What do you think?
Rate this book
The Travis Family #2
Blue-Eyed Devil
MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL
His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.
MEET THE HEIRESS
She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.
WATCH THE SPARKS FLY. . . .
Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.
His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.
MEET THE HEIRESS
She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.
WATCH THE SPARKS FLY. . . .
Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2008
About the author
Lisa Kleypas
108 books28.4k followersLISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,181 reviews
September 1, 2011
Okay. How to write this review without the whole thing turning into a Hardy Cates droolfest. It's going to be very hard, because I love the man!
One Upon a Time, There was a Guy Named Hardy Cates...:
I met Hardy Cates in Sugar Daddy, and I have to say that I sure did fall hard for him. Big time! Hard as a young Liberty Jones did. I could see that beneath that mind-numbingly sexy bad boy veneer was a sensitive, loving, good-hearted person. My feelings never changed for him.
Oh, No! Danielle's Reading a Chick Lit Book! Not Again! :
Although this book is still a lot more chick lit-oriented than I normally would prefer, I found myself taking it in with an effervescent fervor that I found surprising. Although maybe that's not surprising at all in the sense that I never doubted Lisa Kleypas' ability to write a beautiful, enjoyable book. I am familiar with LK's experimental spirit that causes her to try different elements in her stories, and I admire her for that. And for this chick-lit non-fan, she did a bang up job. This is a nicely-done hybrid of chick lit and romance and it's successful on both counts.
There is much time spent on Haven's life apart from Hardy. Not too much, thankfully, but necessary all the same. Page time is spent on a marriage that turns out to be nightmare for Haven. As I read about Haven's marriage, I felt this strange kinship with her. I've never been married, nor have I been in a bad relationship like her. But I have been in situations where I felt like the intrinsic person I was didn't seem valued, like I was being absorbed and eaten away until nothing remained. I loved how visually this is illustrated with Haven's dream about being a Barbie doll whose body parts slowly fall off until nothing is left. That feeling is so real for people who have been in those toxic relationships where your identity is nothing but a reflection of that other person's. A sounding board for their brilliance, glamor, perfection. For what I call 'go with the flow' people who don't need to be the center of attention, and who often sacrifice their own needs for others', because they attract the emotional energy suckers like a vacuum. I wanted to cry bitter tears for Haven. And I did cry. I cannot get over how traumatic it was to read about the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her husband. How he took everything of value from her, and it wasn't enough. I yelled at Haven to get out, to say no. I wished that she had ran off with Hardy that night of Liberty and Gage's wedding. Unfortunately, she didn't. On the other hand, how can we skip through the bad parts of life that help us to be who we were meant to become, that make us strong, so we can get to the good parts? Life doesn't work that way. Would Hardy and Haven have lasted (as the people they were then) if they started their happy ending that night, or is their love stronger for what they experienced in the two years apart? I think the latter. Unlike my so savvy romance reviewing sisters on here, I didn't mark quotes, but I loved what Haven thinks about herself and Hardy together. That their respective broken areas make them fit together so much better. I truly believed that to be the case.
Haven:
Haven was a beautifully layered character. She might have come off as the spoiled little rich girl, if not done so well. I didn't get that from her. I did see her insecurities and her desire to be loved, feel worthy, and special. I hurt for her that this led her into such a terrible situation with her husband. I hurt for her that she didn't get the love that she needed from her mother or father. Their version of love worked okay for her brothers, but it didn't really satisfy the little girl who had never felt valued by her parents. I could identify with Haven's tendency to want to make others happy, often at her own expense. I loved seeing her grow as a person. I loved her for her having the courage to confront some truly scary situations and take control of her life from the fear that held her back and caged her. She was a wonderful heroine. Liberty is a hard act to follow, but I think Haven did a really great job of claiming her own place in my heart as a heroine.
Back to Hardy:
Oh, what a man. Once again, Ms. Kleypas hits the mark in crafting her characteristic self-made hero. There is something so enduring, so distinct about Hardy's essence. He shows up the oh-so prevalent stereotypes about trailer park/small town/good ol' boy guys (I won't use the less nice terms). What others might consider unworthy, I can't help but love about him. He's down to earth, honest, real, vital, and not afraid to be a rough, real guy. That appeals to me big time, even if I didn't think I would necessarily go for that type of guy. A man who came from nothing, and pulled himself up painfully. A man with an inner drive and ambition that actually embarassed him. Like Haven, I totally didn't think he needed to feel shame about that. A person cannot choose where they come from, but they can choose what kind of person they will be in the future. Hardy chose to be about something. He had a reputation for being twisted, but I felt that Hardy had honor. He was a man that would fight and work for what he valued. And he treats women with respect and consideration. That's really important to me as a person. Although I think Hardy is one of the most physically sexiest heroes ever written, I also love his capacity for gentleness, how he loves all of Haven and values everything that she is. Haven thought that Hardy just wanted to use her to get back at her family. But I never saw it that way. Hardy wanted Haven for the unique person she was, that drew him to her like a moth to a flame, and he showed how much she meant to him through his actions. Deep down I think she believed that about him. Even when he didn't always do things the right way or say all the fancy words, he showed it. And I was glad that Haven could see that there was something of value to Hardy even though everyone warned her away from him. I have to tell you, I am not saying this lightly. Hardy is one of my favorite heroes of all time. He's definitely going in my top ten list, and near the top five, I think. And that's an honor. I don't know how you did it, Ms. Kleypas, but you hit solid gold here.
Overall Thoughts:
Blue-Eyed Devil is a book that came to mean so much to me, despite its brevity. There is so much in this book that calls to my book-loving soul. Lisa Kleypas writes so beautifully. She's a very funny, and insightful person when it comes to human nature. The way in which she shows the interactions between people is very true to life. Although I love her historicals, I do feel that she has convinced me of her skill as a contemporary writer. She shows me what there is to be appreciated about the present, when I tend to be more captivated by the past and the fantasy worlds, which seem so much more tantalizing. The conversations and the confrontations that the characters have in this book are real to me. I often felt like I had been there, both in situations with my family, friends, and with co-workers or bosses. That as much as the soul-stirring, heart-melting romance won me over in this book. I loved Sugar Daddy, but I have to say that I loved Blue-Eyed Devil even more. I give this book the highest recommendation. You might not like it, and that's okay. But I love it enough that I wish you'd give it a try.
One Upon a Time, There was a Guy Named Hardy Cates...:
I met Hardy Cates in Sugar Daddy, and I have to say that I sure did fall hard for him. Big time! Hard as a young Liberty Jones did. I could see that beneath that mind-numbingly sexy bad boy veneer was a sensitive, loving, good-hearted person. My feelings never changed for him.
Oh, No! Danielle's Reading a Chick Lit Book! Not Again! :
Although this book is still a lot more chick lit-oriented than I normally would prefer, I found myself taking it in with an effervescent fervor that I found surprising. Although maybe that's not surprising at all in the sense that I never doubted Lisa Kleypas' ability to write a beautiful, enjoyable book. I am familiar with LK's experimental spirit that causes her to try different elements in her stories, and I admire her for that. And for this chick-lit non-fan, she did a bang up job. This is a nicely-done hybrid of chick lit and romance and it's successful on both counts.
There is much time spent on Haven's life apart from Hardy. Not too much, thankfully, but necessary all the same. Page time is spent on a marriage that turns out to be nightmare for Haven. As I read about Haven's marriage, I felt this strange kinship with her. I've never been married, nor have I been in a bad relationship like her. But I have been in situations where I felt like the intrinsic person I was didn't seem valued, like I was being absorbed and eaten away until nothing remained. I loved how visually this is illustrated with Haven's dream about being a Barbie doll whose body parts slowly fall off until nothing is left. That feeling is so real for people who have been in those toxic relationships where your identity is nothing but a reflection of that other person's. A sounding board for their brilliance, glamor, perfection. For what I call 'go with the flow' people who don't need to be the center of attention, and who often sacrifice their own needs for others', because they attract the emotional energy suckers like a vacuum. I wanted to cry bitter tears for Haven. And I did cry. I cannot get over how traumatic it was to read about the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her husband. How he took everything of value from her, and it wasn't enough. I yelled at Haven to get out, to say no. I wished that she had ran off with Hardy that night of Liberty and Gage's wedding. Unfortunately, she didn't. On the other hand, how can we skip through the bad parts of life that help us to be who we were meant to become, that make us strong, so we can get to the good parts? Life doesn't work that way. Would Hardy and Haven have lasted (as the people they were then) if they started their happy ending that night, or is their love stronger for what they experienced in the two years apart? I think the latter. Unlike my so savvy romance reviewing sisters on here, I didn't mark quotes, but I loved what Haven thinks about herself and Hardy together. That their respective broken areas make them fit together so much better. I truly believed that to be the case.
Haven:
Haven was a beautifully layered character. She might have come off as the spoiled little rich girl, if not done so well. I didn't get that from her. I did see her insecurities and her desire to be loved, feel worthy, and special. I hurt for her that this led her into such a terrible situation with her husband. I hurt for her that she didn't get the love that she needed from her mother or father. Their version of love worked okay for her brothers, but it didn't really satisfy the little girl who had never felt valued by her parents. I could identify with Haven's tendency to want to make others happy, often at her own expense. I loved seeing her grow as a person. I loved her for her having the courage to confront some truly scary situations and take control of her life from the fear that held her back and caged her. She was a wonderful heroine. Liberty is a hard act to follow, but I think Haven did a really great job of claiming her own place in my heart as a heroine.
Back to Hardy:
Oh, what a man. Once again, Ms. Kleypas hits the mark in crafting her characteristic self-made hero. There is something so enduring, so distinct about Hardy's essence. He shows up the oh-so prevalent stereotypes about trailer park/small town/good ol' boy guys (I won't use the less nice terms). What others might consider unworthy, I can't help but love about him. He's down to earth, honest, real, vital, and not afraid to be a rough, real guy. That appeals to me big time, even if I didn't think I would necessarily go for that type of guy. A man who came from nothing, and pulled himself up painfully. A man with an inner drive and ambition that actually embarassed him. Like Haven, I totally didn't think he needed to feel shame about that. A person cannot choose where they come from, but they can choose what kind of person they will be in the future. Hardy chose to be about something. He had a reputation for being twisted, but I felt that Hardy had honor. He was a man that would fight and work for what he valued. And he treats women with respect and consideration. That's really important to me as a person. Although I think Hardy is one of the most physically sexiest heroes ever written, I also love his capacity for gentleness, how he loves all of Haven and values everything that she is. Haven thought that Hardy just wanted to use her to get back at her family. But I never saw it that way. Hardy wanted Haven for the unique person she was, that drew him to her like a moth to a flame, and he showed how much she meant to him through his actions. Deep down I think she believed that about him. Even when he didn't always do things the right way or say all the fancy words, he showed it. And I was glad that Haven could see that there was something of value to Hardy even though everyone warned her away from him. I have to tell you, I am not saying this lightly. Hardy is one of my favorite heroes of all time. He's definitely going in my top ten list, and near the top five, I think. And that's an honor. I don't know how you did it, Ms. Kleypas, but you hit solid gold here.
Overall Thoughts:
Blue-Eyed Devil is a book that came to mean so much to me, despite its brevity. There is so much in this book that calls to my book-loving soul. Lisa Kleypas writes so beautifully. She's a very funny, and insightful person when it comes to human nature. The way in which she shows the interactions between people is very true to life. Although I love her historicals, I do feel that she has convinced me of her skill as a contemporary writer. She shows me what there is to be appreciated about the present, when I tend to be more captivated by the past and the fantasy worlds, which seem so much more tantalizing. The conversations and the confrontations that the characters have in this book are real to me. I often felt like I had been there, both in situations with my family, friends, and with co-workers or bosses. That as much as the soul-stirring, heart-melting romance won me over in this book. I loved Sugar Daddy, but I have to say that I loved Blue-Eyed Devil even more. I give this book the highest recommendation. You might not like it, and that's okay. But I love it enough that I wish you'd give it a try.
July 22, 2015
"Haven, you know I'm right. Let's talk about this."
"If you don't want to have sex, I don't want to talk about our feelings."
He scrubbed his hand through his hair, looking confused. "Well, that's for damn sure the first time a woman's ever said that to me."
"I don't take rejection well," I muttered.
"It's not rejection, it's a postponement. And if Jack Daniel's makes you this ornery, I'm never pouring you another shot."
"It has nothing to do with the whiskey. I'm this ornery all on my own."
"Hardy," I said tentatively, "would you…indulge me a little?"
