Then Came You (Gamblers Book 1)

Lisa Kleypas delivers this story with her signature style: utterly descriptive prose, a riveting plot, highly nuanced characters , including the secondary ones. What impressed me the most, though, is the fact that everything seems to be heightened, magnified, overloaded: a plot featuring the abduction of a child and a blackmail, the protagonists' personalities with their extreme behavior, their initial antagonism, their love/hate relationship, somehow the length and the complexity of the novel itself.
The most remarkable features of this novel are the plot and, of course, the heroine's personality. Headstrong and charming Lily Lawson possesses a vibrant beauty (not your usual English rose), the vocabulary of a seaman and a taste for unconventional behavior, sometimes so extreme that she's almost disturbing. It will take a while for the male hero Alex to understand the real reasons for such recklessness.
The character I have loved the most, however, is Alex Lord Raiford. He is a man good to the core. Apparently restrained and moderate, clad in an armor of bitter isolation, duty, and loneliness, he is able of an awe-inspiring temper and steel resolution, ready to move mountains in order to protect the woman he loves. Alex and Lily are alike in their pride, temper and obstinacy: despite the rough beginning of their relationship, theirs is actually a match made in Heaven. When two souls are meant for each other like Lily's and Alex's are, a man who had died inside can "rejoin the rank of the living", and a woman with an untamed spirit "can wake the dead". Responsible and compassionate Alex turns into an unusually devoted husband and surprises Lily in every possible way: he is gentle when she was expecting him to be brutal, he is a generous lover when she feared he would be abusive, he is capable of an incredible depth of feelings when she thought him cold and unkind. She can't but fall in love with him and so do I.
And then came the unfathomable Derek Craven...if I wasn't aware that there is a chance of redemption and happiness for him in the second installment of the Gamblers series, I would feel completely uncomfortable with such wily and crude character, even sorry for him, because "the brutal deprivation of his youth had crippled his heart in some terrible way" and is now preventing him from revealing the true nature of his feelings for Lily. Thank Heavens for Kleypas' thriving creativity, he will have his chance in Dreaming Of You.

The description located on the back cover of this novel is a facade, a ploy to tantalize you into purchasing it. Once you're captured, it snares your mind, and every thought you possess. Keeping you trapped against your will of ever escaping. Even this review will not reveal it's concealed mysteries.

However I will tell you, the hidden indulgent moments, and the sexual escapades between Alex & Lily, have by far surpassed every expectation I had. Lily is an independent hellcat, a spitfire, rebellious, defiant, determined, and intelligent woman. Once meeting Alex, initially Lily presumes he's nothing more than a cold-hearted brute, who will eventually cause emotional and possible physical harm toward her sister, Penelope, if they marry.

Since Lily & Alex constantly clash, and are at each other's throats most of the time, the ignited sparks of fire that burn between them never cool down. Alex being the controlled, sophisticated gentlemen becomes this unworldly passionate, lustful creature. Diminishing all of Lily's defenses. He literally is the epitome of what all women want, or possess in their husbands or lovers. Besides being a protector, and possessing the financial stability to live in one's life-style. Ultimately it's the acceptance of never, ever changing the woman they've become. Now that's a true treasure to behold.

If you enjoy Lisa Kleypas's other novels, this one will not disappoint you, I promise. In my book, she ALWAYS DESERVES WELL BEYOND A 5 STAR RATING!!

I love this book, have reviewed it before with five stars, but have to do another one. I added the professional narration and it almost ruins the story. Alex Wolverton is the earl of Raiford, it's his title name. So one calls him the "Earl of Raiford" NOT!! Earl of Wolverton. It's Lord Raiford. Once a title is assumed that is pretty much what is used. It's ok to just say Wolverton, but not the title and the last name. Wolverton is his family/last name. The narration is almost always wrong, but I like that first names are used more often. Why not just stick to the written story?

