It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers, 2) Mass Market Paperback – November 30, 2021

Cut to the Chase:A great example of the genre, with characters that are extremely well-developed: powerful, attractive, and intelligent, but still flawed enough to feel layered and relatable. Though Kleypas is adept at writing character-driven historical romances, she hits just the right amount of sensuality in this novel: it’s a well-paced, amusing opposites-attract story between a brash American heiress and a traditional, straight-laced earl. It’s a wonderful mixture of wit and sex that also serves as a nice introduction for characters who will be developed in later novels… and it’s a great example of strong characters, who struggle falling in love because neither wants to give up the independence that comes with being in a relationship nor are they willing to surrender to the vulnerability that comes with falling in love. A wonderful read that is completely repeatable and memorable.Greater Detail:Lillian Bowman is a strong-willed, stubborn American heiress whose parents have come to England to form business relationships and marry their two daughters into the British peerage. Marcus Westcliff is from one of the oldest and most-respected families in the realm – and he is as arrogant as he is titled. Being two strong personalities, Lillian and Marcus take an immediate disliking to one another, but are thrown together (perhaps a little predictably) by a series of mishaps (a rounders/baseball-like game, a calf’s head being served at a dinner table).It’s one of those stories where everyone else sees how perfect the two main characters are for each other except them, and where the initial thrust of the story is driven by coincidence and an undeniable sexual attraction, which both the protagonists seek to deny.Yet despite the many stereotypes the characters conform to, these are two very enjoyable, and ultimately fairly modern, characters. Though both are more or less filthy rich, they are both intelligent enough to challenge and seek to change the establishment in their own unique ways. Lillian, being the American outsider, quite rightly questions some of the rules and regulations she’s asked to conform to, wondering why using a particular fork is so earth-shatteringly important. And Marcus, though he tends to take himself a little too seriously at the beginning of the novel, is shown to be fairly liberal minded in terms of social issues, and is portrayed convincingly as a loyal friend and brother. Despite being set in a regency/historical era, the fact that these two protagonists are so forward-thinking and independent makes them uniquely relatable and more relevant to the modern reader.Though many of the scenarios are fairly amusing, Kleypas’s weakness is delving too much into the fanciful/corny/humorous side of things. The opening scene, in which Lillian is depicted as being especially attuned to scents and asks a perfumer to help her concoct a magical love potion is undoubtedly the weakest in the novel. Her characters are better at being brooding, with occasional glimpses of levity, than silly – and there are a couple of scenes where it feels as though Kleypas tries too hard to be entertaining.Overall, the novel is carried on the strength of its well-developed cast of characters, with just enough sensuality in the love-making scenes to entice the reader to continue. It’s my favorite in the Wallflower series (more on that below) and probably close to my favorite of all the Kleypas historical romances.Other Things to Know:This is the second book of four in Kleypas’s Wallflowers series. The four Wallflowers: Annabelle Peyton (poor but lovely, the main character of Wallflower #1: Secrets of a Summer Night), Lillian Bowman (rich, but American and high-strung), Evie Jenner (rich, but insanely shy daughter of a gamester featured in Wallflower #3: Devil in Winter) and Daisy Bowman (rich, but overly romantic heiress in Wallflower #4: Scandal in Spring), are friends who initially bond together to try to assist one another in finding husbands. Though the friendship is a little more than a side note by the ending novels, it’s a nice series overall.There’s a fifth book that is slightly longer than a novella but shorter than the main books, following the Bowman sisters’ older brother Rafe Bowman (A Wallflower Christmas), and also later, a prequel-like novel following Westcliff’s two sisters, Aline and (to a lesser degree) Livia (Again the Magic).You don’t need to read them in order to enjoy them, and if you were to only read one, it should be It Happened One Autumn.Comparisons to Other Authors:Lisa Kleypas is a best-selling author ,and though she has focused more recently on modern romance, she is one of the queens of the historical romance genre. Compared to Stephanie Laurens, Kleypas tends to have more individualized characters and a better supporting cast, but less sensual/erotic love scenes. Also, whereas Stephanie Laurens almost always has a murder/mystery element, Kleypas’s villains are generally bad, but not quite criminal. She’s less funny and her characters and scenarios are less light-hearted than Julia Quinn, but she her characters tend to have a greater degree of physical attraction/sensuality compared to Quinn’s.

