Devil in Disguise

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas kept me smiling! Kleypas put out a statement via Goodreads that she did not intend to write a seventh Ravenels series book, however she could not get Lady Merritt Sterling out of her mind. I am grateful that this happened because my wish came true for a certain alliance. That alliance would not be possible if the person(s) who have successfully hurt Keir MacRae actually killed him or discovered him recovering with found family and under Merritt’s care. I loved that Lady Merritt and Keir were opposites and we read about how love can come from out of nowhere. I loved Merritt’s contrasting position, she was a female aristocrat who pushed her limits by being a boss and doing what she wanted like staring at a naked Keir. I loved what Kleypas had Keir save which created a talisman for the story. I loved that he would do anything if it showed his loyalty to Scotland, and his freak out about being a Scot. Then there were the intimate scenes that were early on, playful, and steamy! The book did not have the certain alliance similar to the ones in the other books of the series, however I do not mind. I had months to come to terms that one of my favorite Kleypas couples do not have a “perfect” story, yet it makes sense to me that the connection was with that couple. I love that this book referred to a former redeemed rake who still questioned his growth after decades of being “angelic.” I love the Wallflowers in general and the Ravenels that were in the story. I still cannot get over how much I love this book! You can hear me gush with friends via the Lit Wallflowers Podcast episode. I have read and listened to the book multiple times within days of its release. If you love Scots, laughing, and crying, then you will love this book. If you love Lillian, then she was in an awesome scene which led to another awesome scene. If you love anything Wallflowers, you will love the odes to the series in this book!

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas is the seventh book in her very popular The Ravenels Series. Devil in Disguise is such a delightful book. Fun, steamy, and fast-paced, I tore through this book and it left me wanting more. More books by Lisa Kleypas! Lady Merritt Sterling, a widower is running her late husband’s shipping company in London instead of sitting home and grieving. Keir MacRae, is a whiskey distiller from the tiny island of Islay, in northern Scotland. When his shipment of whiskey barrels gets misdirected and an entire barrel of whiskey is dumped all over Keir, he marches to the head of the shipping company to complain, but he doesn’t expect the beautiful Lady Merritt Sterling as the head of the shipping company. Merritt and Keir have an immediate attraction, but he’s a small island man, and she loves the hustle and bustle of London. When Keir is almost killed in her warehouse, Merritt knows she must help him heal from his wounds. This book is fun, intriguing, and beautifully written. Merritt is a strong, beautiful, and determined woman, who has loved and lost and doesn’t want to love again. I like a strong female lead who is not full of insecurities and instead is decisive and knows what she wants. These characters are likable and well-developed. I was rooting for them both throughout the entire book. They are both very passionate, but also very giving and loveable. Lisa Kleypas is a master at dialogue. While I was reading this I could hear Keir’s Scottish Brogue in my head because the dialogue was so detailed with the accent. I also liked that this is such a dialogue-forward book, without long passages of description, but you still get a very good idea of the scenery around them. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Devil in Disguise. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating. Devil in Disguise is a well written historical romance with engaging characters and a unique plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and held my attention to the last. This one is a bit light on the historical aspect, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment. Lady Merritt is the heroine, and she’s a very determined, strong-minded woman and runs her late husband’s shipping company with a firm hand. I liked her character and enjoyed her interactions with others. Keir MacRae is the hero, and his honor and integrity is impressive. The mystery surrounding who wants him dead pulled me in, but alas it fizzled and didn’t end up nearly as exciting as I had anticipated. Now about the romance. While I believe in love at first sight, this went too fast for me. The instant jump into bed just didn’t work for me. There was no sexual tension build up which is an aspect of historical romance I love. The sexual scenes are too focused on the physical rather than the emotions of the characters. If you enjoy historical romance that have a lot of spice and graphic sexual scenes, then Devil in Disguise may work better for you than it did for me. It may all be on me because my reading preferences have changed over the last eighteen months. Happy reading!