Name: Sonia Grgas's review of Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Item: Hello Stranger
Rating: 5
Author: Sonia Grgas

Lisa Kleypas

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can't resist her - perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. 'Lisa Kleypas is the best' Sarah MacLean A woman who defies her time . . . Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man - why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumoured assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again. A man who breaks every rule . . . As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett's skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he's ever known. 'Kleypas can make you laugh and cry - on the same page' Julia Quinn The Ravenels: Cold-Hearted Rake Marrying Winterborne Devil in Spring Hello Stranger Devil's Daughter Chasing Cassandra Praise for Lisa Kleypas: 'Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic . . . from a not-to-be-missed romance author' Kirkus Reviews 'Witty, often hilarious, and delightfully passionate, this compelling, thrill-laced Victorian romance is another superb series entry' Library Journal, starred review 'Readers are introduced to the unforgettable characters and their original personalities through a delightful storyline peppered with sharp repartee and steamy sensuality' RT Book Reviews (top pick) 'Is it possible to give a book 6 stars? . . . [This] story has all of the forbidden romance, witty banter, and sigh-inducing declarations of love that you deserve' That's Normal

Hello Stranger

Jessica Clem

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can’t resist her A woman who defies her time Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again. A man who breaks every rule As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.

The Ravenels

Sonia Grgas

4.5 rounded up. Best of the series so far.

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Hello Stranger is the fourth installment of this stunning series by a classic romance author, Lisa Kleypas. I will say that I viewed this story with some apprehension, not knowing if I would love it but with her usual flair....I did fall in love with this story and why do I doubt this author?? I have no clue, probably because I haven't loved all the heroines in this series so far so I was most nervous about our heroine in this book. And even though I didn't love her I did find her character fascinating.

Hello Stranger begins when our heroine, Garrett, is out on the streets and she is attacked and while she fights them off she is aided by mysterious, Ethan Ransom, a former detective. Garrett and Ethan have powerful chemistry, from the very beginning.

  
    
      Every awareness converged as he went deeper and deeper into the mysterious soft depths of her, and there was no world but her, no breath, no language, no sun, no stars, nothing that didn’t begin and end with her.
    
  

But Ethan is reserved because he is on a dangerous mission, that anyone close to him could be put in danger and he doesn't want to risk Garrett being put in harm's way. But Garrett isn't a whimpering flower. She is the only English Doctor, she is bright and clever and independent and goes after what she wants....and she wants Ethan. But when Ethan and Garett keep running into each other, and unable to resist what they feel for each other, the villain of the story is out to destroy them both....

  You and me, in the dark . . . that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

What a powerfully written story and boy I fell in love with this book pretty quickly. Now it's not my favorite of the series or even my favorite book by this author but so many delicious aspects of the story that made this reach the top books of the year so far. What I have always admired about this author, a talent that she has never faltered with is chemistry between a pair. Each and every book I have had the pleasure of reading from her, the sensuality and the sizzling chemistry is so vibrant and the chemistry between Ethan and Garrett is my FAVORITE aspect of the story. And honestly, it's not like there are a ton of steamy scenes but this comes close to a steamy read because of the way that Kleypas writes her scenes.  And honestly, with each interaction between these two, I just craved more and more because their fun bantering and their smexy times just leave you with a smile on your face.

Now for the characters....I want to say that I adored the heroine but frankly I didn't. I honestly can't put my finger on it exactly what I didn't like about Garrett but her character kinda drove me crazy. I loved how clever and smart she is because she is so intelligent and she knows her medical stuff for sure. However, I felt that she was very patronizing to those that didn't "think" her way which would be odd even for a female doctor. Because many in this era aren't going to be as forward-thinking as she is and the way she treated some of her patients rubbed me the wrong way. I understand her way of thinking (because I, of course, live in modern times) but in this era, culture was so different and the way people are raised was so different and I felt it odd that Garrett wasn't more understanding with those she treated.

  She yearned to fling herself headlong into the experience of being loved, desired, possessing, and possessed.

What I did like about her character was how driven she is. That she goes after her own dreams even if that means going to a different country to obtain her education and certifications.

Now our hero....our lovely, delicious sexy hero....my goodness, to be honest, NO ONE writes heroes like Lisa Kleypas writes a hero. How am I always blown away by the heroes that she writes because they are always so amazing and swoon-worthy and I fell in love with Ethan. I was a bit nervous about him of course, but within the first two pages, I fell so at ease with his character and I knew instantly that I would love him just as much as her other heroes. He is dangerous, secretive, sensual, and loyal. I love his "mission" and how determined he is. He is a fighter and I love how he is described in the story. He is so protective but not overbearing to our heroine which I loved him even more for that. I love that he accepts her for who she is and encourages her to be herself. And boy he is so eloquent....some of the things that he says to Garrett is beyond swoony, man I want to keep him.

  The first moment I saw you, I knew you were my share of the world. I’ve always loved you. If I could choose my fate, I’d never be parted from you. Acushla . . . pulse of my heart, breath of my soul . . . there’s nothing on this earth more fair and fine than you. Your shadow on the ground is sunlight to me.

