Devil in Spring

The Ravenels #3

by Lisa Kleypas

An eccentric wallflower

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy–and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult

370 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 21, 2017

About the author

LISA 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.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is hard to rate. For me, anyway.
The first half of the book was easily 5 stars. EASILY! Pandora was adorable, plucky, and sure of what she wanted out of life. And Gabriel is charming, funny, considerate, and sexy.
I just sat back and waited for the sparks to fly!



The meet-cute was adorable! With just the right amount of humor, silliness, and historical must marry for appearances nuttiness that keeps me coming back for more of these sorts of books.
Oh, and the cameos of characters from other books (especially Evie and Sebastian!) were done to perfection!
And the introductions to the new characters was equally well done. Midway through this thing, I was going crazy with all the excitement that was wafting off me!



And then...*farts*
Pandora just got weird. And not in a quirky/cute way. In that is she maybe mentally challenged? way.
She had childlike wonder. What? What is that?! That's just a nice way to say someone is stupid and doesn't understand the way the world works. It's not a compliment in most cases.



It was like she had the mental capacity of a 14 year old, and Gabriel was ok with that. Charmed, even! Which just...ehhhh. I don't know. Pandora just seemed like too much of a Fruit Loop for me to take seriously by the end of this thing.
So, between the badly done scenes with ex mistress, and the ham-fisted villain (that literally made no sense!), and putting a total ding-dong as the heroine, I was extremely disappointed with the last half of the book.
But.
It wasn't unreadable, and I'm glad they got their HEA.



Basically, the beginning was wonderful, but the end felt rushed and ridiculous.
Still, it's Klypas, so I'll be coming back for more.

[Geri Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah!!!

“I’m not your enemy,” he managed to say.
“You’re not my fiancé, either.”
“Not yet.”
“Not ever.”
Gabriel wanted to pounce on her. He wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

This book is everything a historical romance should be. From its unforgettable characters to its sparkling and witty dialogue, Devil in Spring not only met but exceeded my very high expectations. I loved this book and these characters so much.

Lisa Kleypas has a way of capturing emotions without wasting many words. Her characters are vibrant and so full of life. She easy for readers to not only understand and sympathize with these characters but full on fall in love with them.

Pandora might be my favorite Kleypas heroine to date. I still love Evie but Pandora overcame so much more. Her journey was such a joy to read. Actually, there's a level of joy permeating this book that I was smiling all the way through it. Sure. There were some tense and emotionally fraught moments as well but there was never any doubt about the payoff, which is the HEA.

I have much love for Sebastian (Devil in Winter) and Derek Craven (Dreaming of You) and Hardy Cates (Blue-Eyed Devil) but Gabriel...*heart eyes* He's Sebastian St. Vincent's son but he is also Evie's. Which means, he's the best of both worlds and it shows. Not to say that he doesn't have flaws. He's still very much a product of his generation and lives a privileged life. But he's also kind and loyal and just so attuned to Pandora's needs which makes him more appealing. As far as being a romantic hero, he's perfect.

You guys! The way he treats Pandora and the way he went about courting her heart will seriously melt your heart. It's one of the best parts of the book and Lisa Kleypas spent a lot of time building their relationship. It's so good and so romantic.



There were so many scenes and dialogue in this book that I really want to share but won't because it would be so much better to experience them yourselves. Trust me you will be laughing and sniffling at all the heartfelt dialogue in this book.

I haven't even talked about how Seb is with Gabriel (OMG! So cute and lovely!) or Seb with Evie (*swoons*) or Gabriel with Evie (*heart eyes*)! Their relationship with each other is #goals. And Gabriel and Pandora is OTP! Full stop.

As for cameos from the Wallflower gang...yes! We do get Evie and Seb as well as Westcliff. I wish we could've seen more of the other couples but I really can't complain. There's also a great set-up for the next book in the series, which I am now dying to read.

This book made me so happy. It truly did. And it also makes me want to re-read The Wallflowers again.




______________________________________

I might have peed in my pants little when I read that prologue.



So excited!!!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Have you forgiven Lisa Kleypas for ditching historical romance for...for...whatever that was she was writing? Still holding on to that bitterness? Well, let it go, baby.

Let. It. Go!

Not only is she back with the FABULOUS folks at Avon Books, but she's writing a HISTORICAL ROMANCE series again!

Annnnnnnnnnddddddddd......

Take a peek at that title, DEVIL IN SPRING. Remind you of another similar title? Come on, surely you don't have to think toooooooooooooooooooo hard.... Okay, here's a hint - DEVIL IN WINTER from The Wallflowers! YES! Devil in Spring is the story of Evie and Sebastian's son and the prologue, which is available on the author's website, features Evie and Sebastian and a wonderful bathroom scene...just sayin...

Check out the prologue here: Devil in Spring Prologue

[Christina ~ Brunette Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Devil in Spring takes the cake! Persevering and good intentions notwithstanding, I'm sorry to say that after having left Cold-Hearted Rake and Marrying Winterborne quite disappointed, this third book in the Ravenels series has surpassed them by a long shot and has managed to be both boring and irritating in a way I haven't encountered in a long time. If you put together a faux rake and a petulant childish woman, add an inconsistent plot awkwardly spanning from light comedy to overblown melodrama and sprinkle them with unconvincing dialogues and a string of are-you-kidding-me situations, you’ll get, well, my Devil in Spring reading experience: a major eye-rolling spree from chapter one to the very last page. All the aspects I perceived as flaws and that I noticed in the previous two instalments in the series appeared more evident to me in Devil in Spring, from glaring modernisms to uneven plot structures mainly, but what really annoyed me were the incongruous personality traits of the leads.
So to pay homage to the heroine’s profoundly obnoxious and constant habit of making up silly neologisms by shrinking two words in one, I can safely state that I found this book extremely BORRITATING!

Yes, this romance features Sebastian and Evie's son as the hero. Gabriel's father is that very same Lord St. Vincent protagonist of Kleypas “legendary” Devil in Winter, a book I loved, loved, loved, and he still is, together with Gabriel’s older sister Phoebe, the only glimmer of witticism in this whole hot mess of a generational sequel. BUT, disclaimer, it’s not having found it sub-par to that book I’m holding against this one, and I purposely never gave in to the temptation of comparing the two while reading, so Devil in Spring tirelessly earned the 1 Star rating from me all on its own merits. And I’m not even one who minds clichés too much in romance novels (roué + innocent = love, like in this case), as long as they are well executed.

The story opens as Pandora is attending a soirée, and she can’t wait for it to end! Wearing luxurious clothes, listening to sophisticated music and munching on expensive food for free it’s horrible, you know, because she has decided, after going through very deep reflection, that among the Ton everybody except her family is basically a shallow empty shell of a person and that once you’ve met a specimen, you’ve met them all (that’s some promising thought-process for you). But then things get interesting, as she, as any self-respecting damsel in distress would, finds herself stuck, head-first-arse-up, in the nasty claws of a wrought-iron settee in the garden and our hero, Gabriel, has to “rescue” her from the dire predicament. Someone sees them, misunderstands their “position”... and compromised! Before you can say boo!! Then, right after this quasi-scandal has played out, the plotline takes the classic marriage of convenience bend, and everything could have been fine, if predictable, but the incoherent behaviours and the heroine’s exasperated (and exasperating) characterisation kick in as well. And with a romance pretty much resolved in the first half of the book, the second one offers nothing but a baffling collection of unnecessary and dramatic twists and turns: from stabbings and anarchists to resentful ex-mistresses and more.

I confess I’ve never liked Pandora and her twin sister Cassandra, neither in book 1 nor in book 2 where they were just hyper teens featuring as secondary characters, but I thought that when arriving to her own story she, now 21, would have been portrayed as matured enough, out of the box all you want, but still plausible as an adult. No such luck. From the very beginning, the idea that the reader should perceive Pandora as endearingly quirky is so overplayed that she ends up never appearing as believable, never sounding as “real,” but just keeps impersonating one cutesy-cute trope after another. Had she been meant to represent a sort of parody within the genre, then maybe, but she was meant to be taken seriously. And I couldn’t take seriously this self-absorbed and clueless pixie prancing around annoying anything and anyone within reach to unprecedented degrees.

Let’s see, what was the core of The Conflict? Oh, yes! Pandora doesn’t want to get married, EVER, because 1) marriage is a legal cage for a woman (and it sure was in those days) and 2) the independent future and the successful career as a board games designer she has already planned for herself would be irremediably thwarted were she to become a wife. Gabriel, on his part, knows his duty as the heir to a dukedom is to eventually have a family, so he’s a bit vexed at first that he’ll have to do it with this unfit klutz, but don’t you worry, as soon as he takes a better look few days later, he falls into an epic insta-love frenzy and suddenly can’t be thankful enough for the bride fate and a providential piece of outdoor furniture have kindly bestowed him. So is up to Pandora to drag The Conflict some pages longer and she does it by pulling the proto-feminist card out of the deck. Perfect! I usually adore this type of scenario in Historical Romances though, of course, only when it’s done in a convincing manner. And here be problems...

Even if I didn’t want to nitpick and say that what Pandora passes off as her own 1870s progressive thinking sounds more like something a 1900s-20s suffragist would have asserted, and in this context a 30 to 50 years gap is no detail, how am I to believe that this sheltered, wide-eyed, absent-minded ingénue has developed such solid awareness as to lecture us about Victorian matrimonial law when she also is quite a blank slate on everything else, takes juvenile numbered notes on a journal, giggles about pirates and Vikings and stupidly puts herself in dangerous situations? How am I to give her credit when she drones on about women’s rights but later proceeds to behave with complete casualness toward one of her employee? Like asking for her new personal footman to resemble Father Christmas and then, displeased with the hired bloke’s looks, almost demands to dismiss him for it and not yet content she goes on insisting, with astonishing stubbornness, in spelling the footman’s name in a different way when he repeatedly tells her he doesn’t want his name changed. Really? Why not making her behave accordingly and not just parroting some high principle if you want me to buy her emancipated mind? In fact the feminist fancy doesn’t last long, it only takes some magic waltzing and all the doubts she had about giving up her independence fly out of the window. Oh, Gabriel won’t have her say the word “obey” when pronouncing their marriage vows and he has promised that he won’t interfere with her career, though the board game business is soon forgotten as well and only brought up again to be used as a catalyst for all the drama padding up the second part of the book, which instead would have been much better served if the focus had remained character-driven and on the marriage of convenience theme.

