Customer Reviews

Married by Morning (Hathaway Series)

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have never written a reveiw, but I just loved this particular book and wanted to share my thoughts with others. Besides Devil In Winter, I don't think I have enjoyed a romantic novel as much as this one. True, some of the lines in the book were a little cheesy, but the narrative was wonderfully descriptive, and the story, sweet and loving. For once a hero is not brooding or denying his feelings, but embraces his nature and the heroines. Thumbs up all round.

[1852 - Hampshire and London, England]
So here it is! The long awaited romance of "Marks" and Leo! I know I'm not alone when I say that by the end of the second Hathaway book, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, I was sensing that they would be matched up in the future and was already anxiously anticipating it.

Many readers have been counting down the days till this book came out, and that same pressure and excitement also made me nervous - would it be able to live up to our expectations? I'm very conflicted on what my answer to that question is and cannot give a straight yes or no (hence the middling rating of 3.5 stars). One thing I will say is that I don't think this book should be read on its own, for two reasons: 1) reading Hathaway Books 2 and 3 will allow you to enjoy the Marks and Leo relationship *that* much more, and 2) see my CONS section.

SUMMARY:
Catherine Marks (23) has been the governess and now-companion for the two youngest Hathaway girls for three years and during that time, the antagonistic relationship between Cat and her employer, Leo Hathaway, Viscount Ramsay, has only grown stronger. Leo (30) has changed from the drunken wastrel that he became following the death of his fiancee, however he is still irreverent and enjoys nothing more than a good argument with the pinch-faced eyeglass-wearing "Marks" (as he so "affectionately" calls her). They are like night and day: the relaxed, charming, devil-may-care facade aristocrat and the closemouthed, rigid (though NOT unkind!), somewhat stern governess.

The normal routine of their relationship - one of constant fighting and teasing - changes drastically one afternoon when Leo finally gives in to the urge and kisses Cat ... and she kisses him back! There is no going back from the desire and attraction they have now been forced to admit they feel for one another, and each must face their own issues before any HEA can take place. Leo struggles with his increasingly resolute decision to pursue their relationship, while nonetheless wanting to avoid falling in love at all cost, not willing to put himself at risk of suffering another heartbreak. Cat has really only ever known solitude and loneliness in her life, and she is hiding a mysterious past that has left her in doubt of her own worth and wary and mistrustful of men.

Throw in Cat's concerned brother who also happens to be Leo's sister's husband, this mysterious past coming back to haunt her in the form of a vile 40-year-old lecher whose fixation borders on obsession, two people who wish our heroine ill, and a will that says Leo must marry within a year and produce a male heir or they will all have to leave Ramsay house, and you'll find yourself MARRIED BY MORNING!

PROS:
Leo is a fabulous hero, though granted I've had a soft spot for him from the beginning ... well maybe not the *very* beginning, when he was somewhat of a selfish lout, but almost :-). I've always loved that he calls Cat "Marks" and you can't help but smile when he's teasing and trying to get a rise out of her. We see a decent amount of all members of the Hathaway clan in this book, which fans of the family will enjoy, and the repartee among the Hathaway siblings and their respective partners is wonderful to read and often very humorous. Cat was intriguing and I'd been curious about her back story since we're first introduced to her; it doesn't disappoint, though how it plays into the book might (see CONS).

One of the strongest things about this book is that you really feel the characters of Cat and Leo belong together; you can see how they just fit right and actually picture them as a real-life couple. They are both what the other one needs and are extremely strong individuals in their own right, but made all the stronger - because they're made vulnerable - with the other by their side. We see their growth - Leo, over the course of the series, and Cat, in this particular book. Leo is finally able to gain the peace and happiness he deserves and Cat is able to let herself be vulnerable and rely on another person. (And did I mention I *LOVE* their kissing game, lol - so cute). Their banter is fabulous, the arguing/teasing is wonderful, and their tenderness and care for one another is adorable (and makes one oh so envious, ::sigh::).

CONS:
When I started the book, it was a rocky beginning and I was afraid that I was not going to be able to get into the story. It improved, but it really wasn't until the second half that the central relationship began to feel authentic. Part of the reason for this is that everything happens too quickly right at the beginning: much of Cat's "mysterious" past comes to light (by chapter three), she and Leo face their attraction, Leo begins intently pursuing her, etc. If someone starts starts the series with MBM it will definitely be jarring, but even for me, who has read the other 3 books multiple times, I felt like we were thrown into the story headfirst and blind. Yes, it's been building up for a few books, but even so, those previous interactions and passages don't do enough to smooth the way. Additionally, THIS is the book featuring Leo and Marks' story, so it's in THIS book that I want to see the full development of their relationship, (as much) start to finish (as possible).

Although at times the chemistry between Marks and Cat was sizzling, for the first half of the book I did not feel it AT ALL - Kleypas' skill in writing the passages was evident, but it just wasn't believable to me (which I think is a result of my criticism above). I also felt - again, especially at the beginning - that much more of the story was told from Leo's POV than from Cat's, so although Leo was very accessible, Cat remains an elusive character for quite awhile. It drove me crazy that she kept on "my-lording" him so far into the book; even the second time they sleep together, Cat says "my lord" while they're in bed together!

Finally, the mystery-villain subplot seemed contrived. Why would this man from Cat's past be obsessed for so long? Echoing another reviewer, Kleypas seems to have a penchant for certain evil subplots: particularly villainous men with an unhealthy fixation on the heroine (this book, Worth Any Price, The Devil in Winter, SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE, Because You're Mine, etc.) and kidnappings (most of the ones previously mentioned, plus Dreaming of You, TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT, etc.). The other side of Cat's past involving her family was interesting and unfortunately not too hard to imagine, though one thing that kept driving me nuts was that these family members were supposed to be of the lower class and not very sophisticated, yet they spoke perfect English and had an admirable vocabulary.

