Lisa Kleypas, Seduce Me At Sunrise

In Lisa Kleypas's previous novel, "Mine Till Midnight," readers became acquainted with two unforgettable characters that honestly threatened to usurp attention: Winnifred "Win" Hathaway, and Kevin Merippen.

In this novel, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Win is basically considered by most in society to be an invalid. Scarlet fever greatly damaged her health, and it's entirely likely that she'll not be able to live a normal life: marriage, children, etc. are most likely too strenuous for her condition. But though her physical self may be sickly, the strength of her character shines through: she knows what she desires in life, and with whom...

Merripen had a horrendous childhood. (Picture Jet Li from "Unleashed," but as a Gypsy in Victorian times.) Having lived with the Hathaways for numerous years, he has an unflailing loyalty toward the family (even to the newest edition by matrimony, Cameron Rohan, with whom he previously had relationship of subdued hostility). But of all the Hathaways, Merripen couldn't care more for Win, the love of his life. She reciprocates, but due to his upbringing, Merripen believes that his soul is too black, too tainted for her, and that she deserves better. Though for years he has covertly relished in her closeness, in her caring nature, Win is shipped off to a clinic in France in hopes of improving her health. (Leo Hathaway, the drunkard brother from "Mine Till Midnight," joins her in hopes of settling his life in a foreign country.)

Three years later, a healthier Win returns to an emotionally damaged Merripen: a man who will swear off love at all costs. Tired of waiting for him, Win seriously considers suitor Dr. Julian Harrow: the doctor who cared for her at the clinic in France, and who would like their relationship to be more personal than professional. When he receives information that sheds doubt on Win's safety in Dr. Harrow's company, Merripen is caught between a rock and a hard place: he loves Win more than life itself, and can't bear for her to put her trust in someone only to be devestated, or perhaps physcially hurt; however, since childbirth is still a risky situation for Win, Merripen is sure that any spawn of his would kill her.

To throw another wrench into the works, Merripen and Cameron wish to finally acquire the knowledge of *why* they have the same Irish tatoo...

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Readers of Kleypas's previous works will possibly be reminded of "Dreaming of You" (often considered her best work) and how Derek Craven repeatedly pushed Sara Fielding away out of fear of hurting her, and in posession of the notion that she deserved better. Derek and Merripen are two very damaged, scarred people that need a healer more than they realize; and Sara and Win are two strong females--they posess *true* strength of character, not pig-headed stupidity/impulsiveness that a lot of "modernized" heroines have.

In some areas, this book seems like a tragedy--almost Shakespearean in nature: hero denies heroine his love, inadvertently driving her into the arms of the villain. At times, a happy ending seems nigh impossible. However, the drama is tempered with comedy and lightness at appropriate times--especially regarding Leo Hathaway, who lost none of his unique charm while away on the Continent. One also can't forgett Win's younger sisters, Poppy and Beatrix (loveable in their own ways), as well as Amelia and Cameron from "Mine Till Midnight."

And the desire/romance/passion/love... flares from the very first page!

Seduce Me At Sunrise

Lisa Kleypas

St. Martin's, Oct 2008, $7.99

ISBN: 0312949812

In 1836 the English attack a Gypsy camp. The youngster Kev Merripen tried to fight, but was knocked in the head by the butt of a rifle and stabbed in the back by a bayonet. His tribe fled leaving him behind to die. A hated Gadjo the Hathaway patriarch saves his life though Kev's disdain would have someone think otherwise. Filled with gypsy superstitions, Kev is raised in the home of a rationalist. However, his host's daughter Winifred softens his hostile outlook. Kev loves Win who is sent to France to recover from an illness.

A dozen years later she comes home only to find her childhood friend angry and nasty towards her and seemingly everyone else. He tries to drive her away even as she only shows him kindness. Win knows she loves her gypsy and considers seduction to win his heart. However, she begins to give up on him leaving room for other suitors as Kev struggles between his desire for Win and his belief that a Gadjo and Romany cannot unite even in love.

Lisa Kleypas 'latest Victorian romance (see 'Mine Till Midnight' and 'The Devil In Winter') is an engaging tale starring a wonderful extremely tolerant female and a somewhat self defeating hero. Kev is the posterboy for the self fulfilling prophecy as he assumes the worst of others so takes no chances on his heart. Readers will appreciate the determined Win trying to persuade the obstinate Kev they belong together although his stubbornness can become a trifle frustrating.

Harriet Klausner