A smile touched his mouth. He reached out and pulled the sides of the shirt closed, an used the backs of his fingers to stroke my cheek. "A little," he said, "or a lot. Just tell me what you want."
After reading Brown-Eyed Girl, I feel I should be doing a reread of Blue-Eyed Devil.
Will be editing my review.
June 8, 2020
4 stars
I read the first book in this series ‘Sugar Daddy’ earlier last year and it was my first Lisa Kleypas book. I loved it and couldn’t wait to get more of the Travis family. Unfortunately, the audio books for the rest of the series were unavailable. When I saw that Blue-Eyed Devil was on audio, I jumped at reading it!
Haven Travis is the only girl in the Travis clan and she’s trying to make her own path. She’s in love and marries a man her family doesn’t want her to, and it doesn’t go as planned. The man she marries is not a good guy and she ends up coming back to her family, but she’s sworn off men for now.
Then there is Hardy Cates. I was curious about Hardy in the first book of this series and I loved him with Haven. It takes a while for them to find their groove and for her to open up to a man again, but Hardy breaks her barriers down. These two had such strong chemistry and a great connection. I adored them together.
Blue-Eyed Devil was another Kleypas win for me. I’m looking forward to reading the last two Travis books and more from this author in the future!
I read the first book in this series ‘Sugar Daddy’ earlier last year and it was my first Lisa Kleypas book. I loved it and couldn’t wait to get more of the Travis family. Unfortunately, the audio books for the rest of the series were unavailable. When I saw that Blue-Eyed Devil was on audio, I jumped at reading it!
Haven Travis is the only girl in the Travis clan and she’s trying to make her own path. She’s in love and marries a man her family doesn’t want her to, and it doesn’t go as planned. The man she marries is not a good guy and she ends up coming back to her family, but she’s sworn off men for now.
Then there is Hardy Cates. I was curious about Hardy in the first book of this series and I loved him with Haven. It takes a while for them to find their groove and for her to open up to a man again, but Hardy breaks her barriers down. These two had such strong chemistry and a great connection. I adored them together.
Blue-Eyed Devil was another Kleypas win for me. I’m looking forward to reading the last two Travis books and more from this author in the future!
"I love you enough to try and deserve you. I would do anything, be anything, for you.”
April 11, 2021
Lisa Kleypas escribe bien, yo creo que nadie puede poner eso en duda, pero hay veces en que realmente crea historias memorables y, a mi gusto, la de Heaven Travis es una de ellas.
Después de Mi Nombre es Liberty, que considero un inicio un poco flojo para esta serie, la dejé en pausa por un buen tiempo hasta que volví a darle una oportunidad a la Kleypas contemporánea… y de lo único que me arrepiento es de no haber leído antes este segundo libro.
Al igual que en la primera entrega, esta novela se puede dividir en dos momentos: primero, el matrimonio de Heaven con Nick, que se desarrolla en una espiral de abusos que va in crescendo a través del tiempo, hasta llegar al punto de quiebre. Aquí la autora hace un trabajo de lujo, pues logra que el lector se involucre en la relación; yo no podía dejar de leer y realmente se me estrujó en corazón mientras avanzaba la historia. Y todo sin abusar de recursos efectistas, por el contrario, la delicadeza con la que abordó la situación, siempre desde la mirada de la anulación de la personalidad y dignidad de una mujer sometida a violencia física y psicológica entre las cuatro paredes de un matrimonio, realmente me conmovió.
La segunda parte se concentra en el proceso de recuperación de Heaven y aquí entra en escena Hardy Cates, sí, el mismo que no se portó muy bien en el primer libro. Sin embargo, aquí, se gradúa con honores, a pesar de ese lado oscuro que siempre lo acompaña.
Los hermanos Travis siguen teniendo un papel bastante protagónico, y la autora supo cómo introducirlos: al principio Gage, a quien ya conocemos, pero hacia el final, Jack, que nos abre el apetito para la siguiente entrega, la que por supuesto leeré sin dejar pasar tanto tiempo.
Reto #21 PopSugar 2018: Un libro con tu color favorito en el título
Después de Mi Nombre es Liberty, que considero un inicio un poco flojo para esta serie, la dejé en pausa por un buen tiempo hasta que volví a darle una oportunidad a la Kleypas contemporánea… y de lo único que me arrepiento es de no haber leído antes este segundo libro.
Al igual que en la primera entrega, esta novela se puede dividir en dos momentos: primero, el matrimonio de Heaven con Nick, que se desarrolla en una espiral de abusos que va in crescendo a través del tiempo, hasta llegar al punto de quiebre. Aquí la autora hace un trabajo de lujo, pues logra que el lector se involucre en la relación; yo no podía dejar de leer y realmente se me estrujó en corazón mientras avanzaba la historia. Y todo sin abusar de recursos efectistas, por el contrario, la delicadeza con la que abordó la situación, siempre desde la mirada de la anulación de la personalidad y dignidad de una mujer sometida a violencia física y psicológica entre las cuatro paredes de un matrimonio, realmente me conmovió.
La segunda parte se concentra en el proceso de recuperación de Heaven y aquí entra en escena Hardy Cates, sí, el mismo que no se portó muy bien en el primer libro. Sin embargo, aquí, se gradúa con honores, a pesar de ese lado oscuro que siempre lo acompaña.
Los hermanos Travis siguen teniendo un papel bastante protagónico, y la autora supo cómo introducirlos: al principio Gage, a quien ya conocemos, pero hacia el final, Jack, que nos abre el apetito para la siguiente entrega, la que por supuesto leeré sin dejar pasar tanto tiempo.
Reto #21 PopSugar 2018: Un libro con tu color favorito en el título
September 11, 2015
I've been in a massive book hangover this week and I couldn't read anything new. Fortunately, this book got me out of my slump.
Hardy Cates...
He's everything that a bad boy hero should be. He's gorgeous, rich, charming with enough vulnerability to make you fall in love with his character. He's strong and heroic and there's no doubt to his love and devotion for Haven.
Haven Travis...
Despite growing up rich and privileged, Haven's life is far from perfect. She made a really bad decision of marrying Nick who ended up abusing her physically and emotionally. My heart went out to her. I was kind of mad at her father for being so overbearing towards her. I honestly didn't feel that he loves her at all. Her dad had more time and love for Liberty and Carrington than Haven and that really upset me because she tried so hard to become the daughter he wants. I loved how her character evolved from being a frightened young woman to become a force in her own right.
I loved all the side characters; Gage, Liberty, Jack, Joe...and Todd. Ms. Kleypas' writing is stellar as always. I mean, apart from not having Hardy's POV, this book is perfect. Loved it.
March 30, 2015
This is only my second book by Lisa Kleypas but I am here to say that I am really enjoying her books and I’ll be reading many more. I’m finding her writing to be so genuine. I don’t always end up loving stories that are told in the first person’s point of view but LK gives such a strong delivery and her stories are enticing and engaging.
Blue-Eyed Devil was a bit of a surprise to me. I was preparing myself for all things Hardy Cates and yes I got that, but it was as much a story about Haven Travis too. When these two meet it was electrifying to say the least.
It was within the first 5% of the book that I fell in love with Hardy. Well if I have to be honest I fell in love with the guy in Sugar Daddy. He is sexy, sweet, a tad alpha and incredibly hot. He wasn’t an open book and I loved that. He brought the unexpected to the story.
I wasn’t certain what to expect from Haven. Instantly I got this strong vibe from her. She was sassy, independent and beautiful. She was a Travis so there were certain things you assumed about her. This was something that she worked hard at keeping in check.
Haven worked hard at being independent and more importantly independent of what her family represents. It isn’t that she doesn’t love them. She does. But her relationships with her mom and her dad were lacking of some the most fundamental things when it comes to parents. And when the life she had chosen begins to crumble and her marriage had became a dark place to be she found herself a completely broken person.
It took every last thread of strength that Haven had within her to reach out to her family. Gage was always the one she could turn to when she was growing up. He would be that person yet again. Gage and Liberty offered her that abiding love. And her brother Jack was so sweet too. But the one who breathed life back into her was Hardy.
I absolutely loved Hardy and Haven together. There were so many sweet and tender moments. Their chemistry starts off strong, then lulls, then comes back full force. Hardy became Haven’s rock but I have to say Haven gave as good as she got. Hardy leaned on her for strength too. ❤
The Travis Family Series is pretty fantastic. I’ve already started Smooth Talking Stranger and I am enjoying it as well. If you haven’t read anything by Lisa Kleypas give this series a try. You will not be disappointed.
Blue-Eyed Devil was a bit of a surprise to me. I was preparing myself for all things Hardy Cates and yes I got that, but it was as much a story about Haven Travis too. When these two meet it was electrifying to say the least.
It was within the first 5% of the book that I fell in love with Hardy. Well if I have to be honest I fell in love with the guy in Sugar Daddy. He is sexy, sweet, a tad alpha and incredibly hot. He wasn’t an open book and I loved that. He brought the unexpected to the story.
I wasn’t certain what to expect from Haven. Instantly I got this strong vibe from her. She was sassy, independent and beautiful. She was a Travis so there were certain things you assumed about her. This was something that she worked hard at keeping in check.
Haven worked hard at being independent and more importantly independent of what her family represents. It isn’t that she doesn’t love them. She does. But her relationships with her mom and her dad were lacking of some the most fundamental things when it comes to parents. And when the life she had chosen begins to crumble and her marriage had became a dark place to be she found herself a completely broken person.
It took every last thread of strength that Haven had within her to reach out to her family. Gage was always the one she could turn to when she was growing up. He would be that person yet again. Gage and Liberty offered her that abiding love. And her brother Jack was so sweet too. But the one who breathed life back into her was Hardy.
I absolutely loved Hardy and Haven together. There were so many sweet and tender moments. Their chemistry starts off strong, then lulls, then comes back full force. Hardy became Haven’s rock but I have to say Haven gave as good as she got. Hardy leaned on her for strength too. ❤
The Travis Family Series is pretty fantastic. I’ve already started Smooth Talking Stranger and I am enjoying it as well. If you haven’t read anything by Lisa Kleypas give this series a try. You will not be disappointed.
August 6, 2022
Re-read/listened to audiobook version Aug'2022:
5+ stars - Contemporary Romance
This is one of the best portrayals of domestic violence/marital abuse that I’ve read in a romance. The depiction of Nick’s narcissistic personality disorder and dominating, cruel, abusive treatment of Haven is painfully realistic and insightful. That part of the book is not easy to read, but it’s important. It’s easy to judge people when they stay in abusive relationships. Haven stayed in one, even though she had a wealthy, powerful family to turn to. Kleypas demonstrates the thoughts, feelings, and insecurities of someone who is being gaslighted and abused, and she shows how hard it is to break free. , but people in everyday life don’t have that luxury.
Haven’s subsequent healing, recovery, and self-discovery is a significant part of the story, and it makes the romantic development between Haven and Hardy even more powerful and moving. I sympathized with Haven, but at times she was extremely frustrating.
I had a hard time with the scenes with Haven’s narcissistic boss from hell, Vanessa.
I still think this book would be so much better if it had Hardy’s POV. I also think the ending is too rushed, and I wanted more from the epilogue. But Lisa Kleypas is a master, and I love this series; so it's still worthy of big 5 stars.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
I wanted to read “Blue-Eyed Devil” because Hardy Cates seemed like such a sexy and magnetic bad-boy character. I mainly read “Sugar Daddy” in order to have the necessary background on him to read this, so color me surprised that I wound up not liking this as much as “Sugar Daddy”.
Don’t get me wrong, Hardy Cates is everything I thought he would be and then some, but to me, this book is seriously inhibited by not having his point of view. It’s told strictly from the first person point of view of heroine Haven Travis, and she’s just no Liberty Jones folks. I thought this was Hardy’s story (I mean the title refers to him after all), but it’s actually Haven’s, and I just couldn’t get over being somewhat disappointed about that.
I empathized with Haven’s painful ordeal: she endures domestic violence by her narcissistic husband, including a brutal rape (thank you Tammy and Kim for the warning), and I was moved by her struggle to survive the aftermath and to build a new life for herself. I just couldn’t relate to her, and the first part of the book was difficult for me to get through.
When Hardy finally enters the picture and the sparks fly between him and Haven, that’s when things get interesting. Hardy is the ultimate bad-boy hero and impossible to encapsulate: he’s sexy-as-sin, devilishly charming, crude, arrogant, self-built and self-reliant, bold, flirtatious, and volatile. He’s so complex, and unfortunately without having his point of view, we never get enough insight into his thoughts, emotions, motives, and struggles and are left to wonder what’s really lurking behind his haunting blue eyes.
