Married by Morning (Hathaways Book 4)

Not your run of the mill Regency Romance. Each book dealt with each of the Hathaway's family member. It was wonderful to be able to follow the story from the first book to the last. To get the most out of reading the series it is best to follow the sequence. It was well work the money spent on the books. The writing was excellent. The story line and plot were well thought out and each character had depth. I highly recommend the series

I loved Leo and Cat..........it was a beautiful story and I was afraid that it would be heavy on the I hate yous right up until the end given their history. However, it was not once they realized they liked each other the hostility went away and left a beautiful story.

I usually love Lisa Klepas; usually. After looking forward to Leo's story for some time, I found myself with a major let down and had to force myself to finish reading it. I hope Beatrix's story will be better and have that certain quality that Lisa has when she pens a novel.

3.5 - 4 stars

“There are some experiences in life they haven't invented the right words for.”

Lisa Kleypas is such a fun guilty pleasure read! Historical romance isn't normally my go to, but sometimes you just need that escape from reality. Leo and Cat were the couple I was looking most forward to in this series, and 3/4's of this book I loved but the last 1/4 was a little bit too rushed and sweet for me.

A true story of hate to love, Leo and Cat have spent most of this series squabbling until they discovered a hidden attraction that shocks them both. That and a secret past, this book has all the tropes romance readers are looking for.

I enjoyed this book but I think I am gonna take a break from HR for a little bit. But I hope to read the last book in this series sooner rather than later.

“I know I'm a bad bargain. But I'm begging you to have me anyway. Because I want a chance to make you as happy as you make me. I want to build a life with you."

He fought to steady his voice. "Please come to me, Cat, because there's no surviving you. You don't have to love me back. You don't have to be mine. Just let me be yours.”

I've been constantly told that if I love historical romance I need to read Lisa Kleypas so when I found myself at a loss as to what to read next I pulled this one off my TBR shelf. I didn't realize that it was book 4 in the series but I didn't feel confused or lost at all though I especially want to go back and read Poppy and Harry's story.

I loved Catherine's character and my heart broke for her when we find out what her background is. It was fabulous seeing her hold her own with Leo and then seeing the chemistry zinging between she and Leo. I liked Leo's character but I wasn't in love with him. Perhaps if anything maybe that's where I'm missing out starting off with book 4. I didn't feel there was much growth to his character that we see other than references to what a wastrel he used to be. Maybe we see him overcome that in previous books but it did feel like something was missing there. One of my favorite characters though is the pet ferret that adopts Catherine. He really stole the show in every scene he was in and he made me laugh out loud at times.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and seeing Catherine and Leo come together. It definitely made me fall in love with the family and I need to go read Harry's book next because he has really intrigued me.

Catherine Marks is hiding a secret, one Leo Hathaway is determined to find out. For the last three years there has been nothing but sparing words between the two but when one quarrel goes too far and ends in a kiss their relationship takes a different turn.

I think my favorite part in this whole book was Dodger, not that I did not like the human characters but the little ferret was so cute an entertaining (it makes me wonder if one would get on well with my cat). I have to say that from the first book until now Leo has truly redeemed his past behavior for me. I did not think that I would end up liking him as much as I did. His sparing with Marks and the hilarious questions he asks Marks to show how raddled he made her were extremely entertaining.

Lisa Kleypas is a very talented author. This book is an example of her talent.

Catherine is the companion to 2 young ladies in the Hathaway family. Since one of the young ladies has recently married Cat now has only to help Beatrix become a young lady who will fit into society. Catherine has been using the job of companion to hid from her past and from the world of London society.

Leo is the oldest brother of the Hathaway clan. He has always prided himself on being a rogue. He was engaged to a young woman who died from illness and he has never recovered. He firmly believes that being an architect and playing an important part in his family is sufficient to make his life complete.

Cat and Leo do not enjoy one another's company. Both of them are very bright and both of them are very opinionated. Cat enjoys telling Leo all the mistakes he makes and Leo enjoys making Cat uncomfortable in front of his family.

Each of them has pain in their history and each of them have found that shutting themselves off from emotional connections helps them cope.

Cat and Leo both are interesting. The arguments they have with one another are not only interesting but also very entertaining. There is a terrific amount of humor in their relationship.

