Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways, #5)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways #5)

by Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 11,299 ratings · 700 reviews

She harbors a secret yearning

As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted... and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the...more

Mass Market Paperback, 332 pages

Published June 29th 2010 by St. Martin's (first published 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Best Historical Romances Where the Quiet/Unusual Girl Gets the Guy

3rd out of 152 books — 476 voters

Favorite Historical Romance Novels

36th out of 1,609 books — 2,738 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 14, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, historical-romance-victorian, series-hathaways, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, rt-book-reviews-top-pick, favorite-romance-series, i-read-own-faves-keepers, made-me-cry, 2010-reads, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-commoner-self-made, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, hero-celibate-virgin-virginesque, heroine-i-adore, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, heroine-odd-spinster-wallflower, heroine-tomboy-lady-in-pants, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, military-romance, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, love-triangle-vying-courtships, best-top-favorites, animals-matter, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, favorite-love-scenes, best-faves-of-2010, aar-top-100-romances-2007-2010, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, 5-stars-or-higher, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-physical-mental-disability-ill, hero-brooding, love-letters-diary-correspondence, best-wittiest-banter-dialogue, hero-military-war-veteran, a-all-time-fave-heroine, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, heroine-free-spirit-quirky, heroine-plucky-lively-feisty-spunky, heroine-in-pursuit, heroine-country-lass, heroine-hoyden, hr-regency-napoleonic-era-wars

5+ stars – Historical Romance

The vivacious, eccentric, loving Hathaways have utterly, irrevocably stolen my heart, and it’s with bittersweet affection that I wish them all a fond farewell as they live out their HEAs. *wipes eyes, blows nose into hanky*

What I loved most:

--Beatrix...She’s one of the funniest, most spirited, nonconforming, okay...peculiar, and lovable heroines, ever!

--The poignant letter correspondence between emotionally lost, haunted Christopher and compassionate, steadfast Beat...more

like 47 likes · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Lisa Kleypas fans, historical romance fans

Shelves: genre-historical-romance, author-lisa-kleypas, books-i-own, covers-to-covet, drinks-on-me, favorites, king-of-the-harem, books-i-go-rabid-over, my-hottie-harem, the-hymen-club, warriors, read-in-2011, series-hathaways

I started Love in the Afternoon a few hours ago and couldn’t stop until I turned the last page. As you can probably tell, I’m suffering from the Kleypas Craze again, because I can never get enough of her writing. There is this ease with her writing that I can’t really explain. It’s effortless, but still engaging and highly entertaining.

The first part of Love in the Afternoon is written in an epistolary fashion and I can’t rave enough about how much I loved that. I haven’t read many books recentl...more I started Love in the Afternoon a few hours ago and couldn’t stop until I turned the last page. As you can probably tell, I’m suffering from the Kleypas Craze again, because I can never get enough of her writing. There is this ease with her writing that I can’t really explain. It’s effortless, but still engaging and highly entertaining.

The first part of Love in the Afternoon is written in an epistolary fashion and I can’t rave enough about how much I loved that. I haven’t read many books recently that are told through letters anymore, so this was a great thing to see again. It was unique and highly successful in conveying the blooming romance between Bea and Christopher. That first page already got an “Aww” out of me!

Some of my friends were a less than impressed by the hero of his book, and as a result, they didn’t like Bea and Christopher together as much as some of the other happily-ever-afters in this series. But I could not find any faults in him, other than the reoccurring war nightmares and his occasional resistance. After his time in the war, Christopher changed and the deaths he witnessed then still haunt him even after his return. In addition to that ongoing internal battle, Christopher realizes the one thing that was keeping him together in those tough times were his letters to ~~Prudence~~ er, Beatrice. Realizing the truth and the deception, I didn’t blame him for being angry. Chris was different, but still worthy to be part of the Hathaway clan I think.

