Book Review: Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Blue-Eyed Devil

Audiofile Magazine selected Brittany Pressley's narration of Blue-Eyed Devil one of the top audiobooks of 2020. Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captivated in its storytelling power as the fate of two people unfolds with each enchanting word. Blue-Eyed Devil is loaded with the sensuality that Lisa Kleypas is known for, complete with characters you love to despise and men you love to adore. 

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Meet the blue-eyed devil. His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

Meet the heiress. She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.

My reaction to the novel...

I can still appreciate how Lisa Kleypas writes a love tale even after reading the second book in the Travises series.

Now that I had finished the first book, I was really excited to start the second. I've been thrilled ever since I started reading the first chapter. As the main female character and the youngest Travis family member, Haven Travis, I'm quite curious to see how the author introduces her. I was so well-oriented as a result of her obstinacy that I eventually began to find her annoying. Despite her annoying attitude, the author really helped me realize how traumatized she was and how difficult it was for her to even try to forget her traumatic past. I learned to respect her for enduring what she suffered as a woman. Everyone will find it tough to move over the situation, but I am impressed of how she handled it.

Actually, I started to have doubts about Nick in the first chapter, and towards the end of the novel, I was like, "I knew it! I wanted to smack him because I was so furious. He has a personality that I just detest. Nobody will, but Hardy came after him. We all know that Hardy was included in the first book as well (I won't reveal what happened to him in case someone is reading this without having read the first book, though), and his story has been continued in this sequel.

In this second book, my opinion of Hardy is unaltered. Even if I've grown too accustomed to Hardy, I still prefer Gage's persona over his, and Hardy is still missing in uniqueness. Not enough to send my heart racing, though. I'm sorry if I seem so choosy, but that's how I felt. I did not find their chemistry to be captivating. It had a rough, hostile feeling. I'm not sure why, but what's even better is that they finally found their own partners.

I would recommend this book to anybody searching for a romantic novel with real-life burdens and challenges. You will greatly appreciate this. However, the first book remains my favorite over this one.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)
"People who loved each other found a way to work things out”

This is completely true in my opinion because if two people genuinely love each other, they will forgive each other's flaws and, despite moments when you want to give up, love will always give you the ability to expand your love and tolerance for the other person. 

"part of being strong is being able to admit you need help sometimes”

You don't have to maintain a false front when you are crumbling in order to be powerful. Recognizing when and how much you need help may sometimes be a sign of strength. You will obtain affection and admiration just when you need them the most. 

"But there were certain moments in life when you had to step up to the plate or lose your chance forever.”

Chances don't come along too frequently. If you can't improve your performance or wait for another chance, maybe that fantastic opportunity won't come along again. Therefore, anytime we think that God is setting anything up for us to get, we should have trust in him and hold onto that chance. 

 

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Disclaimer: Booksreadbyhannel is not a business website. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and based only on my own feelings and reactions while reading the books I featured here in my blog. My reviews reflect my utmost sincerity. I paid for the books I review here out of my own pocket. Books provided by authors and publishers are otherwise specified.