All of the secondary characters are equally entertaining. Nearly everyone in the book is family in one way or another. In dealing with one another, the humor and love they feel for one another come through to the reader.

The plot is well developed. There are complications from Catherine's past which come back to haunt her. There is a danger that could hurt everyone who has been connected to her.

This is an entertaining book which held my interest and made me want to read until the story was complete.

This book is a part of a series but is an easily understood stand alone book.

If you want a romance that makes you laugh – this is the book for you.

Enjoyed the book however was put off by Catherine's inability to accept that Leo wanted her and could be faithful. I was disappointed that that narrative went to the end of the book and was only settled after Catherine was abducted. This was so cliche and I felt that the author could have handled it much better. There was the very dark theme of prostitution. I found that book 3 and 4 broach more moral/ethical topics. The book does go into some detail about the exploitation of underage girls which was unsettling but brought validity to the storyline. A great read that I enjoyed however I just wish Catherine would've been more decisive about her feelings for Leo.

Kleypas is, hands down, my favorite author and her historical novels are where her talent truly shines. I read this book several years ago and recently picked it up again last week. This is such a charming, snappy story and it was a joy to read.

Upon re-reading this story, I was struck by how funny this novel is. There were several laugh-out-loud moments for me. The wit in this book, and the Hathaway series overall, is tremendous and delightful.

Catherine Marks, the heroine of the story is ostensibly the damsel in distress, but she's far from helpless. She's a richly developed, vibrant character with believable depth. She's the quintessential shrew, illustrated in such a refreshing way by her constant companion, Dodger. But in true Kleypas form, Catherine isn't 'tamed'. Our loses none of her ferocity or self-possession as she falls for Leo Hathaway.

My only criticism of this story is that it builds heavily on the two previous Hathaway novels. Catherine and Leo's rapport has had years to build before Married by Morning begins. This problem, however, can easily be worked around by reading the rest of the delightful Hathaway series.

Leo caught my interest from the first paragraph. He was perfect, handsome, funny, self-deprecating, and crazy in love with Catherine. The author did a fantastic job with Leo-he never said the wrong thing, he's one of the coolest hero's ever in romance. Just a great story all the way around. Catherine was the perfect woman for him. Lovely and intelligent. I cannot imagine anyone finding this book boring.

LK writes wonderful series books; however, like many other fans, I'm still not over the fact that Cam didn't end up with Daisy.

If your thinking about buying this book I highly recommend you first read book 2 and 3 in the series. You will definitely enjoy this book more if you do. Tempt Me By Twilight has some of this book intertwined within its story so it's important, in my opinion, to get those books out of the way first. Don't worry they're all good books.

The story of Catherine and Leo is so romantic. It's that story of a heroin who is misinterpreted by our hero and causes a lot of frustration and friction. It is a classic plot that does not tire. Catherine Marks is companion to Poppy and Beatrix Hathaway and in Leo's eyes is a proper shrew, which is why he can't understand why he's so attracted to her. He has many beautiful woman but none seem to effect him as she does. It may sound as though this plot has been done before, but believe when I say it is nothing like you've read before.

I agree with another reviewer stating that her love scenes are each their own story. The ones in this book were so hot and very intimate. Leo puts his own perverse spin on it once again leaving Marks to meet his challenge to be clear on what she wants. If you've read about them in the other books you'll understand how the two clash at every turn and not cut the other any slack. It never changed even between the sheets. The pair were great together and I loved how Harry was still involved in her life. The book took a turn at the end and brought a unique twist and made it a pleasure to read how Leo was there for her. LK does use a lot abductions in her books but I have never grew tired of reading any of them. They give the end of her books that added punch and just make you to read more about each individual character she creates.

This is the fourth book in Lisa Kleypas's `Hathaways' series. The series follows a Hampshire family of siblings as they navigate their way around a recently acquired Ton title and all the societal nuisances that come with it.

This 4th instalment is the HEA of second eldest and only brother Hathaway, Lord Leo Ramsay. In the first book Leo was a shell of his formerly vivacious self. When we met him he had just lost his fiancée to scarlet fever and was walking a dangerous edge of depression, nearly slipping into suicide. It took three books for Leo to work through his grief - first by drinking and carousing, and eventually by accepting all that he had lost.

