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Capitol Theatre #2
Because You're Mine
Because the Dream. . .
Young, high-spirited Lady Madeline Matthews is expected to wed an aging, lecherous lord. But she would rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom, and resolves to render herself unmarriageable by indulging in a torrid affair with Britain's most acclaimed actor and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott.
Because the Heart. . .
He is a legend in the footlights and in the bedchamber. But when the curtain falls, Logan is an intensely private, guarded man still tormented by past betrayals that cut deep into his pride and his heart. Now a forward little minx who seems completely out of place in the bright, sophisticated world of the London stage is disrupting his orderly existence with her constant presence, her unspoiled beauty and vibrant charm. And what begins with an onstage kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real. But first Logan and Madeline both must be brave enough to drop the masks they hide behind. . . and reveal their true selves in the golden glorious light of love.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1997
807 people are currently reading
6358 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Kleypas
112 books31.6k 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 969 reviews
June 26, 2010
OMG! Why didn´t anybody told me this book was this good? Seriously, all of you out there, LK fans, what's wrong with you? Knowing I'm such a freak when it comes to LK. I had postponed this series because it was supposed to be not as good as the rest but IMHO it was one of the bests and I definitely expect more books in it in the future. I really enjoyed the first installment in the series, the introduction to this world which goes around the theater life was exquisite and most interesting. It was refreshing to read about more normal and common people and not always have nobles as heroes and heroines.
But this book, OMG, I have no words for it. It definitely became a fav from this author. I couldn't put it down and the whole time I felt I had a fist around my heart squeezing it harder and harder with every page. What an emotional roller coaster.
Madeline Matthews & Logan Scott were just the perfect couple, and both amazing characters individually, I could have read much more about them and never got bored. I just can't understand how so many gave a lower rating to this book than to most LK books. I just adored it. Straight to my favs shelf.
But this book, OMG, I have no words for it. It definitely became a fav from this author. I couldn't put it down and the whole time I felt I had a fist around my heart squeezing it harder and harder with every page. What an emotional roller coaster.
Madeline Matthews & Logan Scott were just the perfect couple, and both amazing characters individually, I could have read much more about them and never got bored. I just can't understand how so many gave a lower rating to this book than to most LK books. I just adored it. Straight to my favs shelf.
May 23, 2022
“But he was fully aware that her presence in his life was necessary to his very existence.”
As a daughter of an aristocratic couple, Madeline Matthews had already been set to marry a powerful and respectable lord older than her father. She was aware that her mother expected her to live a life of self-sacrifice as most young aristocratic women do. However, she has different plans. To Madeline, it would be preferable to be a spinster and a ruined woman in the eyes of society rather than marry the man who is obviously soon to expire. In order to make herself unmarriageable, she came up with the plan to embark on an affair with London’s most prominent actor and known womanizer, Logan Scott. However, seducing the actor isn’t as easy as Madeline thought it would be, and finally when things are looking hopeless, they fall in love with each other. But a love that started off with deceit and ulterior motives isn’t a love to last…especially when Logan discovers the truth about Madeline’s identity and her real intentions.
Because You’re Mine is the second book from Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance series, Capitol Theatre. This tells the story of Logan Scott, an acclaimed actor and Madeline Matthews, the daughter of a viscount. I haven’t read book one and I can say that it didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The book can stand alone. This is an older work of Kleypas and it was obvious especially with how the hero was portrayed. This is a book with the most unusual hero, but as always, Kleypas knew how to make it work. I didn’t expect much but I ended up really loving this book! I feel like not many like her older books but somehow they work for me.
The most special thing about Because You’re Mine is the heroine, Madeline. I really loved her! She was the usual aristocratic female character who is set to marry another man but doesn’t want anything to do with them (especially because the ones they’re betrothed to aren’t particularly pleasing). I somehow always end up loving this type of character. I cannot help but root for them, sorry not sorry. She was on the younger side (eighteen) which is why at times she was full of naivety but I thought it added to her charm. She was a persistent girl and her pursuit of Logan really endeared her to me. It is refreshing and entertaining when it is the heroine who pursues the hero. It keeps me invested. Even when the hero was mean to her, she didn’t let it make her lose hope and instead just worked harder to make the hero take notice of her. I thought it was really sweet and cute. I know she had ulterior motives but I don’t really blame her for that and she didn’t even mean to hurt the hero. I love how her plan originally was to sleep with him but when she realized she was in love, she was glad it didn’t happen yet because she didn’t want to coarsen her feelings towards him nor betray the man she loves. Sooner or later though, conflicts are meant to happen to keep the story interesting. Madeline was a patient, tenacious, and understanding heroine. Other readers might be mad at her because she might seem like a doormat but to me she isn't. She was just a woman who was not afraid to be vulnerable and wear her heart on her sleeve, and when she loved someone (in this case, the hero), she wasn’t one to give up. I do adore devoted heroes but it is extra sweet when it is the heroine who is the devoted one. I love characters who aren’t afraid to love their partners, as long as they keep their self respect intact. At times it might be a bit loose but it was okay as it added to the angst factor. Lisa Kleypas does know how to make her heroines feel real. I always end up loving them, well, most of the time. They have a sweetness in them that I just admire.
The hero of the book is Logan Scott. He is an acclaimed, perhaps the most successful actor in England. One thing about Lisa Kleypas is that she isn’t afraid to write unusual heroes and that is what I like about her. I have said this before but there are way too many dukes, earls and lords in general to the point that I am tired of it and in need of something refreshing. It is always a good thing to read about self made men because there is just so much more to admire about them. They are hard-working, intelligent and very capable. I am attracted to men that are proficient which is the reason why I always end up loving Lisa Kleypas’ self made heroes. Logan Scott is a most unusual hero. He is the only actor hero I’ve ever read and I wasn’t sure how it would go but wow did Kleypas make it work! He is absurdly wealthy which I was surprised with because surely an actor / theater owner can’t make that much back then but then it was explained later on how and why he is so wealthy. These self made men are basically the fictional equivalent of the Vanderbilts / Astors with how obscenely rich they are. I don’t think I have ever encountered an actor hero in HR before but I have now and it was a good reading experience. I love Lisa Kleypas and her men even if they can be a bit of a meanie (especially her older ones). Logan Scott isn’t Rhys Winterborne, Tom Severin or Matthew Swift, who are some of the most loveable and decent heroes she wrote. I am going to be honest and say that this hero can be very mean, cruel and hurtful to the heroine especially when he discovered the truth. There are some things he said / did that might make other readers raise their eyebrows in astonishment as to how such a man can be considered a hero. However, I have a tendency to like heroes who are mean to the heroine so I can’t really hate Logan, but I admit that he can be a bit upsetting especially because he’s hot and cold with the heroine. He is attentive and caring yet at the same time he can be painfully mean with his remarks. I hope no one’s judging me for still rooting for the couple. They had their moments but at the end of the day I really loved them together and I believe they have great fondness for each other too.
The first half of this book takes place at Logan’s Theater. Madeline’s identity is somehow hidden for the first half which made it all the more exciting especially because I was counting the moments as to when and how the truth about Madeline would be revealed. I enjoyed Madeline’s persistence and her sweetness towards the H. I wasn’t expecting to love this book because it had an unusual H and an unusual setting as well but it really worked. I think the pacing was good and the events that transpired were interesting enough to keep me invested all throughout. I enjoyed some revelations such as Logan’s real identity and found the homage at the epilogue bittersweet. I thought Lord Drake was also an interesting character and I found out he had a novella which is upsetting because I would’ve loved reading a full length novel where he is the hero. The Earl that Madeline was engaged to wasn’t really a nuisance and was only present during one chapter so I am sure he wouldn’t be someone that would upset readers. I was bracing for the worst and expecting him to pursue her endlessly but glad that he did not. This book focuses a great deal on the main couple: the ups and downs which I appreciated.
The first half was Madeline trying her hardest to appeal to Logan and the hard work paid off. Eventually he fell in love with her because she is so caring towards him and even if he did not like it, he appreciated how dependable she was and how much she cared for him especially when he was on his deathbed. He also said “I love you” first which is a real treat! But afterwards, conflict happened. I found the second half much more heart-squeezing (I don’t think that’s a real word but you know what I mean) But I loved the realness of how a man like Logan would react after feeling betrayed. He still loved her but he didn’t want to show it because he didn’t want her to think she had a hold on him even if it was true. Of course, the sweet and patient Madeline tried her hardest to be understanding which is why I really loved her. I liked Logan well enough but it was the heroine of the book who I really loved and the reason why this book was a good reading experience for me. Like I said, the hero can be a hurtful jerk and no, he did not grovel so if you’re not into that, then you would probably dislike reading the book. However, if you’re into patient heroines who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, then you might consider giving this book a chance. The heroine might seem like a doormat but I think her vulnerability is also her strength. I think the H and h perfectly complement each other. He was someone who didn’t like to appear weak, to feel (anything), and was very closed off while the heroine was okay with pouring her heart out and an overall kind hearted person. Together they make it work, and as a reader I love that.
I have nothing more to say except that Lisa Kleypas is perhaps one of my most favorite authors in the genre. She knows how to write romance. Her heroes and heroines have depth. Her prose is good. Such a gem! I can never get enough of her books. I really enjoyed reading this and I hope I will like her other older stuff as well.
Some Quotes:
“People always want what they can't have. The audience falls in love with a leading man because he'll never belong to any of them. In real life, it's the same. There's not a man or woman alive who wouldn't fall in love with someone who is out of their reach.”
