Helpful Score: 4
An excellent read. Hardy Cates is excellently written. The bad taste he leaves in your mouth at the end of the first Welcome book is slowly washed away by the way he loves the Haven. A wonderful literary journey that takes you not just through the romance of these tow interesting and complicated characters but also through what brings them to each other. I really enjoyed this book. Warning though; the descriptions of Haven being abused are very graphic and struck a cord with me. I would throughly enjoyed this book and think it is a great addition to any book club.
Helpful Score: 4
A sequel to Kleypas's first contemporary romance, "Sugar Daddy", we have recurrign characters but if you haven't read Sugar Daddy this one will still make perfect sense. I REALLY enjoyed this book and polishd it off quickly, I love her historicals but her voice is so different and unique in contemporaries but just as well done. Our heroine is a sheltered (but not spoiled) rich girl who marries quickly against her fathers wishes.
This book does contain a fair bit of domestic abuse, both physical and emotional- if you only enjoy fairy tale romances, this is not for you. It's taken seriously and not dealt with as if meeting a new man will magically fix things, which was great. This book is a great romance but also a wonderful character journey and contains realistic relationships between family members. Unlike most I still enjoyed "Sugar Daddy" more, but this is still a wonderful must read!
This book does contain a fair bit of domestic abuse, both physical and emotional- if you only enjoy fairy tale romances, this is not for you. It's taken seriously and not dealt with as if meeting a new man will magically fix things, which was great. This book is a great romance but also a wonderful character journey and contains realistic relationships between family members. Unlike most I still enjoyed "Sugar Daddy" more, but this is still a wonderful must read!
Helpful Score: 3
This is fiction that also tries to do some educating about narcissistic personalities and domestic abuse, and in this aspect the book does very well. In my mind however, it set up Haven's character in a way that the sex scenes brought the story down for me, but I am suspect I'm in the minority on this and in skimming past them. Otherwise, it was very well-written (particularly the first part. I was heavily involved with Haven's experiences in her marriage), had engaging characters so all in all, I thought it was very good.
Helpful Score: 3
I really liked this book. I loved Hardy but was somewhat conflicted over Haven. I just wasn't sure if her victim image was accurate. However, when you recall that she grew up with parents who were too into themselves to instill self-confidence, self-worth or give her love, it helps you to understand how she could fall for a narcisstic husband the first time around. Her mother tried to make her into what she thought she should be by degrading her to the point she controlled her which would explain how easily Haven fell into the victim role with Nick. Her father was too busy making money and trying to make wifey happy to help Haven develop these strengths or to even show he loved her. He even held her inheritance over her head to try to make her do what he wanted. After I thought about this part of her story, I realized I have known people like her and she became much more realistic to me. I really appreciate the way Kleypas wrote this real life situation into the book and admire Haven for overcoming the abuse and becoming a strong individual who could love again. Great story!
Helpful Score: 2
I sat and read this book through in one morning when I should have been doing a bunch of other things! It's great!
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent book! This is the first book by Kleypas in the first person -and the first one set in the present day, as well- that I've read, so it felt a bit unique for me. Haven was a very vivid personality, though oddly enough I ended up forgetting her name more often than not. The bad guys were nasty, the overbearing jerks who loved her got shown the light, and if I felt she flip flopped a bit between being damaged and as desperate to jump Hardy's bones as he deserved, having never been in an abusive relationship, I can't judge the accuracy. I can say that I teared up in places, and that the end thrilled me.
All in all, I finished it in a day, and liked it extremely.
All in all, I finished it in a day, and liked it extremely.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it! This book continues the saga of the book "Sugar Daddy", but you do not have to have read the other book. It tells how anyone, no matter what their social status, can hook up with an abusive person. And shows the courage to get out. It's a hot blooded romance!
Helpful Score: 1
***Happy sigh****
Lisa Kleypas does it again with book two in the Travis series. I liked Blue-Eyed Devil much more than Sugar Daddy although I think Liberty was a better character than Haven. Blue-Eyed Devil gets into the meat of the story much more quickly and the pacing worked better for me than Sugar Daddy.
Kleypas has an amazing ability to slowly build believable love and passion between her characters. She always includes such fine detail about their lives, their background, their homes, jobs, and cities where they live. It isn't that boring filler that seems to be used by so many authors, it is interesting, relevant information. The people come alive in her books.
Blue-Eyed devil has a heroine who is a bit more of a victim than I'm accustomed to with Kleypas, that is probably the biggest downside to the book. But the character does gain a spine eventually and we're treated to Hardy who is a wonderful character unto himself. There are the well-written requisite love scenes in this book, with reasonable heat.
Kleypas uses a different writing style in her contemporary books, where the story is written first person so you don't get to know the other characters as intimately as you do in her historicals. I think it works - in a way it makes the hero seem that much more heroic. But I don't think we get to know Hardy as much as you'd like, especially because he was such an enigma in Sugar Daddy.
Another winner from my favorite author.
4.5 stars.
