Married by Morning Book Review *Lisa Kleypas*

Married by Morning is the much anticipated book about Leo Hathaway, the lone brother of the Hathaway clan full of women, and his relationship with his two younger sister's governess, the prickly Catherine Marks. A great deal of tension and attraction has been built up between Leo and Catherine over the past few books. Their set up should have led to a wonderful romance about the two least likely people to fall in love with one another. Married by Morning is an okay read but lacks somewhat in regards to Leo and Catherine. Again, this has the making of a great romantic couple, but half-way through, the story falls a bit flat, especially when Catherine tries her best to keep Leo at arms' length because she feels she isn't worthy of his love or devotion.

After Leo's sister Poppy married rich hotelier Harry Rutledge, he notices that Catherine and Harry have become very friendly toward one another. He doesn't like it and assumes the worst. Catherine thinks Leo is ridiculous, because since the first moment they met, he was there to tease and argue with her. He thinks she is a big stick in the mud, while Catherine believes all the rumors about Leo's rakish ways. But Leo may have to put aside his scandalous fun (which, is never shown, only mentioned) because if he doesn't marry soon and beget an heir, his family may lose their home.

Leo has no desire to marry and rather annoy Catherine. He begins to keep a closer eye on her, especially when she is around Rutledge. What Leo doesn’t know, is that Catherine and Harry have a secret past together, but not in the way you may think. Their connection was revealed in Tempt Me at Twilight. But eventually Catherine is up front with Leo and tells him what he wants to know. Their relationship changes to one of respect and almost friendship that is about to explode into passion. But then another person from Catherine's past recognizes her and wants what he feels is due him. Catherine is at odds and runs away before she can bring scandal to the Hathaways. Leo won't let this happens and before Catherine can disappear forever, he will claim her as his own.

Married by Morning should please many Lisa Kleypas fans and those who adore the Hathaway clan. My main reason in reading this series is because of the interactions between the Hathaway siblings. You can feel the love they all have for one another and how proud they are to have not conformed to society. I wish I could say I enjoyed this latest by Lisa, but I can't. Something majorly was lacking between Catherine and Leo. The spark and attraction between the two is there, but their relationship falls back to a typical historical romance stereotype. Why does Leo have to be "rakish"? And why does Catherine have to come across as a doomed martyr to her feelings and desires? Leo is well skilled at helping Catherine to succumb to his charms, but when she does, she purposely keeps their HEA far way for no plausible reason.

The love scenes have a subtle sensuality to them, but the banter between Leo and Catherine became more tedious if anything. Also, the ending was tacked on in such a way where it is assumed that such drama is expected to cement those final feelings this couple has for one another.

Married by Morning was so-so and not Lisa's best. I was expected much more and was left with an unfulfilled read. (St. Martin's)

Final Grade: C+

A few other Married by Morning reviews:
All About Romance
Impressions of a Reader
Night Owl Reviews

The fifth and final book in the Hathway series, Love in the Afternoon, will be released on June 29th.

Synopsis: Captain Christopher Phelan has been corresponding with the beautiful golden-haired Prudence Mercer while he was away fighting in the Crimean War. What he doesn't know, however, is that the woman who wrote to him is actually Prudence's best friend, Beatrix Hathaway.