Seduce Me at Sunrise

"Kev loved her. Not in the way that novelists or poets described. Nothing so tame. He loved her beyond earth, heaven, or hell. Every moment out of her company was agony; every moment with her was the only peace he had ever known. Every touch of her hands left an imprint that ate down to his soul... Kev did not know if Win loved him in return. All he knew was that he didn't want her to." * In Lisa Kleypas's previous novel, "Mine Till Midnight," readers became acquainted with two unforgettable characters that honestly threatened to usurp attention: Winnifred "Win" Hathaway, and Kevin Merippen. Win is basically considered by most in society to be an invalid. Scarlet fever greatly damaged her health, and it's entirely likely that she'll not be able to live a normal life: marriage, children, etc. are most likely too strenuous for her condition. But though her physical self may be sickly, the strength of her character shines through: she knows what she desires in life, and with whom... Merripen had a horrendous childhood. (Picture Jet Li from "Unleashed," but as a Gypsy in Victorian times.) Having lived with the Hathaways for numerous years, he has an unflailing loyalty toward the family (even to the newest edition by matrimony, Cameron Rohan, with whom he previously had relationship of subdued hostility). But of all the Hathaways, Merripen couldn't care more for Win, the love of his life. She reciprocates, but due to his upbringing, Merripen believes that his soul is too black, too tainted for her, and that she deserves better. Though for years he has covertly relished in her closeness, in her caring nature, Win is shipped off to a clinic in France in hopes of improving her health. (Leo Hathaway, the drunkard brother from "Mine Till Midnight," joins her in hopes of settling his life in a foreign country.) Three years later, a healthier Win returns to an emotionally damaged Merripen: a man who will swear off love at all costs. Tired of waiting for him, Win seriously considers suitor Dr. Julian Harrow: the doctor who cared for her at the clinic in France, and who would like their relationship to be more personal than professional. When he receives information that sheds doubt on Win's safety in Dr. Harrow's company, Merripen is caught between a rock and a hard place: he loves Win more than life itself, and can't bear for her to put her trust in someone only to be devestated, or perhaps physcially hurt; however, since childbirth is still a risky situation for Win, Merripen is sure that any spawn of his would kill her. To throw another wrench into the works, Merripen and Cameron wish to finally acquire the knowledge of *why* they have the same Irish tatoo... ***** Readers of Kleypas's previous works will possibly be reminded of "Dreaming of You" (often considered her best work) and how Derek Craven repeatedly pushed Sara Fielding away out of fear of hurting her, and in posession of the notion that she deserved better. Derek and Merripen are two very damaged, scarred people that need a healer more than they realize; and Sara and Win are two strong females--they posess *true* strength of character, not pig-headed stupidity/impulsiveness that a lot of "modernized" heroines have. In some areas, this book seems like a tragedy slowly unfolding--Shakespearean in nature: hero denies heroine his love, inadvertently driving her into the arms of the villain. At times, a happy ending seems nigh impossible. However, the drama is tempered with comedy and lightness at appropriate times--especially regarding Leo Hathaway, who lost none of his unique charm while away on the Continent. One also can't forgett Win's younger sisters, Poppy and Beatrix (loveable in their own ways), as well as Amelia and Cameron from "Mine Till Midnight." And the desire/romance/passion/love... flares from the first page! 5/5 stars

*spoilers* I think the problem is that I severely disliked the two leads. I love Lisa Kleypas, and the first few chapters had a lot of promise. But ultimately I found Win to be desperate and Kev was just.... ugh. Terrible hero. He continued to push her away because he "wanted her to be happy," but then went on an unromantic campaign to keep her from being happy with anyone else (I guess it's supposed to be "brooding"). By the end, I hoped she ended up with Dr. Murder. Such a disappointment.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I really can't put the book down. There's no way for you not to feel the love that Kev has for Win. Since the first time he saw her, there's already the connection. And one of my favorite part was when Win got scarlet fever, and Kev made the medicine to cure Leo and Win then he mixed much more than was needed and just put the remaining on the bedside table, you wouldn't know the importance until after Kev was sent to the gaol *** spoiler *** and it was explained that it was because Kev intends to drink it and choose to die than live in a world where Win will no longer be.. I'm really touched and I cried when I read it, especially also on Leo's part when that's what he wanted to happen to him. That's the power of love!