She would not insult him, or coarsen her own feelings, by using him for the purpose she had originally intended. All at once she was glad that they had not made love, that she hadn't hurt or betrayed him. She wouldn't have been able to live with herself if she had.
He hoped to God no one suspected the truth— that he was completely undone by one naive girl.
“You deserve someone better than me. Someone young and idealistic… someone who can experience things for the first time along with you. I'm not always kind, and I have more faults than I'd care to name. All I can promise is that I'll want you until my last breath.”
“Do you love me?” she heard him ask, and her voice broke as she replied. “Always.”
As a daughter of an aristocratic couple, Madeline Matthews had already been set to marry a powerful and respectable lord older than her father. She was aware that her mother expected her to live a life of self-sacrifice as most young aristocratic women do. However, she has different plans. To Madeline, it would be preferable to be a spinster and a ruined woman in the eyes of society rather than marry the man who is obviously soon to expire. In order to make herself unmarriageable, she came up with the plan to embark on an affair with London’s most prominent actor and known womanizer, Logan Scott. However, seducing the actor isn’t as easy as Madeline thought it would be, and finally when things are looking hopeless, they fall in love with each other. But a love that started off with deceit and ulterior motives isn’t a love to last…especially when Logan discovers the truth about Madeline’s identity and her real intentions.
Because You’re Mine is the second book from Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance series, Capitol Theatre. This tells the story of Logan Scott, an acclaimed actor and Madeline Matthews, the daughter of a viscount. I haven’t read book one and I can say that it didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The book can stand alone. This is an older work of Kleypas and it was obvious especially with how the hero was portrayed. This is a book with the most unusual hero, but as always, Kleypas knew how to make it work. I didn’t expect much but I ended up really loving this book! I feel like not many like her older books but somehow they work for me.
The most special thing about Because You’re Mine is the heroine, Madeline. I really loved her! She was the usual aristocratic female character who is set to marry another man but doesn’t want anything to do with them (especially because the ones they’re betrothed to aren’t particularly pleasing). I somehow always end up loving this type of character. I cannot help but root for them, sorry not sorry. She was on the younger side (eighteen) which is why at times she was full of naivety but I thought it added to her charm. She was a persistent girl and her pursuit of Logan really endeared her to me. It is refreshing and entertaining when it is the heroine who pursues the hero. It keeps me invested. Even when the hero was mean to her, she didn’t let it make her lose hope and instead just worked harder to make the hero take notice of her. I thought it was really sweet and cute. I know she had ulterior motives but I don’t really blame her for that and she didn’t even mean to hurt the hero. I love how her plan originally was to sleep with him but when she realized she was in love, she was glad it didn’t happen yet because she didn’t want to coarsen her feelings towards him nor betray the man she loves. Sooner or later though, conflicts are meant to happen to keep the story interesting. Madeline was a patient, tenacious, and understanding heroine. Other readers might be mad at her because she might seem like a doormat but to me she isn't. She was just a woman who was not afraid to be vulnerable and wear her heart on her sleeve, and when she loved someone (in this case, the hero), she wasn’t one to give up. I do adore devoted heroes but it is extra sweet when it is the heroine who is the devoted one. I love characters who aren’t afraid to love their partners, as long as they keep their self respect intact. At times it might be a bit loose but it was okay as it added to the angst factor. Lisa Kleypas does know how to make her heroines feel real. I always end up loving them, well, most of the time. They have a sweetness in them that I just admire.
The hero of the book is Logan Scott. He is an acclaimed, perhaps the most successful actor in England. One thing about Lisa Kleypas is that she isn’t afraid to write unusual heroes and that is what I like about her. I have said this before but there are way too many dukes, earls and lords in general to the point that I am tired of it and in need of something refreshing. It is always a good thing to read about self made men because there is just so much more to admire about them. They are hard-working, intelligent and very capable. I am attracted to men that are proficient which is the reason why I always end up loving Lisa Kleypas’ self made heroes. Logan Scott is a most unusual hero. He is the only actor hero I’ve ever read and I wasn’t sure how it would go but wow did Kleypas make it work! He is absurdly wealthy which I was surprised with because surely an actor / theater owner can’t make that much back then but then it was explained later on how and why he is so wealthy. These self made men are basically the fictional equivalent of the Vanderbilts / Astors with how obscenely rich they are. I don’t think I have ever encountered an actor hero in HR before but I have now and it was a good reading experience. I love Lisa Kleypas and her men even if they can be a bit of a meanie (especially her older ones). Logan Scott isn’t Rhys Winterborne, Tom Severin or Matthew Swift, who are some of the most loveable and decent heroes she wrote. I am going to be honest and say that this hero can be very mean, cruel and hurtful to the heroine especially when he discovered the truth. There are some things he said / did that might make other readers raise their eyebrows in astonishment as to how such a man can be considered a hero. However, I have a tendency to like heroes who are mean to the heroine so I can’t really hate Logan, but I admit that he can be a bit upsetting especially because he’s hot and cold with the heroine. He is attentive and caring yet at the same time he can be painfully mean with his remarks. I hope no one’s judging me for still rooting for the couple. They had their moments but at the end of the day I really loved them together and I believe they have great fondness for each other too.
The first half of this book takes place at Logan’s Theater. Madeline’s identity is somehow hidden for the first half which made it all the more exciting especially because I was counting the moments as to when and how the truth about Madeline would be revealed. I enjoyed Madeline’s persistence and her sweetness towards the H. I wasn’t expecting to love this book because it had an unusual H and an unusual setting as well but it really worked. I think the pacing was good and the events that transpired were interesting enough to keep me invested all throughout. I enjoyed some revelations such as Logan’s real identity and found the homage at the epilogue bittersweet. I thought Lord Drake was also an interesting character and I found out he had a novella which is upsetting because I would’ve loved reading a full length novel where he is the hero. The Earl that Madeline was engaged to wasn’t really a nuisance and was only present during one chapter so I am sure he wouldn’t be someone that would upset readers. I was bracing for the worst and expecting him to pursue her endlessly but glad that he did not. This book focuses a great deal on the main couple: the ups and downs which I appreciated.
The first half was Madeline trying her hardest to appeal to Logan and the hard work paid off. Eventually he fell in love with her because she is so caring towards him and even if he did not like it, he appreciated how dependable she was and how much she cared for him especially when he was on his deathbed. He also said “I love you” first which is a real treat! But afterwards, conflict happened. I found the second half much more heart-squeezing (I don’t think that’s a real word but you know what I mean) But I loved the realness of how a man like Logan would react after feeling betrayed. He still loved her but he didn’t want to show it because he didn’t want her to think she had a hold on him even if it was true. Of course, the sweet and patient Madeline tried her hardest to be understanding which is why I really loved her. I liked Logan well enough but it was the heroine of the book who I really loved and the reason why this book was a good reading experience for me. Like I said, the hero can be a hurtful jerk and no, he did not grovel so if you’re not into that, then you would probably dislike reading the book. However, if you’re into patient heroines who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, then you might consider giving this book a chance. The heroine might seem like a doormat but I think her vulnerability is also her strength. I think the H and h perfectly complement each other. He was someone who didn’t like to appear weak, to feel (anything), and was very closed off while the heroine was okay with pouring her heart out and an overall kind hearted person. Together they make it work, and as a reader I love that.
I have nothing more to say except that Lisa Kleypas is perhaps one of my most favorite authors in the genre. She knows how to write romance. Her heroes and heroines have depth. Her prose is good. Such a gem! I can never get enough of her books. I really enjoyed reading this and I hope I will like her other older stuff as well.
Some Quotes:
“People always want what they can't have. The audience falls in love with a leading man because he'll never belong to any of them. In real life, it's the same. There's not a man or woman alive who wouldn't fall in love with someone who is out of their reach.”
She would not insult him, or coarsen her own feelings, by using him for the purpose she had originally intended. All at once she was glad that they had not made love, that she hadn't hurt or betrayed him. She wouldn't have been able to live with herself if she had.
He hoped to God no one suspected the truth— that he was completely undone by one naive girl.
“You deserve someone better than me. Someone young and idealistic… someone who can experience things for the first time along with you. I'm not always kind, and I have more faults than I'd care to name. All I can promise is that I'll want you until my last breath.”
“Do you love me?” she heard him ask, and her voice broke as she replied. “Always.”
November 28, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ This was going to be a dnf for me but I’m so glad that I kept on reading because I ended up really enjoying it!
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the premise of the book though. It was basically Madeline trying to seduce Logan and him constantly pushing her away. It just got a bit repetitive. But then at around 40% into the book, the story took a turn and it got pretty angsty. And that part, I really enjoyed.
I ended up really loving the romance between them and I’m happy that I kept on reading! I definitely would have missed out on a great read.
Overall, this was really enjoyable despite me not liking the beginning. The writing was great as always. Lisa Kleypas is my go-to for swoony historical romances 🥰 I adore her books so much!
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the premise of the book though. It was basically Madeline trying to seduce Logan and him constantly pushing her away. It just got a bit repetitive. But then at around 40% into the book, the story took a turn and it got pretty angsty. And that part, I really enjoyed.
I ended up really loving the romance between them and I’m happy that I kept on reading! I definitely would have missed out on a great read.
Overall, this was really enjoyable despite me not liking the beginning. The writing was great as always. Lisa Kleypas is my go-to for swoony historical romances 🥰 I adore her books so much!
July 17, 2010
Uh ... TORTURED hero anyone?!! I'm saying that with a WHOLE LOT of sarcasim if it's not coming across in print! Okay, I know I gave this book 3 stars, but that's only because LK kept "playing" with MY emotions by adeptly keeping my hopes up: About 20 times she had me wanting to throw something at the ... er ... *cough* (so-called) "hero," for pity's sake if not Madeline's ... only to turn around immediately (of course in the nick of time??!) and make me feel all sorry for him ... LIKE HE WAS DOING TO MADELINE!! AAARG!!