Also, the story ended way too abruptly for me and when things were finally coming together, felt rushed and left me wanting more of Hardy and Haven, especially more Hardy!
When reading about Hardy, I couldn’t help but daydream and do some imaginary casting. I kept picturing actor Josh Lucas from the movie Sweet Home Alabama or actor Josh Holloway, Sawyer from LOST, because both of them have the cocky swagger and sexy blue eyes.
Overall, “Blue-Eyed Devil” is a great read and saved by Lisa Kleypas’s masterful writing. I just can’t help being a little disappointed because it had the potential to be even better with a beguiling character like Hardy Cates, but just doesn’t fully deliver without giving us his side of the story. We are left to ponder too much and he remains an elusive mystery, which is just a shame because damn, the boy is smoking H-O-T! Even so, it's a terrific story, and I can’t seem to rate it less than 5 stars.
******Revised after finishing the series and completing a reread******
After reading so many contemporary romances, this is still a favorite keeper and definitely worth a 5+ rating!
5+ stars - Contemporary Romance
This is one of the best portrayals of domestic violence/marital abuse that I’ve read in a romance. The depiction of Nick’s narcissistic personality disorder and dominating, cruel, abusive treatment of Haven is painfully realistic and insightful. That part of the book is not easy to read, but it’s important. It’s easy to judge people when they stay in abusive relationships. Haven stayed in one, even though she had a wealthy, powerful family to turn to. Kleypas demonstrates the thoughts, feelings, and insecurities of someone who is being gaslighted and abused, and she shows how hard it is to break free. , but people in everyday life don’t have that luxury.
Haven’s subsequent healing, recovery, and self-discovery is a significant part of the story, and it makes the romantic development between Haven and Hardy even more powerful and moving. I sympathized with Haven, but at times she was extremely frustrating.
I had a hard time with the scenes with Haven’s narcissistic boss from hell, Vanessa.
I still think this book would be so much better if it had Hardy’s POV. I also think the ending is too rushed, and I wanted more from the epilogue. But Lisa Kleypas is a master, and I love this series; so it's still worthy of big 5 stars.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
I wanted to read “Blue-Eyed Devil” because Hardy Cates seemed like such a sexy and magnetic bad-boy character. I mainly read “Sugar Daddy” in order to have the necessary background on him to read this, so color me surprised that I wound up not liking this as much as “Sugar Daddy”.
Don’t get me wrong, Hardy Cates is everything I thought he would be and then some, but to me, this book is seriously inhibited by not having his point of view. It’s told strictly from the first person point of view of heroine Haven Travis, and she’s just no Liberty Jones folks. I thought this was Hardy’s story (I mean the title refers to him after all), but it’s actually Haven’s, and I just couldn’t get over being somewhat disappointed about that.
I empathized with Haven’s painful ordeal: she endures domestic violence by her narcissistic husband, including a brutal rape (thank you Tammy and Kim for the warning), and I was moved by her struggle to survive the aftermath and to build a new life for herself. I just couldn’t relate to her, and the first part of the book was difficult for me to get through.
When Hardy finally enters the picture and the sparks fly between him and Haven, that’s when things get interesting. Hardy is the ultimate bad-boy hero and impossible to encapsulate: he’s sexy-as-sin, devilishly charming, crude, arrogant, self-built and self-reliant, bold, flirtatious, and volatile. He’s so complex, and unfortunately without having his point of view, we never get enough insight into his thoughts, emotions, motives, and struggles and are left to wonder what’s really lurking behind his haunting blue eyes.
Also, the story ended way too abruptly for me and when things were finally coming together, felt rushed and left me wanting more of Hardy and Haven, especially more Hardy!
When reading about Hardy, I couldn’t help but daydream and do some imaginary casting. I kept picturing actor Josh Lucas from the movie Sweet Home Alabama or actor Josh Holloway, Sawyer from LOST, because both of them have the cocky swagger and sexy blue eyes.
Overall, “Blue-Eyed Devil” is a great read and saved by Lisa Kleypas’s masterful writing. I just can’t help being a little disappointed because it had the potential to be even better with a beguiling character like Hardy Cates, but just doesn’t fully deliver without giving us his side of the story. We are left to ponder too much and he remains an elusive mystery, which is just a shame because damn, the boy is smoking H-O-T! Even so, it's a terrific story, and I can’t seem to rate it less than 5 stars.
******Revised after finishing the series and completing a reread******
After reading so many contemporary romances, this is still a favorite keeper and definitely worth a 5+ rating!
February 15, 2021
•● I'm on the fence with this one, and I don't know what to do with my rating. I'm leaving at 2, because while the first part did a very good job at portraying home life abuse, I wanted to slap the men more often than not and the romance didn't work for me. That's going to be long, and it might involve a lot of cursing. Sorry about that.●•
This book starts like a cheesy tale - Haven Travis, spoiled daughter of a Texan millionaire, marries the guy she loves more than anything, against the will of her powerful father. I know what you think, because I thought it too. How could this story start more cliché and cheesy? I trusted Lisa Kleypas. I was right, to a certain extend.
➸ Why?
▧ Because these days, when people tend to mistake a fucking controlling bastard for a protective guy, I want to throw this books into all my friends hands because that's one of the best portray of marital abuse I read in a contemporary romance. The first part of this book drove me mad - sick, even. I was so pissed - pissed as I WANT TO PUNCH THE FUCKING WALL. And the worst - do you want to know what the worst is? That's the fact I could almost UNDERSTAND why Haven could let her husband abuse her like this. No, that's not right, I rephrase : I could see how her mind was leading her this way, to fucking PLEASE him, the sick asshole.
Yes, girls. Someone who wants to control you or hit you will say that's it's YOUR fucking fault. Because you're not beautiful enough. Careful enough. Skilled enough. There's a scene where he loses his shit because she didn't fucking IRONED her shirt well.
Fortunately I have never experienced such awful relationship myself, but someone I care about had, and let me tell you, all starts with nothing . An event so unimportant you don't even realize that you have accepted something you didn't want too. You want to be loved but control isn't love. That's the OPPOSITE of it.
▧ Apart from that? Why, wonderful story of lust between Haven and Hardy Cates after her divorce. As for big strong guy me want you, honey. Come in my cavern and I will protect and feed you.
Okay, so as you guessed, I wasn't a fan of the romance between them because surprise!! THAT'S NOT A ROMANCE THAT'S SEXUAL TENSION UNDERLINED WITH SAVIOR COMPLEX.
Oh, and casual sexism. Hardy, Hardy, Hardy. How could you disappoint me like this? I'm not gonna lie, I read this book for him. Why? Because I fell for his youngself in the beginning of Sugar Daddy, literally stopped reading it to discover his story while here, without being a bad guy, he failed to move me and made me cringe because SEXISM EVERYWHERE, INSTALUST, NEVER LOVE.
Seriously, sometimes I feel like I'm an alien somehow, because I just can't take how men's behavior is portrayed. I mean, if I were a man, especially a Texan, I would be fucking pissed to see how sexist I'm shown. I MEAN GUYS ARE THEY REALLY LIKE THAT? JUST TELL ME. I'm starting to wondering but it must be freaking stereotypes, right? RIGHT? That's a shame because I love reading about love stories setting in different places and I consider myself as open-minded, but sometimes it seems that all that is throwing at me are stereotypes. That's so exhausting. I'm well-aware that stereotypes about men's behavior are everywhere, damn, I'm living in a country where men are supposed to be all players and romantic. Please.
I guess I'm pissed on men's behalf here. And on Texan's behalf too. Because do you realize what 90% of my fellows know about Texas?
1) Walter fucking ranger and his commando
2) Men are sexists and old-fashioned
3) Georges Bush
YIKES. I'm sure there's more to know about Texas, no?
Because sentences like that : "Yes you are [brave]. Most women would be in hysterics by now." OH HELL. She was about to drown in an elevator for Pete's sake. Sorry to disappoint you, but most of men would be pretty hysterics too.
Well, sentences like that piss me off.
Of course he has his moments (a certain gift was adorable) and I don't hate him, far from it, but for me that seemed too similar to a New Adult book : the woman just lived hell and needs a big, strong, former manwhore man to save her? Hell no. Actually, Haven tries to stand for herself during the whole book, to emancipate from all the male figures who try to control her (her husband), to disrespect her personal boundaries (her brothers - of course, in order to help her, but still) and she falls in love with a guy like Hardy? Oh, give the girl a break.
If their love story had been an actual love story, if they had done things together, learnt to know each other, I might have overtaken the full Texan mode but as it was, aka lust lust lust luuuuuust only I couldn't.
There's only so much "Oh. My. I want sex sex sex with Hardy" I can take.
Now, I didn't like Barrons you know, so maybe you won't agree with me ;)
For more of my reviews, please visit:
This book starts like a cheesy tale - Haven Travis, spoiled daughter of a Texan millionaire, marries the guy she loves more than anything, against the will of her powerful father. I know what you think, because I thought it too. How could this story start more cliché and cheesy? I trusted Lisa Kleypas. I was right, to a certain extend.
➸ Why?
▧ Because these days, when people tend to mistake a fucking controlling bastard for a protective guy, I want to throw this books into all my friends hands because that's one of the best portray of marital abuse I read in a contemporary romance. The first part of this book drove me mad - sick, even. I was so pissed - pissed as I WANT TO PUNCH THE FUCKING WALL. And the worst - do you want to know what the worst is? That's the fact I could almost UNDERSTAND why Haven could let her husband abuse her like this. No, that's not right, I rephrase : I could see how her mind was leading her this way, to fucking PLEASE him, the sick asshole.
Yes, girls. Someone who wants to control you or hit you will say that's it's YOUR fucking fault. Because you're not beautiful enough. Careful enough. Skilled enough. There's a scene where he loses his shit because she didn't fucking IRONED her shirt well.
Fortunately I have never experienced such awful relationship myself, but someone I care about had, and let me tell you, all starts with nothing . An event so unimportant you don't even realize that you have accepted something you didn't want too. You want to be loved but control isn't love. That's the OPPOSITE of it.
▧ Apart from that? Why, wonderful story of lust between Haven and Hardy Cates after her divorce. As for big strong guy me want you, honey. Come in my cavern and I will protect and feed you.
Okay, so as you guessed, I wasn't a fan of the romance between them because surprise!! THAT'S NOT A ROMANCE THAT'S SEXUAL TENSION UNDERLINED WITH SAVIOR COMPLEX.
Oh, and casual sexism. Hardy, Hardy, Hardy. How could you disappoint me like this? I'm not gonna lie, I read this book for him. Why? Because I fell for his youngself in the beginning of Sugar Daddy, literally stopped reading it to discover his story while here, without being a bad guy, he failed to move me and made me cringe because SEXISM EVERYWHERE, INSTALUST, NEVER LOVE.
Seriously, sometimes I feel like I'm an alien somehow, because I just can't take how men's behavior is portrayed. I mean, if I were a man, especially a Texan, I would be fucking pissed to see how sexist I'm shown. I MEAN GUYS ARE THEY REALLY LIKE THAT? JUST TELL ME. I'm starting to wondering but it must be freaking stereotypes, right? RIGHT? That's a shame because I love reading about love stories setting in different places and I consider myself as open-minded, but sometimes it seems that all that is throwing at me are stereotypes. That's so exhausting. I'm well-aware that stereotypes about men's behavior are everywhere, damn, I'm living in a country where men are supposed to be all players and romantic. Please.
I guess I'm pissed on men's behalf here. And on Texan's behalf too. Because do you realize what 90% of my fellows know about Texas?
1) Walter fucking ranger and his commando
2) Men are sexists and old-fashioned
3) Georges Bush
YIKES. I'm sure there's more to know about Texas, no?
Because sentences like that : "Yes you are [brave]. Most women would be in hysterics by now." OH HELL. She was about to drown in an elevator for Pete's sake. Sorry to disappoint you, but most of men would be pretty hysterics too.
Well, sentences like that piss me off.
Of course he has his moments (a certain gift was adorable) and I don't hate him, far from it, but for me that seemed too similar to a New Adult book : the woman just lived hell and needs a big, strong, former manwhore man to save her? Hell no. Actually, Haven tries to stand for herself during the whole book, to emancipate from all the male figures who try to control her (her husband), to disrespect her personal boundaries (her brothers - of course, in order to help her, but still) and she falls in love with a guy like Hardy? Oh, give the girl a break.
If their love story had been an actual love story, if they had done things together, learnt to know each other, I might have overtaken the full Texan mode but as it was, aka lust lust lust luuuuuust only I couldn't.
There's only so much "Oh. My. I want sex sex sex with Hardy" I can take.
