Dreaming of You (Mass Market Paperback)

by Lisa Kleypas (Author) "The lone figure of a woman stood in the shadows..." (more)
Key Phrases: house wenches, hazard table, climbing boy, Miss Fielding, Derek Craven, Greenwood Corners (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A Real Joy . . . Hard To Put Down" -- -- Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

"Lisa Kleypas Is More Than Just A Fine Writer Of Rich And Passionate Historical Romances, She's A Genuine Phenomenon. -- -- Heart to Heart

"Wonderfully Refreshing . . . I Enjoyed It From Beggining To End." -- -- Johanna Lindsey

Product Description
She stood at peril's threshold --
then love beckoned her in…

A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.

Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper “mouse” can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (May 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038077352X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380773527
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (135 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #25 in

  Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( K ) > Kleypas, Lisa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

128 of 131 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dream of a Love Story, June 5, 2003

By	Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Sara Fielding, a proper, if somewhat eccentric, country-bred English gentlewoman, is also a well-known writer of popular fiction. Her first novel, "Mathilda," is beloved by most who can read. Ms. Fielding has traveled to London to research the underworld of gambling for her latest book. Venturing into the London stews late one evening, and taking copious notes on Cockney street cant, local color and any noteworthy incidents that might add flavor to her fiction, Sara inadvertently witnesses and interrupts a violent stabbing. She pulls out the pistol she carries for protection, (target-shooting at home in Greenwood Corners is a necessary hobby, obviously). She shoots one of the attackers, meaning only to wound, while another escapes. Thus, 25 year old Sara Fielding saves the life of Derek Craven.

Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.

Both Derek and Sara are fabulous characters, and more complex than I can begin to describe. Sara is a riot doing research after midnight in the most horrible neighborhoods you can imagine. Derek is so tough and so determined not to feel anything, EVER! There is a lively cast of "others", plot twists, humor, and super, steamy sex.

I truly don't know how Lisa Kleypas does it. Another writer might have turned this story into a hackneyed romance. Ms. Kleypas has made magic. This one is a keeper!!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable characters...touching love story, July 25, 2006

By	Neilisa (Tulsa, OK United States) - See all my reviews

Sara Fielding is a published writer, made popular by one of her best and most renowned works called Mathilda. She is visiting London to do research on her latest work about a man who runs a gambling club. One night, Sara witnesses two men beating up another man. Once she realizes that they mean to kill him, she pulls out her gun and shoots one of the men. The man she just saved is Derek Craven, owner of one of London's most exclusive gambling clubs.

Derek is a lost and damaged soul. Raised by a number of prostitutes, Derek literally clawed his way out of the slums and became one of the wealthiest men in England. Derek's past, however, continues to haunt him. He has surrounded himself with wealth and power in order to protect himself from the harsh realities he had to endure as a child, and have also kept everyone else at arm's length; never allowing anyone to get too close to him.

Their meeting that fateful night will change the course of their lives. Sara and Derek have to get past their fears and insecurities to love each other. Sara struggles with confidence and her place in the world. Through Derek, she learns her value as a woman and as a talented writer. Similarly, Sara's love eventually destroys the walls that Derek built around his heart, and brings healing to his soul.

Derek is such a great character. You can almost feel the pain he's gone through and what it's taken him to get as far as he has. He has come far but still denies himself the love he craves so desperately because he feels he doesn't deserve it.

This book is easy to read but also bittersweet. It's also fairly fast-paced so you'll find it difficult to put down.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd rate it higher if I could, February 24, 2000

By A Customer

I really enjoyed this book. It was great from the first chapter. Derek, a man who grew up in the streets among thiefs, prostitutes, etc. becomes a wealthy man as the owner of an exclusive gaming club. Sara is a writer who wants to learn all she can about gaming clubs to add to her next book. He doesn't feel he's good enough for her and therefore does not allow himself to get close to her. She loves him and want him to "show her what love is all about" but he refuses to allow her to "settle for someone like him". I absolutely love books where the man feels he's unworthy of his lady love. The ending was so touching it made me want to cry. A perfect match as Derek and Sara needed each other...for their own particular reasons. They completed each other. This is the sequel to "Then Came You". I didn't read that one first as I was unaware and I will read it anyway but if you want them in the correct order...