The plot in this story is the type that just flows so beautifully with this story and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book seeing where Kleypas was taking us with this plot line and boy, I fell hard for this plot because it totally had me in suspense and there were moments that just broke my heart but what really captures the attention is our couple and seeing how once they realize that they love each other....they FIGHT for each other and its so powerful to see them be tested in a certain way and come out on top as winners.

Hello Stranger is a beautifully woven tale that brings together sensuality and intrigue....a story of two people that fit each other perfectly....TRULY WONDERFUL!!

Now I will say that one aspect of the book that I DONT care for is the Cover. Yes, I love the pink and the background is lovely. However, her dress is horrid. In fact, it shocks me that Avon would have such a contemporary cover for a historical. But I really don't like this cover at all because it's NOT a historical romance cover in any way. I mean this dress you would see in prom or homecoming, not in the Victorian Eras of England. So pretty disappointing and even though overall I think it's gorgeous....it rubs me so wrong every time I see it.





[foogallery id="21728"]

Arianna M

3.75 stars! i LOVED this working class to middle class couple (finally…), LOVED their chemistry, LOVED the emotional moments, i am thoroughly enjoying this whole series

Connor 

as expected, the lady doctor/spy novel takes the cake, 10/10, would read again.

Imane

B. K.

Another enjoyable entry in the series. Really liked Garrett and her practicality, and Ethan is easily the smoothest-talking character in any historical romance I've read. Seriously, even (view spoiler)[on what he thought was his death bed (hide spoiler)], he was still dropping lines.

Mary Jane Wells is such a good narrator. I think she tripped up a couple times and used the wrong character voice/accent, but I don't even care, she's still one of my favorites.

b.andherbooks

After meeting over a surgical table in Devil in Spring, we finally have Dr. Garrett Gibson and Ethan Ransom's story! 

Dr. Gibson is waylaid by rape-y drunk soldiers on the way home from helping deliver a baby. She has her trusty cane and her fencing skills, but three against one is still a tall order. Swooping in to "rescue her," depending on who's perspective you take, is the man who has secretly been making sure she makes it home every night.

Both annoyed at the enforced chivalry but wildly intrigued and attracted to Ethan Ransom, Garrett agrees to Ethan's request to give her proper self-defense training. He also gifts her a silver police whistle, just in case.

Ethan has been in love with Garrett since she saved Lady Pandora's life, but his dangerous occupation means he needs to stay away from her. He just can't and unfortunately his weakness is exploited by the man who hold's his very life in his hands.

A gunshot wound, a secret plot to blame Irish Nationalists for violence, and family ties make this an exciting and highly sexy continuation of the Ravenal Series.

I adore Kleypas's historical details, especially regarding Garrett's medical skills. It often reminded me of the Outlander series, just 100 years later in time. It was fun to see an Irish brogue-ed hero, and a Dr. Quinn-medicine woman type character find true love. All of the conflict made sense and I liked that lies did not create the drama.

I'm also super excited to read West's book! There is quite a lot of West, and he become quite endearing to me.

I did notice the problematic passage detailing how Ethan gained his sexual prowess, basically exploring the Kama Sutra with an Indian woman. Definitely did not need this for the story and frankly I'm tired of it. I appreciate Kleypas's statement on fixing this in future copies of this book.

Saayan

Garret and Ransom make the cutest couple ever!

Find this review and more at 
  kimberlyfaye reads.


I should've reviewed Hello Stranger long before now. I read it before release, totally fell in love with it and even met Lisa Kleypas for the first time on release day. This book was absolutely delightful — everything I love about historical romance wrapped into one book. Please don't take my lack of a review before now as a sign I didn't enjoy the book. 

I loved Garrett from the first time I met her, so I was thrilled to get her story. What a woman! I love how many unique heroines there are in historical romance and, to be honest, Lisa's are always some of my favorites. A woman doctor back in the 1870s? Who'd have thunk it? Ransom was so swoony I didn’t know what to do with myself. I wasn't sure how I would feel about him as a match for Garrett, but it worked so well. They balanced each other out perfectly.

I loved every little thing about Hello Stranger. The characters, the slow burn romance, the feels and swoons. It was an absolute gem. Now, I’ll be (im)patiently waiting for West to get his own book and HEA. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FAVORITE QUOTES

"As you said, Doctor... there's a part of every man that's untamed and unsubdued." 

"Even a high-minded woman can appreciate a fine pair of... what did you call them? Quadriceps?"

"I wouldn't be nice. I'd bring you to the edge of wanting, and keep you there 'til you were cursing and screaming your pleasure for all the neighbors to hear. And after I'd brought you to a long, hard come, I might turn you over my knee for being such a noisy lass. Is that what you want? To spend all night in bed with a big, mean bastard?" 

"I'd love you night and day, if I could. There'd be no limits for us. No shame. You and me, in the dark... that's all I've ever wanted." 

"I prefer you to everything."

Jessica Clem &
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

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Jessica Clem &
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