Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
Marrying Winterborne: The Ravenels, Book 2
Unavailable
Marrying Winterborne: The Ravenels, Book 2
Unavailable
Marrying Winterborne: The Ravenels, Book 2
Ebook423 pages6 hours

Marrying Winterborne: The Ravenels, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this ebook

In this stunning novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas one of the realm’s most powerful men meets his match-in his lovely, innocent new wife.

A ruthless tycoon

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better . . .

A sheltered beauty

Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable . . . the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…

Marrying Mr. Winterborne

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
Release dateMay 31, 2016
ISBN9780062371843
Unavailable
Marrying Winterborne: The Ravenels, Book 2
Author

Lisa Kleypas

New York Times Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. Her historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels are published in forty different languages, and are bestsellers all over the world. Currently she lives in Southern California with her husband Gregory.

Read more from Lisa Kleypas

Related to Marrying Winterborne

Titles in the series (1)

View More

Royalty Romance For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for Marrying Winterborne

Rating: 4.073800704797049 out of 5 stars
4/5

271 ratings17 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Rhys Winterborne, has built himself up from the ground all the way to a wealthy tycoon. Rhys has always been able to get what he wants, but when he met Lady Helen Ravenel his world was turned upside down and he is determined to keep her for good. Helen Ravenel, was always nervous around Rhys, he intimidated her and when they were engaged, she could feel herself slowly falling in love with him. But through some complications and family interference, their engagement was broken off. Now Helen is determined to fight to have Rhys back in her life, even if that means compromising herself to be his wife. But soon after Rhys and Helen reconcile and begin anew again, their relationship is more vital and fresh and open than it ever was before. The passion they feel for each other is vibrant, but Helen is faced with a difficult decision. She learns some truths about who her father really is, a man that is a enemy of Rhys. Helen might have to face a future without a man she loves desperately to be taken from her—can Rhys and Helen find their happily ever after when there is a man that threatens to Marrying Winterbornedestroy the love they have built?The Hero Rhys Winterborne, has not had a easy life, he has perservered through some tough situations. First off he is Welch, and for many he is looked down upon especially when he was younger. But Rhys even though he had parents that taught him right, weren’t the most affectionate or loving of people but they taught him about hard work. Rhys built his father’s small shop into an empire and he is one of the wealthiest men in England. Rhys seems cold and harsh on the surface, but on the inner part’s he is craving companionship and love just like anyone else. He has made mistakes in the past but when Helen enters his life again, he refuses to let her go. Boy, can I just say that Rhys is one sexy hero!! One of the best Kleypas has written. Man he was mouthwatering, and I felt a bit weak in the knees just reading his character. I love how loyal and devoted he is to Helen. When he becomes committed…man does he do it so well but boy is he arrogrant about it all. Lady Helen is so far above all men that none of us deserve her. Therefore, it might as well be meI love how he stands by her and shows her how special she is to him and he doesn’t care what others think of him. Love that!!The Heroine Helen, out of all the siblings, she is the most gracious and well learned of them all. She can pass for any society miss. She gives the appearance of being the perfect debutante even if that is the exact opposite of what she truly wants in life. Helen, has been the dutiful daughter and sister. She has always said the right thing’s, and did the right things. But when she loses Rhys after some miscommunications,,.,she has to fix it because she loves him and doesn’t want to let him go. ” I wouldn’t count on much adventure if I were you. I’m going to look after you and keep you safe.” She glanced at him over the rim of the cup, her yes smiling “What I meant was, You are the adventure.”Helen is a fighter when it comes to the people she loves. She is true to her word and to her family. Helen can be shy and reserved but is solid in every way that matters. She has learned to protect herself at a very young age. We see how she fights for the first time for what she truly wants and NOT what other expect from her even if it will cause a great scandal. I loved her from the beginning and loved seeing her get what she deserved.Plot and Story Line Marrying Winterborne is finally HERE!!! And honestly ladies…and Gents of course (men are always welcome in the Kleypas fan club) I couldn’t put this one down!! I bought it, read it and loved every single page. I will admit, after reading the first book Cold Hearted Rake, I was a bit nerve wracked over this book. I liked Cold Hearted Rake, but it wasn’t like the other historical’s that Lisa Kleypas has written in the past. However Marrying Winterborne was simply fantastic and I knew from within the first chapter, that she got her groove back and so thrilled.Now this book, I would recommend reading Cold Hearted Rake first. You don’t HAVE to, it can be read as a stand alone, there is some background information given that will keep you from being lost however having said all that, I do recommend reading the first book since it has the background information and the beginnings of their relationship. This book sets off pretty quickly after the last book ended. Helen goes into Rhy’s office, to get him back. No matter what it takes. Our heroine, is pretty determined to fight for her man (*sigh* love this moment honestly, this scene is brilliant) Some beautiful moments and enough sensuality to curl your toes and they become reconciled and engagement is back on. But life is never simple especially for these two. Some complications, secrets and truths will need to be revealed before these two can find their HEA. What I truly admired the most about the way this story was spun