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Where Dreams Begin
An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.
Lisa Kleypas delivers the unforgettable, sexy tale of a brash rogue who meets his equal in a woman who knows exactly what she wants...
Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power. Now, he is seeking a wife to help secure his position in the ton... as well as warm his bed in private. But not just any woman will do for one of London's most notorious rakes. When he meets Lady Holly Taylor, he surrenders to the temptation to take her in his arms and kiss her. Yet, he's pleasantly surprised to discover her fierce passions match his own.
Lady Holly Taylor is destined to spend her life playing by society's rules, even when they go against her bolder instincts. But Zachary's kiss arouses her, and though his shocking offer doesn't include marriage, she is compelled to risk everything for the most forbidden passion.
Lisa Kleypas delivers the unforgettable, sexy tale of a brash rogue who meets his equal in a woman who knows exactly what she wants...
Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power. Now, he is seeking a wife to help secure his position in the ton... as well as warm his bed in private. But not just any woman will do for one of London's most notorious rakes. When he meets Lady Holly Taylor, he surrenders to the temptation to take her in his arms and kiss her. Yet, he's pleasantly surprised to discover her fierce passions match his own.
Lady Holly Taylor is destined to spend her life playing by society's rules, even when they go against her bolder instincts. But Zachary's kiss arouses her, and though his shocking offer doesn't include marriage, she is compelled to risk everything for the most forbidden passion.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2000
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About the author
Lisa Kleypas
118 books31.3k followersLISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,171 reviews
April 7, 2017
Okey, okey, puede que las 5 estrellas tengan un importante componente hormonal, pero es que esta novela es exquisita!
Una de mis debilidades con los libros de esta autora (y de esta época) es cuando desarrolla esos protagonistas masculinos a los que la vida no les ha dado nada en bandeja, que se han forjado un futuro a base de esfuerzo, trabajo, tesón y, por qué no decirlo, con la arrogancia que les da una innata habilidad y astucia para los negocios, pero que por sus orígenes humildes son rechazados por la decadente aristocracia inglesa.
Si ya me derretí con Simon Hunt, Derek Craven, Matthew Swift y los adorables gitanos de la serie Hathaways… con Zachary Bronson la Kleypas me mató; el señor Bronson pasó al número 1 de mi top ten de "granujas Kleypas" de forma casi instantánea.
-Te vi ir hacia el carruaje y pensé que eras la cosa más encantadora que había visto en mi vida. –Le dio un beso en el hombro, tocando la frágil curva con la lengua, y Holly se estremeció.
-Y empezaste a urdir un plan –dijo ella, jadeante.
-Eso es. Pensé en cien formas de meterme bajo tus faldas, y decidí que el mejor plan era contratarte. Pero en algún punto de mis intentos por seducirte me enamoré de ti.
-Y tus intenciones se volvieron honradas –dijo ella, complacida.
-No, seguía queriendo meterme bajo tus faldas.
La novela es realmente deliciosa; hasta pasada la mitad la autora nos mantiene en vilo con ese juego de seducción donde priman los deseos contenidos, para luego desatar una seguidilla de situaciones intensas y emotivas, tanto que recomiendo terminar su lectura con pañuelos a mano.
Libros como este son los que me recuerdan por qué Lisa Kleypas es mi autora favorita en romántica.
Una de mis debilidades con los libros de esta autora (y de esta época) es cuando desarrolla esos protagonistas masculinos a los que la vida no les ha dado nada en bandeja, que se han forjado un futuro a base de esfuerzo, trabajo, tesón y, por qué no decirlo, con la arrogancia que les da una innata habilidad y astucia para los negocios, pero que por sus orígenes humildes son rechazados por la decadente aristocracia inglesa.
Si ya me derretí con Simon Hunt, Derek Craven, Matthew Swift y los adorables gitanos de la serie Hathaways… con Zachary Bronson la Kleypas me mató; el señor Bronson pasó al número 1 de mi top ten de "granujas Kleypas" de forma casi instantánea.
-Te vi ir hacia el carruaje y pensé que eras la cosa más encantadora que había visto en mi vida. –Le dio un beso en el hombro, tocando la frágil curva con la lengua, y Holly se estremeció.
-Y empezaste a urdir un plan –dijo ella, jadeante.
-Eso es. Pensé en cien formas de meterme bajo tus faldas, y decidí que el mejor plan era contratarte. Pero en algún punto de mis intentos por seducirte me enamoré de ti.
-Y tus intenciones se volvieron honradas –dijo ella, complacida.
-No, seguía queriendo meterme bajo tus faldas.
La novela es realmente deliciosa; hasta pasada la mitad la autora nos mantiene en vilo con ese juego de seducción donde priman los deseos contenidos, para luego desatar una seguidilla de situaciones intensas y emotivas, tanto que recomiendo terminar su lectura con pañuelos a mano.
Libros como este son los que me recuerdan por qué Lisa Kleypas es mi autora favorita en romántica.
June 19, 2019
4.5/No soy lectora de Kleypas, en mi estantería almaceno libros de otras escritoras/es que, en general, me gustan más. Y, si he leído éste, es porque salió elegido en un grupo de lecturas conjuntas. Así, de entrada, puedes imaginarte lo sorprendida que estoy de que el libro me haya gustado tanto. Y cuando digo tanto me refiero a TANTO. Como punto fuerte, para mí, son los personajes y el que la historia de amor entre ellos se diera sin prisas. Muy recomendable ❤❤❤
October 6, 2012
Book gods : "Stacia, you've had a rough reading week. It's time that we allow you a moment of rest. Go forth and enjoy this familiar author as you relax in our favor for this brief moment."
Me : "Thank you, sirs and madams. I will try not to squander your gift."
3.5 stars. I had to deduct half a point for an ending that should have been cut off about 30 pages sooner.
I'm officially refreshed now. Kleypas never fails to entertain me. The formula still stands as successful as ever. There are no witty quips to share this time but I'm okay with that. Zachary was my kind of hero (...except for that ever-persistent chest hair that Kleypas seems to favor on her male leads. Springy chest hair has never sounded attractive to me.). He fights (as in bare-knuckle boxing), he swears, and he knows how to please a woman. Society be damned, he's going to fit in without the help of noble gentlemen. If he can't buy respect, he'll win it. And this time he's out to win the heart of Lady Holland.
The sound of his voice stunned her...a deep purring rumble, like the voice of Hades as he dragged an unwilling Persephone down to his underworld kingdom.
I loved that the book opener was about two strangers meeting during a chance encounter in the dark - our hero mistaking Holly's identity for another :
"We're strangers in the darkness," he whispered back. "We'll never be together like this again. No, don't pull away. Show me how an evening can be magical."
There's no real point in me going through my likes and dislikes as I would with another book or author. Kleypas doesn't change much in style from book to book, even though there are some stories which are better than others. This one falls somewhere in the middle for me - not the best, not the worst. I go with this author mainly when I want the familiar comfort of not having to work too hard in order to find myself lost in a story. If you like her historical romances, then you'll want to check this one out.
It's always worth it just to see a large, alpha-male type brought to his knees :
"What we just shared, Holly...I don't know if it was a communion of souls, but it was the damn closest I'm ever going to get."
March 11, 2019
The worst infidelity for me is when they want the heroine but sleep with other women. He slept with a different prostitute at a brothel every night after he wanted the heroine. It was just gross. I know it is supposed to. be a great book. but not for me. I didn't finish it even and I never do that. I did skim the rest and I just never got into it. That is my personal pet peeve and he just disgusted me. I can't stand heroes like him. I am still pissed that I read it. I wish I hadn't. There will be no getting over this with a Garwood book either. People said it was safe and that he was faithful or I would never have touched it. I know they weren't together yet but he wanted her and was just a total pig about sex. I hated him and I don't care that he ended up loving her so much. She will probably get a disease from him anyway. Did I mention how much I hated this book. People in the reviews were mad at her for mourning George but I would rather have that the a man who would put his d!@% in any woman. So gross to me. Not a hero in my opinion. Why did I read this???!!! It just made me sick.
I just reread the ending because I just wanted to give it another chance after my anger was over and it was heartbreaking and he almost lost her and it broke him, so it one more star. The scene with her husband was weird to me and so I almost took it back but I left it. Not an endorsement but it did make me cry. It was sad. He still was a pig though.
I just reread the ending because I just wanted to give it another chance after my anger was over and it was heartbreaking and he almost lost her and it broke him, so it one more star. The scene with her husband was weird to me and so I almost took it back but I left it. Not an endorsement but it did make me cry. It was sad. He still was a pig though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
I have to say, it was very hard for me to rate this book. There were parts I loved, making me want to give it a 4, and parts that I hated, making me want to give it a 3 or less. Ultimately, I had to go with my instincts and go with the 3. Let me tell you why...
What I Loved:
In general, I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I loved the concept and, for the most part, the way that Lisa Kleypas built the story. I loved the characters, with the exception of one, and I really did want to see them happy.
Zachary Bronson is, in a word, perfect. Gorgeous, intelligent, strong, protective, loving, generous, honorable, and sexual. How could you not want him? I honestly don't understand how Holly resisted the man for so long. And, on top of all that, he was completely in love with her daughter. He's loving, gentle, and kind to his family, in love with you and your daughter, and you're going to leave him? Whaaaa...?
Rose was utterly adorable, the cutest little girl ever and I loved how Zach always got her new buttons for her button string. Elizabeth and Paula were awesome, too, and I loved that Elizabeth and Jason Somers found love with each other. I just wish that there was some of the book from their points of view so that I could have seen their love develop.
