Seduce Me at Sunrise (Hathaways Book 2)

Lisa Kleypas is my favorite author! I love all of her novels. The Hathaways family has to be my ultimate favorite next to the wallflower series. Who wants to be a family that fits into society anyways? That is boring. The series is amazing and I've read it several times

Merripen was savagely beaten and left for dead by his Romany tribe. The Hathaway's found him, nurtured him, and made the Gypsy boy part of their family. Win Hathaway always had an ethereal beauty and grace about her. After contracting Scarlet Fever she never regained her strength. It was Merripen who always looked after her, protected her and secretly loved her. Their bond was instant and goes back to their childhood there has always been some invisible bond between them.

They are now adults and Merripen struggles every day to keep Win at a distance, believing she is better off without him, thinking being married to a Gypsy will only cause her problems. Win has returned from France after years at a clinic, she is healthy and more beautiful and tempting than ever. Merripen struggles with his wants and needs and doing what he thinks she wants and needs.

I get all mushy and gushy for a great forbidden love story and this one was excellent. This is a completely tender tale with just enough tragedy and heat to make the struggle to happily ever after interesting and plenty of romance and real love to make me wistful and a little weepy. I blazed through this book in a day, and it's not a short one... But every page made me compelled to read the next and the next. The Hathaway clan is more intriguing as they continue to grow and evolve and I am schoolgirl giddy awaiting the next!

Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)

Cherise Everhard, October 2008

4 stars!

Lisa Kleypas delivers every single time!!! Book 2 in The Hathaways series lived up to my expectations, and believe me they were high. After reading the first book, this was the couple I was dying to read about. I loved Merripen and Win, they had such a beautiful and angsty story!

You know how you pick up a book and read the first page? Normally I set the book down, but with this book, I read the first page and could not tear my eyes away. I've never experienced anything like it! This book literally had me hooked from the beginning and I devoured it whole.

This is a story of unrequited love, and a story of fear of love. It was more Hathaway centric than the first book was, that one seemed to be half Wallflower series and half Hathaway. While I like being in the Wallflower world, I am loving getting to know the Hathaways and all the side characters whose books I will be reading ASAP!

I know I am late to the Lisa Kleypas train, but if you are even a wee bit curious, pick up one of her books now!

“The worst part about loving someone, Merripen, is that there will al­ways be things you can't protect her from. Things be­yond your control. You finally realize there is something worse than dying... and that is having something hap­pen to her. You have to live with that fear always. But you have to take the bad part, if you want the good part."
Kev looked at him bleakly. "What's the good part?"
A smile touched Cam's lips. "All the rest of it is the good part," he said, and went.”

Seduce Me at Sunrise might be another Lisa Kleypas book with a Gypsy hero, but it really couldn’t have felt more different than Mine Till Midnight. I loved them both equally, in different ways though.

Because of how Merripen (Kev) and Winnifred (Win) acted around each other in the first book in this series, I was already half in love with the idea of them before I even started this book. But this one wasn’t for the faint at heart. There was A LOT of back and forth in this as Kev tried to reconcile his past and the things he’d done with the amount and intensity of feelings he felt for Win. It never got to be too much for me, but it danced kinda close to that line at times, especially when Kev was willing to push her into the eager arms of another man. I suspected neither she nor her meddlesome family would abide that, so I didn’t get too worked up about it. I did, however, get a pretty hefty dose of feels as I read though.

Kev and Cam shared a lot of similar qualities, but Kev took everything to the extreme. He was SERIOUSLY intense. And especially so in his feelings towards Win. His thoughts and, even sometimes the things he said to her, were so passionate I had to go back and read a couple times to take it all in. He was closed off at times, but when he was open with his feelings? Amazing. I’ve not read about a guy like him in a long time. Even though he could be a right jerk at times, I loved him and couldn’t get enough of his character or the growth he had along the way.

Win was so much stronger than I initially gave her credit for. When we met her in Mine Till Midnight, she was frail after a long illness. She nor her family had great hopes that she would live a long, full life. Well, after her treatments, she’s a changed woman. In more ways than just with regards to her health. She knows what she wants. (Kev. Marriage. A family.) She’s determined to get all three. I loved seeing her transformation from the first book until this one.

Kev and Win were meant to be. Seriously. I was already convinced they needed to be together, but once I read their backstory, I fell for them as a pair even harder. I understood somewhat where he was coming from with his fear of hurting her thanks to his background, and I might’ve respected that more if I didn’t think it was ridiculous in a lot of ways. There was no way Kev could’ve hurt Win. He pretty much lived and breathed for her. I guess the fear is tough to get past when the feelings are so intense though because it took awhile. I say that not from a place of annoyance, however. I loved their story. I don’t think it would’ve been nearly as powerful if it’d happened any different way. And I loved even more that Win was the one strong enough to stand up for what she wanted and pursue it to the extent she did. She challenged Kev in wonderful, if frustrating for him, ways.

Did I mention I love this series and Lisa Kleypas can do no wrong in my eyes? Because, as of the time I wrote this review, I’m four books deep in the series and there’s no sign of stopping anytime soon. The Hathways are the best.

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: DNF

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

DNF Reasons: Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas wasn't horrible (despite my DNF) but it wasn't my favorite romance troupe. I know that in most romance the hero never feels "good enough" for the leading lady but this one was a little too much of that. I listened to 3 hours and then fast forwarded to the end to listen to the last hour. I did really like the side characters and look forward to their stories. This just wasn't for me!

