Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

4 out of 5 stars

Suddenly You is a book that I was looking forward to reading with a giddy sense of anticipation. I had heard nothing but good things about it, and the snippets I had read online only seemed to whet my appetite. And while overall I did end up enjoying this book, there were certain things that bothered and downright frustrated me about it as well.

I loved the fact that in Amanda Briars, Kleypas has given us a self-made woman. The character is an author who has forged a life and career for herself without the help of a man in her life which was practically unheard of at the time. But unfortunately, I didn't end up liking her actual character all that much.

I can certainly understand Amanda's insecurities. However, the way she acted towards the hero Jack Devlin through a large part of this story, drove me batty. Considering how she had chosen to live her life so unconventionally before meeting him, I find it more than a little frustrating that she would care so much about what people thought of her being with Jack. Yes, he was her boss, but in my opinion it had more to do with her being embarrassed by his less than aristocratic upbringing. I realize that that is a common theme in historical novels, but for whatever reason, it truly bugged me here.

Having said all that, it will probably come as no surprise that I truly adored Jack Devlin, and his character is the main reason this book garnered 4 stars instead of 3. Lisa Kleypas has the Midas touch when it comes to creating thud-worthy heroes, and she has brought to life another winner in Jack. He is a 25 yr old man in love with an older woman who is...happily...not a stick figure. He unashamedly adores Amanda, and I love how in his eyes she is true perfection. The chemistry between Jack and Amanda right from the very beginning is scorching, and as usual, the love scenes are intensely erotic. I won't even get started on the raspberry scene...

I guess the fact that I felt so many different emotions while reading this book, is further testament to the brilliance of Kleypas. Even when i'm not thrilled with where she takes the story at times, I am always emotionally invested. And that's never a bad thing.