What I Didn't Like:
It took me until about page 300 to start liking Holly and there is one reason it took so long, and this reason is why I rated the book a 3. It was the fact that Holly was constantly comparing everything and everyone to her dead husband, George. Now, I can accept a certain amount of grief and mourning, as is to be expected when you lose someone you love. However, I could not handle the fact that George's damn name was mentioned on every fucking page! What would George do? Would George approve of this? How would George feel about me kissing Zachary? Oh dear, I can't have feelings for Zach because he's not like George! Holly, you can't do that because George never would have wanted you to do that! Blah, blah, blah. And this happened on almost every page for the great majority of the book. It got to be very tiresome to the point that I felt no inclination to even read the book. I really would have loved Holly is not for the constant George mentions. And the fact that they occurred up until about page 300, when there is 373 pages in the book, is a bit ridiculous.
So yes, in general, I really did like this book. Will I read it again? Probably not. Will I pine for Zachary, wishing and hoping to have him as my own? Most likely. Will I ever get over this George thing? Never. Will I read more of Lisa Kleypas's novels? Definitely. Here's to hoping that the next one I read is a much better experience for me.
What I Loved:
In general, I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I loved the concept and, for the most part, the way that Lisa Kleypas built the story. I loved the characters, with the exception of one, and I really did want to see them happy.
Zachary Bronson is, in a word, perfect. Gorgeous, intelligent, strong, protective, loving, generous, honorable, and sexual. How could you not want him? I honestly don't understand how Holly resisted the man for so long. And, on top of all that, he was completely in love with her daughter. He's loving, gentle, and kind to his family, in love with you and your daughter, and you're going to leave him? Whaaaa...?
Rose was utterly adorable, the cutest little girl ever and I loved how Zach always got her new buttons for her button string. Elizabeth and Paula were awesome, too, and I loved that Elizabeth and Jason Somers found love with each other. I just wish that there was some of the book from their points of view so that I could have seen their love develop.
What I Didn't Like:
It took me until about page 300 to start liking Holly and there is one reason it took so long, and this reason is why I rated the book a 3. It was the fact that Holly was constantly comparing everything and everyone to her dead husband, George. Now, I can accept a certain amount of grief and mourning, as is to be expected when you lose someone you love. However, I could not handle the fact that George's damn name was mentioned on every fucking page! What would George do? Would George approve of this? How would George feel about me kissing Zachary? Oh dear, I can't have feelings for Zach because he's not like George! Holly, you can't do that because George never would have wanted you to do that! Blah, blah, blah. And this happened on almost every page for the great majority of the book. It got to be very tiresome to the point that I felt no inclination to even read the book. I really would have loved Holly is not for the constant George mentions. And the fact that they occurred up until about page 300, when there is 373 pages in the book, is a bit ridiculous.
So yes, in general, I really did like this book. Will I read it again? Probably not. Will I pine for Zachary, wishing and hoping to have him as my own? Most likely. Will I ever get over this George thing? Never. Will I read more of Lisa Kleypas's novels? Definitely. Here's to hoping that the next one I read is a much better experience for me.
July 17, 2015
Recently I asked a few goodreads friends to help me out with some recommendations for something light with some sexy times in it and if possible a good audiobook version to go along with the ebook. Let’s just say they did not fail me. I got some great recommends and this was one of them.
This is my first Lisa Kleypas novel and I enjoyed it so much I’m sure it won’t be my last. The build of sexual tension was so good and even the storyline was really enjoyable. Mr. Bronson is new to the aristocracy, he has a lot of money but not the manners a true gentleman needs for society. Lady Holly is a widow still very much in love with the memory of a man who died three years ago. In a chance meeting in the dark Mr. Bronson mistakes her for the Lady he has arranged a liaison with and before he realizes the mistake he has kissed her and ignited something neither one was expecting. Now he just has to figure out how to claim her and make her his own.
Lady Holly ends up in Bronson’s home to teach manners and etiquette to his sister, mother and himself in an attempt to help them be more accepted into society and find good matches. The Bronson’s are a fun lot and even though it isn’t like living with her husband’s family Holly finds that there is a place for her there. There is even a growing attraction to Bronson that she can’t deny.
While I liked Holly from the beginning it took a little time to really start to appreciate and like Zachary Bronson. He has some tomcatting and debaucherious ways about him in the beginning of the book that detracted from his likability. He is overly generous to those he cares about with his money but it took a little time for him to discover that he wasn’t happy frequenting whore houses and such when he cared for the very innocent Lady Holly living beneath his roof. I especially loved how kind and attentive he was to Lady Holly’s child Rose. Rose is freaking adorable by the way.
Sure this has some of the things that most Historical Romances do. A rake of a man is tamed by a virtuous woman but this also incorporated the difference in classes and how the Ton didn’t take well to new blood without aristocratic lineage coming into their ranks.
Definitely an enjoyable romance
This is my first Lisa Kleypas novel and I enjoyed it so much I’m sure it won’t be my last. The build of sexual tension was so good and even the storyline was really enjoyable. Mr. Bronson is new to the aristocracy, he has a lot of money but not the manners a true gentleman needs for society. Lady Holly is a widow still very much in love with the memory of a man who died three years ago. In a chance meeting in the dark Mr. Bronson mistakes her for the Lady he has arranged a liaison with and before he realizes the mistake he has kissed her and ignited something neither one was expecting. Now he just has to figure out how to claim her and make her his own.
It was a special agony to be placed under the power of a virtuous woman. The only consolation was that she didn’t seem to understand how completely he was in her thrall
Lady Holly ends up in Bronson’s home to teach manners and etiquette to his sister, mother and himself in an attempt to help them be more accepted into society and find good matches. The Bronson’s are a fun lot and even though it isn’t like living with her husband’s family Holly finds that there is a place for her there. There is even a growing attraction to Bronson that she can’t deny.
While I liked Holly from the beginning it took a little time to really start to appreciate and like Zachary Bronson. He has some tomcatting and debaucherious ways about him in the beginning of the book that detracted from his likability. He is overly generous to those he cares about with his money but it took a little time for him to discover that he wasn’t happy frequenting whore houses and such when he cared for the very innocent Lady Holly living beneath his roof. I especially loved how kind and attentive he was to Lady Holly’s child Rose. Rose is freaking adorable by the way.
“What is that, Miss Rose?”
“My button string.” The child let some of the length fall to the ground, displaying a line of carefully strung buttons…picture buttons etched with flowers, fruit or butterflies, ones made of molded black glass and a few of painted enamel and paper. “This one is my perfume button,” Rose said proudly, fingering a large one with velvet backing. She lifted it to her nose and inhaled deeply. “Mama puts her perfume on it for me, to make it smell nice.”
Sure this has some of the things that most Historical Romances do. A rake of a man is tamed by a virtuous woman but this also incorporated the difference in classes and how the Ton didn’t take well to new blood without aristocratic lineage coming into their ranks.
Definitely an enjoyable romance
January 13, 2023
While I was reading this I wondered how the story would sound if the roles were reversed. Let’s see how it reads now...
We have a widower, he’s spent over three years wearing all black and not attending public dances. He has a young daughter that is his life joy.
He has no desire for any other women, he often lovingly gazes at his wife’s small portrait that he keeps at his bedside. He and his wife were deeply in love. They might not have had a passionate relationship, but they were best friends. They had sex once a week, but he never had an orgasm.
After sufficient time in mourning, he attends a party with family. He wears modest clothing to not attract any roving eyes, refusing to dance with all the women who ask him. He wanders around the party and stumbles into a room with a tall and mysterious women. She instantly grabs ahold of him, forcefully kissing and fondling him. He is too stunned to move, but then a tingle of passion begins to simmer and he kisses her back. What is this feeling he has?!
The mysterious women is intrigued and hellbent on finding on who this lovely man is. The women is a rising superstar in all things business. She has the midas touch and is rolling in money. Polite society won’t accept her because she has new money, not proper old family money. So she sets out to hire the widower to teach her social skills.
After the widower moves into her mansion with his young daughter, the women continues to find reasons for them to be alone together. She is often touching him, kissing him and feeling lots of strange feelings for him she has never felt before. They have the BEST conversations. She is pleasantly surprised at how eloquent and intelligent the man is.
She loves going to upscale male whorehouses to slate her feminine urges. She is highly passionate and can’t go more than a few days without having sex. So whilst romancing the handsome and shy widower, she continues to have sex with other men. BUT there are no emotions involved, so this is perfectly fine.
Ok, I joke, but seriously - but what a very different story when told this way.
I know I have strong feelings about this, but I still enjoyed this story! Yes, I just spent paragraphs showing how ridiculous this all was. But this is the exact kind of story I cut my reading teeth on around the very impressionable age of 12.
As historical romances go, this one was certainly one of the better ones.
We have a widower, he’s spent over three years wearing all black and not attending public dances. He has a young daughter that is his life joy.
He has no desire for any other women, he often lovingly gazes at his wife’s small portrait that he keeps at his bedside. He and his wife were deeply in love. They might not have had a passionate relationship, but they were best friends. They had sex once a week, but he never had an orgasm.
After sufficient time in mourning, he attends a party with family. He wears modest clothing to not attract any roving eyes, refusing to dance with all the women who ask him. He wanders around the party and stumbles into a room with a tall and mysterious women. She instantly grabs ahold of him, forcefully kissing and fondling him. He is too stunned to move, but then a tingle of passion begins to simmer and he kisses her back. What is this feeling he has?!
The mysterious women is intrigued and hellbent on finding on who this lovely man is. The women is a rising superstar in all things business. She has the midas touch and is rolling in money. Polite society won’t accept her because she has new money, not proper old family money. So she sets out to hire the widower to teach her social skills.
After the widower moves into her mansion with his young daughter, the women continues to find reasons for them to be alone together. She is often touching him, kissing him and feeling lots of strange feelings for him she has never felt before. They have the BEST conversations. She is pleasantly surprised at how eloquent and intelligent the man is.
