Marrying Winterborne audiobook

i’ve yet to find my perfect lisa kleypas read but i’m determined it exists!!! this was fun, i think i enjoyed it about as much as the first book in the series. the later installments have better reviews so i shall continue on.edit: this is my favorite of the series so far in hindsight. i realllllly liked the uh plot twist? near the end of this book

OH. MY. GOD.

I’m a simple girl. All I want is a man with 5 million pounds, a welsh accent, and a big cock.

Edit: My goodness...the cover that wasn't there before! >.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Summary  Rhys Winterborne, has built himself up from the ground all the way to a wealthy tycoon. Rhys has always been able to get what he wants, but when he met Lady Helen Ravenel his world was turned upside down and he is determined to keep her for good. Helen Ravenel, was always nervous around Rhys, he intimidated her and when they were engaged, she could feel herself slowly falling in love with him. But through some complications and family interference, their engagement was broken off. Now Helen is determined to fight to have Rhys back in her life, even if that means compromising herself to be his wife. But soon after Rhys and Helen reconcile and begin anew again, their relationship is more vital and fresh and open than it ever was before. The passion they feel for each other is vibrant, but Helen is faced with a difficult decision. She learns some truths about who her father really is, a man that is a enemy of Rhys. Helen might have to face a future without a man she loves desperately to be taken from her---can Rhys and Helen find their happily ever after when there is a man that threatens to destroy the love they have built? The Hero  Rhys Winterborne, has not had a easy life, he has perservered through some tough situations. First off he is Welch, and for many he is looked down upon especially when he was younger. But Rhys even though he had parents that taught him right, weren't the most affectionate or loving of people but they taught him about hard work. Rhys built his father's small shop into an empire and he is one of the wealthiest men in England. Rhys seems cold and harsh on the surface, but on the inner part's he is craving companionship and love just like anyone else. He has made mistakes in the past but when Helen enters his life again, he refuses to let her go. Boy, can I just say that Rhys is one sexy hero!! One of the best Kleypas has written. Man he was mouthwatering, and I felt a bit weak in the knees just reading his character. I love how loyal and devoted he is to Helen. When he becomes committed...man does he do it so well but boy is he arrogrant about it all. Lady Helen is so far above all men that none of us deserve her. Therefore, it might as well be me I love how he stands by her and shows her how special she is to him and he doesn't care what others think of him. Love that!! The Heroine  Helen, out of all the siblings, she is the most gracious and well learned of them all. She can pass for any society miss. She gives the appearance of being the perfect debutante even if that is the exact opposite of what she truly wants in life. Helen, has been the dutiful daughter and sister. She has always said the right thing's, and did the right things. But when she loses Rhys after some miscommunications,,.,she has to fix it because she loves him and doesn't want to let him go. " I wouldn't count on much adventure if I were you. I'm going to look after you and keep you safe." She glanced at him over the rim of the cup, her yes smiling "What I meant was, You are the adventure." Helen is a fighter when it comes to the people she loves. She is true to her word and to her family. Helen can be shy and reserved but is solid in every way that matters. She has learned to protect herself at a very young age. We see how she fights for the first time for what she truly wants and NOT what other expect from her even if it will cause a great scandal. I loved her from the beginning and loved seeing her get what she deserved. Plot and Story Line  Marrying Winterborne is finally HERE!!! And honestly ladies...and Gents of course (men are always welcome in the Kleypas fan club) I couldn't put this one down!! I bought it, read it and loved every single page. I will admit, after reading the first book Cold Hearted Rake, I was a bit nerve wracked over this book. I liked Cold Hearted Rake, but it wasn't like the other historical's that Lisa Kleypas has written in the past. However Marrying Winterborne was simply fantastic and I knew from within the first chapter, that she got her groove back and so thrilled.Now this book, I would recommend reading Cold Hearted Rake first. You don't HAVE to, it can be read as a stand alone, there is some background information given that will keep you from being lost however having said all that, I do recommend reading the first book since it has the background information and the beginnings of their relationship. This book sets off pretty quickly after the last book ended. Helen goes into Rhy's office, to get him back. No matter what it takes. Our heroine, is pretty determined to fight for her man (*sigh* love this moment honestly, this scene is brilliant) Some beautiful moments and enough sensuality to curl your toes and they become reconciled and engagement is back on. But life is never simple especially for these two. Some complications, secrets and truths will need to be revealed before these two can find their HEA. What I truly admired the most about the way this story was spun is how each factor fit into the story. I honestly had a hard time containing my excitement from this book and not skipping because I wanted to find out what was going to happen. The story really builds when we learn who Helen's true father is (truly not a good guy at all) and is Rhy's mortal enemy, so there is quite a dilemma that Helen goes through. Helen couldn't deny that Mr. Winterborne's personal attraction were high on her list of considerations. A man in his prime, radiating that remarkable energy, a kind of animal vitality that she found both frightening and irresistible. But there was something else about him...a lure more potent than any other. It happened during his rare moments of tenderness with her, when it seemed as if the deep, tightly locked cache of sadness in her heart was about to break open. He was the only person who had ever approached that trapped place, who might someday be able to shatter the loneliness that had always held fast inside her.  My heart really reached out to her, because she wants to be honest with him even though others are warning her away from being honest. I wanted to smack these people, because REALLY!! But Helen she holds true to what she knows is right even if she is risking losing Rhys. And the way the story spirals downward is so right for these two and Rhys is a hero you fall in love with even MORE than before. No, You're all mine. Every hair on your head. Every part of you was made to be loved by me I don't want to reveal too much and I hope there isn't any spoilers here for you guys but seriously READ THIS NOW!! You won't regret it. The Cover  So pretty...I really love the purple with the white gown....so classy. Overall View  Marrying Winterborne is a truly end of your seat romantic tale that is guaranteed to make you fall heads over heels in love!! ROMANCE AT THE CORE!! Books N Tunes  [foogallery id="21728"]