Now, I didn't like Barrons you know, so maybe you won't agree with me ;)
For more of my reviews, please visit:
July 9, 2014
Posted at Under the Covers
Her name is Haven. But it’s her last name that gets her noticed. Being the only girl in a family of men can be tough sometimes. With three overprotective brothers plus a meddling father, Haven has a difficult time finding a guy who can stand up to her family name, let alone her family. Haven falls in love quickly with a man who she thinks she knows. But, in the end, being married to Nick isn’t what she thought it would be.
Blue-Eyed Devil made me bawl like a baby. I’m not ashamed to admit it because it was such a rollercoaster ride. The events of this book shocked me and I couldn’t help but sympathize and go through various emotions. It was this part that seriously broke my heart:
His arms closed around me tentatively, unlike his usual firm grip, and I realized he was trying to keep from hurting me. I felt the trembling beneath his stillness.
Overwhelmed with relief I laid my good cheek on his shoulder.
“Gage,” I whispered. “Love you more than anybody.”
He had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Love you too, baby girl.”
Haven was an amazing character. I loved her strength and courage throughout this entire book. Writing her character must have been difficult. Kleypas had to make her vulnerable and show her fear without making her become a spineless woman. In the end, I thought Haven still possessed that fire she had before she was with Nick and perhaps even more so when she was with Hardy.
Hardy Cates is pure, undiluted lust. He’s just so masculine and sexually potent, it was no wonder Haven pounced on him when she got the chance! I don’t blame her. I liked that Kleypas kept his hell-rising personality. She’s good in that she doesn’t suddenly change a character’s personality now that he’s the hero of the book. Hardy is ambitious and he would do anything in his power to achieve what he wants, even it means selling people out. Kleypas didn’t erase his determination in this book and I’m glad for it. In fact, I think it made Hardy even more appealing, more sexy if that was even possible. The fact that he was so keen on having Haven, no questions asked, was a turn-on. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Kleypas writes the best heroes?
I’m not sure if it’s the change in genre or if it’s the hero’s personality, but I find the sex scenes in her contemporary series a lot hotter than in her historical romance novels. My palms got sweaty a couple of times while reading this!
A few friends have mentioned their everlasting love for this book, being one of their all-time favourites and I think that Blue-Eyed Devil will be one of those books on my keeper shelf that will be bent and ripped from so many rereads. It was that good! I always fall in love with Kleypas’ books and this one was no exception.
Her name is Haven. But it’s her last name that gets her noticed. Being the only girl in a family of men can be tough sometimes. With three overprotective brothers plus a meddling father, Haven has a difficult time finding a guy who can stand up to her family name, let alone her family. Haven falls in love quickly with a man who she thinks she knows. But, in the end, being married to Nick isn’t what she thought it would be.
Blue-Eyed Devil made me bawl like a baby. I’m not ashamed to admit it because it was such a rollercoaster ride. The events of this book shocked me and I couldn’t help but sympathize and go through various emotions. It was this part that seriously broke my heart:
His arms closed around me tentatively, unlike his usual firm grip, and I realized he was trying to keep from hurting me. I felt the trembling beneath his stillness.
Overwhelmed with relief I laid my good cheek on his shoulder.
“Gage,” I whispered. “Love you more than anybody.”
He had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Love you too, baby girl.”
Haven was an amazing character. I loved her strength and courage throughout this entire book. Writing her character must have been difficult. Kleypas had to make her vulnerable and show her fear without making her become a spineless woman. In the end, I thought Haven still possessed that fire she had before she was with Nick and perhaps even more so when she was with Hardy.
Hardy Cates is pure, undiluted lust. He’s just so masculine and sexually potent, it was no wonder Haven pounced on him when she got the chance! I don’t blame her. I liked that Kleypas kept his hell-rising personality. She’s good in that she doesn’t suddenly change a character’s personality now that he’s the hero of the book. Hardy is ambitious and he would do anything in his power to achieve what he wants, even it means selling people out. Kleypas didn’t erase his determination in this book and I’m glad for it. In fact, I think it made Hardy even more appealing, more sexy if that was even possible. The fact that he was so keen on having Haven, no questions asked, was a turn-on. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Kleypas writes the best heroes?
I’m not sure if it’s the change in genre or if it’s the hero’s personality, but I find the sex scenes in her contemporary series a lot hotter than in her historical romance novels. My palms got sweaty a couple of times while reading this!
A few friends have mentioned their everlasting love for this book, being one of their all-time favourites and I think that Blue-Eyed Devil will be one of those books on my keeper shelf that will be bent and ripped from so many rereads. It was that good! I always fall in love with Kleypas’ books and this one was no exception.
April 21, 2009
Blue-Eyed Devil would have earned a solid 5-star rating from me if it had been written from Hardy Cate's point of view.
Don't get me wrong - I liked Haven Travis. I sympathized with her during the abuse scenes with her narcissistic, whack-job of a husband. But Haven was not the sort of person I could see myself becoming friends with. In spite of all the horrible things that happened to her and the way she started to turn her life around, her character still smacked of the poor little rich girl cliche'. This chick had serious issues and needed more than a few months of therapy. I couldn't help thinking that her relationship with Hardy felt more like a rebound than happily ever after.
The intensity and emotions packed into this book hit a little close to home and left me in tears at one point. Be forewarned that a rape takes place in this book (thanks Kim for telling me in advance!) I have worked closely with DV and rape victims - Kleypas seems to understand these issues almost too well and the feelings/thoughts associated with them. She is definitely the queen of evoking emotions.
Great opening scene between Hardy and Haven tho. Loved it! Funny dialogue and a risque' situation that most girls dream of being caught in! (Or maybe it's just me?!) I only wish the next chapter had carried on this light-hearted romantic theme.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Hardy Cates is Kleypas's contemporary romance version of St. Vincent (Devil in Winter). Hardy does something absolutely rotten at the end of Sugar Daddy, but he manages to redeem himself in Blue-Eyed Devil. He is an uber bad-boy all the way and VERY HOT! I would have given anything to hop into this man's head. So in essence, the first person voice ruined this book for me. Now if only Lisa Kleypas would pull a Stephenie Meyer and re-write this book from the hero's perspective...
Don't get me wrong - I liked Haven Travis. I sympathized with her during the abuse scenes with her narcissistic, whack-job of a husband. But Haven was not the sort of person I could see myself becoming friends with. In spite of all the horrible things that happened to her and the way she started to turn her life around, her character still smacked of the poor little rich girl cliche'. This chick had serious issues and needed more than a few months of therapy. I couldn't help thinking that her relationship with Hardy felt more like a rebound than happily ever after.
The intensity and emotions packed into this book hit a little close to home and left me in tears at one point. Be forewarned that a rape takes place in this book (thanks Kim for telling me in advance!) I have worked closely with DV and rape victims - Kleypas seems to understand these issues almost too well and the feelings/thoughts associated with them. She is definitely the queen of evoking emotions.
Great opening scene between Hardy and Haven tho. Loved it! Funny dialogue and a risque' situation that most girls dream of being caught in! (Or maybe it's just me?!) I only wish the next chapter had carried on this light-hearted romantic theme.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Hardy Cates is Kleypas's contemporary romance version of St. Vincent (Devil in Winter). Hardy does something absolutely rotten at the end of Sugar Daddy, but he manages to redeem himself in Blue-Eyed Devil. He is an uber bad-boy all the way and VERY HOT! I would have given anything to hop into this man's head. So in essence, the first person voice ruined this book for me. Now if only Lisa Kleypas would pull a Stephenie Meyer and re-write this book from the hero's perspective...
June 29, 2023
The first time they met, Haven learned that only a taste of his lips was enough to make her forget about everything else. But it was not the right time, not even the right man. Haven is getting married to Nick, the only man she has ever loved. And they are going to be happily ever after. Aren’t they?
Sometimes an imitation of love can be pretty damn convincing.
Two years later, Hardy Cates still hasn’t forgotten how it felt to have Haven in his arms, shaking with need. Now that she’s divorced, there is nothing stopping him from getting what he wants. He would be everything she needs, as long as she ends up being his.
I have to thank my mum for bullying me into reading this. While I’ve read over thirty Lisa Kleypas’ HR, it was my first time trying one of her contemporaries and I have to admit it was a surprise.
Blue-Eyes can be divided in two parts: Haven’s marriage with Nick and the romance with Hardy. The first part reads like a contemporary; other than the teasing of Hardy we got at the beginning, it mainly deals with domestic violence and how everything escalated until Haven broke ties. I was expecting the book to be just romance, but it was so much more. Lisa Kleypas did an amazing job at dealing with this difficult theme and I flew through the pages.
In the second part, we follow Haven trying to keep going while dealing with all the emotional impact. Lisa Kleypas didn’t rush a thing; every single win and fail felt realistic, making Blue-Eyed Devil the most complex book I’ve read by her so far.
But what Lisa Kleypas always succeeds at is making your heart race with the chemistry between the MCs. Hardy’s presence was so powerful, I could almost feel his blue eyes fixed on me while I was reading, ready to make you melt under his touch. He was always there during the second part, sexy and demanding, but never asking more from the heroine than she was ready to give.
Ironically, part of my problem was the hero. Even though he was extremely hot-and maybe because of that-, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he reminded me too much of other heroes by LK. I was also a bit torn between how good the heroine’s arc was and the longing to have more romance. I wouldn't change anything about the first part, but I wish the second was longer because Hardy and Haven together were on fire.
"Okay () forget what I said about not exchanging names. Who are you?"
"For you, honey...I'm trouble.
Overall, Blue-Eyed Devil is not your average love story. I would recommend it if you want to read an intense romance that has both depth and spice, with very sexy scenes and also emotional ones. Just make sure it’s not sensitive content for you before picking it up.
↬ Travises
1. Sugar Daddy: tbr
2. Blue-Eyed Devil: 3.5 stars
3. Smooth Talking Stranger: 3.75 stars
Sometimes an imitation of love can be pretty damn convincing.
Two years later, Hardy Cates still hasn’t forgotten how it felt to have Haven in his arms, shaking with need. Now that she’s divorced, there is nothing stopping him from getting what he wants. He would be everything she needs, as long as she ends up being his.
I have to thank my mum for bullying me into reading this. While I’ve read over thirty Lisa Kleypas’ HR, it was my first time trying one of her contemporaries and I have to admit it was a surprise.
Blue-Eyes can be divided in two parts: Haven’s marriage with Nick and the romance with Hardy. The first part reads like a contemporary; other than the teasing of Hardy we got at the beginning, it mainly deals with domestic violence and how everything escalated until Haven broke ties. I was expecting the book to be just romance, but it was so much more. Lisa Kleypas did an amazing job at dealing with this difficult theme and I flew through the pages.
In the second part, we follow Haven trying to keep going while dealing with all the emotional impact. Lisa Kleypas didn’t rush a thing; every single win and fail felt realistic, making Blue-Eyed Devil the most complex book I’ve read by her so far.
But what Lisa Kleypas always succeeds at is making your heart race with the chemistry between the MCs. Hardy’s presence was so powerful, I could almost feel his blue eyes fixed on me while I was reading, ready to make you melt under his touch. He was always there during the second part, sexy and demanding, but never asking more from the heroine than she was ready to give.
Ironically, part of my problem was the hero. Even though he was extremely hot-and maybe because of that-, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he reminded me too much of other heroes by LK. I was also a bit torn between how good the heroine’s arc was and the longing to have more romance. I wouldn't change anything about the first part, but I wish the second was longer because Hardy and Haven together were on fire.
"Okay () forget what I said about not exchanging names. Who are you?"
"For you, honey...I'm trouble.
Overall, Blue-Eyed Devil is not your average love story. I would recommend it if you want to read an intense romance that has both depth and spice, with very sexy scenes and also emotional ones. Just make sure it’s not sensitive content for you before picking it up.
↬ Travises
1. Sugar Daddy: tbr
2. Blue-Eyed Devil: 3.5 stars
3. Smooth Talking Stranger: 3.75 stars
September 28, 2018
4 stars!
“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.”
Blue Eyed Devil is the story of Haven, a young woman from a very wealthy oil family. Coming out of a bad marriage Haven has attracted the attention of Hardy, a rival of the family. But there may be more to Hardy than meets the eye, but Haven isn't sure if she's ready to handle a man like him.
It's funny because everyone told me after I read Sugar Daddy that I would love this book more and well.... I didn't. Don't get me wrong it was fantastic, but it's almost like how everyone else LOVES Devil in Winter and while I enjoyed that one too, it doesn't live up to the hype. Maybe it's just me and my picky ass reading tastes? This book was very rushed at the end and everything just fell together with minimal conflict (even tho there was a crapton of buildup to it).