There were some tender moments in this book, as well as some hilarious bits as well. Leo never fails to make me laugh out loud with some of his remarks. I do wish there was more of Kev because I absolutely adore that Rom! Also, it was great to read about Rye running about and giving his two cents here and there. He is such a cutie!

I’m so sad to have finished the Hathaways series, though it’s been a thrill to read. I’m hoping some half-brother or sister will appear out of nowhere and LK can write a book about them! But until that happens, I guess I’ll just have to deal with rereading these lovelies over and over again!

Favourite Quote:
After a universal silence, Leo was the first to speak. “Did anyone else notice-“
“Yes,” Catherine said. “What do you make of it?”
“I haven’t decided yet.” Leo frowned and took a sip of port. “He’s not someone I would pair Bea with.”
“Whom would you pair her with?”
“Hanged if I know,” Leo said. “Someone with similar interests. The local veterinarian, perhaps?”
“He’s eighty-three years old and deaf,” Catherine said.
“They would never argue,” Leo pointed out.

(less)

like 19 likes · see review

Oct 22, 2010 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: high-five-that-hymen, author-lisa-kleypas, 4-stars, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, series-hathaways, thats-some-funny-shit, its-all-in-the-accent, bad-boy-take-me-away, cops-mercs-military

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It all started with a letter...

For all intents and purposes, Captain Christopher Phelan was a rake. He liked to drink, party, and he joined the army because he thought it was "cool." Until the day that he was called to active duty...

Beatrix Hathaway has always been an animal lover, and that passion carried over to humans. She looked at everyone with compassion, and so, when faced with the rather desperate letter of a lonely military officer, there was choice but to write back...

In light of her f...more

like 12 likes · see review

Jul 12, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

This book was everything I was waiting for and more.I loved it. Maybe not my fav from this author but definitely the best in the series. I kept reading and reading until I was done with it.This book was a bit darker than her usual books, but it still had many light and funny moments.

So many things were different in this book from all her historical novels. I loved the fact that Christian was back from war and recovering. I have a thing for wounded heroes and to see how Bea was able to help him...more

like 11 likes · see review

Sep 12, 2010 Auntee rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the series; Fans of the Wallflowers series

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, part-of-a-series, 2010_reads, made_me_cry, tortured-hero

I'm stumped. Writing reviews for books you enjoy is soooo much harder than for books that were a disappointment. Phrases like "I loved it" seem so inadequate. So I'm sort of dragging my feet figuring out what to say. I'm also delaying because this was the end of a wonderful series, and I feel like I'm leaving a bunch of good friends behind, and that makes me a little depressed.

What sort of surprised me about this book was how much I loved the character of Beatrix. I've always liked her, but in t...more

like 30 likes · see review

Nov 24, 2010 DarienMoya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romances, 2010-reads, fave-books-of-2010, favorites

^^LOVE THIS ONE ANYTIME OF THE DAY!^^

I have loved Beatrix forever and her book did not disappoint, the Hathaway’s are superb and this series is one of the very best. From Amelia all the way down to little B this series made me laugh cry and respected Miss Kleypas as a phenomenal writer. Though this book is far from steamy as the others and a little more serious in terms of our main hero, this book was all Beatrix all the time, and that my friends is a very good thing.

What the hell else is there...more ^^LOVE THIS ONE ANYTIME OF THE DAY!^^

I have loved Beatrix forever and her book did not disappoint, the Hathaway’s are superb and this series is one of the very best. From Amelia all the way down to little B this series made me laugh cry and respected Miss Kleypas as a phenomenal writer. Though this book is far from steamy as the others and a little more serious in terms of our main hero, this book was all Beatrix all the time, and that my friends is a very good thing.

What the hell else is there to say! I don’t have the words to describe how legendary this book and series is. I will say that the character of Christopher is dark and very different from the previous leading men, and the Hathaway’s was exactly what he needed. A man trying to get back into the daily ritual of upper crust society after returning from war, and hanging on to his sanity by a thread. In comes Beatrix a woman he deems unsuitable without realizing she is the very reason he still lives and hopes.