She loves going to upscale male whorehouses to slate her feminine urges. She is highly passionate and can’t go more than a few days without having sex. So whilst romancing the handsome and shy widower, she continues to have sex with other men. BUT there are no emotions involved, so this is perfectly fine.
Ok, I joke, but seriously - but what a very different story when told this way.
I know I have strong feelings about this, but I still enjoyed this story! Yes, I just spent paragraphs showing how ridiculous this all was. But this is the exact kind of story I cut my reading teeth on around the very impressionable age of 12.
As historical romances go, this one was certainly one of the better ones.
October 25, 2018
Aunque no es de sus libros más memorables, se trata de un buen ejemplo de la maravillosa autora de romance histórico que es Lisa Kleypas. Muy bien documentado, transcurre en una época interesantísima, la primera revolución industrial. Cuenta la bonita historia entre dos personajes con una gran química marca de la casa: Holly, una viuda con un marido muerto muy moñas, una hija monisima (esos botones) y unas migrañas provocadas por su frustración sexual, y Zachary, un bruto de lo más encantador, con pelo en el pechote (en el que la prota no para de pensar en rebozarse #todassomosHolly) y muchos puntos en común con mis adorados Derek Craven y Jack Devlin.
Por si os interesa una crítica que expresa mucho mejor que yo, y con más gracia, lo que me parece este libro, no os perdáis la reseña de Cassandra en A la cama con un libro: http://alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.com...
Por si os interesa una crítica que expresa mucho mejor que yo, y con más gracia, lo que me parece este libro, no os perdáis la reseña de Cassandra en A la cama con un libro: http://alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.com...
October 18, 2018
Relectura
Me sorprendían esas 4 estrellas porque hasta prácticamente el final estaba siendo una novela de 5
pero no me ha gustdo cómo Kleypas ha resuelto el conflicto de George. Lo siento y le bajo una estrellita
Para mí una de las buenas de esta autora. donde ya refleja esa gran pasión que siente por las diferencias sociales y el reflejo, en Londres, del gran sueño americano: el pobre que se hace inmensamente rico
Zack, reflejo de los protagonistas de Lisa, si algo me gusta de ella es la capacidad que tiene para construir hombres que enamoran. Tiernos cuando hace falta y con un carácter arroyador. Que dan la libertad a las mujeres porque eso no les mengua su seguridad.
Una historia que lo tiene todo: critica social, humor, amor, personajes que crecen y evolucionan y con carácter.
Una novela muy recomendable
Me sorprendían esas 4 estrellas porque hasta prácticamente el final estaba siendo una novela de 5
pero no me ha gustdo cómo Kleypas ha resuelto el conflicto de George. Lo siento y le bajo una estrellita
Para mí una de las buenas de esta autora. donde ya refleja esa gran pasión que siente por las diferencias sociales y el reflejo, en Londres, del gran sueño americano: el pobre que se hace inmensamente rico
Zack, reflejo de los protagonistas de Lisa, si algo me gusta de ella es la capacidad que tiene para construir hombres que enamoran. Tiernos cuando hace falta y con un carácter arroyador. Que dan la libertad a las mujeres porque eso no les mengua su seguridad.
Una historia que lo tiene todo: critica social, humor, amor, personajes que crecen y evolucionan y con carácter.
Una novela muy recomendable
May 26, 2017
Me hace bien al corazón leer a Lisa Kleypas. Así de simple. ❤️
January 7, 2023
AMAZING BOOK ALERT
This book has so much heart.
Here I was just going about my business with this 2000 gem just sitting innocently on my shelf, unread. Why are we not talking about this book!!??
Pretty classic historical romance fare, with a beauty and the beast type vibe and let me tell ya Zachary Bronson is literally THE BEST self made alpha Hero EVER If you like a looming, brawny, hardworking, protective, possessive, dedicated, eager to please, cocky as hell Hero with a heart of gold who ya know is gonna fall HARD this is the book for you. Lots of yearning, angst, and stolen kisses.The banter between the MC's is absolutely priceless full of witty quips and the descriptive writing is Kleypas at her best. For me, it was unputdownable. Has more of a bold edge than her more recent books.
A downright beautiful love story. This would make an awesome movie!
**If you can snag an original copy - cream colored with orange flowers and a gorgeous stepback it's a beauty!😉😍📚
This book has so much heart.
Here I was just going about my business with this 2000 gem just sitting innocently on my shelf, unread. Why are we not talking about this book!!??
Pretty classic historical romance fare, with a beauty and the beast type vibe and let me tell ya Zachary Bronson is literally THE BEST self made alpha Hero EVER If you like a looming, brawny, hardworking, protective, possessive, dedicated, eager to please, cocky as hell Hero with a heart of gold who ya know is gonna fall HARD this is the book for you. Lots of yearning, angst, and stolen kisses.The banter between the MC's is absolutely priceless full of witty quips and the descriptive writing is Kleypas at her best. For me, it was unputdownable. Has more of a bold edge than her more recent books.
A downright beautiful love story. This would make an awesome movie!
**If you can snag an original copy - cream colored with orange flowers and a gorgeous stepback it's a beauty!😉😍📚
January 27, 2023
5+ STARS!
So fucking wonderful; funny, touching, and utterly swoony.
Yes, it had two of the most objectionable tropes in romancelandia (dead ex and non-celibate hero) but I LOVED every word. Zachary was all kinds of mine and Holly was all kinds of trying to hold herself together - it made for the perfect push and pull.
Will absolutely read again. Thank you, Rain for bringing this one to my attention.
So fucking wonderful; funny, touching, and utterly swoony.
"I've been searching for you my entire life."It's going on my all-time favorites list!
Yes, it had two of the most objectionable tropes in romancelandia (dead ex and non-celibate hero) but I LOVED every word. Zachary was all kinds of mine and Holly was all kinds of trying to hold herself together - it made for the perfect push and pull.
Will absolutely read again. Thank you, Rain for bringing this one to my attention.
November 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this one. Love to get back to Historicals every so often. Zachary, the hero, from the wrong side of the tracks, who wants to fit in with the upper classes. Lady Holland, from the upper classes who once had the love of her life and knows she will never know that again.
Loved Holly's daughter too. She was adorable.
Must read some more by the talented Ms Kleypas.
“I'll follow you to the next life if I have to," he whispered harshly in her ear. "You'll never be free of me. I'll chase you through heaven and hell and beyond." He continued to whisper without stopping while his hands gripped her body close to his. "You stay with me, Holly," he muttered savagely. "Don't do this to me. You stay, damn you.”
Loved Holly's daughter too. She was adorable.
“A thousand chances for you. A hundred thousand.”
Must read some more by the talented Ms Kleypas.
“"In my entire life, there's only been you. You're every dream and wish and want I've ever had.”
May 11, 2022
Reread/listened to the audiobook version May'2022:
Still a wonderful romance, but I found Holly extremely frustrating. Rosalyn Landor did a great job with the audiobook narration.
Original rating/review Feb'2010:
5+ stars – Historical Romance
This is a beautiful, poignant romance, and Zachary Bronson's longing for a life of love and acceptance with Lady Holly is achingly sad and touching.
It's a real treasure and another Lisa Kleypas 5 star favorite/keeper!
Still a wonderful romance, but I found Holly extremely frustrating. Rosalyn Landor did a great job with the audiobook narration.
Original rating/review Feb'2010:
5+ stars – Historical Romance
This is a beautiful, poignant romance, and Zachary Bronson's longing for a life of love and acceptance with Lady Holly is achingly sad and touching.
It's a real treasure and another Lisa Kleypas 5 star favorite/keeper!
June 3, 2018
Este libro es 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Me encantaron los dos protagonistas, pero Zachary se lleva el premio ❤️
July 22, 2024
Reread, July 2024:
Reread for book club and all the feels about getting to reread one of my favorite historical romances. My sweet precious babies, I love this one so much! Self made man, widowed single mom heroine, class difference, forced proximity, he falls first, give it to me all day. If you haven’t read this one, highly recommend this standalone!
1st read, June 2022:
“In my entire life, there has only been you. You’re every dream and wish and want I’ve ever had.”
This was such a great historical romance from queen Lisa Kleypas! I mean, LK is the queen of the self made man and Zachary Bronson was such a great hero.
Lady Holly Taylor has been in mourning for 3 years after the death of her husband and is now at her first party when she shares a kiss with a mystery man on the balcony, who mistakes her for someone else at first. Zachary Bronson is known as the “merchant prince”, he started out as a common street fighter before becoming captain of a steam ship, to eventually turning to stocks and real estate and is now a wealthy investor. A self-proclaimed social climber, Zachary has come as far as he can with his fortune, but wants an in with society and requests Holly’s help. He asks Holly to be his social guide for a year to help him learn the ways of polite society and teach his sister Elizabeth to be a lady as well. Holly and her 4-year-old daughter Rose have been living with her late husband’s family and wants the best for her daughter’s future. So Holly negotiates a raise (30,000 pounds for the year) and wants Zachary to help invest the money for her at the end of it for her daughter Rose’s future. Zachary agrees and then let’s Holly know that she and Rose must move in for the year as well.
“You said no second chances.”
“A thousand chances for you, a hundred thousand.”
I loved the forced proximity in this once Holly moves in with Zachary. I liked seeing Holly’s friendships grow with his mother and sister. Zachary with her daughter Rose was just so sweet and caring and I loved to see that too. Rose collects buttons and it was sweet all the times Zachary would spoil her or gift her buttons. I liked that Holly’s first marriage was a love match, even if they were younger and more naive. Love how Zachary was the pining hero and wanted Holly so much. Just a fabulous stand-alone from Lisa Kleypas!
Reread for book club and all the feels about getting to reread one of my favorite historical romances. My sweet precious babies, I love this one so much! Self made man, widowed single mom heroine, class difference, forced proximity, he falls first, give it to me all day. If you haven’t read this one, highly recommend this standalone!