In this most excellent read by Lisa Kleypas, you are introduced to one of her more endearing heroines. Lily Lawson, sometimes referred to as Lawless Lily is known as a true eccentric and outrageous young woman. She gambles, swears, rides astride in pink breeches and seems to delight in shocking escapades. She wasn't always that way but after being jilted at the altar by her fiancé and her subsequent escape to Italy --- what had once been termed adventurous behavior was now termed outrageous! When an old and dear friend Zachary, Lord Stamford comes to her pleading that she intervene for him to save her sister Penny from marrying the harsh and cold Lord Alex Raiford, Earl of Wolverton, she finds that she couldn't refuse his request and travels to investigate herself how unsuitable a match this earl would be for her sister.
Alex's impression of Lily was that she was no better than a demimonde - he'd heard the rumors of her association with the gamester, Derek Craven and her outrageous behavior only reinforced his opinion. The fact that he was seriously attracted to her only further enraged him as he saw through her charade in attempting to bring Zachary, the man her sister Penny was secretly in love with back together. After Lily successfully engineered her sisters elopement she knew that Alex would be out to punish her, but she never dreamed that the punishment would be so satisfyingly sensual!
I first read THEN CAME YOU some years back and even knowing the story, I thoroughly enjoyed every single dialog and sensually sizzling scene all over again! Lily, is a heroine that will both shock you with her antics and tug at your heartstrings with her hidden heartbreak of losing her daughter. The secondary characters from her butler, to her good friend Derek Craven, and Alex's younger brother Harry are all carefully crafted to add depth and compassion to the story. The love Alex came to feel for Lily is the sort one can only dream of and he has been added to my list of my top ten heros! This is an extremely difficult book to put down, as for the second time around with this reissue, Lisa Kleypas will delight her readers again!

In Then Came You, the reckless and spirited Lily Lawson is on a mission to rescue her estranged sister from a disastrous, un-loving marriage to Alex, Lord Raiford. Alex is used to getting everything he wanted, and he wanted a safe, un-loving marriage so he wouldn't have to deal with the loss of his fiance. Alex and Lily's confrontations are dynamic, powerful, and sparks fly between them. Before they could ever work together, both have to overcome loss, grief, and obstacles.
Then Came You is an excellent "must-read" novel for historical romance fans. The story is set in Regency England, with the characters members of the ton. However, Lily is not your conventional English lady. Lily rides horses, hunts, gambles, and swears more than most men. She is a lively and entertaining woman, determined in her goals. For all of Lily's masculine traits and brazen reputation, she can be quite naive in the matters of love. Lily is a lovely and endearing character. Alex is also a fantastic character. His brooding, protective, and possessive nature is both in contrast and sometimes similar to Lilies. Lily brings out the best in Alex, and the change in him is remarkable.
The story in Then Came You is fully developed, with plot twists and unexpected turns. There is quite a bit of scandal for the Regency England time period, which is part of why I love the book. In a time and setting where manners and etiquette are paramount, seeing the darker, more dangerous side is exhilarating. The best of both worlds are combined in this outstanding Historical Romance novel.
Fans of Historical Romance and Romance, I highly recommend Then Came You.

I read Dreaming of You first without knowing it was the sequel to Then Came You. Nevertheless, this was an excellent read. Lily a spitfire schemes to break up the engagement of her sister Penny to Lord Alex Raiford, Earl of Wolverton. While he is not in love with Penny, he feels she is a good match for him as he lost the woman he was first engaged to in a hunting accident. Penny too meek, would not be as adventerous. His first impression of Lily is that she is a woman with many lovers as she acts quite the coquette. She visits his home where her sister and family are with the intention of getting her sister back with Zachary, the man her sister truly loves. Alex and Lily dislike each other but cannot fight the attraction. Both knowing and losing a loved one they have something in common. This is a great story about a man trying to get over his fiance and a woman not willing to trust this man with her secrets. A difficult book to put down. Lisa Kleypas does not disappoint her readers with this one. Men like Alex are the type you will never forget. His love for Lily was something to sigh over.