is how each factor fit into the story. I honestly had a hard time containing my excitement from this book and not skipping because I wanted to find out what was going to happen. The story really builds when we learn who Helen’s true father is (truly not a good guy at all) and is Rhy’s mortal enemy, so there is quite a dilemma that Helen goes through. Helen couldn’t deny that Mr. Winterborne’s personal attraction were high on her list of considerations. A man in his prime, radiating that remarkable energy, a kind of animal vitality that she found both frightening and irresistible. But there was something else about him…a lure more potent than any other. It happened during his rare moments of tenderness with her, when it seemed as if the deep, tightly locked cache of sadness in her heart was about to break open. He was the only person who had ever approached that trapped place, who might someday be able to shatter the loneliness that had always held fast inside her. My heart really reached out to her, because she wants to be honest with him even though others are warning her away from being honest. I wanted to smack these people, because REALLY!! But Helen she holds true to what she knows is right even if she is risking losing Rhys. And the way the story spirals downward is so right for these two and Rhys is a hero you fall in love with even MORE than before. No, You’re all mine. Every hair on your head. Every part of you was made to be loved by meI don’t want to reveal too much and I hope there isn’t any spoilers here for you guys but seriously READ THIS NOW!! You won’t regret it.The Cover So pretty…I really love the purple with the white gown….so classy.Overall View Marrying Winterborne is a truly end of your seat romantic tale that is guaranteed to make you fall heads over heels in love!! ROMANCE AT THE CORE!!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Marrying Winterborneby Lisa Kleypas, Read by Mary Jane Wells#2 The RavenelsExcellent story and narrator. Great example for this particular genre. Romantic, laugh-out-loud funny at times, and the main characters have amazing chemistry. This is an interesting and full-bodied story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fantastic book that picks up right where Cold-HeartedRake left off. In that book, Helen and Rhys had been introduced by her cousin Devon, who was looking to use Helen to form a business alliance. When both men were injured in a train accident, Helen took it upon herself to nurse Rhys back to health. It was an odd friendship that developed, between the common-born self-made tycoon and the shy and sheltered Lady Helen. Rhys decided then that he wanted Helen for his own, and she agreed for reasons of her own. But a misunderstanding and interference from her sister-in-law Kathleen, ends the engagement.This book opens with Helen visiting Rhys at his place of business (just not done!) to explain what had happened and try to reinstate their engagement. I was impressed by Helen and how she stepped way out of her comfort zone to do so. Rhys was not welcoming at first. Though a talented and confident man, sure of his abilities in business, there is part of him that is very vulnerable. He saw Helen's earlier reaction to him as disgust and a rejection of who he is, and now believes she only wants him back because of his wealth. I loved this entire scene, as Helen slowly convinces him that it was him she wants. I especially loved the part about the ring. Though Helen gets her wishes, Rhys has his own condition to guarantee that the marriage will take place. He wants her thoroughly compromised so that no one can stop it. Rhys is both determined and nervous about carrying out his plan - he wants her like he has no other, but he also realizes that he must treat her carefully. This scene was steamy and sweet, and I loved seeing Rhys's tenderness.The reinstatement of the engagement causes some new tensions, as the desire between Rhys and Helen flares hotter every day. Rhys wants them to marry immediately, but Helen wants to wait until their mourning for her brother is over. Once again, Rhys finds himself wanting to make Helen happy, even if it is hard on him. As her family moves back to the country to put some distance between them, both Helen and Rhys miss each other desperately. During the trip home, Helen discovers something about her past that explains several things, but leaves her more confused about herself. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that her secret could have a direct effect on her marriage to Rhys.Their return to London puts Helen and Rhys in close contact again. I loved how they found ways to be together. While their physical relationship continued to intensify, there were also times where they simply talked. I loved seeing how quickly Helen began to understand Rhys and what drives him. She also has a determined way of defending him, to others and to himself. Rhys turned out to be an even more sensitive man that I expected. He is obviously smitten with Helen and determined to do anything to make her happy. The changes in him were obvious, as he went from brooding workaholic to a man who is able to let his softer side show.When the secret that Helen has rears its ugly head in London, she has some serious decisions to make. Does she tell Rhys and take a chance that he will take it badly, or follow others' advice and keep quiet? A horrifying discovery sends her on a quest for something that could end it all. I loved her determination to make things right, no matter the cost to herself. The intensity of this part had me wondering how it was going to turn out. I loved the ending, with Rhys being both tough and tender, protective and besotted. The follow up scene was hilarious as he planned and carried out their elopement.I also loved the secondary characters. Helen's sisters, Cassandra and Pandora are terrific in their determination to be themselves, not just another society miss. They are intelligent and kind-hearted and would do anything for their sister Helen. Devon's brother West makes only a small appearance in this book, but I still loved seeing him pretend to hang on to his rakish ways. I loved Dr. Gibson, the lady doctor who made such a big impression on Rhys. Her feistiness and self-confidence were great, as was her assistance to Helen. I also loved Rhys's secretary, Mrs. Fernsby and her ability to manage Rhys.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Marrying Winterborne
    4.5 Stars