1st read, June 2022:
“In my entire life, there has only been you. You’re every dream and wish and want I’ve ever had.”
This was such a great historical romance from queen Lisa Kleypas! I mean, LK is the queen of the self made man and Zachary Bronson was such a great hero.
Lady Holly Taylor has been in mourning for 3 years after the death of her husband and is now at her first party when she shares a kiss with a mystery man on the balcony, who mistakes her for someone else at first. Zachary Bronson is known as the “merchant prince”, he started out as a common street fighter before becoming captain of a steam ship, to eventually turning to stocks and real estate and is now a wealthy investor. A self-proclaimed social climber, Zachary has come as far as he can with his fortune, but wants an in with society and requests Holly’s help. He asks Holly to be his social guide for a year to help him learn the ways of polite society and teach his sister Elizabeth to be a lady as well. Holly and her 4-year-old daughter Rose have been living with her late husband’s family and wants the best for her daughter’s future. So Holly negotiates a raise (30,000 pounds for the year) and wants Zachary to help invest the money for her at the end of it for her daughter Rose’s future. Zachary agrees and then let’s Holly know that she and Rose must move in for the year as well.
“You said no second chances.”
“A thousand chances for you, a hundred thousand.”
I loved the forced proximity in this once Holly moves in with Zachary. I liked seeing Holly’s friendships grow with his mother and sister. Zachary with her daughter Rose was just so sweet and caring and I loved to see that too. Rose collects buttons and it was sweet all the times Zachary would spoil her or gift her buttons. I liked that Holly’s first marriage was a love match, even if they were younger and more naive. Love how Zachary was the pining hero and wanted Holly so much. Just a fabulous stand-alone from Lisa Kleypas!
November 5, 2014
4 STARS
I will read anything Lisa Kleypas writes. Anything.
This was a great story, filled with the angst of loss and despair, hope and enduring love. Holly Taylor couldn't imagine loving again, let alone loving more than she did her late husband. At first I was irritated with Holly and her self sacrifice to uphold propriety, but as the story progressed I realized what she was doing. I can't even imagine living in a time where you're told how to feel, act, grieve and love. But Zachary Bronson was quite possibly the most unlikely of men to win Holly's heart, and reading how he did it was beautiful. There were quite a few scenes that had me twisted inside out. Zachary's behavior.
Can LK write anything bad? Not in my opinion. She just has a way with storytelling unlike any other author I've read. Her writing is both intelligent and provocative, her love scenes are seductive and incredibly sexy and the witty banter between characters is smart and funny. I'm always so touched by her work, God, listen to me, I'm spewing praise left, right and center! But seriously, her HR is fantastic, her CR is to die for...she's my favorite writer, oozes talent. If you haven't read LK's work...what are you waiting for?? Loved it.
I will read anything Lisa Kleypas writes. Anything.
This was a great story, filled with the angst of loss and despair, hope and enduring love. Holly Taylor couldn't imagine loving again, let alone loving more than she did her late husband. At first I was irritated with Holly and her self sacrifice to uphold propriety, but as the story progressed I realized what she was doing. I can't even imagine living in a time where you're told how to feel, act, grieve and love. But Zachary Bronson was quite possibly the most unlikely of men to win Holly's heart, and reading how he did it was beautiful. There were quite a few scenes that had me twisted inside out. Zachary's behavior.
Can LK write anything bad? Not in my opinion. She just has a way with storytelling unlike any other author I've read. Her writing is both intelligent and provocative, her love scenes are seductive and incredibly sexy and the witty banter between characters is smart and funny. I'm always so touched by her work, God, listen to me, I'm spewing praise left, right and center! But seriously, her HR is fantastic, her CR is to die for...she's my favorite writer, oozes talent. If you haven't read LK's work...what are you waiting for?? Loved it.
April 7, 2022
“I've been searching for you my entire life,” he said seriously. “You're the only one I want, now and forever.”
“I thought of a hundred ways to get under your skirts, and I decided the best plan was to hire you. But somewhere in the middle of my efforts to seduce you, I fell in love with you.”
- Who is the Hero? Zachary Bronson, Age: 34
~ Zachary is new to wealth and new to London society, but according to him, “He had made himself into a force to be reckoned with. He had sunk his financial tentacles into banks, businesses, real estate, investment trusts…it was likely that he had some kind of monetary affiliation, whether large or small, with every man of means in England.”
Zachary is good son and brother and takes care of his sister and his mother. A former pugilist, he’s a little rough around the edges.
According to the ton, Zachary was “outrageously, incomprehensibly rich, and he displayed nearly as much vulgarity as wealth.”
- Who is the Heroine? Lady Holly Taylor, Age: mid to late 20’s, I think
~ Holly’s husband died three years ago of typhoid fever. She has a four year old daughter, Rose. After her husband died, she had to sell her home and is occupying two rooms in her in law”s residence.
She’s been in mourning for three years and is not ready to come back out into society.
“Now that all stages of mourning were finished, Holly had emerged from the dark and comforting shelter of the grieving period into a bright social world that had become terribly unfamiliar”
“She felt conspicuous in her aloneness, uncomfortable in her new identity as the Widow Taylor.”
Plot overview:
~ Zachary needs help understanding all the rules and social graces of proper society. He has servants that don’t properly run a household and a sister who needs to be taught how to be a proper lady so she can make a good match.
Zachary has a bit of an interlude with Holly at a ball
~ “We're strangers in the darkness,” he whispered back. “We'll never be together like this again. No, don't pull away. Show me how an evening can be magical.”
After that, he is intrigued enough to seek her out and make an offer.
With these words, Holly was intrigued enough to meet with Zachary
~ “Although I have never had the honor of making your acquaintance, I find that I have need of your assistance in a matter that concerns my household…”
And once she arrived - she found out the exactly what Zachary needed:
~“You are received everywhere, and you have knowledge and influence that I need. Badly. So I would like to employ you as a sort of…social guide.”
Of course - he did meet her acquaintance when he kissed her passionately at the ball, but Holly doesn’t know that he knows it was her (it was dark and they really couldn’t see each other). Also, if Holly moves in with this man and his family, she risks losing all her social standing and reputation. But when he offers her a huge sum of money in order to secure her daughter’s future, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * for a dead character, George certainly took centerstage in this book. I did a search and he was mentioned more than 260 times. :( I got very tired of constantly being told how perfect he was. He was on such a high pedestal I wanted to knock him off myself
* * I’m glad Holly’s first marriage was a love match. But…….see my next point -
* * Lady Holly…..Yes, I understand the era and the strict rules with which she was raised. However, where was her backbone and her ability to think for herself? I was really happy when she accepted Zachary‘s employment proposal thinking this would really show her character strength. But then she just couldn’t let go of George, and what George wanted, and what George meant to her, and what George wanted her to do, ……..and OMG. Could she think for herself?
* * I really, really don’t like it when the hero sleeps with other women after he has met the heroine. To be fair, the H/h weren’t having any sexy moments yet, but she was living with him. And Zachary desperately wanted Holly, but because he couldn’t have her he visited the brothel every single night and slept with a different woman. Not my favorite aspect of his character.
* * I needed more “cute kid” moments. I mean, you have an adorable 4 year old girl - the material was ripe for oozing adorableness…..sigh😕
* * When Holly and Zach finally got together, I was so happy the George drama was finally over. But nope - more unnecessary drama - thanks to George’s wishes. Ugh!!
* * way too much inner dialogue and descriptions. I got a bit bored.
* * Holly’s illness…..really??? And then when she “sees” George and he “allows” her to go to Zach - her soulmate - just ugh. After everything - that just made it feel like she couldn’t move on without, once again, getting direction from George.
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: loss of spouse
- Setting: London, 1830
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical, love after loss
- Hero likeable? yes. I really liked Zachary. He was described as “ambitious” and “energetic”. I found him to be determined, business savvy, caring, considerate, gentle thoughtful and strong.
- heroine likeable? she wasn’t my favorite. Her character is the reason I dropped this down to 3 stars
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 3% (although he did initially think she was someone else- but we don’t know who).
- First time they sleep together: 70%
- Safe sex? it’s a historical - so nothing mentioned, which is common for this era
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I wasn’t really feeling it. Nothing much happens between the kiss at 3% and when the sleep together at 70%. I’m sure it was missing something thanks to the dead husband constantly being mentioned
- OW/OM drama? Yes
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? about a month
- Did I skip pages? yes - I started skimming long passages of inner dialogue and descriptions
- Big secrets? Kind of. Holly doesn’t know Zachary is the man who kissed her on the veranda at the ball. She finds out around 62%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes. All the ways he spoiled the daughter and took care of his mom and sister gave him many swoony moments. Plus, when Holly had migraines and he rubbed her head and sat with her holding her hand…..Gah. ❤️
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? about two months later
- Recommend? not really. This was definitely not my favorite LK historical.
Quotes:
“I would fight the world for you.”
“Men aren't like women,” he said raspily. “You prefer gentleness…all we require is enthusiasm.”
“I suspect if someone were drowning in quicksand, you would extort all manner of promises before throwing him a rope.”
He shrugged philosophically. “My sweet, that's the entire point of having the rope.”
“You're my entire life. If anything ever happens to you, Holly, there is nothing left for me.”
“I thought of a hundred ways to get under your skirts, and I decided the best plan was to hire you. But somewhere in the middle of my efforts to seduce you, I fell in love with you.”
- Who is the Hero? Zachary Bronson, Age: 34
~ Zachary is new to wealth and new to London society, but according to him, “He had made himself into a force to be reckoned with. He had sunk his financial tentacles into banks, businesses, real estate, investment trusts…it was likely that he had some kind of monetary affiliation, whether large or small, with every man of means in England.”
