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The Gamblers of Craven's #1
Then Came You
A woman with a secret.
Reckless beauty Lily Lawson delights in shocking London society. She will break any rule to get what she wants . . . and she is determined to stop her younger sister from marrying Alex, Lord Wolverton, a handsome and arrogant earl who has vowed never to fall in love.
A man who will do anything to possess her.
To Alex's fury, the headstrong hellion presents a temptation he can't resist. He vows to make her pay dearly for her interference—with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, well-guarded heart. As Alex and Lily challenge each other at every turn, they are caught up in a white-hot desire that burns through every defence and exposes the mystery of Lily's past . . . and together they discover that love is the most dangerous game of all.
Reckless beauty Lily Lawson delights in shocking London society. She will break any rule to get what she wants . . . and she is determined to stop her younger sister from marrying Alex, Lord Wolverton, a handsome and arrogant earl who has vowed never to fall in love.
A man who will do anything to possess her.
To Alex's fury, the headstrong hellion presents a temptation he can't resist. He vows to make her pay dearly for her interference—with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, well-guarded heart. As Alex and Lily challenge each other at every turn, they are caught up in a white-hot desire that burns through every defence and exposes the mystery of Lily's past . . . and together they discover that love is the most dangerous game of all.
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1993
About the author
Lisa Kleypas
148 books27.9k followersLISA 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,794 reviews
September 11, 2013
Lily Lawson is such a great heroine. This is one of the books I love more for the heroine than the hero, although I really loved Alex Raiford. This is Lily's story. She is not perfect and she is considered a fallen woman. But the grit, and the determination she has makes you love her for who she is. Alex cannot resist her, and falls hard for her. I thought this book was so passionate and intense. The words just jump off the page and into your heart.
Keira Knightley as Lily
Matthew Marsden as Alex
Keira Knightley as Lily
Matthew Marsden as Alex
August 24, 2020
I felt nothing.
December 29, 2014
3 to 3 1/2 Stars
This is my first Lisa Kleypas book and there is not doubt that she is one INCREDIBLE writer. I can see why most of my Goodreads friends love and consider her one of their all-time favorite romance novelists. Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me like I had hoped. While I adored and fell head-over-heels in love with the hero, Alex, I can't say the same for the heroine, Lily. I started the book very much loving her vivacious, witty, and incorrigible behavior; however, by the end of the story my love affair with her had waned. Her strong and willful nature started grating on my nerves, and . Fortunately, the ending more than made up for all my frustration throughout much of this story. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
Even though my first taste of Lisa Kleypas was not quite as satisfying as I had hoped, I was wise to continue giving her a try. I just finished reading her second book of the series Dreaming of You and it was absolutely fantastic! One of my favorites!
This is my first Lisa Kleypas book and there is not doubt that she is one INCREDIBLE writer. I can see why most of my Goodreads friends love and consider her one of their all-time favorite romance novelists. Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me like I had hoped. While I adored and fell head-over-heels in love with the hero, Alex, I can't say the same for the heroine, Lily. I started the book very much loving her vivacious, witty, and incorrigible behavior; however, by the end of the story my love affair with her had waned. Her strong and willful nature started grating on my nerves, and . Fortunately, the ending more than made up for all my frustration throughout much of this story. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
Even though my first taste of Lisa Kleypas was not quite as satisfying as I had hoped, I was wise to continue giving her a try. I just finished reading her second book of the series Dreaming of You and it was absolutely fantastic! One of my favorites!
February 6, 2017
spoiler warning
There is a huge misunderstanding. Hero is leaving with his righteous anger. Heroine calls out to him and he stops. Heroine explains without turning it into huge ball of omissions. They talk it out and solve the problem. Aaannd romance readers everywhere cries!!!
Finally! This book gets a 5 stars rating just for that scene from me. I really liked the heroine and the hero as a cherry on top =)
There is a huge misunderstanding. Hero is leaving with his righteous anger. Heroine calls out to him and he stops. Heroine explains without turning it into huge ball of omissions. They talk it out and solve the problem. Aaannd romance readers everywhere cries!!!
Finally! This book gets a 5 stars rating just for that scene from me. I really liked the heroine and the hero as a cherry on top =)
May 23, 2021
Lisa Kleypas can do no wrong. I loved this book so much and was all in for the enemies to lovers situation happening. Lily is ostracized from her family for being too eccentric. Now, she's back in order to protect her sister from a marriage she knows won't suit her. Alex is an earl who lost his fiancé to a riding accident and he is now engaged to Penelope, Lily's sister. The moment Alex and Lily meet, Alex wants nothing to do with Lily and thinks she is wild and inappropriate. The more time the two spend together, though, the more antics they engage in and the closer they become. I loved Alex's character and how he fell so hard for Lily. He is so stoic on the outside but such a cinnamon roll on the inside, especially when it comes to his brother. I loved that about him. Lily has also been damaged in her past and finds it impossible to ever trust a man again. While it may be annoying to some, I enjoyed how hard and long Alex had to work to get Lily to trust him. He really had to earn her love and that really proved to Lily that Alex was serious and wasn't going to run away from her. Lily is also a very independent and strong heroine, which I always love in historicals. I adored Lily's friendship with Derek Craven and can't wait to finally read his book next!
July 25, 2022
Lily is a bad bish. Ugh. This book had such complicated layers in the relationship and character dynamics. Loved it so much.
November 3, 2017
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
me ha gustado muchísimo!!! Quizás no es una novela perfecta y serían 4.5, pero le voy a dar las 5!!!
Es una puera guerra, entre voluntades. Con dos personajes dolidos que muestran una actitud tan diferente ante su dolor. Que se complementan.
Lilly me ha gustado mucho, esa mezcla de bravura y ternura, arrojo y timidez. Sí que es cierto que en ciertas escenas a la autora se le va un poco la mano, pero me ha arrancado más de una carcajada con esas locuras.
Alex es un personaje también lleno de contrastes. Asumo que estos protagonistas tan fríos y snobs que lo único que tienen es una coraza para evitar volver a sentir dolor, son mi debilidad!!! Y desde aquí alzo mi voz para admitir mi terrible imparcialidad. Frases y acciones que en otro protagonista seguro que me habría cabreado bastante, en este ha funcionado muy bien para mostrarme esa pasión total y refrenada.