Gabriel was supposed to be this ultimate rake paragon, working as the balancing counterpart to Pandora’s naivety in the “opposites attract” frame, though he lacked the charm and the sauciness that role requires. He’s handsome, privileged, caring, nice and all, but there’s no substance to him and the only “interesting” aspect he brings to the plot is his two years sexual relationship with a married woman and his hypocritical attitude in this regard. He values marriage vows as sacred, but she’s the only one in whole London able to satisfy his needs and dark desires, you see, so despite guilt and shame, he really had no other choice. Right. He also blathers of the mistress’s beauty, talents and creativity between the sheets while trying to convince Pandora to marry him. And Pandora The Feminist has nothing to say about it. Priceless.
Dark desires that turn out to be some very light bondage, or at least that’s what we get to know for sure, because Gabriel thinks to himself that with trust and time, Pandora will surely consent to other intimacies, so the real extents of these dark desires are not ours to see. He ties her wrists with her corset strings during one of the last sex-scenes, without warning her, without discussing anything, Pandora has no reactions, so the whole thing was utterly pointless and only a shortcut to give him some “depth,” lately often common practice in romance novels.. At the end of the day though, he seems to find his true calling in sort of protecting/condescending Pandora in every way, and he happily and lovingly follows her downward character’s trajectory from original to irritating with a sigh and a smile.
At some point Pandora, wondering and musing, tries to guess what is it that Gabriel finds so interesting and fascinating about her, and she admits she can’t come up with one single thing.
So much for that.

[♥ℳelody · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars



Mixed feelings over this one.

A recurring theme for me in 2018. *sigh*

Some parts I enjoyed and thought were cute. Other parts? Bored me silly. That’s why it took me so long to finish this. 3 weeks to finish a Lisa Kleypas book is unheard of for me. But to be completely fair I’ve also had hectic life get in the way of reading. I’ve been tired, stressed, sick and moody as hell so it was hard to even pick up a book and read.

Did I hate this? No. Did I love it? Not really. It was just...ok. Ok isn't bad, it's just ok. I initially wanted to give this an extra star because I didn't hate it but to be 100% honest I kept fighting myself to continue reading this. Which is no fun. I wish I had the typical “omg it’s Kleypas voodoo magic. I cannot pry my fingers off this book. Give me 5 more minutes”. But alas, that magical feeling did not happen here.

I knew going into this the heroine would be problematic. I braced myself. But surprisingly Pandora didn’t irk me as much as I thought she would. Oh she definitely had her moments where I wanted to throw my shoe at her and strangle her (see status updates). It certainly helped that this book wasn't all about her pursuing her game board business. That was what I was most afraid of. But honestly the thing I struggled with the most wasn’t Pandora. It was the romance. I just had a really difficult time seeing or feeling any romantic chemistry between Pandora and Gabriel. That intrinsic connection that Lisa is usually so good at with her couples was missing for me. I think what made this miss its mark is how quickly Gabriel went from thinking she’s odd and peculiar to “omg I must have her as my own” in a matter of days. It just came out of nowhere. Fast handed insta-lust usually doesn't work for me especially when the characters are such complete opposites. This should have been a slow burn. I wanted a slow build, a slow simmer, not “omg she’s walking in circles again how adorable” a few days after meeting her. Like huh?! No. Some couples don’t necessarily need slow and steady build up, the spark is lit quickly (like Rhys and Helen) and it makes sense and works, here for me it didn’t at all. I thought their first meeting was hilarious and cute as hell. But everything afterwards? Meh.

I didn’t understand how level-headed cautious Gabriel fell so quickly for flighty Pandora who sometimes acts like a forgetful willful child. And I don’t mean that as a dig. It's just a fact. She's not for everyone. I just wasn’t convinced this couple meshed well. I needed more hesitation on his part or just a slower build up. He’s pouring out endearments and poetic monologues in her (bad) ear 1 week after meeting her. That just was way too fast and felt insincere. I had to keep reminding myself that this heroine has ADD and a hearing problem too which makes her more unique and some things more understandable. But understanding it is one thing, not enjoying it is another. And also, having ADD doesn't excuse a character for taking arrogant liberties, Lisa. Come on now, you know better than that. Let's just nip that in the bud. I usually love when characters are written with *flaws* that make them the outcast trying to fit in. It’s more realistic and makes the relationship more dynamic and layered. And LK is wonderful at writing “wild” unhibited eccentric heroines who find their match. My babies Beatrix Hathaway & Christopher Phelan and Daisy Bowman & Matthew Swift are testament to that (seriously read their books!!!). I actually empathized with Pandora’s struggle and shame of not being “like other girls”. I like that she embraced it even when she tried to do better. I was worried I would get the same Pandora we saw in the previous book who would race around a department store arms full of toys and trinkets to buy and playing with doorknobs like a mischievous puppy. I kept envisioning her as a wild child. She definitely was more mature here even with her rough edges. I just struggled to fully connect with her. Like I said, she's not for everyone and I don't think she was for me. The times she chose to dig her heels in made me question her and the times she easily agreed confused me more. She kept doing the opposite of what I was expecting, some moments were nice others were confounding as hell. Hence the mixed feelings for me.

I feel like I'm talking in circles. Am I? lol 😅

As for Gabriel, he’s definitely Evie and Sebastian’s son. I thought he was sweet, charming, patient and understanding. Was he a rake though? No. Not even close. The blurb on this book labels him as one of England’s “most notorious rakes” which is a complete mislabel and false. I’m not saying I went into this expecting Sebastian 2.0. Nope. And I was fine with that. I actually randomly noticed the blurb descriptor on the back of the book and I did a double take and laughed. Gabriel is not a rake. And that’s fine. But this book kept trying to sell him as something he wasn’t and it came off a little bit forced. The only vice he is guilty of having was having a married mistress. Which is probably the most bizarre convoluted thing out of this entire book and where I take issue. For one, for someone who was raised in a loving home by parents who love each other and believe in respecting marriage vows and who swears he himself is against getting involved with married women, he still did it. Second, his reason for having this affair was because this woman apparently was the only woman in all of England who could satisfy his “dark desires” in the bedroom and and I quote "understands his dark shameful needs" like that justifies it. And third, for a man with said “dark desires” he was an utter tame bore in the bedroom with Pandora.

*crickets*.............Uh ok. So what happened? I was waiting for some kind of freaky kinky shit to happen in the bedroom and Pandora was definitely up for it but that never happened. That one incident of tying the hands with the corset was a small blip on the hot radar. Rhys and Helen's book was way more spicier in the sex department than this one. Just saying.

My point is if you are going to have your hero brood constantly over something like his alternative taboo sexual tastes, then you better take it there all the way or forget it. This goes back to the dreaded don’t build readers expectations up only for the big show to be a complete flop. Lisa admitted writing this hero was a challenge and hard for her because he isn’t Sebastian and it showed. Gabriel is not like her typical cynical tormented rakes who carry a lot of baggage. He grew up in a loving home with loving parents and siblings. He’s the “golden” boy who everyone admires and wants to be and who mamas want for their daughters. She compaired him to be the Historical version of a JFK Jr. Handsome, established, titled bachelor who has a lot of pressure put on him to succeed. I get it. But please let’s not have the heroine (who is feircely independent) sympathize with his choice of having a married mistress all because he had sexual needs and no one would understand because of society’s pressure on him to be perfect. Oh the poor thing. Seriously?

Let’s not shall we? It’s laughable and silly to me. Just call it what it is and move on.

Let me be clear and say I didn’t find the mistress angle offensive or anything like that, nor the fact that Pandora wasn't hysterical over it. I actually thought she was very level headed and mature over it which I liked (ridiculous sympathy remark excluded). Gabriel's relationship with his former mistress had no relevance to the couple's story and it thankfully ended right after Gabriel met Pandora. There is no other woman involved in this story. I just found the hero’s motivations as to why he had that affair with her to be really contradictory to his character and just plain old lame. That's all.

What I did enjoy? Evie and Sebastian. Gosh I still love these two. They are just as divine and wonderful as doting parents/grandparents as they were in their young years. Lawd. This reminded me why I fell hard for this couple and their story. I'm usually not one who enjoys seeing HEA established couples decades later, it just tends to open a can of worms I’d prefer to keep closed (i.e: messing too much with a good thing or possibly breaking the illusion of what you pictured them years down the road). But no these 2 were still perfect as ever, exactly the same and seeing them and their lively brood of kids just made me want to grab up their book again and read it. Little Ivo for me was such a standout and it just tickled me that he carries his grandfather's name. What a fucking hoot he is. He charmed my pants off and Gabriel's relationship with him and Phoebe just made me feel all squishy and warm inside. Adorable. 💕I'm honestly not sure how I feel about revisiting all the Wallflower's kids if Lisa is really serious about it (she keeps mentioning it so I'm guessing it's a big possibility) but I wouldn't mind reading about a few more if this is what we get to see.

I will definitely keep with this series cause her writing is still like crack for me. I'm definitely eager for West/Phoebe and Cassandra/Severin books. Not so excited for the next book but hoping to be proven wrong. I obviously haven’t read Garrett’s book yet but let me just say it now, a heroine digging her heels in and sparing with a hero for daring to step in and save her ungrateful hiney when she is very clearly in danger of getting brained is not my idea of brave or smart. It's exhausting.

[Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that I'll be in minority, but I had problems with this one...

First, let me tell that Ms. Kleypas writes very well and that I love her style! And that's the ONLY reason I'm giving this 3 starts rating.

When I read the prologue, I was rubbing my hands and avidly read on... At the beginning the story was so promising: fanny, whitty dialogue, headstrong and indipendent heroine, a charming hero...

