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My Review:Title: Devil in Spring
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Series: The Ravenels #3
Published by: HarperAudio
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Mary Jane Wells
Length: 10 hours and 5 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Libby
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2021 Audiobook Challenge, Lenoreo's 2021 COYER Spring, Lenoreo's 2021 Historical Romance Book Bingo
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My rating:
Blurb:An eccentric wallflower…
Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.
A cynical rake…
After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.
A perilous plot…
After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven...
5 stars — This book delighted me from start to finish. Like, I can’t even tell you how much, it was just perfection for me.
I always knew I was going to be fascinated by Pandora, but there was even more to her than I had been expecting. It’s strange how learning about one physical disadvantage can explain a bit more about a person. But besides all that, she was quirky, adorable, high spirited, imaginative, naïve…basically delightful and hilarious. I loved how many contradictions there were to her, and how strong she was in standing up for her convictions. And while she did compromise in some ways, she didn’t compromise her spirit and essence.
Gabriel was his own set of fascinating. I wasn’t sure how enamoured I was going to be with him at the beginning, he seemed fairly similar to many “rakes” in historicals. But wow, Pandora just brought out all the best sides to him. He was kind, patient, hilarious, irreverent…he was the perfect foil for Pandora, b/c he appreciated who she was.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses on their path to love, and they both had stumbling blocks where they had to have their fiercely held beliefs questioned and altered. I loved that they both listened to one another (eventually), and took it seriously. I LOVED the way that Gabriel learned how to get through to Pandora in a way she would understand. I loved that we didn’t just get their courtship, but we got afterwards as well. I appreciated that it wasn’t all smooth sailing, because it made it more real, you know?
Obviously I loved seeing the Ravenel family again — they are truly becoming a favourite. There are so many wonderful and unique personalities. And I appreciated seeing old friends again as well, notably Dr. Gibson and Mr. Ransom as well. And we met a whole schwakload of new characters to love! Now I am DESPERATE to read Evie and Sebastian’s story (and luckily the audio is coming this summer). I loved the St. Vincent family and their dynamic. And then there’s Dragon!! What a strange new addition to the cast.
So yeah. Gush gush gush. Whatever, I don’t even care. I loved it, it worked for me, I can see this one becoming a relisten when I need a pick me up.
Can’t wait for my turn with this series. I’ve got the Wallflowers to read first.