The Devil in Spring

I actually listened to the audio version of The Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas.  This book brings together some of the characters from two series, The Ravenels and The Wallflowers.  The audio is by Harper Audio and is read by May Jane Wells.  This story concerns Lady Pandora Ravenel who, by virtue of getting her head and body stuck into the carved backing of a chair in a remote garden during a house party, is compromised by Gabriel,  Lord St. Vincent (who just happens to be the son of Sebastian and Evie, last seen in The Devil in Winter.)  Lady Pandora has no intention of marrying anyone as she intends to become a businesswoman and design her own board games, which are just becoming the rage in England and in which she has a surprising talent. Gabriel is appalled to find himself attracted to this unconventional girl who he is sure would make an atrocious wife.

The great thing about all of these books is that they don't take themselves too seriously and the characters all have some quirks.  The dialogue between characters is sharp and witty, such as when the first real conversation alone between Pandora and Gabriel concerns vegetables and his dislike of all things carrot.

These are a good read-alike  Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz) as these both have unique characters and snappy dialogue.   It's best to read these in series order; however, it's not the end of the world if you don't as you can pick up the previous story threads pretty easily.

 

The Wallflowers                                         

1. Secrets of a Summer Night                                   

2. It Happened One Autumn                                     

3. Devil in Winter                                                      

4. Scandal in Spring

5. A Wallflower Christmas

The Ravenels

1. Cold Hearted Rake
2. Marrying Winterborne
3. Devil in Spring