4.5 STARS "Cariad...there's nothing gentle about how I want you." He was startled by the endearment that had slipped out, one he had never used with anyone. Oh man I took too long to read this book because I feel like it was a five star read but it felt like it dragged in some areas (or maybe that was just me because I always want everything to happen at a breakneck speed). But quite frankly, Mr Rhys Winterborne has joined the ranks of my favourite Lisa Kleypas heroes. So I'm sure like the rest of the world I was enthralled and besotted the minute we were introduced to Winterborne in Cold-Hearted Rake, I mean he literally stole the story and from that point onward I was panting for the next scene with Helen and Rhys. And trust me this book far exceeded my expectations. Rhys, is the epitome of my kind of HR hero, actually whatever genre of romance I'm reading. His character exuded confidence, strength, dominance but also Rhys was a really sensitive guy although he might not have dealt with his emotions in the same manner as gentleman of the peer would. Let's not forget the fact that he is absolutely smitten with Helen. I like my heroes smitten or besotted... or both.Now about Helen, I was pretty sure her character would be overwhelmed by Rhys' character, yes her she had strength but it was understated in the first book. But in this book she really blossomed, I have to say I was very happy to note that her character was driven and she could be independent too. Hers and Rhys interaction constantly kept me on my toes and yes in a state of arousal because lets be honest, Rhys is incapable of keeping his cool around Helen. These two made fireworks together, they were passionate and just plain frenzied around each other but they did have moments of quiet when they would just bask in their mutual love. Closing his eyes, he pressed his jaw gently against her small ear. A half-minute passed before he could find his voice. "You've read the fairy tales. You know what happens to little girls who visit wolves." About the supporting characters:Pandora and Cassandra brought some comedic relief to the story but I will admit that Pandora is probably my favourite and I am literally foaming at the mouth for her book and lets not forget about who the hero is!!! I just know their book is going to be epic. A special mention is needed for Dr Gibson, my God please tell me she's going to have her own book because seriously there's so much potential there!Once again I wonder why it is that I took so long to join in the Lisa Kleypas fandom because she is everything.