But from their marrige on the things went so fast downhill that I was left breathless...

The heroine strated behaving like an idiot, the hero strated behaving like a besotted slavist... The story line went beserk...

While the hero and the heroine were blisfully enjoying their marriage, there're some really important things that faded away into nothing...

Why the terrorist plot? Why the printer lady stabbed Pandora? Because Pandora didn't see anything at all! So why she did it? Mah...

Also the Gabriel's lover stuff... What's the point of the simil-confrontaion in front of the theater? Also, mah...

Shall we speak od Gabriel's dark desires? Shall I laugh? The top of his kinkiness is tieing her hands on her back? Really????!!!!

I loved Pandora and her no-nonsense in the previous book, but I didn't like her as a heroine.
As for Gabriel... too incredible transit from rake to besotted idiot.

So, I'm really, really sorry but this is a 2,5 stars rounder to 3... I was expecting so much more... :(

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars - Historical Romance

This was a delightful read, and I especially loooved Gabriel! He was just too yummy, swoonalicious perfect to be true! I really enjoyed all the witty, charming exchanges between him and Pandora. Pandora frustrated me at times with her insistent reluctance, and I felt like it took a bit too long for her to appreciate Gabriel and return his affection. Still, this was a wonderful romance!

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Ravenels!
Every last one of them. Just as much as I loved The Hathaways, The Wallflowers, and anything else Lisa Kleypas has ever written. I never realize how much I miss historicals until I pick up a Lisa Kleypas book--then I want to reread her whole darn catalogue over and over again!

And omg, to match up clumsy, clever, ambitious, independent, free-spirited Pandora with irreverent, seductive, somewhat of a rake-about-town Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, son of Sebastien and Evie? (Devil in Winter ) What a stroke of genius!

Pandora...but with blue eyes of course..


Gabriel...


I didn't care that this was a match of almost insta-love. It only took a matter of days for the hero to know that he had found the one--or at least to know that he didn't want any one else to have her. And I believed in the attraction .

Gabriel and Pandora were caught in a purely innocent but 'compromising' position and expected to wed to prevent scandal. Of course Pandora wants no part of marriage--she's determined to be her own woman and never any man's 'property'. But if there's one man who can change her mind, it's Gabriel Challon (I never knew their last name!) Lord St. Vincent, who becomes utterly captivated by the beautiful yet quirky Pandora.

As Gabriel and Pandora get to know one another and eventually wed, we the reader get clever and amusing dialogue, wonderful supporting characters (I want stories for all the remaining unmarried Ravenels and Challons but especially Drago(n), the footman/bodyguard), some steamy lovemaking, and a few dangerous moments that draws the H/h even closer together. Ah, the romance...I just loved Pandora and Gabriel.

If you've been reading this series you're going to love this one. I especially enjoy all the effort LK puts into researching the time period--just love all the little background info she provides that makes the story so enjoyable. Keep a close eye on the detective near the end of the book, who just may be a long lost Ravenel brother.
I wonder whose book will be next? There's a wealth of possibilities, especially if LK is going to link the children from previous series' H/h with characters from this series. Can't wait! 5 stars

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best books Ms Kleypas has written in years! There's just nothing to dislike in this book, seriously.
I LOVE THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24th June:

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think my verdict has been solidified now. No one writes historical romance like Lisa Kleypas does.

4.5 🌟

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m not your enemy,” he managed to say.
“You’re not my fiancé, either.”
“Not yet.”
“Not ever.”
Gabriel wanted to pounce on her. He wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

Unlike most debutantes Lady Pandora Ravenel has no plans to marry. She has dreams of making her board game business a success, of being free to do as she wants. She refuses to throw away her freedom on a man and marriage. Not even for the wickedly beautiful stranger Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, who she was caught with in a scandalous position that no one wants to believe was not what it looked like.

What was happening to him?
The rules of logic by which he’d always lived had somehow been subverted so that marrying Lady Pandora Ravenel was now the only acceptable outcome. He was unprepared for this girl, this feeling, this infuriating uncertainty that he might not end up with the one person he absolutely must be with.

Gabriel has been successful for years escaping all manner of marital traps, until a high-spirited beauty manages to snare him without even trying. Pandora couldn’t be less suitable as the wife a man of his position needs, but Gabriel can’t help but find her irresistible, of wanting her like he’s never wanted or needed anyone else. However, Pandora wants nothing to do with him or marriage, and Gabriel will do whatever it takes to make her his.

But when it came to Pandora, he was no better than a primitive brute. He wanted her all to himself, every word and glance, every touch of her hand, every glint of light on her hair and breath from her lips. He was jealous of the air that touched her skin.

There aren’t many romance authors who can write as loveable and captivating characters as Lisa Kleypas. She has the ability to make you fall hopelessly in love not just with the main characters and romance but also with the secondary characters. And with this series has some of my favorite characters.

“I never wished on falling stars, or pulled the petals off daisies while reciting ‘he loves me, he loves me not.’ At my brother’s wedding, they handed out slivers of wedding cake to all the unmarried girls and said if we put it under our pillows, we would dream of our future husbands. I ate my cake instead. Every crumb. I’ve made plans for my life that don’t involve becoming anyone’s wife.”

I fell in love with Pandora in the first book. She’s impulsive, energetic, honest to a fault, opinionated, compassionate and so unconventional for a woman of her time. And I loved every quirky and interesting thing about her, especially her love of inventing new and interesting words. How hard she fought for her independence, how determined she was to start her own board making company, how she accepted that she would always be different from most ladies and that she was fine with that. I loved that she was so unwilling at first to marry Gabriel, seeing marriage as a trap, a cage that would take all her freedom away. And I loved how hard she fought for that.

“You’re so beautiful . . . so precious to me. I’m not asking for a surrender, I’m offering you one. I’ll do anything. It has to be you, Pandora . . . only you . . . for the rest of my life. Marry me . . . say you’ll marry me . . .”

Of course I was super excited to learn more about Gabriel, seeing as he’s the son of two of my favorite LK couples, Evie and Sebastian St. Vincent. And I loved that he was such an almost perfect blend of both their personalities. Evie’s big heart and Sebastian’s wicked charm. I loved how instantly drawn and fascinated he was to Pandora, even though he was upset at having to offer marriage because of the circumstances they were found in. But even when he was presented with ways to evade marrying Pandora, he couldn’t stand the thought of her belonging to someone else. The way he craved her and how he tried to convince her to marry him was total swoon-worthy. My only complaint, and it’s a small one, is that his current mistress (whom he had no romantic and physical interaction with after he met Pandora) added drama to the story which I could have done without.

“Pandora,” he said huskily, holding her against his violently thumping heart. “I love you more than I can bear. You’re everything to me. You’re the reason the earth turns and morning follows night. You’re the meaning of primroses and why kissing was invented. You’re the reason my heart beats. God help me, I’m not strong enough to survive without you. I need you too much . . . I need you . . .”

The romance was excellent. I loved that Pandora was the reluctant one, and that Gabriel pursued her so relentlessly. And the fact that he tried so hard to make things just so that she wouldn’t feel that she was losing her freedom, but that she would always be safe with him. The sexy times were quite scorching and I loved these two together.

“Why is he your son when you’re pleased with him, and my son whenever he’s done something wicked?” Evie asked as Sebastian removed her apron and began to unfasten the front of her bodice.
“Since I’m the virtuous parent,” he said, “it only stands to reason that his wickedness must come from you.”
“You h-have that exactly backward,” she informed him.
“Do I?” Sebastian fondled her slowly as he considered her words. “I’m the wicked one? No, my pet, that can’t be right. I’m sure it’s you.”

The secondary characters are so freaking awesome in this series. I absolutely LOVED seeing Evie and Sebastian again, and it was so awesome seeing how loving and funny they are still together after 30years of marriage! And their children are fantastic! I really hope LK will write stories for all of them too, especially the heartbroken Phoebe. I absolutely adore Devon and the way he looks after his cousins. And the feisty Dr. Gibson and mysterious Ransom were excellent also. I especially enjoyed learning more about Ransom.

Lisa Kleypas is an amazing author and she shines with this series. If you haven’t read her yet, you are missing out!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm being generous with my stars because one of my favorite book-boyfriends in HR, Sebastian Saint Vincent, is the father of our hero, Gabriel Saint Vincent. He's such a DILF!!!



So, Gabriel is a rake and as gorgeous as his daddy. He gets caught in a compromising position with our heroine, Pandora. Even though it was completely innocent, she is ruined unless he marries her. He is willing, but she isn't. This perplexes our rake because, hey, who wouldn't want him?? His milkshake brings all the girls to the yard.

But, Pandora isn't buying what he is selling.



Of course, who could resist the gold Adonis that is this man? (makes sense since his father is a god) She eventually succumbs to his charms and agrees to marry him, even though she doesn't need money, or his title, or his protection... So, I guess she's doing it for the milkshake. Which makes sense.

He's thrilled:

“Lady Pandora Ravenel . . . I’m going to make you so happy that you won’t even care about losing your money, freedom, and your entire legal existence.”
Pandora groaned.

This book was soooo amazing up to the point of their marriage. I was smiling like an idiot with a balloon animal throughout the first half of the book. Their first kiss was not only super sweet and romantic, but was humorous since he tells her that she kisses like a pirate and she's not exactly sure if that's a compliment...


Aww, that's so nice of you to notice!

The problem comes up after they marry. Things go in a strange direction. I get that there needs to be some sort of danger/problem/conflict/whatever, but the one that shows up is just weird. It makes no sense, is resolved too easily, especially since the author decided to "go big or go home" with it, and just... just... sucked. It's basically the equivalent of saying that Barney needs a villain, so they bring in Rambo to kill the president of the United States and then the Scooby Doo gang shows up and immediately foils the whole plot. And, then you are just left shaking your head and saying "why?"


It just didn't fit.

But, I still loved the book and just ignored the weird part. It was totally worth reading and now I have a father/son thing going on in my book boyfriend corral. I'm not hung up on that whole age-thing when it comes to the imaginary.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, OMG, OMG!!! I have just died and gone to heaven!!!