Miss Catherine Marks was introduced in the second book as governess to the two youngest Hathaway sisters, Beatrix and Poppy. Catherine `Marks' was a stern woman with a love for teaching and gentle affection for her Hathaway charges. She was quickly and earnestly welcomed into the Hathaway family as one of their own - welcomed by everyone except Lord Leo Ramsay. Leo and Marks could not stand one another. In previous books their banter had a razor-edge and they were constantly at each other's throats. Marks could not abide a member of the peerage acting in Leo's depraved manner, and Leo could not stand such a spinster nit-picking his coping mechanisms. They were fabulously combustible!

For three books fans of the `Hathaway' series have been *desperate* for Leo and Marks's story to be told - because they were so deliciously opposite and had such a captivating tension between them. Well, fans can rest assured that Lisa Kleypas handles the Marks/Leo romance beautifully. They have heat, witty banter, sexual frustration and certainly live up to the promise of opposites attracting...

Leo and Marks are wonderful - individually and as a couple. It's partly to do with their `opposites attract' cache, and how enjoyable it is to read two characters who can't seem to understand what is right in front of them. But it's also the fact that, separately, Marks and Leo have two very interesting histories which lend depth to their characters.

In the third `Hathaways' book there was a big reveal concerning Catherine Marks's past and her affiliation to Poppy's husband, Harry Rutledge. Marks and Harry are half-siblings. Same mother, different fathers. Harry discovered he had a sister when he was 20 years old, and he discovered her just in time to save Marks from awful circumstances. Not to give anything away, but Marks is quite scarred by her childhood before Harry's rescue - and her past traumas are the basis for her sometimes severe character, and romantic hurdles Leo has to jump over in the latter half of the book.

Likewise, Leo is nursing deep emotional scars over the death of his fiancée, Laura, to scarlet fever. In previous books Leo has been an utterly tormented character - positive that Laura's ghost was haunting him and driven to depravity to forget his heart's loss. Leo was a very intense Heathcliff-type character, and I'm glad to say he hasn't lost that dark and intense edge in this book... though it is cushioned by a more jovial manner and the fact that he has finally accepted Laura's death.

Together Leo and Marks have a lot to overcome - but all of their issues raise the stakes in their relationship, and it's wonderful to read how they heal each other. Likewise it's wonderful to read how they try to deny their feelings - both because of their past dislike of one other, and because of individual war-wounds.

Marks and Leo are H-O-T. It's no secret that Kleypas knows her way around a sex scene - somehow walking the literary tightrope between smutty and tasteful. Kleypas is really writing at her best in `Married by Morning' - pairing Leo's passion with Marks's timidity makes for some very endearing and beautiful scenes.

I am a Lisa Kleypas fan-girl, and proud of it! I haven't read a book of hers that I haven't loved. Even at her worst, Kleypas is superior to many other romance authors on their best day. It's the fact that Kleypas is a literary mistress of smut; keeping things hot and passionate, but never overtly-lurid or at the expense of plot and characterisation.
But it's also the fact that her writing is an absolute delight to read. Some people may think that `romance' is synonymous with `trash'; but the quickest way to dispel that misconception is to read a Lisa Kleypas romance. Her writing is quick, sumptuous and down-right literary.

Lisa Kleypas is the best of the romance best - and `Married by Morning' is the icing on her very successful career cake. Fans had high expectations for Leo and Marks's romance, and Kleypas delivers ten-fold.

Reviewed by Francesca & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

I've been wanting to read Leo's story from the very beginning of this series! When Catherine Marks first came in the picture I knew she was the perfect heroine for him. They both have spunk and personality and after reading this book, I just think they compliment each other in every sense. He's strong where she's soft, she's nurturing where he is damaged, he's protective where she's been hurt.

We found out in the previous book that she was running and hiding from something bad from her past and it all comes to a head quickly in this book. My favorite part? How Leo stands strong as her protector from the very beginning. Even though he doesn't think too highly of himself he still wants her and goes after her. He's determined to have her. That was so refreshing after reading so many books where the hero thinks he doesn't deserve the heroine and just stays away.