What I loved was Haven as a heroine. Beat down she had a hard time of it, but she overcame and did her best to live her life on her own terms. I love Kleypas' writing style which makes it so effortless to fall into her world and read about her characters. And I even really enjoyed the sex scenes, normally I skip those in my romances. I can see why others loved this book and I really liked it, hence 4 stars.
“One of the blessings human beings take for granted is the ability to remember pain without re-feeling it. The pain of the physical wounds is long gone …and the other kind of hurt, the damage done to our spirits, has been healed. We are careful with those scarred places in each other.”
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.”
Blue Eyed Devil is the story of Haven, a young woman from a very wealthy oil family. Coming out of a bad marriage Haven has attracted the attention of Hardy, a rival of the family. But there may be more to Hardy than meets the eye, but Haven isn't sure if she's ready to handle a man like him.
It's funny because everyone told me after I read Sugar Daddy that I would love this book more and well.... I didn't. Don't get me wrong it was fantastic, but it's almost like how everyone else LOVES Devil in Winter and while I enjoyed that one too, it doesn't live up to the hype. Maybe it's just me and my picky ass reading tastes? This book was very rushed at the end and everything just fell together with minimal conflict (even tho there was a crapton of buildup to it).
What I loved was Haven as a heroine. Beat down she had a hard time of it, but she overcame and did her best to live her life on her own terms. I love Kleypas' writing style which makes it so effortless to fall into her world and read about her characters. And I even really enjoyed the sex scenes, normally I skip those in my romances. I can see why others loved this book and I really liked it, hence 4 stars.
“One of the blessings human beings take for granted is the ability to remember pain without re-feeling it. The pain of the physical wounds is long gone …and the other kind of hurt, the damage done to our spirits, has been healed. We are careful with those scarred places in each other.”
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
November 4, 2017
Well, you guys, I mother-f-ing hated this book. I'm about to unleash spoilery spoilers, but I will start with a few status updates to illustrate:
Oh the mansplaining....
-First the overprotective, boundary-less brothers & father. Because they are Texas Men. No. (Although one it's well-established why). I don't know, trust your sister and empower her maybe after her life events (Adding:
-Second the scene in the stairwell, Hardy says "There's a word, Haven, for a woman who does what you're doing." And "Like hell I was pushing you, you wanted it" Congrats Hardy, on being the worst hero ever. ADDING: THIS IS THE MOTHER FUCKING HERO. GIVE ME BACK TEENAGED HARDY CATES, PLEASE. WHO IS THIS STUPID ASSHOLE? To set the scene, they were getting hot & heavy and then of course Haven has a loss of desire and a mild freakout. Good luck recovering in my eyes, you jackass. Editorializing: No woman should be subjected to that judgement ever, because we all know this happens with relative ease. "Oh, I just thought of my grocery list." If you are victim of sexual assault, like so many women, well I guess I don't want the hero implying the survivor is a tease. I wish I was gif-talented, because this deserves a few choice ones.
If I thought it was over, I was sorely mistaken, enter stage right the best friend (MALE):
"You know if a woman's ready, aroused, it's not going to hurt. Especially if the man knows what he's doing, which I have no doubt Hardy does." Again Todd, I think you should definitely tell this woman how sex works for her. That's cool. (Adding):And also, PSA, not necessarily. Thanks and bye.
So what else?
Maybe this isn't as spoiler-y as I thought. But I just didn't get them. Eyes meet at Gage & Liberty's wedding, great stuff happens, then a few years pass and boom they are loving each other. I didn't see any evidence of an actual relationship outside the bedroom save for one thing that he listened to her about.
A lot of things had me thinking, "What is this sexist piece of shit I'm reading." And also, the first 1/4 of the book? I was all for a gentle build in the trust between the characters after Haven's first marriage. I was all for the subtle rescuing from the ambitious hero (who I kind of adored & rooted for at the beginning of Sugar Daddy) what I was not prepared for was a heroine like Haven - I missed my Liberty (fierce & determined & loving as I recall) and the way the story centered her around her character. Haven felt passed from one patriarchal relationship to the next including her HEA. (Oh, right the first 1/4 of the book served very little purpose, we didn't really get to know Haven because of it just what she'd been through and the book may have been much better with little reveals in the relationship pointing us to her traumatic past. Because really, the last 3/4 felt like one incident after another with a whole lotta getting down....
I guess maybe it wasn't that spoiler-heavy....But I'm disappointed. Gage was cool, but otherwise, I am pretty much left with the feeling these are the types of men I'd like to run over. And oh, shit, I didn't even get around to the bullshit drunken rough sex scene.
tell me friends, is the third more of the same?
Oh the mansplaining....
-First the overprotective, boundary-less brothers & father. Because they are Texas Men. No. (Although one it's well-established why). I don't know, trust your sister and empower her maybe after her life events (Adding:
-Second the scene in the stairwell, Hardy says "There's a word, Haven, for a woman who does what you're doing." And "Like hell I was pushing you, you wanted it" Congrats Hardy, on being the worst hero ever. ADDING: THIS IS THE MOTHER FUCKING HERO. GIVE ME BACK TEENAGED HARDY CATES, PLEASE. WHO IS THIS STUPID ASSHOLE? To set the scene, they were getting hot & heavy and then of course Haven has a loss of desire and a mild freakout. Good luck recovering in my eyes, you jackass. Editorializing: No woman should be subjected to that judgement ever, because we all know this happens with relative ease. "Oh, I just thought of my grocery list." If you are victim of sexual assault, like so many women, well I guess I don't want the hero implying the survivor is a tease. I wish I was gif-talented, because this deserves a few choice ones.
If I thought it was over, I was sorely mistaken, enter stage right the best friend (MALE):
"You know if a woman's ready, aroused, it's not going to hurt. Especially if the man knows what he's doing, which I have no doubt Hardy does." Again Todd, I think you should definitely tell this woman how sex works for her. That's cool. (Adding):And also, PSA, not necessarily. Thanks and bye.
So what else?
Maybe this isn't as spoiler-y as I thought. But I just didn't get them. Eyes meet at Gage & Liberty's wedding, great stuff happens, then a few years pass and boom they are loving each other. I didn't see any evidence of an actual relationship outside the bedroom save for one thing that he listened to her about.
A lot of things had me thinking, "What is this sexist piece of shit I'm reading." And also, the first 1/4 of the book? I was all for a gentle build in the trust between the characters after Haven's first marriage. I was all for the subtle rescuing from the ambitious hero (who I kind of adored & rooted for at the beginning of Sugar Daddy) what I was not prepared for was a heroine like Haven - I missed my Liberty (fierce & determined & loving as I recall) and the way the story centered her around her character. Haven felt passed from one patriarchal relationship to the next including her HEA. (Oh, right the first 1/4 of the book served very little purpose, we didn't really get to know Haven because of it just what she'd been through and the book may have been much better with little reveals in the relationship pointing us to her traumatic past. Because really, the last 3/4 felt like one incident after another with a whole lotta getting down....
I guess maybe it wasn't that spoiler-heavy....But I'm disappointed. Gage was cool, but otherwise, I am pretty much left with the feeling these are the types of men I'd like to run over. And oh, shit, I didn't even get around to the bullshit drunken rough sex scene.
tell me friends, is the third more of the same?
April 9, 2021
There was a time when my life goal was to devour absolutely everything penned by Ms. Kleypas. I loved her work so much, that I would willingly humiliate myself by asking for her books in one of Dublin's larger bookstores. And let me tell you, there are few things more embarrassing than having two guys loudly recite things like Tempt Me at Twilight, Seduce Me at Sunrise or Mine Till Midnight with a faux-poker-face. I was a fan with a mission!
That said, M/F romances have since all but lost their appeal for me... except for Blue-Eyed Devil: the first book of the genre I've read. I can still see myself waking up at 7 am, scoot into a corner of the couch, having successfullynicked borrowed my BFF's copy of the book.
Haven Travis is the daughter of filthy rich Churchill Travis, but she fervently wishes she were disenfranchised. So when her father opposes her relationship with the less "financially endowed" Nicholas Tanner, she all but jumps at the opportunity to go against him. But not before having a sizzling tryst with her sister-in-law's ex. By accident. During said sister-in-law's wedding reception...
Unfortunately for our intrepid heroine, married life doesn't agree with her, especially when her loving husband turns into a controlling maniac intent on getting his share of the Travis fortune by any means (i.e. pregnancy) necessary. Luckily for Haven, she has three older brothers ready for rescue... often times even when she doesn't want them to.
It might just be my preference for more light-hearted subjects, but I haven't seen many romance books handling marital abuse. I loved every single pep-talk that Haven would get from her family, friends, or therapist. Every step of her rehabilitation, moreso when she almost immediately stumbles on yet another sociopath. Even after the 10th reread, I never get tired of any of it.
And the cherry on top of everything, is that even now I still swoon at the mere thought of being swept off my feet by Hardy Cates. I mean Haven getting swept off her feet, of course. *cue embarrassed cough*
Score: 4/5 stars
I'm not sure I'll ever be able to properly explain, why this particular romance novel stayed with me, when many similar others didn't. It's not without its cliches, both story AND character-wise, but I still pick it up from time to time, and reread my favorite passages with just as much enjoyment, as I did the first time around.
For all of you who dislike Hardy after meeting him in Sugar Daddy, I have to admit that I read this book first. So knowing how much he'll do for Haven, made it easier to overlook his past "misdemeanors", when I finally got around to reading the previous book.
That said, M/F romances have since all but lost their appeal for me... except for Blue-Eyed Devil: the first book of the genre I've read. I can still see myself waking up at 7 am, scoot into a corner of the couch, having successfully
Haven Travis is the daughter of filthy rich Churchill Travis, but she fervently wishes she were disenfranchised. So when her father opposes her relationship with the less "financially endowed" Nicholas Tanner, she all but jumps at the opportunity to go against him. But not before having a sizzling tryst with her sister-in-law's ex. By accident. During said sister-in-law's wedding reception...
Unfortunately for our intrepid heroine, married life doesn't agree with her, especially when her loving husband turns into a controlling maniac intent on getting his share of the Travis fortune by any means (i.e. pregnancy) necessary. Luckily for Haven, she has three older brothers ready for rescue... often times even when she doesn't want them to.
It might just be my preference for more light-hearted subjects, but I haven't seen many romance books handling marital abuse. I loved every single pep-talk that Haven would get from her family, friends, or therapist. Every step of her rehabilitation, moreso when she almost immediately stumbles on yet another sociopath. Even after the 10th reread, I never get tired of any of it.
And the cherry on top of everything, is that even now I still swoon at the mere thought of being swept off my feet by Hardy Cates. I mean Haven getting swept off her feet, of course. *cue embarrassed cough*
Score: 4/5 stars
I'm not sure I'll ever be able to properly explain, why this particular romance novel stayed with me, when many similar others didn't. It's not without its cliches, both story AND character-wise, but I still pick it up from time to time, and reread my favorite passages with just as much enjoyment, as I did the first time around.
For all of you who dislike Hardy after meeting him in Sugar Daddy, I have to admit that I read this book first. So knowing how much he'll do for Haven, made it easier to overlook his past "misdemeanors", when I finally got around to reading the previous book.
August 8, 2015
*Unpopular Opinion Time*
I find it hard to believe this was written by the same author, guys. Kleypas is a goddess, she knows how to write sexy times scenes and how to make you fall in love with her characters. Why one of those things was missing, escapes me completely.
While Sugar Daddy was tragic and emotional, Blue-Eyed Devil is too predictable and beyond belief at the same time. It suffered from Tell, Don't Show syndrome. We read a lot about how amazing Hardy and Haven are together, but we don't get to actually see it. At least, not outside the bedroom. The dialogs seemed phony and if I read the word narcissistic one more time, I was gonna throw myself on a trap.
The first half of this book was good enough, domestic violence was really well portrayed, not to mention the abuse and yet, I couldn't connect with Haven. Instead of a romance, you get a story of instalust, possessiveness and just two plain horny young people with daddy issues and a lot of money.
Plot devices, elevator rescues, mistaking a stranger for your boyfriend, evil people with evil plans, the world against poor Haven!! Even the good 'ol Churchill was a total jackass. All it was missing was a big muajaja, seriously.
And don't get me started on the healing sex! Barrons would be proud, ladies.