Audio Thoughts

Narrated By Rosalyn Landor / Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Rosalyn is hands down one of my favorite historical romance narrators! She is just all around excellent!

Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, Done! Reviews

Cut to the Chase:
Kev Merripen and Win Hathaway have practically grown up together, and though they are clearly intensely attracted and drawn to one another, they both seem to fight it – he because he doesn’t feel like he’s worthy (being a gypsy) and she because she’s always been too sickly to really commit to a relationship. They’re more brooding, inwardly driven characters than what I’m used to with Kleypas, and the overall effect is that this book a little darker and less entertaining, than usual. It’s still a well written, compelling read, just in a slightly more stereotypical Romeo and Juliet vein. I recommend it, just not quite as enthusiastically as some of her other works.

Greater Detail:
Winnifred Hathaway is a classically beautiful, frail English rose – she has been ill for quite some time now, and though she regains her health (and a measure of vitality) before the start of this book, it is clear to see that everyone, from her family to her love interests, still treat her as a delicate ornament, one that will break if not handled with extreme care.

In contrast, Kev Merripen is an intense, almost perpetually glowering gypsy with a dark past. He was clearly abused and maltreated as a boy, and having been rescued at a young age by the Hathaways feels compelled to repay them, occupying a position in the family that is not quite servant but not quite equal. He handles a lot of the day-to-day labor and management that comes with having a country estate, and is sharp and intelligent, but almost continually, perpetually full of angst.

Unlike many other historical romances where readers discover the characters as they get to know one another, Kev and Win have a history together, and clearly long for each other. Their caring, love, and passion for one another is well written and very believable, but the obstacles between them are clearly barriers that they’ve more or less set up for themselves, more so than is usual for the genre. This can have a frustrating effect for us, and there are times when, despite Kleypas’s talented writing and efforts to the contrary, I felt a little bored by these tortured lovers. Regardless of Kev’s understandably terrible past, he is so moody that he’s borderline unreasonable and almost unlikable at times, and feeling as though Win would continually not only put up with, but be drawn to this, is a herculean task for the writer and the reader.

Still, give Kleypas her due, the characters are relatable and still manage to be multi-dimensional, even (and sometimes especially) when you sometimes want to give them a good shake, and despite the fact that these two feel a little more like Debbie Downers, it’s still a very well written story, with slightly more pent-up sexuality (given that they’ve been denying themselves for so long) than normal.

Other Things to Know:
This is the second book of five in Kleypas’ Hathaways series. The five Hathaways we follow are: Amelia (eldest sister, managing and used to being mother hen, Hathaways #1, Mine Till Midnight), Win, Poppy (the one who longs to be conventional, and instead marries an eccentric hotelier in Hathways #3, Tempt Me at Twilight), Leo (incorrigible rake who falls for the strict governess in Hathaways #4, Married by Morning – his inheritance is chronologically the reason for the series), and Beatrix (animal loving eccentric who falls in love with a tortured former soldier in Hathaways #5, Love in the Afternoon)
You don’t technically need to read them in order, but there’s quite a bit of back-story for Win and Kev in the first Hathaways book, and it’ll make their history a little more understandable if you start with Mine Till Midnight. Also, I should say that though this isn’t my favorite Kleypas novel, she did really an amazing job of differentiating the individual Hathaways – though Amelia and Win are both Hathaways who marry intense gypsies, there is very little else that is similar between them. This is a wonderfully depicted cast of characters, and worth the read if only because each of the stories will appeal to a different type of reader.

Comparisons to Other Authors:
Lisa Kleypas is a best-selling author, and though she has focused more recently on modern romance, she is one of the queens of the historical romance genre. Compared to Stephanie Laurens, Kleypas tends to have more individualized characters, and a better supporting cast, but less sensual/erotic love scenes. She’s also great at exploring a particular topic or setting – some of her books happen in gambling clubs, others in the theatre, and others feature protagonists who are deeply aware of social/political issues, helping to really establish you in the setting/time period in a way that not all historical romance authors can. She’s less funny and her characters and scenarios are less light-hearted than Julia Quinn’s, but her characters tend to have a greater degree of physical attraction/sensuality compared to Quinn’s.

We were first introduced to Kev Merripen in the first Hathaways book. He's been raised with the Hathaways since he was a child. His attachment has always been caring for Winnifred Hathaway through her health issues. Win has decided to take control of her health by spending time away at a clinic. When she returns to England Kev momentarily mistakes Win for a prostitute which was pretty funny but the rest of the story was just okay, waiting for Kev to admit to himself and everyone else his true feelings for Win took awhile. I did like learning more about Kev and Cam's relatives. I'm not sure what to expect with the next book following Poppy Hathaway but I'm hoping I'll enjoy it more.

Kev Merripen suffered greatly as a child in the hands of his Uncle, the rom baro, or leader of their Romany tribe. In a cruel and abusive fashion, Kev was taught to hate, to hurt those weaker than he, and to steal any chance he got. But after being left for dead and nursed back to health by the Hathaway clan, Kev learns the meaning of family and love. While all Rom are compelled to continue on with their travels, Kev stays with the Hathaways because of not only his debt to them but also because he fell in love at first sight with Winnifred Hathaway. Determined that the only way he would ever leave Win would be by death, he decides to live a life of servitude to her safety.

Win Hathaway has lived the life of a docile invalid long enough and is bound and determined to rehabilitate herself for the man that she loves, Kev Merripen. Feeling that all Kev's reasons for rejection are centered on her physical weaknesses, Win decides to make way to France and receive the revolutionary and extremely controversial treatment from Dr. Julian Harrow. She is also bringing along her brother Leo in the hopes that he may find some peace away from England and the grief soaked memories of his love who passed away from the scarlet fever that not only nearly killed Win but Leo as well. If not for Kev's herbal remedies they would both be dead.

