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LaBlanc Sisters #2

The Taming of a Wild Child

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Waking up in a stranger's bed is not how socialite Lorelei LaBlanc planned on spending the morning after the night before.From now on…:

A) No more secret hookups with Donovan St. James—he's the last man on earth she'd want to share a room with, never mind a king-size bed.

B) Maintain a professional persona at all times. After all, he's a hard-hitting journalist who's always on the lookout for the latest scoop …and she's perfect tabloid fodder.

C) Keep friends close but enemies closer. Donovan may look like the ultimate poster boy but his intentions are anything but PG rated….

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

14 people are currently reading
262 people want to read

About the author

Kimberly Lang

145 books151 followers
USA Today bestselling author of sassy, sexy contemporary romance. Please visit my website at www.BooksByKimberly.com to learn more about me and my books!

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5 stars
80 (24%)
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126 (37%)
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93 (28%)
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25 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Dalia.
478 reviews74 followers
March 5, 2013
3.5 stars
A quick, easy read sprinkled with some of KL's quirky humour.
Lorelei is coming from Old Money and Donovan is a nouveau rich. He is also a journalist who brought down 2 of the big families of this tight aristocratic society . That makes him persona non grata. All that doesn't help the big chip he always has on his shoulder.
Lorelei has her own issues. She wants to come out of her good sister, Vivi, shadow. Trying to reform her reputation as a rebel, she cares a lot about what others think of her. Thats why her fling with Donovan is best kept secret. But she has to decide what is more important : what people think or her own happiness. If she doesn't want to lose Donovan, she must act fast. She must act big.
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews78 followers
May 8, 2014
In the second book of the LeBlanc sisters I finally got to go inside the head of Lorelei. In book one I found her fascinating and intriguing and I could not wait to find out just why she is the wild child she is.

I was once again stunned into awe by the author's unique manner to convey the feeling of being alone while being surrounded by hundreds, to such a deep extent it leaves one with the deeper understanding of life. The story gave way to showing Lorelei as a lost daughter trying to prove that the once bad girl really wants to try and be the good daughter for once.

But to be one is harder than it seems and when she wakes up in bed with the one and only sex on legs, I'll rock your world , all round bad boy Donovan St. James, her dreams seem temporarily shattered, along with her sexual senses!

Quickly making an exist, of quite the comical kind I might add, and both vowing to never speak of the night again, Lorelei reckons her reputation is in tact but soon discoverers otherwise. Now instead of going on the "run" by ignoring the whole situation, after all we all know that laughing it off is a valid and accepted technique to put a end to rumours, she falls right back into the bad boy's arms, and soon discovers she has an addiction to the bad boy and it cannot be satisfied with anyone else.

The main charters were brilliantly brought to live by the author as she quickly let me not only get into the frame of mind of Lorelei but also of Donovan and let me see as reader that both have some hang up's that if not addressed could mean disaster for this awesome couple.

Lorelei was the one fighting for a role she wants and Donovan the one trying to force her out of her prim and proper shell, or rather clothes, as the sex in this one got as hot and sweaty as the heat of New Orleans!

The dialogue was entertaining and fun, but also delved deep into a world of perfect images, lost dreams and attractions of the never happening kind. The descriptions of characters, settings and scenes were all so vividly done by the author that I found myself being able to feel the sweat, taste the attraction and picture the life of two people coming up against more than they can handle.

I loved how the author gave me the strong and powerful message of letting go and finally facing up to be the person you truly are inside no matter what others think, it is the only thing in life that will make you happy, as being someone your not never ends well. And much like Lorelei it will leave you feeling empty and alone even when your standing exactly where you wanted to me with the image of perfection being shown to those around you.

Now aside from the beautiful message, crazy sexual heat and amazing characters this book also had one other thing going for it, that being it had the WOW factor but not the "Oh, yeah I remember reading that
one" kind but rather , the I will forever feel connected to the characters and always remember the moment when the author proved why she is able to get to the real feelings and emotions of a situation across to the reader, and make them stick in your memory and in your heart kind. And that ladies I am sure you will all agree is the very best kind.

This was a compelling, sexy, sensual and all round feel good read. I will not be surprised when this one hits the best seller list. The author also touched base with some very interesting secondary characters that I am hoping will get their own book. Kimberly you have not only once again found your way into my happy readers heart, this time you touched my soul.