I am going to admit something to you. I don't read series in order. I mean, really who cares? So a few years ago, I picked up this book and started it, and then I DNFd it, because I literally was like...WHAT IS GOING ON? Then a few days ago, I read Cold-Hearted Rake, and I literally realized that SO MUCH of the story of Helen & Rhys is in that book. So then I went back to Marrying Winterborne, and holy shit it was so absolutely wonderful now that I knew the whole story.This book WRECKED ME. I loved it to pieces. I was listening to a copy from the library (the audio is great) and I stopped midway through to buy the book because I had to know what happened and definitely know I will read it over and over again. the moral of the story: maybe I should really be reading Kleypas in order, at least.

Title: Marrying WinterborneSeries: The Ravenels #2Author: Lisa KleypasRelease date: May 31, 2016Cliffhanger:NoAhhhh. Rhys Marrying Winterborne. You lived up to all of my hopes and dreams. With every new book I read from the incredibly talented Lisa Kleypas, I'm reminded why she was one of the original authors to get me excited about reading romance. She is nothing short of gifted when it comes to her ability to create memorable characters and resonating stories. Her attention to the smallest detail about living in the late 1800's in England makes reading her books feel like time travel. From the sights, the sounds, the clothing, to the culture...everything is crystal clear right there before you. And her beautifully poetic style of writing makes reading about her classic romances a pure pleasure and delight. She had never imagined that a man would kiss her as if he were trying to breathe her in, as if kisses were words meant for poems, or honey to be gathered with his tongue.Marrying Winterborne continues on with the characters who were introduced in Cold-Hearted Rake. Rhys is one of the "nouveau riche" in London. A self-made extremely wealthy man who came from the lower classes and now mingles with the titled and most respected families in the country. He may have earned entry, but will never earn respect. So the possibility that graceful lady Helen of the Ravenels would want someone so rough around the edges, so much beneath her is an impossibility. He has her up on a pedestal, and when their engagement is broken it comes as no surprise that she came to her senses. Little does he know, Helen is just extremely shy and untutored in men and things pertaining to the physical side of love. She marches right over to his home and sets the record straight about her desire to be with him.If she married Mr. Winterborne, she might come to regret it. But not nearly as much as she would regret it if she didn't take the chance.Rhys sets out to guarantee that she would have to become his. He wasn't risking her slipping through his fingers again. For better or worse, she would be his and there was no turning back. I love, loved, LOVED Rhys' constant and unconditional protectiveness and gentle manner he held with Helen. It was totally contradictory to his gruff and blunt natural personality. He's not the type of guy you would think of when you think hearts and flowers. I imagine he doesn't have a romantic bone in his body. But when it comes to Helen...sigh he's utterly charming and passionate and worshipful. He burned with desire, a constant fever beneath his skin. He wasn't sure if Helen was the illness or the cure.Helen was a great heroine. She was extremely shy and unworldly, yet she wasn't afraid to pursue Rhys and she had the intelligence to recognize his worth despite society labeling him as unworthy. More than anything else, she respected his overwhelming accomplishments and wanted to start a new life with him. Everything seems to be going smoothly after their engagement is reinstated. Until she learns a horrible truth about her past that may ruin their happiness forever. This was the main conflict of the book, and thankfully it didn't cause any unnecessary drama. It was just the right amount to keep the story flowing fast and easy. I enjoyed book one of the series, but this one far surpassed everything I anticipated it would be. The h/H had some incredible chemistry, and it was oh-so-romantic. Pandora's story is up next, and the fact that she is going to be paired with Evie and Sebastian's son...Can it just be here now? Or yesterday? That's not too much to ask. Right?FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