Me ha gustado la evolución de su relación. Me gustan estas historias en las que los protagonistas son tan semejantes que están en contínuo enfrentamiento de voluntades.
Quizás no sea la mejor novela de la autora. Pero hay que tener en cuenta la originalidad (a veces pasmosa) de Lilly en la época en la que se publicó la novela
me ha gustado muchísimo!!! Quizás no es una novela perfecta y serían 4.5, pero le voy a dar las 5!!!
Es una puera guerra, entre voluntades. Con dos personajes dolidos que muestran una actitud tan diferente ante su dolor. Que se complementan.
Lilly me ha gustado mucho, esa mezcla de bravura y ternura, arrojo y timidez. Sí que es cierto que en ciertas escenas a la autora se le va un poco la mano, pero me ha arrancado más de una carcajada con esas locuras.
Alex es un personaje también lleno de contrastes. Asumo que estos protagonistas tan fríos y snobs que lo único que tienen es una coraza para evitar volver a sentir dolor, son mi debilidad!!! Y desde aquí alzo mi voz para admitir mi terrible imparcialidad. Frases y acciones que en otro protagonista seguro que me habría cabreado bastante, en este ha funcionado muy bien para mostrarme esa pasión total y refrenada.
Me ha gustado la evolución de su relación. Me gustan estas historias en las que los protagonistas son tan semejantes que están en contínuo enfrentamiento de voluntades.
Quizás no sea la mejor novela de la autora. Pero hay que tener en cuenta la originalidad (a veces pasmosa) de Lilly en la época en la que se publicó la novela
March 13, 2018
I re-read this one, needing a book where I could really LOVE the hero after plowing through a surfeit of tortured, arse-hole heroes.
And I certainly do love the hero, Alex. Fabulous book- Kleypas at her best. We have a strong yet vulnerable heroine, Lily. And we have a passionate, caring hero who does his utmost to win Lily's trust and support her through everything. An interesting (and emotional) sub-plot as well.
Just a really wonderful romance with a capital "R".
If you are looking for a bastard meets doormat kind of romance, this is not it. If you are looking for a hero who has depth, integrity and honour, however, then read this book!
I blinked and sighed and thought: I need to marry that man!
And I certainly do love the hero, Alex. Fabulous book- Kleypas at her best. We have a strong yet vulnerable heroine, Lily. And we have a passionate, caring hero who does his utmost to win Lily's trust and support her through everything. An interesting (and emotional) sub-plot as well.
Just a really wonderful romance with a capital "R".
If you are looking for a bastard meets doormat kind of romance, this is not it. If you are looking for a hero who has depth, integrity and honour, however, then read this book!
I blinked and sighed and thought: I need to marry that man!
January 4, 2020
This book was a bit of a mixed bag. I enjoyed both characters in their own right, but they also both did inexcusable things to one another. By the end they were quite charming, but this book was actually fairly horrifying at times.
February 9, 2015
Addictive for certain, but did it have to had so much drama?
If this had been cut to half its size, it would get a solid four star rating!
As it was, it was just too much: I am an emotional wreck by now, and it's six o'clock in the morning! o_O
The positives:
The banter between the main characters.
The fact that they pretty much hate each other guts on sight, and for quite some time (yes, I choose to place this amongst the positives, lol)
The fact that neither of them is your typical a hundred per cent leading character stereotype.
The negatives
We have a character whose family has placed her aside, and suddenly there she is..and there they are...in another person's house all together, and "fiddle dee dee" everything is fine.
The way Lily addresses a friend of her, a male friend of her, in the presence of her parents and everyone else who would like to hear her: Zach this, Zach that...
I am not usually a snob of this type of thing, but the thing just felt too modern and irritating.
The predominance of accents in this story: I pretty much hate this type of thing. This is a pet peeve of mine, I confess.
I understand if we are given a little to demonstrate the character's talking patterns, but too much of it?
It blocks the fluidity of the writing.
The fact that the main character Alex entertains the idea of invading a woman's bedroom and forcing herself to her...it's only an idea, but the cavalier way he reasons with himself that they shall be married in a couple of weeks, and okay, she'll cry but they're engaged...left me less than pleased with him.
The way Alex deals with Lily's fears of intimacy, which is pretty much doing as it pleases him, and of course she ends up enjoying it _of course _ so, who cares?
The way friendship is dealt in this book: Derek is the most pathetic excuse of a friend I've ever read about. o_O
The scene in which Lily loses a wager to Alex, in Derek's club and the way everyone deals with it, was extremely cringe-worthy and less than romantic.
The fact that the characters insist on not making use of their tongs, for things known as, speaking to one another!
Hey, apparently I disliked it more than I had realized!
If this had been cut to half its size, it would get a solid four star rating!
As it was, it was just too much: I am an emotional wreck by now, and it's six o'clock in the morning! o_O
The positives:
The banter between the main characters.
The fact that they pretty much hate each other guts on sight, and for quite some time (yes, I choose to place this amongst the positives, lol)
The fact that neither of them is your typical a hundred per cent leading character stereotype.
The negatives
We have a character whose family has placed her aside, and suddenly there she is..and there they are...in another person's house all together, and "fiddle dee dee" everything is fine.
The way Lily addresses a friend of her, a male friend of her, in the presence of her parents and everyone else who would like to hear her: Zach this, Zach that...
I am not usually a snob of this type of thing, but the thing just felt too modern and irritating.
The predominance of accents in this story: I pretty much hate this type of thing. This is a pet peeve of mine, I confess.
I understand if we are given a little to demonstrate the character's talking patterns, but too much of it?
It blocks the fluidity of the writing.
The fact that the main character Alex entertains the idea of invading a woman's bedroom and forcing herself to her...it's only an idea, but the cavalier way he reasons with himself that they shall be married in a couple of weeks, and okay, she'll cry but they're engaged...left me less than pleased with him.
