Review: Seduce Me at Sunrise

Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
(Hathaways #2)

I read this riveting story right after reading the first book in the series, Mine Till Midnight, and I'm glad I did.

First, the back story. Winnifred Hathaway has been in poor health since she suffered a bout of scarlet fever that almost killed her. She was nursed back to health by her sister Amelia and family friend Merripen. Merripen is a gypsy who was abandoned as a child and adopted by the Hathaways. He has stayed with them, watched over them, and they are now his family.

When our story opens Winnifred is returning to England after a two year absence. She had been living at a clinic in France and through the talents of Dr. Harrow has completely regained her health. Dr. Harrow has returned to London with Win to conduct business as well as to court her. Winnifred is anxious to see her family and especially Kev Merripen whom she has loved for many years. Win doesn't realize that Merripen returns her affection but, because of his gypsy blood, believes himself unworthy of her.

Kev Merripen, like all of Kleypas' heroes, is terrific. He is an intense man with strong feelings for Winnifred. In lesser hands the "I'm not worthy" plot can get old. However in Kleypas' hands, Merripen's anguish, his yearning and repressed feelings are very real. The man is tortured, loving Win but unwilling to marry her and subject her to society's prejudice.

The book was a really good romance that was made even better by the other characters. Amelia and Cam from book #1, the two other sisters and Leo Hathaway are all important to the plot of this story which raises this series to a family saga romance like Mary Balogh's Bedwyn series.

I'll have to wait until fall to read the next in the series, Tempt Me at Twilight, Poppy's story. Can't wait.

Grade: A