The great Ms. Kleypas pens a story that touches every woman's heart.
Alex is the perfect match for Lily and in between sensous encounters and fighting like cats and dogs, they fall in love. Lily is a headstrong and independent woman who although doesn't care about anything, is hiding a big secret that could end her life with Alex.
The back cover blurb reads: "Reckless and wild, beautiful Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society--and will break any rule to flaunt her independence. And now she is determined to rescue her helpless sister from an upcoming, undesired marriage to Lord Alex Raiford, the arrogant Earl of Wolverton. Through fair means of foul, the headstrong hellion succeeds outrageously--but her handsome adversary is not to be outdone. A master gamesman, Lord Alex counters Lily's scorn with kindness, and parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, sensuous touch. For he has resolved to make the spirited miss pay dearly for her interference--with her body, her soul...and her stubborn, unyielding heart."
Don't miss DREAMING OF YOU, the story of Derek Craven.
S.

Many Kleypas fans prefer Derek Craven, the dark-haired hero of this book's sequel, Dreaming of You (Gamblers), but I thought Alex Raiford was the better man. Both men are attracted to Lawless Lily Lawson, a scandalous lady who is determined to break her sister's engagement to the stuffed-shirt Lord Raiford. When she does, Alex vows revenge, but his vengeance soon turns to love when he realizes that Lily's outward behavior is just a cover for the dark secrets that torment her. I loved Alex, a hero who's honorable, beautiful and good with kids.

I first read the sequel Dreaming of You I absolutely loved Lily and Alex, they seemed so mature and in love with each other so as soon as I found out that they had a book I immediately picked Then Came You up. Disappointed ? I think you can say I was in a way, I wouldn't consider this book a COMPLETE disappointment though it had tender moments that made it a decent enough book but I felt like somehow something was lacking that kept it from being a 5 star book for me.

For PROs:

-The Characters were likable : Alex ( I loved how he cared for Lilly and was ready to do anything for her despite her early treatment ), Henry was an OK secondary character too, the second romance between Lilly's sister and Sebastian was kinda cute ( I thought so ) although we never really hear any much about them. Of course Derek adds some flavor to the book although he's rather gloomy most of the time here. I also loved how Lilly cared about her daughter and was about to do just anything to get her back. In addition this book had a good villain and some intense in a degree.

For CONs :

-In the first half of the book Lilly was trying to save her sister from marriage to Alex and he was kinda ticked off ( They were on each other's throats ) for most of the time. I'm not sure I really understood why. OK we get that Lilly hates Alex and since she's fiery she probably didn't think about being civil to him, but for a gentlemen an Earl who is considered a polite man isn't it rather weird that he didn't just ignore her animosity like most gentlemen would or even tried to be civil to her ? In re-action he just seemed very mad and even worse than she to the point where he throw her stuff out the window ? and her parents just watched from a distance without interfering ? I DK about em but if my soon to be son-in-law treated my daughter like that I would have some say on the matter and I would as a parent try to put an end to their being constantly on each other's throats. Anyway that particular scene received a lot of eye rolling on my part ( surely they could've argued and ranted at each other in a more civil and mature way that would still make it funny ), My Other problem was ... Derek Is he suffering from Bipolar disease or what ? Don't get me wrong I adore his character I read Dreaming of You and loved it but he acts so different in this book than he does in Dreaming of You it almost feel like he had a character switch or something. I understand that there must be a five year gap supposedly between the two books but I don't think Derek is from the kind that changes. He has been so Cruel telling Lilly to give up on finding her daughter and He even refused to lend her money even though he has a pile of it and was constantly nagging her about her financial situation. Hmm, while Derek in the second felt rather warm and cozy here he was definitely chill and icy, very close to being a cold fish and well.. very cynical in a gloomy way.

