The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3): Wallflowers Series, Book 3 [Formato Kindle]

Where else can I begin, excpt to say that Kleyas only gets better and better with every book she writes, especially with her wallflowers series. Evie and St. Vincent's breathtaking story is the third in the series (First "Secrets of a Summer Night", then "It Happened One Autumn") and without a doubt the best one to date. Built on the basis of friendship, the series matures remarkably with each installment, always keeping the spirit of sisterhood and friendship intact throughout each. Evie has much to be grateful for in her small circle of friends as her story progresses.

St. Vincent has returned from his foiled attempt to kidnap, wed and seduce Lillian Bowman. Beaten and downtrodden, he's not expecting the shy and reclusive redhead that insists on entry into his home. Even more surprising, he's astonished at Evangeline Jenner's proposal of marriage - a marriage of convenience in which she receives sanctuary and protection from her abusive family and he gets what he so desperately needs. That would be money, of course. The daughter of a notorious gaming club owner and a rumored half-wit, St. Vincent never thought he'd be stooping to such a level as to consider Evie's offer. Hard times call for desperate measures, on both their parts, and the two are quickly off the Gretna Green for an elopement of the not-so-heart. Both are determined to maintain their distance, but both are in for some eye opening experiences, ones where prior assumptions and false conclusions about one another will be tossed to the curb. Is it really possible for a self-professed rake to do a complete one eighty? The chances are good for St. Vincent, and watching his awakening to Evie's not so obvious charms is a wonderful experience.

Kleypas's wallflowers series began with an endearing promise, among four unlikely friends, to aid one another in the begetting of husbands. That theme of spirited friendship has prevaled throughout the series and in Evie's story her friends come through for her at probably one of the most trying times of her life. A husband like St. Vincent was no easy cross to bear, a totally debauched rogue with no concerns besides ones for himself, he definitely makes it hard on Evie at times. However, at the same time, no one ever set out to take such devoted and gentle care of the fragile young woman. All but broken by the abuse of her "noble" family, Evie is frankly surprised at St. Vincent's efforts on her behalf. When he tries to bully her into a position she doesn't like, he's equally amazed at the fiery woman that steps out from behind her shell. Who'd have thought a self-professed wallflower could have such spirit and fortitude? The two are a fun and exciting couple to say the least. The attraction between the two was very well written and the chemistry practically leaped right off the pages, it was so intense. By far the best romantic achievement by Klepas to date. And it brought back fond memories of one of my favorites of hers, "Dreaming of You" ( Derek Craven, the hero of that book, is briefly mentioned in this current title. If you liked this story line, I highly recommend "Dreaming of You" too.). The only complaint I have is that there will be a wait for Daisy's story, "A Scandal in Spring", scheduled for release later in 2006. Keep 'em coming, Kleypas. We definitely want more.

"Devil in Winter" is the much anticipated third book in Lisa Kleypas' Wallflower series, a group of books about four upper-class Victorian-era friends who band together in their quest for suitable husbands. The heroine of "Devil in Winter" is Evangeline Jenner, the flame-haired, painfully shy daughter of notorious London gaming club owner Ivo Jenner (a secondary character in Kleypas' wonderful book "Dreaming of You".) The hero is Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, last seen at the end of "It Happened One Autumn" brooding over his failed attempt to kidnap and forcibly wed another Wallflower, the lively American heiress, Lillian Bowman. If you love the Gorgeous, Hardened Rake Reformed By the Awkward, Innocent Virgin storyline, this is the book for you. If you were hoping for something a little bit darker and edgier based upon Sebastian's somewhat morally ambiguous character in "It Happened One Autumn", you may be slightly disappointed.

The story is set up as a Marriage of Convenience plot, with the (previously) timid, stuttering heiress Evie approaching gorgeous, financially-strapped libertine Sebastian with an offer of marriage. Evie is desperate to escape from her abusive, overbearing maternal relatives in order to nurse her ailing, consumptive father through his final days. Viewing marriage as her only option and realizing that Sebastian is in desperate need of money, Evie proposes an elopement to Gretna Green and Sebastian sardonically agrees to the plan. Evie's bargain involves consummation of the marriage to make it legal, but no lovemaking after the first night (Ha! As if!!!)

During their road trip to Scotland for the elopement, the couple begins to bond and (rather unwillingly) to develop feelings for each other. The Sebastian in "Devil in Winter" is a much kinder, gentler version of the terminally selfish, charming, indolent, and amoral rake from "It Happened One Autumn". He spends a lot of time nurturing Evie--supplying her with warm bricks for her feet and even brushing her teeth and tucking her into bed! Evie's stutter almost completely disappears by Chapter 2 (supposedly because she feels so "comfortable" with sarcastic, sinfully attractive and seductive Sebastian.) The inner strength and determination beneath her shyness is revealed (no surprises here.) Sebastian, former heartless lover of hundreds of women, begins to (rather inexplicably IMO) develop a grand passion for sweet, awkward Evie. Evie is worried that Sebastian will break her heart if she allows herself to care about him, so she attempts to hold him at arm's length; however, she finds herself depending upon him more and more once they return to London and her father's gaming club where the formerly indolent Sebastian becomes quite a workaholic. There is a subplot with a villainous former employee of the club who wishes to harm Evie and requisite Heroic Rescue by Sebastian.

The story is well-written and the plot moves along well, particularly considering that it is weighted down by a number of romance cliches. The secondary characters are interesting and very well done, particularly Cam, the gorgeous, enigmatic half-gypsy croupier at Jenner's gaming club.

In summary, this is an entertaining (if not particularly ground-breaking) tale of the Reformation of A Hardened Rake by A Sweet Virgin that is sure to please romance readers who love that familiar plot line.

Recommended.

This is the third installment to the "Wallflower Series," in which the most socially-inept member of the group, Evangeline Jenner, is paired with "rakish" bachelor, Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. These two individuals would likely never have been attracted to each other had it not been for the intensity of their needs: hers for protection by marriage (from evil family members) and his for money (her father's).

Luckily, Evangeline discovers that her husband is not totally selfish and promiscuous and Sebastian discovers that his wife is not a total doormat. Evangeline can and does take up for herself, although at times it is difficult for her. Her father is owner of a wealthy gaming club in London, which Sebastian and Evangeline will inherit upon his death. The happy couple elopes to Gretna Green and returns to London, where Sebastian begins to manage the Club. Evie's selfish relatives attempt to kidnap her and force a marriage with her worthless cousin, but that is quickly foiled (they were to annul the marriage).

There is more danger for the couple, though, from an unknown source. This carries the plot through the second half of the book, which was the most emotionally intense. Both of the main characters are fearful of commitment: she due to her past treatment by relatives (and a physical rejection of sorts by her father)and Sebastian's due to the loss of his sisters and mother. This was an enjoyable sequel that is highly-recommended. Looking forward to Book # 4!