Customer Reviews

Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers)

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Where else can I begin, excpt to say that Kleyas only gets better and better with every book she writes, especially with her wallflowers series. Evie and St. Vincent's breathtaking story is the third in the series (First "Secrets of a Summer Night", then "It Happened One Autumn") and without a doubt the best one to date. Built on the basis of friendship, the series matures remarkably with each installment, always keeping the spirit of sisterhood and friendship intact throughout each. Evie has much to be grateful for in her small circle of friends as her story progresses.

St. Vincent has returned from his foiled attempt to kidnap, wed and seduce Lillian Bowman. Beaten and downtrodden, he's not expecting the shy and reclusive redhead that insists on entry into his home. Even more surprising, he's astonished at Evangeline Jenner's proposal of marriage - a marriage of convenience in which she receives sanctuary and protection from her abusive family and he gets what he so desperately needs. That would be money, of course. The daughter of a notorious gaming club owner and a rumored half-wit, St. Vincent never thought he'd be stooping to such a level as to consider Evie's offer. Hard times call for desperate measures, on both their parts, and the two are quickly off the Gretna Green for an elopement of the not-so-heart. Both are determined to maintain their distance, but both are in for some eye opening experiences, ones where prior assumptions and false conclusions about one another will be tossed to the curb. Is it really possible for a self-professed rake to do a complete one eighty? The chances are good for St. Vincent, and watching his awakening to Evie's not so obvious charms is a wonderful experience.

Kleypas's wallflowers series began with an endearing promise, among four unlikely friends, to aid one another in the begetting of husbands. That theme of spirited friendship has prevaled throughout the series and in Evie's story her friends come through for her at probably one of the most trying times of her life. A husband like St. Vincent was no easy cross to bear, a totally debauched rogue with no concerns besides ones for himself, he definitely makes it hard on Evie at times. However, at the same time, no one ever set out to take such devoted and gentle care of the fragile young woman. All but broken by the abuse of her "noble" family, Evie is frankly surprised at St. Vincent's efforts on her behalf. When he tries to bully her into a position she doesn't like, he's equally amazed at the fiery woman that steps out from behind her shell. Who'd have thought a self-professed wallflower could have such spirit and fortitude? The two are a fun and exciting couple to say the least. The attraction between the two was very well written and the chemistry practically leaped right off the pages, it was so intense. By far the best romantic achievement by Klepas to date. And it brought back fond memories of one of my favorites of hers, "Dreaming of You" ( Derek Craven, the hero of that book, is briefly mentioned in this current title. If you liked this story line, I highly recommend "Dreaming of You" too.). The only complaint I have is that there will be a wait for Daisy's story, "A Scandal in Spring", scheduled for release later in 2006. Keep 'em coming, Kleypas. We definitely want more.

"Devil in Winter" is the much anticipated third book in Lisa Kleypas' Wallflower series, a group of books about four upper-class Victorian-era friends who band together in their quest for suitable husbands. The heroine of "Devil in Winter" is Evangeline Jenner, the flame-haired, painfully shy daughter of notorious London gaming club owner Ivo Jenner (a secondary character in Kleypas' wonderful book "Dreaming of You".) The hero is Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, last seen at the end of "It Happened One Autumn" brooding over his failed attempt to kidnap and forcibly wed another Wallflower, the lively American heiress, Lillian Bowman. If you love the Gorgeous, Hardened Rake Reformed By the Awkward, Innocent Virgin storyline, this is the book for you. If you were hoping for something a little bit darker and edgier based upon Sebastian's somewhat morally ambiguous character in "It Happened One Autumn", you may be slightly disappointed.

The story is set up as a Marriage of Convenience plot, with the (previously) timid, stuttering heiress Evie approaching gorgeous, financially-strapped libertine Sebastian with an offer of marriage. Evie is desperate to escape from her abusive, overbearing maternal relatives in order to nurse her ailing, consumptive father through his final days. Viewing marriage as her only option and realizing that Sebastian is in desperate need of money, Evie proposes an elopement to Gretna Green and Sebastian sardonically agrees to the plan. Evie's bargain involves consummation of the marriage to make it legal, but no lovemaking after the first night (Ha! As if!!!)