"Lisa ... I'm SOOO glad you've ditched this kind of back-and-forth angst beyond reason over the years. This book definitely staked your writing talents and ability to manipulate a readers emotions, but I'd just as soon not be subjected to this "type" of "romance" manipulation again."
Logan Scott is a famous actor of his time in his early 30's (along the lines of a Brad Pitt), and Madeline is a young, aristocratically-born girl of 17-18 years who, in desperation, plans to seek Logan out and have him "ruin" her to avoid an extremely undesirable marriage. Her parents have betrothed her to a man of the peerage in his 50's who, shall we say, is neither dashing nor well-preserved for his age. In fact, he's a loathsome, arrogant toad of a man! Could it be any worse for her?! She skips out on her over-extended stay at school (due to her parents not allowing her to have an "actual" season - husband in place and all)
to carry out her plan. She (of course) never expects to fall in love along the way ... because she's a naive, young girl (what else?!).
Logan has had a rough life, to say the least. He was brought up in an abusive home where he was targeted in particular, while his siblings escaped the wrath of their father and complete neglect of their mother. His father being the steward of a wealthy lord -- he was raised alongside the lord's heir as his playmate and best friend on their estate. As Logan grew up and withdrew from that life, managing against all odds to acquire fame and considerable fortune, he was ever supportive of his friend Andrew who, although privileged, fell into a pattern of considerable debauchery and ruin. Logan never abandoned him despite all the disloyalties Andrew subjected him to, bailing him out both literally and figuratively at every turn. When Logan crosses paths with Madeline ("Maddy") as she takes a job incognito at his successful theatre, he's attracted but completely repels her advances as he does pretty much all women. Needless to say, she grows on him and he eventually comes to trust her. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that she obviously eventually is found out as to her plan of seduction, and Logan finds it yet another deceit in his life he can't bear. He instantly goes into rejection mode with Maddy and puts up all his barriers despite his growing feelings for her.
Logan wasn't just a "tortured hero" in romance for me. I LOVE the tortured hero. But in the long run, I found Logan's (basically "clinical") self-protectiveness to the extreme. What does that mean for me as a reader? It means he rejected our poor undeserving heroine stringently and often ... .WAAAAY too often! Talk about the punishment not fitting the crime! As for our heroine, she was beginning to turn into one of my least favorite Julia Quinn heroines from "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever," referred to me and a few others as "Miss Amazing Doormat"! Maddy could definitely fit that mould right up to around ... oh ... mere pages from the END OF THE BOOK!!
Additionally, even though Logan was so guarded of his feelings where the heroine's indiscretions on her seduction plan were concerned (beyond my personal patience worth for sure), he RIDICULOUSLY kept forgiving his best friend's COMPLETE disregard for his feelings/loyalty beyond reason!! (What the ...?!?) This imbalance on his judgments made absolutely no sense to me in the context of the book. Poor Maddy suffered all his coldness and rejection, and the only thing that saved this book (OVER AND OVER) were LK's ability to constantly play on my emotions and make me feel sorry for Logan at all the EXACT turns of the page. In the end, although I felt sorry for Logan and knew he'd had a rough life ... I felt it was time for him to be the grown man he was and put it in perspective instead of constantly taking it out on Madeline! In other words - GROW UP AND GET OVER IT ALREADY! Sounds cold I know, but all he did was turn himself into a completely self-involved/wallowing in self-pity weakling for me! Not really hero material.
In summary, the book was a weird dichotomy of both liking it for LK's on-going ability to evoke my emotions on cue, but in the end I felt over-manipulated and less than satisfied. By the time the hero came around and Madeline grew a back-bone ... I knew it just wasn't a favorite romance no matter how talented LK can write it. Bottom line: I suppose if your "cuppa" is the tortured beyond reason hero who lashes out at the "ONE" (i.e. the heroine) he loves at every turn ... you'll probably love this book. For me ... as a HUGE fan of LK, glad I read it to add to my overall knowledge of her backlist, but it's definitely not a keeper.
K.
"Lisa ... I'm SOOO glad you've ditched this kind of back-and-forth angst beyond reason over the years. This book definitely staked your writing talents and ability to manipulate a readers emotions, but I'd just as soon not be subjected to this "type" of "romance" manipulation again."
Logan Scott is a famous actor of his time in his early 30's (along the lines of a Brad Pitt), and Madeline is a young, aristocratically-born girl of 17-18 years who, in desperation, plans to seek Logan out and have him "ruin" her to avoid an extremely undesirable marriage. Her parents have betrothed her to a man of the peerage in his 50's who, shall we say, is neither dashing nor well-preserved for his age. In fact, he's a loathsome, arrogant toad of a man! Could it be any worse for her?! She skips out on her over-extended stay at school (due to her parents not allowing her to have an "actual" season - husband in place and all)
to carry out her plan. She (of course) never expects to fall in love along the way ... because she's a naive, young girl (what else?!).
Logan has had a rough life, to say the least. He was brought up in an abusive home where he was targeted in particular, while his siblings escaped the wrath of their father and complete neglect of their mother. His father being the steward of a wealthy lord -- he was raised alongside the lord's heir as his playmate and best friend on their estate. As Logan grew up and withdrew from that life, managing against all odds to acquire fame and considerable fortune, he was ever supportive of his friend Andrew who, although privileged, fell into a pattern of considerable debauchery and ruin. Logan never abandoned him despite all the disloyalties Andrew subjected him to, bailing him out both literally and figuratively at every turn. When Logan crosses paths with Madeline ("Maddy") as she takes a job incognito at his successful theatre, he's attracted but completely repels her advances as he does pretty much all women. Needless to say, she grows on him and he eventually comes to trust her. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that she obviously eventually is found out as to her plan of seduction, and Logan finds it yet another deceit in his life he can't bear. He instantly goes into rejection mode with Maddy and puts up all his barriers despite his growing feelings for her.
Logan wasn't just a "tortured hero" in romance for me. I LOVE the tortured hero. But in the long run, I found Logan's (basically "clinical") self-protectiveness to the extreme. What does that mean for me as a reader? It means he rejected our poor undeserving heroine stringently and often ... .WAAAAY too often! Talk about the punishment not fitting the crime! As for our heroine, she was beginning to turn into one of my least favorite Julia Quinn heroines from "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever," referred to me and a few others as "Miss Amazing Doormat"! Maddy could definitely fit that mould right up to around ... oh ... mere pages from the END OF THE BOOK!!
Additionally, even though Logan was so guarded of his feelings where the heroine's indiscretions on her seduction plan were concerned (beyond my personal patience worth for sure), he RIDICULOUSLY kept forgiving his best friend's COMPLETE disregard for his feelings/loyalty beyond reason!! (What the ...?!?) This imbalance on his judgments made absolutely no sense to me in the context of the book. Poor Maddy suffered all his coldness and rejection, and the only thing that saved this book (OVER AND OVER) were LK's ability to constantly play on my emotions and make me feel sorry for Logan at all the EXACT turns of the page. In the end, although I felt sorry for Logan and knew he'd had a rough life ... I felt it was time for him to be the grown man he was and put it in perspective instead of constantly taking it out on Madeline! In other words - GROW UP AND GET OVER IT ALREADY! Sounds cold I know, but all he did was turn himself into a completely self-involved/wallowing in self-pity weakling for me! Not really hero material.
In summary, the book was a weird dichotomy of both liking it for LK's on-going ability to evoke my emotions on cue, but in the end I felt over-manipulated and less than satisfied. By the time the hero came around and Madeline grew a back-bone ... I knew it just wasn't a favorite romance no matter how talented LK can write it. Bottom line: I suppose if your "cuppa" is the tortured beyond reason hero who lashes out at the "ONE" (i.e. the heroine) he loves at every turn ... you'll probably love this book. For me ... as a HUGE fan of LK, glad I read it to add to my overall knowledge of her backlist, but it's definitely not a keeper.
K.
November 10, 2011
The first half of this book was pretty good. A little far fetched with Maddy's scheming but still had a sense of fun & sexiness.
The second half is a whole different story. The "hero" Logan became such an ass that I could barely finish this book.
I know I'm alone on this according to the Goodreads ratings but I do not enjoy forcing sex on someone in the name of romance no matter what his true feelings are and even if her body betrays her and she enjoys it in the end. I found the whole thing to be un-sexy and a little horrifying.
I have always enjoyed Lisa Kleypas's writing and will continue reading her books. I guess this just isn't the right type of romance trope for me.
The second half is a whole different story. The "hero" Logan became such an ass that I could barely finish this book.
I know I'm alone on this according to the Goodreads ratings but I do not enjoy forcing sex on someone in the name of romance no matter what his true feelings are and even if her body betrays her and she enjoys it in the end. I found the whole thing to be un-sexy and a little horrifying.
I have always enjoyed Lisa Kleypas's writing and will continue reading her books. I guess this just isn't the right type of romance trope for me.
May 24, 2022
"Because You're Mine" is the second book in the "Capitol Theatre" series where there`s a after Novella after this one.In all honesty i did have high expactations as the hero is none other than the irresistible Logan Scott,and i ALSO THEN have to say that this book has come to be one of my great favourites of Lisa Kleypas of all time.
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The innocent and adventurous heroine Madeline Matthews decides to seduce the notorious and ambitious hero actor Logan Scott. With a bold pursuit she strives to seduce him, and this one man who scuffed at the mere mention of love will find himself weaken against her charms and be taken down on his knees for the first time in the name of love.