Well, to sum it up the book isn't entirely worthless after all it is a good introduction to future characters But I wouldn't call it the Greatest Love story either. The second 1/2 of the book was the better one, if the first 1/2 was as good as the second I'd no doubt give this book a 5 star rating So I give it 3.5 stars since it seems the right rating for it. If you had to choose between this book and the sequel and only had money to buy One book I would recommend you pick the sequel over this one. However, that's just My Opinion Some people may feel differently I DK well to be more sure I recommend you borrow this book from the library and if you liked it and I hope you would then you can always buy it later.

So, Yeah here it is My Own personal Opinion of the matter.

-Happy Reading !

Kleypas' newer work is so much more entertaining than this book. It drags on and the characters aren't very easy to sympathize with. It was okay but I'd much rather read later work because her writing improves so much.

Lawless Lily is a delightful and vivacious contradiction to the usual heroines. She is not for one minute bashful, blushing, or naive. She works the fellas around her pinky finger and shocks the matrons of the ton. She is tolerated because her antics are so amusing but if they only knew about her past...maybe they woudn't.

Alex, Lord Raiford is a man sealed off from love by loss. When his fiance died the part of him that was light and winsome was sealed tightly leaving only an impervious shell that he keeps him safe. Nothing would crack his wall of safety or his steely heart so when the realization that he must indeed marry he chooses a safe, pretty, English doll to foist his upcoming heirs upon. Just so happens that this doll is Lawless Lilly's sister.

Lily realizes that Raiford is a complete beast and will not do for her gentle sister and sets out to sabotage this union. Sparks and tempers fly immediately. Raiford is not only threatened by her...he is shaken to his very safe little core.

This book is a masterpiece. I can't get enough of Kleypas. You know that she really loved these two characters just by reading the effort she put into them. It is a constant, edge of your seat, smouldering romance fest that won't disappoint you.

You're still reading this???

You should be reading the book....hit the "Add to cart" button right now.

Alex is almost perfect. He starts out a bit imperfect; he is surly, and somewhat of a curmudgeon. By the end of the novel he is a changed man. He becomes the man every woman dreams of; strong, protective, loving, sexy, caring, etc.

Lily starts out strong, but it is a strength born of fear and secrets. She is a control freak and tries to mask this trait by acting impulsively and wildly. When her secrets are exposed she starts to be calmer and less impulsive if still a bit unpredictable.

Lisa Kleypas is a master of the plot and of characterization. This story captures from the beginning and keeps interest throughout. We learn to care for her characters by being privy to their back story. She draws such succinct personality portraits that we understand perfectly the actions taken by hero and heroine.

This novel was written in 1993 and the politically correct sensibilities of today were a bit different then. The hero was a bit forceful for today's standards but probably not too forceful for the Regency era or for the early 90's style of romance novels.

"Then came you" by Lisa Kleypas is a lighthearted love story. The storyline is made of a wonderful mixture of suspense mystery and romance. Although this book features the famous "dislike at first sight" theme but Ms.Kleypas made it different. The hero and the heroine don't seem to like each other when they first met because of Lily's extraordinary characteristics. As the story goes, they falls in love with each other. I like the way that Lord Alex accepts Lily just the way she is. He loves her despite the fact that she has a cloud of dark secret (about her stolen baby) surrounding her. The characters are so likeable that I can't wait to read the sequel -- "Dreaming of you" which has Derek Craven as the hero. Bravo Ms.Kleypas

Lawless Lily is desperate. Desperate to get her duaghter back, desperate to be loved and acknowledged and desperate to be happy. Except she doesn't know it. Instead, she rescues people, usually to her reputation's detriment. Her sister is engaged to Alex, Lord Raiford. When Lily hears the man is a cold and cruel person, she runs to Penelope's resuce and fights Alex off. Only to discover the man is as desperate as she. Through their misery, they discover happiness in each other. Both are arrogant, confident and prideful. But neither can trust, and their love cannot bloom until they learn that simple lesson. Set in Regency England, this romance has all the ingredients you expect: lovely lords and ladies, elegant settings, passionate interludes and a happily ever after.

