Blue-Eyed Devil (Travises, #2) by Lisa Kleypas

Blue Eyed-Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Published: March 25, 2008 by St. Martin's Press
Source: Library

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.

WATCH THE SPARKS FLY....Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word. [goodreads]

**POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT**

Though I don't think there are any HUGE spoilers since the book's description tells you who this story is about; however I do think if you have not read Sugar Daddy (the first book in this series) & was planning to.. it may spoil a few things, but then again, maybe not.  I'll leave that up to you to decide before reading further!  I will say though, this book right here, has now edged its way as my favorite adult romance read EVER. Yes, it's THAT good. So you may want to read on & find out why I feel this way.

Haven Travis is the youngest, and only daughter, in the Travis household.  She grew up living the privileged life among Houston socialites, but she's never one to succumb to their "let's have it all because I can" mentality.  Instead she's wanted to work for her place in society, and if that means living on a minimum salary, then so be it.  She's also defied her father and branched out on her own by marrying someone who she thought was right for her, only ending up to be every kind of wrong possible.

We first met Hardy Cates in Sugar Daddy.  Oh Hardy, Hardy, Hardy.  What a beautifully broken man.  From those devilish blue eyes, to that charming Texan style, I adored every inch of this man.  His character is written with so many question marks, leaving you ripping at the pages, tearing through each one, desperate to uncover his story.  And what a heartbreaking, vulnerable story it is.

Hardy and Haven meet when the timing is wrong, so years go by before they meet again.  This is one of the reasons why I love this series so much, because there's an honest growth in these characters.  Just because they meet, and yes there's an instant attraction, that doesn't necessarily mean they are meant to be together right then.  During this time a part is when Haven experiences a very traumatizing relationship.  It is this relationship that will shake her up (literally) and forever change how she sees herself and the world she lives in.  My heart really went out to Haven in these moments, and yes, there were scenes that were difficult to read, but I have so much respect for Lisa Kleypas in the way she told Haven's story.  It is both moving, and inspiring.

After time has passed, Haven and Hardy find one another again.  But this time there are a lot of barriers to get through, on both sides.  I kept rooting for these two, even though Haven's family was against this relationship.  It's the kind of love story you know is meant to be, but it's going to take time to ease into.  Hardy's patience and relentless heart drew me in even more.  Time and time again this man surprised me.  In the wake of reading Sugar Daddy, a novel which I was completely involved with, I didn't realize it could be possible to be won over by its second.  But this particular story, Haven and Hardy's, has matched it and surpassed it in my eyes.

I can not recommend this series enough!  I hope my review, and consistent mentions on twitter, have convinced you to read these books.  And the story doesn't stop here... be on the look out for Smooth Talking Stranger, as I'll share my thoughts on that book as well.