Beatrix is just odd, and odd is good. She moves to the beat of her own drum, she loves animals in all forms, and clearly knows how to treat the two-legged kind. Then there is Christopher a man who sets her blood boiling, and has her thinking of squirrels mating (read book). Who would have thought that a bit of good intentions would lead to the love of her life.

My deal is that Christopher just went on with the Prudence thing; I was like dude this is not the same woman, Obviously. Leo the force is strong with him and that man is a dream, he had some of the very best lines in this book. Albert the dog rocks, he barks and attacks everyone until Beatrix puts him in his place, that Beatrix is no dogs bitch.

The love scenes weren’t scorching but they were still hot, such a good thing to read when characters want each other. Although, B was a virgin she was ready to learn and get things going down and I always admire that in heroines, why pretend not to want it.

A wonderful end to a great series, the Hathaway’s are a family not to be missed. They will warm your heart, and when you read one of their books it’s like coming home. I am a happy camper.
(less)

like 10 likes · see review

Sep 15, 2010 Nisha rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone - this is a great conclusion to a wonderful series

Shelves: historicalromance, men-in-uniform, frenemies, dangerous-or-bad-boys, re-read, favorites, my-personal-collection

For a female character and the last sister of the series, I had not expected much from Beatrix Hathaway. In fact with he lukewarm start of the series, it was unimaginable that anything good would have come out of it. That is, until I read the preview for this book. I was won over pretty quickly, especially considering the outstandingly unconventional heroine who has a affinity with nature and that she had been described previously more akin to a child.

It took Beatrix only 2 meetings to figure o...more For a female character and the last sister of the series, I had not expected much from Beatrix Hathaway. In fact with he lukewarm start of the series, it was unimaginable that anything good would have come out of it. That is, until I read the preview for this book. I was won over pretty quickly, especially considering the outstandingly unconventional heroine who has a affinity with nature and that she had been described previously more akin to a child.

It took Beatrix only 2 meetings to figure out how arrogant Captain Christopher Phelan was. No surprise when the man manages to insult her without ever actually speaking with her. Instead, the hero is taken with Beatrix's flirty town beauty friend, Prudence. When he is send to war, he tries to begin a correspondence with with Prudence, but her rejection to reply gives the intrigued heroine a chance to cultivate a mail relationship. But what started as a simple friendship quickly grew into love, and both have fallen hard. unfortunately, Phelan still thinks that he's been trading letters with Prudence. When his return leaves him a changed man, Beatrix tries to make Phelan realize that she wrote him letters and heal the scars that war has left him.

I love Beatrix. She is the best Hathaway ever, and its funny that it took so long to realize it. Phelan is really a great guy. Ok, he started off as an arrogant jerk, but that helped with his bad boy image. His letters were sensational and the man is a verified hottie. Ok, I have a serious soft spot for military men.

The whole mistaken identity thing is played really well, and the relationship between Beatrix and Phelan unfolds nicely. They have already fallen in love, he just needed time to realize who he fell in love with and heal his battle scars.

The Hathaway family do provide some comic relief, but the pair had great chemistry with that as well. I die everytime I remember Beatrix learning sex ed from Phelan. I love Medusa and Albert, as well. Never thought I would have such feelings for a hedgehog and a terrier.

Overall, a wonderful conclusion and one of the two outstanding books in the series (the other one is Married by Morning - Leo and Marks).(less)

like 10 likes · see review

Mar 09, 2013 Jane Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

I smiled a lot during this book. The last half is weak, but the first half is definitely worthwhile.

