YourGrace

Sarah MacLean, Knockout 6 out of 5 💥

Firstly, I should mention how wonderful this cover is. It is just marvellous … I wasn’t even able to do a proper fancasting. Just the woman on the cover is such a great illustration of Imogen that non of my own options beat it. So I decided to just skip fancasting someone famous as I usually do. Or maybe it was that I just waited for this book so much that I could only imagen the “cover girl” as Imogen. What of Tommy? In my head, he was a fairly beardier and bigger version of Andrew Garfield. No offence, Andrew, you are amazing!

Secondly. To the characters. I was so in love with both of the main characters from previous books, and was able to fall in love even more. They both are extremely beautiful souls. And a reformed policemen (against which occupation I have very strong feelings (coming from a shitty corrupt country with the worst forces possible). To say that Imogen is chaotic in the best possible way wouldn’t be enough because she is also so many more things like brilliant, caring, witty, loyal, curious, and overall self sufficient. She didn’t need someone to make her compute, she just was. This is what I like about this stories so much. These matched are partners most of all.

Tommy and Imogen connection, attraction and relationship development is also outstanding. From the beginning of book, we kind of knew about their traits. But their backstories were also a good touch in understanding who their are and how they came to be like that. The wit! The verbal sparing between Im and Tommy made me genuinely smile/laugh read.

And of course the story itself deserves an honourable mention. Sarah MacLean is the queen of building intriguing story. It is always just another separate main character in her books. I would be bald and compare my 2 favourite authors here. I absolutely love how Lisa Kleypas pays attention to politics, social dilemmas of that time and builds worlds in a highly educationed fashion. But what Sarah Maclean does … she builds stories very effortlessly, where she includes important topics and gives voices to women in a very natural way. There may be less direct narration on human, women, workers rights, but they are part of her stories and it becomes obvious what opinions she has and applies to her characters.

Okay, to the Duchess. I soooo want to say “I knew it”. But not to spoil anything I won’t tell what I knew. I’m so hooked and ready for her story. Just another long year/two years of waiting if we are lucky. But good things take time, so I am not mad, but very grateful to my favourite authors for keeping the genre alive, vivid, loud and beautiful 🤍🤍🤍

Lisa Kleypas… Okay, this one is 100% my favourite book not only in Ravenels, but from all the Lisa’s books. (Alongside married by morning). Everything just clicked and made sense here. It was highly heartwarming, exciting and hit so close to home. I know a lot of people like rake/wallflower, grumpy/sunshine, But my personal favourite trope in terms of characters (character 😅) is a person with “frozen heart” and someone who is able to melt it.

Also can I just mention some similarities between Barbie & Cassandra storylines? Not only the beauty, but the unwanted attention that goes with it (will not mention anything else not to spoil).

Favourite bits:

…

A dramatic one (again hits close to home):

A succession of emotions crossed his features ... self-mockery ... chagrin . uncertainty. That whenever you're angry or annoyed with me ... you won't use silence as a weapon. I can't abide it. I'd choose any other punishment "

"I would never do that," Cassandra said gravely.

"I didn't think so. But I'd like to put it in the contract, if I may."

…

This one is sooooo right:

"Your body isn't an ornament designed for other people's pleasure. It belongs to you alone. You're magnificent just as you are. Whether you lose weight or gain more, you'll still be magnificent. Have a cake if you want one."

…

The one about all my fellow readers:

"I've read novels-" Cassandra began earnestly, and was disgruntled to hear his quiet laugh. "Many of them.

You don't think a person can learn things from reading novels?"

…

Lisa Kleypas

It definitely is one of my favourites in Ravanels (do I say it about each one of them? 😁)

The chemistry was amazing. West’s character development is one of my favourites in the history of me reading books. And for some reason, the single parents stories in historical romances is something I really love (as I am a child free person, I cannot relate to it. But I guess it is due this trop having some extra cute moments, and it being more difficult to come together for a couple, as one of them has to consider more than themselves).

Favourite lines:

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Gabriel's eyes twinkled with affectionate mockery.

"Thank God you know what labels to affix to people. It would be so inconvenient to have to judge them individually."

"As always, 'annoying lunkhead' is perfect for you."

…

"I would show you the appropriate finger," West muttered, "if it weren't stuck in this baby handle." He tugged at his imprisoned middle digit, trying to free it without snapping the teacup's porcelain loop.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Lisa Kleypas. Hello, Stanger (I just really wanted a comma here 🤪)

I liked the dynamics and the storyline of this book so much. And let me tell you, by the time I started this book I was so tired of grumpy, self-doubting slash beasty dark heroes, so Ethan was a balm for my soul. Buuut! What is more to this story is the kind and genuine love that characters share. I really enjoyed how they were able to have an impressive chemistry even when respecting each other and being partners (before being married) which is a rare find for a historical hahah (even though I love me a grumpy hero, but it was a breath of fresh air).

Did I already tell in any of my posts how I love Lisa Kleypas attention to detail, to society, here author notes (apart of classical and lovable trio of: a driving story, lovable heros and heroins, chemistry). As a sociologist with more than 10years being in the field of social studies, such books keep me engaged both feelings- and brain-wise.

Lisa Kleypass

Some of my favourite quotes:

"But I will, and I'll hate it. And it will be so monotonous, looking at a perfectly beautiful person day after day.

You could at least try to grow fat, or sprout some hair out of your ears, or lose a front tooth-No, even then you'd still be too handsome."

"I could develop a receding hairline," he offered.

…

She had been delighted to see him and spent ten minutes trying to convince him that the lyrics to the song "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" included the phrases "gently down the string" and "life's a butter dream."