And then there's Catherine Marks. She's smart, she's a survivor, she's a fighter. I just loved her! And with that prime and proper exterior she still couldn't help but falling prey to Leo's charm. But she was also an important part of the Hathaway family and she fit in with so many puzzle pieces. For me, she was the one character that made the whole family tightly woven together.

This was definitely another one of my favorite Kleypas historicals and I really can't wait to read the next one. Although it makes me sad because that means soon I won't have any new historical books by her to read.

For Catherine Marks, being a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters would be a dream come true, if it weren't for their irritating brother. Leo Hathaway, Lord Ramsay, gets on Cat's last nerve. They fight constantly and she can't understand why he gets under her skin...or why she so desperately desires him. Cat knows the secrets of her past will ensure she could never be someone Leo could marry, were he so inclined. And when the Hathaways learn Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to keep their home, Cat knows her time with the Hathaways must come to an end, for there is no way she can live with seeing Leo married to someone else. Then Leo shocks Cat by proposing she be his wife. Cat knows to wish for such a thing can only end in heartbreak, especially when her past comes back to haunt her. But Leo's a Hathaway and Hathaways never back down when it comes to claiming the person they want. Leo and Cat are about to find themselves locked in a desperate battle where the prize is each other's hearts.

Readers be warned: don't started Married by Morning at night - you'll be up until dawn, unable to put it down. Trust me on this. From the very first page of Married by Morning, I was entranced. Leo and Cat made me laugh with their bickering, sigh over their romance, and kept me turning the pages until they found their happily ever after.

Leo is a character I've loved watching develop over the Hathaway series. In the first book, Mine Till Midnight, he wasn't at all likeable and I couldn't imagine how Lisa Kleypas would turn him into a hero. But over the course of the series, I've watched him grow, to come to terms with the loss of the woman he loved and rejoin the world of the living. By the time Married by Morning starts, Leo is the perfect hero. His love for his family is absolute, his wicked humor fantastically entertaining, and his growing feelings for Catherine the stuff dreams are made of. And believe me, no one needs Leo's kind of all-encompassing love more than Cat. I won't spoil the book, but Cat's past broke my heart over and over and it has not only left it's mark on her past, it continues to haunt her present. Leo and Cat both deserve happiness and watching them find it - together - made Married by Morning one compelling read.

Married by Morning is the fourth book in the Hathaway series, but it can be read as a standalone. Fans of Ms. Kleypas will delight in revisiting the eccentric Hathaway family and their spouses. Ms. Kleypas pulls you in with the Hathaways, making you feel like you're a part of their close-knit family, and that is one of the many reasons every book in the Hathaway series is so memorable.

Ms. Kleypas's writing is in top form in Married by Morning. It's sensual, tender, funny, and engaging. What more can you ask for from the master of historical romance?

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Plot Summary: Prim and proper Catherine Marks, the hired companion for the Hathaway ladies, has always butted heads with Leo Hathaway, the titular head of the family. He's been a dissolute rake, and she has been the vinegar that sours his mood. Or maybe it's just a case of opposites attracting? Leo has always been fascinated by Catherine, and her attempts to disguise herself, and he's on a mission to learn her deepest, darkest secrets.

(HATHAWAYS SERIES: BOOK FOUR)

To experience the full flavor of Leo and Catherine's battles over the past two years, you'd have to have read the three previous Hathaway novels, because when this story takes up, the frost is already thawing. I've been eagerly awaiting this story, because any couple who starts out hating each other must fall in love. It makes perfect sense to me, anyway. As usual, Lisa Kleypas did not disappoint, and I found Married By Morning to be just as charming, just as sexy, and just as `sigh inspiring' as all of the previous books in this series.

I don't know how she manages to do it, but Ms. Kleypas managed to squeeze in all the requisite situations that make historical romances so much fun. There was the heroine with a secret past, the hero with a debauched reputation, the evil villain, a flight and chase scene, a kidnapping, and more sexy scenes than I can count. I particularly liked a running joke involving kisses and riddles. It was all so lively and entertaining, and it's no wonder that I refuse to miss a new Kleypas release. In fact, I now need to get caught up fully, and read the final (sadly) Hathaways novel, Love in the Afternoon, which was released on June 29, 2010.