During their road trip to Scotland for the elopement, the couple begins to bond and (rather unwillingly) to develop feelings for each other. The Sebastian in "Devil in Winter" is a much kinder, gentler version of the terminally selfish, charming, indolent, and amoral rake from "It Happened One Autumn". He spends a lot of time nurturing Evie--supplying her with warm bricks for her feet and even brushing her teeth and tucking her into bed! Evie's stutter almost completely disappears by Chapter 2 (supposedly because she feels so "comfortable" with sarcastic, sinfully attractive and seductive Sebastian.) The inner strength and determination beneath her shyness is revealed (no surprises here.) Sebastian, former heartless lover of hundreds of women, begins to (rather inexplicably IMO) develop a grand passion for sweet, awkward Evie. Evie is worried that Sebastian will break her heart if she allows herself to care about him, so she attempts to hold him at arm's length; however, she finds herself depending upon him more and more once they return to London and her father's gaming club where the formerly indolent Sebastian becomes quite a workaholic. There is a subplot with a villainous former employee of the club who wishes to harm Evie and requisite Heroic Rescue by Sebastian.

The story is well-written and the plot moves along well, particularly considering that it is weighted down by a number of romance cliches. The secondary characters are interesting and very well done, particularly Cam, the gorgeous, enigmatic half-gypsy croupier at Jenner's gaming club.

In summary, this is an entertaining (if not particularly ground-breaking) tale of the Reformation of A Hardened Rake by A Sweet Virgin that is sure to please romance readers who love that familiar plot line.

Recommended.

This is the third installment to the "Wallflower Series," in which the most socially-inept member of the group, Evangeline Jenner, is paired with "rakish" bachelor, Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. These two individuals would likely never have been attracted to each other had it not been for the intensity of their needs: hers for protection by marriage (from evil family members) and his for money (her father's).

Luckily, Evangeline discovers that her husband is not totally selfish and promiscuous and Sebastian discovers that his wife is not a total doormat. Evangeline can and does take up for herself, although at times it is difficult for her. Her father is owner of a wealthy gaming club in London, which Sebastian and Evangeline will inherit upon his death. The happy couple elopes to Gretna Green and returns to London, where Sebastian begins to manage the Club. Evie's selfish relatives attempt to kidnap her and force a marriage with her worthless cousin, but that is quickly foiled (they were to annul the marriage).

There is more danger for the couple, though, from an unknown source. This carries the plot through the second half of the book, which was the most emotionally intense. Both of the main characters are fearful of commitment: she due to her past treatment by relatives (and a physical rejection of sorts by her father)and Sebastian's due to the loss of his sisters and mother. This was an enjoyable sequel that is highly-recommended. Looking forward to Book # 4!

I enjoyed the previous two books in the Wallflower series, but this one was fantastic -- I stayed up till 2 AM to finish it, which is always a good sign. If you like Lisa Kleypas' 1994 "Dreaming of You" (Derek Craven's story) then you'll love this one too. Nothing like a flawed hero to make a girl's heart flutter. The unlikely matchup of wallflower Evie Jenner and the scandalous rake Viscount St. James is filled with fireworks, tender moments, life-and-death scenes, and all the right elements to make one fantastic book. The fourth book in this series is due out on August 1st and I can hardly wait!

I've been waiting for this book b/c I LOVED the prequel - "It Happened One Autumn". This is by far the steamiest Kleypas I've ever read. I don't want to spoil anything . . . .first I must warn . . .

Lord St. Vincent is by no means an honorable man. If you ever thought her previous heroes were abrassive - watch out - he's cruder than Nick Gentry and more blunt than Derek Craven. So if you don't like the romances where the hero is purposefully mean to make the heroine get away from him - consider yourself warned! (There were definitely some parts where I was like, "whoa - I can't believe he just said that . . .")

And did I mention that he's hot? To say that he is arrogant is an understatement b/c he doesn't even try - his whole life he's used to women THROWING themselves at him....

But as his relationship w/ Evie unfolds they both open up their hearts and become devoted to eachother.

I loved it!!!!!