The way Alex deals with Lily's fears of intimacy, which is pretty much doing as it pleases him, and of course she ends up enjoying it _of course _ so, who cares?
The way friendship is dealt in this book: Derek is the most pathetic excuse of a friend I've ever read about. o_O
The scene in which Lily loses a wager to Alex, in Derek's club and the way everyone deals with it, was extremely cringe-worthy and less than romantic.
The fact that the characters insist on not making use of their tongs, for things known as, speaking to one another!
Hey, apparently I disliked it more than I had realized!
July 9, 2018
ME ENCANTA!!!
Al fin se me está pasando mi bloqueo, gracias Lisa Kleypas.
Ya necesitaba un libro así que me volviera a la VIDA.
Me gustó muchísimo este libro, a pesar de que al principio no me estaba convenciendo, sobre todo la protagonista pero cuando la historia empezó agarrar ritmo ya no lo pude soltar me atrapó.
Tiene una protagonista poco convencional muy atípica a lo que ya estamos acostumbrados al género, adelantada a su época y con un comportamiento muy de hombre le gusta la cacería, jugar a las cartas asistir a un club para caballeros, no tiene filtro le gusta hablar sobre temas que sólo se le tiene permitido al género masculino en pocas palabras es una mujer bastante escandalosa e independiente.
Lily se cruza en el camino de Alex Raiford un conde frío, arrogante e implacable está a comprometido con su hermana menor pero ella está decidida a impedírselo porque piensa que se hermana necesita a alguien que la quiera y no le cause temor, pero se ha topado con la horma de su zapato.
Alex al principio no me estaba gustando era bastante snob pero conforme lo fui conociendo y la autora nos mostraba otra faceta de él me fui ablandando y me llegó a gustar mucho y la pareja que hacía con Lily me enamoró.
Tiene sus partes sentimentales y muy desgarradoras por parte de Lily casi lloro por su sufrimiento y la parte donde sentí que se me apachurraba mi corazón era cuando Derek sufre por Lily y la deja en manos de Alex cuando él siempre la ha amado, yo necesito leer su libro.
Al fin se me está pasando mi bloqueo, gracias Lisa Kleypas.
Ya necesitaba un libro así que me volviera a la VIDA.
Me gustó muchísimo este libro, a pesar de que al principio no me estaba convenciendo, sobre todo la protagonista pero cuando la historia empezó agarrar ritmo ya no lo pude soltar me atrapó.
Tiene una protagonista poco convencional muy atípica a lo que ya estamos acostumbrados al género, adelantada a su época y con un comportamiento muy de hombre le gusta la cacería, jugar a las cartas asistir a un club para caballeros, no tiene filtro le gusta hablar sobre temas que sólo se le tiene permitido al género masculino en pocas palabras es una mujer bastante escandalosa e independiente.
Lily se cruza en el camino de Alex Raiford un conde frío, arrogante e implacable está a comprometido con su hermana menor pero ella está decidida a impedírselo porque piensa que se hermana necesita a alguien que la quiera y no le cause temor, pero se ha topado con la horma de su zapato.
Alex al principio no me estaba gustando era bastante snob pero conforme lo fui conociendo y la autora nos mostraba otra faceta de él me fui ablandando y me llegó a gustar mucho y la pareja que hacía con Lily me enamoró.
Tiene sus partes sentimentales y muy desgarradoras por parte de Lily casi lloro por su sufrimiento y la parte donde sentí que se me apachurraba mi corazón era cuando Derek sufre por Lily y la deja en manos de Alex cuando él siempre la ha amado, yo necesito leer su libro.
April 4, 2021
Lisa Kleypas creates a carnal magical love-story between the spirited and scandalous beauty of a heroine Wilhemina "Lily" Lawson,and the one man she refuses her sister to marry, the head-strong and noble hero Alex Raiford. Alex with his realistic but tortured mind..can`t get over how quickly this wild-flower changes his whole life,soul and heart.These two head ahead together are MAGIC,and Lisa Kleypas is a master storyteller as usual in the way she presents these passionate characters,and their journey of heartbreak,laughter,adventure and love.
Alex stubbed out his cigar and threw the butt into the fireplace. “My garden doesn’t need improvement,” he snarled. “It’s been the same way for twenty years!”
She nodded cheerfully. “Precisely my point. I told him that the style of your landscape is sadly outmoded. All the really fashionable gardens have several ponds all around them. I showed Mr. Chumley exactly where a new one must be dug.”
A flush of scarlet crept up from Alex’s collar to his temples. He wanted to strangle her. “Chumley wouldn’t overturn a spoonful of dirt without asking my permission.”
Lily shrugged innocently. “He seemed enthusiastic about the notion. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already begun digging. Really, I think you’ll adore the changes.” She gave him a fond, sisterly smile. “And whenever you walk by that dear little pond, perhaps you’ll always think of me.”
Raiford’s features contorted. He made a sound that resembled a roar as he stormed out of the parlor.
Totty, Penelope, and Zachary all stared at Lily.
“I don’t think he appreciated my idea,” she remarked, looking disappointed.
Lily is a creature of wonder and spirit,she can never stay still in one place and treasures her freedom and independence above all else.A male friend of hers that is in love with her sister asks for her help of stealing her Penelope away from Alex.I just love Lily`s mischievous plans on that part,how she unknowingly bewitches Alex with her twisted, tricky, haphazard charm,teases him and laughs at him and the scene when she abducts him and ties him to her bed was HILARIOUS,lol!
Alex Raiford is a hero to die for!I just respect and love him as a man of noble and strong nature.His undying devotion,loyalty and love for Lily made me swoon,and i just adore his overprotective and jealous side when it comes to Lily!(Ah,but all Kleypas heroes are like that)I also love that he is blonde,and his warm relationship with his younger brother Henry made me fall for him more as Lily did.Alex knows she is a woman capable of matching his passion, strength, and stubbornness with her own..and i just L.O.V.E how he is after her.After the way Lily turned his whole upside down i knew Alex would be a hero in hot pursuit of her.The scene when he laughs after finding out that he loves Lily,made me laugh with him!I love him..just love love love!Ah,he is my babe!!!!!