Unfortunately, when I first notice this book never though it was part of a series. (So basically i read the 4th book of the series instead of the 1st- and im just good with that)The first thing that caught my attention was the cover and the summary from the back of the novel. And when i finished the book may i say Lisa Kleypas out did herself in this book. It is without a doubt ENCHANTING!!!

It is about head of the family stubborn Leo Hathaway falls in love with a headstrong Catherine Marks. They have a hate/love realtionship (which i found adorable) Catherine has myserious past and Leo is eager to find out. . . .

I was giggling and smiling like crazy about how much they argue and fight it just show how much they love each other.
LEO IS MY HERO!!!! His straightforward manner and humurous/naughty mind, his teasing and seductive ways is charming and alluring. (I wish i have a Leo)Plus he don't play, he's a good fighter. Miss with Catherine, he'll attack you without a thought.

YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!!!

Married by Morning is a fast-paced, funny, endearing, romantic and at times very erotic read. A few of the scenes also seem to give a nod to those cheesy over-dramatic 80s romance novels. While Marks' and Leo's story didn't at all go in the direction I expected (for some reason, I was convinced that they had been involved before Marks' became a companion for the Hathaways), I found this story still highly enjoyable. I can understand where some reviewers didn't see the chemistry between the characters, thought the story was too rushed, or even that the storyline was silly. But, even so, I think all of those "flaws" are what make this story really work; Marks' secret, the characters' struggle with trust and love, Leo's need to find a woman who can accept him for himself - match his desire to find love, and help him deal with his status in society while still appeasing the bad boy he once was... The double-whammy climactic ending (Harry and Leo's faceoff with Lord Latimer, and the predicament Marks was left in) was completely unexpected and over-the-top; these madcap situations are just what make the Hathaways an amazing family of characters!

As an aside, I've always felt that Kleypas writes two types of families - the loving wish-you-were-related-to-them kind, and the these-people-are-so-(bleeping)-awful-I-can't-(bleeping)-believe-it kind. The Hathaways, like the lead female characters in Kleypas' Wallflower Series, are an ideal of familial love and unconditional acceptance. Heck, the Hathaways even married an honorary/adopted brother and in-laws! But, as can be seen with the family poor Catherine Marks must deal with, those "bad" families make happy-endings all that much sweeter.

This was a very entertaining read. Lisa Kleypas always seems to keep me interested in her novels even when there isn't anything terribly new about the plot.

The best thing about this book is the dialogue - witty banter, sweet words, humorous stuff. She created a swoon-worthy hero in Leo and the heroine is likeable. This book is not as angsty as I would have liked, but the easy relationship between Leo and Catherine was very pleasant. I have only read one other book in the Hathaway series (Tempt Me at Twilight) but that was plenty for me to understand the storyline and the characters.

Don't bother reading this as a stand-alone book because you do have to understand the family to get the most out of the book. The action starts quickly in this book and I view it as a continuation of Leo & Catherine's story from Tempt Me at Twilight, after which I have been waiting to hear their story. I must now go back and read the first 2 books in the series.

Overall, a good solid read but to me, not on the level of Dreaming of You or Devil in Winter, my two favorite Lisa Kleypas novels.

I've been waiting (what seems like forever, but in fact, only several months) for Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas fourth installment into her Hathaways series. My favorite character in this series, Leo Hathaway or Lord Ramsay and his story are the focal point of this book and my only complaint is to it being too short and to how fast I devoured it.

Leo Hathaway is the eldest of the eccentric Hathaway family. It's only been a couple of years since inheriting the tittle of Viscount Ramsay due to a series of unfortunate events and Leo Hathaway, has only recently decided to embrace his position. He use to be an unbearable rake and completely self destructive until his trip to Paris with his younger sister, Win. Paris agreed with him incredibly well and allowed him the time and space he needed to come to terms with the loss of his first love, Laura, to Scarlett fever four years ago. Leo is a passionate man, loving and grieving with such ferociousness that it consumes him completely. Upon returning home from Paris, Leo learns of a new governess and companion for his sisters, Poppy and Beatrix, hired by the eldest sister, Amelia, to teach the unconventional Hathaways how to be have in polite society. Upon the first meeting of Catherine Marks, Leo takes away from the experience an unnerving need to throttle her. He dislikes her immediately, however, the feeling is quite mutual.