The depiction of the characters was wonderful! I nearly cried for Lily so many times. She just tugged at my heart strings. Excellent job!

Lisa Kleypas is an accomplished author in the Regency Romance genre. Her heroes and heroines tend to love a little harder and kiss a little rougher. The seedier sides of life in 19th Century England are never forgotten. That is all part of what makes her romances work.

This was a wonderful read! I recommend it.

Kleypas' newer work is so much more entertaining than this book. It drags on and the characters aren't very easy to sympathize with. It was okay but I'd much rather read later work because her writing improves so much.

Lawless Lily is a delightful and vivacious contradiction to the usual heroines. She is not for one minute bashful, blushing, or naive. She works the fellas around her pinky finger and shocks the matrons of the ton. She is tolerated because her antics are so amusing but if they only knew about her past...maybe they woudn't.

Alex, Lord Raiford is a man sealed off from love by loss. When his fiance died the part of him that was light and winsome was sealed tightly leaving only an impervious shell that he keeps him safe. Nothing would crack his wall of safety or his steely heart so when the realization that he must indeed marry he chooses a safe, pretty, English doll to foist his upcoming heirs upon. Just so happens that this doll is Lawless Lilly's sister.

Lily realizes that Raiford is a complete beast and will not do for her gentle sister and sets out to sabotage this union. Sparks and tempers fly immediately. Raiford is not only threatened by her...he is shaken to his very safe little core.

This book is a masterpiece. I can't get enough of Kleypas. You know that she really loved these two characters just by reading the effort she put into them. It is a constant, edge of your seat, smouldering romance fest that won't disappoint you.

You're still reading this???

You should be reading the book....hit the "Add to cart" button right now.

Alex is almost perfect. He starts out a bit imperfect; he is surly, and somewhat of a curmudgeon. By the end of the novel he is a changed man. He becomes the man every woman dreams of; strong, protective, loving, sexy, caring, etc.

Lily starts out strong, but it is a strength born of fear and secrets. She is a control freak and tries to mask this trait by acting impulsively and wildly. When her secrets are exposed she starts to be calmer and less impulsive if still a bit unpredictable.

Lisa Kleypas is a master of the plot and of characterization. This story captures from the beginning and keeps interest throughout. We learn to care for her characters by being privy to their back story. She draws such succinct personality portraits that we understand perfectly the actions taken by hero and heroine.

This novel was written in 1993 and the politically correct sensibilities of today were a bit different then. The hero was a bit forceful for today's standards but probably not too forceful for the Regency era or for the early 90's style of romance novels.

"Then came you" by Lisa Kleypas is a lighthearted love story. The storyline is made of a wonderful mixture of suspense mystery and romance. Although this book features the famous "dislike at first sight" theme but Ms.Kleypas made it different. The hero and the heroine don't seem to like each other when they first met because of Lily's extraordinary characteristics. As the story goes, they falls in love with each other. I like the way that Lord Alex accepts Lily just the way she is. He loves her despite the fact that she has a cloud of dark secret (about her stolen baby) surrounding her. The characters are so likeable that I can't wait to read the sequel -- "Dreaming of you" which has Derek Craven as the hero. Bravo Ms.Kleypas

Lawless Lily is desperate. Desperate to get her duaghter back, desperate to be loved and acknowledged and desperate to be happy. Except she doesn't know it. Instead, she rescues people, usually to her reputation's detriment. Her sister is engaged to Alex, Lord Raiford. When Lily hears the man is a cold and cruel person, she runs to Penelope's resuce and fights Alex off. Only to discover the man is as desperate as she. Through their misery, they discover happiness in each other. Both are arrogant, confident and prideful. But neither can trust, and their love cannot bloom until they learn that simple lesson. Set in Regency England, this romance has all the ingredients you expect: lovely lords and ladies, elegant settings, passionate interludes and a happily ever after.