I have also finally come to meet the mysterious Derek Craven,the Anti-hero i have heard so much about from my friends.He seems so dark and haunted,and i can`t wait to read his story with Sara in "Dreaming of You". Its the same feeling i had when i fell in love with Logan in "Somewhere i will find you" and read his own story with Madeline in "Because you are Mine".
Listen to me carefully, Wilhemina. Your mistakes, your past, your fears…none of it will change how I feel about you.”
She swallowed hard, trying to absorb the statement. “I-I don’t like that name,” she faltered.
“I know,” he said gently. “Because it reminds you of when you were a girl. Wilhemina is frightened and eager, wanting to be loved. And Lily is strong and brave, and would tell the world to go to hell if she wanted to.”
“Which do you prefer?” she whispered.
He nudged her chin upward, staring into he eyes. He smiled slightly. “All of you. Every part of you.”
-Alex and Lily
Alex stubbed out his cigar and threw the butt into the fireplace. “My garden doesn’t need improvement,” he snarled. “It’s been the same way for twenty years!”
She nodded cheerfully. “Precisely my point. I told him that the style of your landscape is sadly outmoded. All the really fashionable gardens have several ponds all around them. I showed Mr. Chumley exactly where a new one must be dug.”
A flush of scarlet crept up from Alex’s collar to his temples. He wanted to strangle her. “Chumley wouldn’t overturn a spoonful of dirt without asking my permission.”
Lily shrugged innocently. “He seemed enthusiastic about the notion. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already begun digging. Really, I think you’ll adore the changes.” She gave him a fond, sisterly smile. “And whenever you walk by that dear little pond, perhaps you’ll always think of me.”
Raiford’s features contorted. He made a sound that resembled a roar as he stormed out of the parlor.
Totty, Penelope, and Zachary all stared at Lily.
“I don’t think he appreciated my idea,” she remarked, looking disappointed.
Lily is a creature of wonder and spirit,she can never stay still in one place and treasures her freedom and independence above all else.A male friend of hers that is in love with her sister asks for her help of stealing her Penelope away from Alex.I just love Lily`s mischievous plans on that part,how she unknowingly bewitches Alex with her twisted, tricky, haphazard charm,teases him and laughs at him and the scene when she abducts him and ties him to her bed was HILARIOUS,lol!
Alex Raiford is a hero to die for!I just respect and love him as a man of noble and strong nature.His undying devotion,loyalty and love for Lily made me swoon,and i just adore his overprotective and jealous side when it comes to Lily!(Ah,but all Kleypas heroes are like that)I also love that he is blonde,and his warm relationship with his younger brother Henry made me fall for him more as Lily did.Alex knows she is a woman capable of matching his passion, strength, and stubbornness with her own..and i just L.O.V.E how he is after her.After the way Lily turned his whole upside down i knew Alex would be a hero in hot pursuit of her.The scene when he laughs after finding out that he loves Lily,made me laugh with him!I love him..just love love love!Ah,he is my babe!!!!!
I have also finally come to meet the mysterious Derek Craven,the Anti-hero i have heard so much about from my friends.He seems so dark and haunted,and i can`t wait to read his story with Sara in "Dreaming of You". Its the same feeling i had when i fell in love with Logan in "Somewhere i will find you" and read his own story with Madeline in "Because you are Mine".
Listen to me carefully, Wilhemina. Your mistakes, your past, your fears…none of it will change how I feel about you.”
She swallowed hard, trying to absorb the statement. “I-I don’t like that name,” she faltered.
“I know,” he said gently. “Because it reminds you of when you were a girl. Wilhemina is frightened and eager, wanting to be loved. And Lily is strong and brave, and would tell the world to go to hell if she wanted to.”
“Which do you prefer?” she whispered.
He nudged her chin upward, staring into he eyes. He smiled slightly. “All of you. Every part of you.”
-Alex and Lily
September 25, 2021
toxic but make it regency
September 26, 2017
After all these years, still 5 stars
At the halfway point, I was certain that I must have been reading a different book to the one I had rated 5 stars. I was blubbering like a baby, swearing at men in general and calling Alex a bugger, bugger, poo bum git head (my most scathing insult). Had I got it all wrong? Maybe, I had read it with rose coloured glasses? It became imperative that I go on. I had to confirm that Lisa Kleypas is and was one of the Queens of Historical Romance.
What a bloody fool I'd been. Of course, it was brilliant. Alex was amazing, sexy, bossy and sweet. I loved him...and Lily was ok too...for a heroine.
The storyline was captivating, the characters interesting and the sexy times steamy. Everything I hope for in my favourite historical romance reads.
Honestly, Rosalyn Landor is one of the best narrators I've listened to. Her accents are spot on, and she does a very believable male voice. I could always tell when a character changed.
Loved listening to Then Came You and hope to listen to more Lisa Kleypas in the future.
At the halfway point, I was certain that I must have been reading a different book to the one I had rated 5 stars. I was blubbering like a baby, swearing at men in general and calling Alex a bugger, bugger, poo bum git head (my most scathing insult). Had I got it all wrong? Maybe, I had read it with rose coloured glasses? It became imperative that I go on. I had to confirm that Lisa Kleypas is and was one of the Queens of Historical Romance.
What a bloody fool I'd been. Of course, it was brilliant. Alex was amazing, sexy, bossy and sweet. I loved him...and Lily was ok too...for a heroine.
The storyline was captivating, the characters interesting and the sexy times steamy. Everything I hope for in my favourite historical romance reads.
Honestly, Rosalyn Landor is one of the best narrators I've listened to. Her accents are spot on, and she does a very believable male voice. I could always tell when a character changed.
Loved listening to Then Came You and hope to listen to more Lisa Kleypas in the future.
July 16, 2021
4.5 Gypsy stars!!
Well my Lisa Kleypas Cherry has officially been popped, and I now have a new unicorn author. I’m hooked on her writing! Historical Romance is my absolute favorite genre, and I’m so happy that Lisa didn’t disappoint at all.