    Lady Helen Ravenel has been raised far away from the glittering world of the ton and has little experience with men. Thus, when wealthy self-made retail tycoon, Rhys Winterborne, sets his sights on her, she is overwhelmed by his attentions. Nevertheless, Helen's need for love and adventure is too strong for her to deny and she is willing to risk everything - her virtue, her reputation and her heart - in order to marry Mr. Winterborne… 

    Series note: The beginning of Helen and Rhy’s relationship is described in detail in Cold-Hearted Rake and it is, therefore, necessary to read it before this one.

    Helen and Rhys have amazing chemistry although it is never quite clear which of the two is the seducer and which the seducee. Helen one of those heroines who comes across as timid and shy only to reveal a backbone of solid steel. Her determination to win Rhys back no matter the consequences is a highlight of the story. Rhys is an amalgamation of opposites at once both a ruthless businessman overriding all obstacles, yet at the same time a gentle and considerate lover who is completely besotted with Helen.

    Of course, there is the inevitable obstacle to Rhys and Helen's ultimate happiness and this is where the story goes somewhat awry as the conflict is based on a trope that annoys me no end, i.e., keeping secrets. Thankfully, Kleypas manages to avoid the accompanying silly misunderstanding and all is resolved quite satisfactorily. It should be noted that the villain of the piece is one of the more smarmy in Kleypas's works and he does get a little too lightly for my tastes.