This is a MUST-READ for all historical romance lovers.I couldn`t pull this book away once i started reading it!
Logan Scott with his Mahogany-red hair and Sea Blue-Eyes made me so weak with his wickedness in the first book "Somewhere i will find you" (Julia`s and Damon`s story) and i was soooo excited when i knew that he would be the hero in this second book! All he ever thought about until now had been the success of his Capitol Theatre where he only lived and breathed for his job. A irresistible seducer where no woman could deny him, a stubborn and driven leader when it came to his career as the most successful actor in England, the light in Madeline`s charm manages to stumble him for the first time in his life. Oh how i love it the way they met-it was SO funny! Madeline is a character with spirit and i love her for it. Such a bold girl and also very vulnerable when she realized that there was a great chance that she could lose her heart to Logan. The chemistry was so sizzling and electrical between them-my heart simply felt heavy with the incredible love they felt for each other...!
Their journey is a unforgettable one.Logan becomes a vengeful hero after he knows of Madelines deception-it`s really bad as he had spilled his heart out for her-Even trying to hurt her after they marry i could see that he was craving her,and my heart was just hurting for both of them.Madeline fought patiently for his love and the angst near the end made my jump out of excitement-such glimmering passion between these two...She is everything for Logan..he were already doomed when it came to her from the start.! A hero to die for my friends..a hero to die for!I came to fall in love with Logan Scott with all my heart as he had all of the elements in a Romantic-Hero (Only for his Madeline) i love...!
I have to admit that even if i gave the first book a 5-STAR,this second book actually are SO FREAKING MUCH BETTER!"Because you are Mine" delivers everything with characters as passionate as Logan and Madeline-their Love-Story full of excitement, humor, passion, hidden secrets, pain, grief, drama, slap-kiss and a everlasting love that will make your heart flutter (as it did to mine,hihi).A wonderful book that made me cry (i cried so much) and laugh..and just simply FEEL!
[image error]
The innocent and adventurous heroine Madeline Matthews decides to seduce the notorious and ambitious hero actor Logan Scott. With a bold pursuit she strives to seduce him, and this one man who scuffed at the mere mention of love will find himself weaken against her charms and be taken down on his knees for the first time in the name of love.
This is a MUST-READ for all historical romance lovers.I couldn`t pull this book away once i started reading it!
Logan Scott with his Mahogany-red hair and Sea Blue-Eyes made me so weak with his wickedness in the first book "Somewhere i will find you" (Julia`s and Damon`s story) and i was soooo excited when i knew that he would be the hero in this second book! All he ever thought about until now had been the success of his Capitol Theatre where he only lived and breathed for his job. A irresistible seducer where no woman could deny him, a stubborn and driven leader when it came to his career as the most successful actor in England, the light in Madeline`s charm manages to stumble him for the first time in his life. Oh how i love it the way they met-it was SO funny! Madeline is a character with spirit and i love her for it. Such a bold girl and also very vulnerable when she realized that there was a great chance that she could lose her heart to Logan. The chemistry was so sizzling and electrical between them-my heart simply felt heavy with the incredible love they felt for each other...!
Their journey is a unforgettable one.Logan becomes a vengeful hero after he knows of Madelines deception-it`s really bad as he had spilled his heart out for her-Even trying to hurt her after they marry i could see that he was craving her,and my heart was just hurting for both of them.Madeline fought patiently for his love and the angst near the end made my jump out of excitement-such glimmering passion between these two...She is everything for Logan..he were already doomed when it came to her from the start.! A hero to die for my friends..a hero to die for!I came to fall in love with Logan Scott with all my heart as he had all of the elements in a Romantic-Hero (Only for his Madeline) i love...!
I have to admit that even if i gave the first book a 5-STAR,this second book actually are SO FREAKING MUCH BETTER!"Because you are Mine" delivers everything with characters as passionate as Logan and Madeline-their Love-Story full of excitement, humor, passion, hidden secrets, pain, grief, drama, slap-kiss and a everlasting love that will make your heart flutter (as it did to mine,hihi).A wonderful book that made me cry (i cried so much) and laugh..and just simply FEEL!
January 5, 2021
***Might be some general SPOILERS bellow.***
I wasn't disappointed in this story at all. It was entertaining and engaging. But the characters! They brought me no end of grief. I just couldn't empathize with either of them!
I kept judging them over and over.
Here's all the terrible things I thought of Madeline:
Naive
Indecisive
Stupid
Pushover
Self sacrificing
You might not think that the last one is an insult but in this case it is. Her "patience" with him got on my nerves like crazy! She let Logan be a complete ass to her!
And Logan. Argh. Can some fictional character show up and strangle him to death for me, please!
At first I was understanding. Really. I was.
But I couldn't take it anymore. He obviously loved her but insisted on hurting her for no fucking reason!
I don't accept the reason Lisa gave us. No way. Its too stupid.
Actually no. It wasn't stupid. It just came out of left field.
Through out the whole book he was mad at her for supposedly betraying him. For hurting him. So he hurt her back. To keep her at a distance. But at the end of the book we find out that's not why he's been hurting her at all!! That he forgave her. Yeah right.
So if you're a Lisa Kleypas fan go ahead and read this book. There's nothing technically wrong with it.
July 17, 2018
Lisa Kleypas is my favourite author. But this book is the worst book I've read in 2018.
I love almost everything she's ever written, but this book is proper rubbish. I'm not convinced this wasn't written by another person under her name...
First of all, the book lacks all of Lisa's characteristic wit and charm, which is a shame but not the worst thing ever. I could have forgiven that, but then the characters though...
First of all, let's talk about Madeline.
Madeline is an idealistic, silly eighteen-year old girl, fresh from the schoolroom and with an undesirable arranged marriage looming on the horizon. Her solution was to quit school a semester early and go to the Capital Theater to seduce Logan Scott, a famous actor, and therefore ruin her marriageability and appeal to this particular suitor. WHY? If you wanted to ruin your appeal, just find any random guy and be ruined. This is ignoring the fact that she could have easily just TOLD her parents that she was ruined by some random guy, didn't catch his name, oh well, guess I can't marry What's-His-Face. Why THIS one guy in particular...because you saw his picture? Honey, attractive guys are a dime a dozen. This one literally has a reputation for not sexing up random women he meets. This whole plan was intensely stupid.
Which is convenient, because Madeline is intensely stupid. She says to Logan, "You didn't fire me even when you were perfectly justified in doing so." No, he wasn't justified in firing you? You did nothing wrong. And he did fire her, multiple times. She just refused to actually leave. She also thought, "Logan would never want her…he had made that clear enough." But he's said “God, I wish I didn't want you so badly," and asked her to stay out of his sight because he wants her too much... How do you figure that one, Madeline?
Ignoring how silly and stupid Madeline is, there is a twelve-year age gap between her and the love interest, and none of the maturity in Madeline to make it acceptable. It is intensely uncomfortable, especially given the huge power dynamic between them. He is mega-rich, very famous and her boss. This is a terrible match, in general, without the age gap.
Logan is the worst part about this book. He is verbally, sexually and emotionally abusive. He lacks all of the classic Kleypas charm, wit, humour and character that a Lisa Kleypas hero usually has. He has:
*Snuck into Madeline's room while she was sleeping and touched her hair and fondled her breasts.
* Threatened to physically harm Madeline. "Although at the moment I'm tempted to break your pretty neck myself and save you the trouble."
*Behaved possessively and inappropriately. "What I do—or don't do—with her is my business.” Um, no? She is important to people other than you. What happens to her is the business of everyone that loves and cares about her. You don't own her.
*Been consistently rude and mean to Madeline.
Why? That's all I can ask.
Why did Maddy think this was a good idea? Why did Maddy settle on HIM and not anyone more attainable, more reasonable, more normal? Why did she fall in love with him, when he acts like this? Why did he fall in love with Maddy when she's such an idiot? Why did this carry on for so long? Why don't the characters have any chemistry, when Lisa is such a phenomenal writer?
I did not finish this book and I don't intend to. I stopped reading at the part of their first sex scene.
0 out of 5, do not recommend.
I love almost everything she's ever written, but this book is proper rubbish. I'm not convinced this wasn't written by another person under her name...
First of all, the book lacks all of Lisa's characteristic wit and charm, which is a shame but not the worst thing ever. I could have forgiven that, but then the characters though...
First of all, let's talk about Madeline.
Madeline is an idealistic, silly eighteen-year old girl, fresh from the schoolroom and with an undesirable arranged marriage looming on the horizon. Her solution was to quit school a semester early and go to the Capital Theater to seduce Logan Scott, a famous actor, and therefore ruin her marriageability and appeal to this particular suitor. WHY? If you wanted to ruin your appeal, just find any random guy and be ruined. This is ignoring the fact that she could have easily just TOLD her parents that she was ruined by some random guy, didn't catch his name, oh well, guess I can't marry What's-His-Face. Why THIS one guy in particular...because you saw his picture? Honey, attractive guys are a dime a dozen. This one literally has a reputation for not sexing up random women he meets. This whole plan was intensely stupid.
Which is convenient, because Madeline is intensely stupid. She says to Logan, "You didn't fire me even when you were perfectly justified in doing so." No, he wasn't justified in firing you? You did nothing wrong. And he did fire her, multiple times. She just refused to actually leave. She also thought, "Logan would never want her…he had made that clear enough." But he's said “God, I wish I didn't want you so badly," and asked her to stay out of his sight because he wants her too much... How do you figure that one, Madeline?