“If you’re not quiet,” he interrupted with soft menace, “I’m going to give you the spanking of your life.”
“I’ve never been struck before tonight,” she said in a muffled, accusing voice. “My father never dared—” “He never gave a damn,” Alex replied curtly. “And he should be shot for that. You’ve needed someone to spank the hell out of you for years.”
This is Alex and Lily. These two were so fiery, steamy and a match made in heaven...or hell. Lol. Kind of an enemies to lovers trope, but so much more! I also LOVE Derek Craven, and can’t wait to read more about him in the next book. Loved the twists, turns and surprises. I’m hooked, and never looking back!!
Well my Lisa Kleypas Cherry has officially been popped, and I now have a new unicorn author. I’m hooked on her writing! Historical Romance is my absolute favorite genre, and I’m so happy that Lisa didn’t disappoint at all.
“If you’re not quiet,” he interrupted with soft menace, “I’m going to give you the spanking of your life.”
“I’ve never been struck before tonight,” she said in a muffled, accusing voice. “My father never dared—” “He never gave a damn,” Alex replied curtly. “And he should be shot for that. You’ve needed someone to spank the hell out of you for years.”
This is Alex and Lily. These two were so fiery, steamy and a match made in heaven...or hell. Lol. Kind of an enemies to lovers trope, but so much more! I also LOVE Derek Craven, and can’t wait to read more about him in the next book. Loved the twists, turns and surprises. I’m hooked, and never looking back!!
August 28, 2021
5 STARS
Dear God, I absolutely loved this!! Just the kind of 'enemies to lovers' romance I adore. Strong, rebellious heroine and an equally stubborn and demanding hero. Kryptonite, I tell you. I will definitely be reading this one again. It just kills me that I've had this in my library for ages, and have just picked it up. I cannot wait to start book 2 in the series. I have nothing bad to say about it.
Pure Kleypas GOLD!
He knew she couldn’t be trusted with his heart, but somewhere along the way he had already given it to her. She had turned his life upside down. She had changed everything.
He loved her. The simple truth was astonishing, but undeniable.
Fervently he pressed his lips into her hair, his body rife with un-contained, anxious joy.
Dear God, I absolutely loved this!! Just the kind of 'enemies to lovers' romance I adore. Strong, rebellious heroine and an equally stubborn and demanding hero. Kryptonite, I tell you. I will definitely be reading this one again. It just kills me that I've had this in my library for ages, and have just picked it up. I cannot wait to start book 2 in the series. I have nothing bad to say about it.
Pure Kleypas GOLD!
December 17, 2015
I liked this one. Strong heroine. Strong hero. Bit of a back story with her history.
Bit pressed for time with reviews at the moment.
Oh she hadn't expected to enjoy this so much. She had never felt such pure delight in provoking a man.
"Lily, don't be afraid. I want to please you. Trust me."
"Say yes," his fingers curled into her hair.
"Say yes, darling."
Bit pressed for time with reviews at the moment.
It was unfashionable for a husband to dote openly on his wife, but Alex didn't seem to care.
July 23, 2008
What a page turner this turned out to be! It was nearly impossible to put down. This is right up there with Loretta Chase’s “Lord of Scoundrels” in terms of deliciously wicked banter between the h/h and the love-hate relationship is broiling hot with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
Alex is one short tempered, bossy man who cannot handle not being in control all the time. He just can’t stand the “screw you”, devil-may-care attitude of Lily Lawson and does everything he can to get one up on her, but this little hellcat gets the better of him nearly every single time. She is wickedly devious and underhanded which gets his goat beautifully until one last move on his part has them both in a very compromising position that will leaving you gasping more than once ;D Lily is one of the best independent minded heroine’s I think I’ve ever read. She does what she wants, when she wants and how she wants and if someone doesn’t like it it doesn’t phase her in the least. She hunts, rides, gambles and swears like a sailor without flinching and everyone loves her for it.
This is much hotter steam than your typical regency fare. The fighting, sniping and one-upmanship just adds more fuel to the fire of sexual tension that simmers throughout the book only to explode like you’ve rarely seen an explosion go. The secondary characters and stories, especially Derek Craven’s, are excellent. Your heart just breaks for him.
This is a must-read for anyone who likes a my-way-or-the-highway protective alpha who gets his comeuppance in spades from a heroine who can give as good, if not better, as she gets :D
Alex is one short tempered, bossy man who cannot handle not being in control all the time. He just can’t stand the “screw you”, devil-may-care attitude of Lily Lawson and does everything he can to get one up on her, but this little hellcat gets the better of him nearly every single time. She is wickedly devious and underhanded which gets his goat beautifully until one last move on his part has them both in a very compromising position that will leaving you gasping more than once ;D Lily is one of the best independent minded heroine’s I think I’ve ever read. She does what she wants, when she wants and how she wants and if someone doesn’t like it it doesn’t phase her in the least. She hunts, rides, gambles and swears like a sailor without flinching and everyone loves her for it.
This is much hotter steam than your typical regency fare. The fighting, sniping and one-upmanship just adds more fuel to the fire of sexual tension that simmers throughout the book only to explode like you’ve rarely seen an explosion go. The secondary characters and stories, especially Derek Craven’s, are excellent. Your heart just breaks for him.
This is a must-read for anyone who likes a my-way-or-the-highway protective alpha who gets his comeuppance in spades from a heroine who can give as good, if not better, as she gets :D
April 9, 2017
Maravillosa novela, absolutamente original en el género, tanto por sus personajes como por la historia, que es increíblemente emotiva, sobre todo acercándonos al final, cuando se va develando y solucionando el oscuro pasado de Lily.
Me gustó mucho como va evolucionando la personalidad de los dos personajes principales, influenciados por el temperamento del otro, tanto que el libro se podría dividir en dos. En resumen, excelente autora, excelente libro... hace tiempo que no sacrificaba tantas horas de sueño, por no poder postergar la lectura.
Me gustó mucho como va evolucionando la personalidad de los dos personajes principales, influenciados por el temperamento del otro, tanto que el libro se podría dividir en dos. En resumen, excelente autora, excelente libro... hace tiempo que no sacrificaba tantas horas de sueño, por no poder postergar la lectura.
