The first novel in the sensational Bow Street series from New York Times bestselling historical romance author Lisa Kleypas tells the story of a scandalous beauty with no memory of who she is and the man determined to unravel the secrets of her past . . . 'Lisa Kleypas is the best' Sarah MacLean She couldn't remember who she was . . . A temptingly beautiful woman awakens in a stranger's bed, rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous ...
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The first novel in the sensational Bow Street series from New York Times bestselling historical romance author Lisa Kleypas tells the story of a scandalous beauty with no memory of who she is and the man determined to unravel the secrets of her past . . . 'Lisa Kleypas is the best' Sarah MacLean She couldn't remember who she was . . . A temptingly beautiful woman awakens in a stranger's bed, rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself in the protection of enigmatic, charming Grant Morgan. Her life is in his hands. Deep in her heart, she knows he has mistaken her for someone else . . . He was the only man she could trust. As one of London's most eligible and unattainable catches, Grant Morgan is a man who has known every kind of woman. And the one in his arms now seems so innocent, so vulnerable, that he can't help but be enchanted. And as his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to unravel the secrets of her past and discover the truth - no matter what. 'Kleypas can make you laugh and cry - on the same page' Julia Quinn Bow Street Runners series: Someone to Watch Over Me Lady Sophia's Lover Worth Any Price Praise for Lisa Kleypas: 'Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic . . . A gratifying series starter from a not-to-be-missed romance author' Kirkus Reviews 'Is it possible to give a book 6 stars? [This] story has all of the forbidden romance, witty banter, and sigh-inducing declarations of love that you deserve' That's Normal 'Kleypas is an amazing writer. In my opinion, she might be the most technically skilled historical romance author out there' Smart Bitches, Trashy Books 'Unforgettable, beautifully etched characters; a flawless sense of pacing; and a perfectly executed plot imbued with an abundance of desire and danger' Booklist 'Witty, often hilarious, and delightfully passionate, this compelling, thrill-laced Victorian romance is another superb series entry' Library Journal, starred review 'Readers are introduced to the unforgettable characters and their original personalities through a delightful storyline peppered with sharp repartee and steamy sensuality' RT Book Reviews (top pick) 'Reading Kleypas' long-awaited return to historical is akin to walking into the arms of an old friend' Heroes and Heartbreakers
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Tough, jaded Grant Morgan, a Bow Street Runner, is called to the Thames dock to investigate the death of a woman. However, the woman is not dead and Grant Morgan knows her. She is the scandalous beauty and courtesan Vivien Rose Duvall.
Morgan does not like the woman but decides to take her to his home for care and protection. Some months earlier, Vivien had started rumors that she'd turned Morgan down when he requested her favors.
I tried to think why he would be so upset that he'd decided to use her while she was under his roof (as revenge for the embarrassment). Morgan was a self-made man. Coming from a very poor background, Morgan had fought and out-witted others to get to his current status. Thus, the rumors would have severely hurt his pride.
Although some parts were predictable, the book moved at a lively pace. The 3 Kleypas novels I'd previously read were rather forgettable.* This book seems to show more of Kleypas' writing skill. FYI: Both LADY SOPHIA'S LOVER and WORTH ANY PRICE are part of that Top 100 Romances List .
*Kleypas has an incredible 15 novels in the Romance Writer's Top 100 Books (printed in November 2010).
Bow Street Runners
1. Someone to Watch over Me (1999)
2. Lady Sophia's Lover (2002)
3. Worth Any Price (2003)
canadianchicklitlover
Apr 23, 2007
Kleypas's Attempt & Fails at Soap Opera Fiction
"Someone to Watch Over Me" tells the cliched story of a woman who, because of a near-drowning experience, loses her memory (amnesia) and has to piece together her life with no memories, but the help of the dashing Grant Morgan, who the reader later finds out only did so for a misguided attempt at revenge. The amnesia plotline is weak at best, and the revenge storyline is even worse. To be frank, this novel, like many others, is what I consider to be the bane of all historical romance authors - flimsy, weak, and without any real reason to be set in the past, thereby making it seem absurd and thoroughly lacking in any substance to hold the novel together. "Someone to Watch Over Me" was a big dissapointment, as after reading "Stranger in My Arms" (a more quality Kleypas novel), I was anticipating something of the same caliber.
