Monday, May 31, 2010

Review: Married by Morning (Hathaways, Book 4) by Lisa Kleypas

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 demeanor 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…
When I finished reading Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas, I closed the book with a smile and sigh thinking that this installment is a great addition to the Hathaway series. The Hathaways were captured in all their glory by Kleypas -- their eccentricities, capability for love and manipulation, sense of humor, vulnerabilities, family concerns and passions. Kleypas took those Hathaway characteristics, wrapped them up and gave them to us in Leo.

The story of Leo Hathaway and Catherine Marks is really developed throughout the series. These two people dislike each other first, mistrust each other always and bicker at all times. Everyone knows that there's a possibility for more to their bickering, fighting, and mutual torturing except them -- until they share a mind-blowing kiss in the garden.

This kiss serves as a catalyst, the sensual dance begins between Leo and Cat -- the thrust and retreat -- and the real characters emerge. Leo emerges as a wickedly passionate, irreverent and fun character full of determination and, as we already know, a sad and flawed history that contributes to the conflict. I'll say it here, I adored Leo!

Cat, although still the snippy Ms. Marks who gives Leo a run for his money, emerges as a vulnerable and likable young woman with trust issues and a past history that also contribute to the conflict in this story. The witty dialogue, sensual tension and passion between Cat and Leo were the most enjoyable parts of this book for me.

There's a bit of suspense that goes with Cat's storyline that I thought worked well as it afforded her the opportunity for closure. However, the storyline pertaining to Leo's need to marry and produce an heir within a year seemed to be almost a non-issue and I thought was thoroughly underdeveloped. New secondary characters were introduced with a light touch and did not overwhelm the storyline. Kleypas highlights Harry and Poppy, integrates the other Hathaways, Cam and Kev while maintaining the focus firmly on the main couple.

Overall Married by Morning was a winner for me. I enjoyed the quick pace, witty dialogue and the ever bickering / loving / lust-filled couple in this story, together with the loving and eccentric family dynamics. I'm looking forward to reading Love in the Afternoon, the story featuring the intriguing Beatrix.

Gender: Historical Romance
Series: Hathaways (Book 4)
Release Date: May 25, 2010 - Kindle Edition
Grade: B+

Visit Lisa Kleypas here.

11 comments:

  1. Wow, sounds like a good book indeed :D Glad you enjoyed it, Hilcia :D

    I just have to say to start it all... I'm not a fan of Ms Marks. So hopefully, this will change my mind... because otherwise, I don't think I'll enjoy it as much as you, sigh.

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  2. Yeah for B+. I only read the grade, still need to read last book. And the next one comes out next month! I seriously need to catch up. :)

    LOL Read nath's comment & wondered who Ms. Marks was. I'm so totally behind.

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  3. Great review Hilcia - thank you. I'm a bit behind, because I have yet to read Harry & Poppy's story, but....I will read it soon (although am tempted to sneak Mine Till Midnight in as it's so good and I just love Cam :)

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  4. Nath, this book was good for me. :) I hope you like Ms. Marks... I had my doubts too and found her quite likable. I hope you do too. Can't wait to read your thoughts. :D

    Leslie, I hope you catch up soon, the series is almost over. :D Ms. Marks is the spinster governess taking care of Poppy and Beatrix. You'll remember her as soon as you read the next book. :)

    Orannia, lol! I don't blame you for trying to sneak in Mine Till Midnight first! I hope you catch up soon. I liked Poppy's book, but this one I liked much better... hope to read your thoughts on it soon. :)

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  5. Great review! I've ordered my copy and it should be here any day now. *taps fingernails while impatiently waiting*

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  6. I didn't read your review, just wanted to see the grade. :P I want to read this one soon! So glad you enjoyed it.

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  7. Tracy, I hope you get your copy soon! Looking forward to your review. :)

    Ames, lol! I do the same thing... I usually go back and read the reviews after I read the book. I did enjoy it and hope you do too. ;P

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  8. So glad you enjoyed it!

    I've requested the audiobook from the library, and have high hopes for it to get me back on track with historicals. If any author can, it's Lisa Kleypas! ;-)

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  9. Renee I hope Married by Morning will get you on track with historicals. :D I'll be looking for your thoughts.

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  10. I couldn't wait to turn to the next page.. it kept me on the edge almost all the time! It's a gripping and thoroughlt electrifying novel!

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  11. Arcoo baby, I'm so glad you loved it! Leo was my favorite character and I too really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next one. It's a good thing that is coming out soon.

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