Blodeuedd's Monday Review: It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Wallflowers, Book 2

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Release date: 04-20-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Narration: I always like Landor, she is great with historical romance. She gets the voices, from male, to female to posh ahole Viscountess.

Story: Second wallflower gets her moment in the sun. Lillian is not proper, she says what's on her mind, she does improper things, and I like her. She sounds fun.

Marcus, omg in the last book he was so posh, proper and boooo, sure he did something good at the end though. It showed his soul. And here, well he is fascinating by Lillian, but is also all, no, she is not a silent English rose.

They argue a lot, they drive each other insane, and they want to rip each others clothes off.

I enjoyed it, and there was some drama at the end. Grrrrr baddies!

But, the next book, I am not sure, see the love interest in that one behaved like a real asshat in this one. But at the same time I am really curious how it will play out. Still, he did something unforgivable.

I liked it 

Headstrong American heiress Lillian Bowman has come to England to find an aristocratic husband. Unfortunately, no man is strong enough to tame the stubborn beauty's fierce will. Except, perhaps, the powerful and arrogant Earl of Westcliff—a man Lillian despises more than anyone she's ever met.

Marcus, Lord Westcliff, is famous for his icy English reserve and his supreme self-control. But something about the audacious Lillian drives him mad. Whenever they're in the same room, they can't stop themselves from battling furiously to gain the upper hand.

Then one afternoon, a stunningly sensuous encounter changes everything...and Lillian discovers that beneath the earl's reserved façade, he is the passionate and tender lover of her dreams. What neither Westcliff nor Lillian suspect, however, is that a sinister conspiracy threatens to destroy any chance of happiness. After a shocking betrayal endangers Lillian's safety—and possibly her life—will Marcus be able to save her before it's too late?

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Hathaways, Book 4

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Release date: 12-01-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

To review

Catherine and Leo, oh, they are quite the couple. They have these huge arguments and it not funny banter or bickering.

Catherine has been hiding her identity, it takes a while to learn while, and it is a good reason for it (though I would totally have asked that brother of hers to just go thrown everyone in the Thames.) Poor Catherine.

Leo used to be a rake, his excuse was the women he loved more than life dying, him almost dying, his sister almost dying and he blames himself.

They argue a lot, he fancies her, but at the same time, they way he argues with her, it is a bit volatile. I am not sure I like Leo all the time.

Then there is drama with the estate being in danger, her past coming to light, and more.

It was quite the ride, they do not make it easy for each other. But in the end they are truly right for each other, and they both like to argue

Good narrator. I have listned to her before and I like how she plays her characters. They have their own voices and that is important as we meet the rest of the Hathaways too

Hired as a companion to the Hathaway sisters, Catherine Marks has built a new life for herself, away from her dark past. She adores her delightful charges, and the lively Hathaway household is the closest Cat has ever had to a family of her own. Everything is perfect - except for Leo Hathaway, the girls’ charming and utterly exasperating older brother who drives her to distraction. But when their heated sparring explodes in a sudden kiss, Cat can no longer deny the powerful attraction between them - or the thrill she feels when Leo makes her a shocking proposition. 

To save his family home, Leo must marry and produce an heir. The reformed rake vowed he’d never love again after tragedy shattered his heart. Yet the prim and proper Cat challenges him in surprising ways, and her beauty and prim demeanor fuels a desire he cannot control. When the secrets Cat has tried to outrun threatens to separate them forever, Leo and Cat must find a way to banish the ghosts of the past to build a future together. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

By: Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Hathaways, Book 3

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-23-20

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

I forgot to write my review when it was fresh in my mind! How?

Poppy is nice sweet and wants to marry a good man, have a nice house and kids. A nice respectable and quiet life. Because her family is rather messy and scandalous.

Harry is, well kind of an asshole, nah, a bit of a sociopath, hmm, yes maybe. He is ruthless, but he does show kindness. He is powerful, but does think about others. He will do anything to get what he wants, yes that is true.

And he wants Poppy, so he does anything he can do get her. And well obvi he does it the wrong way. Oh I would hate him, but then the guy Poppy liked did not really make an effort. If you loved her you would have done anything!

Marriage of Must. They have to marry. And she learns to see there is more behind that ruthlessness, and so do we. And I really do like him, because he is kind, but that always borders on something else. He learns and I enjoyed the journey.

Great narrator that puts voices to these characters. A good range and I especially like the lazy rake voice of Poppy's brother. It fits him so well

It makes it a good book listening to 

Though she adores her quirky family, Poppy longs for a conventional life. But nothing, especially love, is ordinary when you’re a Hathaway....During a stay at the magnificent Rutledge Hotel in London, effervescent Poppy Hathaway captures the attention of Harry Rutledge himself. With his brilliant mind and ruthless nature, Harry does whatever it takes to get what he wants. Fascinated by Poppy’s sweetness and charm, he comes up with a devious plot to steal her from another man and marry her himself.

At first, Poppy is charmed by the handsome genius, who rescues her from scandal with an offer of marriage. But when she discovers how her new husband betrayed her, Poppy flees the marriage. Now it’s up to Harry to prove he can change his ways. Only by opening his heart, and loving Poppy with all the tenderness he’s capable of, will he convince her to give him another chance. And despite Poppy’s reluctance to forgive him, she realizes her shrewd, sexy husband may just turn out to be the man of her dreams.

B's Monday Review: Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Series: The Ravenels, Book 6

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-18-20

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

Narration

The narrator was great. She is perfect for his rom. Her voices are great and she made me fall into this world and I did not want to leave.