Ignoring how silly and stupid Madeline is, there is a twelve-year age gap between her and the love interest, and none of the maturity in Madeline to make it acceptable. It is intensely uncomfortable, especially given the huge power dynamic between them. He is mega-rich, very famous and her boss. This is a terrible match, in general, without the age gap.
Logan is the worst part about this book. He is verbally, sexually and emotionally abusive. He lacks all of the classic Kleypas charm, wit, humour and character that a Lisa Kleypas hero usually has. He has:
*Snuck into Madeline's room while she was sleeping and touched her hair and fondled her breasts.
* Threatened to physically harm Madeline. "Although at the moment I'm tempted to break your pretty neck myself and save you the trouble."
*Behaved possessively and inappropriately. "What I do—or don't do—with her is my business.” Um, no? She is important to people other than you. What happens to her is the business of everyone that loves and cares about her. You don't own her.
*Been consistently rude and mean to Madeline.
Why? That's all I can ask.
Why did Maddy think this was a good idea? Why did Maddy settle on HIM and not anyone more attainable, more reasonable, more normal? Why did she fall in love with him, when he acts like this? Why did he fall in love with Maddy when she's such an idiot? Why did this carry on for so long? Why don't the characters have any chemistry, when Lisa is such a phenomenal writer?
I did not finish this book and I don't intend to. I stopped reading at the part of their first sex scene.
0 out of 5, do not recommend.
dnf
May 11, 2022Made it through the 1st chapter.... enough
August 24, 2019
Lady Madeline (Maddy) Matthews would rather be labelled as sullied by her family and society than be shackled to the odious toad her parents want her to wed – a man that is a few years older than her own father and who would never listen to her. In order to achieve her goal, she decides to seek out the company of Logan Scott – a notorious womanizer and famous actor/director. But Maddy fails to consider Logan Scott and the man he is, and so begins an intense relationship, where Logan’s secrets/fears have him acting like a bear and Maddy discovers the passion she yearned for.
I did enjoy this re-read, but I must say the man characters have their failings:
Maddy was:
1) A tad too trusting.
2) A little too quick to forgive (I know, I’m slightly harsher than her, but what can you do?)
Logan was:
1) Rather cutting/cruel when trying to protect himself and push Maddy away. In every read of this book over the years, I do feel Logan’s behaviour – pushing Maddy away and how he treats her once they are wed was harsh and unnecessary especially since he forgives his best-friend the petulant Andrew more than once for things I feel are much worse.
2) At times an asshole (if he was a real guy I would be screaming at Maddy to run far away, but within the framework of the book and due to LK’s writing I didn’t hate him – I know I should but I don’t).
3) Also, there is the issue of
This is a LK book and somehow, she has ensured that I enjoyed the book and that whilst I didn't adore Logan, I couldn’t hate him. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed how Logan put Maddy’s sister in her place, I was kinda hoping a pie or something would drop out of the sky and fall on her.
Potential Triggers:
I did enjoy this re-read, but I must say the man characters have their failings:
Maddy was:
1) A tad too trusting.
2) A little too quick to forgive (I know, I’m slightly harsher than her, but what can you do?)
Logan was:
1) Rather cutting/cruel when trying to protect himself and push Maddy away. In every read of this book over the years, I do feel Logan’s behaviour – pushing Maddy away and how he treats her once they are wed was harsh and unnecessary especially since he forgives his best-friend the petulant Andrew more than once for things I feel are much worse.
2) At times an asshole (if he was a real guy I would be screaming at Maddy to run far away, but within the framework of the book and due to LK’s writing I didn’t hate him – I know I should but I don’t).
3) Also, there is the issue of
This is a LK book and somehow, she has ensured that I enjoyed the book and that whilst I didn't adore Logan, I couldn’t hate him. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed how Logan put Maddy’s sister in her place, I was kinda hoping a pie or something would drop out of the sky and fall on her.
Potential Triggers:
August 2, 2017
No thank you.
Did not really enjoy.
Here's why.
Maddy was:
- too trusting
- self sacrificing (to her own detriment)
- too forgiving
- pushover
Logan was:
- asshole
- verbally abusive (literally threatens her physically and sexually)
- mean
Basically, Maddy does Logan The Big Hurt and he "can't get over it" even though the hurt honestly wasn't as terrible as he made it out to be. Then he exacts revenge by treating her like shit, saying terribly hurtful things to her, all the while fucking her and treating her like a living fleshlight. He constantly demeans her, tells her how unimportant she is, and she.... just lives with it because she thinks she "deserves" it for lying. Oh, okay. One lie = literal dog shit. Got it.
I was done with Logan as soon as he told her she'd basically be "paying" for her lies with her body and he'd do whatever he wanted with her whenever he wanted (while physically aggressing on her).
All of my nopes.
Did not really enjoy.
Here's why.
Maddy was:
- too trusting
- self sacrificing (to her own detriment)
- too forgiving
- pushover
Logan was:
- asshole
- verbally abusive (literally threatens her physically and sexually)
- mean
Basically, Maddy does Logan The Big Hurt and he "can't get over it" even though the hurt honestly wasn't as terrible as he made it out to be. Then he exacts revenge by treating her like shit, saying terribly hurtful things to her, all the while fucking her and treating her like a living fleshlight. He constantly demeans her, tells her how unimportant she is, and she.... just lives with it because she thinks she "deserves" it for lying. Oh, okay. One lie = literal dog shit. Got it.
I was done with Logan as soon as he told her she'd basically be "paying" for her lies with her body and he'd do whatever he wanted with her whenever he wanted (while physically aggressing on her).
All of my nopes.
December 6, 2025
This the first book by Lisa Kleypas that I didn't like
The book started out great for me. I decided to suspend my disbelief and pretend it wasn't a miracle she arrived at the theatre alone and without getting r***ed or robbed or killed. Also that it was the norm for duchesses to offer the home of friends to strangers and that old, retired actresses would trust such strangers without even a visit from the person who introduced them...
Okay, well, I rolled my eyes, but since it was such a small part at the beginning, I decided to ignore that and enjoy the unusual setting.
Mmmm... Maybe I shouldn't have?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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The book started out great for me. I decided to suspend my disbelief and pretend it wasn't a miracle she arrived at the theatre alone and without getting r***ed or robbed or killed. Also that it was the norm for duchesses to offer the home of friends to strangers and that old, retired actresses would trust such strangers without even a visit from the person who introduced them...
Okay, well, I rolled my eyes, but since it was such a small part at the beginning, I decided to ignore that and enjoy the unusual setting.
Mmmm... Maybe I shouldn't have?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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February 21, 2021
Not great but because H was just like I loved (a mean asshat) 3,5 stars!
December 13, 2022
Madeline is bold for a young girl of 18. She knew she wanted to seduce Logan Scott (to ruin herself so she wouldn't have to marry an old man) and she went for it. She even Of course, she didn't really know how to do it. lol. Fortunately, she finds employment in the theater so at least she was close to him. I LOVE FORCED PROXIMITY! I enjoyed watching him fight his attraction toward Madeline by pushing her away. I had a secret smile each time someone commented on Logan's strange behavior.
When Logan got sick and had to be nursed back to health by Madeline, I thought it was the work of a villain who wanted his theater to fail or some other evil plan but nope! Thank goodness because I wasn't in the mood to read about a villain. When he recovers,
I can't explain why but these two are made for each other. It was a delight reading about their journey to love and trust each other. The last chapter (not the epilogue) had the angst I crave when I read historical romance novels. I was so happy!
In one of my status updates, I made 2-3 conjectures about Logan.
1. Is he actually a titled gentleman?
2. Is one of the plays based on his past experience with love?
3. (in the comment section of the status update) Or is he the illegitimate son of a titled gentleman? Or of a lady?
I'm a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas's HR books, so I noticed some parallels/similarities to her Wallflowers, Hathaways, and Ravenels series.
1. The nursing back to health subplot reminded me of Evie nursing St. Vincent in Devil in Winter.
2. Logan's past with the woman (Olivia) he planned to marry.
3. Logan's best friend Andrew reminded me of a similar situation that Beatrix and Christopher went through in Love in the Afternoon.
4. Andrew drinks and gambles most of the time. I think he's even described as chubby (??). In the epilogue, he This reminded me of West Ravenel's transformation in Cold-Hearted Rake.
These were the ones that stuck out to me. It's possible I could have missed other parallels from LK's other series.
Thanks, Nicolette, for your detailed review! It pushed me to finally read this book and I enjoyed it very much. 😊❤️ It's definitely a book I'll reread. Which Lisa Kleypas book is not?
When Logan got sick and had to be nursed back to health by Madeline, I thought it was the work of a villain who wanted his theater to fail or some other evil plan but nope! Thank goodness because I wasn't in the mood to read about a villain. When he recovers,
I can't explain why but these two are made for each other. It was a delight reading about their journey to love and trust each other. The last chapter (not the epilogue) had the angst I crave when I read historical romance novels. I was so happy!
In one of my status updates, I made 2-3 conjectures about Logan.
1. Is he actually a titled gentleman?
2. Is one of the plays based on his past experience with love?
3. (in the comment section of the status update) Or is he the illegitimate son of a titled gentleman? Or of a lady?
I'm a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas's HR books, so I noticed some parallels/similarities to her Wallflowers, Hathaways, and Ravenels series.
1. The nursing back to health subplot reminded me of Evie nursing St. Vincent in Devil in Winter.
2. Logan's past with the woman (Olivia) he planned to marry.
3. Logan's best friend Andrew reminded me of a similar situation that Beatrix and Christopher went through in Love in the Afternoon.