"Mark my words, girls. There is no greater enemy of virtue than a charming Welshman." let the ruining begin!!In this book we have a couple who got engaged at the end of the last book in this series, Winterborne and Helen. I didn't like the last book because I hated the heroine, Kathleen, so much... so so much. And, when this story starts, it turns out that bitchy Kathleen is responsible for meddling and breaking up this couple. This was my Christmas card to Kathleen. Did I mention that I hate her?Neither of the couple really want their engagement broken, but with Kathleen's husband being Helen's guardian, and him withdrawing his permission for them to marry, what can they do? Well, the answer, like the answer to most questions, is sex. Ruination solves a lot of problems. In this case, the problem of hair balls.The happy couple (well, happier NOW) decide that nobody could object to the marriage if Helen is ruined by Winterborne. So, that's what they do. Yay, sex!! Bringing couples together since the dawn of time.See? Good as new. Some things are just so easy to fix!I really liked both the hero and heroine in this story. I liked all the supporting characters - except for the horrible Kathleen - and the story had good pacing. I can't wait for the next book because we get to have Saint Vincent and Evie from the Wallflower series. He is on my book-boyfriend list and since he is older and has grown kids in the book, I am finally not a creepy cougar for lusting after him. Score one for me!

5 STARS “Cariad, nothing about this is casual to me. But if you want a long, sensitive discussion about my feelings, I can't help you. I'm from North Wales, where we express ourselves by throwing rocks at trees. I've had more feelings in the past half-hour that I have in my entire life, and I'm at my limit.""That still doesn't -""I love whatever it is you're made of. All of it.” OK, so where do I begin... Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways... I simply adored this book. I adored the characters and the storyline. Dear Lord, my heart melted many times over. Our Mr. Winterborne is such an unlikely romantic. He's randy and crude, and he's hotter than Hades himself. And Helen, I loved her too. And the little orphan... It all just brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I almost dread going on in the series, because they're all going to wane in comparison. I understand that everyone reads these books and has different experiences with each story. Well all I can say is, if you didn't like this one, you have no soul. Ok, maybe that is a little harsh, but dammit, that's how I feel. I think you get the picture. So on to Pandora's book. I hope it lives up... Following the countess's gaze upward, Pandora said reverently, "It's the Church of Shopping."

¡Me gustó muchísimo! La historia se centra en el noviazgo de Helen y Rhys que, después que rompieran al final del primer libro de la serie, en éste lo retoman de la forma menos convencional posible para la época, y se desarrolla durante toda la novela. Esto podría parecer soso y aburrido, pero Lisa Kleypas sabe como cautivar a sus lectores con las situaciones que crea.Me encantaron las escenas íntimas, tan dulces, considerando que Helen es por lejos el personaje femenino más inocente del repertorio de la autora, aunque guarda un secreto de lo más inesperado. Esta situación me angustió tanto como a Helen, pero me gustó que nunca dudara en contárselo a Rhys, a pesar de todos los “consejos” que le dieran para no hacerlo o de demorarse más de lo necesario.Ambos personajes principales son adorables, cada uno en su estilo y en su actuar. Los secundarios son maravillosos, las gemelas casi me hicieron llorar en la última parte por su incondicionalidad a toda prueba.Excelente continuación de la serie.