Zachary is good son and brother and takes care of his sister and his mother. A former pugilist, he’s a little rough around the edges.
According to the ton, Zachary was “outrageously, incomprehensibly rich, and he displayed nearly as much vulgarity as wealth.”
- Who is the Heroine? Lady Holly Taylor, Age: mid to late 20’s, I think
~ Holly’s husband died three years ago of typhoid fever. She has a four year old daughter, Rose. After her husband died, she had to sell her home and is occupying two rooms in her in law”s residence.
She’s been in mourning for three years and is not ready to come back out into society.
“Now that all stages of mourning were finished, Holly had emerged from the dark and comforting shelter of the grieving period into a bright social world that had become terribly unfamiliar”
“She felt conspicuous in her aloneness, uncomfortable in her new identity as the Widow Taylor.”
Plot overview:
~ Zachary needs help understanding all the rules and social graces of proper society. He has servants that don’t properly run a household and a sister who needs to be taught how to be a proper lady so she can make a good match.
Zachary has a bit of an interlude with Holly at a ball
~ “We're strangers in the darkness,” he whispered back. “We'll never be together like this again. No, don't pull away. Show me how an evening can be magical.”
After that, he is intrigued enough to seek her out and make an offer.
With these words, Holly was intrigued enough to meet with Zachary
~ “Although I have never had the honor of making your acquaintance, I find that I have need of your assistance in a matter that concerns my household…”
And once she arrived - she found out the exactly what Zachary needed:
~“You are received everywhere, and you have knowledge and influence that I need. Badly. So I would like to employ you as a sort of…social guide.”
Of course - he did meet her acquaintance when he kissed her passionately at the ball, but Holly doesn’t know that he knows it was her (it was dark and they really couldn’t see each other). Also, if Holly moves in with this man and his family, she risks losing all her social standing and reputation. But when he offers her a huge sum of money in order to secure her daughter’s future, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * for a dead character, George certainly took centerstage in this book. I did a search and he was mentioned more than 260 times. :( I got very tired of constantly being told how perfect he was. He was on such a high pedestal I wanted to knock him off myself
* * I’m glad Holly’s first marriage was a love match. But…….see my next point -
* * Lady Holly…..Yes, I understand the era and the strict rules with which she was raised. However, where was her backbone and her ability to think for herself? I was really happy when she accepted Zachary‘s employment proposal thinking this would really show her character strength. But then she just couldn’t let go of George, and what George wanted, and what George meant to her, and what George wanted her to do, ……..and OMG. Could she think for herself?
* * I really, really don’t like it when the hero sleeps with other women after he has met the heroine. To be fair, the H/h weren’t having any sexy moments yet, but she was living with him. And Zachary desperately wanted Holly, but because he couldn’t have her he visited the brothel every single night and slept with a different woman. Not my favorite aspect of his character.
* * I needed more “cute kid” moments. I mean, you have an adorable 4 year old girl - the material was ripe for oozing adorableness…..sigh😕
* * When Holly and Zach finally got together, I was so happy the George drama was finally over. But nope - more unnecessary drama - thanks to George’s wishes. Ugh!!
* * way too much inner dialogue and descriptions. I got a bit bored.
* * Holly’s illness…..really??? And then when she “sees” George and he “allows” her to go to Zach - her soulmate - just ugh. After everything - that just made it feel like she couldn’t move on without, once again, getting direction from George.
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: loss of spouse
- Setting: London, 1830
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical, love after loss
- Hero likeable? yes. I really liked Zachary. He was described as “ambitious” and “energetic”. I found him to be determined, business savvy, caring, considerate, gentle thoughtful and strong.
- heroine likeable? she wasn’t my favorite. Her character is the reason I dropped this down to 3 stars
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 3% (although he did initially think she was someone else- but we don’t know who).
- First time they sleep together: 70%
- Safe sex? it’s a historical - so nothing mentioned, which is common for this era
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I wasn’t really feeling it. Nothing much happens between the kiss at 3% and when the sleep together at 70%. I’m sure it was missing something thanks to the dead husband constantly being mentioned
- OW/OM drama? Yes
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? about a month
- Did I skip pages? yes - I started skimming long passages of inner dialogue and descriptions
- Big secrets? Kind of. Holly doesn’t know Zachary is the man who kissed her on the veranda at the ball. She finds out around 62%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes. All the ways he spoiled the daughter and took care of his mom and sister gave him many swoony moments. Plus, when Holly had migraines and he rubbed her head and sat with her holding her hand…..Gah. ❤️
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? about two months later
- Recommend? not really. This was definitely not my favorite LK historical.
Quotes:
“I would fight the world for you.”
“Men aren't like women,” he said raspily. “You prefer gentleness…all we require is enthusiasm.”
“I suspect if someone were drowning in quicksand, you would extort all manner of promises before throwing him a rope.”
He shrugged philosophically. “My sweet, that's the entire point of having the rope.”
“You're my entire life. If anything ever happens to you, Holly, there is nothing left for me.”
October 7, 2017
Lady Holland Taylor has been widowed for three years. At her first party she ends up mistakenly making out with Zachery Bronson like you do at fancy parties. Zach, it turns out, is one of those dudes that always gets what he wants...which is Holly. SURPRISE. SO, he convinces her to MOVE IN WITH HIM because THIS RELATIONSHIP IS SET TO ZOOM ZOOM, MOTHERDUCKERS. No surprise, they (EVENTUALLY) fall in love. And bone. And angst. And get married. And then there's a magical chapter of stuff NO ONE WILL MENTION because IT IS SO RIDICULOUS and I CAN'T EVEN.
1. Screw it: I'm going to spoil it for EVERYONE because I need you to suffer with me!!! So Holly's husband died of typhoid fever, right? And in the VERY LAST CHAPTER OF THIS BOOK, WHEN THINGS ARE BASICALLY SETTLED, Holly starts...dying of typhoid fever. Holly ends up hallucinating a full on meeting with her late husband, who basically """allows""" her to go back to her """soulmate""" so she can """live happily ever after."""
Way to undo an entire book that wasn't even that bad!! NEGATIVE 6 STARS!!!!! NEGATIVE A BILLION!!!
2. So, yeah, the rest of Where Dreams Begin wasn't that bad? Like, Holly moves in with Zach's family and there's just a good sensation of settling into a life together that I liked?? It wasn't anything exceptional, but it was entertaining.
3. Zach sleeps around for like the first half of the book, tho. Just sayin'.
4. For being an older Kleypas, this did not horrify me, nor did it make me feel the feelings of some of her newer works. SO, honestly, I would have given this like 3 stars EXCEPT THAT LAST CHAPTER IS A THING THAT CANNOT BE ESCAPED, SO.
1. Screw it: I'm going to spoil it for EVERYONE because I need you to suffer with me!!! So Holly's husband died of typhoid fever, right? And in the VERY LAST CHAPTER OF THIS BOOK, WHEN THINGS ARE BASICALLY SETTLED, Holly starts...dying of typhoid fever. Holly ends up hallucinating a full on meeting with her late husband, who basically """allows""" her to go back to her """soulmate""" so she can """live happily ever after."""
Way to undo an entire book that wasn't even that bad!! NEGATIVE 6 STARS!!!!! NEGATIVE A BILLION!!!
2. So, yeah, the rest of Where Dreams Begin wasn't that bad? Like, Holly moves in with Zach's family and there's just a good sensation of settling into a life together that I liked?? It wasn't anything exceptional, but it was entertaining.
3. Zach sleeps around for like the first half of the book, tho. Just sayin'.
4. For being an older Kleypas, this did not horrify me, nor did it make me feel the feelings of some of her newer works. SO, honestly, I would have given this like 3 stars EXCEPT THAT LAST CHAPTER IS A THING THAT CANNOT BE ESCAPED, SO.
September 18, 2023
3.5 Estrellas
Segundo libro que leo de Lisa Kleypas y creo que me puedo volver adicta a sus libros.
No me encantó tanto como el anterior pero si me gustó mucho, hubo muchas cosas que me desesperan como el prejuicio de la gente las apariencias y el valor del linaje la hipocresía, la conveniencia y sobre todo lo sumisas que eran las esposas, es algo que me tengo que acostumbrar porque sé que es otra época totalmente diferente hay costumbres y creencias que fueron cambiando con el paso del tiempo.
La protagonista me agradó pero tuvo momentos que me frustraba con sus actitudes y personalidad tan remilgada hay veces que le quise dar unos buenos golpes para que reaccionara, aunque también admiré su fortaleza al salir adelante me imagino que en esa época no fue fácil ser una madre soltera y una viuda tan joven. Él me gusto muchooo tenía momentos tan tiernos y dulces a pesar que era un hombre hosco y hasta medio bruto en su manera de ser.
Segundo libro que leo de Lisa Kleypas y creo que me puedo volver adicta a sus libros.
No me encantó tanto como el anterior pero si me gustó mucho, hubo muchas cosas que me desesperan como el prejuicio de la gente las apariencias y el valor del linaje la hipocresía, la conveniencia y sobre todo lo sumisas que eran las esposas, es algo que me tengo que acostumbrar porque sé que es otra época totalmente diferente hay costumbres y creencias que fueron cambiando con el paso del tiempo.
La protagonista me agradó pero tuvo momentos que me frustraba con sus actitudes y personalidad tan remilgada hay veces que le quise dar unos buenos golpes para que reaccionara, aunque también admiré su fortaleza al salir adelante me imagino que en esa época no fue fácil ser una madre soltera y una viuda tan joven. Él me gusto muchooo tenía momentos tan tiernos y dulces a pesar que era un hombre hosco y hasta medio bruto en su manera de ser.
