Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Blue-Eyed Devil
Book Review: Couldn't Put it Down!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved Kleypas' second contemporary romance. I have been a fan of hers for awhile, and of course was loyal to the historical niche she's carved out for herself. I was a little disappointed in Sugar Daddy. The many years it stretched over felt plodding to me, and being torn between Hardy and Gage didn't have the satisfying certainty I've come to expect from the genre. Sure, that made Kleypas' first contemporary novel genre-busting, along with her first-person narration, but I was looking for a full escape from reality, a book that I could really lose myself in.
I found that in Blue-Eyed Devil. The world Kleypas describes feels rich and real, thanks in part to the exposition in Sugar Daddy that I just finished complaining about...I liked that I knew Hardy already and had met Haven. It made it easy to step into the world of the novel. As well as having easily likable characters, I loved the style of Kleypas' writing in this one. It's witty at times, and where she could have easily included stock characters (like a gay interior designer who minces) she gives us rounded, believable people.
Nick as the abuser felt a little flat, but more detail and development of that character and relationship would have been painful as well as made it difficult if not impossible to make the focus of the book Haven's personal growth and relationship with Hardy.
One thing that always pulls me into a romance is the ability to identify with the heroine. Like Haven I'm terrible with hair, college-educated with a smidge of liberal guilt, and too hard on myself. And I know lots of other women who possess that last quality. Sometimes it's scary how little women value themselves, and if they meet the wrong guy, well, there but for the grace of God go I. So Haven was someone I embraced and rooted for. The ending was great!
This novel has all the genre qualities you expect in a romance in terms of pacing, general plot outline, and a happy ending. But it felt so fresh and smart, and the first person narration really worked well. Thanks for a great read Ms. Kleypas!
Book Review: Decent Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I very much enjoyed "Sugar Daddy", the first book in this two-part story. This one fell just a little flat for me. Not as many twists and turns to keep me guessing. Also, Haven's relationship with her boss Vanessa seemed very unrealistic. I doubt very much that Haven would have taken the sort of abuse dished out by Vanessa. It was a little over the top which took away from the believability of it. Otherwise, it was alright.Book Review: Disappointed and Dissatisfied 2 1/2 stars
Summary: 2 Stars
***SPOILERS***
I'm a huge Lisa Kleypas fan. Huge. And I mostly enjoyed, but was ultimately left a little disappointed by Sugar Daddy. I was beyond excited for this one because I loved Hardy and from the glimpse we saw of Haven in the last book, I thought she had strong potential. Like Sugar Daddy, though, I finished Blue-Eyed Devil rather disappointed.
One of my disappointments was the abuse story line. I just had trouble relating. It's such a difficult topic, and I think Kleypas had a good idea there, but I found it unconvincing. The brief glimpse we get of Haven in Sugar Daddy is of this bubbling-quirky-advocate for the underdog sort of person. In fact, Gage remarked that the biggest disappointment of Haven's life was not being born disenfranchised. My point is, Haven in Sugar Daddy and Haven in Blue Eyed Devil did not match up- they seemed like two different people. And when the abuse starts, I just didn't buy that Haven would have allowed it to happen. Even the bit we see about her mother's treatment of her and her lack of "boundaries" just wasn't enough for me. I simply didn't believe that Haven would have allowed it to go on so long. It completely lost me by the time Nick renamed her to Marie. I thought she would have/should have left him right then and there. And because of the abuse story line, I felt like we never really got to know the real Haven.
The story line about her boss, Vanessa, was also really frustrating for me. First of all, she and Nick felt like two dimensional villains. They were sooo ridiculously bad it was absurd. For one character, Nick, to be this way was ok. For two, was just too much. I also became rather annoyed with Haven for being such a victim (again, because I didn't find it believeable). She didn't need the money and therefore didn't need to put up with Vanessa's crap. For her to just take it every day without protesting made it really difficult to read.
