Devil in Spring (The Ravenels, #3)

by Lisa Kleypas

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers the unforgettable tale of a strong-willed beauty who encounters her match in one of London's most notorious-yet irresistible-rakes . . . perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James.

'Lisa Kleypas is the best' Sarah MacLean

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 endeavours 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 realise their devil's bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven...

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

The Ravenels:
Cold-Hearted Rake
Marrying Winterborne
Devil in Spring
Hello Stranger
Devil's Daughter
Chasing Cassandra

Praise for Lisa Kleypas:

'Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic . . . from a not-to-be-missed romance author' Kirkus Reviews

'Witty, often hilarious, and delightfully passionate, this compelling, thrill-laced Victorian romance is another superb series entry' 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)

'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: 0062371878
• ISBN13: 9780062371874
• Publish Date: 21 February 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[nitzan_schwarz]

3.5 stars

Look, it's no secret that Kleypas slays the historical romance genre and it's the same here. Devil in Spring is a fun romance story about a man being bamboozled with an unconventional woman (for their time) and their falling in love. It's got banter, family love, and a ton of funny bits.

I would definitely recommend it to people who like historical romance, as I would Kleypas's other works. The Wallflower series are some of my favorite historicals!

So, obviously, I liked it. I did think that it all happened a bit quickly, and I wish they'd had more time to fall in love, but that's a pretty common complaint of mine lol.

[thebookdisciple]

Devil in Spring is the book I have been dying to get my hands on the most! I finally got around to reading it and I was not disappointed.

Pandora has always been the most interesting of the Ravenels for sure. Quirky, odd, and progressive for the time, Pandora is just the type of character you love almost instantly. First, her ear problem is so much like mine. I have a ruptured ear drum and it has caused me to pull away from society frequently as well. For Pandora, hearing is difficult and dancing is nearly impossible due to balance issues. She also struggles with the norms of society because they simply seem dumb to her. She has no desire to get married because then she would be 'owned' by someone. Even if that someone is willing to let her be as independent as possible, she still isn't comfortable with giving up her dreams. When she is 'compromised' at a party, the thought of a forced marriage is the worst thing in the world. Even if she does find herself rather fond of Gabriel...

As always, the supporting characters are wonderful. Gabriel's family is charming! His sister Phoebe has a heartbreaking story that had me tearing up a few times. His younger brother, Ivo, is a delight! Getting to know this family really made the match between Gabriel and Pandora believable!

I was actually worried when there was so much of the book left after their wedding....I thought it would end up being filled with other woman drama or other such frustrating tropes. But, alas, I should have not doubted Kleypas. She has never done me wrong. Overall, this is another beautiful addition to this series!

 

• POV: 3rd


• Tears: yes! I teared up so many times!


• Trope: opposites attract


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: of course! With a sweet epilogue too!

A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean, The Virgin and the Viscount by Charis Michaels, The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki...then you will probably like Devil in Spring!

Devil in Spring

 

See full review on The Book Disciple

[stacey_is_sassy]

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.