Against the volatile backdrop of a somewhat jaded London gambling club, Lisa Kleypas has created a vibrant, compelling and very satisfying love story in this third installment in the "Wallflower" series. Shy, stuttering and insecure Evie Jenner is desperate to marry in order to escape her life of virtual imprisonment with her late mother's abusive relatives. She is frantic to be with her dying father Ivo, the wealthy owner of a popular London gambling club, who is near death from consumption. Her hateful relatives will not permit her to visit Ivo, whom they view as beneath them. They are now trying to force Evie to marry her grotesque cousin, so that they may gain control over the fortune she will inherit when Ivo dies. Evie manages to sneak away, and goes to the home of the dazzling but dissolute Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. Evie knows that the womanizing Sebastian has run out of money, and for mercenary reasons may be willing to marry her, although he would never have looked at her under other circumstances. What Evie does not realize is that Sebastian is taking a very good look at her now, and he definitely likes what he sees - intelligence, toughness, and acute desirability.

Evie finds the courage to propose, Sebastian indeed accepts, and before long they are wed in a quick ceremony in Scotland. However, Evie insists that once the marriage is consummated, they no longer share a bed. She believes that Sebastian is incapable of fidelity, and she does not want to get hurt. Although Sebastian agrees, he does not mean it. He is determined to prove himself and to win her over. Evie does not realize how much she has underestimated her new husband, and not just in his loyalty to their marriage. As they return to London and the precarious state of affairs at her father's club, Sebastian is faced with an onslaught of demands, challenges and crucial business decisions. He surprises Evie - and himself - at every turn, as the formerly indolent and selfish Sebastian is at last given the chance to prove his worth.

What a wonderful read! Sebastian is a deliciously splendid hero - intense and passionate with a delightfully dry wit. And underneath his arrogant and uncaring exterior, he of course has an innate decency and kindness that is lovingly revealed as the story unfolds. Evie is equally appealing, as this shyest of all the wallflowers finally comes into her own, with a growing confidence and quiet strength that fascinate her increasingly smitten husband. There is an undeniable attraction between this couple from their very first moments together, two lost souls perhaps sensing a kindred spirit. The wedding scene is wonderfully written, with both parties clearly wanting more than a sterile marriage, but afraid to admit it even to themselves. The role played throughout the story by Evie's gold wedding band is pure genius, and creates some of the book's most memorable and tender moments. Kudos to the sterling supporting cast, including the inimitable Lord Westcliff from "It Happened One Autumn," and the enigmatic half-gypsy Cam Rohan, who will hopefully someday get his own Kleypas story. This book is smartly written and very satisfying and I highly recommend it.

This is the third book in a four book series. The first two were: Secrets Of A Summer Night and It Happened One Autumn.

The first book I would rate as a 4 star. The second a 5 star. This one rates only a 3 star despite having the two most interesting characters in the series.

I love the idea of the shy, stuttering virgin with the world weary rake. The problem was with the execution. This is not something I would normally ever say about a Lisa Kleypas novel.

My problems with this book were as follows:

1. Sebastian seemed to convert from cold and aloof to warm and tender much too fast.

2. After the elopement, the main characters stayed in one location for the rest of the book. I would have loved to see how they acted in polite society after their marriage. I would have dearly loved to see how other people treated them in society.

3. The villians seemed to be evil for the sake of being evil. I know this is romance, but give me some layers and dimension to your secondary (and tertiary) characters, please.

4. From the previous novel we know that Sebastian is estranged from his father. It would have been nice to have a scene with his father in it in this book.

Things I liked about this book:

1. The love scenes. Say what you will about the rest of the book, Lisa Kleypas knows how to write a really steamy sex scene without overdosing on the cheese factor.

2. The Gretna Green wedding. I've read dozens of romance novels that feature an "anvil wedding" but none ever gave as much detail as this one. Kudos for that.

Overall, it's certainly worth reading. Although, I might suggest waiting until you can get it at a used bookstore.

If this is your first Lisa Kleypas book, may I suggest reading "Dreaming of You?" It's one of her best.

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, so I cannot say whether or not "Devil in Winter" stands up well to the previous installments, or if it fails to compare. What I can say though was that I did find it to be a compelling read -- to see how this relationship between the proper and conventional Evangeline and the improper and rakish Sebastian would fare was pretty much the driving force behind this book,

and what a driving force it was too!