Christopher, a British soldier, had a crush on beautiful but shallow Prudence. He asked her to write to him while he fought in the Crimea. Prudence had no interest, but Beatrix did. So Beatrix wrote letters to Christopher, signing them as Prudence. Christopher fell in love with the letter writer but didn’t know it was Beatrix. This was fun with good anticipation - wondering what he will do, how wi...more

like 4 likes · see review

Jul 13, 2010 Yaseena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

The much anticipated (for me) and long awaited (by me) last installment of Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series.

I thought it was great! I loved Beatrix's character, her wit, her humour, her unabashed - somewhat improper nature. I loved the way she was with Christopher and the way their love affair progressed. Beatrix was already in love with Christopher when he came back from the Crimea War, but Christopher thought he was in love with her friend, the flighty, superficial and downright backstabber Pru...more The much anticipated (for me) and long awaited (by me) last installment of Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series.

I thought it was great! I loved Beatrix's character, her wit, her humour, her unabashed - somewhat improper nature. I loved the way she was with Christopher and the way their love affair progressed. Beatrix was already in love with Christopher when he came back from the Crimea War, but Christopher thought he was in love with her friend, the flighty, superficial and downright backstabber Prudence. It took him a little longer to realize his love for Beatrix, but I loved that about the book. He wanted her against his better judgment, while knowing in the back of his mind that he had to have her.

They had great chemistry, and although the sexual tension wasn't as amped as other LK books I've read, there was still plently of steam through out. I found their interactions to be sweet and lovely and tender, very believable. Perfectly befitting Beatrix's character and nature.

(A Little Something to Add - 12/07/10)

I went back and re-read the last few chapters and I remembered some things I really appreciated about the book that I forgot to mention in my previous review!

The letter of course! I was immediately drawn in to the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher. It was engaging, heartbreaking at times but so compelling. I found the beginning of this book stood apart from other Hathaway novels, at first glance one would think the circumstances of the h/h would provide the foder for a lighter, fluffier read, but within the first few chapters the seriousness hits you hard. Not to say it isn't light, it's delightful and spontaneous in most areas, with a well balanced mix of tension and heart-ache.

Beatrix has always been one of my favourites from the Hathaway clan, but in this book she quickly and quite easily became one of my favourite heroines. She is so honest and innocent but somehow her innocence didn't lead to naivete which I really loved. She threw herself headlong into her love and burgeoning relationship with Christopher with compplete lack of pretension or worry about herself. She was selfless, adoring, supportive and Christopher in turn loved her unconditionally in and a really sweet and adorably intriguing way.
In his character I also really liked that Kleypas showed his change from somewhat flighty, fickle and uptight know-it-all to the somewhat scarred, damaged but ultimately more accepting and personable man he was in the book. His change was driven from within himself and wasn't so much a result of Beatrix's coaxing, although her love and devotion, her easy commraderie and cild-like nature did play a strong role in his return to happiness.

Kleypas at her finest!

(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Jun 28, 2011 Ilze rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lisa-kleypas, dog-or-pet-as-character, correspondence-love

Wonderful book! I'll have to retract a statement I once made about Lisa Kleypas not being able to do angst, because she does it superbly in this one ...

Beatrix is like a romance heroine version of Temple Grandin, without the autism, and a little too perfect to be truly human to me, although she is a lovely and lovable character, but Christopher is a hero to die for. Albert the terrier - wonderful, so well-characterized, a completely necessary part of the book.

One thing that I can't understand i...more

like 3 likes · see review

Jul 19, 2010 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical, read-in-2010, read-own

Of all the Hathaway siblings, Beatrix was the book I most anticipated because of her eccentric, unconventional nature and her love for saving wounded animals. Christopher, while at war, thought he was corresponding by letter with Prudence. He feel in love with her words and was determined to return home and find her. It turned out that Prudence wasn't who he thought she was and slowly he discovered who the true author of the letter's was. Beatrix wasn't the kind of women he thought he would end...more

like 4 likes · see review

Jul 05, 2010 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, desert-island-keepers, hr-victorian-edwardian, love-hate-relationship, bluestocking-wallflower-hr, tortured-hero, blonde-hero, quirky-characters, own, pet-or-animal-in-story, virgin-heroine, military-or-ex-military, my-5-star-romances, dreamy-heroes

