She stood at peril's threshold -- then love beckoned her in
A prim, well-bred gentlewoman, Sara Fielding is a writer who puts pen to paper to create dreams. But now curiosity is luring her from the shelter of her country cottage into the dangerous world of Derek Craven -- handsome, tough, and tenacious -- and the most exciting man Sara has ever met.
Derek rose from poverty to become the wealthy lord of London's most exclusive gambling house. And now duty demands that he allow Sara Fielding to enter his perilous realm of ever-shifting fortunes -- with her impeccable manners and her infuriating innocence. But there is a hidden strength and sensuality to the lady that captivates him beyond his better judgment. And in this world, where danger lurks behind every shadow, even a proper mouse can be transformed into a breathtaking enchantress -- and a cynical gambler can be shaken to his core by the power of passion and the promise of love.
Laura E. from CINCINNATI, OH wrote on 12/16/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sara Fielding, a proper, if somewhat eccentric, country-bred English gentlewoman, is also a well-known writer of popular fiction. Her first novel, "Mathilda," is beloved by most who can read. Ms. Fielding has traveled to London to research the underworld of gambling for her latest book. Venturing into the London stews late one evening, and taking copious notes on Cockney street cant, local color and any noteworthy incidents that might add flavor to her fiction, Sara inadvertently witnesses and interrupts a violent stabbing. She pulls out the pistol she carries for protection, (target-shooting at home in Greenwood Corners is a necessary hobby, obviously). She shoots one of the attackers, meaning only to wound, while another escapes. Thus, 25 year old Sara Fielding saves the life of Derek Craven.
Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.
Denise A. (izzybru) from MECHANICSBURG, OH wrote on 1/20/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
All I can say is WOW!...This is a wonderfully well written love story. I love Lisa Kleypas and this book deserves it's spot close to the top of the AAR list.
You simply cannot help falling in love with Derrek right along with Sara, I really really recommend it.
Stephanie D. (LovesBooks) from GALESBURG, IL wrote on 8/27/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Dreaming of You is a beautiful romance between a shy "country mouse" and then man who owns London but has never known love. This was the first book that I've read by Lisa Kleypas and it won't be my last!
Christy E. (ceberle) from NEWNAN, GA wrote on 1/10/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Slightly unrealistic premise, and always Lisa Klepyas does a great job of creating interesting relationships. A well-written story that I enjoyed.
Nicole M. from BLUE SPRINGS, MO wrote on 7/17/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of my favorites by Lisa Kleypas! This is one I have read over again, because the characters were so great in this book. If you like Lisa Kleypas this is a must read.
Audrey A. (AudreyA) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 7/17/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
As many people have said before me, this is possibly one of Lisa Kleypas' best books. The characters are very vivid and realistic. Derek Craven is the ultimate flawed romantic hero. His story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This is a wonderful story that you will remember for many years to come. You will never want to repost this book. Its a keeper!
Lucy T. (iDarePrufrock) from ANN ARBOR, MI wrote on 12/19/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the most memorable heroes in romance.
Vicki L. (vicki) from KEIZER, OR wrote on 2/4/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a good story of two people from totally different backgrounds coming together in love.
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Karen H. (warbler43) from GARNER, NC wrote on 4/28/2008...
Another excellent story by Lisa Kleypas. This second book in the Gambler's series is the story of Derek Craven and a 'must read' for her fans. I gave this book 3.5 stars out of 4 on my personal rating system!
Donna R. from DRUMRIGHT, OK wrote on 12/23/2007...
One of Lisa's best! Make sure you read Then Came You first--the hero of Dreaming of You is introduced in that one first (another great read!).
Tonia B. (theblackpearl) from SOUTHERN PNES, NC wrote on 10/7/2007...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Sara, a simple country maid who is also a published author, and Derek, the scandalous owner of a very successful gambling club.
After Sara saves his life, Derek reluctantly agrees to allow her to visit his club to further her research for her latest novel - as long as she agrees to stay out of his way! Needless to say, Sara's is a much noticed presence as her sweet, charming ways manage to captivate the staff...and Derek.
This is a beautiful story with many interesting secondary characters such as Derek's scorned mistress, Sara's coddled fiance, and the inhabitants of Craven's.
I highly recommend this book!
Kathleen K. (kathyk) from AMSTERDAM, NY wrote on 8/23/2007...
One of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books. Great tortured hero.
Jessica G. (Jessie) from GLENOLDEN, PA wrote on 2/15/2007...
One of the best romance I've read in a while.
JUDY S. from LADSON, SC wrote on 1/27/2007...
VERY GOOD READING
Claudia B. (claudia53) from BOISE, ID wrote on 1/12/2007...
Derek Craven's has been in several of Lisa's stories..He finally gets 'leg-shackled' I just love Derek
Nicky W. from BELLEVUE, NE wrote on 11/14/2006...
One of my all time favorites!!!
Christine P. (Chris) from LOWELL, MA wrote on 11/6/2006...
Read this book so many times...I can read this every year it's so good.
Evelyn N. (evelyn0309) from FREMONT, CA wrote on 9/17/2006...
Derek Craven's story...a big romance fan favorite.