Kev is not happy with Win's decision to leave and while she promises to stay if he would just tell her in words that he loves her, Kev can't for he never will subject her to the black emptiness of his soul. With anger and crushing remorse, Kev lets Win leave.

Two years later and Win returns to England as a new and revitalized woman. While she had written several times Kev, his lack of response leaves little doubt that he doesn't want her. In an effort to move on, Win invites Dr. Harrow to accompany her home in the hopes that they might become better acquainted. Win has every intention of seeing her dreams of love and family come to life and she won't let her broken heart over Kev's rejection slow her down.

Meanwhile, Kev's first reaction to Dr. Harrow is that he must die and wastes no time in his attack. While his black soul has claimed Win for it's own, it's Kev's own inner yearning for Win's safety that prevents him from fully claiming her. Yet as he continuously drives off prospective suitors Win has had enough and confronts him on his hypocrisy.

But it's Kev's ultimate act of cowardliness that soon earns Win's hatred of him. After being caught in a compromising position at the Hunt's Ball, instead doing the honorable thing and offering for Win he allows Dr. Harrow the privilege of claiming Win instead. He'd rather Win live a life in the arms of another man than be the eventual cause her death. While this fear may seem extreme it has been recommend by Win's doctors that she never attempt to become pregnant. Due to Kev's lustful urges where Win is concerned he fears that if he makes good on his claim of her that he will kill her with his child. What Kev blatantly fails to take into account is that childbirth in general is a risk and that he doesn't have the right to prevent Win from having the family she's always desired.

Win's strength to conquer her dreams was incredibly admirable and the fact that Kev tried constantly to interfere with that left much to be desired. Win had every right to dislike Kev for his stubbornness and then later hate him for his cowardliness and because of this, I didn't like Kev as a hero. Yes he was sultry and mysterious but I thought that his strength didn't equal that of Win's.

Of course when these two stubborn souls finally succumb to their need for one another, Kleypas is a master at passion. There is a rather contrived suspense plot woven through the story but it was subtle enough to not overwhelm or distract the reader. I think Kleypas needed something to really shock and convince Kev that he belonged with Win and up to that point in the story she had made Kev almost too set in his rejection.

There was one character that really stole the show nad that was Leo Hathaway, Win's brother. His one liners where hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud. He is a man who has already loved and lost and is of the firm belief that he will never love again. There was a very excellent and moving scene between Leo and Kev at the jail that really proved to me once again why Kleypas is a truly remarkable and gifted writer. I read the scene twice before moving on.

In addition, I really like the heroine that Kleypas has picked out for Leo and I already have theories as to why the lady in question is only antagonistic to him an no one else.

'Seduce Me At Sunrise' was an enjoyable read but what kept it from being a five star rating was Kev. I never could fully forgive him for his cowardliness and when he ultimately decides to accept the fact that Win may die from childbirth and he'll still love and marry her just didn't feel good enough. It's like he just sighed and said "fine, I give up" rather than "I was a total and complete idiot but even though I don't deserve you I'll devote my entire life to making sure that all your dreams come true." - that's what I wanted to hear but didn't. Otherwise it's three stars for me.

Seduce Me At Sunrise
Reviewed by Francesca & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

Kev Merripen has been with the Hathaway family for years. He's helped them, he owes them his life. And he's always been in love with sweet and delicate Winnifred.

I love the contrast in this couple. Kev is strong, very alpha and domineering. Win is much softer and calm, without being a wilting flower. That was key in my liking this heroine. She took charge of her life and fought her disease. She went after the man she loved. She sacrificed herself to protect her family. Win was my favorite part of this book. An awesome heroine!

Kev in one word is intense. But on the other hand was a bit of a jerk for half the book. In the end he redeems himself, talk about a tortured hero, and yes he has a heart of gold and loves fully and unconditionally, with passion.

When we find out his true background I might've had a tear or two in my eyes. It made me so happy to see them all be part of a family and form bonds with each other. Don't want to give you a spoiler but this development in the story felt so perfect.

And of course, honorable mention has to go to Leo Hathaway and Miss Marks. There's that incorrigible rake and the feisty heroine that I've come to love to read about in Ms. Kleypas' books. I can't wait to read Leo's story.

Favorite Quote:

"All the fires of hell could burn for a thousand years and it wouldn't equal what I feel for you in one minute of the day. I love you so much there is no pleasure in it. Nothing but torment. Because if I could dilute what I feel for you to the millionth part, it would still be enough to kill you. And even if it drives me mad, I would rather see you live in the arms of that cold, soulless bastard than die in mine."

For a historical this book was good. I enjoyed reading about the passion between Kev and Win. The Hathaways were a boisterous lot and very amusing. Sometime too much so and the story had a lot of distracting themes, that took away from the time that Kev and Win could have been together. Kev was too intense, it was too easy for him to reject Win again and again and even when he decided he would accept Win for his wife and pledged his love for her, promised her he would not walk away for any reason, he did. He did not stick around and discuss, he just kept "pushing her away violently". So at the end, when he follows her and has made his decision finally, finally, finally, he promises her again but I don't believe his promises anymore, so I did not believe in the HEA.

While I enjoyed reading Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1), the first book in Kleypas' The Hathaways Series, I felt that the romance was lacklustre and the result mediocre in comparison to her other historical. Yet, there was something about this unconventional family that drew me in. I felt that I had to read what happens to the rest of them especially to Win and Kev after being tantalized by the hint of forbidden love in the first book.

