Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

Normally I am quite pedantic about reading books in order, so it is quite unusual to be going backwards in a series. This book is the one that came before the much talked about Dreaming of You and where we start to get to know Derek Craven.

She thought her heart was safe, but

Then Came You

Reckless, wild, and beautiful, Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society -- and now she is determined to rescue her sister from an unwanted impending marriage to the notorious Alex, Lord Raiford, by fair means or foul. But while she succeeds outrageously, Alex is a master gamesman who is not to be undone.

Alex has lost one bride, yet he is enchanted by this remarkable lady who is willing to break any rule to flaunt her independence. When Lily offers him only scorn, he counters with kindness, and he parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, tender touch. The spirited miss will pay dearly for her interference -- with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, unyielding heart. But will Alex's own heart be the prize to be won in this sensuous game of love

When we first meet the scandalous Lily Lawson she is about to provide entertainment at a party, where there is a royal guest of honour, by throwing herself off a boat into the freezing, dirty waters of the Thames. Despite all her scandalous behaviour, she is beloved by many in the ton, particularly amongst the gentlemen, who would love to come to an arrangement with her. But for all the world knows, she belongs to Derek Craven, owner of THE place to be in London, Cravens, where she gambles with the best of them. But her relationship with Derek is purely platonic, and Lily games for a reason....to try and fund her search for someone who has held her heart all their life and who Lily would love to be reinstated.

Estranged from her family, Lily decides that she must not allow the wedding of her sister to Alex, Lord Raiford to go ahead as she knows that her sister is in love with another man, and despite the fact that she is willing to go ahead with the marriage to keep her family happy, Lily is determined to ensure that her sister will not be made miserable.

When Lily turns up uninvitedd to Lord Raiford's estate, she starts to cause havoc, and the dislike between Alex and Lily intensifies, until Alex begins to realise that Lily's behaviour is really a front for unhappiness for something that has happened in the past. When Lily takes matters regarding her sister's upcoming marriage into her own hands and causes Alex to be kept captive while her sister and her love elope, Alex is furious, but he is determined to best her.

When Alex wins a night with Lily as part of a bet, he starts to realise that it isn't dislike that he truly feels, rather a fascination that he can't seem to help himself with, yet still Lily does not confide him regarding the secret that causes her nightmares at night.

I liked both Alex and Lily. Lily is for once not a 20 year old virgin afraid that she is left on the shelf already. She is an independant woman, trying to get her life in order despite all the obstacles that are in the way. That does not mean that she is overly experienced when it comes to matters of love, but she is a woman who does not need a man to survive, but it Alex that she wants.

Alex is an honourable man, a very patient man who is prepared to wait until Lily can share the burdens of her heart with him. My only wish was that Lily had of been prepared to trust him earlier, but I guess that that would be nowhere near as entertaining!

Overall, another great read from Lisa Kleypas.

Rating 4/5