5/5 star review
"Waking up in the arms of the town bad boy is exactly where she wants to be"
Profile Image for Kay.
1,934 reviews124 followers
March 2, 2013
4 Stars ~ All her life Lorelei had been in her older sister's shadow. Vivi was a beloved daughter of New Orleans, the one the city held in it's highest esteem. Lorelei was the rebel daughter who tended to step away from the traditions of the Old Guard society she grew up in. Donovan, while wealthy in his own right, was nouveau riche and in his climb to journalistic success he'd exposed the dirty little secrets of two of society's oldest families. When Lorelei wakes up in a hotel room after Vivi's wedding reception, she's shocked to see it's with Donovan sharing the bed. Worst of all she doesn't remember the events of the night before but Donovan does. With her body humming every time Donovan is near, Lorelei can't resist an opportunity to discover just what it is her mind can't remember but her body finds so irresistible. With Vivi and Connor away on their honeymoon, Lorelei fills in for her sister, and the last thing she needs is the complication of a fling with Donovan, but she can't seem to stay away from him. Donovan's enjoying spending time with Lorelei, she's smart, witty, and too sexy for her own good. It irks him though that they meet in secret, and when he calls her on it he realizes that that's what he is, Lorelei's dirty little secret.

Ms. Lang had me hooked from the first paragraph. Lorelei hasn't always made the best choices but she's trying hard to prove to everyone that she's just as smart and resourceful as Vivi. And she succeeds but in that success she discovers that she's basing her new life on what other people think. Donovan has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, constantly aware that though he has the wealth, he'll never really be accepted into New Orleans society. That really never bothered him before until Lorelei seemed embarrassed by their affair. This is rather unique because it's Lorelei that misjudges and needs to redeem herself. Usually it's the hero that has to eat crow. While Lorelei doesn't have to grovel, there is a lovely declaration of love that is very satisfying. I really enjoyed reading Donovan and Lorelei's journey to HEA.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
March 29, 2013
Very good book. I really liked both Lorelei and Donovan. The story starts as she wakes up in bed with him but can't remember how she got there or what they did. She just knows that it was a bad idea. They start out wanting to just pretend it never happened, but their attraction is too strong and they can't do it. So they start a very quiet, very private fling, keeping their relationship secret. They soon find that not only are they attracted they actually like each other and like spending time together. There are reasons they don't appear together in public and those reasons could tear them apart before they find a way to overcome them.

Lorelei is beginning to overcome her reputation as the wild LaBlanc sister. With Vivi (The Downfall of a Good Girl) off on her honeymoon, Lorelei is filling in for her at all of Vivi's social and charity obligations. She is working very hard to keep up appearances and the last thing she needs is to be caught in Donovan's bed. He didn't endear himself to New Orleans society when his investigation caused the ruin of two of the families of that society. So she tries to stay away but she wants that experience again so that she can remember it. It is just as explosive this time and they decide that they are just going to go with it. She wants to keep it quiet so they start sneaking around to have their fun. Lorelei worries about what will happen to her hard won improved reputation if they are discovered. I liked the way that she had decided that it was time she stopped trying to live down to her reputation, but the way she went about it wasn't the best. She had a rather snobby attitude toward him that didn't really mesh with the way she felt when she was with him. I loved the way that she really started to enjoy her activities and how good it was for her self esteem when people appreciated her efforts. I did not like the way she didn't stand up for herself against her mother's matchmaking efforts. She was horrified when she got caught with him by one of the society snots and the confrontation she had with Donovan later was not pretty. They both said some pretty horrible things to each other that brought out some of their deep seated issues. Lorelei had some pretty hard self examination to do, and I loved the way that she came out of it at the end.

Donovan had started life poor and until his father made a bunch of money had been on the outside looking in on New Orleans society. Even after the finances improved he still had a chip on his shoulder. He went into investigative journalism and made a name for himself when he exposed the corruption in two local society families. This made them dislike him even more but it didn't seem to bother him. He was surprised by his attraction to Lorelei, but enjoyed being with her. She had a sense of humor and wittiness that really appealed to him. He wasn't thrilled at the secretiveness of their relationship but since neither was looking for anything permanent he figured he could live with it. I really liked the way that he seemed to understand her and listened to her when she talked about her efforts to change. He was hurt by her attitude when they were seen by the daughter of one of the men he ruined and he turned that into anger when he confronted her later that day. He called her on her attitude but was surprised by some of the things she said back. It turned out that he too was guilty of some snobbery of his own. His actions at the end weren't the best but he was trying to salvage his pride. I really liked the way he came through in the end.