…

"A nap and a biscuit wouldn't hurt this one at the moment," Sebastian commented dryly. "Gabriel, go find a proper bed and rest for a few hours. We'll watch over your little fox cub."

…

And amen to the authors note at the end, sign under every word:

“More than ever, after having read so much about the incredible frustration and suffering of our sisters in the not-to-distant past, I cherish the rights they fought for

Lisa Kleypas, Marrying Winterborne

These 2 characters had some really good chemistry!

Favourite parts:

"Aye, and then leaving London after setting me to longing for you.

Now you have me like a dog on a leash, begging for more."

Amusement curled through her voice. "I see no dog on a leash. Only a very large wolf."

Catching her from behind, Rhys lowered his mouth to the side of her neck. "Your wolf," he said gruffly, and grazed her skin with the edge of his teeth.

…

And of course, the best love declaration:

Lisa Kleypas, Married By Morning 5/5

My very favourite in the Hathaway series! Not only the storyline is captivating, but I truly admired their banter like none else’s. Leo’s wit and ability to love. I guess it is the first book where I felt closer in character to the male character :)

Again super proud of my fan cast here 😅

Dodger deserves an Emmy of its own!!

Some of my favourite quotes:

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"Hold on to my skirts," she said.

"Why, Marks, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

…

"No. I have an extraordinary fondness for her mem-ory. But it was a lifetime ago. And I can't ever go through that again. I love like a madman."

"It might not be like that again."

Lisa Kleypas, Tempt Me At Twilight

…

The chef looked deeply concerned. "You think there's a problem with his carrot?"

"Watercress, carrot-is everything food to you?"

Jake demanded.

The chef shrugged. "Oui."

"Well," Jake said testily,

"there is a string of Rut-

ledge's past mistresses who would undoubtedly testify there is nothing wrong with his carrot."

"Alors, he is a virile man . . . she is a beautiful woman .. why are they not making salad together?"

…

Lisa Kleypas, Seduce Me At Sunrise

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“I've always started every day by going to the window for a glimpse of the sky. But now I won't have to."

"Why not?" she asked softly.

"Because I'll see the blue of your eyes instead.”

…

“Win closed her eyes, yielding, trembling. She pressed a few sobs against the gag covering her mouth, not of unhappiness or fear, but of wild relief. This was not an impulsive act. This was ritual. This was an ancient Romany courtship rite, and there would be nothing halfhearted about it. She was going to be kidnapped and ravished.

Love In The Afternoon. Lisa Kleypas

For some reason, I started this series from the very last book. Most of all, this book had a couple of things I really like - letters, omg, it is my soft spot, please, recommend me more of such books if you know any. I also liked the character of Beatrix - she was complex, had her interest, goals and principles, and she stood by them. I can only admire people with such a strong sense of empathy to everything living. Especially, to historical romances, one can rarely meet characters without a superior attitude to animals. A breath of fresh air (even though, it may be not 200 parent historically accurate, but who cares, history is partly a fantasy, no?)

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"I am cross with Christopher," Beatrix told Amelia in the afternoon, as they strolled arm in arm along the graveled paths behind Ramsay House. "And before I tell you about it, I want to make it clear that there is only one reasonable side of the issue. Mine."

"Oh, bother," Amelia said sympathetically. "Husbands do make one cross at times. Tell me your side, and I will agree completely.”

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Scandal in Spring. Lisa Kleypas. Wallflowers series. This book had the best lines and dialogues. And I guess Daisy’s character was a tribute to all of us bookish girls, so we can really relate to her. And I am a big fan of a trope where one of characters has a strong pining problem (for many years). And how do I love that Lisa is okay with characters developing and trying “love” and having decent amount of chemistry with other characters (not those 2 that the book is about).

…

"If you want me, you have every right to say some-thing!" Daisy strode to the door. "Why does everyone always claim women are illogical when men are a hundred times more so? First they want something, then they don't, then they make irrational decisions based on secrets they won't explain and no one is supposed to question them because a man's word is final."

…

"I don't feel debauched."

"I do," Matthew said.

Daisy smiled. "I'd better marry you, then." Her small hand moved over his body in tentative exploration.

"Ironically," she commented, "this will be the first time I've ever done anything to please my father."

…

It Happened One Autumn. Lisa Kleypas

Lisa Kleypas. Secrets of a summer night

I discovered another author for me. It is the 3rd book that I read, and I just love the stories. With historicals, the lines, the stories, tropes tend to get repetitive, but some authors give such a big role to development process.

With Lisa Kleypas books, I instantly got а filling that the class difference is represented so well. I have never seen so far such complex depiction of these differences. It was especially well done on the 2nd book of the series with Annabelle and Simon. So, I would say that Lisa is one of not many authors who honours not only character development in areas of emotions and feelings, but she gives a great importance to development of thoughts, point of views and how characters learn from others and change. Round of applouse for me. (So, when I discovered that Lisa has studied politics, it made a lot of sense).

Buuut to these 2. Finally, a devil who is really a devil. I’m usually someone who doesn’t like when people call each other names, even if it is just the beginning of the story. So here I was really looking forward to Sebastian’s resurrection. And it did happen. He wouldn’t be someone, I personally would go for. But he was genuine and humble (ohhhh historicals do lack humble heroes imho :D).

Bridgertons, When He Was Wicked. Julia Quinn

I still truly stand by this book being a historical romance book with the strongest chemistry between characters ever. Was rereading it recently, and still got strapped - just couldn’t stop reading it. And even though it is a 6th book, and we don’t know yet if it will be filmed. I truly was imagining some scenes (the one in a rose salon with the table ^^). What scenes from Bridgerton books are you looking forward to seeing on screen?