With her notorious father near death (Ivo Jenner owns and runs a gambling club), Evangeline realises that she has to escape from her cruel and grasping relatives (whom she has been living with these past few years while they shepherded her through the London season), especially since they have plans to marry her off to her oafish cousin in order to gain control of her fortune. Evangeline has no intention of continuing to live with the very people who have been abusing her, much less give them full access to her inheritance. And so she conceives of a daring plan: to offer herself as a bride to the penniless and rakish Sebastian, Viscount St. Vincent. After all, if he was willing to kidnap and forcibly try to marry one heiress (her good friend Lillian Bowman) because of his sorry financial state, surely he'd be willing to chance things with a willing heiress? HOwever, even though Evangeline thought that she had planned for all contingencies, she hadn't planned on her attraction to the dreadful man -- or on his for her. And now, she must decide if she's willing to allow her vulnerable heart to be swept away by a rakish rogue like Sebastian...

If you're looking for a sensual read, look no further: "Devil in Winter" delivers and in spades! The book is well written and from a romance point of view, satisfying. After all who doesn't enjoy reading about a hopless and careless rake falling for his proper and conventional wife? But that was also part of my problem with this book: even while I was enjoying Sebastian's sudden obsession with his wife, I didn't really think Lisa Kleypas had made a good enough case (for me anyway) as to why he would have suddenly fallen for her (and I don't think his appreciation of her freckles was the answer either). That, however, was my only quibble with the book. I liked how the story unfolded, how the author fitted in the other "wallflowers" into this story (especially Lillian), and how Evangeline finally makes her husband see sense. However, even though this was Evangeline's story, what made this book standout was watching how Sebastian metamorphosed from a cold, sarcastic care-for-naught, into a caring gentleman with a new purpose in life and who had, unexpectedly, fallen in love with his demure and conventional wife. And that is what made this book a 4 star read. Very satisfying.

Loved 'Dreaming Of You'? or Do you have a soft spot for reformed rakes? Then this is the book for you!

Shy stuttering heroine, Evie, has a problem and her solution is to offer marriage to one of the most lecherous men in London. The heiress is desperate to get away from her physically abusive relatives, who attempt to force her into marriage with a cousin by any means neccessary in order to obtain her fortune. Thus, Evie has to make a deal with the devil -Sebastian, Viscount St. Vincent. Offer herself and her fortune in exchange for safety.

Sebastian cannot believe who has called upon his bachelor residence and the proposal she makes. Its a win-win for him. He gains her fortune, gets to consummate the marriage and is free to continue in lecherous ways while she leaves to start her own independant life.

Only things don't actually turn out that way. Sebastion has to deal with his new acquirement -a gambling hell, which is being sponged by dishonest empoyees and is run-down. Violence erupts everywhere, Evie's relatives come a calling and someone wants Sebastion and/or Evie dead. Sebastion is also plagued by the usual clenching of his heart whenever Evie is around and the fury he feels when she smiles at someone else.

I loved the way these two fell in love. It sort of snuck-up-from-behind them. Many tender scenes.

Great addition to the Wallflower series. Get it. You won't regret it. It stands on its own, but I do recommend you read the others in the series. I read this one first and I'm glad. I don't know if I would have loved Sebastion as much if I read It Happened One Autumn first, he's the villian.

I must admit that this by far is her best work. I waited impatiently for the third Wallflower book to come out (Devil in Winter) and I finally have a copy.

The premise is simple. Sweet and innocent Evie Jenner needs to get married and fast. She picks Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, as her means of obtaining a husband and getting away from her evil relatives. Sebastian is only to happy to help, since he needs the money Evie will obtain when her father dies. They marry and thus starts a very emotional read into both of them coming to terms with their feelings toward each other.

Evie is wary, but rightfully so since Sebastian is not known for his fidelity. But what I loved most about this book is how Sebastian evolved into a wonderful person. I loved Sebastians wit and sarcastic humor from It Happened One Autumn and it continues here. In this book he tries so hard not to let Evie know that he cares for her. He even tries to deny it to himself and at times becomes so frustrated and angry at his own vunerability in his relationship with Evie that you just want to hug him to make it better. And I love the part about Evie's wedding ring toward the end of the book, when Sebastian becomes sick. I won't tell you what it is, so as not to spoil the moment.

They are truly the perfect match for each other.

I can't wait for Scandal in Spring. I sense that the hero is going to be just as great as Sebastian.