Again the Magic

Excellent. Two love stories for the price of one and expertly written. I loved both couples. This is only my first Lisa Kleypas, but I will be devouring all she's written.

I think that maybe I just do not care for this author's writing style. I read her most recent book, Marrying Winterbourne, and this one, and I thought both were just ok for historical romances. I will not be seeking anymore out by this author purposefully.

 A forbidden love and second chance romance with class differences struggles. Lady Aline Marsden and John McKenna, an orphan stableboy, grew up together. They eventually fall in love and start a secret and forbidden relationship. When they are discovered, McKenna is forced to leave forever. But he comes back twelve years later, as a powerful businessman who wants revenge. This book was very emotional and angsty to me. There is a lot of anger and frustration in the face of situations the characters can't change. I loved the motherly housekeeper character, who cared about them equally, it was very sweet. There is also Aline's secret: the result of a fire accident and she needs to get over some shame and low self-esteem. It's beautifully written, both characters have suffered and carry this sadness inside of them, but they find joy together in the end. And as a bonus, there is secondary romance revolving around Lady Olivia Marsden, Aline's younger sister, and Gideon Shaw, McKenna's American business partner.