4. Andrew drinks and gambles most of the time. I think he's even described as chubby (??). In the epilogue, he This reminded me of West Ravenel's transformation in Cold-Hearted Rake.
These were the ones that stuck out to me. It's possible I could have missed other parallels from LK's other series.
Thanks, Nicolette, for your detailed review! It pushed me to finally read this book and I enjoyed it very much. 😊❤️ It's definitely a book I'll reread. Which Lisa Kleypas book is not?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2022
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The side characters. The flirtations.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It was just alright and could've been better IMO. But that's also Ms. Kleypas for me!
The Bad: The grovel. It wasn't necessarily "bad" but I wanted more of it! Wasn't nearly enough for me after how stupidly he acted.
Overall: This was enjoyable, but not quite the angst-fest that I was hoping for after finding this on a few GR lists that implied it would be a doozy. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it'll go down as one of my faves or be all that memorable in the long run.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Madeline and Logan's story. Madeline is about to be forced to marry a man older than her father and she comes up with a plan to make herself undesirable. She seeks out the womanizer actor, Logan, to help her with her problem. Only he ends up denying her advances and making it harder than she thought. She ends up working for his theater and after being around each other constantly, they start to develop feelings for one another...and get a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Madeline and Logan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Logan. I wanted to shake him! I also wanted more grovel. He was otherwise likable.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Madeline. I liked her, but I also struggled with her at times where I wanted her to demand better. I'll say middle of the road 3 stars for her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue, but as with Ms. Klypas' works, I still felt like I wanted more in the end because it ends shortly after the conflict was resolved.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The side characters. The flirtations.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It was just alright and could've been better IMO. But that's also Ms. Kleypas for me!
The Bad: The grovel. It wasn't necessarily "bad" but I wanted more of it! Wasn't nearly enough for me after how stupidly he acted.
Overall: This was enjoyable, but not quite the angst-fest that I was hoping for after finding this on a few GR lists that implied it would be a doozy. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it'll go down as one of my faves or be all that memorable in the long run.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Madeline and Logan's story. Madeline is about to be forced to marry a man older than her father and she comes up with a plan to make herself undesirable. She seeks out the womanizer actor, Logan, to help her with her problem. Only he ends up denying her advances and making it harder than she thought. She ends up working for his theater and after being around each other constantly, they start to develop feelings for one another...and get a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Madeline and Logan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Logan. I wanted to shake him! I also wanted more grovel. He was otherwise likable.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Madeline. I liked her, but I also struggled with her at times where I wanted her to demand better. I'll say middle of the road 3 stars for her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue, but as with Ms. Klypas' works, I still felt like I wanted more in the end because it ends shortly after the conflict was resolved.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
December 25, 2023
For some reason my original review never posted but it was still saved. I just finished a reread and realized this. The second read wasn't as stellar as the first. Perhaps my tastes have changed a bit. I need more angst that's for sure. Madeline as a heroine was too meek for my liking. She was never a challenge for the hero. After chapter 6, things got more interesting and exciting. I think Logan (our hero) is who made the book for me, and Lisa Kleypas' writing, of course ❤️ I'm not changing the rating.
A satisfying epilogue included--a few months down the road.
*****Original Review*****
5 Stars
"I don’t need you on my conscience.”
“I don’t care about your conscience. All I want is for you to kiss me again.”
Standalone. It's not necessary to read the previous book prior to reading this one, though they are interconnected. I haven't read book 1 yet.
The first part of the book felt like a solid 4 Star read; mostly due to the writing, not so much the plot or the main characters. I wasn't exactly digging the idea of the heroine pursuing the hero. To be honest, I've never been a fan of a heroine being the main pursuer in a romance. In this case, however, Madeline had an ulterior motive, and I was interested in finding out how it would play out. The story seemed mellow at first. But by the 50% mark I was completely sold with everything. It became a 5 Star read. I fell in love with Logan and the whole theatre world aspect; it was refreshing for a regency romance. Reading about folks not part of 'the ton' was different. I had never read a historical with an actor as the hero. Most of the story unfolded with the Capital Theatre as the setting. I was mesmerized by Logan's talent on stage...and offstage. Mellow he was not. He turned out to be extraordinarily charismatic and incredibly alpha! My kind of hero. I must add, I kept picturing a young Gerard Butler (another reviewer put that image in my head). Yes, Logan was a horrid jerk at times--for reasons--but that was part of the fun because it kept things angsty! Grumpy/asshole-y heroes are my thing. Regardless, it was pretty clear that he was hopelessly in love with Madeline. Logan was a goner from the start. There are quotes of his that made my heart squeeze and got me misty-eyed. This book won me over.
Note:
This one was recommended to me on Twitter as part of a secret baby rec list. I love that trope but I wouldn't shelf this book under my 'secret baby' shelf. The heroine kept her pregnancy secret for a couple of pages but that was it. I'm still so glad I read it! It was wonderful.
Borrowed an ebook copy from the public library - November 2021
A satisfying epilogue included--a few months down the road.
*****Original Review*****
5 Stars
"I don’t need you on my conscience.”
“I don’t care about your conscience. All I want is for you to kiss me again.”
Standalone. It's not necessary to read the previous book prior to reading this one, though they are interconnected. I haven't read book 1 yet.
The first part of the book felt like a solid 4 Star read; mostly due to the writing, not so much the plot or the main characters. I wasn't exactly digging the idea of the heroine pursuing the hero. To be honest, I've never been a fan of a heroine being the main pursuer in a romance. In this case, however, Madeline had an ulterior motive, and I was interested in finding out how it would play out. The story seemed mellow at first. But by the 50% mark I was completely sold with everything. It became a 5 Star read. I fell in love with Logan and the whole theatre world aspect; it was refreshing for a regency romance. Reading about folks not part of 'the ton' was different. I had never read a historical with an actor as the hero. Most of the story unfolded with the Capital Theatre as the setting. I was mesmerized by Logan's talent on stage...and offstage. Mellow he was not. He turned out to be extraordinarily charismatic and incredibly alpha! My kind of hero. I must add, I kept picturing a young Gerard Butler (another reviewer put that image in my head). Yes, Logan was a horrid jerk at times--for reasons--but that was part of the fun because it kept things angsty! Grumpy/asshole-y heroes are my thing. Regardless, it was pretty clear that he was hopelessly in love with Madeline. Logan was a goner from the start. There are quotes of his that made my heart squeeze and got me misty-eyed. This book won me over.
Note:
This one was recommended to me on Twitter as part of a secret baby rec list. I love that trope but I wouldn't shelf this book under my 'secret baby' shelf. The heroine kept her pregnancy secret for a couple of pages but that was it. I'm still so glad I read it! It was wonderful.
Borrowed an ebook copy from the public library - November 2021
April 1, 2011
I couldn't put it down which is pretty shocking because it was a historical regency/victorian time period- not always my favorite. This book was recommended to me through an Amazon Discussion as an All Time Favorite and I have always found Lisa Kleypas's books enjoyable... it didn't disappoint. The story wasn't anything earth shattering or overly deep, but the characters were likable and well defined, the story entertaining (quick and easy to read), and the love story beautiful.
The heroine, Maddy, was young, refreshing, willful, and too honest. The hero, Logan, had a rough and abusive early life and as a result was a bully to protect his heart. Maddy's family was arranging her marriage to an old fart, Lord Clifton, and she was fighting it tooth and nail. She wanted to experience life and freedom, something her parents would never allow as they locked her away in a boarding school. While at school she sees a picture of the actor Logan Scott, finds him dashing, and decides she will ruin her reputation with him so she can live her life the way she wants, disposing of the smelly, old fiancee. She shows up at Logan's theater, disrupts a rehearsal, and announces she wants him to relieve her of her virginity. What an entrance! He is an ass to her, yells at her, tells her to get lost and he isn't interested. She is not his type- too young, too innocent, and too sheltered from the wickedness of life, as well as, a threat to his stone heart as it turns out. She isn't discouraged, she gets a job at his theater, hired by his co-manager (he fires Maddy the second he sees her again and she refuses the termination), and she plans her seduction. What I loved about Maddy was that she was never manipulative with her plan and conquers Logan with her sweet care for him. There is definitely a lot of sexual tension between the characters and sexual frustration on Logan's part and the love is so sweet when it happens. The confrontation/climax which was in the middle of the book was heart breaking and Logan seeks revenge harshly towards Maddy after her plot is uncovered. There is also a shocker I didn't see coming (at least not all the details of it).
I know this is the 2nd book in series. I didn't read the first book in the series and even though the characters from the first book were a part of Because You're Mine this book can be a stand-a-lone.
October 25, 2024
Reread on October 25, 2024: It's puzzling that this is my second favorite LK.** I mean, most fans haven't even read it, much less love it! Yet BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE has always been one of my favorite reads and I've never understood why.
My reread proved enlightening: this is a Judith McNaught book. Not literally, of course, but it is the closest LK has ever gotten to JM with the character archetypes and mid-book heroine betrayal. No wonder I'm such trash for it. Read via audio (narrated by Rosalyn Landor).
** first place is IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN, of course.
My reread proved enlightening: this is a Judith McNaught book. Not literally, of course, but it is the closest LK has ever gotten to JM with the character archetypes and mid-book heroine betrayal. No wonder I'm such trash for it. Read via audio (narrated by Rosalyn Landor).