I really liked the message of being true to yourself rather than trying to live your life according to someone else's rules. Both Lorelei and Donovan had lessons to learn and the author showed those lessons in a very real way. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Adite.
Author 11 books345 followers
February 5, 2014
Kimberly Lang's website says she writes 'sexy, sassy' romances. And this book more than lives up to that claim. It's a fun read and the banter between the 'wild child' heroine Lorelei and Donovan, the 'nouveau riche' upstart, is sizzling hot. However, the resolution seems a tad too contrived and doesn't live up to the expectations raised by the first half of the book.
Profile Image for Samara Dev.
Author 2 books1 follower
March 14, 2019
Before I review this book, I wish to say something about the incessant effort of the romantic films and books to glorify the state of being drunk. It is disgusting and infuriating that imbibing alcohol is considered a great start to put people in the situation of either accidental marriage or accidental sex. In reality, alcohol intoxication is sickening and leads to serious disturbance in reason and health, so I really hate that authors use it time and again as an excuse to trigger off a romantic situation. It is needless romantising of what is actually a potential addiction and even a life-threatening condition. Can we stop glorifying being drunk? This is what irked me about the beginning of the book.
I know this is escapist fiction and that was probably what kept me reading. Once I got past the annoyance, I found the author's writing quite interesting. I especially liked the banter and the metaphors. The first half was a breezy read because the story flowed quite well.
Regarding the conflict, I had several misgivings.
Read more at https://readandwritewithsamara.wordpr...
Profile Image for Jo.
611 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2021
I made a mistake by underestimating this book as a simple romance book when in fact it was more than that
It was indeed a romance book but with more depth than the average romance book out there. The chemistry sizzled; the interaction interesting, never boring; the conversation engaging and I love both the leads
But, still, there was flaw. The book was too short so that some incidents left unexplained or very little explained. I still prefer this one to others though. Big praises to Ms. Lang
Profile Image for Kayla Bain-Vrba.
Author 22 books12 followers
September 28, 2017
What a delight! I've never read anything from Harlequin's Kiss line before, but if they're all filled with the same charm, wit, and sexiness as this one, they've got a new reader. I found this to be similar to chick lit, with a bit more class and sophistication, as well as that fantasy quality that fills fiction where the romance is primary. The characters were very believable and relatable, and I definitely enjoyed watching their casual affair blossom into something more. A delightful read!
Profile Image for Si Suka Baca Buku.
33 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2023
Karakter Lorelei sama Donovan lebih oke sih dibanding Vivi (iya, kalo Connor gue masih suka dan masuk akallah menurut gue sifatnya, wkwkwk), tapi secara development cerita, gue lebih suka yang buku Vivi sama Connor sih.

Tapiiiii Donovan lebih oke and extremely hot!!!
Profile Image for Sincere.
72 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2013

Lorelei LaBlanc has reputation in being spoiled child of LeBlanc.
Her reputation isn't good at all and Lorelei knew that. She just wants to improve that.
She tried so hard to be good. And she's good for several months.
Until she found herself naked in the bed, worse than that is naked with the guy.
Donovan St. James is his name. He is famous journalist. But more than that he's the one who brought out the corruption of the old families in her society.For the sake of her gradually better reputation she must be away from him. But their chemistry is undeniable.And instead of walk away from him and forget all of that night, she just throws herself at him.

4 Lorelei & Donovan stars
I knew when I've finished first chapter that I will like Lorelei.
She is very lovely and bright.And when she found herself in Donovan bed.
Her reaction was very enjoyable. She was like cartoon character.
Lorelei is also trying so hard to prove her value as LeBlanc.
I like this side of her too. She is determine and strong but she has very soft side.
I totally love her.

Donovan is perfect in every aspect excepthis not-one-of-those-old-wealthy-families background.
And that made his relationship with Lorelei unstable.
I like their relationship. This is not only the exploded and sparkle relationship but also comfortable, lovely, heart-warming relationship.

the story is good. And I absolutely love the confession scene.It's absolutely sweet and seems to fit the character. This book is enjoyable and sweet to read : )
Profile Image for T.
239 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2013
This is the second book about the LaBlanc sisters from New Orleans. I enjoyed this one more than the first one.