    All in all, a wonderful romance that would be a 5 star read were it not for the pet peeve trope. The next installment focuses on Pandora Ravenell and her hero, Gabriel St. Vincent (yes, the son of Evie and Sebastian from A Devil in Winter - can't wait!)
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved this sweet and sexy story. Sure Kleypas borrowed somewhat liberally from Mr. Selfridge for Rhys's character, but she made him more interesting. Making him Welsh was inspired. I did not much like Rhys in the last book (disappointing as it is my son's middle name) but he turned out to be lovely and complex and challenging. Exactly what I needed as the world was falling apart around me. Thank God for books
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I wish that I could give this book an infinite amount of stars because I simply adored it and I cannot say enough good about it. Without a doubt, the pages of this book will be worn out as I read it over and over again. I've invested in a hard copy forever edition after reading it on my Nook. Characters such as Rhys Winterborne, are the reason why I fell in love with reading. They are also the reason why I have a few book crushes. And yes, Rhys is at the top of that list. Although this self-made millionaire was slightly rough around the edges, that hardness combined with his vulnerability while in the presence of Lady Helen, are what captivated me from the beginning. Once again, Lisa Kleypas hit a home run with her newest series, The Ravenels. Marrying Winterborne is the second book in this series and can be read independantly. However, I'd highly suggest you read the first book in the series, "Cold Hearted Rake" which introduces the unexpected love affair between shy, bookish Lady Helen and ruthless businessman Rhys Winterborne.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Another great historical romance from Lisa Kleypas. The book starts with Lady Helen coming to see Rhys Winterbourne, department store magnate and her ex-fiance (through a misunderstanding). Helen is determined to marry Rhys, attracted to his vitality and magnetism which is the complete opposite of her own personality. They manage to work things out thought other obstacles turn up in the course of the book.Rhys is a wonderful character: blunt, earthy, yet madly in love with Helen. It would have been easy for the author to make Rhys one of those men who want the lady for her title and a way up in the world, but Rhys loves her right from the start. Helen is shy but determined. Some reviewers complained about the inconsistency in her personality, but I found her a true introvert. She's able to assert herself when it matters to her.I do agree with some of the other reviews that the twins are an annoyance. If they were thirteen, I might have found their behavior appropriate, but they were very immature for age twenty. Still, I've preordered Pandora's story (the next book in the series).
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved the book. Rhys Winterborne is a wonderful hero and Helen rises above the quiet, demure girl she was painted in the Cold Hearted Rake. The story is complex and includes so many little details which make it a really great read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a very entertaining second book in the Ravenels series. I was not enamored of book #1, but since I had already read book #5 -- which was very good -- I knew that there was a chance the other books in the series would be better than book #1. I was pleased to find that I was right.In "Marrying Winterborne," Lady Helen and Welsh business magnate Rhys Winterborne continue their acquaintance from book #1. Their relationship is threatened by a huge secret that Helen feels compelled to keep from Rhys. Will their relationship survive? Author Lisa Kleypas skillfully develops the budding relationship between the sheltered, uber-innocent Helen and the worldly Rhys. What seems like an unlikely match turns out to be a perfect coupling as Helen reveals a strong side and Rhys reveals a sensitive side, and the two find that their mutual attraction just keeps getting more intense.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4.5 stars - a really good follow up to the first book. Features all the same characters which was fun. Read this in basically one sitting, couldn’t put it down.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Somehow I completely forgot about the drama that consumes the final thirty percent of the book (because I think an effect of it isn’t mentioned in other books), but I guess it was needed to keep these two from an immediate HEA. Helen and Rhys were both amazing characters, and they have a pretty epic love which is exactly right for their journey.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved it. Fabulous novel. I am waiting for another book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    2nd read- the first part of their story is told in the book before, which is unfortunate if you’re you’re not reading them in order back to back, but hasn’t been a problem for me. I like the gentleness of this heroine, especially since so many heroines end up either being ‘limp dishrag’ sorts or ‘spitfire from Hell’. She has a good head on her shoulders and a big heart. The hero is especially driven and sort of cold and ruthless in the beginning, so the power balance could have been crazy skewed with the heroine just being steamrolled the entire book. But Kleypas handles it so well. The advantage fluctuates between them and they end up just being very well matched. They’re both quite likable, and their story is an interesting one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I think I can safely say that I really enjoy Lisa Kleypas because this is my fourth book I've read in this series and I have loved all of them!

    After I finished book one, I was so excited for this one because it was teased so well in that book and it definitely lived up to that. This book is about Helen and Rhys. I thought Helen was a good character but I loved Rhys. I thought he was just so romantic I mean he built her a greenhouse! and from the very beginning I loved him, which is rare for me. Helen is very charming and I liked seeing her grow over this book and her relationship to her family and to Rhys. This was just a really great couple. I could basically see where the relationship was going but I was so excited about where it was going that it just made the book better.

    One thing I love about Kleypas is that she finds such a perfect balance between the romance and the plot. It's one thing I really like about reading historical romance. There's usually really interesting conflicts because of just the structure of society and class and all those things and Kleypas pulls those elements together so well. I typically want the romance to drive the plot (that's what makes it a romance) but I still need other things to be happening to be entertained. I was fully entertained and Helen had a lot of other things going on but I would have like to see a little bit more of plot on Rhys' side.

    I can't wait to continue in this series. I want to read book four and five before the next release comes out this summer. I have a ton of library books to read right now and then I have to wait for the hold to come in but I want to get to book four really soon!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The beginning of the story, where he gives her an ultimatum, fell a little flat for me but overall I enjoyed the read. Victorian man of momey meets a woman of aristocratic birth and both of them want each other. Entertaining and heartwarming after the start but the start made me a bit twitchy about consent.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A definite upgrade for me from the prior. I'm not sure how much that's saying, I thought Rhys lacked a bit on the complexity and was generally a perfect hero... In a sense, I think I was pleasantly surprised by this? Low expectations, though it's got quite a few 5s. I land right near the middle.

    3.5
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. Everyone thinks Helen is too shy and easily manipulated but she is smart, strong, brave and determined. Of course, there is the usual miscommunication that leads to a breakup but she realizes what happened and defies convention and goes after what she wants. He is the master negotiator and his pride is hurt but she realizes how to deal with him and get what they both want.

    1 person found this helpful