March 19, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
Ho davvero apprezzato questo libro, ho amato Zachary che si è rivelato un eroe sorprendente, intelligente, leale e appassionato. Un uomo che cerca di superare la condizione di povertà con le sue sole forze e intelligenza. Ho adorato come è riuscito ad ammettere a se stesso che si stava innamorando di Holly e che nonostante i suoi difetti non sarebbe cambiato per nessuno. Ho amato come Zachary sia riuscito ad accendere la passione in una donna raffinata come Holly. Ancora una volta Lisa Kleypas ha creato personaggi che prendono vita dalle pagine, personaggi che ci fanno adirare per la frustrazione, personaggi che ci fanno ridere in modo incontrollabile e personaggi che ci fanno piangere di dolore e di felicità. Rose è uno di quei personaggi che entra nel cuore del lettore con la sua dolcezza innocente e l'onestà infantile.
Zachary è l'ennesimo eroe di Lisa Kleypas che di nascita è un normale uomo, ma usa la sua intelligenza, diligenza e determinazione per farsi strada nella società. Lui può essere paragonato ad un diamante grezzo con un cuore d'oro che non ha mai dimenticato le sue umili radici e lavora costantemente per migliorare la qualità della vita delle classi inferiori. Zach dimostra non solo di essere bello, forte e premuroso, ma anche di essere un perfido mascalzone. Può essere dolce come un bignè e prendersi cura delle donne nella sua vita, ma è un canaglia incorreggibile e impenitente, fino a quando il suo amore per Holly lo mette letteralmente in ginocchio. Nel mondo degli affari, Zachary fa tutto ciò che serve per portare a termine il lavoro. Questo tipo di uomo non era considerato particolarmente attraente dagli standard dell'epoca, ma si è rivelato incredibilmente attraente per Holly, e sono sicura che lo sarà anche per la maggior parte dei lettori, me stessa inclusa. Holly ha dimostrato di essere una donna forte, coraggiosa e corretta. L'oscura sensualità di Zachary è travolgente per lei, è in netto contrasto con l'amore del suo ex marito. La ammiro per non aver mai abbandonato la sua natura e per aver abbracciato le sue passioni inesplorate, per il suo senso dell'umorismo e per essersi divertita e aver riso di gusto per i commenti schietti di Zachary. Questo libro è una gemma preziosa da custodire con cura. Esso porta con sé un messaggio meraviglioso: l’amore arriva in forme diverse, può essere dolce e romantico, sincero e leale o rude e passionale come Zachary. Ma tutti hanno lo scopo di renderci felici, di dare speranza e un nuovo inizio per ricominciare a vivere...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
Ho davvero apprezzato questo libro, ho amato Zachary che si è rivelato un eroe sorprendente, intelligente, leale e appassionato. Un uomo che cerca di superare la condizione di povertà con le sue sole forze e intelligenza. Ho adorato come è riuscito ad ammettere a se stesso che si stava innamorando di Holly e che nonostante i suoi difetti non sarebbe cambiato per nessuno. Ho amato come Zachary sia riuscito ad accendere la passione in una donna raffinata come Holly. Ancora una volta Lisa Kleypas ha creato personaggi che prendono vita dalle pagine, personaggi che ci fanno adirare per la frustrazione, personaggi che ci fanno ridere in modo incontrollabile e personaggi che ci fanno piangere di dolore e di felicità. Rose è uno di quei personaggi che entra nel cuore del lettore con la sua dolcezza innocente e l'onestà infantile.
Zachary è l'ennesimo eroe di Lisa Kleypas che di nascita è un normale uomo, ma usa la sua intelligenza, diligenza e determinazione per farsi strada nella società. Lui può essere paragonato ad un diamante grezzo con un cuore d'oro che non ha mai dimenticato le sue umili radici e lavora costantemente per migliorare la qualità della vita delle classi inferiori. Zach dimostra non solo di essere bello, forte e premuroso, ma anche di essere un perfido mascalzone. Può essere dolce come un bignè e prendersi cura delle donne nella sua vita, ma è un canaglia incorreggibile e impenitente, fino a quando il suo amore per Holly lo mette letteralmente in ginocchio. Nel mondo degli affari, Zachary fa tutto ciò che serve per portare a termine il lavoro. Questo tipo di uomo non era considerato particolarmente attraente dagli standard dell'epoca, ma si è rivelato incredibilmente attraente per Holly, e sono sicura che lo sarà anche per la maggior parte dei lettori, me stessa inclusa. Holly ha dimostrato di essere una donna forte, coraggiosa e corretta. L'oscura sensualità di Zachary è travolgente per lei, è in netto contrasto con l'amore del suo ex marito. La ammiro per non aver mai abbandonato la sua natura e per aver abbracciato le sue passioni inesplorate, per il suo senso dell'umorismo e per essersi divertita e aver riso di gusto per i commenti schietti di Zachary. Questo libro è una gemma preziosa da custodire con cura. Esso porta con sé un messaggio meraviglioso: l’amore arriva in forme diverse, può essere dolce e romantico, sincero e leale o rude e passionale come Zachary. Ma tutti hanno lo scopo di renderci felici, di dare speranza e un nuovo inizio per ricominciare a vivere...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
November 28, 2011
★★★★★ This is a review of the audiobook.
The 2000 paperback publication has long been one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books and I can see the hero, Zachary Bronson, as the archetype for so many other Kleypas heroes to come: a rough, self-made man with endless determination to get what he wants, and he wants Lady Holland Taylor. (Talk about a man in pursuit!) Only here he is set in an era where dukes ruled the day and he is, alas, without anything approaching a title. But that is not deterring him. One of my favorite early scenes is between Zachary & Holly:
Marchesa Marianna Florenzi, by artist Heinrich Maria von Hess, 1824
While not the sexy, sumptuous red evening gown that devilish Zachary commissions to entice the widow, Lady Holly, into making her entrance out of her extended mourning, the above may be one he has designed later in winter, when he wants to keep her safe and warm. The background could depict the entrance to the garden, where the delicious epilogue takes place. (While ZB has no taste in architecture, his gardens are beautiful.) Plus, the face and expression on this model, with her secret smile, are what I envision when I think of Kleypas’ shy, patient, heroine who is the epitome of a gentle lady seduced by a dangerous rogue.
The 2000 paperback publication has long been one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books and I can see the hero, Zachary Bronson, as the archetype for so many other Kleypas heroes to come: a rough, self-made man with endless determination to get what he wants, and he wants Lady Holland Taylor. (Talk about a man in pursuit!) Only here he is set in an era where dukes ruled the day and he is, alas, without anything approaching a title. But that is not deterring him. One of my favorite early scenes is between Zachary & Holly:
“I suspect if someone were drowning in quicksand, you would extort all manner of promises before throwing him a rope.”Needless to say, I was a tad worried about listening to it via audio, but my fears never took flight. Rosalyn Landor does a great job of bringing this book to life; her narration is spot on for Lady Holly ー and the scene-stealing little Rose, Holly’s button obsessed daughter. Ms. Landor’s voice is more than acceptable for the large, rough, masculine Bronson. Even her gasps during the love scenes are perfectly paced.
He shrugged philosophically. “My sweet, that's the entire point of having the rope.”
Marchesa Marianna Florenzi, by artist Heinrich Maria von Hess, 1824
While not the sexy, sumptuous red evening gown that devilish Zachary commissions to entice the widow, Lady Holly, into making her entrance out of her extended mourning, the above may be one he has designed later in winter, when he wants to keep her safe and warm. The background could depict the entrance to the garden, where the delicious epilogue takes place. (While ZB has no taste in architecture, his gardens are beautiful.) Plus, the face and expression on this model, with her secret smile, are what I envision when I think of Kleypas’ shy, patient, heroine who is the epitome of a gentle lady seduced by a dangerous rogue.
January 25, 2010
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Lately, I've allowed myself to become distracted from some of my favorite authors, so it has been quite a while since I've read a Lisa Kleypas novel. Where Dreams Begin has been on my TBR pile for nearly two years, and I believe that was due in part to it rarely being mentioned as a fan favorite which led me to believe that it probably wasn't one of her stronger efforts. Now that I've finally read it, I'm kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. In my opinion, Where Dreams Begin is every bit as good if not better than Ms. Kleypas' other works (that I've read to date), and I found it to be a real pleasure to read. I thought it embodied her trademark style in both plot and characterizations, and although perhaps not quite as steamy as some of her later books, it was still plenty sensuous. There was also quite a bit of lightly humorous bantering between the hero and heroine that really livened things up, and lots of sweet, tender romance. Where Dreams Begin was an all-around wonderful story about a proper lady who is tasked with making a silk purse out of a sow's ear, only to find out that it's the roughness around the edges which make her hero so attractive to begin with.
Zachary was yet another of Lisa Kleypas' heroes who begins as an ordinary low-born man, but uses his intelligence, diligence and determination to work his way into a hard-earned fortune. He is a real diamond in the rough with a heart of gold who has never forgotten his humble roots and is constantly working for the betterment of the lower classes much to the consternation of the upper classes. It is often said that one can tell the measure of a man by how he regards his mother, which to my way of thinking makes Zachary a virtual saint. He has a huge heart behind his enormous bank account and treats his mother like a queen and his sister like a princess, and can't help spoiling both Holly and her daughter, Rose, too, when they come to live with him. Zachary is more of a father-figure to Rose than her blood uncles were after her father died. He absolutely adores this little girl from the moment they meet and the feeling is mutual. Their scenes together positively melted my heart. Zachary may be as sweet as pie and take the utmost care of the women in his life, but he is a completely incorrigible, unrepentant rogue until his love for Holly literally brings him to his knees. In business, Zachary has a take-no-prisoners approach and a reputation for doing anything it takes to get the job done, and he also has a natural knack for bending others to his will to get what he wants without being overly arrogant. Described as an “ape” by a member of the nobility, this hulking man was not considered particularly attractive by the standards of the era, but he certainly was incredibly appealing to Holly, and I'm sure will be to most readers as well, myself included. It might have been nice to have a little deeper insight into the hardships that Zachary endured which made him the man he was in the story, but overall, he was yet another delectable hero to come from Lisa Kleypas' talented pen.