“I regret every minute that you’re out of my sight. I regret every step that doesn’t bring me closer to you. My last thought each night is that you should be in my arms. There is no peace or pleasure in my empty bed, where I sleep with you only in dreams and wake to curse the dawn. If I had the right, I would forbid you to go anywhere without me. Not out of selfishness, but because being apart from you is like trying to live without breathing.” Rhys Winterborne and Lady Helen Ravenel had only been engaged for two weeks before it was broken all due to a misunderstanding. Mr. Winterborne was convinced that Lady Helen had wanted nothing more to do with him…he couldn’t be more wrong. Shy and Gentle Lady Helen is the very opposite of Rhys, but she feels a strong attraction for her betrothed and she surely would not let him go all because of a mistake on her part. If he has to ruin her to ensure that no one would come between the engagement, so be it. But as the couple grow closer, Lady Helen’s secret might be the one thing that will drive them apart when discovered…or will it? Marrying Winterborne is the second book from Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance series, The Ravenels. This one tells the story of Rhys Winterborne and Lady Helen Ravenel. Well, who am I if I don’t jump into the second book of the series without reading the first one, right? Luckily, I don’t think I missed much from the first book. This one managed to stand alone but I think it will be advisable to read the first book as the author intended (I’m not one for reading in order though.) if you really want to get acquainted with the Ravenel family. I have been looking forward to reading this book as I have grown quite weary trying out authors. I needed something that I knew I would end up liking simply because I know the author is dependable and would deliver a well-written book. I am glad that this one did not disappoint…much. Meet Lady Helen Ravenel: As the daughter of an Earl, she had a gentle upbringing. She has spent most of her life at her family’s country estate and did not have much contact with the Ton. As the eldest sister, she looks after her siblings, Pandora and Cassandra. Her parents did not show her much love growing up and neither did her elder brother. As a result, she is very shy and innocent and keeps to her world of books. Her parents' indifference towards her all made sense when she discovered the reason why. Meet Rhys Winterborne: He is a man of common origins. He is a Welsh Grocer’s son. He turned his father’s small shop into the largest department store in Victorian England. Aside from that, he held many properties. He is a man at his prime. Handsome, wealthy and very successful. And he wanted Lady Helen Ravenel, the aristocratic lady who is the very opposite of everything that he was. Within two weeks into their engagement, Rhys had somehow managed to ruin everything. Their engagement was broken off and Lady Helen’s sister-in-law informed Mr. Winterborne that Helen never wanted to see him again. Mr. Winterborne was, of course, angered by the approach and said things he didn’t mean which resulted in Helen and Rhys’s engagement to be officially called off. A week after the event, Lady Helen somehow managed to show her face to Mr. Winterborne’s office. She wanted him back and she wouldn’t easily let him go. Of course, after talking things through, they reached an understanding. The rest of the book focused on the further development of their relationship and the struggles that may test the bond that two have with each other. And finally, finally they get married! Happily-ever-after, the end. I love Helen! She reminded me a bit of Evie but only because they are both shy and sweet. She is shy, gentle, caring and loves the hero. She is exactly the type of heroine I adore. I have a thing for sweet heroines, can you tell? The HR world is full of feisty heroines who most of the time are just portrayed as shrews to show their “Independence”, so it is always a pleasure to read HRs with heroines who are sweet and gentle yet aren’t spineless and show courage when needed. I immediately fell in love with her character from the moment she appeared in the book. She may seem a little naive, considering that her reputation might be ruined especially since she went to his office unchaperoned but that didn’t make her any less endearing. I loved how she explained everything to Rhys and wasn’t angry at him when he was mocking her at first. It was nice to see how from that moment on she tried her utmost best to be honest with Rhys even when she wasn’t used to telling people her thoughts and how she really felt. Honesty is an important part in a relationship and I appreciate that trait from her. I loved how she stood her ground and was set on marrying the hero. As the story progresses on, she also gathers some courage to do something that will surely see her ruined in the eyes of the Ton because gossip isn’t kind. I admire her courage for doing what she thought she had to do but I don’t think I necessarily agree with her course of action and my opinion might be controversial but she could’ve done something else. She was kind of stupid towards the end and made up her mind without consulting Rhys. I understand her perspective but since they started their relationship with the aim of being honest with each other, her actions were just dumb. But of course if she were so smart throughout the book, then there wouldn’t be a conflict to spice things up. At the end of the day, I loved her and she might just be one of my favorite Kleypas heroines. She’s up there with Evie and Annabelle. I totally understand the Winterborne Hype. Man, this one had me grinning like a fool on my kindle! I had to remind myself that I was reading a book and was falling in love with a man who’s literal words on paper and doesn't actually exist. Honestly, Lisa Kleypas wrote some of my favorite self-made men. I think she actually started my love for them with Simon Hunt. There are way too many dukes and earls on HRs and they could get boring, so I’m always up for these self-made and sexy men who love their women! Rhys won me over when he wrote that letter to Helen. Oh it was so perfectly written my heart literally ached. If I were Helen, I wouldn’t wait for the mourning period to end. I would literally prepare for the wedding as soon as possible because no way in hell would I ever let a man like Rhys Winterborne get away. He is a besotted fool when it comes to Helen. He’s hard for her and at the same she makes him weak. He wasn’t the usual tortured hero who had abusive parents growing up, though his parents were definitely disciplinarian. There was no talk of “I-can’t-love” that we so often read in historicals. He had it bad for Helen and he wasn’t afraid to shower her with affection and gifts. It’s so refreshing to see a hero who isn’t in denial over his feelings for the heroine and the notion of love. I am just so in love with heroes who love their heroines well. He was also very kind-hearted, generous, intelligent, and could be gentle when he wanted to. I loved how he was so sure he couldn’t be gentle and yet he was when it comes to Helen. He made her feel safe, loved and treasured. What more can someone want in a man? He was handsome, wealthy