June 4, 2020
Re read June 2020
April 20, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
5 Stars!
I have been in love with Hardy Cates since I first met him way back in 2007 when I first read Sugar Daddy. The teenage girl that now occupies this old ladies body still swoons a little bit every time I even think about Hardy Cates as a teenager. Where were the boys like Hardy back when I actually was a teenager? Even when Hardy does something a little wrong, I can forgive him. When this book came out in 2008, I drove to my local Borders and grabbed a copy just as soon as they opened for the day. I loved it then and I still love it today. Just be aware that this review is not unbiased because it is nearly impossible to be unbiased when you are in love.
Haven first meets Hardy at her brother Gage's wedding when she slips into the wine cellar. Haven thinks she has found her boyfriend, Nick, and things heat up really quickly. Once she realizes her mistake, they both move on with their lives. Haven knows that Nick is her future and she is willing to do whatever it takes to be with him...even if it means she is cut off financially from her wealthy father. The lack of money doesn't bother Haven as she tries to be a good wife to Nick. Nick becomes increasingly resentful and angry. Nothing Haven does is good enough for Nick. He doesn't care what Haven wants or what she thinks because the only thing that matters to him is himself.
Haven eventually leaves Nick after he becomes abusive. She starts a new life with the help of her family. She starts working at a property management office for her brother, Jack. She soon crosses paths with Hardy once again. Her family warns her against Hardy but she takes a chance anyway.
I was just as moved by Kleypas's description of the abuse that Haven endured as I was the first time I read the book. I think that she did a remarkable job of demonstrating how out of control Nick had become. I was frightened for Haven and wanted to take her away and protect her just like her brothers wanted to. Haven is strong. She asks for help when she knows that she needs it and then works to change the things in her life that she can change.
Would I love Hardy as much as I do if I hadn't already read the first book in this series? I don't know and it is really hard to guess because I was already in love with him before this book started. Hardy listened to Haven and tried to be what she needed. The chemistry between Haven and Hardy is phenomenal. I am still trying to figure out how Haven ever pulled herself out of the wine cellar at the very beginning of the book. I like Haven and Hardy as a couple.
I listened to the audiobook on this read through and I have to admit I had a hard time with the narration at the beginning of the story. I kept listening and starting liking the narration more and more and by the end of the book I didn't notice the narrator anymore because all I could think about was the story. I got lost in the story which is exactly what I look for in an audiobook.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I would suggest that readers start with the first book in the series, Sugar Daddy, because it really gives a lot of background, not to mention it is an excellent book. I am planning to re-read the next book in this series very soon and can't wait to get my hands on a new book by Lisa Kleypas.
5 Stars!
I have been in love with Hardy Cates since I first met him way back in 2007 when I first read Sugar Daddy. The teenage girl that now occupies this old ladies body still swoons a little bit every time I even think about Hardy Cates as a teenager. Where were the boys like Hardy back when I actually was a teenager? Even when Hardy does something a little wrong, I can forgive him. When this book came out in 2008, I drove to my local Borders and grabbed a copy just as soon as they opened for the day. I loved it then and I still love it today. Just be aware that this review is not unbiased because it is nearly impossible to be unbiased when you are in love.
Haven first meets Hardy at her brother Gage's wedding when she slips into the wine cellar. Haven thinks she has found her boyfriend, Nick, and things heat up really quickly. Once she realizes her mistake, they both move on with their lives. Haven knows that Nick is her future and she is willing to do whatever it takes to be with him...even if it means she is cut off financially from her wealthy father. The lack of money doesn't bother Haven as she tries to be a good wife to Nick. Nick becomes increasingly resentful and angry. Nothing Haven does is good enough for Nick. He doesn't care what Haven wants or what she thinks because the only thing that matters to him is himself.
Haven eventually leaves Nick after he becomes abusive. She starts a new life with the help of her family. She starts working at a property management office for her brother, Jack. She soon crosses paths with Hardy once again. Her family warns her against Hardy but she takes a chance anyway.
I was just as moved by Kleypas's description of the abuse that Haven endured as I was the first time I read the book. I think that she did a remarkable job of demonstrating how out of control Nick had become. I was frightened for Haven and wanted to take her away and protect her just like her brothers wanted to. Haven is strong. She asks for help when she knows that she needs it and then works to change the things in her life that she can change.
Would I love Hardy as much as I do if I hadn't already read the first book in this series? I don't know and it is really hard to guess because I was already in love with him before this book started. Hardy listened to Haven and tried to be what she needed. The chemistry between Haven and Hardy is phenomenal. I am still trying to figure out how Haven ever pulled herself out of the wine cellar at the very beginning of the book. I like Haven and Hardy as a couple.
I listened to the audiobook on this read through and I have to admit I had a hard time with the narration at the beginning of the story. I kept listening and starting liking the narration more and more and by the end of the book I didn't notice the narrator anymore because all I could think about was the story. I got lost in the story which is exactly what I look for in an audiobook.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I would suggest that readers start with the first book in the series, Sugar Daddy, because it really gives a lot of background, not to mention it is an excellent book. I am planning to re-read the next book in this series very soon and can't wait to get my hands on a new book by Lisa Kleypas.
December 15, 2016
¡Me encantó la historia de Haven y Hardy! ❤️
Los primeros capítulos son durísimos, pero me pareció impecable la manera en que la autora abordó la situación de Haven, con mucha altura y sensibilidad.
Adoré a esta pareja, y a toda la familia Travis. ❤️
Los primeros capítulos son durísimos, pero me pareció impecable la manera en que la autora abordó la situación de Haven, con mucha altura y sensibilidad.
Adoré a esta pareja, y a toda la familia Travis. ❤️
March 14, 2020
5 STARS
Wow. This book really caught me off-guard. I was not expecting the intensity to be quite so high. I really had trouble putting it down. As a whole I'm rating it a five, but that does not mean that there weren't things I didn't like. The most prominent being Haven, herself. She was the youngest child of four, and the only girl. Which is exactly my own background. So I can say with experience, that I know how it feels to be this overlooked, whiney sibling. But honestly I found Haven's character just a little bit to0 immature and almost bratty when she dealt with her family. I don't know why I felt the need to say that in the review, but there it is.
Otherwise I loved the book. I loved Hardy! I would have liked more time with these two. The story was too complicated though to focus only on merely their relationship. In fact, if you are thinking of reading this, you really need to read the first book in the series before you can truly understand our boy, Hardy Cates.
I can easily say, I am loving this series, and looking forward to the next Travis!
Those blue eyes glinted with uncivilized suggestion. A faint smile was tucked in the corner of his wide mouth. Definitely wouldn't want to be alone in a room with that guy, I thought. His gaze moved downward in lazy inspection, returned to my face, and he gave me one of those respectful nods that Texan men had raised to an art form.
Wow. This book really caught me off-guard. I was not expecting the intensity to be quite so high. I really had trouble putting it down. As a whole I'm rating it a five, but that does not mean that there weren't things I didn't like. The most prominent being Haven, herself. She was the youngest child of four, and the only girl. Which is exactly my own background. So I can say with experience, that I know how it feels to be this overlooked, whiney sibling. But honestly I found Haven's character just a little bit to0 immature and almost bratty when she dealt with her family. I don't know why I felt the need to say that in the review, but there it is.
Otherwise I loved the book. I loved Hardy! I would have liked more time with these two. The story was too complicated though to focus only on merely their relationship. In fact, if you are thinking of reading this, you really need to read the first book in the series before you can truly understand our boy, Hardy Cates.
I can easily say, I am loving this series, and looking forward to the next Travis!
October 18, 2020
What I like the most about this book is thar Miss Kleypas takes her time to build the relationship between Nick and Havev. Even at the end, Nick shows his true color, that relationship helps me to contrast the relationship Haven have with Haden later on.
Romance story revolving domestic abuse victim is not easy to be told without giving a respect to the survivors. On this case Haven character fell short of survivor title. In the middle she is portrays as needy and dramatic with her push and pull toward Hayden.
However at the end of the story, I still enjoy the book.
4 stars
Romance story revolving domestic abuse victim is not easy to be told without giving a respect to the survivors. On this case Haven character fell short of survivor title. In the middle she is portrays as needy and dramatic with her push and pull toward Hayden.
However at the end of the story, I still enjoy the book.
4 stars
May 4, 2015
4.25 Stars
August 10, 2011
This won't be much of a review because I'm dying to get back to Smooth Talking Stranger (which I already started). Just some of my thoughts...
Hardy...Hardy...Hardy! God, how I adored this character (and his 'mink' hair--I think LK went a little overboard on that description)! I love all the good, and the wee bit of bad, in Hardy. I love his charming side, his teasing side, his sexy side, his compassionate side, and his roguish side. What a perceptive, lovable, blue-eyed scamp! I was a bit worried about him at first, thinking he might be hung up on Liberty (Sugar Daddy), and was relieved to see that wasn't the case, that he had moved on and was ready for someone to enter his life. Loved the chemistry he had with Haven, and was so, sooo relieved that Haven stood up to her family and fought for what she wanted. I loved these two together, and thought if anyone could restore Haven's confidence in herself and help her move forward, it would be Hardy.
Hardy...
This book was almost too hard to read at first.
I loved Hardy's rags-to-riches story. I loved his drive and ambition. I loved how he took care of his family The scene near the end where Hardy got a call from his family, which sort of sent him into a tailspin thinking he wasn't good enough for Haven? It just about broke my heart. But I loved how Haven had no doubts about Hardy and was ready to fight for her man!
The previous book, Sugar Daddy, was more of an epic soap opera, but provided plenty of background about the character of Hardy and where he came from. I think it's a must to read that book first in order to get the full effect of "Blue-Eyed Devil". This one was much more like a standard romance (and oh yeah, Haven and Hardy's bedroom scenes were hot)! I didn't mind that the story was told from Haven's POV, but I still wished for a chapter (or two) of Hardy's POV...:(
To sum up, a verrrry satisfying read. Hardy and Haven may be my favorite couple and their story my favorite contemporary read of the year. 5 Texas-big stars!
Hardy...Hardy...Hardy! God, how I adored this character (and his 'mink' hair--I think LK went a little overboard on that description)! I love all the good, and the wee bit of bad, in Hardy. I love his charming side, his teasing side, his sexy side, his compassionate side, and his roguish side. What a perceptive, lovable, blue-eyed scamp! I was a bit worried about him at first, thinking he might be hung up on Liberty (Sugar Daddy), and was relieved to see that wasn't the case, that he had moved on and was ready for someone to enter his life. Loved the chemistry he had with Haven, and was so, sooo relieved that Haven stood up to her family and fought for what she wanted. I loved these two together, and thought if anyone could restore Haven's confidence in herself and help her move forward, it would be Hardy.
Hardy...
This book was almost too hard to read at first.
I loved Hardy's rags-to-riches story. I loved his drive and ambition. I loved how he took care of his family The scene near the end where Hardy got a call from his family, which sort of sent him into a tailspin thinking he wasn't good enough for Haven? It just about broke my heart. But I loved how Haven had no doubts about Hardy and was ready to fight for her man!
The previous book, Sugar Daddy, was more of an epic soap opera, but provided plenty of background about the character of Hardy and where he came from. I think it's a must to read that book first in order to get the full effect of "Blue-Eyed Devil". This one was much more like a standard romance (and oh yeah, Haven and Hardy's bedroom scenes were hot)! I didn't mind that the story was told from Haven's POV, but I still wished for a chapter (or two) of Hardy's POV...:(
To sum up, a verrrry satisfying read. Hardy and Haven may be my favorite couple and their story my favorite contemporary read of the year. 5 Texas-big stars!
June 6, 2018
Hardy...a Devil???
It's not too often that you come across a contemporary romance author that can write a timeless book. Now, 2008 probably doesn't seem that long ago, but you would be surprised how quickly a book can seem out of date. Terminology, slang and modern technology changes quickly, daily even. I know in my own experience that my teen boys seem to even speak a different language to me. I've even had to translate hand-written notes for workmates because the cursive has changed so much in the twenty years between our schooling. Sure, some of the things we witness in Blue-Eyed Devil seem a little behind the times, but I think it had more to do with the characters than the times.
Haven was a bloody idiot. OK, that's probably a little harsh. I just found myself completely frustrated with her when she allowed herself to be mentally and physically abused. I know, I know, bad Sassy for being so judgemental and narrow-minded. I just can't see myself EVER putting up with what she dealt with and it wasn't just at the hands of her despicable husband. I could write a list and a ten-page essay on all the douchewaffles she's faced in her life. I guess those little hits to the self-esteem in your childhood really do leave you with permanent scars.