Watch this:
Lisa Kleypas' video

And then read this:
Sneak peek

[Gio Listmaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We First Meet Pandora (Our Heroine) In Cold-Hearted Rake

You Can't Help But Fall For Her Quirky, Wild Ways

Then The Excerpt Was Released In Marrying Winterborne And I Lost My Mind

Sebastian And Evie's Son As The Hero Be Still My Heart

Pandora The Heroine Is Me And I Am Pandora

Here Are The Facts...................

Pandora Is A Klutz - I Am A Klutz

“Pandora decided to take another tack. “You do not want to marry me, my lord. I would be the worst wife imaginable. I’m forgetful and stubborn, and I can never sit still for more than five minutes. I’m always doing things I shouldn’t. I eavesdrop on other people, I shout and run in public, and I’m a clumsy dancer. And I’ve lowered my character with a great deal of unwholesome reading material.” Pausing to draw breath, she noticed that Lord St. Vincent didn’t appear properly impressed by her list of faults. “Also, my legs are skinny. Like a stork’s.”

Pandora Makes Up Words - I Make Up Words

“I’m all tangled up in these dratted—” she hesitated, wondering what to call the elaborate wooden curls and twists carved into the back of the settee. “—swirladingles,” she finished. “Acanthus scrolls,” the man said at the same time. A second passed before he asked blankly, “What did you call them?” “Never mind,” Pandora said with chagrin. “I have a bad habit of making up words, and I’m not supposed to say them in public.” “Why not?” “People might think I’m eccentric.”

Pandora Does Not Want To Be Married - Neither Did I Until I Found My Husband

“I’ve never wanted to marry,” Pandora continued. “Anyone who knows me will tell you that. When I was little, I never liked the stories about princesses waiting to be rescued. I never wished on falling stars, or pulled the petals off daisies while reciting ‘he loves me, he loves me not.”

Pandora Has The Inability To Stay Focused - I Am Easily Distracted

“Pandora grinned. “I rarely walk in a straight line,” she confessed. “I’m too distractible to keep to one direction—I keep veering this way and that, to make certain I’m not missing something. So whenever I set out for a new place, I always end up back where I started.” Lord St. Vincent turned to face her fully, the beautiful cool blue of his eyes intent and searching. “Where do you want to go?” The question caused Pandora to blink in surprise. She’d just been making a few silly comments, the kind no one ever paid attention to. “It doesn’t matter,” she said prosaically. “Since I walk in circles, I’ll never reach my destination.” His gaze lingered on her face. “You could make the circles bigger.” The remark was perceptive and playful at the same time, as if he somehow understood how her mind worked.”

Pandora Makes List Or Facts As She Calls Them - I Am A Listmaker

“Facts and Observations
#1 If people think you’re dishonored, it’s no different from actually having been dishonored, except you still don’t know anything.
#2 When you’ve been ruined, there are only two options: death or marriage.
#3 Since I am gravely healthy, the first option isn’t likely.
#4 On the other hand, ritual self-sacrifice in Iceland cannot be ruled out.

As If Lisa Kleypas Decided To Write Me My Very Own Historical Romance

Gabriel Our Hero Has A Rakish, Silver Tongue That Makes Me Swoon

“My sweet, there are altogether too many respectable ladies in the world. The supply has far exceeded the demand. But there’s an appalling shortage of attractive pirates, and you do seem to have a gift for plundering and ravishing. I think we’ve found your true calling.”

I Loved The Appearance Of One Of My Favorite Couples

“He takes after his father,” Evie said. Looking highly insulted, Sebastian rose to his feet in a graceful motion and pulled her up with him. “His father was never caught.” “Except by me,” Evie said smugly. Sebastian laughed. “True.” “What does in flagrante delicto mean, exactly?” “The literal translation? ‘While the crime is blazing.’” Picking her up easily, he said, “I believe a demonstration is in order.” “But what about the s-scandal? What about Gabriel, and the Ravenel girl, and—” “The rest of the world can wait,” Sebastian said firmly. “I’m going to debauch you for the ten thousandth time, Evie—and for once, I want you to pay attention.” “Yes, sir,” she said demurely, and looped her arms around her husband’s neck, as he carried her to their bedroom

Everything About This Book Made Me Want To Read It Again

[Viri · Rating 4 out of 5]

La reseña completa en el blog!!! http://www.virivillarreal.com/2017/10...


«Son criaturas peligrosas las florero... Hay que aproximarse a ellas con la máxima cautela. Se quedan silenciosas en los rincones, pareciendo abandonadas y tristes, cuando en realidad son sirenas que hacen caer a los hombres. Ni siquiera te darás cuenta de en qué momento te arranca el corazón. Y una florero no te lo devuelve nunca.»


¡¡¡Gracias Lisa por volver!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Este es un Lisa Kleypas registrado, con su estilo ligero, sentimental y divertido... de esos como los que ella sabe escribir.



Para ser completamente sincera, esperaba este libro con un cúmulo de ansiedad/miedo/expectativas. La mayoría ya sabe que los dos libros anteriores de esta serie en concreto no me gustaron mucho. Es por eso que a pesar de tener muy altas expectativas... (Más bien por el hecho de que el prota era hijo del amor literario de mi vida, oooook, uno de ellos, demándenme... soy polígama literaria) Estaba renuente a leerlo.


«—He recibido noticias sobre tu hijo.
—¿Cuál de ellos?
—Gabriel. Está relacionado con un escándalo.
—¿Por qué es tu hijo cuando estás satisfecho con él y el mío cada vez que mete la pata?
—Porque soy un padre virtuoso —replicó él—, así que, por lógica, su mal hacer tiene que venir de ti.»


Desde los primeros libros, Pandora no terminaba de convencerme. Me parecía una niña muy tontita e inmadura. Pero a pesar de eso, me gustó mucho ver su evolución. Y aunque algunas veces me irritaba demasiado, era una mujer muy centrada en un objetivo. Sincera, atrabancada, un poco salvaje pero con un corazón enorme.


«—Probablemente ya lo sabes —dijo sin rodeos—, pero te amo. De hecho, te amo tanto que no me importa tu monótona belleza, tus prejuicios contra ciertos tubérculos o la extraña preocupación que muestras por alimentarme con una cuchara. No pienso obedecerte nunca, pero siempre te amaré.»




Gabriel es lo mejor de sus padres, un hombre que cuando habla conquista.😍❤️😻

«Hay algo en ti que llama al diablo que llevo dentro.»


Para mí, Gabriel no está a la altura de su padre, pero es que a ese hombre lo tengo casi casi en un altar y es inalcanzable. Aunque si debo decir que es uno de los mejores personajes de Lisa en mucho tiempo. Un demonio con lengua de plata...

VALE LA PENA TOTALMENTE, volví a encontrar a la Lisa que me enamoraba. Y aunque algunas veces fue demasiado descriptiva y me aburrí un poquito... Gabriel como que me conquistó 😍❤️😍❤️ le iba a poner 3.5 pero considerando que los anteriores no fueron tan buenos le dejo las 4 estrellas ja

El desarrollo en general me pareció un poco confuso. Su "conquista y enamoramiento" se narró en el primer 50% y después de eso me quedé con cara de WTF? Y ahora qué? si ya son todos felices y shalala... No me gustó mucho la trama final que agregó, me pareció un poco forzada y más bien introductoria para el próximo libro, que espero no decaiga y sea para mejor. No es una historia original ni de esas inolvidables es más bien sencilla y sin sobresaltos pero a mí me gustó.

La única cosa que no me gustó ni comprendí en su totalidad pues siento que queda la idea volando fueron los "instintos" de Gabriel en la cama... era como PORFAVORRRR que no me salga su onda Sr. GREY que LO tiro por la ventana 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄. Al final ni siquiera se profundiza en el tema pero bueeeee... 🤷🏻‍♀️también pensé que el juego tendría más pero pero vuelvo a decir, bueeee 🤷🏻‍♀️



«—Pandora —dijo con la voz ronca, apretándola contra su acelerado corazón—. Te amo más de lo que puedo soportar. Para mí lo eres todo. La razón por la que gira la tierra y por la que la noche sigue al día. Eres lo que dota de significado a la primavera y la explicación de por qué se han inventado los besos. Eres la única razón de que mi corazón siga latiendo. Dios me perdone, pero no soy lo suficientemente fuerte para sobrevivir sin ti. Te necesito demasiado... Te necesito.»




Por cierto, ¿Ese prólogo? es 🤤❤️😍...

[Lady Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

If, like me, you have read and adored Devil in Winter, you probably have been eagerly anticipating this book featuring the grown son of Sebastian and Evie, now the Duke and Duchess of Kingston. And if, like me, you read the prologue on Lisa Kleypas's website last year, where Sebastian seduces a nursery maid, playfully pretending not to know that she is actually his wife, your anticipation grew even more. And you may be asking whether this books is as wonderful as Devil in Winter, to which I must answer with regret, “not even close.”

This new Viscount St. Vincent, Gabriel, is paired with Lady Pandora Ravenel, a sister of the hero and heroine in the first two volumes of The Ravenels series. I found the first book in the series, Cold-Hearted Rake, to be okay but not up to Kleypas's usual standards. The second book, Marrying Winterborne, was much better, and the audio version, narrated by Mary Jane Wells, was a full five-star experience. Lisa Kleypas has been one of my favorite historical romance authors for years, but this book simply did not engage me to the extent that I've come to expect.

Gabriel is a hero who is too good to be true. We are told that he is a “cynical rake,” but we don't see much of that in his behavior. He is handsome and charming and loves his family. He doesn't seem to gamble or drink to excess, and he has made his own fortune by shrewd investing. While he does have a mistress, he doesn't visit her even once after he meets Pandora. Supposedly he has some dark sexual desires, but that really comes to nothing more than light bondage. In short, “Gabriel” is an apt moniker for this man, for he is an angel.