Lisa Kleypas does it again with book two in the Travis series. I liked Blue-Eyed Devil much more than Sugar Daddy although I think Liberty was a better character than Haven. Blue-Eyed Devil gets into the meat of the story much more quickly and the pacing worked better for me than Sugar Daddy.
Kleypas has an amazing ability to slowly build believable love and passion between her characters. She always includes such fine detail about their lives, their background, their homes, jobs, and cities where they live. It isn't that boring filler that seems to be used by so many authors, it is interesting, relevant information. The people come alive in her books.
Blue-Eyed devil has a heroine who is a bit more of a victim than I'm accustomed to with Kleypas, that is probably the biggest downside to the book. But the character does gain a spine eventually and we're treated to Hardy who is a wonderful character unto himself. There are the well-written requisite love scenes in this book, with reasonable heat.
Kleypas uses a different writing style in her contemporary books, where the story is written first person so you don't get to know the other characters as intimately as you do in her historicals. I think it works - in a way it makes the hero seem that much more heroic. But I don't think we get to know Hardy as much as you'd like, especially because he was such an enigma in Sugar Daddy.
Another winner from my favorite author.
4.5 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
Sequel to Sugar Daddy. I thought the abuse storyline was very well written. Great book!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. loved the reality of this book and what it is actually like for women in an abusive relationships. I read this book in one night. I couldn't put it down.
i love this author- this book was wonderful- a hot read
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! Good Texas romance with very real life events. You feel everything that is happening to the main character. The GOOD and the BAD. She is an exceptional authour!!!!!
I actually think it was one of Kleypas's better books. I have only read her historic romance before this one.
I think although the story had romantic elements it was really about Haven's experiences of being a victim of domestic abuse and breaking her own cycle in life. In many ways, Kleypas showcases how Haven's life growing up kind of set her up to be in an abusive relationship with Nick. Not only did she have get to her life back by leaving Nick but learning to stand up for herself with her family, work, and other relationships.
I agree with the review that some of the sex scenes with Hardy did bring the book down a bit but Kleypas is known for her "romance" and that was what this book is marketed as. So I will forgive those scenes. They weren't bad just didn't seem believable or fit in well.
Good read. I had a hard time reading about Haven's relationship with Nick than with Vanessa. It made me cringed but it was good.
I think although the story had romantic elements it was really about Haven's experiences of being a victim of domestic abuse and breaking her own cycle in life. In many ways, Kleypas showcases how Haven's life growing up kind of set her up to be in an abusive relationship with Nick. Not only did she have get to her life back by leaving Nick but learning to stand up for herself with her family, work, and other relationships.
I agree with the review that some of the sex scenes with Hardy did bring the book down a bit but Kleypas is known for her "romance" and that was what this book is marketed as. So I will forgive those scenes. They weren't bad just didn't seem believable or fit in well.
Good read. I had a hard time reading about Haven's relationship with Nick than with Vanessa. It made me cringed but it was good.
This starts out with a horrible domestic violence situation and morphs into a sweet romance. Hardy Cates really is a sweetie and Haven Travis definitely deserves a HEA. Lisa Kleypas's characters are wonderful and insightful which makes for a terrific retelling of this not so new story.
Well written book. Love the way Lisa writes. Looking forward to reading the next of the series.
Loved this book - had a hard time putting it down!
Another excellent book by Kleypas. Same family and some of the same characters as Sugar Daddy, but you don't need to read one to read the other.
LOVED this book!!! The development of the main & supporting characters was great and Kleypas managed to infuse enough humor in the right places to keep the harsher scenes from becoming overwhelming. I've read all 3 "Travis" books and each one is so different yet all related.
Warning that some scenes are really difficult to read....the heroine is in an abusive relationship....but there's no sugar coating it and I really liked that there's a therapist character adding a bit of insight without getting preachy. No doubt this is damsel in distress/white knight storytelling, but modern enough to keep you interested.
Warning that some scenes are really difficult to read....the heroine is in an abusive relationship....but there's no sugar coating it and I really liked that there's a therapist character adding a bit of insight without getting preachy. No doubt this is damsel in distress/white knight storytelling, but modern enough to keep you interested.
This book was fun.
great read
Loved this book. I have a keeper copy.
This is on my keeper shelf. It is hard to put down. And one of Kleypas' best. I love that both Hardy and Haven are flawed and not perfect. The backstory and depth of characters is outstanding. Definitely recommended and then some.
Way too graphic for me. Take out the sex scenes and there's barely any story left.
That said, I DID read the whole thing. But domestic abuse and personality disorders are NOT my idea of topics for a good novel.
Sugar Daddy was so much better, in my estimation.
That said, I DID read the whole thing. But domestic abuse and personality disorders are NOT my idea of topics for a good novel.
Sugar Daddy was so much better, in my estimation.
Great story line. Could not put down.
Great book!
Rough topic...domestic abuse...but good characters and lots of romance. Told in first person, which I don't really like, but otherwise a very good read.
Mediocre story. Heiress escapes from abusive husband and meets up with old flame.