Love In The Afternoon is the fifth addition to Lisa Kleypas' The Hathaways series. Beatrix is much more interested in aminal life than her fellow humans and is considered odd to most of them But she is well loved by her family. She writes a letter to help a friend and then continues to correspond with Captain Christopher Phelan under her friend's name. Okay, I'll admit that I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as the previous ones in this series. But I LOVED it! So many series fizzle out...more

like 3 likes · see review

Jul 03, 2010 FlibBityFLooB rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: era-victorian, historical, read-in-2010, made-me-laugh, made-me-cry, loved-the-audiobook-narration, witty-i-am-not

This one is a tie as best in Hathaway series for me alongside Married By Morning. I was moved to tears at one point, but the book also made me laugh. I love it when a book can pull both those emotions out of me. :)

I wish Kleypas had explored Bea's kleptomania a little more. I was always interested in that story. Also, I was a little sad not to see more of my favorite Dodger the ferret. :)

like 3 likes · see review

Aug 07, 2011 Taryn at My Secret Romance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, romance, the-hathaways-series, reviewed-by-me

This novel took me a lot longer to read than the others. I think because in the back of my mind I new that by finishing this book meant an ending to the series and I just wasn't ready for that. Some authors have that special gift where their novels will stick with you long after you've finished them. Lisa Kleypas is one of them. Lisa's novels will linger on in my soul for a very long time. When I think of Lisa, I will think of the beautifully written love stories and the characters that I have c...more This novel took me a lot longer to read than the others. I think because in the back of my mind I new that by finishing this book meant an ending to the series and I just wasn't ready for that. Some authors have that special gift where their novels will stick with you long after you've finished them. Lisa Kleypas is one of them. Lisa's novels will linger on in my soul for a very long time. When I think of Lisa, I will think of the beautifully written love stories and the characters that I have come to call my own.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I had liked Beatrix from the beginning but I thought it was going to be though for her to find a husband. She is a little naive but very intuitive at the same time. She would rather be spending her time running in the forest with the animals then finding a suitable husband. She is very unconventional for her time but yet a breath of fresh air. Beatrix reminded me of myself in a way. I have always said that there is a little bit of animal in each person. If you look closely, each person resembles an animal. It may be just their looks or it could be their mannerisms and looks. But it's there.

Captain Christopher Phelan is a war soldier. While he is away at war, he is exchanging letters with who he thought was Prudence Mercer, but it was actually Beatrix. The letters that Beatrix was writing to Phelan were suppose to encourage him and keep his spirits up in the war. But what she didn't expect was that they were going to be something more than what they both could handle. The love letters were absolutely beautiful. I would like to believe that at one time letters were written like this. When I met my husband, he was over 5 hours away in college so we used to exchanged love letters a lot. This book brought me back to that time.

It's hard to put into words how great this book was. I shed quite a few tears while reading it. After reading the Wallflower and Hathaway series by this author, I went out and bought every book I could by Lisa. She is that good. I recommend her books to everyone.(less)

like 5 likes · see review

Jan 06, 2011 Edna Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, historical-romance

4.5 stars! This was such a wonderful book. I almost lost faith in Lisa Kleypas' historical romances. I had not gone head over heels for any of the previous Hathaway books, I found disappointing in the romance department. But then there was Beatrix. Her story is such a gem, probably one of my favorites from Kleypas. I admit I was a little weary on the love letter plot--could I believe a romance budding between them? In addition, I was wondering if a military man would suit Beatrix. All my worries...more

like 3 likes · see review

Nov 02, 2011 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of the series

Shelves: romance, read-in-2010, read-in-2011, read-in-2012

I suggest anyone who wishes to read this book read at least one or two others in the series, plus the free short story A Hathaway Wedding before starting this one.