Pandora, on the other hand, is a whirlwind, often unladylike, and firmly determined to run her own business. At a time when board games were beginning to become popular, she has invented a game (a story roughly patterned after the woman who invented the precursor to Monoply in 1903) and persuaded her brother-in-law, department-store magnate Rhys Winterborne, to sell it. When she meets Gabriel, her life is consumed with setting up a factory, hiring workers, and figuring out the final details of her invention.

Gabriel and Pandora are caught in a compromising situation at a society ball; although both are entirely innocent of any misbehavior, Lord Chaworth, one of the two men who happen upon them, insists that the right thing must be done. The other man is inclined to be more lenient, as he is Lord Westcliff, from It Happened One Autumn, an old friend of Gabriel's father. I was hoping for more Westcliff, but he makes just the briefest of cameo appearances. (As it turns out, Chaworth may be harboring a grudge, as Gabriel's father admits, “There may have been a brief dalliance with his wife a few years before I married your mother.”)

Gabriel and Pandora confess all to their families, but when Gabriel proposes marriage, Pandora turns him down flat. She has no intention of giving up her commercial aspirations and allowing her business to be controlled by a husband, which was how the laws of England stood in 1876. Gabriel has no desire to marry, but he finds himself intrigued by Pandora and rather shocked that she won't have him. He has the typical Victorian male reaction to Pandora's plans, and Ms. Kleypas does a good job of showing how Pandora gradually brings him around to understanding her distaste for becoming essentially some man's property.

Gabriel's parents decide to invite Pandora to their estate in Sussex so that the couple can become better acquainted, and before you know it they are in love. This happened way too quickly for my taste. Moreover, as I became better acquainted with Pandora, I found her less and less appealing. She was overly stubborn, uncompromising, thoughtless toward others' feelings, and lacking in common sense. Her demands are non-negotiable, but sweet Gabriel is so smitten that he constantly looks for ways to assuage her fear of being a married woman. I simply could not understand why Gabriel was so enchanted by her.

I don't think that it is a spoiler to disclose that Gabriel and Pandora do get married, as it occurs well before the end of the book. It is after they are married, however, that a so-so story becomes completely undone. Pandora is targeted by some murderous Fenians, an Irish nationalist organization, in a plot twist that simply comes out of nowhere. It felt as though Kleypas decided that there had not been any angst and the story needed some. I think she could have done better by showing us how Gabriel and Pandora, who had married rather quickly, adjusted to their new situation. In other words, some character development would have been nice.

Because it is Kleypas, the writing is competent, but I simply did not find it up to the standards of her earlier books. In Devil in Winter, Sebastian was a real devil who was gradually redeemed by the love of a devoted wife whom he married for money. Both characters are changed by their relationship, and this happened in a believable manner. Devil in Spring however has no devil, and the only character who changes is Gabriel, as he completely succumbs to Pandora's demands. Perhaps Kleypas would have been better served to give Gabriel some other parents; to do so would not have required many changes in the manuscript, as Sebastian and Evie are rarely seen. And perhaps I am being unfair to even compare Gabriel's story to that of his parents, but Kleypas must have known that expectations would be especially high.

I have read every historical romance written by Lisa Kleypas; and I will continue to do so, notwithstanding my disappointment with this book, because she writes better than 90% of the HR authors on the market. And I will no doubt listen to the Mary Jane Wells audio, which perhaps will make me like it more.

Many other reviewers have give this book high ratings, so perhaps my disappointment has caused me to overlook things that those readers enjoyed. You be the judge.

* * * * *

23 February 2017
This was lots of fun, but I must admit that I still prefer the father to the son. Dad was a real devil, but Gabriel is more like his namesake.

13 May 2016
Oh my goodness! I never expected to see this couple again. If you loved the Wallflowers, you must read the prologue. I literally gasped when I realized who I was reading about! Thirty years on, Sebastian is still hot!

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

If you asked me which one book was my most desired book of the year, I would answer, without any hesitations, Devil in Spring. I mean I cried when I heard who the book would be about, so that speaks volumes. Honestly, a book need only have Lisa Kleypas’ name on it for me to want it. But this book, I wanted because I fell in love with Pandora Ravenel in the previous book. And secondly, it features the son of Lisa Kleypas’ most iconic couple, Evie and Sebastian. How could I resist? Yet again, Lisa Kleypas has proven why she is the Queen of historical romance.

I have loved most of the author’s heroines. They are always smart, kind and very genuine. But Pandora might quite possibly be my favorite. She was unusual for a heroine of the era, her quirkiness stemming from her ADHD. I was curious to see how Lisa Kleypas would implement this into her story when she announced this a couple of months ago, and I personally thought, she did it smoothly and tactfully. There was just something about Pandora’s desires for more than marriage, her passion for her goals that made her shine. She was very much of a feminist, wanting equality for men and women in every aspect of life, and it made her all the more of a stronger protagonist. Besides her staunch aversion to marriage, Pandora was a funny character too, who constantly had me smiling or giggling at some of her antics. She was a breath of fresh air, and I have no doubts that readers will love her. I was a bit nervous about Gabriel. As much as I adore his reformed rake of a father, Sebastian, I didn’t want him to be an exact copy of his father. Thankfully, he wasn't! Fans of the Wallflower series will find the best of both Evie and Sebastian in Gabriel. He was intelligent, sophisticated, and charming but fret not! He also had his slightly rakish side that came out around Pandora.

At first glance, together these two seemed like the most unlikely couple, but as usual Kleypas makes them work brilliantly. It was glorious watching Gabriel fall thoroughly and hopelessly in love with this girl who is nothing like him, but ignites all kinds of desires in him. Watching Pandora slowly fall for him was even better. It was quite entertaining to read as she became bombarded with all these feelings that she never thought she would experience. He accepted her with all her flaws and how could she resist that and his seductive ways? As always, Lisa Kleypas presents readers with some scorching scenes between Gabriel and Pandora, but my favorite have to be the kissing scenes that are infused with so much sensuality, that I felt tingly all over. Not to mention, the witty banter between the couple is just so much fun. I just don’t know how this woman continues to write such engaging romances.

Besides the incredible romance, I was also very happy at the secondary cast, especially Evie and Sebastian’s big family. We get to see the strong bonds that exist between not only Evie and Sebastian, but also all the siblings and grandchildren. It was just heartwarming to see life after the HEA for Evie and Sebastian. All that being said, I do have a minor complaint when it comes to Devil in Spring and that would be the dangerous conspiracy mentioned in the synopsis. While executed very well, I would have liked for it to have happened a little sooner, and not towards the later end of the book. I was also hoping to see more of Pandora and her board games business ventures in the book. There was lots of descriptions to the game, of course, but I would have liked to see Pandora in action. However, none of those issues took away even a little from my enjoyment of the story.

I devoured Devil in Spring in one day, and it was just everything that I wanted and more. I’ve sung Lisa Kleypas’ praises left and right on this blog and on my old blog, so if you still haven’t read a book from her, I’m not sure why you’re wasting your time here when you could be reading a beautiful romance that gives you all the butterflies.

-------------------------------------------------
**PRE-RELEASE THOUGHTS**

Honestly, I was initially excited to read Devil in Spring because EVIE & SEBASTIAN.

But after Marrying Winterborne, without any doubt, I want to read this book because of Pandora. She's so fiesty and funny and clever! And if Gabriel is ANYTHING like his father, then I can just imagine the shenanigans that he and Pandora will get into. She will drive him crazy, and he will find himself falling desperately in love with her. She, on the other hand, will want nothing to do with him because of her new venture, which probably means he will chase after her as Sebastian did Evie!
I am so so pumped for this and my body is totally ready for all the banter, chasing and swoons.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still very very excited to be reunited with Evie and the love of my life, Sebastian, but I have a feeling Pandora and Gabriel will destroy me in a really good way.

Why is the release date so far away though? *cries*

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I hoped for.

Quickie review...I loved it.

I was an emotional/hormonal goose reading Devil in Spring. At times I was so overwhelmed that I had a lump in my throat because of the feelings it brought out in me. It wasn't because I was sad, it was more about seeing someone who is a wee bit different, finally finding acceptance. We are all different in our own special way. Some of us accept our differences and/or quirky ways and own it. Others withdraw into themselves hoping to go unnoticed. Most of us want to find a happy place and just fit in whether it be in the middle of the dance floor or being a wallflower.

In Devil in Spring we meet new and exciting characters and get a glimpse at the lives of some older and beloved characters. I loved them all.

Pandora was refreshingly quirky, determined, smart and lovable. Gabriel is practically perfect in every way (or he seems so). He strives to be a good, loyal and loving man but he knows he's far from perfect. Their first, second and third meetings show a connection that neither can deny. Pandora does not want to marry at all but when she is accidentally compromised by Gabriel, she finds it hard to escape. Gabriel at first thinks Pandora will not suit as a future Duchess but he can't deny he wants her anyway.

Their chemistry is sizzling and their devotion to each other believable. I never doubted they would make a great couple...faults and all.

I loved Devil in Spring and I hope Lisa Kleypas will write more historical romance in the future.

[Geri Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah!!!

“I’m not your enemy,” he managed to say.
“You’re not my fiancé, either.”
“Not yet.”
“Not ever.”
Gabriel wanted to pounce on her. He wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

This book was everything a historical romance should be.

From its unforgettable characters to its sparkling and witty dialogue, Devil in Spring not only met but exceeded my expectations. I loved this book, these characters so much.

Lisa Kleypas has a way of capturing the perfect emotion without wasting so many words. Her characters are just so vibrant and full of life that it makes it easy for readers to understand and sympathize with these characters.

Pandora might be my favorite Kleypas heroine to date. I still love Evie but Pandora overcame so much. Her journey was such a joy to read. Actually, there's such a level of joy permeating this book that I was smiling all the way through. There were some tense and emotionally fraught moments but there was never any doubt about the payoff, which is the believable HEA.

I have much love for Sebastian (Devil in Winter) and Derek Craven (Dreaming of You) and Hardy Cates (Blue-Eyed Devil) but Gabriel...*heart eyes* He's Sebastian St. Vincent's son but he is also Evie's. Which means, he's the best of both worlds and it shows. Not to say that he doesn't have flaws. He's still very much a product of his generation and his privileged status. But as far as being a hero, he's pretty much perfect to me.