The Quick Rundown is it is the Wallflowers turn to help Lillian find a husband and what better place to start looking than at Westcliff’s estate. They have been invited to the country estate because Westcliff is doing business with Lillian’s father. It seems that even though Westcliff is bound and determined to do his duty and find a nice English girl to settle down with someday he can’t get the often crass and willful American out of his head. Every time he gets close to her his senses disappear and they are either fighting or kissing. She doesn’t seem to understand it any more than she does. But when another man enters the fray and vies for Lillian’s dowery/affections Marcus will have to step up or step aside.The things that I enjoy about this series so far are:They are quick and easy HEA reads. The plots are pretty simple with most of the focus being on the budding relationship between two people who seem an unlikely pairing in the beginning until it is realized they are perfect for one another. It is always fun to read a couple trying to force themselves apart when it seems they have magnets pulling them together. And as always be careful what you wish for.Lillian murmured, though she wasn’t precisely hoping for Lord Westcliff to find true love. Her wish was more along the lines of, I hope that Lord Westcliff will meet a woman who will bring him to his kneesI enjoy the banter between all the characters and especially the special relationships between the four Wallflowers themselves. Female friends who stand by you no matter is going on is one of my favorite things in books.This had the added rakishness that is St. Vincent as well. He actually got to have the best lines in the book and I was so excited to see he was the love interest in the next book, until I wasn’t (view spoiler). Still his actions prior to the thing were so great I really loved his character.***“Am I in danger from you, my lord?”Though his expression remained relaxed with good humor, his eyes were disturbingly intent. “I’m afraid so.”“Hmm.” Lillian studied the chiseled edge of his profile, thinking that for all his posturing, he had not taken advantage of her helplessness a few moments ago. “You’re awfully forthcoming about your evil intentions. It makes me wonder if I should really worry.”***O.o you should be worried. St. Vincent is charming and handsome and I could see why so many woman had fallen for his charms he was definitely solid competition.The couplings have been really good so far. Marcus Westcliff and Lillian do make sense together and they both have strong personalities that clash spectacularly at times. He is so starched and uptight while she is wild and adventurous. But they get some fun scenes together. There is a drunken Lillian in the library with a pear in a bottle predicament that was particularly funny among others.I had a good time with Westcliff and Lillian. I really enjoyed how much he was looking forward to telling his mother about their upcoming betrothal***“And I would like to hear what the countess will say when she is told that you intend to bring yet one more American into the family!”“She’ll have an apoplectic fit,” Marcus replied calmly, tying her corset laces. “She’ll go on a screaming tirade, at the end of which she’ll probably faint. And then she’ll go to the continent for six months, and refuse to write to any of us.” Pausing, he added with relish, “How I’m looking forward to it.”***So solid characters, humor, romance and HEAs sometimes that is all a girl needs.

4.5 starsThis is a low angst, enjoyable, steamy Kleypas classic. While definitely not my favorite of the Wallflowers series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the kidnapping plot is bonkers but I think we all accept that plot point because the series is just so damn good. Westcliff is stiff but secretly a sensual beast who falls madly in love with this woman who drives him crazy. Lillian is entirely likable and funny- an American heiress with the best traits any New Yorker has to offer- candor, wit, and resourcefulness.

Muito bom! Amei demais! 5 estrelas!!! A história é linda e muito romântica! Recomendo

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I love the Wallflowers series, they have lots of romance and some very funny spots. You will love love love Lisa Kleypas' books they are so good.

One of my most favorite's book from Lisa Kleypas.

Lord Westcliff is a proper English gentleman. While Lillian Bowman, an American heiress, is anything but proper.I loved how these 2 are brought together. Lillian is so unlike any of the typical romance heroines with her razor sharp tongue, her biting sarcasm, her independent attitude, her fearlessness and boldness....I could go on. She is ,I think, a 20th century woman stuck in 19th century England. I loved her! Her encounters with Westcliff were so enjoyable and completely entertaining.I would whole heartedly recommend this book. It's a must read! I am going to read all the Wallflower books without fail!