I have to admit that this was a LOT more emotional than I expected. I kind of wish I'd known how much before I decided to listen to the audio on public transport. No sunglasses, a train carriage full of blokes...it was not a pretty sight. There were plenty of highs and lows that kept me a bit of an emotional wreck through this one. Mind you, it was never OTT or made me want to discontinue. It was just a wee bit confronting. I felt like I was there, with my hands tied behind my back and my screams of warning falling on deaf ears. I sometimes hate feeling helpless...I get way too "into" my books.
Now, the narrator, she does a very...ah...Southern accent with a twist (quoting Wikipedia). I almost needed an interpreter at times and even had to replay it to catch the meaning. As I'm not from Texas or even America, it took a little more effort listening. Please excuse my ignorance if I got that all wrong. Let's just say that I knew it was a Southern accent, I'm just guessing that it was Texan.
After all that, the highlight for me was Hardy Cates. Oh boy, he made my heart flutter. A bad boy who was just waiting for the right woman to come into his life. Sure, he had his fun until she was ready, but boy does he use his experience well. Honestly, considering the characters in his midst, he was far from a devil. I think this story should have been called - Blue-Eyed...Sexy, Bossy, Dirty-talking, Bad Boy, with a heart of gold and a magic touch. But, obviously, that's a wee bit too long.
Lisa Kleypas is a bit of a legend. I am a HUGE fan of her historical romances but her contemporary romances are nothing to laugh at. If I had my way, she would write morning, noon and night and alternate between the two. Pretty please with sugar on the top.
I highly recommend Blue-Eyed Devil and will definitely be going on in the series.
It's not too often that you come across a contemporary romance author that can write a timeless book. Now, 2008 probably doesn't seem that long ago, but you would be surprised how quickly a book can seem out of date. Terminology, slang and modern technology changes quickly, daily even. I know in my own experience that my teen boys seem to even speak a different language to me. I've even had to translate hand-written notes for workmates because the cursive has changed so much in the twenty years between our schooling. Sure, some of the things we witness in Blue-Eyed Devil seem a little behind the times, but I think it had more to do with the characters than the times.
Haven was a bloody idiot. OK, that's probably a little harsh. I just found myself completely frustrated with her when she allowed herself to be mentally and physically abused. I know, I know, bad Sassy for being so judgemental and narrow-minded. I just can't see myself EVER putting up with what she dealt with and it wasn't just at the hands of her despicable husband. I could write a list and a ten-page essay on all the douchewaffles she's faced in her life. I guess those little hits to the self-esteem in your childhood really do leave you with permanent scars.
I have to admit that this was a LOT more emotional than I expected. I kind of wish I'd known how much before I decided to listen to the audio on public transport. No sunglasses, a train carriage full of blokes...it was not a pretty sight. There were plenty of highs and lows that kept me a bit of an emotional wreck through this one. Mind you, it was never OTT or made me want to discontinue. It was just a wee bit confronting. I felt like I was there, with my hands tied behind my back and my screams of warning falling on deaf ears. I sometimes hate feeling helpless...I get way too "into" my books.
Now, the narrator, she does a very...ah...Southern accent with a twist (quoting Wikipedia). I almost needed an interpreter at times and even had to replay it to catch the meaning. As I'm not from Texas or even America, it took a little more effort listening. Please excuse my ignorance if I got that all wrong. Let's just say that I knew it was a Southern accent, I'm just guessing that it was Texan.
After all that, the highlight for me was Hardy Cates. Oh boy, he made my heart flutter. A bad boy who was just waiting for the right woman to come into his life. Sure, he had his fun until she was ready, but boy does he use his experience well. Honestly, considering the characters in his midst, he was far from a devil. I think this story should have been called - Blue-Eyed...Sexy, Bossy, Dirty-talking, Bad Boy, with a heart of gold and a magic touch. But, obviously, that's a wee bit too long.
Lisa Kleypas is a bit of a legend. I am a HUGE fan of her historical romances but her contemporary romances are nothing to laugh at. If I had my way, she would write morning, noon and night and alternate between the two. Pretty please with sugar on the top.
I highly recommend Blue-Eyed Devil and will definitely be going on in the series.
April 8, 2023
re-listen April 2023
In preparation for the holidays I had time today to listen to one of my all-time favorite audios again. I suffered alongside Haven and fell in love with Hardy all over again. I just love this book so so much. ♡
5***** stars
This book is probably my favorite romance and definitely one of my most favorite audiobooks. And on top of it Hardy Cates is possibly my #1 favorite book boyfriend.
Hardy Cates is a self-made man, born on the wrong side of the tracks. Haven Travis is a southern belle and a River Oaks princess (the rich part of Houston).
If you read the first book in the series (which is not mandatory to read this one) you know Hardy already and you saw how he broke the heroines heart, pulled a shitty stunt at the end of the book and pissed off the whole Travis family.
Hardy and Haven first met on a Travis wedding (Hardy was obv not invited) in a dark wine cellar where Haven mistakes him at first for her boyfriend. Sparks are flying immediately and Hardy made a proposal so tempting she almost cannot resist. But regardless how much she wanted to give in, Haven is not a cheater. So they part ways and Haven went off and eloped with her boyfriend Nick.
What follows is hard to stomach (TW!). Over two years of mental and physical abuse (on page) until one day Nick went too far and Haven in fear of her life escapes and runs away back home to Houston to her family.
After several month of therapy and healing Haven meets Hardy again, but she’s not the same woman she was before. She’s a branded soul now and even though she wants Hardy as much as he still wants her, she’s afraid that he is more than she can handle. And so he fights for her and does everything possible to proof himself.
But Hardy has his own past and his own scars.
The beautiful part is, when she discovers that Hardy has problems dealing with his own issues she stands up and fights right beside him for what they can have together.
I love Hardy & Haven and their story endlessly. ♡
I’ve listened to this book about a hundred times and it never gets old for me. I love the voice and the narration of Brittany Pressley. Her southern accent and the drawl she gives Hardy is just so sexilicous. To be honest, I love the whole series. Lisa Kleypas is just queen!
*************
The Travis Family Series
Book 1 - Sugar Daddy - 4.25
Book 2 - Blue Eyed Devil - 5 stars
Book 3 - Smooth Talking Stranger - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Brown-Eyed Girl
In preparation for the holidays I had time today to listen to one of my all-time favorite audios again. I suffered alongside Haven and fell in love with Hardy all over again. I just love this book so so much. ♡
5***** stars
This book is probably my favorite romance and definitely one of my most favorite audiobooks. And on top of it Hardy Cates is possibly my #1 favorite book boyfriend.
Hardy Cates is a self-made man, born on the wrong side of the tracks. Haven Travis is a southern belle and a River Oaks princess (the rich part of Houston).
If you read the first book in the series (which is not mandatory to read this one) you know Hardy already and you saw how he broke the heroines heart, pulled a shitty stunt at the end of the book and pissed off the whole Travis family.
"Shit, you’re a Travis, aren’t you?“
"okay," [...] "forget what I said about not exchanging names. Who are you?"
"For you, honey. I’m trouble."
Hardy and Haven first met on a Travis wedding (Hardy was obv not invited) in a dark wine cellar where Haven mistakes him at first for her boyfriend. Sparks are flying immediately and Hardy made a proposal so tempting she almost cannot resist. But regardless how much she wanted to give in, Haven is not a cheater. So they part ways and Haven went off and eloped with her boyfriend Nick.
What follows is hard to stomach (TW!). Over two years of mental and physical abuse (on page) until one day Nick went too far and Haven in fear of her life escapes and runs away back home to Houston to her family.
After several month of therapy and healing Haven meets Hardy again, but she’s not the same woman she was before. She’s a branded soul now and even though she wants Hardy as much as he still wants her, she’s afraid that he is more than she can handle. And so he fights for her and does everything possible to proof himself.
But Hardy has his own past and his own scars.
"I hate bein’ his son. I hate the half of me that’s him. And I can feel it. That part that’s a bad, low, worthless son of a bitch."
The beautiful part is, when she discovers that Hardy has problems dealing with his own issues she stands up and fights right beside him for what they can have together.
"You know," […] "I told the hospital staff I was your fiancée so they let me stay here with you."
"I’d hate to make a liar out of you."
I love Hardy & Haven and their story endlessly. ♡
I’ve listened to this book about a hundred times and it never gets old for me. I love the voice and the narration of Brittany Pressley. Her southern accent and the drawl she gives Hardy is just so sexilicous. To be honest, I love the whole series. Lisa Kleypas is just queen!
*************
The Travis Family Series
Book 1 - Sugar Daddy - 4.25
Book 2 - Blue Eyed Devil - 5 stars
Book 3 - Smooth Talking Stranger - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Brown-Eyed Girl
September 5, 2013
Sometimes you come across a book that leaves you speechless. It leaves you empty upon finishing it because it was such a pleasure reading it.
THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS!
Blue-Eyed Devil was my first LK novel and it left me wondering, agonizing, why it took me so damn long to read her work. She is a brilliant writer. BRILLIANT.
She tells a story so evocatively, so intelligently it makes you wonder about other books you've read. I was amazed by LK's ability to use such descriptive language and witty dialogue in her writing.
And for something so smartly written it was equally engrossing. Many people have read this book so I won't go into the plot, but I absolutely fell in love with it and the characters.
The first half of the book dedicated to Haven's disaster of a marriage to an abusive brute was very frightening. The trauma and eventual erosion of Haven's self worth was felt so acutely by me it was scary. The breakdown of a marriage is something, but the breakdown of one's spirit in the face of the ultimate betrayal was something else entirely.
I couldn't believe the experience Haven went through, always doubting her self and her mind. Nick was the definition of monster. He was brutal and savage in his treatment of her and I was hoping against everything she'd get out.
The second half of the book we saw Haven healing and leaning on her family for support. That same support from Gabe and Jack even Liberty was astounding. Despite being cut off from them they were there when it counted and I loved seeing that.
Now on to the good stuff! Hardy, Hardy, Hardy!!! The alpha male accentuated by being raised a Texan was incredible! He was the man of men, the alpha of the pack and I LOVED HIM.
The opening scene at Gabe's and Liberty's wedding was so sensually raw and hot, it set a precident for both of them that finally came to fruition years later.
I loved the excrutiating sexual chemistry, the no-holds-barred attitude of Hardy and their eventual coming together. Hardy's characterization was spot on as the blue-collar kid from the wrong side of the tracks that fed off ambition. He was the perfect man for Haven and she was the perfect woman for him.
I can't express how much I loved this book! It had all the elements of a wonderful story without the plot being riddled with useless filler. That is the benchmark of a fabulous writer. LOVED IT!!
Looking forward to the rest of this series and LK's other works!
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
STEAM: High
POV: 1st person, Haven
CLIFFY: HEA with Jack's story for the next book
THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS!
Blue-Eyed Devil was my first LK novel and it left me wondering, agonizing, why it took me so damn long to read her work. She is a brilliant writer. BRILLIANT.
She tells a story so evocatively, so intelligently it makes you wonder about other books you've read. I was amazed by LK's ability to use such descriptive language and witty dialogue in her writing.
And for something so smartly written it was equally engrossing. Many people have read this book so I won't go into the plot, but I absolutely fell in love with it and the characters.
The first half of the book dedicated to Haven's disaster of a marriage to an abusive brute was very frightening. The trauma and eventual erosion of Haven's self worth was felt so acutely by me it was scary. The breakdown of a marriage is something, but the breakdown of one's spirit in the face of the ultimate betrayal was something else entirely.
I couldn't believe the experience Haven went through, always doubting her self and her mind. Nick was the definition of monster. He was brutal and savage in his treatment of her and I was hoping against everything she'd get out.
The second half of the book we saw Haven healing and leaning on her family for support. That same support from Gabe and Jack even Liberty was astounding. Despite being cut off from them they were there when it counted and I loved seeing that.
Now on to the good stuff! Hardy, Hardy, Hardy!!! The alpha male accentuated by being raised a Texan was incredible! He was the man of men, the alpha of the pack and I LOVED HIM.
The opening scene at Gabe's and Liberty's wedding was so sensually raw and hot, it set a precident for both of them that finally came to fruition years later.
I loved the excrutiating sexual chemistry, the no-holds-barred attitude of Hardy and their eventual coming together. Hardy's characterization was spot on as the blue-collar kid from the wrong side of the tracks that fed off ambition. He was the perfect man for Haven and she was the perfect woman for him.
I can't express how much I loved this book! It had all the elements of a wonderful story without the plot being riddled with useless filler. That is the benchmark of a fabulous writer. LOVED IT!!
Looking forward to the rest of this series and LK's other works!
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
STEAM: High
POV: 1st person, Haven
CLIFFY: HEA with Jack's story for the next book
April 29, 2020
I am not even sure if I had previously read this one. I think I did years ago, before Goodreads maybe 🤷♀️
I have never been to Texas. I would love to visit sometime.