The depiction of the characters was wonderful! I nearly cried for Lily so many times. She just tugged at my heart strings. Excellent job!

Lisa Kleypas is an accomplished author in the Regency Romance genre. Her heroes and heroines tend to love a little harder and kiss a little rougher. The seedier sides of life in 19th Century England are never forgotten. That is all part of what makes her romances work.

This was a wonderful read! I recommend it.

This book is absolutely a page-turner, once I started to read it couldn’t put it down.
The story is very well developed and the characters are vivid and realistic. They are fairly described with their positive aspects as well as their flaws. I liked both the heroine and the hero because they’re direct and don’t let the misunderstandings or secrets to drag for too long. For once in a while in this kind of novels, they choose to be honest to each other and supportive.

Then Came You is the first of the Gambling series. The story is about Lawess Lilly who shocks the ton with her outrageous remarks and behavior, but they love her all the more because of it. She finds out that her younger gentler sister is to be married so she goes to a hunting match to find out if he is suitable for her sister. Alex had lost his wife two years ago had finally decided to choose a more gentler lady so he indeed to marry Penny, Lilly's sister. Alex and Lilly meet durning a hunting party and they both despise each other. Lilly does not think that Alex is worthy of Penny so she has a plan to break up the marriage.
I really loved this book. I thought that there were a lot of funny parts in her adepts to break the couple up. There was also a lot of mystery regarding Lillys past. I enjoyed this book and read the second book Dreaming of you, which I loved just as much.

I'm fairly new to historicals, and I enjoyed this one for the most part. The plot was interesting and twisty but I'm not familiar enough with this era to say if it was historically accurate. Both Lily's behavior and society's reaction to her secret didn't feel right for the time, but that's only my opinion. I did enjoy watching Lawless Lily and straitlaced Alex spar, then mellow each other out. I have to agree with previous reviewers though that this was a looooong book. I listened to the audio version and found myself listening at double speed when the story slowed. It almost felt like it should have been two books, maybe a novella about Penelope's engagement, and then the main story with Alex and Lily. And the sex scenes were fairly hot but wow did Lily's sexual education move quickly!

I didn't love this one, and didn't hate it. But I did like it enough that I'll give the next book in the series a try.

This is probably the most disappointing Kleypas novel I've ever read. It was just OK for me. Any other author this might have been a 4 star book but I expect more from Kleypas.

The characters were interesting and I liked them but I never crossed the hurdle of really caring about them and feeling any emotional investment. The child being kidnapped from her mother should have struck a nerve with me. I have small children, I love them. Normally stories with kids touch me, this one didn't.

It was also really slow. The long descriptions of houses, bathrooms and ballrooms was boring. I found myself skimming through parts without dialogue and I never do that with Kleypas books. Overall, it was fine but a let down when you consider the author. I will eventually read the next book in the series but I won't be rushing to get it

Nobody does historical romance better than Lisa Kleypas, she is in a class of her own! and this book proved it. Loved the characters of Lily and Alex and of course the wonderful Derek (most probably my favourite character of all the authors books) Craven. Nearly read it in one sitting - it was that good! If you love sexy, hot, historical romance, look no further, you've found it!