Catherine Marks thinks very little of Lord Ramsay. She finds him to be cynical, foolish, and self absorbed. Always on her guard around him, she fires just as many fiery comebacks to his every stinging quip. She's a closemouthed woman with a damaging past. Spending most of her time in the Hathaway family on the outside, always looking in. Though she has fallen head over heels for the bizarre family, she knows it's only a matter of time before her disguises no longer work and her most hated enemy recognizes her, spilling all her secrets, and forcing her to run once again.

Leo has always found Marks to be cantankerous, stubborn and ... utterly fascinating. Try as he might not to, he can't help wanting to find out all her guarded secrets. He launches a full out war upon her, completely unstoppable. And the more he learns, the more obsessed with her he becomes. He's afraid of falling in love again, but Marks is proving to be an irresistible challenge in the form of slow seduction.

Married by Morning starts before the end of Tempt Me at Twilight. Lisa Kleypas fans of the Hathaways had to be all but dying to know what events took place to cause such of confrontation between Marks and Leo at the end of Poppy and Harry's story. For such a scene to unfold could not have been anything short of scandalous to have the two even be in the same room alone together. Both frequently take full enjoyment in tormenting each other relentlessly and the resulting mixture of sharp barbs and witty dialogue is unbearably humorous. Married by Morning is clever and emotionally intense with scorching love scenes that heat up the pages and cause glasses to fog. The way Leo treats Marks is such a turn in character that not only is Mark's seeing him in a new light, the reader is as well. He showed such tenderness with Marks, in and out of the bedroom, that it left me pleasantly surprised by how romantic he can truly be. It is undoubtedly my favorite edition to the Hathaways series.

I loved the chemistry between these two people. Leo was a troubled soul and was introduced in earlier books. I liked the fact that he liked the heroine before she shows her true self. Loved the dialogue and relationship. One of the best stories i've read. I knew Marks could handle Leo.

I really enjoyed this book, it's definitely a lot better than book 3 in this series, but I did enjoy Poppy and Harry's cameo appearance in this book.

I really enjoyed Catherine and Leo's banter, I really liked how they moved from arguing to talking and laughing. The connection between them was palpable. I loved how Leo was always so protective of Catherine, and how he was unstoppable in his pursuit of her, once he realized that he wanted her. Leo is a *great hero* (very witty and fiercely protective), and Catherine is a very likable heroine as well (she is a sweet and vulnerable woman beneath the layers). Both Leo and Catherine helped heal each other. This book had some great banter, some wonderful funny scenes, some sizzling and tender scenes, some really romantic/heartfelt scenes, and some suspense towards the end.

I loved Leo and Catherine's story! "Married by Morning" was a great read, and a keeper, and I'm looking forward to Beatrix's story.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Hathaway series. I haven't read them in order, but it hasn't caused any confusion.
I really enjoyed this book in particular, as I was waiting for Leo's story. Although we learn a lot about him from the previous books, and we get glimpses of his humour and intelligence, it really comes to the fore in Married By Morning.
Leo's wit and sarcasm is endearing and entertaining. he runs rings around everyone else, and it left me in stitches especially his witty retorts to his brothers in law.
His relationship with Catherine is an interesting one and has spanned 3 books now. There has been slow build up, especially with the verbal sparring, but I loved how Kleypas finally brought together this dynamic sparring duo.
The love scenes are what you would expect, if you have read the previous books, and there is plenty of it. But what makes this book (and in fact the series) very enjoyable and entertaining, is how Kleypas weaves the suspense, plot, family and personal relationships, all together to make a must read series for any romance lover.

