Series: Hathaways (Book 2)
He has tried hard to forget her.
Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins--and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.
Can she remember the man he once was?
Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny--or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...
Fantastic book. I have been fascinated by Kev since I read Mine Till Midnight. His protectiveness toward the Hathaway family, his closeness to them, yet the distance he also exhibits was intriguing. It was also obvious at that point that he is very much in love with Win. This book opens with the story of how Kev came to live with the Hathaway family. I ached for him and what he had been through. I loved his introduction into the Hathaway family, his bewilderment at the kindness they showed him, and his immediate connection with Win.
Kev is a man tortured by the demons of his past. The things he did before living with the Hathaways have him convinced that he is no good for Win. However, that does not stop him from doing everything possible to keep her safe. The scene when she was sick with scarlet fever was intense and heartbreaking, as Kev was determined to save her or die himself. His protectiveness after her illness showed the depth of his feelings, and his loneliness after she left for France drove him further inside himself. The work that he buried himself in was all that kept him going.
Win is sweet and gentle, but she also has a spine of steel. She has been in love with Kev ever since he joined the family, but she can't get him to admit his feelings. Tired of being ill all the time, and knowing that, if she wants Kev she needs to be healthy, Win went to France to a special clinic. I loved her triumphant return and determination to live life to the fullest. Part of that is to finally get Kev to admit his feelings.
The development of the relationship between Kev and Win was intense and frequently frustrating. There was no doubt about the depth of their feelings. Win loved Kev and made no secret of that fact. I loved watching her try to push him into admitting his feelings for her. She tempted him beyond all reason, but every time he would seem to give in, he would then pull right back. I ached for Kev, who was terrified that in the intensity of his feelings for her, he would somehow cause her harm. I wanted to shake him after the scene at the ball, as he all but pushed her into Julian's arms. His misery was well-earned, and his way of dealing with it was highly unusual for him. I had to laugh at the irony of it being Leo who came to get him. My heart also broke for Leo as he shared the importance of accepting love when it's offered because you never know what will happen. I loved what Kev did with that information. His big moment was romantic, intense, tender, and so very hot. For Win, it was everything she could have hoped for. I loved how she got him to tell her all about his past, and the freeing effect it had on him. It's not all unicorns and roses though, as Julian doesn't fade quietly into the background. Besides attempting to drive a wedge between Kev and Win, his further actions against Kev go awry, and tragedy is only averted thanks to a ruthless Win.
Along with the romance of Kev and Win, there is plenty to see of the other Hathaways. Cam and Amelia are blissfully happy in their marriage. Amelia is still mother-henning the whole family, though with a slightly lighter touch. Poppy and Beatrix have accepted their need for help to navigate the Season, and the addition of Miss Marks to the household is just what they need. I liked the new and improved Leo, who after two years away from the vices of London, is fast becoming an admirable man, though there are times he seems to fight it just a little. His interactions with Miss Marks are hilarious.
I also loved learning more about the connection between Cam and Kev. From their first meeting in the previous book, there was first antagonism, then grudging respect. The discovery of their matching tattoos increases the mystery. Cam is determined to find out about his past, while Kev wants to put his behind him. I loved their interactions in this book, as Cam seems to take great satisfaction in tweaking Kev's temper. I was not entirely surprised by the information that Cam and Kev discovered at the gypsy camp. It was interesting to see the different reactions that Cam and Kev each had. Cam's renewed determination to find out the details bore fruit at the end of the book. The scene at the camp, as Kev struggled to save Cam's life, and then they listened to what the gypsy leader had to say, was so intense I was on the edge of my seat. Even more amazing was the visitor that Cam and Kev received a few days later. I had to laugh at Cam and Kev's reactions and that of their very obnoxious visitor. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of London sitting rooms when that news got out. The epilogue was terrific, especially Kev's reaction to Win's labor.
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