Back to the Books...

It's been a while since I last read a historical romance, so what better way to jump back in the pool than with a Kleypas novel? First off, confession time -- I'm a cover whore. I've bought many a novel based solely on the cover. I've discovered many great authors that way, but I'm not claiming that I only buy great books because as we all know that you can't judge a book by its cover. But, c'mon -- look at this artwork. Gorgeous! I'm just sayin'.

Lisa Kleypas's latest historical, MINE TILL MIDNIGHT is the story of Amelia Hathaway and her ragtag, motley family who just came into a windfall and a viscountcy for Leo, her brother. With a new title, one would think that financial gain and rich estates would be in the works, but not so for the Hathaways. Nope, the "estate" is nothing but a bit of crumbling mortar that rats wouldn't abide in. And the money aspect? Well, let's just say they're not exactly rolling in the dough...

Enter Cam Rohan, half Gypsy-half Irishman, who has the misfortune of fortune and luck when it comes to money. Gypsies judge their riches in emotion, family, and contentment, not money, so it's almost embarrassing to try and figure out just how rich Cam is. He has so much money that he'd need eighteen lifetimes to spend it all. But when he meets Amelia and her family, finally Cam's ill ease peters off and he can see a future for himself, beside this woman who has known nothing but hardship. Amelia has always done for her family's well-being, working her fingers to the bone to keep whatever roof they had over their head. There has simply been no time or money for finishing schools, a social Season for any of her three sisters, or the best medical care for the family when they were struck with scarlet fever.

A simple premise, mixed with the magic of Kleypas, MINE TILL MIDNIGHT turned from a rehashed plot to an enchanting tale of the good deserving not only love, but the romance of a lifetime. I know the romance fiction market can be considered watered down with England-set tales in the Regency and Georgian eras, and that there have been many many young misses brought down by the dashing handsomeness of gypsies and pirates. But this is exactly why I love romance fiction for what it is -- a jolly good time spent in the company of awesome characters. I've always judged a book by whether or not it makes me cry, or shed a tear --- and trust me, MINE TILL MIDNIGHT did just that.

Wow, and now I feel like I'm writing a review for my stomping grounds over at Romance Reviews Today... But I can't help but spew when I talk about a particular book I enjoyed.

So, that's it -- go forth, buy, and enjoy!