The Hathaway Series by Lisa Kleypas

I saw a post somewhere about Lisa Kleypas' Hathaway series, read an excerpt, and thought "Why not?" Why not, indeed. This is the first romance I've read that doesn't involve time travel, vampires, werewolves, or faeries (although I think Mine Till Midnight had a ghost involved at one point). Not what I expected, but they were entertaining to read. I liked Mine Till Midnight better, but Seduce Me at Sunrise was also good. They both had a bit of a mystery intertwined with the usual romantic tension and "stubborn male/female who refuses to acquiesce to his wishes" storyline.

Mine Till Midnight featured Amelia, one of four sisters, out searching for her drunk brother. While searching, she meets Cam, a handsome gypsy living in society. They meet again after Amelia moves to the country to (hopefully) cure her brother's wicked ways. A mystery ensues and reluctant romance blooms between Amelia and Cam. It is a sweet story with a good ending. I enjoyed the characters, her sisters were fun and the secondary stories woven into the novel were good.

Seduce Me At Sunrise is the story of Amelia's sister, Win. Win is sickly due to a bout of Scarlett Fever a few years before the story, and is in love with a close family friend, Kev. Kev is also a gypsy and, although he has loved Win since they were children, he doesn't think he is worthy of her love. Some of the scenes wherein he tries to discourage suitors for her are pretty funny! Win goes off to France for a cure, and comes back healthy and wanting Kev, who pushes her away. This book has a mystery involving the doctor who cured Win, and the strange tattoo that both Cam and Kev each have. The end was sweet.

I enjoyed both books, particularly the interaction between the hero and heroine in each story. The side stories were good to keep the books moving along. I think the next story will be about the brother, Leo - I'll read it!