Customer Reviews

Seduce Me at Sunrise (Hathaway Series)

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are anything like me, you became entranced with Kev and Win's side story in Lisa Kleypas' first Hathaway family book, Mine Till Midnight. When I got my hands on Seduce Me at Sunrise, I was ecstatic, though leery. Would my expectations be met? Well, have no fear, Ms. Kleypas makes Kev and Win's story a romance to remember!

Kev Merripen has been in love with the beautiful and sickly Winnifred "Win" Hathaway since he was rescued by the Hathaway family as a young boy. Their friendship has always had a tinge of the erotic, of something deeper to it but Kev will not let anything happen. When Win falls ill with scarlet fever, Kev is the one who cares for her and ensures that she lives. Unfortunately, Win's health suffered greatly. Win is determined to heal and try to live as normal of a life as possible, with the man she loves. Against Kev's wishes, she heads to France to heal and recover. Three years later, she is back, but nothing is the same, particularly Kev.

Kev does not see himself as good enough for Win and here is the central conflict of the story, a conflict that gets more complex with Win's re-entrance back into his life. And she is not alone. She has an ardent suitor who would do anything for her. Kev may think he is not good enough for Win, but she has a different view altogether. However, Kev's continued insistence that he is not the one for her is trying and well, she gets sick of it. Win has a backbone and thus one of the other main conflicts arises. Win wants a family and a life with challenges, laughter, and joy. Will Kev be on the man to give that to her or will she be forced to relinquish the bond that has been the driving force in her life for so long?

This will probably be one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas titles for a long time to come. Kev and Win's romance is tender, difficult, but redolent with full-bodied emotions. I really enjoyed seeing both Kev and Win come alive. Win is not afraid to tackle Kev's issues head-on. She wants a future with him and is willing to fight for it. It's hard not to admire that, especially in the face of Kev's determination to not have a future with her.

Kleypas also ties together Kev and Cam's storyline with interesting if somewhat predictable results. I saw the neat bow at the end coming a mile away but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.

One of the things I didn't like about Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) was how much time was spent on getting to know the Hathaway family. This book is different. The Hathaway family has a presence but the growing relationship between Kev and Win remains the focus of the story. I didn't feel like their story got lost amongst the other stories of the Hathaway clan. At the same time, Lisa Kleypas lays some delicate storylines for future books, enough to definitely keep me interested but not enough to detract from Kev and Win.

All in all, Seduce Me at Sunrise proved to be the kind of story I know I will savor over and over again. Lisa Kleypas is a mastermind at fantastic romance and it shows. Even with its flaws, I found myself happily turning the pages and anticipating Kev and Win's happily-ever-after, and to me, that's a sign of good storytelling. Romance fans are going to relish this love story!

Since i first read Mine till Midnight i was captivated by Winn and Kev story. Lisa has delivered another sensational story that will make you smile even when you are far done with the book. I got to say that Kleypas is one of my favorties authors, not to say the # 1!!! she has this way of writing so real and believable that there comes a time that you are so trapped into the story that you don't want to go back to reality.

I absolutely fell in love with Kev. He so possesive with Winn, so careful, and their love is so palpable that someone would have to be blind not see how much they love/want each other. One of the reasons why i love lisa is because of her ability to create such vivid romances. the chemestry she delivers on her characters are extremely real!!!! you can FEEl the characters falling madly in love, FEEL their passion, their emotions, their sadness, their happiness. I'm a very hard-to-please reader when it comes to romances; for me to READ a book has to really make me feel and believe in the situationg going on. That's why everytime Kleypas has a new book out, i don't even waste time on the reviewe, she is one the the few authors that had NEVER dissapointed me, on the contrary, her books are my favorites on the shelf!!!!

If I had to describe this book in just a couple of words they would be heartbreaking and longing. Even without a single love scene I would give this book a hot rating because the longing between Merripen and Win is palpable. We can feel it seething on every page. It's a rare book where I can feel everything the writer has written as vividly as I felt in this book. For me, this is the perfect blend of all things I love in a romance - a to die for hero who is filled with angst and who would do ANYTHING for the heroine, a heroine who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Dark at times and light at others - enough to make me smile and chuckle in places, a secondary character who was lost to all, but was on the road to recovery, important scenes with characters from the previous book that we loved, well written love scenes, this book has it all.