I also felt like Kleypas had a better handle on Hardy in the beginning of Sugar Daddy. What happened at the end of that book felt like a contrived plot device. He wasn't like that before, and he-from what we read of him in Blue Eyed Devil- wasn't like that after. Unfortunately, the Hardy of Sugar Daddy (at least the beginning) was missing. Like Haven, I felt like we only got glimpses of the real Hardy- more so towards the end. For most of the book, he felt kind of romance hero generic.
What was enjoyable was seeing Liberty through someone else's eyes. It was also intriguing to read about Churchill from the eyes of a daughter who had been disappointed by and sparred with him too many times. On the other hand, I missed the old Churchill. The resolution between Haven and her dad wasn't what I was hoping for, either, and also left me disappointed.
With all that being said, I still raced through Blue Eyed Devil. It's kind of a weird feeling to enjoy and yet be disappointed by a book at the same time. Perhaps it's because Kleypas is just such a good writer. Perhaps it's because I'm such a fan and am so biased in her favor. Whatever the reason, I know I'm in the minority here, but it just left me dissatisfied.
Book Review: Enchanting Review: Blue-Eyed Devil
Summary: 5 Stars
BLUE-EYED DEVIL-Travis Family #2
LISA KLEYPAS
Contemporary
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Haven Travis is the daughter of one of the richest men in Texas. Most people believe she is just a spoiled little rich girl; they don't know of her resolve to live with or without her family's money. Hardy Cates grew up rough; hard-work and determination creating the successful businessman he is now. Haven's decisions have shaped her personality and her life. After leaving an abusive relationship she is ready to learn to live again. But is Hardy man enough to teach her trust and love or is he just another roughneck, out to take advantage of her?
I like knowing the whole story behind a character, following her throughout her life, not just catching bits and pieces in flashbacks or conversations. I love following Haven through her struggles, knowing that she will find a new beginning, even if she takes the long way to get there.
And Hardy, (oh, what a man), is so dang yummy! We first met him in SUGAR DADDY, where Liberty Jones (now Travis), had a huge crush on him while growing up. He was always such a gentleman, and even back then knew what he wanted. We had a rather upsetting taste of the man he grew to become, but fortunately it was brief and didn't delve deeply into the reasons for his actions. Now we learn how he redeems himself. He's a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. He is very confident, and he faces his own fears and strives to overcome the man his father was in order to become the man that he wants to be.
Haven and Hardy's story is very emotional. It touches on more than just two ordinary people meeting and falling in love by presenting two people who've faced unbelievable conflicts and have battled their way to the top and to each other.
I love Lisa Kleypas' contemporary voice. The depth and perception she brings to the characters is outstanding - she makes you feel like you know them personally, as if you could call them up on the phone to meet for lunch. She brings you into Haven's life, making you feel and understand her emotions and what drives her to be the person she is. I laughed out load, shed a few tears, was incredibly ticked-off at the "meanies", and sighed with passion as I read this engrossing tale. I truly enjoy Lisa Kleypas' contemporary works, and greatly look forward to visiting the Travis family again in the future. To learn more about her books, you can visit her on the web at: www.LisaKleypas.com.
Aemelia
Enchanting Reviews
August 2008
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
I adored "Sugar Daddy" (5 major stars!) and was eager to see what Lisa Kleypas did with "Blue-Eyed Devil". It was excellent! Another winner. I didn't think I would like Hardy Cates after what had occurred in "Sugar Daddy", though I knew I had some sympathy for him, but boy was I wrong. He came thru with shining colors (almost too good - I would have liked to have seen a bit more of that "twisty twist" in him they kept talking about, but maybe love smoothed him out :). Haven Travis, the female lead of the story, was simply wonderful - pulling herself up from a horrible time with humor and amazing strength. You can really see her grow in character in the story. Ms. Kleypa knows how to write from a Texas woman's point of view, and I adore that the stories take place in Houston (since I live there) - its obvious Ms. Kleypas really knows the area - not a wrong note in any of the descriptions. Kudos to a fine author!
Highly recommended!