and treated his woman and those deserving of it with respect. He could be a bit rough on the surface but underneath that is a kind heart of a man who needed to be loved and had love to give. I also adored how he called her endearments in his native language. Could he be any more perfect? On another note, I wish we got to see more of him and his background aside from all the telling. The book had many scenes with the Ravenels which is expected because of the series name but I wish there was a scene with the Winterborne family. It would be nice to see how Helen and his family would get on considering their different social background. But all in all, I loved this Kleypas hero!From the moment I read the first chapter of the book, I was hooked! It started out so good. I loved the premise. One can immediately tell that these two had felt some sort of affection towards each other. Apparently she took care of him when he was injured back in the Ravenel’s country estate. I wonder if it was in the first book? Anyway, it was mentioned here so I can understand how there was an established relationship between the main characters even when the book had just begun. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this and the courting that happened. Usually these historical heroes and heroines just bang it on, some drama and bam marriage! In this book, they were engaged and the rules of propriety were practiced; at least when there were chaperones. I found myself surprised that the heroine was literally planning to marry him but only after the mourning period ended. That’s not something one sees in historicals everyday. I was surprised but loved it and agreed with her decision. So I hated how they ended up eloping towards the end! Ugh! I needed some big church wedding. All that waiting for nothing? They could’ve just eloped at the beginning but okay. Can’t a girl just have her grand church wedding?I really loved how this book started out. I was worried at first regarding how the book would keep me invested if the h and H were already absolutely in love with each other from the beginning but surprisingly, this book had my attention until the end. I love some drama in books and this one was low on one but it still managed to capture my interest. I was so sure I’d end up giving it  five stars but I was somehow disappointed with the direction it went towards the end. The first half was giving me all the feels and I just loved the h and H. It had so much potential to be more emotional and dramatic and it wasn’t. Perhaps it was a case of “It’s not the book, it’s me.” but I wanted some angst towards the ending and it did not deliver. I was left feeling robbed because I expected so much and yet I was disappointed that I did not enjoy the events that happened leading up to the ending.I was interested, yes, but I would be lying if I said I was satisfied with how it went. I worry that I might sound like a bad person for saying this but the heroine seriously acted stupid by taking away her half sister and adopting the child, knowing that it would ruin her own reputation. I feel bad for the child and she definitely deserved a better life. But I did not like how the heroine acted, risking her life and reputation by strolling towards the unsavory parts of England. I was disappointed too because I did not like how the h and H immediately had to take care of a child that wasn't even theirs. I understand that it was her half-sister but I frankly don't care! There I said it! It killed the mood. I was enjoying it and suddenly I wasn’t. I hated the direction it went and the epilogue didn’t make up for it either. I don't understand what Helen wanted to accomplish by saving the child and adopting her when they could’ve just sent her to a couple who can’t have children and ta-da she’ll have parents. God I’m so mean, I usually love children in HRs but only in epilogues. What I don’t like is the instant-family and adjustments to be made. They weren’t even married and yet they had to take care of a child. They were living in Victorian England and the eyes of High society were on them, and since the little child looked a lot like Helen and she’d be raised as a Winterborne, the ton would think she was Helen’s bastard which I feel is unfair and made me feel uneasy. They already had enough difficulties as it was, and now another problem was added. I know Rhys loved her and all but I was seriously shocked about how quickly he adjusted to the situation and accepted it as it is. There could’ve been some good angst between only the two of them and yet we had to read about that unnecessary plot point  which I felt was so different from the initial aura this book had. The readers do know the truth about the child’s parentage but considering it’s an era wherein one’s reputation is ruined by the rumors of the ton, this just made me feel unnecessarily stressed out. The taking of a child who looked just like Helen would add unnecessary difficulties to their life even after the book ended, that I’m sure of…hence, I was left feeling disappointed and dissatisfied. I am giving this four stars because I loved Helen and Rhys as a couple. I also enjoyed the first half of the book greatly. I was disappointed towards the end but I feel it would be unfair to give this less than four stars. I just wish the ending happened differently and the truth about Helen’s identity was resolved in another way. I read this book because I knew Lisa Kleypas is dependable and she writes good historical books. This one isn’t an exception. It was good and had likeable characters but the conflict and ending just isn’t it. I liked the initial aura of the book and hated how it went away as the story progressed. On another note, I enjoyed some characters such as Lady Berwick and Tom Severin! I look forward to reading Tom’s story which I know would also be Cassandra’s as well. Though this one left me feeling discontent towards the end, I was happy to read it and I am glad to say that I understand the Winterborne hype and it’s well-deserved. Some quotes:“Hush, bychan, little one, my dove. Nothing is worth your tears.” “You are.”“He was the only person who had ever approached that trapped place, who might someday be able to shatter the loneliness that had always held fast inside her. If she married Mr. Winterborne, she might come to regret it. But not nearly as much as she would regret it if she didn’t take the chance.”“I would begin by teaching you a Welsh word. Hiraeth. There’s no equivalent in English.” “Hiraeth,” she repeated, trying to pronounce it with a tapped R, as he had. “Aye. It’s a longing for something that was lost, or never existed. You feel it for a person or a place, or a time in your life . . . it’s a sadness of the soul. Hiraeth calls to a Welshman even when he’s closest to happiness, reminding him that he’s incomplete.” Her brow knit with concern. “Do you feel that way?” “Since the day I was born.” He looked down into her small, lovely face. “But not when I’m with you. That’s why I want to marry you.”“You’re all mine.” His voice was deep and shaken. “Every hair on your head. Every part of you was made to be loved by me.”“Because you’re my entire world, cariad. My heart only beats as an echo of yours.” (How terribly romantic, I would faint if a man told me this.)