Governess Catherine Marks is hiding a secret. The stern, pinched faced, severe woman encased in all that drab wool is but a facade. Underneath is a willowy beauty desperate to hold onto the family that has become so precious to her. Years ago when the somewhat eccentric Hathaways hired her to instruct the younger sisters in proper behavior and comportment, she eagerly accepted. Cat knew full well what difficulty it would be to guide the girls through the harsh and unyielding rules of society. Unable to resist such a challenge Cat threw herself into the task and succeeded by bringing about a polish and shine to the girls without ruining their true nature. But along the way the Hathaways managed to steal her heart, bring her a peace, contentment and love that had been so lacking in her life. Now it seemed like the dreadful truth was going to be exposed and all that warmth would be shattered. She couldn't allow that to happen, not to the people she held so dear not even to the rakish wastrel Lord Ramsey, the man she clearly lov....hated.

No one liked being duped, least of all someone like Leo Hathaway, Lord Ramsey. He could be called a rogue or a wastrel but he certainly wasn't an idiot. Only that sort of person wouldn't notice the recent changes to his sister's governess. The Grim Reaper, a name he'd given to spindle-legged Marks, didn't seem to fit her anymore. She seemed to have changed before his eyes in the past few months. Gone was the adversary he so clearly loathed. In her place was an extremely distracting blossoming beauty who reeked havoc with his emotions. Even worse their constant bickering seemed to have had taken a turn with a growing subtle sexual undercurrent. Leo couldn't help but crave and fear it simultaneously. Love nearly destroyed him years ago and he was determined never to feel that way again. He'd be dammed if he didn't get a hold of himself and this attraction to Marks. For better or worse he was going to sort everything out. When it came to protecting his family, no secret was safe from him.

Love-hate romance themes are a favorite of mine and Kleypas does this one exceptionally well. If your not a fan of the hero/heroine constantly bickering and bitterly fighting then you might want to skip this book. But I can't seem to help myself and adore simmering sexual tension. You just never know when one character will snap and just grab the other and kiss them to shut them up. *sigh* (yes I know I'm weird that way). Sometimes its just boring when couples fall in love so neatly. I'd rather have a messy, complicated love story. Reluctant lovers are so much more fun to read, especially with a sprinkling of humor.

Leo and Cat are a perfect example of a hate-to-turns-to love romance. Cat craves the love that has been denied to her all her life but is unable to trust due to past bitter disappoints. On the other hand Leo who has loved deeply and lost, is unwilling to go through that torture again. And so these characters are at a crossroads, they love but can't love -or at least can't admit it to themselves. So how do they deal with all this pent up emotion? They fight and tease and laugh at the other one's expense. Until one day they can't hold it in anymore and all that passion and love comes spilling out in a big and dramatic way. Its deliciously romantic and completely sigh worthy IMHO, a keeper for me and I think most fans of Kleypas will enjoy it.

*I have to mention one of the highlights besides the humorous banter between the two and Dodger's (Beatrix's pet ferret) high jinx. Its how Leo was determined to prove to Cat that his kisses made her insensible by asking her simple questions immediately afterward. Of course Cat was up to the challenge and determined to answer at least one question correctly....therefore leading to more kisses.;) who couldn't love a book like that?

More of my Kleypas keepers-
The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3)
Then Came You
Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2)
Worth Any Price (Bow Street, Book 3)
Lady Sophia's Lover (Bow Street, Book 2)

This book was so disappointing because I have been waiting to read Leo's story since I read the first book. Unlike the first book, which was magical. This book was boring, repetitive, and predictable. The only thing to like was Leo, who had a great character arc throughout the other books. However, his story was cheap and dull in comparison.

So I've already admitted that I read the Hathaway series out of order. This particular story is book 4 of the Hathaway series and is the long-awaited story of Catherine "Marks" and Leo Hathaway. The sparks between Marks and Leo started in the earlier books in the series. This created a much anticipation. Where ever you find these two, sparks fly. However, Leo knows Marks has a secret and he won't stop till he figures it out.

This wasn't a bad book, but it barely held my interest. The sparks between the two were built up quite dramatically as the two always managed to bicker about EVERYTHING. However, this quickly fell away in the book that was actually supposed to be about their love story. While I connected with the characters in the previous books, I found the matron/vixen characterization of Marks to be quite uninspiring. I think if people like this series, many will like this one. I just wasn't impressed.

