo seem to be unable to have a single civil conversation. But when Leo must marry and produce an heir within the year to save his family home, he must decide whether marriage for love is worth the risk. I have been waiting with bated breath for their book, and it was WORTH IT. Catherine, hiding from her past, and Leo, afraid to face the future, prove that seeming opposites can make for the strongest of relationships. Their chemistry is off-the-chart, and I couldn't wait to turn the page to read the next sparring match. I love that all the characters are intelligent and unique, and Kleypas' use of secondary characters really help move the central romance (Marks and Leo) forward. While I think that you could read this as a stand alone, it's best to read them in order because Marks and Leo both show remarkable personal growth if the books are taken collectively.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Married by Morning (Hathaways, Bk 4) on + 1728 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really like this series and this book didn't disappoint. I love how you get new pieces of the puzzle with each book, the story was excellent, great tension and just the right amount of excitement to keep everything flowing along. A good page turner. A great read.
Helpful Score: 1
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot
Married by Morning is the fourth book in Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series. Leo Hathaway and Catherine Marks have been fighting their attraction to each other for a couple of books now. Catherine has been installed as a companion/governess to Beatrice and Poppy Hathaway, Leo's sisters to help them learn the rules of society. Catherine has been hiding from something and been very secretive about her past. She thinks it is soon time for her to leave the Hathaways because she might be putting them at risk, however she doesn't want to leave the one family who make her feel like she belongs.
Funny thing about Married by Morning is that I wasn't sure I would like Leo for a hero. He really didn't have all that much appeal in the earlier Hathaway books as he chose the path of debauchery when he lost his childhood sweetheart. So then with having no expectations other than a good read by Ms. Kleypas, I found myself really enjoying Leo's transformation in Married by Moring.
The main appeals were the delightful scenes between Catherine and Leo that exercised their wit. I think my favorite would be when Leo demonstrated to Catherine how kissing can make a person lose their intelligence. He would kiss her and then ask her to solve a riddle. Because she couldn't answer correctly she'd make him ask another question. Of course, Leo would have to kiss her first before he could ask her another question.
There were several cute scenes like that and it amazes me how Ms. Kleypas makes them all seem so effortless. The pacing is great, the characters are wonderful. Even the little ferret drew me in. I can't help but be enchanted with Married by Morning.
Sensuality: Hot
Married by Morning is the fourth book in Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series. Leo Hathaway and Catherine Marks have been fighting their attraction to each other for a couple of books now. Catherine has been installed as a companion/governess to Beatrice and Poppy Hathaway, Leo's sisters to help them learn the rules of society. Catherine has been hiding from something and been very secretive about her past. She thinks it is soon time for her to leave the Hathaways because she might be putting them at risk, however she doesn't want to leave the one family who make her feel like she belongs.
Funny thing about Married by Morning is that I wasn't sure I would like Leo for a hero. He really didn't have all that much appeal in the earlier Hathaway books as he chose the path of debauchery when he lost his childhood sweetheart. So then with having no expectations other than a good read by Ms. Kleypas, I found myself really enjoying Leo's transformation in Married by Moring.
The main appeals were the delightful scenes between Catherine and Leo that exercised their wit. I think my favorite would be when Leo demonstrated to Catherine how kissing can make a person lose their intelligence. He would kiss her and then ask her to solve a riddle. Because she couldn't answer correctly she'd make him ask another question. Of course, Leo would have to kiss her first before he could ask her another question.
There were several cute scenes like that and it amazes me how Ms. Kleypas makes them all seem so effortless. The pacing is great, the characters are wonderful. Even the little ferret drew me in. I can't help but be enchanted with Married by Morning.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my favorite of the Hathaways series with Poppy's story a close runner up. It finally gets Leo and Marks together with some steamy scenes in between. I love that the book jumps right into it, which I felt appropriate given the previous books in the series, however I would not recommend reading this without the others in the series first.
Helpful Score: 1
An enjoyable read! As always Kleypas does not disappoint. Even if there were a few implausible situations that the heroine found herself in we do have to keep in mind that we are dealing with the Hathaway family therefore implausible is the norm. Leo's character was well rounded and I must say that Marks (our heroine) suited him very well. The pace of the story is very fast but after all we have been with Leo and Marks since book two of the Hathaways' so I appreciated the romantic pace of the characters. I will caution however that Kleypas get's very steamy with these characters, there are quite a few detailed sex scenes. Over all an enjoyable summer read.
I love Kleypas and the Hathaway series but this one had a terribly weak plot. Still a good read but I wanted more for Cat and Leo:) Can't wait for Beatrix story!
Good, but not great. Some boring parts that I skimmed through. The bickering started to get old. I did like the part where Leo would kiss Marks and then ask her a question to see if she could think clearly. Result: Lots of kissing, very cute. This one didn't choke me up like some of the others in the series.