** first place is IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN, of course.
December 23, 2020
RE READ 12/22/20 AUDIBLE BOOK!! This book is about 30 year old Scott Logan a actor/director. I was introduced to Scott in the book Somewhere Ill Find You another terrific book, but to me Because Your Mine is the better of the two!! Scott has been abused as a child and has learned to turn off his emotions because everyone he has ever loved or became attached to has left him . Scott has pulled himself up from the Gutters of Life and became the most famous actor/director in all of Europe he has also massed a Fortune!! Madeline Matthews is a 18 year old still in the school room, but she has been betroth to and ugly elderly Earl, Madeline leaves school to go meet Scott and get herself ruined and scandalized so she wont have to marry!! But it doesn't turn out to be that easy to get a handsome famous rich actor to take her virginity!!! This Love Story is beautifully written , the characters are very well developed and intriguing. their are twist and turns the reader will enjoy. although you don't have to read Somewhere Ill Find you I suggest you do, because it makes this story better if you have a better understanding of some of the characters in this book. The romance between Scott and Madeline/Maddy is wonderful!! To see the way this 18 year old school girls UNCONDITIONAL LOVE PULLS DOWN ALL OF SCOTTS DEFENSES AND WALLS AND REBUILDS IT WITH LOVE, HOPE AND TRUST!!!!! THIS IS AMAZING LOVE STORY THAT I WILL REREAD AGAIN AND AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW HOW ANYONE COULD NOT LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Why their are NEGATIVE REVIEWS ABOUT THIS BOOK ARE BEYOND ME!!!!! THIS IS A MUST READ!!!
October 4, 2016
I like Lisa Kleypas’ formula for historcals. Her tortured flawed Hs fight a losing battle with the sweet virginal h before being brought to their knees in the final round, post a mu or two. Although it can be argued that that is the usual fare for most historicals/romances but LK does it better as her Hs are not real jerks deep inside and the hs are really loving and lovable, so their love and hea is always so believable.
This one is no different. The H being an actor and the background of theatre was quite novel. The h’s dubious plan to outsmart an aged suitor by ruining herself (with the famous actor) leads to all sorts of complications and it was the H who can plead ‘being used’ here although one can tell she had fallen for him quite early (and vice versa). But nothing ever goes as she plans and by the time she wishes to backtrack, things are quite out of her hands. But it was rather extraordinary for a h to spout such sentiments rather than a hero.
‘She would not insult him, or coarsen her own feelings, by using him for the purpose she had originally intended. All at once she was glad that they had not made love, that she hadn't hurt or betrayed him. She wouldn't have been able to live with herself if she had.’
But her sweet acceptance of any punishment he might mete out to her post their forced wedding and dogged persistence in loving him despite his cruel put downs, was very touching and endearing.
Other characters also played their parts to make for interesting subplots.
This one is no different. The H being an actor and the background of theatre was quite novel. The h’s dubious plan to outsmart an aged suitor by ruining herself (with the famous actor) leads to all sorts of complications and it was the H who can plead ‘being used’ here although one can tell she had fallen for him quite early (and vice versa). But nothing ever goes as she plans and by the time she wishes to backtrack, things are quite out of her hands. But it was rather extraordinary for a h to spout such sentiments rather than a hero.
‘She would not insult him, or coarsen her own feelings, by using him for the purpose she had originally intended. All at once she was glad that they had not made love, that she hadn't hurt or betrayed him. She wouldn't have been able to live with herself if she had.’
But her sweet acceptance of any punishment he might mete out to her post their forced wedding and dogged persistence in loving him despite his cruel put downs, was very touching and endearing.
Other characters also played their parts to make for interesting subplots.
November 9, 2022
Because You’re Mine is book 2 in Lisa Kleypas’ Capitol Theatre series and this one is the romance for tortured owner/actor, Logan Scott, who we meet in the first book! And this book just worked for me so well, I loved the drama, I loved the characters, loved the tropes, and I was just along for the ride.
The story starts off following Lady Madeline. Madeline is 18-years old and expected by her family to marry a 50-year old lecherous lord. But she’d rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom and she decides the best way to force her family and her intended’s hand is to have a scandalous affair! And so she sets off to have an affair with Britain’s most acclaimed actor, and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott. Logan is 30 and the owner of Capitol Theatre, so when Madeline shows up and asks him to become her lover, he immediately tells her no and to leave. But when he sees her the next day working at his theatre, he realizes he can’t get away from Madeline. Madeline went to the assistant manager Julia (the heroine of book 1) and gets hired as Julia’s new assistant to work in the theatre.
I loved seeing Madeline’s conversation and getting advice by Mrs. Florence. All the moments with her in the book are so fun as you learn more about her history too. Loved seeing Logan, a bit of a tortured hero trying to stay away from Madeline because “she’s too young and he’s too troubled for her”. There is some excellent caretaking scenes in here: he gets sick, she brings him home and then is asked to stay from the doctor because the illness is contagious and she might already have it too. There are quite a few surprises and family secrets in here too which I was just living for honestly! This duet is mid-90s Lisa Kleypas gold and one of the last few books I had to read from LK’s backlist.
The story starts off following Lady Madeline. Madeline is 18-years old and expected by her family to marry a 50-year old lecherous lord. But she’d rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom and she decides the best way to force her family and her intended’s hand is to have a scandalous affair! And so she sets off to have an affair with Britain’s most acclaimed actor, and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott. Logan is 30 and the owner of Capitol Theatre, so when Madeline shows up and asks him to become her lover, he immediately tells her no and to leave. But when he sees her the next day working at his theatre, he realizes he can’t get away from Madeline. Madeline went to the assistant manager Julia (the heroine of book 1) and gets hired as Julia’s new assistant to work in the theatre.
I loved seeing Madeline’s conversation and getting advice by Mrs. Florence. All the moments with her in the book are so fun as you learn more about her history too. Loved seeing Logan, a bit of a tortured hero trying to stay away from Madeline because “she’s too young and he’s too troubled for her”. There is some excellent caretaking scenes in here: he gets sick, she brings him home and then is asked to stay from the doctor because the illness is contagious and she might already have it too. There are quite a few surprises and family secrets in here too which I was just living for honestly! This duet is mid-90s Lisa Kleypas gold and one of the last few books I had to read from LK’s backlist.
May 23, 2020
Lady Madeline is an 18 year old who has been kept in school and never had a come out ball because her parents had promised her to Lord Clifton, a lecherous old man. She runs away from school to London, to attempt to seduce Logan, whose picture she has seen in a playbill. Logan grew up being abused and left his family to become an actor and eventually own his own theater. He had been burned in love and keeps himself apart from relationships that could emotionally impact him. Madeline keeps the secret of who she is and her real reason for being at the theater and becomes a valuable asset to all aspects of the production and organization. A virus goes around, and by the time Logan succumbs to it, she knows him well enough to know he is alone, and she goes to care for him. As he gets better and knows she nursed him through his delirium, he decides to take a chance with her. Of course, that is when the truth comes out about why she is here! It is a long road for these two, with some twists and revelations, but well worth it!
January 28, 2018
Dopo il parere positivo sul primo libro della serie, devo dire che ho gradito anche questo.
La prima parte è molto bella, con questa ragazza che si ribella a un matrimonio combinato e fugge nella Londra della perdizione per farsi rovinare la vita e conquistare la libertà. Ok, detto così il piano sembra piuttosto ingenuo, e in effetti naufraga miseramente.
Però Madeline si organizza comunque per ritagliarsi un posto a teatro.
La sua preda è Logan Scott, che in realtà è abituato a fare il lupo o il cacciatore. In ogni caso, uno che rientra nella tipologia di "uomo che non deve chiedere mai", bello, arrogante e irraggiungibile, per cui è curioso che la Kleypas lo trasformi in un tizio che ha erezioni involontarie e incontenibili, urla e strepita come un isterico, subisce infortuni e malattie... Insomma, sembra quasi una punizione divina per farlo rinsavire e impalmare la dolce fanciulla.
Ma, dai e dai, l'amore arriva (anche grazie all'intervento di una simpatica e anziana ex-attrice).
Quindi, nel complesso un buon libro, piacevole e vivace.
La prima parte è molto bella, con questa ragazza che si ribella a un matrimonio combinato e fugge nella Londra della perdizione per farsi rovinare la vita e conquistare la libertà. Ok, detto così il piano sembra piuttosto ingenuo, e in effetti naufraga miseramente.
Però Madeline si organizza comunque per ritagliarsi un posto a teatro.
La sua preda è Logan Scott, che in realtà è abituato a fare il lupo o il cacciatore. In ogni caso, uno che rientra nella tipologia di "uomo che non deve chiedere mai", bello, arrogante e irraggiungibile, per cui è curioso che la Kleypas lo trasformi in un tizio che ha erezioni involontarie e incontenibili, urla e strepita come un isterico, subisce infortuni e malattie... Insomma, sembra quasi una punizione divina per farlo rinsavire e impalmare la dolce fanciulla.
Ma, dai e dai, l'amore arriva (anche grazie all'intervento di una simpatica e anziana ex-attrice).
Quindi, nel complesso un buon libro, piacevole e vivace.
March 20, 2017
This was such an incredible read!
Why the hell didn't I read this book /series before now?
(But, isn't it wonderful to find a series you've had on your TBR list for a long time, and then just start reading the first book only to discover that you've had a gem in your possession all along?)
Wonderfully written.
Amazing storyline.
Beautifully developed and engaging characters.
I loved how edgy and sinister Logan Scott could be in order to protect his heart, and Maddy was just a brilliant character to watch develop.
I highly recommend this series!