We met Hardy in the first book. I liked him but he was a bit of a con-artist. Seemed to be out for himself.
Haven's situation was horrible. What's that saying .... something about not judging until you've been in my situation ...
It was easy for me to say "FFS, Haven, grow a pair and get out of there ..."
OK, then!! LOL. I really liked him and I think he was great for Haven and he was so good to her. He wasn't really a jackass ... much as he sorted of wanted folks to think he was.
Nice to catch up with the folks from the previous book and meet those in future books ... the next one sound familiar too but it's marked as unread so, we shall see!!
I have never been to Texas. I would love to visit sometime.
... friendship was a lot more dependable, not to mention long-lasting, than love.
We met Hardy in the first book. I liked him but he was a bit of a con-artist. Seemed to be out for himself.
"It's a front, that aw-shucks-I'm-just-a-redneck routine. He does it to set people up and then he goes in for the kill."
Haven's situation was horrible. What's that saying .... something about not judging until you've been in my situation ...
It was easy for me to say "FFS, Haven, grow a pair and get out of there ..."
"No hidden agendas. Plain and simple. I'm just interested in screwing your brains out."
OK, then!! LOL. I really liked him and I think he was great for Haven and he was so good to her. He wasn't really a jackass ... much as he sorted of wanted folks to think he was.
Nice to catch up with the folks from the previous book and meet those in future books ... the next one sound familiar too but it's marked as unread so, we shall see!!
You can never be truly happy unless you've known some sorrow ...
September 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
January 11, 2010
Blue Eyed Devil was an awesome follow up to Sugar Daddy. I was disappointed that Hardy didn’t end up with Liberty in that one, especially after all of the background we get on him. Then he just leaves town, and comes back to pull a total a-hole move in order to get Liberty back.
In BED, we get to know Haven, the youngest daughter of the Sugar Daddy, Churchill. She first meets Hardy at Liberty and Gage’s wedding and they have the classic moment. “Their eyes meet across a crowded room….causing heart palpitations and damp undergarments”. Later she follows a guy who she thinks is her boyfriend into a wine closet and makes out with him, and gets pretty darn close to closing the deal. Suddenly she realizes its not her boyfriend, Nick, but Hardy instead. I do find it hard to believe you can be making out heavily with someone and not know its not your intimate partner. Not by his smell, the way he kisses, the size of certain things? But it’s a novel, and I chose to believe it at this moment, anyway. She leaves the closet and doesn’t see him for a few years.
She marries, Nick, a total a-hole who abuses her progressively until he ends up beating the shit out of her and then eventually raping her and leaving her to die. It’s pretty brutal.
She gets away from Nick and reconnects with her family, and ends up running into Hardy again. He remembers her too, and starts to pursue. He has no idea what she’s been through. She’s very attracted to him, but doesn’t want a relationship. She’s trying to change herself, and not let her brothers, father, boss, run her life and make decisions for her.
I felt Haven grew throughout the book, and of course fell for Hardy big time. His eyes are mentioned so much, I started to picture his eyes like young Paul Newman. Her ex shows up the picture again creating added strain and danger. I don't want to give anything else away. I was happy with the HEA, and I know you will be too.
Warning: There is spousal abuse, and a rape scene that may be uncomfortable for some readers.
In BED, we get to know Haven, the youngest daughter of the Sugar Daddy, Churchill. She first meets Hardy at Liberty and Gage’s wedding and they have the classic moment. “Their eyes meet across a crowded room….causing heart palpitations and damp undergarments”. Later she follows a guy who she thinks is her boyfriend into a wine closet and makes out with him, and gets pretty darn close to closing the deal. Suddenly she realizes its not her boyfriend, Nick, but Hardy instead. I do find it hard to believe you can be making out heavily with someone and not know its not your intimate partner. Not by his smell, the way he kisses, the size of certain things? But it’s a novel, and I chose to believe it at this moment, anyway. She leaves the closet and doesn’t see him for a few years.
She marries, Nick, a total a-hole who abuses her progressively until he ends up beating the shit out of her and then eventually raping her and leaving her to die. It’s pretty brutal.
She gets away from Nick and reconnects with her family, and ends up running into Hardy again. He remembers her too, and starts to pursue. He has no idea what she’s been through. She’s very attracted to him, but doesn’t want a relationship. She’s trying to change herself, and not let her brothers, father, boss, run her life and make decisions for her.
I felt Haven grew throughout the book, and of course fell for Hardy big time. His eyes are mentioned so much, I started to picture his eyes like young Paul Newman. Her ex shows up the picture again creating added strain and danger. I don't want to give anything else away. I was happy with the HEA, and I know you will be too.
Warning: There is spousal abuse, and a rape scene that may be uncomfortable for some readers.
October 24, 2018
I've been busy enough lately that my time here on GoodReads has dwindled. As a consequence, I'm afraid I'm falling behind in my reviews (and yes, being busy cuts into my reading time, too, but not at the same rate—I have priorities, thankyouverymuch). So I finished this almost a week ago and the details have gone a bit fuzzy. I'll do my best, but now you know not to expect my best work...
This review will have a spoiler for the first quarter or so of the book. It's not major (you can probably assume the trajectory without confirming the destination), but it is key to the plot. I don't mind giving readers a heads-up about it, but it's only fair to indicate it's coming for those who want to remain completely unspoiled going in.
I had a terrible time with the first part of this. I knew from the cover copy that Haven was headed for a rough time with her husband and the book lived up to that expectation. I know it's sexist, but I've always had a terribly hard time with violence against women. I don't care, it's just fundamentally different, at least in my emotional landscape. To Kleypas's credit, she treats it with the seriousness it deserves by both staying with Haven throughout, including a rape, and by giving it all the drama it deserves and not an iota more. In other words, she stuck to the essentials and left the events (and their aftermath) to speak for themselves.
So I was beyond elated when Haven finally got out. And even more so that she had people she could rely on to take care of her and protect her at her most vulnerable. And yes, it was awesome to see Gage again and the kind of man we knew he was. That feeling was reinforced by Haven knowing she could throw an emergency line to him and know, fundamentally, that he'd catch it.
I was even more elated when Hardy showed up. I'd already lost my heart to him in the first book and was disappointed when he blew it with Liberty. This was so much better, though, as it becomes clear how very much he needs Haven even as we know that she needs him. It was fantastic to see him learn and grow from the man for whom love wasn't enough to the one who knew it was everything. Watching them grow together in the teeth of the rest of the Travis clan was excellent. As nice was seeing Haven's father from her viewpoint as opposed to Liberty's. It was a more complete perspective of that family dynamic and very illustrative of why they are where they are (with the loyalty but essential disconnection we see them in as the series starts).
I had a bit of a harder time with Haven. She was so fragile and my heart ached for her, but that's an uncomfortable connection to a character, for me. It was a treat to see her grow strong. And fun to see her connect with Hardy. So it was very rewarding in the end.
So the beginning drags a near four-star down. A lot, given how much that kind of thing is hard for me to tolerate. But Hardy pulls that back up leaving this a shaky, but appreciated, four stars.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes, so the middle of my steam tolerance. And no, I'm not counting the rape. Kleypas takes a risk, here, as Hardy is all-alpha and sex play often includes elements of pursuit, capture, and dominance. And no, I'm not talking anything like S&M or actual dom/sub here (i.e. nothing extraordinary, IMO). Just that Hardy is very forceful. Kleypas makes it work because while forceful, it's never even a little bit actual force. Showing that difference almost elevated this an extra star for me both because it is a hard thing to do and because she pulled it off so well. And for the record, I liked it even more when Haven was comfortable enough to turn it around and we got to see that Hardy was one of those excellent men who is perfectly capable of extending trust by forfeiting control when appropriate, in turn.
This review will have a spoiler for the first quarter or so of the book. It's not major (you can probably assume the trajectory without confirming the destination), but it is key to the plot. I don't mind giving readers a heads-up about it, but it's only fair to indicate it's coming for those who want to remain completely unspoiled going in.
I had a terrible time with the first part of this. I knew from the cover copy that Haven was headed for a rough time with her husband and the book lived up to that expectation. I know it's sexist, but I've always had a terribly hard time with violence against women. I don't care, it's just fundamentally different, at least in my emotional landscape. To Kleypas's credit, she treats it with the seriousness it deserves by both staying with Haven throughout, including a rape, and by giving it all the drama it deserves and not an iota more. In other words, she stuck to the essentials and left the events (and their aftermath) to speak for themselves.
So I was beyond elated when Haven finally got out. And even more so that she had people she could rely on to take care of her and protect her at her most vulnerable. And yes, it was awesome to see Gage again and the kind of man we knew he was. That feeling was reinforced by Haven knowing she could throw an emergency line to him and know, fundamentally, that he'd catch it.
I was even more elated when Hardy showed up. I'd already lost my heart to him in the first book and was disappointed when he blew it with Liberty. This was so much better, though, as it becomes clear how very much he needs Haven even as we know that she needs him. It was fantastic to see him learn and grow from the man for whom love wasn't enough to the one who knew it was everything. Watching them grow together in the teeth of the rest of the Travis clan was excellent. As nice was seeing Haven's father from her viewpoint as opposed to Liberty's. It was a more complete perspective of that family dynamic and very illustrative of why they are where they are (with the loyalty but essential disconnection we see them in as the series starts).
I had a bit of a harder time with Haven. She was so fragile and my heart ached for her, but that's an uncomfortable connection to a character, for me. It was a treat to see her grow strong. And fun to see her connect with Hardy. So it was very rewarding in the end.
So the beginning drags a near four-star down. A lot, given how much that kind of thing is hard for me to tolerate. But Hardy pulls that back up leaving this a shaky, but appreciated, four stars.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes, so the middle of my steam tolerance. And no, I'm not counting the rape. Kleypas takes a risk, here, as Hardy is all-alpha and sex play often includes elements of pursuit, capture, and dominance. And no, I'm not talking anything like S&M or actual dom/sub here (i.e. nothing extraordinary, IMO). Just that Hardy is very forceful. Kleypas makes it work because while forceful, it's never even a little bit actual force. Showing that difference almost elevated this an extra star for me both because it is a hard thing to do and because she pulled it off so well. And for the record, I liked it even more when Haven was comfortable enough to turn it around and we got to see that Hardy was one of those excellent men who is perfectly capable of extending trust by forfeiting control when appropriate, in turn.
August 16, 2023
The second time reading this story I enjoyed it even more. Somehow I noticed more details about the two protagonists, Hardy and Haven, that I missed the first time.
This story is about two people who don't know their designated place in life, so they drift wherever the wind takes them, persuing random avenues and finally finding their place in it's other's arms.
Hardy Cates is for me (and I guess for whichever read Sugar Daddy) a repressed desire. He may acted like an asshole in the end of that book but I deffinitely wanted a HEA for him. Maybe Liberty wasn't his destiny but Haven surely is.
What did the trick for me was the first scene of them in the wine cellar. This intimate meeting of them, without knowing each other, extricated any doupts I might have about Hardy's intentions or emotions for Haven, after he learned her name and who her family is.
Their journey to each other isn't an easy one, Haven has made some bad choices in her life for which she paid in tears and blood, but I think it was necessary for her to become the strong woman she is in the end of the book.
In the other hand, we witness Hardy becoming as uncertain about himself as any man can be when he finaly finds the person that matters the most in his life, and that weakness made him even more perfect for me.
This series is so far great, Lisa Kleypa's writing is impeccable as always, drawing all kind of emotions from the reader and if you love contemporary romance then these books is a must-read.
This story is about two people who don't know their designated place in life, so they drift wherever the wind takes them, persuing random avenues and finally finding their place in it's other's arms.
Hardy Cates is for me (and I guess for whichever read Sugar Daddy) a repressed desire. He may acted like an asshole in the end of that book but I deffinitely wanted a HEA for him. Maybe Liberty wasn't his destiny but Haven surely is.
What did the trick for me was the first scene of them in the wine cellar. This intimate meeting of them, without knowing each other, extricated any doupts I might have about Hardy's intentions or emotions for Haven, after he learned her name and who her family is.
Their journey to each other isn't an easy one, Haven has made some bad choices in her life for which she paid in tears and blood, but I think it was necessary for her to become the strong woman she is in the end of the book.
In the other hand, we witness Hardy becoming as uncertain about himself as any man can be when he finaly finds the person that matters the most in his life, and that weakness made him even more perfect for me.
This series is so far great, Lisa Kleypa's writing is impeccable as always, drawing all kind of emotions from the reader and if you love contemporary romance then these books is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,181 reviews