Excellent book! The author gives a very accurate accounting of exactly what it's like to live in an abusive marriage. I know, I've been there. It was almost uncanny how similar Haven's experience was to my own. There must be many, many women out there to whom this has happened. I got out, but the feeling of failure was there. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who are or have been in a relationship with a narcissistic personality.
Loved this...love the whole series...wish there were more!
Loved this book! It picked up where the first left off. Hardy & Haven both had a lot of healing to overcome and Kleypas told the story very well. Two thumbs up!
Sugar Daddy is a favorite of mine, it was going to be very hard for the sequel to measure up. Although this is not a favorite, I still loved the book. It is about the redemption of Hardy and Haven is his redemption. I loved them together, I loved the book. I do feel the ending didn't flow as good as it could have. Mrs. Kleypas, Jack needs a story now!
I loved this book, Kleypas is one of my favorite authors.
another great story from Lisa Kleypas!!Good characters continueing from "Sugar Daddy". Loved all three in the series, lovable steamy lead men and caring versatile women. All three a must read!!"Smooth Talking Stranger" is the third in the series and equally as enthralling!
Good storyline. Classic girl needing rescuing theme until she becomes empowered.
This is a five star book for me. I stayed up all night reading it. I bawled my eyes out and laughed out loud following the story of Haven. It was gritty and raw and so real for me. It's going on my keeper shelf, it was just so soo good! I can't recommend it enough!
Loved this book. Great continuation of Sugar Daddy.
This is the 2nd book in the Travis series. "Sugar Daddy" was really good and very well written. I enjoyed hearing more about Liberty and Gage in "Blue-Eyed Devil", however, the romance in this book was a little over-the-top for me. "Sugar Daddy" was a bit more classy, while "Blue-Eyed Devil" was kinda trashy. Gonna give book 3 (Smooth Talking Stranger) a try since I already have it but, I like my romance novels more story/plot than sex and romance.
After marrying a man her family didn't approve of, Haven Travis is determined to make her marriage work. But it soon turns into an abusive relationship and Haven is lucky to escape with her life. Haven moves back to her Houston and begins to heal with the help of her family and therapy. Hardy Cates is a self-made millionaire from the wrong side of the tracks. He is also an enemy of the Travis family. When Hardy and Haven meet, sparks fly, but Haven is determined to stay out of a relationship and guard her heart.
Wow, I loved this book. Haven's abusive marriage was very believable. Her husband works on her self-confidence, breaking it down to make her believe that she is responsible for all of their marriage woes. Hardy is the perfect man for her. He is the type who doesn't take "no" for an answer, but he understands Haven and knows that she needs to make her own decisions about their relationship. My rating: 5 Stars.
Wow, I loved this book. Haven's abusive marriage was very believable. Her husband works on her self-confidence, breaking it down to make her believe that she is responsible for all of their marriage woes. Hardy is the perfect man for her. He is the type who doesn't take "no" for an answer, but he understands Haven and knows that she needs to make her own decisions about their relationship. My rating: 5 Stars.
Very good book. This is a follow up to "Sugar Daddy" where Hardy is first introduced.
I love this author and this series, the first of which is Sugar Daddy. Well written and fast paced. This book was exceptionally sweet and wonderful.
Made me want to read the series
Fantastic book. I loved it even more than Sugar Daddy.
I didn't like Blue-Eyed Devil as much as Sugar Daddy. It was kind of dull. Pretty much the whole book was Haven getting beat up by Nick and having sex with Hardy.
I had heard so many great reviews on this book and I ran out and bought it. I was disappointed. This book was told entirely in a first person narrative and I could not get into it.
Fantastic book. I loved it even more than Sugar Daddy.
I didn't read Sugar Daddy and I wish I had started with that. I really enjoyed Blue-eyed Devil.
If there was a way to give this 10 stars, I would. Desert Island Keeper!
I love the helpless defenseless female lead like anyone. I mean, we all enjoy being rescued, but never have I seriously hated the female lead like I did Haven. God, It even pains me to have to write about it. The only GOOD thing about this book was Harvey, the male lead. Kleypas' description of him is pure poetry, and his actions through out the book left me breathless.
Don't get me wrong, I do feel for women in abusive relationships, but it gets to be tiresome when a woman makes a mistake and then finally gets help, only to refuse help over and over again for fear that she appears weak. I felt more and more frustrated as I turned each page. In the end, I actually wanted her to be written off. I felt Harvey could do better.
So, don't read this book for the character development. There is none. Read this book for the steamy love scenes (although it takes FOREVER to get there) and the all male essence that is Harvey. Yumm.
Don't get me wrong, I do feel for women in abusive relationships, but it gets to be tiresome when a woman makes a mistake and then finally gets help, only to refuse help over and over again for fear that she appears weak. I felt more and more frustrated as I turned each page. In the end, I actually wanted her to be written off. I felt Harvey could do better.
So, don't read this book for the character development. There is none. Read this book for the steamy love scenes (although it takes FOREVER to get there) and the all male essence that is Harvey. Yumm.