I liked this book, but think it is the only one of the series that could not work as a stand-alone. The entire series is fantastic, but Beatrix is not fully described as well here as in the earlier books. She is not my favorite of the sisters, but still had a great story. Having read the entire series, I can say that I like and approve...more

like 2 likes · see review

Dec 16, 2012 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books, historical-romance, e-books

I actually would rate this 3.5 stars. I absolutely love the 'Hathaway Series', ESPECIALLY 'MARRIED BY MORNING' (those who set high expectations towards any book, would never be a satisfied in the end).

'Love in the Afternoon', I found, had a very different story plot/climax structure....I found it to be a very "Lisa Kleypas" in the beginning but after the characters' declaration of their love(which happened way too early, for me), I found the book to be flat in the end. Lisa should of worked or...more

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 10, 2011 skein rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: rrrrromance-novels, 3-star, 2011, bookclub2011

Goddammit!! I wish Goodreads would stop stealing my damn reviews!

AT ANY RATE. Beatrix is the silliest of all the silly Hathaways, and I was looking forward to her book the most - she is so direct. But it turns out that dissembling and uncertainty is totes sexy. Who the hell knew?

Kleypas is consistently hilarious (and touching), which is v. good (who can forget Bea saying "All right -- go ahead and ravish me" and flipping onto her stomach?), but what I appreciate most are the huge, possibly-perma...more

like 2 likes · see review

Dec 03, 2010 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, author-goddess-lisa-kleypas

I really liked this book, the last in the series, although I wasn't as enamoured of Christopher as I was as some of the other guys in the series, it was still a great read.

However I found that the first half of this book was much better then the second, I loved the idea of them corresponding by letter and falling in love through words. However once he discovered who the actual author of the letters were the book seemed to lose momentum and became a bit unfocused.

I have enjoyed the Hathaway serie...more

like 5 likes · see review

Jul 11, 2010 Colleen (NerdyWoman) Kayter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, lisa-kleypas

In this story of the last Hathaway sibling, you'll find all the funny, leap-in-logic dialog you've come to expect from this nouveau riche family. But if you've been following the series, you also know that Beatrix, with her love of ferrets, hedgehogs, and other not-so-typical pets, won't have an easy time of it. And in typical Hathaway fashion, her beloved won't be a poetry-spouting, milquetoast peer.

If you've enjoyed Cam and Amelia, Merripen and Win, Harry and Poppy, Leo and Catherine, you'll f...more

like 3 likes · see review

Feb 28, 2012 Kimmy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nostalgic-and-poignant

To me, this book is a thriller. Ignore those FBI, CIA, MI6, world domination and terrorist activities sort of books - Love in The Afternoon will keep you at the edge of your seats badly enough!

Have I mentioned that I like strong-willed and independent female characters? (Why yes, like, in every review.) I consider it the highest from of flattery to have a guy fall in love with a female character's charming personality (but the ultimate condition for my esteemed opinion is that the girl must not...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 06, 2010 Jacqueline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, from-work-borders

I really liked this book. I loved the letters they wrote to each other. I did think that he should have figured out who she was a bit earlier, after all she had so many tells that had been written of in the letters. Also she was a friend of Prudence's and also of Audrey's making her really the only choice. It was interesting that they got married 2/3rds of the way through the book. I really expected there to be more problems in the marriage since they married before the end of the book and such...more

like 4 likes · see review

Jun 30, 2010 Juliana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, 5-stars, 2010-reads, 2010-jun-reads, 0-reviewed, 0-own-in-dead-tree-form, best-romance-books, hr-hero-nice-guys-dont-finish-last, hr-hero-aristocrat-lord-titled, hr-hero-disability-illness-scar, hr-hero-ladies-man, hr-hero-military-spy-assassin, hr-hero-nobility, hr-hero-rough-haunted-tortured, hr-heroine-bookish-smart, hr-heroine-disability-illness-scar, hr-heroine-early-to-mid-20s, hr-heroine-good-girl, hr-heroine-medicine-science, hr-heroine-somewhat-wallflower, hr-heroine-unusual-odd, hr-secret-love, hr-war, best-romance-heroines-ever, 4-to-5-stars