Holly was no slouch herself. She was a strong and courageous woman who carried on with life after the death of her beloved husband even though she felt like rolling up in a ball and dying herself. Even though it has been three years, Holly is still grieving her husband's passing when she and Zachary meet and share an accidental but incredibly passionate kiss. I loved how she took a chance and followed the desires of her heart when Zachary offered her employment as a social etiquette tutor to him and his family. It took a lot of spunk to risk becoming a social pariah for living under the roof of a man who was looked down upon by the ton in order to better her daughter's future. Not to mention, the backbone it took to keep a rake like Zachary in line. Holly was incredibly prim and proper, having had an extremely loving marriage with her first husband, albeit a somewhat puritanical one. By comparison, Zachary's dark sexuality is almost overwhelming for her, but I liked that she was up to the challenge. He may have made Holly blush to her toes on occasion, but I admire her for never shying away from his hot-blooded nature and for embracing her own unexplored passions that were lurking beneath the surface right from the start. I also liked that Holly had a sense of humor and was often amused by Zachary's blunt comments rather than being offended by them. I did feel like shaking her a couple of times when I felt like she was taking a little too long to come to her senses and realize that Zachary was perfect for her, but at the same time, I understood her fears and reluctance. Ms. Kleypas did a good job of conveying Holly's continuing grief over the loss of her husband and her confusion over keeping promises that she had made to him on his death bed, but I did get a little impatient while waiting for her to come to terms with everything and accept that she could fall in love again.
The secondary characters were great too. Little Rose was just as cute as a button, and in my opinion, rendered in a very age-appropriate way. She really added a lot to every scene she was in. Zachary's sister, Elizabeth was a vivacious young woman looking for a love of her own, but not feeling that she was good enough to land the kind of husband she wanted. Zachary's mother, Paula, also felt unworthy of the station to which she found herself elevated by her son's wealth. She was a very shy woman who found directing servants to be a difficult adjustment after having worked in jobs that were even lower than they were. Holly and her husband, George's best friend, Vardon, ended up being a wonderful man who deserved his own HEA. Ms. Kleypas mentions on her website that she might write a story for him someday if she can find the right one. There was even a surprise cameo by the handsome, young Dr. Jacob Linley who played a strong role in the Bow Street Runners series and has his own little story in Against the Odds, a novella from the Where's My Hero? anthology. All in all, I thought it was a very nice well-rounded cast.
There were many memorable elements in Where Dreams Begin. Ms. Kleypas managed to seamlessly weave lots of information on social etiquette into the story which I found to be quite interesting. I really enjoyed the shrewd negotiations that took place between Zachary and Holly for her employment, as well as their bantering in general. Most of all, I loved how Zachary and Holly simply enjoy each others company, while slowly building a friendship, and how Zachary comes to the realization that he would rather spend a quiet evening with Holly than go out carousing in town. The only thing that could have made this better is if the reader had been made privy to more in-depth conversations between them which I thought would have added a more intimate feel to their relationship. The sexual tension was good with several “almost” moments to fill in the long stretch between their initial smoldering kiss in the first chapter and their next which didn't occur until about 2/3 of the way into the book. I'll admit I became somewhat impatient, but the author made up for it with plenty of sensuality in the last third of the story. I've never been a fan of anger turned to passion moments, so I have to commend Ms. Kleypas on her writing of a couple of these scenes. Even when Zachary and Holly had been arguing, their anger never spilled over into their lovemaking. Instead it was every bit as tender as if they had started from a calmer place, which I loved. I don't want to give away too much, but there were some wonderful moments in the final chapters that were both sweet and intense, which really conveyed the depth of love this couple shared. Other than the few minor complaints I've already voiced, Where Dreams Begin was a really lovely book that allowed me a few blissful hours of escape from reality. In my opinion, this is one of Lisa Kleypas' most undervalued works, and one that has certainly earned a place on my keeper shelf.
"4.5 stars" Lately, I've allowed myself to become distracted from some of my favorite authors, so it has been quite a while since I've read a Lisa Kleypas novel. Where Dreams Begin has been on my TBR pile for nearly two years, and I believe that was due in part to it rarely being mentioned as a fan favorite which led me to believe that it probably wasn't one of her stronger efforts. Now that I've finally read it, I'm kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. In my opinion, Where Dreams Begin is every bit as good if not better than Ms. Kleypas' other works (that I've read to date), and I found it to be a real pleasure to read. I thought it embodied her trademark style in both plot and characterizations, and although perhaps not quite as steamy as some of her later books, it was still plenty sensuous. There was also quite a bit of lightly humorous bantering between the hero and heroine that really livened things up, and lots of sweet, tender romance. Where Dreams Begin was an all-around wonderful story about a proper lady who is tasked with making a silk purse out of a sow's ear, only to find out that it's the roughness around the edges which make her hero so attractive to begin with.
Zachary was yet another of Lisa Kleypas' heroes who begins as an ordinary low-born man, but uses his intelligence, diligence and determination to work his way into a hard-earned fortune. He is a real diamond in the rough with a heart of gold who has never forgotten his humble roots and is constantly working for the betterment of the lower classes much to the consternation of the upper classes. It is often said that one can tell the measure of a man by how he regards his mother, which to my way of thinking makes Zachary a virtual saint. He has a huge heart behind his enormous bank account and treats his mother like a queen and his sister like a princess, and can't help spoiling both Holly and her daughter, Rose, too, when they come to live with him. Zachary is more of a father-figure to Rose than her blood uncles were after her father died. He absolutely adores this little girl from the moment they meet and the feeling is mutual. Their scenes together positively melted my heart. Zachary may be as sweet as pie and take the utmost care of the women in his life, but he is a completely incorrigible, unrepentant rogue until his love for Holly literally brings him to his knees. In business, Zachary has a take-no-prisoners approach and a reputation for doing anything it takes to get the job done, and he also has a natural knack for bending others to his will to get what he wants without being overly arrogant. Described as an “ape” by a member of the nobility, this hulking man was not considered particularly attractive by the standards of the era, but he certainly was incredibly appealing to Holly, and I'm sure will be to most readers as well, myself included. It might have been nice to have a little deeper insight into the hardships that Zachary endured which made him the man he was in the story, but overall, he was yet another delectable hero to come from Lisa Kleypas' talented pen.
Holly was no slouch herself. She was a strong and courageous woman who carried on with life after the death of her beloved husband even though she felt like rolling up in a ball and dying herself. Even though it has been three years, Holly is still grieving her husband's passing when she and Zachary meet and share an accidental but incredibly passionate kiss. I loved how she took a chance and followed the desires of her heart when Zachary offered her employment as a social etiquette tutor to him and his family. It took a lot of spunk to risk becoming a social pariah for living under the roof of a man who was looked down upon by the ton in order to better her daughter's future. Not to mention, the backbone it took to keep a rake like Zachary in line. Holly was incredibly prim and proper, having had an extremely loving marriage with her first husband, albeit a somewhat puritanical one. By comparison, Zachary's dark sexuality is almost overwhelming for her, but I liked that she was up to the challenge. He may have made Holly blush to her toes on occasion, but I admire her for never shying away from his hot-blooded nature and for embracing her own unexplored passions that were lurking beneath the surface right from the start. I also liked that Holly had a sense of humor and was often amused by Zachary's blunt comments rather than being offended by them. I did feel like shaking her a couple of times when I felt like she was taking a little too long to come to her senses and realize that Zachary was perfect for her, but at the same time, I understood her fears and reluctance. Ms. Kleypas did a good job of conveying Holly's continuing grief over the loss of her husband and her confusion over keeping promises that she had made to him on his death bed, but I did get a little impatient while waiting for her to come to terms with everything and accept that she could fall in love again.
The secondary characters were great too. Little Rose was just as cute as a button, and in my opinion, rendered in a very age-appropriate way. She really added a lot to every scene she was in. Zachary's sister, Elizabeth was a vivacious young woman looking for a love of her own, but not feeling that she was good enough to land the kind of husband she wanted. Zachary's mother, Paula, also felt unworthy of the station to which she found herself elevated by her son's wealth. She was a very shy woman who found directing servants to be a difficult adjustment after having worked in jobs that were even lower than they were. Holly and her husband, George's best friend, Vardon, ended up being a wonderful man who deserved his own HEA. Ms. Kleypas mentions on her website that she might write a story for him someday if she can find the right one. There was even a surprise cameo by the handsome, young Dr. Jacob Linley who played a strong role in the Bow Street Runners series and has his own little story in Against the Odds, a novella from the Where's My Hero? anthology. All in all, I thought it was a very nice well-rounded cast.
There were many memorable elements in Where Dreams Begin. Ms. Kleypas managed to seamlessly weave lots of information on social etiquette into the story which I found to be quite interesting. I really enjoyed the shrewd negotiations that took place between Zachary and Holly for her employment, as well as their bantering in general. Most of all, I loved how Zachary and Holly simply enjoy each others company, while slowly building a friendship, and how Zachary comes to the realization that he would rather spend a quiet evening with Holly than go out carousing in town. The only thing that could have made this better is if the reader had been made privy to more in-depth conversations between them which I thought would have added a more intimate feel to their relationship. The sexual tension was good with several “almost” moments to fill in the long stretch between their initial smoldering kiss in the first chapter and their next which didn't occur until about 2/3 of the way into the book. I'll admit I became somewhat impatient, but the author made up for it with plenty of sensuality in the last third of the story. I've never been a fan of anger turned to passion moments, so I have to commend Ms. Kleypas on her writing of a couple of these scenes. Even when Zachary and Holly had been arguing, their anger never spilled over into their lovemaking. Instead it was every bit as tender as if they had started from a calmer place, which I loved. I don't want to give away too much, but there were some wonderful moments in the final chapters that were both sweet and intense, which really conveyed the depth of love this couple shared. Other than the few minor complaints I've already voiced, Where Dreams Begin was a really lovely book that allowed me a few blissful hours of escape from reality. In my opinion, this is one of Lisa Kleypas' most undervalued works, and one that has certainly earned a place on my keeper shelf.