The 4th installment of the Hathaways delivered. I enjoyed the book more then I expected. The bantering between the two main characters was hilarious. I love the fact that the whole family is always present and that you get to follow them all throughout the entire series.
Overall a good story...I'd read one or two of the previous stories so I was familiar with the characters, though I didn't know it at the time I bought it. Towards the end, Cat's no's to the proposal were grating on my nerves but other than that. I loved the conclusion.
Love the book, love this author. I highly recommend it to anyone who has read her before or just want to give her a try. I just wish she had more books out there for us to enjoy!
I love all of her series and each time I read one I move on to another and get more addicted to her books, she is awesome, just love her books!
Leo is such a charmer. I loved his need to rescue Marks from her past and herself. Kept me interested to turn the page throughout the whole book...Tho him making her speak to him during the sexual parts kind of weirded me out. Another great addition to the Hathaway series.
Loved it!
A great book in the series but I was kind of disappointed. There was so much build-up about Leo and Marks and we've known and loved Leo since the beginning. There was a lot of sensuality and Leo was extremely sweet and charming. He's really lovable. But there was so much intensity between them in previous books, and also in the first chapter or two of this book, but then it kind of disappeared. That was a bit of a let down.
There are some great scenes with Leo and Cam and Leo and Harry.
I wish there had been more with the other siblings, but I always wish that.
There are some great scenes with Leo and Cam and Leo and Harry.
I wish there had been more with the other siblings, but I always wish that.
Catherine Marks loves her job as companion to the two youngest Hathaway sisters. For more than three years, she has helped teach them the rules of the aristocracy. But one thing she doesn't like is their older brother, Leo, Viscount Ramsey. Their relationship has been antagonistic, always jabbing at each other when the opportunity strikes. But that relationship changes drastically when Leo gives in and kisses Cat. Now they are dealing with a mutual attraction that burns hotter each time they lay eyes on each other. As Leo gets to know Catherine a little better, he realizes she is keeping some secrets she would rather keep hidden.
I liked Leo and "Marks" (as he calls her) ever since they met in the second book of the series. I have been waiting for their book and was afraid it wouldn't live up to my expectations. Well, I can happily say I wasn't disappointed. Leo was devastated by the loss of his childhood sweetheart to the point that he was self-destructive. It's taken a couple of books to get him in the right frame of mind to go forward with his life. But he's still not ready to love again and uses his rapier wit and charm to keep people at a distance. Cat grew up unloved by her parents, then by her aunt and grandmother. She just wants a family that she can fit into and the unconventional Hathaways have given her that. She doesn't want to chance losing that family because of her relationship with Leo.
In this book we uncover some secrets from Cat's past. We also learn that the Hathaways may lose their home due to a previously unknown stipulation tied to the Leo's title. The characters from the previous books are back. It's always good to see them. But my favorites parts of this book were the conversations between Leo and Cat which were sometimes hilarious. My rating: 5 Stars.
I liked Leo and "Marks" (as he calls her) ever since they met in the second book of the series. I have been waiting for their book and was afraid it wouldn't live up to my expectations. Well, I can happily say I wasn't disappointed. Leo was devastated by the loss of his childhood sweetheart to the point that he was self-destructive. It's taken a couple of books to get him in the right frame of mind to go forward with his life. But he's still not ready to love again and uses his rapier wit and charm to keep people at a distance. Cat grew up unloved by her parents, then by her aunt and grandmother. She just wants a family that she can fit into and the unconventional Hathaways have given her that. She doesn't want to chance losing that family because of her relationship with Leo.
In this book we uncover some secrets from Cat's past. We also learn that the Hathaways may lose their home due to a previously unknown stipulation tied to the Leo's title. The characters from the previous books are back. It's always good to see them. But my favorites parts of this book were the conversations between Leo and Cat which were sometimes hilarious. My rating: 5 Stars.
I have loved the Hathaway series from the beginning. They are the ultimate in comfort reading--those books you read at the end of a long stressful day. This one was no exeption.
The Plot: Leo Hathaway has struggled to overcome a period of intense grief and self-destruction after the death of his fiancee. Now years later, he has inherited the cursed title of Lord Ramsey and the Hamshire estate that goes with it. The title comes with a catch however: In order to keep the house and property that his family currently resides in, he is recquired to marry and produce a male heir within a limited amount of time. Catherine Marks has served as governess and companion to the two youngest Hathaway sisters. Stern and spinsterly, she is the exact opposite of the type of woman the wild and free spirited Leo would ever have considered marrying. In fact, they bicker constantly. But from the depths of contempt passion rises,an they begin to realize just how right they are for each other.