Before he was adopted by the Hathaways, Kev Merripen has only ever known violence. Despised by his uncle, he was punished and beaten for the simplest mistake. Raised like a savage creature, his only purpose was to fight, steal and do as his uncle commanded. Then one day, his tribe was attacked by Englishmen who wanted to scourge his Gypsy tribe from their land. Kev tried to fight them but he was stabbed and badly beaten. His tribe left him for dead. Then a Good Samaritan rescued and took him in. Kev found a family. And there he found his love.

From the time he came to live with them, Winnifred has been fascinated by the Gypsy boy. To her, he was an untamed creature in need of nurturing. The fascination grew stronger and they grew up sharing an unbreakable bond. When she was struck with the scarlet fever, Kev stood by her and brought her from the brink of death. But she was weakened by the disease. For years she lived as an invalid dreaming of things she couldn't do and of things she couldn't have - one of them was living a normal life with the man she loved. Then she was given the chance to live life to the fullest. However, what she wanted most seemed out of reach. How can she slip past the iron-clad solitude of this mysterious man? Would Kev continue to shun the promise of a shared lifetime with the very person who saved his soul? Will they overcome their inner fears and face a future fraught with much difficulty?

SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE is a heart-warming tale of forbidden love. Lisa Kleypas has penned a story with bold characters that leap off the pages. She delivers wonderful characterization, delving deep into their mindset that you feel an affinity with them. Kev and Win are typical Kleypas characters. Indeed, their love story somewhat reminded me of Dreaming of You. Just like Derek Craven, Kev is a man who has come far yet continues to suffer by denying himself the very thing he hungers for, while Win sees a man greatly in need of love. And she also knows that behind that great mask of toughness is a man capable of so much feeling.

I do believe that this is the most passionate story that Kleypas has written in a while and I really wanted to see more of Kev and Win. However, there is a lot of involvement by the Hathaways and I felt that Kleypas has used this book to continue with Cam and Amelia's story, therefore we got to see less of Kev and Win. Yet rest assured that every moment with them was poignant and memorable. And despite my aforementioned quibble about the attention given to the Hathaways, I enjoyed reading about them so much and their antics just made me adore them more. Kleypas also entices by giving us glimpses of what's in store for Leo. I cannot wait for his story.

Lisa Kleypas has done it again... Started another great series! This is the second book in the "Hathaways" series. I loved how this family interacts, with humor. Although they do have some issue with sadness and trying to work through that. I loved this family and started reading each book and not putting it down until I finished it. I was obsessed with getting to the end of this series! With that said I want to make is clear that you don't have to read them in order, so if for some reason you choose to jump around or miss some of the books there won't be a problem... I just like to catch up to the previous characters. I will say with this book that I got kind of upset with the hero, Merripen... he was hot then cold. But I love Lisa Kleypas books so I moved passed it.

Plot Summary: Kev Merripen is a Rom, or Gypsy, with no tribe. As a young boy he was abandoned when injured and left for dead. A kind-hearted eccentric family, the Hathaways, took him in and Kev became a permanent part of their family. From the start, the savage Kev fell for the sweet grace of Winnifred Hathaway. Win survived a bout of scarlet fever, but years later she's a weak invalid, and her only hope for recovery is an experimental clinic in France. With Win gone, Kev withdraws even more from society, until she returns two years later, healed, and with a handsome doctor in tow.

This is an excellent tale of forbidden love, between an English gentlewoman and the Gypsy boy who was raised by her family. This is the second Kleypas book to feature this type of plot ("Mine Till Midnight" features a romance between Cam and Amelia), and I've enjoyed both stories immensely. There's no faking the passion between Kev and Win, and the reason Kev keeps resisting his feelings needs no explanation. He lacks wealth, position, and breeding, and he knows full well that he's an inappropriate husband for Win. She's a bit more starry-eyed, and she's willing to buck all convention to have her man.

So, the stage is set for a tragic love affair, and Kev makes a huge mistake by severing all contact from Win during her two-year cure in France (okay, he sent one letter full of impersonal details). When Win returns home, the handsome doctor who cured her has followed in the hopes of making her his bride. Kev goes nearly blind with jealousy, and his physical reaction to all strong emotions makes him a volatile guy. He's happy to pound on Dr. Harrow without mercy, and his love for Win has him grabbing her at every opportunity.

The relationship between Cam and Kev is complicated, and I recommend reading "Mind Till Midnight" first, just to get the full depth on Cam's character. If you really want to start at the very beginning, read "Devil in Winter," where Cam is introduced for the first time. Normally I wouldn't advise having anyone start so many books back in time, but "TDIW" happens to be my all-time favorite Kleypas book, so I'm always pushing folks to read it for whatever reason.

The third Hathaways book, "Tempt Me at Twilight" will be released September 09, and it's going on my TBB list. This will be Poppy's story.

Having been left for dead by his gypsy tribe, Kev Merripen has lived with the Hathaway family since a very young age. Kev was an untamed snarling & snapping beast, when he arrived; until he caught view of Win, the second eldest daughter of the Hathaway family. For Kev it was love at first sight. Wishing Win would make her presence known, instead of always lurking in Kev's doorway, never entering his room.

Until the morning Kev was going to leave forever, Win had been intrigued by him. To bare witness to such a savage boy, who could barely contain his anger at times. Win felt it was her duty to help Kev be a better person. As the two became friends, a growing & undeniable love had taken possession over their hearts.