July 29, 2010
Not great. Ultimately, I didn't believe any of the characters or their motivations, and the hero wasn't redeemed enough after being a complete asshole. I love a good jerk hero, but he has to BEG afterward. He just kept treating the heroine like crap and it was supposed to be a point in her favor that she always accepted it. He went "omigoodness she loves me even when I'm the worst person alive, she's great!" and that's why he fell in love with her. That is NOT what I want to read.
February 21, 2020
Love,love,LOVED!
I have to take a breath before i rew!
Oh...read this book!
Skip the first if you like...but read this one!
Do it NOW!
I have to take a breath before i rew!
Oh...read this book!
Skip the first if you like...but read this one!
Do it NOW!
May 12, 2023
La verdad es que este libro me ha tenido abducida deseando llegar a un momento que me ha durado muy poco. Pero voy por orden.
Madeline es un personaje que me ha encantado. Por las portadas y reseñas que he visto se le da mucho bombo al personaje de Logan, pero para mí Maddy es la auténtica protagonista.
Y lo consigue sin ser rompedora ni nada parecido, simplemente poniendo su corazón en todo lo que hace. Es uno de esos personajes tan cándidos y nobles que a veces quieres zarandearla para que espabile y no se deje pisotear.
Logan no es un mal personaje, tiene el sello Kleypas de hombre hecho a sí mismo y que ha conseguido un estatus y una fortuna envidiada por muchos. Pero le ha faltado estar a la altura de Maddy en algunas ocasiones. Es verdad que tiene un pasado duro y que ha sido engañado y traicionado, pero llegado un momento de la historia se ha pasado de vuelta. La manera en que ha respondido a las demostraciones de afecto y nobleza de Maddy lo han empequeñecido y no ha estado a la altura porque ella con su forma de ser y comportarse se lo ha comido.
¿Me ha gustado el libro? Por supuesto, Kleypas sabe cómo enganchar y cómo transmitir incluso cuando el protagonista por el que debes suspirar no lo consigue. He suspirado más por Maddy, me ha enamorado, he conectado con ella y me ha parecido tan sencilla y compleja a la vez que me rindo ante ella.
El momento esperado y que me ha durado poco ha sido al final, cuando Maddy se da el valor que tiene y decide hacer que Logan reaccione o se acabe todo para siempre. Quería que Logan sufriera un poco más por su perdón, pero en concordancia con su forma de ser, Maddy claudica pronto y es incapaz de negar lo que hay en su corazón, en fin, un poco más de arrastramiento por parte de él me habría dejado satisfecha.
No todo es malo con Logan, tiene su corazoncito y entiendo sus temores, pero no me termina de gustar su reacción en algunos momentos. En fin, una lectura que he disfrutado, como siempre con esta autora y sobre todo un personaje femenino que vale oro.
Madeline es un personaje que me ha encantado. Por las portadas y reseñas que he visto se le da mucho bombo al personaje de Logan, pero para mí Maddy es la auténtica protagonista.
Y lo consigue sin ser rompedora ni nada parecido, simplemente poniendo su corazón en todo lo que hace. Es uno de esos personajes tan cándidos y nobles que a veces quieres zarandearla para que espabile y no se deje pisotear.
Logan no es un mal personaje, tiene el sello Kleypas de hombre hecho a sí mismo y que ha conseguido un estatus y una fortuna envidiada por muchos. Pero le ha faltado estar a la altura de Maddy en algunas ocasiones. Es verdad que tiene un pasado duro y que ha sido engañado y traicionado, pero llegado un momento de la historia se ha pasado de vuelta. La manera en que ha respondido a las demostraciones de afecto y nobleza de Maddy lo han empequeñecido y no ha estado a la altura porque ella con su forma de ser y comportarse se lo ha comido.
¿Me ha gustado el libro? Por supuesto, Kleypas sabe cómo enganchar y cómo transmitir incluso cuando el protagonista por el que debes suspirar no lo consigue. He suspirado más por Maddy, me ha enamorado, he conectado con ella y me ha parecido tan sencilla y compleja a la vez que me rindo ante ella.
El momento esperado y que me ha durado poco ha sido al final, cuando Maddy se da el valor que tiene y decide hacer que Logan reaccione o se acabe todo para siempre. Quería que Logan sufriera un poco más por su perdón, pero en concordancia con su forma de ser, Maddy claudica pronto y es incapaz de negar lo que hay en su corazón, en fin, un poco más de arrastramiento por parte de él me habría dejado satisfecha.
No todo es malo con Logan, tiene su corazoncito y entiendo sus temores, pero no me termina de gustar su reacción en algunos momentos. En fin, una lectura que he disfrutado, como siempre con esta autora y sobre todo un personaje femenino que vale oro.
February 3, 2013
First things first: wow, this was rapey. I know, product of its era, this came out 16 years ago. However, there's at least one scene where the heroine Madeline says no and MEANS no and yet the hero Logan forces himself on her. In the old, dated romance tradition, she likes it in the end, but that particular scene threw me so far out of the novel that I was no longer able to be sympathetic to Logan.
It's a shame, because in many ways this is a pretty solid Kleypas novel. I had a hard time believing that Madeline could run away from her boarding school without anyone noticing, but once she gets involved in the theater it becomes interesting. It's fascinating to see how the inside of the theater works, and the way that her relationship with Logan evolves is enjoyable to watch. Kleypas also paints well-rounded secondary characters such as Mrs. Florence, the Duchess of Leeds (who was a heroine in an earlier novel) and Andrew. She also does a good job of setting up an antagonistic relationship and a threat where even the "bad guy" is redeemable. She shows our characters quickly overcoming some of the more predictable threats to a relationship that are in other novels. And she pulls a number of disparate plot threads together in unexpected ways.
Problems I had, aside from the aforementioned rapeiness: Madeline is a bit Mary Sue-esque in that she is good at everything and everyone loves her; it would have been nice to have that toned down a bit. She finds every aspect of her new career fulfilling, from helping Logan with his correspondence to being on stage...so she marries Logan and gives it all up. Huh? I get it, she's pregnant, but come on, let the girl have some sort of career, here! It just doesn't make any sense that she would instantly drop something that she loved so much.
But still, I think I could have gotten past all that if it weren't for the rapey bits.
It's a shame, because in many ways this is a pretty solid Kleypas novel. I had a hard time believing that Madeline could run away from her boarding school without anyone noticing, but once she gets involved in the theater it becomes interesting. It's fascinating to see how the inside of the theater works, and the way that her relationship with Logan evolves is enjoyable to watch. Kleypas also paints well-rounded secondary characters such as Mrs. Florence, the Duchess of Leeds (who was a heroine in an earlier novel) and Andrew. She also does a good job of setting up an antagonistic relationship and a threat where even the "bad guy" is redeemable. She shows our characters quickly overcoming some of the more predictable threats to a relationship that are in other novels. And she pulls a number of disparate plot threads together in unexpected ways.
Problems I had, aside from the aforementioned rapeiness: Madeline is a bit Mary Sue-esque in that she is good at everything and everyone loves her; it would have been nice to have that toned down a bit. She finds every aspect of her new career fulfilling, from helping Logan with his correspondence to being on stage...so she marries Logan and gives it all up. Huh? I get it, she's pregnant, but come on, let the girl have some sort of career, here! It just doesn't make any sense that she would instantly drop something that she loved so much.
But still, I think I could have gotten past all that if it weren't for the rapey bits.
January 18, 2018
La jovencísima Madeline Matthews decide urdir un plan para eludir su futuro matrimonio y quién mejor para ello que el oscuro y seductor actor de teatro Logan Scott, con el que arruinar su reputación.
Esta segunda novela de la serie ha devuelto mis esperanzas y ha sido todo un placer leerla. Me ha fascinado Logan Scott, ese hombre en apariencia frío y distante que solo expresa sus emociones en el escenario. Un hombre que se ha hecho a sí mismo, con éxito y con un aura que atrae a todos hacia él y si a eso le añadimos la intriga con respecto a su pasado tenemos los ingredientes para que una novela de este tipo funcione y atrape al lector. Pero también el personaje de Maddy no se queda atrás, es una joven inocente, dulce pero también decidida, tímida a veces otras atrevida, tiene esos opuestos que realzan el interés por su personaje.
Lo peor que puedo decir de esta novela es sobre la familia de la joven Maddy que es para echarle de comer aparte, sobre todo su hermanita que tiene tela.
Todo ello hace de una novela que contiene partes divertidas, intrigantes, conmovedoras y de pasión. Creo que tiene las partes fundamentales para que la historia entretenga y sea amena, una novela que obtiene buena nota.
Esta segunda novela de la serie ha devuelto mis esperanzas y ha sido todo un placer leerla. Me ha fascinado Logan Scott, ese hombre en apariencia frío y distante que solo expresa sus emociones en el escenario. Un hombre que se ha hecho a sí mismo, con éxito y con un aura que atrae a todos hacia él y si a eso le añadimos la intriga con respecto a su pasado tenemos los ingredientes para que una novela de este tipo funcione y atrape al lector. Pero también el personaje de Maddy no se queda atrás, es una joven inocente, dulce pero también decidida, tímida a veces otras atrevida, tiene esos opuestos que realzan el interés por su personaje.
Lo peor que puedo decir de esta novela es sobre la familia de la joven Maddy que es para echarle de comer aparte, sobre todo su hermanita que tiene tela.
Todo ello hace de una novela que contiene partes divertidas, intrigantes, conmovedoras y de pasión. Creo que tiene las partes fundamentales para que la historia entretenga y sea amena, una novela que obtiene buena nota.
September 2, 2021
These "heroes" in some of LK's older books are hardly what I call heroic; they're straight up jerks. I almost rated this 2 stars but I liked the main character and I especially loved her elderly mentor.
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