May 31, 2021
I read this for the second time in 2021 and I have to bump up my 3.5 rating to a 4!
May 10, 2017
Originally Posted At Addicted To Romance.
I was shocked to learn I hadn't done reviews on this series and that has GOTTA change now!! Because quite frankly both of these books are amazing. But let me discuss the first book in the series...Then Came You. Now what is so great about this book?? Well quite frankly quite a bit. We have our heroine, who is unconventional, wild and free and doesn't like to be tied to. She likes to ride, hunt, shoot, wear trousers and jump into freezing waters for a thrill. Not your typical debutante? Well she isn't any typical heroine. But she also has many vulnerabilities, including the fact that she is on the search for her daughter who was kidnapped. When she learns her young shy and quiet sister Penelope is set to marry the formidable Alex the Lord of Wolverton. Alex seems to be harsh and cold, but he just hides who he really is. He still suffers from grief of his fiancee who died while riding and broke her neck. But Lily wakes up his passions and his possessive nature.
“I want to give you whatever elusive, impossible, goddamned mysterious thing it is you need in order to be happy. Does that frighten you? Well, it frightens the hell out of me. Don't you think I'd stop feeling this way if I could? It's not as if you're the easiest woman in the world to—" He checked himself suddenly.”
These two are quite frankly....EXPLOSIVE!! Re reading this book was a fun ride and I can't believe I hadn't read this one in so long. I really adored both characters, I would have five starred this one but there were a couple scenes where anger gets the best of the heroine and I didn't exactly concur with her actions. But overall what a enjoyable story! I love the humor, the fabulous dialogue and the chemistry these two have. And we get some fun times with the hero of Dreaming Of You Derek Craven. He really pulls matchmaker a bit here, and I enjoyed his role in their story.
I was shocked to learn I hadn't done reviews on this series and that has GOTTA change now!! Because quite frankly both of these books are amazing. But let me discuss the first book in the series...Then Came You. Now what is so great about this book?? Well quite frankly quite a bit. We have our heroine, who is unconventional, wild and free and doesn't like to be tied to. She likes to ride, hunt, shoot, wear trousers and jump into freezing waters for a thrill. Not your typical debutante? Well she isn't any typical heroine. But she also has many vulnerabilities, including the fact that she is on the search for her daughter who was kidnapped. When she learns her young shy and quiet sister Penelope is set to marry the formidable Alex the Lord of Wolverton. Alex seems to be harsh and cold, but he just hides who he really is. He still suffers from grief of his fiancee who died while riding and broke her neck. But Lily wakes up his passions and his possessive nature.
“I want to give you whatever elusive, impossible, goddamned mysterious thing it is you need in order to be happy. Does that frighten you? Well, it frightens the hell out of me. Don't you think I'd stop feeling this way if I could? It's not as if you're the easiest woman in the world to—" He checked himself suddenly.”
These two are quite frankly....EXPLOSIVE!! Re reading this book was a fun ride and I can't believe I hadn't read this one in so long. I really adored both characters, I would have five starred this one but there were a couple scenes where anger gets the best of the heroine and I didn't exactly concur with her actions. But overall what a enjoyable story! I love the humor, the fabulous dialogue and the chemistry these two have. And we get some fun times with the hero of Dreaming Of You Derek Craven. He really pulls matchmaker a bit here, and I enjoyed his role in their story.
September 25, 2017
Muy original. Lily y Alex son personajes súper carismáticos. Comparten escenas desopilantes, que me hicieron reír a carcajadas, y otras cargadas de una ternura deliciosa.
«—Escúchame con atención, Wilhemina. Tus errores, tu pasado, tus temores… nada de eso va a cambiar lo que siento por ti. (…)
—Ese nombre no me gusta.
—Lo sé —dijo él suavemente—. Porque te recuerda tu niñez. Wilhemina está llena de temores e ilusiones, desea que la amen. Y Lily es fuerte y valiente, y le diría al mundo que se fuera al infierno si quisiera.
—¿A cuál de las dos prefieres?
Alex le levantó la barbilla para mirarla a los ojos, y sonrió.
—A ti. Hasta el último pedazo de ti».
Otra genialidad de Lisa Kleypas. Me encantó. ❤
«—Escúchame con atención, Wilhemina. Tus errores, tu pasado, tus temores… nada de eso va a cambiar lo que siento por ti. (…)
—Ese nombre no me gusta.
—Lo sé —dijo él suavemente—. Porque te recuerda tu niñez. Wilhemina está llena de temores e ilusiones, desea que la amen. Y Lily es fuerte y valiente, y le diría al mundo que se fuera al infierno si quisiera.
—¿A cuál de las dos prefieres?
Alex le levantó la barbilla para mirarla a los ojos, y sonrió.
—A ti. Hasta el último pedazo de ti».
Otra genialidad de Lisa Kleypas. Me encantó. ❤
September 17, 2021
4.5 stars. Lisa Kleypas never misses for me, and I don't have the time to review it like I should, but this one was fabulous! Amazing characters as always, I loved both Lily and Alex, even when they hated each other. 🔥 Great story and the plot had me hooked all the way to the end.
Loved it all, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing a certain someone get his own HEA somewhere in this series!
Loved it all, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing a certain someone get his own HEA somewhere in this series!
December 19, 2021
Ahhh..
I needn't have had any fear. This is just as golden as any other Kleypas gem.
Alex and Lily are shining and bright. Fierce and poignant. I adored every moment.
5/5 stars
I needn't have had any fear. This is just as golden as any other Kleypas gem.
Alex and Lily are shining and bright. Fierce and poignant. I adored every moment.
5/5 stars
December 19, 2022
This is full of tropey goodness. ✔️ enemies-to-lovers ✔️ hung up on dead ex ✔️ H engaged to h’s sister ✔️ child with OM … there’s angst, drama, humor ✔️✔️✔️
After being kicked out of her home Lily Lawson has been living on the fridges of society trying to locate her missing child. Hanging with her bestie Derek Craven (H from book 2) and living by her own rules when’s she’s approached by her sister’s childhood love to stop her betrothal to Alex Raiford.