Absolutely delightful and (to my surprise) my favorite Hathaway book

Lisa Kleypas' latest novel is absolutely delightful; she has woven a wonderful and rich tale of love, and has done so with a great deal of skill and depth. I've been a great fan of the Hathaway clan and their stories, but for some reason was never very interested in Beatrix's. The sneak preview at the end of Married by Morning completely changed my opinion and I was ecstatic to only have to wait a month ... as well as a little...more

like 13 likes · see review

Sep 13, 2010 Adwina Ralston Cumberbatch rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lisa-kleypas, absolute-all-time-favorites, crying-out-loud, spitfire-heroines, hillarious-as-hell, historical-romance, favorites

actually I thought this would be a disappointment
because 'Married by Morning' is a huge disappointment to me
I also think that Beatrix is the weirdest among Hathaway
however, in this book, I can't help but loving her
she's not judgemental, and very caring towards people (and of course, animals)
she's very sweet and strong. I also like how loyal she is

Christopher reminds me of Owen Hunt from 'Grey's Anatomy'
he suffered PTSD caused by war
he's very cynic few years ago (i must admit, i hate him when he...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 01, 2010 Linds rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1800-s, england, historical-romance, read-in-2010, regency, romance, war, wounded-ptsd-hero, victorian

Reading a Lisa Kleypas novel is such a treat, and this book was no exception. While I'm a fan of all her novels, I felt that this book had an extra layer of depth, maturity, and complexity to it.

Beatrix is the youngest of the Hathaway sisters, more at home in the woods and animals than a drawing room. Before this book, I wasn't especially a Beatrix fan. I don't care for animals and I found her a bit immature. To my surprise she has elevated herself to one of my favorite Kleypas heroines, second...more Reading a Lisa Kleypas novel is such a treat, and this book was no exception. While I'm a fan of all her novels, I felt that this book had an extra layer of depth, maturity, and complexity to it.

Beatrix is the youngest of the Hathaway sisters, more at home in the woods and animals than a drawing room. Before this book, I wasn't especially a Beatrix fan. I don't care for animals and I found her a bit immature. To my surprise she has elevated herself to one of my favorite Kleypas heroines, second only to Sara Fielding. Her greatest strength is to accept people as they are, to accept that people can not change their natures.

Christopher Phelan was a man who knew his place in the world. He was been gifted with looks, wealth, charm, and popularity. Being a second son he buys a commission and to his mild surprise is called to fight in the Cremera. He is quickly disillusioned from his sheltered life and is surrounded by violence, death, hunger, pain, and the responsibility of the lives of the men under him.

Before the war Christopher and Beatrix barely know each other, and of what little they know they dislike. Christopher dismisses Beatrix as odd and strange, and Beatrix dismisses him as cocky and arrogant.

In a moment of loneliness he writes to Prudence, a beautiful girl he barely knew and used to flirt with. He pours his desperation out in a letter. Prudence is a shallow girl who has no intention of forming an attachment with someone who might come home disfigured or without limbs.

Beatrix thinks it would be cruel to leave this beautiful letter unanswered. She writes back and signs Prudence's name. They write each other back and forth for over a year. They pour out their hearts and fall in love. Beatrix breaks it off because she hates lying to him, and thinks he disliked "that strange Beatrix Hathaway" and would never have written her in the first place.

Well, Christopher comes home and to the credit of Lisa Kleypas the letter reveal comes fairly quickly instead of waiting until the end of the book. Unfortunately it's not that simple. Christopher suffers from a severe case of post traumatic stress. Since this affliction doesn't have a name in his time he thinks he is going mad.