HATHAWAY SERIES:
(Note: LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON comes out June 29! Two Kleypas books in two months: the HR goddesses are smiling on us!! And although I wasn't looking forward to Beatrix's story because she's always seemed immature in previous books, reading the excerpt at the back of this book has me VERY intrigued.)
1) Mine Till Midnight - Amelia and Cam
2) Seduce Me at Sunrise - Win and Merripen
3) Tempt Me at Twilight - Poppy and Harry
4) MARRIED BY MORNING - Leo and Cat ("Marks")
5) Love In The Afternoon - Beatrix and Christopher

BOTTOM LINE:
It's an enjoyable read and although I can't bring myself to give it 4 stars - I had too many issues, particularly with the first half of the book - I don't regret visiting the same bookstore twice in one day to finally get my hands on a copy or staying up late at night to finish reading it. If you haven't read the other Hathaway books, I would definitely urge you to do so before approaching this one (they're wonderful, so it's no hardship, I promise!).

P.S.:
For those readers like myself who don't like the hero or heroine to have had someone whom they truly loved before their HEA-partner (oh we're horrible!): although Leo did honestly love Laura, there is no vying for affection here and he is fully over her by the time this story takes place.

Thank you Lisa Kleypas for another excellent book.

You know the plot: she's a spinster governess with a bad attitude and a mysterious past who longs for TLC. He's an accidental aristocrat who hides his massive capacity for love behind self-depreciating wit and naughty behavior. In short they are both hard candies with soft gooey centers.

The story takes place over several months while the actual romance has been building for a year as seen in the two previous novels. That said, the plot arc does get stretched (as others have noted). There's no question H & H will have their HEA. That predictability is one of the reasons I enjoy romance so much. But it's always interesting to see what plot devices the author will use to complete the book. Although we learned about Cat's mysterious past pretty early on, the actual resolution of her past and resolution of the story was unexpected. Each character had to face his/her daemons to get to the HEA.

SPOILER: Interestingly, they each had to deal with the issue of prostitution. Hers was the literal meaning of prostitution via her history of family prostitutes and his via the aristocratic marriage to secure either money or land. Both of them resisted and showed that neither of them was "for sale" in spite of the outward persona they represented.

Some other reviews have commented on the fact that Lisa Kleypas uses kidnapping a lot as a plot device. This is totally true. But what they aren't pointing out is that Lisa manages to create new characters and a new and unique love story in each and every book. Also unique loves scenes. Amazing. I think this is a huge accomplishment given that she's had to have written more than 20 books. I've read everything but her first several books and my favorite part is the fact that with each novel you meet new people. There are quite a few authors who recycle characters and after you've read 4 books, you've read them all. Not so with Lisa Kleypas.

Cat & Leo were great. Worth the money and lack of sleep. I'm really looking forward to the next book about the youngest sister and in general just very appreciative that romance of this quality is available when I need a break from the headlines.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked Cam and Amelias story, i LOVED Kev and Win's story, Harry and Poppy were ok, i LOVE Leo and Marks! The banter between the two was so refreshing and it wasn't at all overdone. The sweetness of Leo and the wickedness of him blended so well. He is a very close second to Kev for me. I was pleasantly surprised that they were able to overcome their issues with each other early in the book. So that we could enjoy amusing banter but not hurtful or malicious. Loved this installment in the series. Lisa Kleypas never disappoints!

I very much enjoyed this book. Leo and Marks are two unique, rounded characters who could step off the page. The only fault I find with the book is that I would like to see more of Amelia, Cam, Merripen and Win. They seemed a little backdroppish, which I know is inevitable, since this was Leo's and Mark's story, but still ... I'd take incidental conversation here and now, or a moment of them with their children.

I really loved this book(Married by Morning)It was funny and passionate at the same time. Lisa did not disappoint!But I've always been more intrigued by Beatrix. So I"m just excited to see how Lisa writes her! I loved the teaser in back of the book.I hope she makes her more sensual and sexual because for the last four books she has seem to have some kind of insight about people especially the opposite sex. I think Lisa really need to hammer it home with this last installment ,thus far I have really enjoyed all the Hathaways quirks and all, they are unique and lovable in their own way. Forever a Lisa Kleypas fan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I thoroughly enjoyed the long-awaited story of Leo and Marks, the Hathaway family's governess. I would recommend reading all the books in the Hathaway series leading up to this one to truly appreciate how these two characters have evolved and become so deserving of their own happy ending. I also loved getting glimpses into the lives of all the Hathaways, both those who have already had their happy-ever-afters, and the one that's still to come. I can't wait for Beatrix's book to be released at the end of June, but I know I'm going to mourn the ending of this series because Kleypas has a knack for making her readers care about these characters so much that they feel like members of your own family - or in some cases, the family you wished you had :).

I have been anticipating the release of this book for a few months. It was completely worth the wait. I though that Catherine and Leo were great characters. I couldn't put the book down, I just had to know what they were going to do or say next. Leo I can describe with one word DREAMY. He is now one of my favorite heroes, right up there with the previous Hathaway series heroes. Catherine was a great heroine, intelligent, caring, and not so stubborn she ruined the story. Another thing that I really loved about the book was that Catherine wore glasses because she needed them, not just as a disguise. And unlike most stories Leo thought she was beautiful while wearing them. Of course I also was delighted to get plenty of updates on characters from the previous Hathaway stories. Now I am going to go mark the date of the release of Love In The Afternoon on my calendar. I can hardly wait for that to be released after reading the 1 st chapter in the back of this book. I will be attempting to patiently wait, but I don't think I will suceed =)