Number four of the Hathaway series 'Married By Morning' was another excellent read. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Leo who started off as a rake at the beginning of the series has met his match with Catherine aka Marks. I enjoyed reading about Catherine and her back history which has always been a mystery in the hawthaways series other books. Leo kept his sly charming personality which I always loved. The story starts off with the couple realizing that's there's something between them but they both know exactly what. Then Leo finds out he has a year to marry and produce an heir within a year or loose the family's house, that they just rebuilt, and Catherine's past finally catches up with her. I would diffently recommend this author and this series. I am about to read the next and last of the series 'Love in the Afternoon'. I can't wait to find out what happens.

Married by Morning, Lisa Kleypas's latest novel in the Hathaway series is not quite as good as her previous works and yet I can't say that it was a terrible story. For me, I found the heroine, Catherine, to be a little too cold and distant, very unlike the Hathaway heroines.

Leo and Catherine Marks have a history; she is the paid companion for his younger sisters. Leo did not hire Marks and probably would never have agreed to employing her since she was only a few years older than her charges and she is quite prickly and uptight, but he was recovering not only from a bout of scarlet fever but also from his beloved fiancé's death.

Right away, the reader knows that Leo is intrigued by Catherine; he thinks of her constantly and knows she is hiding something. When Leo finds her in a compromising position with his brother-in-law all Catherine's secrets come out. Seems that Catherine had less than a stellar childhood, she was almost forced into prostitution but fortunately had a brother who helped her out of very dire circumstances. Catherine has found comfort and a familial connection with the Hathaways but not so much with Leo as they are wary of each other.

Leo and Catherine's relationship moves believably, especially since they have known each other for over a year. Catherine is pursued by Leo but resents his attentions; she is angry and defensive with him. Catherine does not act much like a paid employee, she gives her opinion quite freely and argues with Leo who heads the family.

Catherine in many ways was an inconsistent character. She is at times rude to Leo but also wants to stay with the Hathaways as long as possible, disagreeing with your employer may not be the best idea for job security. When Leo does develop feelings for Catherine, she rebuffs him and it is not really clear why she does so. Leo is persistent though, I actually cannot remember how many times he asked Catherine to marry him before she finally agreed. She never really gives good reasons why she refuses him.

Still, there are some very fine scenes in this novel and they mostly feature Leo. He is quite romantic and his conversations and inner musings describe his longing and fascination for Catherine quite well. He is really the star of this story and because he is so vulnerable and noble, the book earns 3.5 stars.

Lisa Kleypas has done a remarkable job with the Hathaway's series. Leo's story is a great addition to the series. I knew Catherine and Leo were going to fall for each other, ever since Catherine was introduced in the beginning of this series. Their relationship has been something to look forward to. The communication between Leo and Cat has always been filled with humorous arguments and sarcastic comments towards each other. But LK does an amazing job of changing there feelings towards one another and making them see the love they have for each other. Leo's character is absolutely wonderfully funny. Cat and Leo are perfect for each other. You really should read the entire Hathaway series so that you can get the full benefit of enjoying the story. I can't wait to read Beatrice story!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks LK....well done

What a wonderfully charming book. The repartee between the hero and the heroine was wonderful. The hero's turn of phrase was particularly well done. He made me laugh with his gentle but dry wit. Leo loved Cat very well even before he admitted to himself that he loved her. It was great to see his story after watching him go through so much pain and trauma and personal growth in the previous books. This was the best of the series because of the dialog and the way Leo was so determined to marry Car. The only thing that didn't ring quite true was Cat's resistance to Leo and to marriage. Once she and Leo stopped snipping at each other, she didn't really have that big of a reason for her aversion but it was a pretty minor quibble. For those of you who like a hero to chase the heroine as hard as he can (not in a stalkerish way) this is perfect.

If you are looking for great historical romances - read everything that Lisa Kleypas writes. This is the 4th book in the Hathaways Series about a family that is smart, fun and little eccentric and has been thrown into the elite aristocratic world. This is the story of Leo, Lord Ramsay and Catherine Marks. Marks and Leo are like `oil & water' and it's so much fun to watch how they make the sparks fly. While Leo is being pushed to marry to save their rebuilt Ramsay House he is discovering all of Marks' secrets. Off to find Love in the Afternoon (Hathaways, Book 5), the final in the Hathaways Series.

If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest;Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake,Secrets of a Scandalous Bride and Sex and the Single Earl