Hello Stranger (The Ravenels, #4)

by Lisa Kleypas

[stacey_is_sassy]

Book world confession time…again.

Before I start this review I have a confession...

I use my hubby’s snoring as an excuse to read more…

You may laugh, but that burden has been weighing on me for quite a while now and I've been feeling guilty. I tell hubby that his snoring woke me, he then feels guilty so goes out of his way to make things easier for me and gives me more reading time.

It’s a never-ending cycle. He feels guilty…I feel guilty…BUT WHY THE HELL WOULD I STOP?

I love my hubby! I love getting more reading time!

So, getting back to the book. First off, THIS OR THAT? I love the look of this bright and colourful cover, but is it really the right cover for a historical romance? I think that is very appropriate for the time, but do you think it’s a little dull? I almost wish I could have both. But, alas, us Aussies get the closer to historically accurate bland cover. Oh well, in the end, the inside is what counts.

I really enjoyed Hello Stranger. I’ve been dying to know these characters better for a long time. Garrett is one of the first female doctors practising in England and she takes her job very seriously. Ethan is a detective/spy/undercover operative and he takes his job very seriously. Because their work is so important to them, they have both written off the opportunity to find their happy ever after with the one they love. The funny thing about attraction, though, sometimes it can’t be denied.

Lisa Kleypas is one of my favourite historical romance authors. Her stories delight my senses and give me the step back in time that I crave. It’s obvious that she does her research and I’m fascinated with her mix of facts with fiction. I will admit, there are times I think the heroine is a little too ahead of her times, but I guess, we’ll never know if that is what women thought and felt back in the day.

I loved seeing the strength in both Garrett and Ethan. Garrett uses her mind and confidence in her abilities to show her strength. Ethan uses his physical strength and ability to blend in, to get the bad guys. Both Garrett and Ethan are admirable in their protection and healing of people. Station in life plays no part, they want everyone to be safe and healthy.

One of the highlights of Hello Stranger would have to be West Ravenel. His humour and kindness make him lovable and quirky. I hope we get more of him in the future, I’m even guessing that he might be up next.

Sorry, for the long and rambling review, but I woke up this morning at 4:45 (Sassy approved reading time) and battled my guilt to bring you this confession…I mean review.