Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

Dreaming of You
Gamblers #2
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Gifted
ISBN: 9780380773527

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


She stood at danger's threshold—then love beckoned her in.


In the shelter of her country cottage, Sara Fielding puts pen to paper to create dreams. But curiosity has enticed the prim, well-bred gentlewoman out of her safe haven—and into Derek Craven's dangerous world.


A handsome, tough and tenacious Cockney, he rose from poverty to become lord of London's most exclusive gambling house—a struggle that has left Derek Craven fabulously wealthy, but hardened and suspicious. And now duty demands he allow Sara Fielding into his world—with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But here, in a perilous shadow-realm of ever-shifting fortunes, even a proper "mouse" can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress—and a world-weary gambler can be shaken to his cynical core by the power of passion... and the promise of love.

MY THOUGHTS

If you have been a regular reader of my blog, you should know by now that I am a very picky reader when it comes to Historical Romance.  They have to be written very well and have a believable romance or I will pass on it in a heartbeat.  I have heard so many wonderful things about this book and when a friend of mine sent it to me, I was excited to start reading about Derek and Sara.

At first, I thought I was going to loathe Derek Craven.  He was pushy, arrogant, bossy and had a mean streak as well.  I didn't think I would be able to fall for him as a hero and that I would be disappointed.  Sara was the complete opposite in having patience, a firm hand, and curiosity that could kill a cat in no time flat.  To make Sara even better in my mind, the author gave her a backbone to stand up to Derek Craven when needed.  The women in Historical Romance usually have a spongy backbone at best and are always bending to do the bidding of the hero.  This was not the case in Dreaming of You.

I loved the slow build of the romance between Derek and Sara.  You could feel it blossoming with each chapter no matter how much Derek denied it.  He could be cruel at times to others, but with Sara he let his emotions surface when he didn't think they were visible.  I really loved watching him turn from someone without an ounce of care for the women he pursues to a man who would cherish his woman with the upmost respect and adoration they deserve.

The 'evil'  character of the book named Joyce, had my skin crawling in hatred.  I could not stand her and wanted her to get the punishment she deserved.  I literally wanted to reach into the book and pull that woman's hair out by the roots.  To me she deserved so much more in the punishment department than what she did get.

Historical Romance writers need to take notes on this authors writing.  This is how you write one.  When a reader who is very picky with this genre takes note of a book in a good way, you know that author is doing something right.  This book is easily the best Historical Romance I have read this year and I can't wait to read more by author Lisa Kleypas.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!