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.

Merripen, the quiet and mysterious Romany, has lived with the Hathaways since his youth. Found badly injured and near death he was taken into the open loving arms of this quirky and unconventional family. Ignoring his background and the backlash of the village, Merripen was treated like a brother to the four other children. But he did not stay because he had found a family for no matter what they thought a Rom would never really be one of them ( a gadjo) nor did he want to be. What he wanted, and stayed for, was Win. For since the first moment he saw her his life had changed and a deep connection was formed. Though he could never allow himself to have Winifred, and taint her with his ugliness, he would protect her with his life while keeping her at a distance. Winifred Hathaway, on the other hand, has one goal in mind -to catch the man she has loved forever. Finally, after years away in a clinic in France, she has returned to England completely recovered. No longer the invalid, Win is tired of being treated like a butterfly under the glass. Merripen protects and cherishes her but doesn't touch -afraid he'll hurt or spoil her perfection with his sordid past. But Win wants to be his woman, his wife. Could Merripen have finally pushed her too far away? Kept her at such a distance that she''ll turn to another man?

Great book, signature Kleypas -engaging couple, superb plotting, solid writing and sinfully steamy. Win and Kev (Merripen) are well matched even though they are physically polar opposites. He's the great big, dark dangerously smoldering Rom of few words and she's the delicate/fragile angelic blond with a cool exterior. Underneath lie two complex characters who love each other deeply and must get past many hurdles to get to a HEA ending. Their roller coaster romance teased me tortiously and gripped me from beginning to end. Really an excellent example of star-crossed lovers.

I do though have some minor complaints. Some portions of this book could have been called Mine Till Midnight Part II for all the attention that Cam and Amelia get (and the rest of the family too). And the mysterious tattoos and Kev's and Cam's connection were less than shocking and downright predictable. And I'm not a fan of the prettily wrapped up plot twist in the end either (especially if its not believable). It was not necessary and, I think, diluted the overall effect of the story. I would have been happier if Klyepas had left things as they were, it would have made for a far more interesting ending. These parts did not however distract in ANY way from the fantastic heart warming romance. Frankly I couldn't get enough of Win and Kev.

So this sequel to Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) is a keeper IMHO. And I, for one, can't wait till Leo and the "Grim Reaper" (LOL!) governess get their own book.

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.

What a great read! I was anxiously awaiting this story, and was not disappointed. Loving, funny, and clever - it was everything I'd hoped it would be.

...but that being said, new Lisa is better than no Lisa. :-) Some of Kleypas' books are among my favorites and I have read several more than once, but this one didn't quite do it for me. I thought some of the plot was really contrived. I found Merripen irritating and the doctor overdramatic (really melodramatic). I think some of her earlier books are much better. Can't win them all.

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.

As a boy, Kev Merripen was taken in by the Hathaway family after he was injured and left for dead by his tribe. Although he's treated as part of the family, Kev knows his gypsy origins are thought to be inferior in their world. He doesn't mind. He works hard, is given responsibilities and is an aid to the family, he doesn't ask for more out of life. The only problem is Winnifred, the sweet gentle Hathaway daughter. She will not leave him be and she secretly loves him. Unfortunately, suffering from the weaknesses of Scarlet Fever, she must leave for a treatment in France for several years. She tries to get him to declare his love for her before she goes, but he refuses, certain that he will remain strong and not think of sullying her with an alliance with someone of his background.

When Win returns, she is accompanied by the doctor of the clinic that helped recover her health. He is determined to court her. Win is not happy to learn that Kev is still determined to keep his regard for her undeclared. If nothing will move him, the doctor may win her hand.

Watching the trials and tribulations of this couple was interesting. They both obviously loved each other, but Kev did have cause to be the reluctant bridegroom. From the day the Hathaways took him in, they were criticized for harboring a thieving gypsy. Marrying Win would certainly affect her social standing. However, his arguments are weakened somewhat by Win's older sister marrying a half-gypsy and seeming to weather the social stigma well enough. Still, Kev's past was far different from Win's new brother-in-law's. How the couple resolves their dilemma made for a lovely read.