Well this was cute! I did like that they talked a lot, I actually believed that they fell for each other, and not just fell in love in a night. Or fell in love in a week when they had not even talked. Nope, they talk.

Severin, omg, did I actually read somewhere that she described him as a socipath...ok. Well, I mean he is weird. Not in contact with his feelings, he is logical, smart, ruthless. He is not lovable. Why did I then like him? Mostly cos he liked Cassandra. He fell for her, he then avoided her because damn it, feelings! Feelings are evil. He doesn't want feelings.

Did I like the plot with the kid? I mean in a way, in another way not, it was like trying to make him human.

Cassandra then, she was a sweet whirlwind who wanted a loving husband, a home in the country and peace. I liked her at once.

So, yes she wants one thing, he wants another thing. They are not made to be.

The drama there is was good. Sometimes it just feels silly you know, but here it makes sense. 

I liked it :) What more can I say.

Cover

I have forgotten to talk about covers, and this one is pretty. But that is not Cassandra, she is just more

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything - or anyone - is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife - and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love - the one thing he can’t give.

Everything except her....

Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.

When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants - or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:

Never underestimate a Ravenel.

The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun....

Blodeudd's Monday Review: Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Audible Audio, Unabridged, 9h

Published February 19th 2019 by HarperAudio

Series: The Ravenels #5

Mary Jane Wells, narrator

Historical romance

Thank you Harper for this review copy!

My Thoughts

Oh this one was really delightful! There is banter and then there is banter. These two just made each other laugh. It was flirting, it was fun, it was great.

Phoebe is a young widow with two boys. Such sweet fun boys too, and I loved her interactions with them.

West was, omg, ok so there are rakes and then there is West. He used to be a potbellied drunk who peed in fountains. To go near him is to court scandal. Now he is fit, hardworking and loving the job he does. But yes his rep will not go away.

They meet, they get under each other's skin, she gets mad, he wonders why. Honestly, delightful. There talks were amusing.

And, yes I loved how he played with her kids. He was such a freaking good guy!

I have not read the Wallflower series, but I am a bit in love with Phoebe's dad, rawr!

I kept waiting for them to get their act together. Him with his she is above me, and hers, I promised my dead hubbie to marry this boring guy!

Conclusion:

A cute tale with lots of passion too. Two people under the same roof. Love, shenanigans, and a cat.

Narration

I loved her voice for him! It was utterly perfection!

I also liked her voice for the rest too. Phoebe sounded fun and everyone had a distinct nice voice. It also made me wonder about a gentleman we met, I do want a book about him.

Great fun narration

Blurb

Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he's a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband's life a misery, and she'll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself...as none other than West Ravenel.

West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire...not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn't bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She's the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England.

Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past?

Only the devil's daughter knows... 

Bloduedd's Monday Review: Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas

Audio CD, 9h

Narrator: Anna Parker-Naples

Published October 23rd 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published December 1998)

Series: Bow Street Runners #1

Historical romance

Thanks to Tantor Audio for this review copy

My Thoughts

The blurb kind of makes it seem like any woman would love to marry Grant. But they would not. See Grant might be a famous bow street runner, but he is a commoner, so no noble woman would have him in the end. But hey do anyone else he is an excellent choice. Handsome, rich and famous. Not that he wants to marry, he has his hands full with his job. And frankly, he was sort of a d*ck at times. To Vivien that is.

See, these two met. Spoke for like 5 min, and then he is all revenge! Oh man, chill! He lost me a bit there, what a d*ck.

Next time they meet he saves her when someone has tried to kill her. Vivien is a famous courtesan and has slept with half of London and enjoyed it. Dang, this woman loves her "job". Good for you.

Alas, she has amnesia. So now I am stuck with D*ck Grant, and sweet Vivien who is nothing like the alluring woman she used to be. She was so sweet, innocent and kind. And Grant is all, she is lying! If I was her I would have run, but hey, someone is trying to kill her so sure it is safest with him. I just wish he hadn't been a d*ck in his thoughts!

But, yes when he does get over it they are perfect for each other. He needs that sweetness, and she needs him right back.

And there are seeeeeeeeeeeeeeecrets. Secrets I did not see coming! Dang! Not just about who tried to kill her, but more. SO much more. Oh la la.

There is some suspense too as  someone is still after her.

And passion as they can not say no to each other.

But the ending dragged out a bit. It was good, it was just long and then there was an epilogue on top of that. I felt it should have ended when the suspense ended, but then it was like 1 hour left.

Conclusion:

Still, fun with two people that so do not fit. And the secrets were so good.

Narrator

I was unsure at first, for the first 5 minutes. But after that I was hooked. I liked her different voices and her alluring Vivien was great.

Blurb

Grant Morgan is one of London's most eligible and unattainable bachelors. He's also a powerful member of the Bow Street Runners, and when he's called to the waterfront late one night to investigate a drowning victim, Grant is stunned to recognize the face of Vivien Rose Duvall, a well-known woman of the night. He's even more startled when he realizes that she's alive. With no one to care for her, Grant carries Vivien to his home and revives her, only to learn that she is suffering from amnesia.

Vivien hesitantly accepts her handsome rescuer's claim that she is his mistress, despite her misgivings about her true identity. Nevertheless, she can't deny the marks on her throat that prove her near-drowning in the Thames was not an accident, and now she must trust the man who claims her as his paramour, for her life is in danger. As Grant searches for Vivien's attacker, the two find themselves falling in love, all the while struggling to stay one step ahead of the evil forces that will stop at nothing to see Vivien dead.