You guys! The way he treats Pandora and the way he went about courting her heart will seriously melt your heart.



There were so many scenes and dialogue in this book that I really want to share but I won't because it would be so much better to experience them yourselves.

As for cameos from the Wallflower gang...yes! We do get Evie and Seb as well as Westcliff. I wish we could've seen more of the other couples but I really couldn't complain. There's also a great set-up for the next book in the series, which I am now dying to read.

This book made me so happy. It truly did. And it also makes me want to re-read The Wallflowers again.

[Princess under cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know if I would like Pandora from previous books. She was more of a quirky background character that didn't seem all that compelling. But in this book, Pandora is lovely. She's fresh, fun, independent (mayhap the lady doth protest too much at times, but nevertheless) and Gabriel is abs perfect. Beautiful, mature, responsible, patient, loving, what more can you ask for??



The two of them togther is dynamic and wonderful and charming and I loved that the book made me smile almost the whole way through. I also like how Kleypas doesn't try to draw out the "drama of misunderstandings" or the angst of falling in love but not getting together. I like that she writes as much about getting together as about staying together.

This book reminded me of one of my favs, Love in the Afternoon, but was unique enough that it wasn't a shadow or a duplicate but a solid stand alone.

I'll be rereading this novel in the future and have already ordered the book in the Revenels series. So solid 5 stars, highly recommend!

And if that's not enough to convince you - can I just say - Ms. Kleypas writes the BEST scorching love scenes. And I mean LOVE scenes. Not really sex scenes. I LOVE love scenes. Heart is palpitating as I write this!

[Beatriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

He disfrutado con esta novela como con pocas este año. Bueno, para cualquiera que vea mis reseñas no es un misterio que Lisa Kleypas es por lejos mi escritora favorita en romántica y siempre sé que, al menos para mí, es una carta segura.

La historia de esta entrega gira en torno a Pandora Ravenel y esto no es menor, ya que si bien tenemos un buen protagonista masculino (hijo de Evie y Sebastian St. Vincent, ni más ni menos), es ella la que se roba la película.

Pandora es un personaje que me gustó desde el primer libro de la serie y en esta entrega, simplemente me enamoró. Conocer sus miedos, algunas dificultades físicas que no se habían adelantado en los libros anteriores, los esfuerzos que realiza para ser una dama “normal”, sus ideales tan firmes y tan maduros a pesar de lo joven, alocada e impulsiva que es. Ver cómo crece en lo emocional y en su sensualidad sin perder su esencia e imaginación, hace de esta lectura realmente una delicia. Los momentos con Gabriel realmente son para atesorar y para releer una y otra vez.

Obviamente ayuda a valorar más este libro la introducción de varios personajes de la misma serie Ravenel, como de la entrañable serie de Las Floreros: además de Evie y Sebastian, al principio también hay un cameo de lord Westcliff.

Ahora, a esperar los siguientes libros muy expectante, porque con este, la Kleypas dejó la vara demasiado alta.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I am looking for pure entertainment in my reading then Lisa Kleypas is one of the authors I always turn to, and she certainly did not fail me with this book!

I loved the characters, the story and the humour. Kleypas writes excellent and frequently very amusing dialogue. There is maybe a little bit too much sex but I always speed read that anyway.
I seem to have entered the series in the middle again but I am sure that does not matter overmuch, and I am certainly going to seek out all of The Ravenels books now!

14/06 2022
Let's update this since I just read the book for the second time and remembered very little of it from my first read.
I have upped my rating from four to five stars because I just enjoyed this so much. Maybe I was in the mood or something because I loved the humour and Gabriel's insta-love for Pandora and all the other characters especially Gabriel's parents. Well done Pandora for catching yourself the husband most suited to you. Looking forward now to see what happens to Cassandra.

[Hannah B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I too would love if my tinnitus was cured by getting dicked down by a St. Vincent.

__________

Initial review:

This was such a random book why did it go like that lmao.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5

[sraxe · Rating 2 out of 5]

To say that I didn't care for this book would probably be a massive understatement. I think part of it was because it was a new Kleypas in general, but also because it was Sebastian and Evie's son And...well. Yeah, I could've done without it.

(Unmarked spoilers, of course.)

For starters, one of the things I dislike greatly is not only books featuring virgins with manwhores, but especially those that feel the need to recount the experiences of said manwhore. (Or worse: Give me an actual scene. Ugh.) What I praised Kleypas for in the first book—that although the hero was a rake, she didn't feel the need to remind me again and again—was something completely gone here. (It was gone in the second book, too, but I was more willing to overlook it there because I enjoyed the story in general.) We're told again and again about his mistress, Nola Black, a married woman. He mentions her "extensive repertoire," that "[she] was willing to do anything he wanted, as often as he wanted, and he'd never found that kind of relief with anyone else." And...

For the past two years, Nola had fully indulged Gabriel's every desire, their encounters unhindered by morals or inhibitions. She always knew when to push the limits further, coming up with new tricks to spark his interest and satisfy his complex desires. ... [H]e kept going back for more.

We hear about this a lot. A lot. We're forced to hear about his mistress continually because Gabriel has a "dark side," which is brought out in bed. And Nola was the only woman who he'd heard would be willing to do these things with him. That's why, despite her being married, he still went for her. And this "dark side"? This "dark side" that's the cause of us having to hear about his mistress over and over again? IT'S THAT HE LIKES LIGHT BONDAGE. THAT'S IT. He likes a little wrist restraint. That's all there is to this "dark side" that he keeps yammering about. And even worse? Before this "dark side" of him is even revealed, he'd already come to the conclusion that he was completely satisfied with Pandora because he was able to open himself up to her, which made the sex better than ever. Every single time Nola/his mistress was mentioned, my enjoyment of the book decreased more and more. And all for absolutely no reason.

I think this was the only way Kleypas could make him interesting, really. Gabriel describes himself at one point, and he was so on point with it...

“The title, the fortune, the estate, the social position . . . to her, they’re all detractions. Somehow I have to convince her to marry me despite those things.” With raw honesty, he added, “And I’m damned if I even know who I am outside of them.”

Aside from this, what is he? He's really got nothing going for him, other than riding on the coattails of Sebastian. And sad day for Gabriel, because whenever he and Sebastian were in a scene together, Sebastian out-charmed and overshadowed him, making the reader (or this one, at least) forget that this book's protagonist is even Gabriel. The only way Kleypas could make him seem even the least bit interesting was throwing in this ~dark side~ aspect, which turned out to be absolutely nothing.

And the "cynical rake" part mentioned in the synopsis? lol. He's neither cynical nor a rake, which he says so himself. HOWEVER, I'm not too sure I believe him on the not being a rake bit. He says he's slept with fewer than twenty-three women, but err...that's super high? I mean, this dude is like, what...twenty-seven? Twenty-eight? So, that's like two women a year from the age of fifteen onwards? We're never given a concrete number (because when Pandora is questioning him on this, he shuts her up with a kiss), so I'm on the fence about this. Regardless, if you have the character make this assertion, why put that misleading part in the synopsis...? (I had the same complaint in my review for the second book. I felt the synopsis and the title of the book were misleading when compared to the book itself. What's the point of this...?) I'm sure Kleypas can sell on name recognition alone, so why do this misleading nonsense for? It just ends up annoying me.)



The big problem with Pandora is that I felt she had far too much going on. It's not that people can't be multi-faceted and complicated, it's that I felt, in attempting to do so with Pandora, Kleypas ended up muddling her as a whole. Okay, so she's into creating board games. And she's also always making up words by portmanteau-ing them. She's also quick on her feet when it comes to making up tall-tales for children (and wants to write a children's book in the future). And she's also kinda sorta well-read? Because how else would she know random cloud formations, right? It's not like there's mention of her having some sort of meteorology interest. (This cloud thing just didn't make sense to me. I felt like the whole point of it was just to show how ~quirky~ and awkward Pandora could be. I didn't find the scene amusing because I was confused as to why she'd know such details about cloud formations since no such interest had been mentioned before this, that I can recall.) Then she's got balance issues and tinnitus because of the deafness in one ear. And then she's got ADD/ADHD? We're never told exactly, but she gets far too distracted and goes on all these random tangents. (She literally gets stabbed and is complaining about the cold ground and her clothing. Seriously.)

And so, she knows those random cloud things. But then when it comes to her wedding night, she goes in having absolutely no clue and being nervous. Okay, so you can say she probably can't go read about it. Fine. But then what about Kathleen or Helen talking to her about it...? It makes no sense that she goes in having such a negative view about the physical act when she has a sister-in-law and a sister who've both been married and are in loving, consensual relationships. AND, I'm sure Kathleen would want to clarify things for her because of her own inexperience when it previously came to the act. They're supposed to be a "close knit family," right? Wouldn't this have been something they'd made sure to educate the other women in their "close knit family" on, especially just before marriage?



I felt there were a number of things that were like that, feeling quite inconsistent with what had been established. Pandora is supposed to be naive, immature, and innocent, but then she does things that make me question that. Like her mature response and reactions to Nola/Gabriel's mistress. She's supposedly innocent, yet she's quick to put her mouth on his dick the first time she sees it, without any insistence from him, at that. She's naive and sheltered, but she knows what a cyprian is? She also has these incredibly observant moments, but then she does the exact opposite at other times. (Like when Drago tells her that he's feeling "itchy" while they're looking for a criminal, and she reacts by telling him that's kind of TMI. But what he meant was that he feels itchy as in nervous or anxious. It just felt like an excuse to make it funny, but I didn't find it amusing.) I mean, all of these things are possible, but they seemed oh so convenient when happening here.

Anyway. Like I said, it's not that real people can't be all these things and more, it's that, instead of feeling like she was a super talented individual, I ended up feeling like Kleypas didn't know how to sketch her out well. Unlike real life, a novel is limited to a certain number of pages, within which you must wrap everything up and conclude the story. I didn't feel that it was done well in this case.

