Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas….ARC Review

Synopsis:

A woman who defies her time

Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again.

A man who breaks every rule

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.

My Review:

Lisa Kleypas has always been known for her beloved historical romances, her gorgeous written style, and her impeccable research into the fascinating crevices and hidden places of history. From the Wallflowers to the Hathaways, now to the infamous Ravenels… in this series we’ve seen the return of fan favorites, a female entrepreneur, and an owner of a wonderland Harrods-like department store. And with Hello Stranger, we have the truly unique combination of doctor heroine (inspired directly by the first ever in Britain’s history!) and undercover spy hero. For prolific historical romance readers and anyone looking for something refreshingly different, the search ends here.

Dr. Garrett Gibson is someone that even, and perhaps especially, in today’s social climate, resonates as a glorious figure of female empowerment, independence, and celebration. She’s done what men of her equal have said she can’t or shouldn’t, building a successful medical practice and, quite frankly, owning it. She’s respected because of her professionalism and competence, and when Ethan Ransom, long-lost Ravenel bastard son, first encounters her, like any smart man would be, he’s captivated. As he navigates the shadows of a secret government organization while she boldly moves among London’s darker corners to follow the need for medical care, Ethan begins to watch over her, and the two strike up an interest in each other that despite any outer obstacles or inner reservations, they’re both strong and smart enough to realize won’t quickly be tamped down or snuffed out.

But Ethan also come into possession of some secrets that could put his position—and his life—at stake, so while Garrett, like in every area of her life, is committed to going after what she wants (and if that’s an affair, so be it), she’ll fight for Ethan come what may. In modern-day terms, this is a thrilling combination of medical procedural drama like Grey’s Anatomy and cop-civilian Castle-like teamwork. Ethan and Garrett are the perfect match, in life, in business, in love. He never tries to hold her back, and she accepts the dangerous parts of his life. It unfolds beautifully and excitingly, and this is an exceptional addition to the quirky, scandalous Ravenels—definitely one for the history books!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

About the author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Find out more on her website