Kev is an exotic wild stubborn, robust, brute, & Win is a beautiful, cunning, gentle angel. Kev is set on keeping Win happy at all cost, even when she became ill with Scarlet Fever. Kev being afraid of heights would climb above a ladder & clean Win's bedroom window. As she lie in bed recovering, so that she may never see a gray sky, & watch a robin who had laid eggs in a nearby nest in a tree outside her window.

Since Win never completely recovers from Scarlet Fever, leaving her lungs weak & fragile. Cam & Amelia send Win away to a clinic in France. To be admitted under the care of renown Dr. Harrow, who has performed miracles with other respiratory patients. Win is accompanied to France by her now sober & reformed brother, Leo. Having to her family & the ONLY man she will ever love behind to become well again. Will Win be able to return & pick up from where she had left off?

Kev's past also is accompanied with a dangerous secret that may destroy any future with Win. Upon Win's return home she too is harboring her own secret as well. Will Kev & Win be able to deny their ignited passion for each other? Would either one be able to let go & have a normal life without the other? I guess you going to have to read the book to retrieve the conclusion, but you will NOT be disappointed.

Once again Lisa Kleypas will capture you into a world of unrestricted sexual pleasure. You are transported to a time & place where your every actions are scrutinized by high society. The slightest hint of a scandal, you & your entire family's reputation is in jeopardy. This book contains precise humor, along with unending twist & turns that will leave you breathless. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, IT TRUELY DESERVES WELL BEYOND A 5 STAR RATING!!

Kev Merripen was taken in by the Hathaway's family since they found him on the beaten and near death many years earlier. He is a mysterious, distant and somewhat grumpy figure who is deep;y in love with Winifred Hathaway. His love is held back because of his belief that he is not the man for her, he is a gypsy with a dark history and has nothing to offer his love. Tortured soul, beaten soul, sexy soul, Lisa Kleypas does them so well.
Win, who has been sickly since suffering from scarlet fever years early travels to France for a medical treatment to make her well again. After years of treatment she finally returns to her home and brings a man along with her. She loves lev but sees no future with the elusive gypsy so she sets her sights on the possibility of a new life even if it is less than she hoped for.
There are many revolutions in Merripen's world. He will find out some of his history and find family. He will also act like a baby and try to muck everything up in the misguided attempt to bring happiness. His road is not an easy one.
A lovely tale, sweet, romantic and a very happy ending. An excellent audiobook

Reading through the other reviews, I found I agreed with many who had complaints. I also thought Kev's stubbornness was tiresome and the false-start passion was overdone. But unlike some, I enjoyed the vast majority of the story.

One thing I would have liked to have was a scene or two of the main characters simply talking. Just *being* together. In the current time of this story rather than a flashback. I felt their chemistry in 'Mine Till Midnight' and in the flashback, but nothing for the timeframe we're focused on. Every time we had some interaction it seemed they ended up in a steamy embrace and then an abrupt disengagement. Even when they argued they managed to become sexual. It undercut the poignance of their relationship that was introduced in the previous book. I found myself depending on those scenes between Win and Merripen from 'Mine Till Midnight' to infuse all the compatibility I felt I was missing.

That said, I liked the book as a whole. I actually liked the scenes between Cam and Amelia, even though they've already had their book. They grounded the story nicely. Cam and Merripen were hinted to be linked in 'Mine Till Midnight' so it seemed appropriate to provide the entire dynamic and it was handled well, I thought.

I suppose Leo will be the next to have a book. I thought his development was excellent. In the last book, I truly wouldn't have minded if he hadn't made it, but in this installment I thought his presence was crucial. His humor and thoughtful observations were perfectly timed and effective within the story line.

As with all series, it's important to keep the reader interested in finding out what happens to the rest of the featured characters. Poppy and Beatrix are also great, specific characters and I hope we get to see what kind of mates they snare.

The Hathaways are a very fun, unique family that lends itself to stories that are different from the typical romantic plots. I'm looking forward to reading about all their romantic mishaps, adventures and triumphs.

Kev loved Winnifred(Win) from the first moment he met her, when he was fighting to live, after his gypsy tribe had left him, beaten, for dead. She soothed his soul, and soon helped nurse him back to health. Win's family greeted him with open arms, and once well they offered to let him stay with them, if he wanted to. And so Kev stayed, but only because he wanted to stay close to Win. He knew he could never have her, for she deserved so much more, and he viewed himself as a monster. But he couldn't be away from her either for she was his soul. Instead, he consoled himself by watching over her, and protecting her.

Soon after that, Win fell ill with the scarlet fever. Kev watched over her. But as her condition continued to worsen, and in a moment of utter desperation, he concocted a poison brew that was said to help fight this type of fever, but didn't have guaranteed results. He made a lot more than was necessary, and kept a full cup for himself. If she died, he would die with her. But Win didn't die, she survived, but she was always weak after that. She couldn't walk for long distances, she needed assistance with going up and down the stairs, etc... But Kev was there, helping her, protecting her, and secretly loving her.

Now I admit that a few times Kev frustrated me, he did over brood. But for the most part, I understood his motives and understood his behavior in rejecting Win's advances, even after she returned apparently well and completely healed, from the clinic. Kev was afraid that he might inadvertently hurt her. I loved the relationship between Kev and Win. I liked that Win decided to move on with her life, when Kev rejected her, she showed courage and intelligence. Both are very likable h/h.

