It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas Series: Wallflowers #2
Published by Avon on September 27, 2005
Genres: Historical Romance
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It happened at the ball.
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden.
When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed—thank goodness they weren't caught in the act!
It happened one autumn.
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable . . . as his bride?
Lillian Bowman was a favorite of mine in Secrets of a Summer Night, and It Happened One Autumn has solidified my adoration for this feisty, headstrong American soap heiress. Despite her mother’s insistence, she couldn’t give a toss about finding a titled husband. I was continually amused by her fun-loving antics and the way she defies the myriad social customs of English aristocracy.
With wealth beyond measure and the oldest title in England, Lord Marcus Westcliff is the catch to end all catches. He is the perfect picture of propriety: well-bred, restrained, and arrogant. Basically, he’s the opposite of Lillian. They have hated each other from the moment they met in the first book, which makes their intense, undeniable, yet definitely unwanted attraction to each other all the more entertaining. I loved their barbs and antagonistic interactions as well as their moments of uncontrollable lust. Can a scene be funny and sexy at the same time? When penned by Lisa Kleypas, the answer is a resounding yes.
Lillian and Marcus are evenly matched in stubbornness and intellect. I especially love to see that in a historical romance where women are undervalued and meant to be seen, not heard.
There are parts of the book that are rather slow, but there are also some nice unexpected moments. I was glad to see Lillian’s sister Daisy, as well as friends Annabelle and Evie included in the story. I accidentally read Evie’s book first, so now I just need to find out about Daisy’s path to matrimony.
Recommended for fans of:
Headstrong heroines
Historical romance
Enemies to lovers
Secret trysts
Pears
About Lisa Kleypas
After graduating from Wellesley College with a political science degree, Lisa Kleypas published her first novel at age twenty-one. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She is a RITA award-winning author of both historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction. She lives in Washington State with her husband Gregory and their two children.
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