MARRYING WINTERBORNE is Book two in the Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas. Kleypas gives a little recap on what transpired between the hero and heroine at the end of the previous book, so readers who may be new to the series should still be able to follow and appreciate MARRYING WINTERBORNE. As a longtime fan of Kleypas' historical romances, I was delighted to find that she hasn't lost her touch in creating heroes to die for.

Rhys Winterborne is another of Lisa Kleypas' classic working-class heroes. The same drive and determination Rhys has when it comes to building his business, he also applies to wooing and winning the woman whom he is enchanted by and devoted to. One of the things I love about Rhys is that no matter how in control he is in his business dealings, his unexpected and sincere feelings for Lady Helen Ravenel knock him off center and he has no trouble expressing himself to her. It's hard to resist a man with both strength, and a willingness to be frank with the woman he adores about how much he loves her, and to make himself vulnerable to her in that way. Although Helen is perhaps meeker than Rhys, they make a great match and provide what each of them needs most. I like that her relationship with Rhys spurs Helen to be a bit more assertive than she had been in the past. The intimacy between Rhys and Helen is a wonderful mix of tenderness and heady eroticism.

The villain in MARRYING WINTERBORNE has a casual cruelty and makes a great contrast when compared to the hero. This villain is a taker and is described with all the iciness and moral decay of a vampire. Rhys, by comparison, is a man who takes an interest in his fellow man apart from just self-interest. Helen develops a spine of steel and is shown to be just as much of a fierce protector as Rhys. I love how Helen's family sticks together and offers her strength in her time of need -- particularly her sisters. MARRYING WINTERBORNE is a story with a wide array of strong and varied female characters.

MARRYING WINTERBORNE has everything you crave in a hero, an enchanting romance, and women who rock. and I look forward to reading about characters like Devon's younger brother West, Helen's younger sisters and the force of nature that is Dr. Garrett Gibson in future books. Once again Lisa Kleypas reigns supreme.