April 6, 2025
This featured one of the best (and hottest) Lisa Kleypas' heroes ever🔥🔥🔥
If you loved Simon Hunt, Rhys Winterborne or Harry Rutledge, you'll LOVE Zachary Bronson ❤️🥵🤌🏼
The combination of hotness and sweetness, their banter, the yearning, the passions, their fear of losing each other...God, how I loved this book and this couple! 🥰😍🔥
Not only the hero's relationship with the heroine was astoundingly great, but the cute and precious interactions he had with her daughter? 😍😭 My heart melted every time he spoiled her with gifts and his time and affection!
The parts about her grieving her husband for so long were a bit overdrawn, but kind of necessary... And I appreciate that she loved her dead husband and had to overcome it, instead of the husband being some tyrant and the heroine being a virgin-widow. Finding love second time around was such a unique plot point for this genre imo!
Would highly recommend this book to ANY HISTORICAL ROMANCE LOVER! 🙌🏼💞🤌🏼
If you loved Simon Hunt, Rhys Winterborne or Harry Rutledge, you'll LOVE Zachary Bronson ❤️🥵🤌🏼
The combination of hotness and sweetness, their banter, the yearning, the passions, their fear of losing each other...God, how I loved this book and this couple! 🥰😍🔥
Not only the hero's relationship with the heroine was astoundingly great, but the cute and precious interactions he had with her daughter? 😍😭 My heart melted every time he spoiled her with gifts and his time and affection!
The parts about her grieving her husband for so long were a bit overdrawn, but kind of necessary... And I appreciate that she loved her dead husband and had to overcome it, instead of the husband being some tyrant and the heroine being a virgin-widow. Finding love second time around was such a unique plot point for this genre imo!
Would highly recommend this book to ANY HISTORICAL ROMANCE LOVER! 🙌🏼💞🤌🏼
December 5, 2021
#RetoRita5 #RitaKleypas
¡Viva Zach y su pechote peludote! 😍😍😍
¡Viva Zach y su pechote peludote! 😍😍😍
October 12, 2019
This book was fabulous! ❤️❤️ But then again I love just about everything that Lisa Kleypas writes. And let’s not forget the narrator Rosalyn Landor. She did an amazing job with all the characters.
Zachary was delicious. 🥰
Lady Holly was lovely. 😍
And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention little miss Rose. 🥰
A must read. 🤓
Zachary was delicious. 🥰
Lady Holly was lovely. 😍
And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention little miss Rose. 🥰
A must read. 🤓
January 31, 2021
If you want a straight shot of angst and yearning, here you go. I liked this as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but that Zachary Bronson! what a treat.
January 8, 2012
5 stars.
I created a new shelf for this called "gorgeous" because it quite simply was from start to finish.
Lisa Kleypas is extremely dominant on my favourites shelf because she is obviously one of the most magical romance authors of all time. I can't tell you how much the opening chapter of this book captured my attention but my heart was with both Lady Holly and Zachary from that point forward.
Can I just say how refreshing it was to not have any crazy drama or suspense plot in Where Dreams Begin? It was so nice to just read a solid, emotional story like this that felt fresh and original. It made me happy, it made me sad, it made my heart ache. I loved every minute.
Such emotion was conveyed from both the heroine and hero with the real winner for me being Zachary's POV - he was absolutely divine.
Zachary is a self-made gazillionaire who requires assistance in trying to fit in with the aristocracy. He stumbles across Holly (who had been in mourning whilst Zach was entering society) and is so intrigued by her that he offers her a position as an aristocratic etiquette guide for him and his family. Little did he know exactly how much Holly would grow to affect him and (as much as Holly would fight it) vice versa.
Zach and Holly's relationship was realistic and heartwarming in its beginning as a friendship before moving into something deeper. As per a lot of other reviews I have seen about, the ending was slightly "draggy" but as a romance reader who enjoys seeing the H/h post-HEA, it didn't particularly bother me. I felt like the events leading up to the finale were almost required for the story to come full circle. And also for Zach and particularly Holly to understand how much they meant to each other.
There are a thousand other gorgeous quotes - but be warned - I do have to place them under this spoiler...
This was amazing. God, I love LK.
I created a new shelf for this called "gorgeous" because it quite simply was from start to finish.
Lisa Kleypas is extremely dominant on my favourites shelf because she is obviously one of the most magical romance authors of all time. I can't tell you how much the opening chapter of this book captured my attention but my heart was with both Lady Holly and Zachary from that point forward.
Can I just say how refreshing it was to not have any crazy drama or suspense plot in Where Dreams Begin? It was so nice to just read a solid, emotional story like this that felt fresh and original. It made me happy, it made me sad, it made my heart ache. I loved every minute.
Such emotion was conveyed from both the heroine and hero with the real winner for me being Zachary's POV - he was absolutely divine.
Staring into her smiling, rosy-cheeked face, Zachary experienced a painfully sweet sensation, an ache that had less to do with the body than the spirit. She was the most adorable woman he had ever known. Not for the first time, he felt acute envy for George Taylor for having been loved by her. For having the right to touch and kiss her whenever he had wanted. For having had her turn to him for all of her needs. For being loved by her still.I'm sorry but if you can read that and not fall in love with this guy then you have a serious problem.
Zachary is a self-made gazillionaire who requires assistance in trying to fit in with the aristocracy. He stumbles across Holly (who had been in mourning whilst Zach was entering society) and is so intrigued by her that he offers her a position as an aristocratic etiquette guide for him and his family. Little did he know exactly how much Holly would grow to affect him and (as much as Holly would fight it) vice versa.
Zach and Holly's relationship was realistic and heartwarming in its beginning as a friendship before moving into something deeper. As per a lot of other reviews I have seen about, the ending was slightly "draggy" but as a romance reader who enjoys seeing the H/h post-HEA, it didn't particularly bother me. I felt like the events leading up to the finale were almost required for the story to come full circle. And also for Zach and particularly Holly to understand how much they meant to each other.
There are a thousand other gorgeous quotes - but be warned - I do have to place them under this spoiler...
This was amazing. God, I love LK.
February 5, 2017
Zachary Bronson es un hombre ambicioso que ha pasado de la pobreza absoluta a tener una gran fortuna pero la sociedad no lo ve con buenos ojos y decide que debe pulir un poco sus modales y encontrar una esposa de buen linaje que le ayude a escalar posiciones.
Holly Taylor es una joven viuda que ha perdido a su gran amor, es una buena mujer que sigue las normas de la sociedad; cree que no tendrá una nueva oportunidad de ser feliz pero eso cambia cuando un beso de un desconocido haga aflorar sus dormidos sentimientos.
De nuevo Lisa Kleypas me deja buenas sensaciones con esta novela que cumple todas mis expectativas. En este caso cambiamos un poco al protagonista y no es el típico duque, conde, etc; Zach es un hombre pobre que ha alcanzado todas sus metas, tiene una buena posición económica pero no un linaje por lo que la sociedad no lo acaba de tragar. Me ha gustado el cambio porque una se cansa del típico personaje caballeresco, Bronson es un soplo de aire fresco, con una personalidad que me atrajo, en momentos duro, divertido, dulce…
Por otra parte tenemos a Holly que también es otro “cambio”, es una joven viuda, con una hija y con una lealtad a su difunto marido digna de mención (a veces frustrante), que cree que su momento para el amor ya pasó.
La historia entretiene mucho tanto por la relación de los protagonistas que es fresca y divertida y también por ese reflejo de la sociedad… de la transformación, de la revolución industrial. También tenemos muchos más personajes que aportan a la novela como por ejemplo Elizabeth y Lord Ravenhill.
No es una novela para cinco estrellas pero sí para cuatro porque evidentemente es entretenida, bien documentada y tiene personajes interesantes.
Holly Taylor es una joven viuda que ha perdido a su gran amor, es una buena mujer que sigue las normas de la sociedad; cree que no tendrá una nueva oportunidad de ser feliz pero eso cambia cuando un beso de un desconocido haga aflorar sus dormidos sentimientos.
De nuevo Lisa Kleypas me deja buenas sensaciones con esta novela que cumple todas mis expectativas. En este caso cambiamos un poco al protagonista y no es el típico duque, conde, etc; Zach es un hombre pobre que ha alcanzado todas sus metas, tiene una buena posición económica pero no un linaje por lo que la sociedad no lo acaba de tragar. Me ha gustado el cambio porque una se cansa del típico personaje caballeresco, Bronson es un soplo de aire fresco, con una personalidad que me atrajo, en momentos duro, divertido, dulce…
Por otra parte tenemos a Holly que también es otro “cambio”, es una joven viuda, con una hija y con una lealtad a su difunto marido digna de mención (a veces frustrante), que cree que su momento para el amor ya pasó.
La historia entretiene mucho tanto por la relación de los protagonistas que es fresca y divertida y también por ese reflejo de la sociedad… de la transformación, de la revolución industrial. También tenemos muchos más personajes que aportan a la novela como por ejemplo Elizabeth y Lord Ravenhill.
No es una novela para cinco estrellas pero sí para cuatro porque evidentemente es entretenida, bien documentada y tiene personajes interesantes.
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