On the other hand, I wanted to see a wedding scene between Kev and Win. I mean we got to see their betrothal celebration (gypsy style), but I wanted to see the church wedding scene that was implied by the author but not shown. In addition, I didn't understand why Kev wasn't even interested in knowing who his family from his father's side is, when his Romany uncle (mother's side) had treated him so badly. It was Cam who was constantly looking into it, and trying to find the connection between himself and Kev, and who their father is.

Also, I didn't like that Kev didn't stay celibate, when Win left for the doctor's clinic in France to get treated. I know there was nothing between them at that point of the story, but he loved Win, so it didn't sit well with me.

But in the end, it is the emotion, the depth of love the reader feels between Kev and Win that saves this book from being just another average read. Indeed there is heart here, and that is what makes this a solid "4" star read.

Simply stated this is a truly lovely story. I was hooked right from the beginning. I had read the prequel to this novel and was already familiar with Kev and Win, nevertheless I would have been totally engrossed if I had not read Mine Till Midnight. I simply love the characters in this novel and not just the leads, but this is Win and Kev's love story and they shine.

Win has never really recovered from scarlet fever. She is weak, fragile and tired of feeling that way, she wants to embrace life so she decides to go to a French clinic to restore her health. Her one regret is leaving Kev, the man she has loved for years.

There are so many ways to describe Kev, controlled, resigned, honorable and protective. He is alpha male and tortured hero, so desperately in love with Win that I immediately felt his longing. As a gypsy who was taken in by Win's family as a boy, he feels like an outsider but also as a member of the family too. His past is haunted by violence and he had little love and affection. Win has always been the gentling influence in his life. This was apparent from their first meeting as he recuperated in the Hathaway home. Even then Kev knew how special Win was and desired to be in her presence. She is calm, serene and incredibly compassionate and loving, a counterpoint to his secretive, and wary nature.

Win returns to England recovered from her illness and with her handsome Doctor in tow also. Her encounter with Kev after her two year absence is incredibly passionate, lusty and steamy. In fact, whenever these two are in each others' arms it is spontaneous combustion.

Kev wants Win desperately but again he feels totally unworthy of her and furthermore wonders if he could really trust himself around her with his violent past. He is now the estate manager of her brother's lands and doing a wonderful job of it too.

I don't know who I liked more in this novel Kev or Win. I loved that Win was determined to chart her own course, she was sweet, kind and above all she didn't fall into the too stubborn category. Kev was deep with a scarred soul that opens up around the Hathaway family but blooms around Win. His protective barriers start to crumble not only with Win but also with other members of the family.

There's a bit of a mystery in this novel with Kev's past that I figured out rather quickly. It is not a detraction from the story at all but really fleshed out Kev's past and his future. Characters from the previous novel play a big part in this story. I didn't find it terribly distracting as I especially liked Cam from Mine till Midnight. I heartily recommend this book; it is passionate, heartwarming and compelling, I can hardly wait for the next Hathaway story.

Ms. Kleypas appears to return to her writings of the past with "Seduce Me At Sunrise". I was very enthralled with the story of Win and Kev (Merripen).
Win's family took in Merripen (a gypsy) at an early age, and he grew up essentially with Win...that was the only part I found a little bizzare as they grew up like siblings, yet she had a great love for him. Win was afflicted with the Scarlet Fever and had to be sent to recooperate, but of course told Merripen of her affection prior to leaving. When Win returns she finds a very changed Kev who has been determined that his past will not allow him to care for another. It is up to Win to break this wall that he has built up.
I think this work that Kleypas has written has really shown the strength that she has to write, and highlights some of the weaknesses of some of the most recent works. I am a little anxious to see if her upcoming work "Wallflower Christmas" has the ability to carry the same strengths. Sometimes when these works are released in succession it is difficult for quality works to be produced.

My second favorite Hathaway novel. It was almost as good as the first one. Win is a great character and I loved this book because of her. Interesting enough I didn't find her compelling during the first book and I was drawn to this story because of Kev. However, it was Win that really drove it.

Another author suffering from the curse of the family series. I have really enjoyed some of LK's earlier 'one off' books but not all of the Wallflower books were equally good (Devil in Winter was my favourite)and now we are branching from the Wallflowers into a whole new but vaguely connected family - the Hathaways. Cam and Amelia's story I can't really remember much about and this one will probably be the same.

Seduce me at Sunrise was an easy read and a feel good read and a pleasant way to pass a few lazy hours but the story didn't really ever move me hugely. You are constantly told that Kev/Merripen is burning with intensity but I didn't really feel it. His conflict with himself never seemed terribly real or very necessary to me - I was as frustrated as Win by the time he finally carried her off over his shoulder.

There was plenty of information about the other family members and suggestions and hints that their stories are to come. Probably the next one is Leo and the governess and then Polly and then Bea.

Agree with the other reviewer that the plot twist at the end was not necessary, far too facile and predictable.

Lisa Kleypas fans will no doubt buy this book anyway but if it's your first time for Kleypas recommend some of her earlier books in particular Dreaming of You or Because you're Mine and the more recent Devil in Winter.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

Love love love Seduce Me At Sunrise. We were first introduced to Win and Kev from "Mine till Midnight" and I just knew that the next book was going to be about them. I was really curious and drawn to the couple in the first book in the Hathaway series. I think it was the potential hero set up that was destined for Kev. I just knew he was going to be a special man with a special story.

I adore a story when a couple has a history that goes all the way back in time to when they were children or young teens. Seduce Me at Sunrise is a perfect example of my favourite type of romance story.