Her "quirkiness" was off-putting to me, mostly because it seemed it was brought into the picture whenever Kleypas felt like it, then sent away other times. And some of it just didn't make sense to me...? Honestly, parts of it seemed like it was trying to pull the quirkiness of Bea from Love in the Afternoon. Like that whole kiss scene? It felt like it was trying to rehash the magic of the squirrel scene. Her "quirkiness" was also used to point how ~not like other girls~ Pandora is. This book pushes this A LOT. We're told in a hundred different ways how not like other girls Pandora is, how “Pandora's a different kind of girl” She's SO not like other girls that "[she's] even different from [her] own twin"!



Pandora is also such a white feminist. She's all about the advancement of women, helping them out whenever she can, choosing to patronize their businesses (etc.). And then it came to her interaction with Drago.

“How do you like your name to be pronounced?” she asked. “Lord St. Vincent says it with an ah sound, but I heard the butler pronounce it with a long a.”

“Neither’s right. ... It’s like dragon, without an n.”

“Oh.” A smile spread across Pandora’s face. “I like that much better. I’ll call you Dragon.”

His brows lowered. “It’s Drago.”

“Yes, but if we add that one extra letter, people would always know how to pronounce it, and more importantly, everyone likes dragons.”

“I don’t want to be liked.”

With that coal-black hair and his dark eyes—and the way he looked just now, as if he were actually capable of breathing fire—the nickname was so perfect as to be sublime. “Won’t you at least consider—” Pandora began.

“No.”

She stared at him speculatively. “If you shaved off your beard, would you turn out to be improbably handsome?”

The quick change of subject seemed to throw him slightly off balance. “No.”

“Well, in any case, footmen can’t have beards. I think it’s the law.”

“It’s not the law.”

“It’s tradition, however,” she said wisely, “and going against tradition is almost like breaking the law.”

“Coachman has a beard,” Drago pointed out.

“Yes, coachmen can have them, but footmen can’t. I’m afraid you’ll have to get rid of it. Unless . . .”

His eyes narrowed as he realized she was going in for the coup de grâce. “Unless?”

“I would be willing to overlook your inappropriate facial foliage,” Pandora offered, “if you let me call you Dragon. If you don’t, the beard goes.”

“The beard stays,” he snapped.

“Very well.” Pandora gave him a satisfied smile. “I’ll need the carriage ready at two o’clock, Dragon. That will be all for now.”

lol.

Soooo funny, right? Like omg.

lol.

Don't you just love it when someone decides it's their right to rename you despite your vocal objections to such an action? The most hilariousest thing you've ever read, right?

Right? RIGHT??



No...but, like...am I supposed to find this cute? Or funny...? She literally renamed a grown-ass man for her own ease and amusement. What was even the point of this scene? It just reminded me of all the times that people have their ethnic names shortened or are given a nickname because the person couldn't be bothered. (Though, to be clear, I'm pretty sure Drago is white. It just reminded me of when this happens to POC.) I didn't understand why Kleypas even included this scene. If you wanted him to be called Dragon for the remainder of the book, why even include this Drago business in there? It made me side-eye the fuck out of Pandora (and, by extension, Kleypas). Because how the hell you gonna ignore the express wishes of another person simply to suit your own frivolous desires? How you gonna RENAME someone just because you feel like it, ignoring their very vocal protests to this action in the process?

Fuck outta here with that.



There were other things I wanted to mention (I have a lot more in my notes), but honestly...I'm kind of done with this book. I didn't care for it. Pandora turned out to be just as annoying as I thought she'd been from her appearance in the previous two books. Gabriel? Boring af. Pandora had too much going on, while Gabriel had pretty much nothing. As for them together, I didn't really get to experience them as a couple, so I don't know how their HEA will go. And SO MUCH SEX. I know some will take that as an endorsement, but really...their relationship seemed like it was still stuck in a perpetual honeymoon phase. And not in a good way. The only time they faced adversity was from an outside force. When I finally thought they'd actually have to work through a fight, it was quickly set aside and never resolved because something came out of nowhere and happened.

Oh, last thing. I like Dr. Gibson before. Here? My GOD, what a Mary Sue. She's apparently amazing at every aspect of and specialization in medicine. She's able to diagnose and treat Helen's anemia and serve as Pandora's ENT, while also moonlighting as an obstetrician and delivering Helen's kid for her. Oh, and being an anesthesiologist and surgeon too, apparently. (And all at such a young ago!) This book may be set ~140ish years ago, but specializations in medicine were a thing even then. Come on, now...

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I love this book. I love this series! Lisa Kleypas writes the actual most beautiful books in all the land and you can quote me on that.

Devil in Spring is a book that could have gone very wrong. The male lead, Gabriel, is the son of Evie Jenner and Sebastian, former Lord St. Vincent and current Duke of Kingston (and the best male lead of all time, not up for discussion). As we saw in the Wallflowers series, Sebastian was the rake of all rakes, and a dispassionate, cold, cruel one at that (except he really wasn't, okay?? maybe just a little. like, the right amount 😏). So, when I read this book for the first time, I was very sure that Lisa Kleypas would make Gabriel a Sebastian 2.0, and that he wouldn't get to be his own person, just a newer version of his father.

Boy, was I wrong. My favorite thing about this is that Gabriel is truly his own character and has just enough of Sebastian in him to make you swoon, but not enough that you are reminded that they're related all the time. He's not even a rake, which was arguably Sebastian's biggest trait, if you can call it that.

And Pandora. She's so distracted and creative and independent and clumsy (but not annoying clumsy, like someone who rhymes with Ella Schwann). She was so adventurous and driven and wasn't willing to marry Gabriel if that meant she had to compromise her business. I love her so much.

We also get to see Sebastian and Evie and the life they built together. Ugh, I can't talk about this, I don't want to sob all over you feed.

I described this book the other day as the rosy-est (rosiest?) Kleypas. It's sweet and everyone's nice, and it has all the vibes of this dreamy cover. The coziest reread for me.

[MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I put off reading this book for awhile because Marrying Winterbourne (the previous book in this series) is one of my all-time favorite historical romances, so pretty much anything else would pale in direct comparison... And I wasn't wrong (this one isn't as good, imo), but it was an overall good story that I enjoyed.

Pandora Ravenel is the younger sister of Helen (h in the prior book), twin sister of Cassandra, and cousin (and ward) to Devon (H from book 1 in the series). Pandora has some... unconventional ideas about life. For one, she refuses to ever marry because she knows if she were to do so, she would lose not only her autonomy, but her business. Yes, she is a member of the gentry who wants to WORK (shudder) -- specifically, she has begun to design board games that will be sold in her brother-in-law's (Winterbourne) department store. If she ever wed, her husband would automatically be in charge of her business and would reap the profits she sowed... IF he even allowed her to work, which to-date, she has met no member of the ton who would even consider it.

Lord Gabriel St. Vincent is the son of one of the most notorious rogues turned devoted husband and father (Sebastian St. Vincent --- the H in book 3 of The Wallflowers series). He is also the eldest son and heir to the dukedom, and his god-like features have lead many to believe he is just as devilish as his father once was renowned for. But in truth, he is more interested in learning the ins and outs of the family business (Jenner's, the gaming hell his maternal grandfather once owned) and spending time with his quirky yet close knit loved ones. When he happens upon Pandora in clear distress (as her dress is caught up in the trestle along the bench where she was sitting), he offers his gentlemanly (and amused) assistance. Unfortunately, as he is attempting to free the woman whose face he has yet to view, they are happened upon by the host of the evening's soiree who insists that Gabriel has compromised Pandora. While he is committed to doing the "right thing," Pandora is not, and her unconventional family has agreed to back her no matter the consequences as they care more for her happiness than for propriety.

Gabriel is flummoxed -- who wouldn't be pleased to "trap" the heir to a prosperous dukedom? Evidently... Pandora. And now that he HAS seen her face and gotten to know her better, he realizes he wants to wed her for more than the reasons society demands. But how will he be able to convince Pandora that his intentions are not driven by duty, that he will allow her to pursue her dreams of owning a business regardless of the marital laws, and that he would will allow her to be herself? And what will happen when Pandora inadvertently stumbles across a conspiracy that places her in imminent danger?

What I liked:
--- Pandora is a very likeable, spirited character that made her story more interesting because of her unconventional behavior; Gabriel is definitely a swoon-worthy chip off the old block
--- The story line was interesting and kept me interested to find out what would happen next
--- Steamy goodness

What I didn't like as much:
--- A little too much angst from Pandora about her reasons why not to marry Gabriel --- I get that she was fiercely independent, but it was a little too over the top with the protesting when she was clearly falling for Gabriel and vice versa
--- I am pretty sure that the "villainous" element to this book is mostly a set-up for the next book in the series, but it felt forced in this story bc it came in towards the end and was a bit out of the blue

Overall, a good story with interesting and charismatic MCs!

Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Summary
Lady Pandora Ravenel isn't like all the other debutantes, she isn't preoccupied with looking for a suitable match, or talking non sessically about the weather, she is always looking for new designs for her board games and the best ways to implement them. While doing a favor for a friend, she gets caught in a delicate position and before she knows it she is compromised by none other than Gabriel St. Vincent. Gabriel has spent years making sure he would never be caught in a scandal, and for the first time he is caught but he isn't all that unpleased about it. There is something about Pandora and her resistance to marriage that intrigues him. He knows he will need to convince her that they are well suited, that he would never control or try to change her. But will Pandora discover a life with Gabriel worth the sacrifice, a tender and sweet love she never expect to find...
The Hero
Gabriel St. Vincent, was raised in a loving home with parents who raised him to be strong and resilient. To be kind and considerate and supportive. Gabriel is careful with the sexual appetites he has and never to be discovered. His father's rakish reputation is placed upon his shoulders. Gabriel is a hero you can swoon over. He is the perfect mix of both Sebastian and Evie (Our couple in Devil in Winter) He is charming, tender, accepting but he is also playful and inherited his father's rakish nature. I loved his character so much, he just makes me smile just thinking about him and his mischievous nature that is sexy as sin.