The Characters: I really loved Leo right from book 1 of the series. His story is painful but triumphant. His personality is irrisistable. Much of his developement takes place "off screne" (refering to his stay in France when he overcame his grief). I found that a bit disapointing, but I think it was done to allow focus to remain on the developement of the relationship between he and Catherine. Cat is also likeable, with an equally tragic past and a surprisingly layered personality. I felt she was a good match for Leo. Their romance was charming, believeable, and funny.
As always Kleypas does a good job of keeping characters from past and future books imbedded in the story. Dodger the ferret being the most humerous and beloved in my oppinion.
Overall: I think it's a feel good read for historic romance lovers. If you haven't yet tried the Hathaway series, I suggest starting with Mine Til Midnight--you won't be disapointed.
The Plot: Leo Hathaway has struggled to overcome a period of intense grief and self-destruction after the death of his fiancee. Now years later, he has inherited the cursed title of Lord Ramsey and the Hamshire estate that goes with it. The title comes with a catch however: In order to keep the house and property that his family currently resides in, he is recquired to marry and produce a male heir within a limited amount of time. Catherine Marks has served as governess and companion to the two youngest Hathaway sisters. Stern and spinsterly, she is the exact opposite of the type of woman the wild and free spirited Leo would ever have considered marrying. In fact, they bicker constantly. But from the depths of contempt passion rises,an they begin to realize just how right they are for each other.
The Characters: I really loved Leo right from book 1 of the series. His story is painful but triumphant. His personality is irrisistable. Much of his developement takes place "off screne" (refering to his stay in France when he overcame his grief). I found that a bit disapointing, but I think it was done to allow focus to remain on the developement of the relationship between he and Catherine. Cat is also likeable, with an equally tragic past and a surprisingly layered personality. I felt she was a good match for Leo. Their romance was charming, believeable, and funny.
As always Kleypas does a good job of keeping characters from past and future books imbedded in the story. Dodger the ferret being the most humerous and beloved in my oppinion.
Overall: I think it's a feel good read for historic romance lovers. If you haven't yet tried the Hathaway series, I suggest starting with Mine Til Midnight--you won't be disapointed.
Enjoyable light read. I've read the Wallflower series by Kleypas and truly enjoyed the underlying "true friends" theme. She remains consistent with this series, where they are connected together this time by "loving & loyal family."
Love every book by Lisa Kleypas. This way a good book. It characters are introduced in the other books in this series so you really need to read them all in order to get the whole feel for these characters. Leo and Ms Marks. Great love story.
Another great Kleypas book! I've enjoyed the Hathaways series and I think this is her best series.
One of her best in a very long time.
Another hot winner from Lisa Kleypas. Not only does she write the steamiest romances, but the story lines are also highly entertaining and amusing. This is the 4th of the Hathaways books and was a bit different because it was written from the man's (Leo's) point of view. I find many too author's love segments to be predictable and boring and I often skip over them, but not with Lisa Kelypas's books. They are about as steamy as they come and totally entertaining. If your libido could use a jump start try reading this book which is very entertaiing and hot, hot, hot.
Fun read. Loved the characters.
I recommend this book and the whole series. As far as I am concerned this is the best book out of the series, but I enjoyed them all. The dialogue between Leo and Katherine are laugh out loud funny.
I love the entire Hathaway Family series. Kleypas' books are really engaging and full of character depth, plot twists and just general fun. This, actually, is my least favorite book in this series. It's not bad, just not my favorite. I'll still read it again and again, though!!
HE IS EVERYTHING SHE WANTS TO AVOID...
For two years, Catherine Marks has been paid companion to the Hathaway sisters--a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response--and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.
SHE IS NOT AT ALL WHAT SHE SEEMS...
Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever--unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires...
For two years, Catherine Marks has been paid companion to the Hathaway sisters--a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response--and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.
SHE IS NOT AT ALL WHAT SHE SEEMS...
Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever--unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires...
I JUST LOVE ANYTHING SHE WRITES.
AT PRESENT, I AM RATIONING HER BOOKS BECAUSE I CAN READ FASTER THAN SHE WRITES.
AT PRESENT, I AM RATIONING HER BOOKS BECAUSE I CAN READ FASTER THAN SHE WRITES.
The Hathaways are oe of my favorite families. I have passed the entire series to my sister. When she is through with them I will be reposting them for someone else to enjoy.
I love Leo!!! OMGosh!! This was a wonderful book. The first two in the series were erotic and I thought it couldn't get any better than the Roms, but man was I wrong. Still have to read Poppy and Beatrice's story. I hope they're as good. 5 stars.
Lisa never disappoints!
I loved the Hathaways Series. I can't say one was any better than the other. All 4 books kept my attention. There are 5 books to this series and I am missing one however I am on the wish list.
Not my favorite in the Hathaways series, but enjoyable nonetheless.