Lovely Lily Lawson was jilted as a young debutante because she was too intelligent, too independent, too much of everything to ever fit the description of a demure, passive Regency deb. She did attempt an obedient, maidenly facade with her fiance, but her bubbly nature bubbled over, and she lost him. Brokenhearted, she left England with her wealthy maiden Aunt Sally to travel on the Continent. While in Italy, Lily was seduced by an Italian scoundrel. After a regrettable night of painful, humiliating and totally passionless sex, she vowed off men and sex as an impediment to her life, as she would live it. Then she discovered that she carried a bambino - a souvenir from her Italian stallion. Her aunt, from whom she must have inherited most of her gene pool, was delighted and reassured Lily that they would live their lives in a villa in Italy - a perfect family of three.
Complications arose after the beautiful baby, Nicole, was born. Aunt Sally died, Nicole was kidnapped, Lily was blackmailed for lots of money to insure the safety of her daughter, and she had to return to London to be able to make the money she needed. Now, Lily gambles, almost nightly, at her Cockney friend's infamous gambling club, the only woman permitted to do so - and has a seemingly endless lucky streak. She is called Lawless Lily for her reckless ways; wildly riding in breeches to the hunt, drinking, cardplaying, etc. Ironically she is supposed to have had many lovers - in truth, there has been only one, once...and that was plenty for her.
Lily's younger sister Penelope is engaged to marry the arrogant Earl of Wolverton, in a loveless, arranged match. Lily, determined to save her sister so she can marry the man she loves, marches to the rescue...and the many and varied clashes between our heroine and the arrogant, but sizzlingly hot and handsome Earl begin. He matches her every move, but she won't play submissive to his dominant alpha male behavior. So he tries tenderness, kindness, soft sensuality...Wow!~! So...Does she change her mind about men? You have to read the book.
This book and its sequel "Dreaming Of You" are two of my favorite Lisa Kleypas novels. The storylines are intriguing, the characters are 3-dimensional and complex, the humor is laugh-out-loudable, and the sex is super steamy and very loving. What more could a reader want? Ms. Kleypas does it again!

I really enjoyed this book. I was craving to get away from the 'innocent virgin' genre and this fit the bill.
I liked the chemistry between the protagonists, hate at first sight is a big 'yawn' but this was written in a tolerable way. If you are looking for Stephanie Laurens type bedroom scnese, don't hold your breath as this book is surprisingly conservative in that vein.
The main characters were credible, the supporting characters I also liked and they are more fleshed out than in most books. All in all a great diversion for a Saturday afternoon when you are sick in bed.

This book white hot! Super sexy and passionate. Alex is fierce and intense. They fight and scratch at each other. I loved the angst and fire between the two. They are a perfect match. I devoured this great romance in one sitting. Couldn't put it down!

I actually read Dreaming off You first. I finally read this one and liked it better, mostly because Alex is such a good guy. He starts off kind of cold but becomes very likeable. Lily is good too, but she can be a little annoying. The big problem with this book was that she kept paying her ex (one time) lover Giuseppe for TWO years after he kidnapped their kid. Two years and she still pays him off in the hopes he'll give her back. I dunno but that seems a pretty long time to wait for your kid you love so much and still fork over money with nothing in return!

It's a dumb plotline, and it makes her look stupid, as well as her friend Derek Craven. He's supposed to be such a bad boy but he cant find her kid? He couldn't just threaten this guy? She meets with Giuseppe to give him money all the time! Just grab the guy! Lily liked to bop people on the head, she could have even done it herself!

Oh well, anyway Derek behaved more like Ivo Jenner (his business rival in the next book) and was actually more interesting in this book than in Dreaming of You.

(Spoiler alert...) But it's Alex who kept me turning the pages, he was persistent in a good way, charismatic, and had a fun sense of humor and made the book easier to get through. Alex helped Lily find her kid in about two seconds too!

This was absolutely delightful. The narrator was wonderful and so were the characters. I am really happy when I can find an audio version of a book in which I like the narrator. I finished listening to all the In Death series by J D Robb which was sensational on audio. I drive so much that I am thrilled to find good audiobooks. This story was wonderful with great personalities. You will enjoy the way the hero's love grows for the heroine.

In the beginning the main woman was remembering a child and the first thing I thought was oh no not another child gone missing story. I was just fed up with those kind of books and tired of reading the same thing. so I stopped reading this. then months later I picked it up and forced myself to do it. and I'm glad I did because it's fun and beguiling. I love alex's character he's hansom, smart, and caring. and lily is funny and adventurous. it's a very lovely story one that I would not put down again.

Loved both characters. Finally, a female lead that doesn't sit on her hands waiting to be rescued, in this case, she doesn't know she needs to be rescued, and a constant, strong and purposeful male lead, who is a silent hero and knows when to take action and when to bide his time. Top marks!