Being imaginative and playful doesn't make you any less of an adult." Gabriel said gently. "It only makes you a more interesting one."

The Heroine
Pandora Ravenel is not like the rest of her family. She is a hellion, was free at a young age to go wild and free and explore. Her mind thinks in different ways and she can be a bit untamed. She doesn't understand society's restrictions on women and refuses to get married and lose her rights as a person and seeing her dreams go out the window. Pandora was a heroine I honestly wasn't sure how much I would like in this one. But seriously, after the first chapter I knew I would really adore her character and Kleypas has such a talented way of winning you over. Pandora is free thinking, spirited, and not concerned with the Ton. She has a crafty mind, very intelligent but says exactly what is on her mind.
Plot and Story Line
Now I honestly can't say that this is my all time favorite book that this author has written(Because I just LOVE everything she writes)...but it is the most surprising and crafty romance I have ever read from her. This book surprised me in so many ways, I honestly had high hopes for this book and Lisa Kleypas surpassed all my expectations from this book. And there were so many fun moments, a feisty and clever dialogue that will keep you thirsty for more. The story starts off with seeing Evie and Sebastian together (yeah loved this part but it sets the stage for the story and we also get some delightful moments of Westcliff) then we see the scandal that happens. Now its all very innocent but doesn't look good in the end.

Why would I be amused by the sight of a young woman posing upside down on a piece of furniture?"

I'm not posing. My dress is caught in the settee. And I would be much obliged if you would help me out of it!"

"The dress of the settee?" the stranger asked, sounding interested

"The settee."

Now Pandora is all resistant to marrying Gabriel. She doesn't see the need for it. However Gabriel is persistent and convinces her and some of her family to come to an estate for a visit. This is basically where Gabriel and Pandora discover and learn each other and the more time they spend together, the more they fall in love with one another. I loved the built up of their relationship. They have powerful chemistry that is off the charts, (and man can Kleypas write a fantastic kissing scene) and we see the relationship that Gabriel has with his parents and his siblings. Gabriel isn't sure of Pandora at first. She is so different from any other woman he has met, but he is soon captivated by her. His family easily accepts her too, in fact they are all quite charmed by her.

You dazzle me, Pandora. Every beautiful, fascinating kinetic molecule of you. The night we met, I felt you like an electric shock. Something about you calls to the devil in me. I want to take you to bed for days at a time. I want to worship every inch of you while minutes smolder like moths that dance to the flame.

As Pandora is of them, she rarely gets such quick acceptance from people. And seriously Gabriel and Pandora when they get together it is simply swoon worthy, I love the way they build love and trust with each other. They share passion that is sizzling, but they also have a strong emotional bond that shines through the pages. And we get a bit of a teaser toward the end that leaves you curious to see how Kleypas is going to handle that angle. This romance leaves you with a giddy and floating in the air happy feel and wrote this book in such a delicate way and just proves how truly talented she is at writing romances that leaves you breathless and eager for more.
The Cover
How can you NOT love this cover...its simply breathtaking!!! I love the colors here, the blues are so very pretty and love the floral background. And the stepback pose is so very romantic.
Overall View
Devil In Spring is a sensual filled romance that has a clever dialogue, characters to melt your heart and an engaging plot that delights and shocks you from time to time. Get read for a tale of a lifetime. A LUSCIOUS AND DEEPLY RIVETING TALE

Dangerous creatures, wallflowers. Approach them with the utmost caution. They sit quietly in corners, appearing abandoned and forlorn, when in truth they're sirens who lure men to their downfall. You won't even notice the moment she steals the heart right out of your body--and then it's hers for good. A wallflower never gives your heart back.

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[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The first half of this book was 5 stars, and then the second half was about 2 stars. It went from cute to this harried plot thrown in at the last second to make the book thrilling(?). All it did was make it convoluted. It's such a shame because it had such a strong beginning.

Ravenels doesn't seem to be a great fit for me, I prefer the Wallflowers and The Hathaways, but Lisa Kleypas is like pizza, even when it's not great it's still good. And I'm still going to be reading the other books in the series.


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[Kristine]

ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM DEVIL IN SPRING!!


“Look you,” Pandora told him in a businesslike tone, “marriage is not on the table.”

Look you? Gabriel was simultaneously amused and outraged. Was she really speaking to him as if he were an errand boy?

“I’ve never wanted to marry,” Pandora continued. “Anyone who knows me will tell you that. When I was little, I never liked the stories about princesses waiting to be rescued. I never wished on falling stars, or pulled the petals off daisies while reciting ‘he loves me, he loves me not.’ At my brother’s wedding, they handed out slivers of wedding cake to all the unmarried girls and said if we put it under our pillows, we would dream of our future husbands. I ate my cake instead. Every crumb. I’ve made plans for my life that don’t involve becoming anyone’s wife.”

“What plans?” Gabriel asked, inwardly baffled. How could a girl of her position, with her looks, make plans that didn’t include any possibility of marriage?

“That’s none of your business,” she told him smartly.

“Understood,” Gabriel assured her with exquisite politeness. “There’s just one thing I’d like to ask: What the bloody hell were you doing at the ball in the first place, if you don’t want to marry?”

“Because I thought it would be only slightly less boring than staying at home.”

“Anyone as opposed to marriage as you claim to be has no business taking part in the season.”

“Not every girl who attends a ball wants to be Cinderella.”

“If it’s grouse season,” Gabriel pointed out acidly, “and you’re keeping company with a flock of grouse on a grouse-moor, it’s a bit disingenuous to ask a sportsman to pretend you’re not a grouse.”

“Is that how men think of it? No wonder I hate balls.” Pandora looked scornful. “I’m so sorry for intruding on your happy hunting grounds.”

“I wasn’t wife-hunting,” he snapped. “I’m no more interested in marrying than you are.”

“Then why were you at the ball?”

“To see a fireworks display!”

After a brief, electric silence, Pandora dropped her head swiftly. He saw her shoulders tremble, and for an alarming moment, he thought she had begun to cry. But then he heard a delicate snorting, snickering sound, and he realized she was . . . laughing?

“Well,” she muttered, “it seems you succeeded.”

Before Gabriel even realized what he was doing, he reached out to lift her chin with his fingers. She struggled to hold back her amusement, but it slipped out nonetheless. Droll, sneaky laughter, punctuated with vole-like squeaks, while sparks danced in her blue eyes like shy emerging stars.

Damn it.

His annoyance drained away, displaced by a rampage of heat and delight. His heart began to thump with the force of his need to be alone with her. To be inside all that energy. Everything in him had just ignited like a bonfire of cotton sedge. He wanted her, wanted her, with all the reckless, self-indulgent desire he usually managed to keep contained. But it made no sense. He was a civilized man, an experienced one with sophisticated tastes, and she was . . . holy God, what was she?

He wished to hell he didn’t want to find out so badly.

Pandora’s amusement faded. Whatever she saw in his gaze caused a flush spread over her face in a soft scald of pink. Her skin turned hot beneath his fingertips.

Gabriel drew his hand back reluctantly. “I’m not your enemy,” he managed to say.

“You’re not my fiancé, either.”

“Not yet.”

“Not ever.”

Gabriel’s mouth twisted. “Tell me that again in a few days, and I might believe you. In the meantime—” He reached into his coat for another engraved card. “I’m going to give this to Lord Trenear.”

Deliberately, he gave a mocking glance, the kind that had never failed to drive his siblings mad . . . and he held the card in front of her.

As he’d guessed, Pandora couldn’t resist the silent challenge.

She grabbed for the card. Gabriel made it disappear, seemingly in midair, before she could touch it. As a boy, he’d learned sleight of hand from cardsharps during his visits to Jenner’s.

Pandora’s expression changed, her eyes widening. “How did you do that?”

Deftly Gabriel made the card reappear. “Learn to ask nicely,” he told her, “and I may show you someday.”

Her brows lowered. “Never mind. I’m not interested.”

But he knew it was a lie. The truth was in her eyes.

She was interested, no matter how she fought it.

And God help him . . . so was he.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Lady Pandora is the quirky and spirited one of the Ravenel twins. Unlike most women her age, she has no desire to find a husband, preferring to devote her energies towards the creation of her new board game. Her plans are to sell it in Winterborne’s Department Store, which is owned by her brother-in-law Rhys. But, life deals her a different hand to play when she attempts to help out a wayward friend and gets caught up in a scandal at a ball with none other than the most eligible bachelor of the season, Gabriel St. Vincent, the eldest son of the formerly notorious Sebastian St. Vincent, Lord Kingston.

the heart of the story…
Oh, the irony that this generation wallflower would find herself connected with the son of Sebastian St. Vincent who himself ended up marrying and being tamed by a woman of the same ilk. If you’ve read the author’s Wallflower series, Sebastian needs no introduction. If you haven’t, you’ve missed out on something remarkable. Pandora, however, is more self possessed, irreverent and like a breath of fresh air, which, thankfully, Gabriel quickly recognizes. I liked how the tables were turned and he found himself in reversal from first wanting to avoid marriage himself to plotting ways to convince Pandora to marry him. They are fairly opposite in nature but well suited because of that. Theirs is an adventuresome and highly sensuous match, too.

the narration…
I love the narrator selected for this series who continues to provide each of the characters a distinctive voice that seems to suit their personalities. She fit Pandora nicely and I loved her interpretation of Gabriel (and Sebastian!).

the bottom line…
I enjoyed this story, quite a bit, especially because of Gabriel having a strong appreciation for Pandora’s desire for independence and his working hard to honor that, even after they marry. However, I wasn’t thrilled with how her character seemed to inexplicably change in the second half with the introduction of a curious storyline that felt off. And, the confrontation with a woman from Gabriel’s past wasn’t tied off well. But, the strength of what preceded these two situations more than compensated. It was truly a gift to see Sebastian and Evangeline (Evie) appear in this story, a reunion I didn’t see coming but put me in a happy place. Despite my issues, I had a good time with Pandora and Gabriel. And, we got an answer for Pandora’s curious problems with her balance. You’ll have to discover that for yourself.

Posted on Blue Mood Café