Bottom Line- I’m not going to spend too much time on this, there are a ton of reviews out there. It’s a solid romance with enjoyable characters.
After being kicked out of her home Lily Lawson has been living on the fridges of society trying to locate her missing child. Hanging with her bestie Derek Craven (H from book 2) and living by her own rules when’s she’s approached by her sister’s childhood love to stop her betrothal to Alex Raiford.
Bottom Line- I’m not going to spend too much time on this, there are a ton of reviews out there. It’s a solid romance with enjoyable characters.
October 3, 2018
Συνανάγνωση με Γκεο, Τζένη, Μαριλένα και Άννα 💕
July 13, 2021
Updated Review:
The heroine of Lisa Kleypas’ Then Came You was, at the time of the book’s initial release, a unique female protagonist. Today, Romancelandia is replete with hoydenish, unmarried non-virgins who thumb their nose at society’s rules. Back in 1993, the wild Lily Lawson was, for the most part, unusual for a historical romance heroine.
The novel begins with Lily aboard a fancy sea vessel for a daytime event that bores her senseless. She allows her hat to fly off into the waters of the Thames in an attempt to prod her male admirers into fetching it for her. The reserved Lord Alex Raiford looks on, disgusted by her antics.
Lily is on the fringes of polite society as she is estranged from her family for her shocking behavior. Many years ago, she was involved in a love affair with an Italian gentleman who turned out to be a cad. Now, she takes pleasure in flouting the ton's convetions. Upon hearing that her dear sister cannot marry the man she loves, “Lawless” Lily Lawson–as she is called–is determined to break her sister’s engagement with the stuffed-shirt Lord Raiford. She will use all her wills and wiles to stop him from marrying her.
When Lily does succeed, Alex vows revenge and in scene after memorable scene, his vengeance turns to passion. (I admit to fanning myself to Alex’s reaction when Lily is painted with a serpent on her flesh!) Then passion yields to love when he realizes that Lily’s outward behavior is just a cover for the dark secrets that torment her.
Lord Raiford is a responsible man. He has a little brother to care for and estates to run. He was looking for a responsible bride to round out his life.
Alex’s first fiancee died in a horseback riding accident, so Alex is hesitant to get close to anyone, especially a woman of such free spirit. If you know me and my reviews, you know where I stand on that trope, but here it’s no ghost who’s part of the conflict.
Lily has gained even more notoriety as the only female allowed to gamble in a gaming hell, namely that of Derek Craven’s. Here, Lily shares a bit of chemistry with the sexy, snaggle-toothed proprietor. Many Kleypas fans prefer Derek, the hero of this book’s sequel, Dreaming of You as their favorite Kleypas MC, or even Sebastian from The Devil in Winter (I haven’t read that one yet). As for me, I thought Alex Raiford was the better man, although I adore the scene where Alex confronts Craven about being Lily’s lover.
There are more obstacles to Lily and Alex being together than their stubbornness and being polar opposites. But Alex’s love will make Lily’s impossible dreams come true. I can’t help but gush over a hero like Alex: principled, maybe a little uptight, beautiful, and good with kids!
What to say about this book? Lisa Kleypas proved herself to me as one of the new era of Historical Romance’s best writers! There’s so much to appreciate here: a strong, unconventional heroine; an honorable hero I adore; and wonderfully plotted romance. This is one of my all-time top favorites!
5 stars
The heroine of Lisa Kleypas’ Then Came You was, at the time of the book’s initial release, a unique female protagonist. Today, Romancelandia is replete with hoydenish, unmarried non-virgins who thumb their nose at society’s rules. Back in 1993, the wild Lily Lawson was, for the most part, unusual for a historical romance heroine.
The novel begins with Lily aboard a fancy sea vessel for a daytime event that bores her senseless. She allows her hat to fly off into the waters of the Thames in an attempt to prod her male admirers into fetching it for her. The reserved Lord Alex Raiford looks on, disgusted by her antics.
Lily is on the fringes of polite society as she is estranged from her family for her shocking behavior. Many years ago, she was involved in a love affair with an Italian gentleman who turned out to be a cad. Now, she takes pleasure in flouting the ton's convetions. Upon hearing that her dear sister cannot marry the man she loves, “Lawless” Lily Lawson–as she is called–is determined to break her sister’s engagement with the stuffed-shirt Lord Raiford. She will use all her wills and wiles to stop him from marrying her.
When Lily does succeed, Alex vows revenge and in scene after memorable scene, his vengeance turns to passion. (I admit to fanning myself to Alex’s reaction when Lily is painted with a serpent on her flesh!) Then passion yields to love when he realizes that Lily’s outward behavior is just a cover for the dark secrets that torment her.
Lord Raiford is a responsible man. He has a little brother to care for and estates to run. He was looking for a responsible bride to round out his life.
Alex’s first fiancee died in a horseback riding accident, so Alex is hesitant to get close to anyone, especially a woman of such free spirit. If you know me and my reviews, you know where I stand on that trope, but here it’s no ghost who’s part of the conflict.
Lily has gained even more notoriety as the only female allowed to gamble in a gaming hell, namely that of Derek Craven’s. Here, Lily shares a bit of chemistry with the sexy, snaggle-toothed proprietor. Many Kleypas fans prefer Derek, the hero of this book’s sequel, Dreaming of You as their favorite Kleypas MC, or even Sebastian from The Devil in Winter (I haven’t read that one yet). As for me, I thought Alex Raiford was the better man, although I adore the scene where Alex confronts Craven about being Lily’s lover.
There are more obstacles to Lily and Alex being together than their stubbornness and being polar opposites. But Alex’s love will make Lily’s impossible dreams come true. I can’t help but gush over a hero like Alex: principled, maybe a little uptight, beautiful, and good with kids!
What to say about this book? Lisa Kleypas proved herself to me as one of the new era of Historical Romance’s best writers! There’s so much to appreciate here: a strong, unconventional heroine; an honorable hero I adore; and wonderfully plotted romance. This is one of my all-time top favorites!