Lorelei and Donovan's romance started as a drunken hook-up at her sister Vivi's wedding to Connor.

The progression of their relationship was fun to read about. They were both playful and seemed to really care about each other.

Problems arise when Lorelei didn't want to acknowledge their relationship in public. She was too concerned about what other people might think. They manage to overcome after she realizes she was in love with him after they broke up. She makes a grand proclamation at a party they were both attending and he forgives her and they live happily ever after.

Profile Image for Alayyah.
32 reviews
March 21, 2016
AAAAAH! I think I might just possibly-Nope, definitely- LOOOOVE Donovan! I think I especially love it because of the fact that they actually built a friendship-in some sense- that lead up to how they fell in love. Normally its just all about the chemistry and the sex and then 'Lo and Behold; Hey we're in love' and I'm just left staring at the pages like '...........................'Like seriously?! Also I think that Loralei's personality was just too good with all her sass and forgiving nature. Donovan was just sexy AF-Sorry, mind the language :)-and their banter and relationship progression had a permanent grin all throughout the book. A DEFFINITE MUST READ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tali.
470 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2013
I really liked this book. It was a fairly easy read with engaging main characters, although I never really felt like some of the supporting characters, such Jack and Vivi, ever really came to life enough for me to understand their place in the book. I guess if I'd wanted background I need to go find the companion book to this one. The ending was also spectacularly cheesy and I half-read/half-cringed through Lorelei's declaration of love to Donovan. It just didn't really work for me considering the rest of the novel.
I did enjoy this though, so it gets 3 stars (probably more like 3.5) from me.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,530 reviews92 followers
June 8, 2013
Lorelei is an amazing character, she is open and warm and has a mischievous streak a mile wide, and that just makes her a perfect foil for Donovan. From the moment the book begins, these two clash and spark off each other. They are unapologetic for what they have done in the past or what they are doing now and are completely honest with each. This was a refreshing story with characters acting and reacting as everyday people would, in these un-everyday situations!
Profile Image for June.
1,542 reviews17 followers
June 23, 2013
Wasn't sure I was going to like this book because I didn't much care for Lorelei in the story of her sister in Downfall of a Good Girl. I was pleasantly surprised though. This was a great story about the problems between social classes and what happens when someone dares go against tradition. I liked Lorelei much better in this book and Donovan was a sweetheart!
Profile Image for Carla Cabrera.
222 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2014
Really like this one

This is my fave of the 2 book series. Lorelai and Donovan are an unlikely but great match. I like that you get to know a little about their family and actually meet a few of them. seemed odd I in the first book that Vivi and Jake had family in the same town but we're hardly mentioned.
5,411 reviews
Read
March 25, 2016
I didn't mind the premise but the heroine really frustrated me. I hated how judgmental she was, and that she was so concerned with how other people saw her. I know this was for the purpose of her character development but it made it difficult for me to connect with her and believe in the HEA with the hero.
Profile Image for Lucy (why do I bother to read chicklit).
468 reviews28 followers
February 18, 2019
Lorelei is a socialite and as such people do not really take her seriously, which serves her just fine and she goes about her life happily. Donovan is a serious journalist who does not have time to waste with what he believes to be air heads such as Lorelei. And yet, they both spend a night together and a relationship of sorts grown from it.
A surprisingly cute book.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,590 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2013
I went back and forth between three and four, but New Orleans! I'm still not 100% sold on the Kiss line (mostly because I can't figure out the unifying theme), but I love the settings they give me. All your city set romances will belong to me. Or something like that.
Profile Image for Cait.
1,535 reviews
December 5, 2014
I didn't read the first book. An excerpt for this book popped up at the end of another book I was reading, and I was hooked. It's cute, fun, and the main characters make a great couple. I enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Cary.
2,296 reviews
October 19, 2013
I read this book, the second in the series but there was just too much sex for me to be comfortable with it. Not that it was described overly much. The plot seemed like it had been done before.
Profile Image for Amafle.
731 reviews
December 30, 2013
Este libro me gustó mas. La historia de Donovan y Lorelei es mejor que la de Vivi y Connor. Tiene un argumento mejor desarrollado
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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