Alex & Lily, adorable! Lily is a hoot & Alex is the perfect counterpoint to her naughty & humorous activities. I throughly enjoyed this book & the following, Dreaming of U. I wish LK would do a series w/ involving all these couples & their environment, i wanted more!! So sad there's not a 3rd book following Alex, Lily, Derek & Sara.

This is yet another good book by Lisa Kleypas. Her characters are so well written. I loved the heroine in this book. She said and did whatever she pleased, which in turn made for some comical scenes in the book. The hero was just the right mix of cranky and underlying sweetness that I love.

In addition to the other reviews, I just wanted to add that I love authors who are able to pull you into a story and create vivid, memorable characters. This book does just that. I was presently surprised. Never a dull page.

I was enjoying this Kleypas quite a bit. The heroine is very engaging and has an interesting past. But then it just went off the deep end for me. I don't understand the point of writing such a strong, intelligent heroine who could be an equal to this capable hero... and then have him saying that she should be spanked! (yuck! like a child?) And carrying her out of a room against her will, humiliating her and treating her not at all like an equal would deserve. It just really killed the romance for me, how he started wanting to be "obeyed" and to manage what she could and couldn't do. That just really didn't work for me, after that kind of set up-- even if this is a Regency, this is a woman who hunts and gambles like a man, with real platonic male friends and a desire be respected and treated like an adult. A heroine like that, I can't see her being happy long term with that sort of marriage. I've liked some of Kleypas' other romances, but this one didn't work for me.

Many Kleypas readers love the sequel to this book better (Dreaming of You), but for me, Then Came You is my favorite. The relationship between the hero and heroine is wonderfully drawn, with both touching and funny moments. I get a little tired of the typical Kleypas alpha hero in many of her later books (big hulking brutes all) but Alex is a refreshing example of a confident, capable, smart man who doesn't sneer at the idea of falling in love, or consider it a weak emotion. He's both masculine AND warm and soothing, and is a wonderful foil for the feisty heroine. The motivations behind both characters' actions and the way they come to love each other is a hilarious, fun ride.

This is one of the better historical novels I have ever read. The wonderful character development, and mystery surrounding each one of these characters, draws you in immediately. I did not want this to end. I was glad when Lisa Kleypas came out with a sequel using Derek Craven as the lead character in it. He was a story unto himself. If you want a good romance and mystery thrown in to boot, I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoy Lisa Kleypas books. She gets the chemistry right and her characters are all strong. I like "It Happened One Autumn" and "Mine Till Midnight" also. I also like Liz Carlyle - her writing is similar.

I liked the boldness of the main character, Lilly, and her fearless attitude. I would liked to have known more about Craven and why he didn't do more to protect her, or why he was enraged when she needed money and asked for his help, especially since he knew it was for a good reason.

This book was fast-paced, funny, and extremely romantic! Readers will be enthralled with Lily Lawson, who is at last the character we have desired of Kelypas. Outgoing, honest, forthwright, charming, and a scoundrel to boot! She has none of the innocence or gullibility that is so annoying in Kleypas' other characters. A lot of fun to read!

I enjoyed the main character, although she was a bit grating at times.

Slight spoiler: I didn't like how things ended with Craven. He was by far the most interesting character. I'm hoping the other books give him a 'happily ever after'.

I really enjoyed the plot and cadence of this book. And the hero Derek is wonderful. But i did not like Miss Sarah at all. Her character is suddenly and weirdly changed. A proper society miss scared of men turning into a 'woman of the world' who knows how to flirt in a single night is ridiculous. I understand it is a romance but this female characterization is shoddy at best and put me off completely.

I really do like most of Lisa Kleypas' books, but this is one of my least favorites. The heroine is so depressing and self destructive. Don't bother with this one. It doesn't seem to have the charm and warmth that you get from other Kleypas books