5 stars
December 21, 2017
Ingeniosa. Pasional. Atípica. Una novela de personajes.
Alex, Lily y Dereck son de esos personajes que acabas recordando a pesar de muchos libros leídos... Son carismáticos, potentes, distintos... Varias de las escenas me han parecido magníficas.
Para mí, uno de los mejores de Lisa😍
Alex, Lily y Dereck son de esos personajes que acabas recordando a pesar de muchos libros leídos... Son carismáticos, potentes, distintos... Varias de las escenas me han parecido magníficas.
Para mí, uno de los mejores de Lisa😍
October 16, 2021
Re-read Oct'2021:
It's hard to believe that it's been 11 years since I first read this. I still love Lisa Kleypas's writing, but I didn't love this book as much this time. I didn't like Alex in the beginning but he grew on me. Lily's constant obstinance and continued secrecy drove me nuts. But it's a passionate, emotional romance, so I'm still giving it 5 stars.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
Although I’d previously read and loooved Kleypas’s Travis’s series, this was the first historical romance of hers that I read, and it’s no wonder that she’s such an incredibly popular romance author. The relationship between wild spitfire spinster Lily Lawson and stodgy Alex, Lord Raiford, from bitter antagonism to explosive passion that turns to cordial respect and then deep affection, is sheer magic to behold. This book inflamed my LK admiration that first began with my love for Sugar Daddy and then continued with my utter enjoyment of the entire Travis’s series, Dreaming of You, Again the Magic, and most recently with the Wallflowers series. I look forward to more wonderful books by this remarkably gifted author!
It's hard to believe that it's been 11 years since I first read this. I still love Lisa Kleypas's writing, but I didn't love this book as much this time. I didn't like Alex in the beginning but he grew on me. Lily's constant obstinance and continued secrecy drove me nuts. But it's a passionate, emotional romance, so I'm still giving it 5 stars.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
Although I’d previously read and loooved Kleypas’s Travis’s series, this was the first historical romance of hers that I read, and it’s no wonder that she’s such an incredibly popular romance author. The relationship between wild spitfire spinster Lily Lawson and stodgy Alex, Lord Raiford, from bitter antagonism to explosive passion that turns to cordial respect and then deep affection, is sheer magic to behold. This book inflamed my LK admiration that first began with my love for Sugar Daddy and then continued with my utter enjoyment of the entire Travis’s series, Dreaming of You, Again the Magic, and most recently with the Wallflowers series. I look forward to more wonderful books by this remarkably gifted author!
April 23, 2017
Maravilloso, delicioso, sin lugar a duda uno de mis libros preferidos de Lisa por no decir que me estoy replanteando la valoración de los otros libros que he leído de ella.
Iba directo a un 5 estrellas, pero al final se queda entre un 4-4,5, ese final tan precipitado no me ha gustado demasiado, siento que la escritora alargo mucho la agonía de Lily y después se le echa el tiempo y resuelve la historia de un plumazo.
Me ha parecido muy original la trama, muy avanzada tratándose de una novela histórica, no sentía que estuviésemos en 1820, y aunque algunas situaciones eran un poco rocambolescas he disfrutado muchísimo. Aquí lo mejor son los protagonistas, XD como me han gustado¡¡ sin lugar a duda son mi pareja preferida de todos los libros de Lisa que he leído y ya me he leído unos cuantos. Situaciones delirantes, diálogos ingeniosos, constantes pujas, una auténtica guerra de guerrillas entre los dos a ver quién aguanta el pulso, me lo he pasado pipa con ellos. Voy a tardar mucho tiempo en olvidar la escena de la apuesta. Alex estirado, orgulloso y terco, me ha recordado mucho a Sr.Darcy y Lily provocadora, rebelde e impulsiva, una mujer adelantada a su tiempo que pone patas arriba todo su mundo. He sentido que partían de polos opuestos, para durante el libro evolucionar hasta llegar a un punto intermedio donde se ha encontrado y completado. Me ha gustado muchísimo esta evolución tanto de uno como de otro
Y yo que me leí Sueño contigo antes que este porque no tenía ni idea que eran dos libros. Llamadme zoquete, y si aquel me gusto, allí conocí a mi oscuro Derek Craven… aingngngngngngnrrr este me ha vuelto loca y reconozco que Cuando tú llegaste es mejor
Una pareja que se me va a quedar en la memoria durante mucho, pero mucho tiempo.
Iba directo a un 5 estrellas, pero al final se queda entre un 4-4,5, ese final tan precipitado no me ha gustado demasiado, siento que la escritora alargo mucho la agonía de Lily y después se le echa el tiempo y resuelve la historia de un plumazo.
Me ha parecido muy original la trama, muy avanzada tratándose de una novela histórica, no sentía que estuviésemos en 1820, y aunque algunas situaciones eran un poco rocambolescas he disfrutado muchísimo. Aquí lo mejor son los protagonistas, XD como me han gustado¡¡ sin lugar a duda son mi pareja preferida de todos los libros de Lisa que he leído y ya me he leído unos cuantos. Situaciones delirantes, diálogos ingeniosos, constantes pujas, una auténtica guerra de guerrillas entre los dos a ver quién aguanta el pulso, me lo he pasado pipa con ellos. Voy a tardar mucho tiempo en olvidar la escena de la apuesta. Alex estirado, orgulloso y terco, me ha recordado mucho a Sr.Darcy y Lily provocadora, rebelde e impulsiva, una mujer adelantada a su tiempo que pone patas arriba todo su mundo. He sentido que partían de polos opuestos, para durante el libro evolucionar hasta llegar a un punto intermedio donde se ha encontrado y completado. Me ha gustado muchísimo esta evolución tanto de uno como de otro
Y yo que me leí Sueño contigo antes que este porque no tenía ni idea que eran dos libros. Llamadme zoquete, y si aquel me gusto, allí conocí a mi oscuro Derek Craven… aingngngngngngnrrr este me ha vuelto loca y reconozco que Cuando tú llegaste es mejor
Una pareja que se me va a quedar en la memoria durante mucho, pero mucho tiempo.
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