Book Review-A Wallflower Christmas

A Wallflower Christmas
Wallflower (5)
Lisa Kleypas
St Martins Press
213 Pages
Published October 2008
Hardback
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN 10: 0-312-53378-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-312-53378-6

Synopsis:
It's Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren't for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed.
Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants.

However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
This tender love story begins with a gathering at Stone Cross Park, including all four wallflowers, their husbands and families. Rafe Bowman, is coming from America to meet his future bride, that much to his dismay, his father has picked out for him, and the Wallflowers, including his sisters, go about in assisting him in this endeavor, not before having ever courted a Englishwoman before, and a member of the Ton as well. When he arrives he firsts meets her companion, Hannah and finds that from their first meeting, he has a fervent desire for this woman and their interaction with each other stimulates his senses. Hannah, companion to the woman he is suppose to marry, is surprised when he focuses his attention toward her. She finds him arrogant, bold, cynical, but soon entrances her in a whirlwind of his kiss. At first she think its just infatuation that is between them, but as Christmas time draws closer, she begins to realize that her feelings for him reach far beyond infatuation and toward genuine and passionate love...

The Hero 
Rafe Bowman, has lived in America, but now that his family has settled in England for the time being, he comes for Christmas and to meet the woman his father thinks is appropriate for him to marry. Rafe, a financial speculator, has made his own way in terms of success in the financial sense. Rafe grew up in a home with four siblings, yet was isolated from all of them, and was more alone than ever. Rafe's father thought that he should not experience happiness,, joy or love especially as a child. But despite his parents strict code, he ended up rebelling just like his other siblings, and become the rake of the century. Rafe loves machinery, gadgets, very fond of his sisters, and loves the act of drinking, gambling and bedding women. What he never expected was to fall for the one woman he can't have, for his father would cut him off permanently if he did so.

The Heroine 
Hannah, cousin and companion to Natalie Blandord, whose father intends for her to be matched with Rafe Bowman. Hannah however is determined that Rafe isn't good enough of a match for Natalie, who could pick any man she wanted. So Hannah goes about to prove what a rascal and a rake he is. But his kisses blind her with passion, and his tender ways at times break down all her defenses. Hannah is very beautiful, opinionated and impulsive. Perfect for another fit for the Wallflower clan. Hannah never expecting to find love at this Christmas party, and a love with a man that she could never hope to have no matter how much she deeply love him.

My Thoughts 
A Wallflower Christmas is the fifth and last installment in the Wallflower series that was written by astounding author Lisa Kleypas. When I first started this book, I didn't know what to expect out of this story, I thought it might be enjoyable, but after reading the whole story within a couple of hours, its a classic love story, with the enchanting Christmas scene that even makes it even more magical. The character interaction between Rafe and Hannah was playful, witty and very amusing for this reader, there was also a intensity about their relationship, both on a physical and emotional level. This was such a well written story, that I found the story seemed all too riveting and entrancing. From the first page to the last page I couldn't stop reading, I was so drawn into this love story, that I think I forgot my surrounding. A Completely unforgettable love story that you better get a box of tissues, you will need it, it will bring many laughs and at other times many tears, that will tie up your heart strings to no end!!! A Chanting Love Story To Remember!!!

My Favorite Quote 
"Then I will have to show you what happens to women who stand in my way." Before she could comprehend what was happening, one powerful arm had brought her against his hard masculine body. With his other hand, he grasped the nape of her neck, and tilted her head backward. And His mouth took hers. 

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Secrets Of A Summer Night
It Happened One Autumn
Devil In Winter
Scandal In Spring