Although Beatrix accepts him, he can't accept this darker, cynical, unhappy version of himself that is prone to "spells." Their problems aren't quickly solved and feel real.

The only quibble is that I felt the climatic conflict was too quickly tacked on and too quickly resolved. But besides this, this book is a great historical romance and a wonderful ending to the Hathaway series. (less)

like 8 likes · see review

Jul 28, 2010 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: lisa-kleypas, historical-romance, books-i-own

I LOVED this book and thought it was a perfect ending for the Hathaway Series! I loved that we were able to see the different siblings and their spouses and families, except for Harry and Poppy! :(
I was sad that we didn't see as much of them. But Cam was the leader as always, Amelia so understanding and mother-like, Leo was hilarious as ever! It was full of funny lines and steamy moments!

Beatrix and all of her animals just crack me up. I love her, she is definitely my favorite female Hathaway!...more

like 4 likes · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This is a remarkable finish to the Hathaway series! Beatrix was as lovable and hilarious as ever. Not to mention, this has to be one of the most romantic books I have ever read, which is seriously saying something considering how many romance novels I've read. The love letters were completely wonderful! My heart swelled with each sentence and felt near to bursting by the time I reread the final letter that Beatrix sent. This book was utterly wonderful and I know that I will definitely be rereadi...more

like 1 like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 Andrea Jackson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: she-proposes, favorite-authors, favorites, historical

PTSD in Victorian England
As long as there have been wars, men have had to find a way to re-integrate themselves back into peaceful society. I had been looking forward to reading Beatrix's story. She's the youngest and most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters. I wasn't completely happy with LK's choice of hero but it is probably inevitable that Beatrix would end up with the wounded soldier. I just didn't like Christopher at times and the ending seemed a bit contrived to me. But I loved the dog...more

like 1 like · see review

Jun 29, 2010 Keri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical, reviewed, 2010-read, lisa-kleypas, aar-top-100-poll-for-2010

Absolutely loved the book. I thought Christopher was perfect for Bea's need to heal. The entire series was awesome and this was like icing on the cake. I thought the portray of Chris on how he reacted after coming back from the war was well done. The only thing and this is a tiny thing. I hope that we get a later book with a possible secondary romance. If we don't I may pout about it. If you have read the book, you know what I am talking about. I would like to know where that goes. Kudos Ms. Kle...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 17, 2013 Booklover, Indianapolis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, u-k-historicals-1700s-1800s

(May) I hate when I get to the end of a series, because it is like saying goodbye to friends. This book was charming and sweet and a complete joy to read. I wish we'd seen Poppy and Harry - they really did not appear at all, nor did Win (and I think Merripen only spoke a handful of lines). I also think while the teaser about the elephant was mentioned, it would have been great to have Beatrix explain the story to Christopher (maybe even have them go visit him at his sanctuary). I also think the...more

like 1 like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (21)

More editions...

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

219 users

Romance

160 users

Regency

20 users

Historical Fiction

17 users

Adult

17 users

Historical Romance > Regency Romance

14 users

Love

7 users

European Literature > British Literature

4 users

Family

4 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Lisa Kleypas

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

More about Lisa Kleypas...

Books by Lisa Kleypas

Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers, #1)

It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers, #2)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Love in the After...

5 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Love in the Afternoon

“Bending his head over hers, Leo murmured, "When I give you away at the altar, Bea, I want you to remember something. I'm not really giving you away. I'm merely allowing him the chance to love you as much as the rest of us do.” — 98 people liked it

“You are your own worst enemy. If you can learn to stop expecting impossible perfection, in yourself and others, you may find the happiness that has always eluded you.” — 90 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Love in the Afternoon
avg rating	preview: Love in the Afternoon Goodreads rating: 4.18 (11299 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7491418-love-in-the-afternoon?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312043669l/7491418.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7491418-love-in-the-afternoon?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas[/url]

Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways #5)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website