Married by Morning (The Hathaways, #4)

by Lisa Kleypas

From the New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas comes the next stunning novel in the Hathaways series - perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James.

'Lisa Kleypas is the best' Sarah MacLean

He is everything she wants to avoid . . .

For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters - a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response - and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

She is not at all what she seems . . .

Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanour hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever - unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires . . .

'Kleypas can make you laugh and cry - on the same page' Julia Quinn

The Hathaways:
Mine Till Midnight
Seduce Me at Sunrise
Tempt Me at Twilight
Married by Morning
Love in the Afternoon

Praise for Lisa Kleypas:

'Lushly sexy and thoroughly romantic . . . superbly crafted characters and an intriguing plot blend together brilliantly in this splendid romance' Booklist

'Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic . . . from a not-to-be-missed romance author' Kirkus Reviews
'Witty, often hilarious, and delightfully passionate' Library Journal, starred review

'Readers are introduced to the unforgettable characters and their original personalities through a delightful storyline peppered with sharp repartee and steamy sensuality' RT Book Reviews (top pick)

'An unforgettable story peopled with remarkable characters and a depth of emotion that will leave you breathless' Romantic Times BOOKreviews

'Is it possible to give a book 6 stars? . . . [This] story has all of the forbidden romance, witty banter, and sigh-inducing declarations of love that you deserve' That's Normal

• ISBN10: 0748119957
• ISBN13: 9780748119950
• Publish Date: 7 October 2010 (first published 25 May 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Piatkus Books
• Edition: Digital original
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[Angie]

Proceed With Caution:

This book contains discussions of child prostitution, kidnapping, drugging, and violence.

The Basics:

Married By Morning is the fourth book of the series and I do suggest reading the previous books as Leo and Catherine's history is established there. We also get a bit of her backstory, although it's not fleshed out until now.

My Thoughts:

I was excited for Married By Morning, despite being let down by the previous books, because Catherine intrigued me! She clearly had so many secrets and I wanted to know them! Plus I've really enjoyed her interactions with Leo thus far. Those two just cannot help but bicker with one another!

While I did enjoy Married By Morning overall, it was a bit of a disappointment. We do learn the full truth of Catherine's past and it's not at all what I was expecting. I could never think up something that sick and twisted. It's disturbing. However, I had a hard time believing that this person would be looking for her eight years later. That's a bit excessive. I doubt they would even be interested in her anymore, since the whole point was that she was so young at the time. As for the other person out to get her, I believed that. It was awful.

The romance between Catherine and Leo was pretty cute. Leo had sworn that he would never fall in love again after his fiancee died from scarlet fever. But, a new stipulation was brought to his attention about the ownership of their house. He must marry and sire and heir within the year or be cast out! Of course, Catherine is the obvious choice for a convenient bride, but things aren't quite that simple. There's the fact that she's on the run and that she doesn't want to marry him. Or does she?

In the end, Married By Morning was pretty good. I liked Catherine and Leo far more than the previous couples, and adored how big of a role Dodger, the ferret, played this time. But I am most excited for what is coming next: Beatrix's book!

[nitzan_schwarz]

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY BLOG!

This book was nothing short of delightful from beginning to end. Definitely my favorite Hathaway story so far, it was everything I hoped for and more!

This story has been building up since the very first book, when we met Leo Hathaway and found a broken man who loved so fiercely he didn't know how to let go. We watched him in his lowest point, we watched him rise above it, and we watch him close his heart to the idea of love from fear afterwards.

In the following installments, we met Catherine Marks. Innovative governess, steady companion and loyal friend to the Hathaway sisters. And Leo and she hit it off immediately... by wanting to cut each other's throats out. Yes, yes, it was one of those insta hate moments, which meant we immediately knew they were meant to be.

I don't know about you, but I love relationships that start with bickering and arguing. Especially when these turn into gentle, flirtatious teasing. And guess what happens in this book? It turns into gentle, flirtatious teasing!

Seriously, their relationship? The absolute best. Because they never truly hated each other. Okay, Cat convinced herself she did, but Leo has always been fascinated by Marks. His teasing of her is so precious, especially because it's obvious as hell it's done with so much affection.

Cat takes a while longer to realize this, but not too long. If you don't consider the long two books we had prior to this one, I mean.

But while I loved Cat - and I did, she's such a sweetheart and I hate that she's been around such people in her childhood, and her love toward the Hathaways is life - Leo stole this show, big time. I have loved Leo since book one, and finally as a hero he proves I was not only right to love him, but that he is such an amazing guy.

Really. Once he kisses Marks, he's gone. And for the most part, despite his fears, he's really okay with that. Sookay with that, that he will seduce Marks until she agrees to marry him and god help them all. 

I cannot explain to you all how I've waited for this novel (even though I binge read all of them) and how thrilled I am that it lived up to every single expectation I had.

Also, that epilogue? Life. 

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[Amanda]

3.5

Leo loves like a madman, and that's a big part of why I liked Married by Morning so much. The relationship between Leo and Catherine built over a couple books, and Lisa Kleypas delivered. Huzzah!

But it really is Leo who makes this story for me. We've learned who he is and what motivates him in previous books (and, as though I don't mention it enough, characters tend to come alive when I understand their motivations) and he's free to shine here. He's funny, caring, and yes, he loves like a madman.

Miss Marks, on the other hand, is a bit more reticent -- and, in fact, I think (though I'm not completely sure) we got more of Leo's POV than Catherine's -- and it takes a while to figure out why she acts as she does. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait the entire book, though, and that made me glad.

Married by Morning is definitely one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books so far... though I haven't read Devil in Winter yet. (And I've been told many, many things about it.) Also looking forward to Beatrix's book, since her love for animals has been so prevalent in this series -- including this book, where the ferret Dodger plays a pivotal role.