4.5 stars – Historical RomanceI really enjoyed this, but I think my expectations might’ve been too high to give it a full 5-stars. I adored Rhys and Helen and loved them together, but I wanted even more of their romance. All the excessive descriptions of everything (characters, details, events, customs, rooms, clothes, etc.) was somewhat distracting and hindered the pace of the story at times. I felt like the big secret and potential obstacle to their HEA was a bit contrived and went on for too long, and then the resolution and ending seemed rushed. This wasn’t my favorite LK historical, but I liked it more than Cold-Hearted Rake. Rhys was such a swoonworthy romantic hero and so wonderfully besotted and doting of Helen. The secondary characters were all great, and I really hope she writes stories for Dr. Gibson, West, and Severin, in addition to the upcoming book for Lady Pandora Ravenel. I’m so excited that she’s being paired with Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent in Devil in Spring! I can’t wait!

Helen Ravenel was intrigued with Rhys Winterborne almost from the moment she met him, bonding when she helped nurse him back to health from a devastating train accident that also involved her cousin, Devon. He was just as taken with her, him from humble origins and a man of self made wealth. Rhys asked her to marry him and she accepted, only to have it later fall apart because of a misunderstanding. Now Helen is taking control of the situation and boldly reaching out to Rhys to restore their engagement. I was looking forward to this story based on what happened in the first book and thankfully it surpassed my expectations. On the surface, these two didn’t seem like an ideal match but fortunately they both looked beyond what everyone else saw and recognized how well suited they were. I loved how they stepped out of their comfort zone to communicate honestly with each other. Their romance was smoldering and their path back to a relationship sensuous and unique. But, the surprising twists took the story to new heights. They shifted everything, adding a level of suspense and excitement I hadn’t anticipated. The narrator delivered another great performance, giving perfect voice to Rhys and Helen, as well as the other characters critical to the plot. She’s got excellent storytelling skills and I’ll continue listening to this series. The next book has me even more anxious to begin as it crosses over into The Hathaways series and includes the offspring of one of its most controversial characters!Posted on Blue Mood Café