Win is not well in "Mine till Midnight" because she suffers from the lingering effects of Scarlett Fever. Kev was instrumental in pulling Win through that horrible illness that claimed many lives in the village. Seduce Me At Sunrise starts out with Win coming back home after being away for two years at a clinic to make her lungs healthy again. It was so pleasing to read how much she recovered. It was also a bit of surprise that Win brought back the Doctor who helped heal her.

I loved Win and Kev's homecoming and I loved the conflict that arose with the Dr, Win and Kev. The doctor was a great third wheel storyline and allowed the jealousy card to be played by Win.

Kev has become quite a success while Win was away managing the rebuilding of the estate and tenants. It was good read that his importance had escalated.
I loved all the conflicts and the twists in turns into the story that ultimately lead to the HEA. I am really enjoying this series.

Teasers: childhood friends, letters from France, "You're mine", matching tattoos

After reading the first book in this series and the teaser on the back cover of this book, I was seriously hyped to read this book. Call it cliche but I love a tortured hero.

Kev is down right terrified to love which is understandable given his abusive childhood before meeting the Hathaways. Not only was he trained like a Pavlovian dog to fear love, but the self-hate he harbors because he is Roma in English society causes him to think he is unworthy of the woman he loves.

Like a good heroine, Win doesn't give a damn about his self-hate or societies prejudice. She just wants the man she loves to love her back so they can live HEA. She thinks it's her poor health that seperates them (and in part it is because Kev is extremely protective of her) so she works hard to get well.

She doesn't know about his abusive past or that he's mostly terrified to love her because he thinks he's doomed to cause her pain. Of course like an idiot he doesn't seem to realize the pain he causes her by denying her.

Eventually, with the advice of Cam and Leo, he comes to his senses before she gets married off to the psychopathic doctor whatshisname.

Some people might be put off because the woman has more courage, sense and gumption than the hero but for me that makes it more realistic because that's been my experience.

The only thing I would possibly quibble with is the whole "hey look ur the heir to some title cause there's no one else" thing. It was kind of cliche. I think the book and the characters' lives would have been just fine without that but I am kind of interested in whether or not the 3 half-sister's mentioned at the end are characters of any kind of worth or substance.

Kev and Winnifred are on fire. I enjoyed every page of this one. I wanted to lock my husband in the bedroom for a week after reading this one. Kev is so male and fierce. Kleypas didn't hold anything back with his character. Winn knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say it or try to take it. Kleypas gives it ALL to you throughout. I highly suggest reading the whole series, but this is the favorite. It's clever, witty, heartfelt, and downright sexy. Four words: Winner winner chicken dinner.

Romance: 10 From the word GO!
Sex Scenes: 9 The author never fails me in this area. Skin, fantasy, description, build up-it's all there.
Friendship: 10 Friendship at its best.
Intelligence: 8 The plot and character exchanges between the family is fun and entertaining. You feel like you know them.
Humor: 8 Leo might be one of the funniest characters. I dig Cam too.

Nearly every single book Ms. Kleypas has written leaves me emotionally satisfied. But this one exceeded that. This one pulled at my heartstrings. Big. Time. It was heartrending and poignant at just the right times, and oh-my-god-am-I-really-smiling-into-a-book? at the others. After years, I'm still thinking about this love story. I enjoyed the rest of the Hathaway Series, but this book is my all time favorite.

This is my absolute favorite Lisa Kleypas book. Kev is the most amazing character. He loves Winnie for years and is soooo devoted to her. He doesn't feel like he deserves her. Geez, if anyone does he most definitely does! Parts of the book make me weep because they are so very beautiful. This is a three hankie book. Better yet grab the whole box of tissues. It is very emotional. If Winnie didn't want him I would take him. Lol. They are soul mates in the truest sense of the word. Just wow!

I thought this book had a fun, intriguing and dangerous approach to Wundering Heights. It’s impossible not to compare these two plots when they’re screaming and shouting at you! Lisa has done a great job with this title! She made me mad, made me laugh, and oh, I have to warn you – you’ll love the beginning of this book! And I LOVE this cover! It’s marvelous and has everything to do with the book.

Another great book. I really enjoy watching as Kleypas's writing evolves and grows more interesting.

She's the kind of writer who savors each word. Each scene has a texture, a quality of light and an emotional tone. The characters are a lot of fun.

The eccentric Hathaway family is a pleasure to read about. Their characerization is fresh. They are really loveable because of their "quirks". I think Kleypas did a great job creating a family that could so easily mesh with a totally different culture--the Rom. THey are hands down my favorite "romance novel" family. The most genuine and funniest for sure.

The only weaknesses of the story comes from the romance genre itself--the villan, the need for a straightforward conclusion in which all questions are answered, etc. (Though I'm not complaining).

Kleypas is a master writer and I'd follow her anywhere. I think it says a lot about her ability that she continues to produce consistently fabulous writing in a genre littered with books that aren't fit for publication and authors who seem to get burnt out.

Thanks again Lisa Kleypas!

Every Hathaway book is great. I have read the whole series 3-4 times. I fall in love with the family over and over again. Lisa hit it out of the park with this series! Each character is different and has their own voice and you can't wait to get to each book to get their story. There is a special place in my heart for this book though, because there's just something about Kev. Quiet and brooding and so in love with Win that he can't stand himself. I enjoy reading this story and how they come together and figure things out, taking their love from something in their childhood to adulthood and what that looks like.

Sorry - my review is long - but there are so many facets to this book that it cant just be given the 3 paragraph rule!! :-D

I have always devoured Lisa Kleypas books. She is a magnificent Romance writer with an uncanny ability to make you laugh and weep at the level of compassion and beauty of her novels.

