Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

Daisy Bowman and Matthew Swift's book





Scandal in Spring (Wallflower's book 4)

By Lisa Kleypas

Book Blurb:
After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses—the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

Immensely LOVED this story Scandal in Spring! I laughed out loud during some of the chapters that I couldn't catch my breath. Scandal in Spring is not a comedy but there are some very funny parts.

Daisy is just adorable. A free spirit. A women who loves books and who is happy with the simple things in life. Daisy has a very girlish outlook on life yet she  is so logical. She must have been complex to write. She doesn't come across as juvenile but in many ways, she can appear immature. Yet very much a woman. She is a shorter heroine at only five feet one inch. The artist's rendering isn't how I picture her at all. Unfortunately I don't picture Matthew this way either. Too bad because I think this is the only cover art that I think failed in what I imagined the protagonists to look like. 

Matthew and Daisy are great together. They annoy each other but from very early on in the story, the reader totally has the understanding that this passionate pair are completely destined for one another. The story line was great because Matthew and Daisy actually want to be together but there is a mysterious circumstance that keeps them apart. 

Daisy's sister, Lillian (introduced in previous books) plays a large role in Scandal in Spring and although she doesn't care for Matthew, you know that it is her fear of her sister leaving England and returning to New York that is filtering her anger.  As always Lillian delivers some awesome one liners and I couldn't wait to read what she said next. "Hells Bells!"

For me  Scandal in Spring  is all about couple banter and their love coming together. What a fabulous book to end out the series. Highly memorable and future re-reads!

Teasers: expensive wishing well wish, blood-thirsty lawn bowling, Moo, corruption cover-up

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Lillian Bowman & Marcus, Lord Westcliff's book





It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers #2)

By Lisa Kleypas

Book Blurb:
It happened at the ball...

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It happened in the garden...

When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed...thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It happened one autumn...

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable...as his bride?

I continue to adore this Wallflower series. It Happened One Autumn is the second book in this series where four wallflower women have banned together to obtain their goal of marriage. The books could be read as stand-alones but I think you would miss the great character references and understanding of their relationships. 

Lillian and her younger sister, Daisy are having a very hard time fitting in with English ton and securing marriages. Even though they are rich heiresses, they are completely American with their mannerisms and do not fit into the historical aristocratic English ways. They don't know the "rules", they don't know which fork to use and they speak their minds. As much as the men of the peer realm find them amusing, they wouldn't want to be married to either of them. 

Lillian has witty and sarcastic come backs. I laughed constantly at the things that came our of her mouth.  

"Oh, well, obviously. I'm a world- renowned temptress." 

The relationship she has with her sister is one to be envied. They are two peas in a pod. They are mischief makers and even though their mother refers to them as angels, they aren't fooling anyone. Especially their mother. 

Lillian and Westcliff don't start out on the best of terms but their obvious attraction is apparent to everyone. Westcliff knows he has to eventually marry and for as much thought as he has claimed to thinking about marriage, he really hasn't put much thought into it other than understanding it is a major commitment and that his wife will be of pure peer blood. I don't think that Westcliff had anything against marrying outside of the ton, he just never thought he'd marry outside of the tight circle. 

Their banter was at times comical as it could be frustrating. He'd try to bully, she'd rebel back. Neither give in so they have a constant battle of wits game going on.  


Teasers: escape from the bedroom, magic fragrant, the purple-spotted dingy-dipper, drunk in the library on pear brandy

Secrets of A Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Annabelle Peyton and Simon Hunt's book





Secrets of A Summer Night (Wallflowers #1)

By Lisa Kleypas

Book Blurb:
"Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born."

Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing--and persistent--admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon--and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

I hope I can convey the love I have for this book. Let's just get this out of the way, ok? I LOVED this story, Secrets of A Summer Night! 

I always imagine what the book characters look like (who doesn't?) and I love when there is extra art. I find that this Wallflower series does seems to include some beautiful art. I think that this is a perfect rendering of Simon and Annabelle. Well not that Simon casually walks around with bulging muscles and shirtless. 

Secrets of a Summer Night is just an awesome read. I was whisked away to London 1842 and I really enjoyed reading about the Victorian era. It is fairly new for me to read about the industrial revolution and how there was so much change in England at this time. The aristocracy was really trying to stay in charge and remain at the top of the food chain yet the rich Americans and English business men were set in changing the world.  This evolution wasn't all the main plot of the story but it heavily dictated the conundrum that faced Annabelle and the other wallflowers. 

Speaking of the wallflowers, what an awesome group of ladies. There is Annabelle, a Lady with no dowry. Daisy and Lillian Bowman, incredibly rich Americans but not schooled in the proper English mannerisms and then the lovely but stammering red head Evie. These bright women were left to sit at the dreaded wallflower seats at all of the balls due to their circumstances. These four women create a strong friendship and scheme to get themselves each married off. Its such a shame that women of history had to be married in order for them to move forward in life. I do love reading about their various ways to obtain this goal. 

Since Annabelle is the oldest at twenty five, the group put her at the top of the list and devised a plan to obtain a aristocracy husband. Of course, even the best laid plans can get side tracked and that is exactly what happens. I loved reading every moment of their schemes and detours. In fact I relished in it. I smiled, giggled and turn the pages with anticipation to see where Annabelle would end up next. 

No story is complete without a villain and the slimy creepy Lord Hodgeham fit the bill perfectly. Preying of Annabelle and her mother's desperate financial issues, he took every advantage his greasy hands could. Secrets of A Summer Night demonstrates the lengths a mother will go to for the love of her children. 

Simon was a fabulous hero. I loved his arrogance and his commanding presence. Even ruthless business men have soft spots and Annabelle was his. There was such satisfaction reading how much he fell in love with Annabelle. 

Next book is It Happened One Autumn and I am eager to crack open the first page. Lisa Kleypas' writing is completely magical to me. She has a gift with words. 

Teasers: Rounders in knickers, adder bite, a gift of walking boots, 

"Without limit. Beyond forever." Quote from Simon