In the first Hathaway novel - MINE TILL MIDNIGHT - I was captivated with how Win and Merripen meet and after reading Amelia and Cam's story, I was hoping that Miss Kleypas would indulge us with Win and Merripen's story! I loved Cam and Amelia's story but I have to admit that SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE is a magnificent and beautifully written poignant romance that will leave a glow in your heart and a misty tear in your eye!

Kev Merripen was rescued by the Hathaway family when he was a young lad and was left for dead after his Rom tribe was attacked by Gadjos. Kev is like a wild animal - he has endured unbelievable cruelties from his uncle and doesn't want any form of kindness from these people - all he wants to do is get well so he can flee. The moment he lays eyes on Win Hathaway, it is love at first sight and that is the beginning of a magnificent and tumultuous love story.

The book starts with Win's departure to a clinic in France, where she is supposed to stay for an extended period of time to partake of a miraculous treatment that will make her well. She has also been in love with Kev for so many years and hopes to reclaim her heath so she can have a life with Kev.

The book has an amazing flashback which will tear at your heart of how both Kev and Win meet and how she tames his wildness in their younger years. A bout of scarlet fever almost claims Leo (Win's older brother) and Win. It is Kev that saves them both and is a tower of strength to Ameila - who cares for them during their illness. It is during that bout of illness that Win's health is compromised and she never fully recovers.

Win and Leo depart for France - Leo has become a shadow of his former self as he lost Laura - the love of his life to the fever as well. Four long years have passed since Win's departure - she has undergone treatment and has had a miraculous recovery - no longer is she the frail and fragile waif that left. She is glowing with health and has become a stunningly beautiful woman.

Since her departure - which almost drove Kev mad - he became immersed in the repair of the Hathaways country estate where he has labored long and hard these past four years. When Kev finally sees Win - he is stunned by how beautiful she is, how much he has missed her and how deeply and desperately he loves her.

Win's return to England is coupled with the French doctor that made her well. Not only have they developed a nice friendship but he wants to marry Win. Kev realizes that and even though he wants no-one around his precious Win, he still feels he is not good enough for her and unworthy to claim her as his own. Not only is Kev a Rom but he knows that he will never be good enough for Win and that is the main conflict in their story.

Their relationship is turbulent and vibrant - Win is not afraid to meet Kev's objections head on and is a wonderful and vibrant heroine. You feel so deeply for Kev and his inner turmoil at wanting Win but knowing he will never have her.

Unlike MINE TILL MIDNIGHT, where the book overly centered in the whole Hathaway family, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE revolves around Kev and Win and their struggles to make their love triumphant. Although the family is around them rallying to bring them together, it is charming to see their interaction at how closely bonded they are as a family. This was one of Kleypas' more memorable novels and one that will stay in your heart and mind for quite a while, as well as in your keeper shelf! WHAT A GEM!!!!

Another fun book about the Hathaways' lives. I loved Kev and Win's story. And I like how they're not the only focus in the book, we get to see the other Hathaways as well. I was happy to see the link between Cam and Merripen and was glad they got their answers. I kind of liked Leo in the last book, but I thought he was great in this one. His humor is awesome, I laugh at everything he says.

I'll be reading Poppy's story next.

Read from August 06 to 09, 2013

I borrowed this book from my friend, coz nothing keep me interest in buying more of LK's book after I have the Wallflower series & read "Dreamin of you"... Sorry, but LK's book seem a bit flat ( I mean the 'plot' ) compare of other authors lately I've read such Maggie Osborne, LaVyrle Spencer, Virginia Henley & etc.
However this book is beyond my expectation, I never thought story of Merripen will that** wonderful!
Well, Merripen will be one of my fav Hero after all, He is so...I dont' know how to describe. Maybe the most lovable, protective, edgy, & jealous Hero (ofcourse imo, this book has the best 'jealous' ). Oh, and one more thing, perhaps the best 1st-love scene ..maybe because of the tension which has bare too long.
Merripen love to Win is Total & Superb! I love this type of Hero. Tortured but not too brooding. Rough but really gentle to Heroine. Great book! Merripen is awesome!!
You just have to read it by yourself. Very memorable love story.

In 1836 the English attack a Gypsy camp. The youngster Kev Merripen tried to fight, but was knocked in the head by the butt of a rifle and stabbed in the back by a bayonet. His tribe fled leaving him behind to die. A hated Gadjo the Hathaway patriarch saves his life though Kev's disdain would have someone think otherwise. Filled with gypsy superstitions, Kev is raised in the home of a rationalist. However, his host's daughter Winifred softens his hostile outlook. Kev loves Win who is sent to France to recover from an illness.

A dozen years later she comes home only to find her childhood friend angry and nasty towards her and seemingly everyone else. He tries to drive her away even as she only shows him kindness. Win knows she loves her gypsy and considers seduction to win his heart. However, she begins to give up on him leaving room for other suitors as Kev struggles between his desire for Win and his belief that a Gadjo and Romany cannot unite even in love.

Lisa Kleypas' latest Victorian romance (see MINE TILL MIDNIGHT and THE DEVIL IN WINTER) is an engaging tale starring a wonderful extremely tolerant female and a somewhat self defeating hero. Kev is the posterboy for the self fulfilling prophecy as he assumes the worst of others so takes no chances on his heart. Readers will appreciate the determined Win trying to persuade the obstinate Kev they belong together although his stubbornness can become a trifle frustrating.

Harriet Klausner