ONE OF OPRAH MAG’S BEST ROMANCES OF 2020!
Everything has a price . . .
Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is … have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.
Everything except her . . .
Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.
When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:
Never underestimate a Ravenel.
The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun . . .
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I loved following Severin’s redemption!
You can’t go wrong reading a book by Kleypas. Love the characters and the plot. Most of all love this series. Can’t wait to read more from this author. Wonderful!!
This is an entertaining novel that ends the Ravenels series in a competent manner. Since the beginning I thought that poor Cassandra was not given much to do as a character or had any kind of personality at all, seeming to be a shadow when compared to her twin sister, who had a passionate approach to life. I liked this book but thought that Cassandra was not given enough material to play a lead role in the her own novel. I liked the interaction between herself and Tom but they could have had more scenes together as the first half of the book was them coming to terms with their personal situations. Despite these drawbacks I liked the book and would recommend it with the caution that this is not the best in the series.
Cassandra wants a traditional life with marriage, children and a husband to love her. Her twin sister, Pandora has found her husband, even though she vowed to never marry. Tom Severin has all the wealth anyone could want but feels restless. He is considered eccentric by most but he has a photographic memory and a ruthless reputation for contracts. The couple meet and become intrigued with each other. Tom wants Cassandra as his wife but can’t give her the one thing she truly wants which is love. Cassandra ends up in a situation that will totally ruin her reputation so Tom makes it his priority to protect her. This was such a great read with two very complex characters with painful pasts to overcome. A lovely read.
Tom Severin is a rich and powerful railway and real estate mogul. He is a man use to getting his way, in business and in pleasure. After seeing Lady Cassandra Ravenel, Severin offers for her on the spot; however, she insists on marrying for love. Fate repeatedly throws the bewitching blonde in his path. When Cassandra’s reputation is ruined, Severin swoops in to rescue her. Will Cassandra alter Severin’s life for the good? Or will she become his ultimate weakness?
Lady Cassandra Ravenel is the cousin of an earl. When her twin marries, she worries about finding a suitable husband. Cassandra is shocked when Tom Severin, a friend of her cousins, offers marriage. She finds the man charismatic; however, she refuses to marry a man with a frozen heart. When a spiteful peer ruins her reputation, Severin offers Cassandra a tempting solution. Can Cassandra teach Severin how to love? Or is their marriage doomed from the start?
I am so happy that Severin got his happily-ever-after. He is not your usual, run-of-the-mill hero. I like that Severin has heterochromia. It is a treat rarely seen outside of anime, so it is a treat to see it in books. I love the fact that Severin is not afraid of working with his hands. He may be rich, but he is no stranger of menial labor. What I adore the most about Severin is his views on Cassandra’s appearance. He understands there is more to her than pretty looks. Also, Severin does not believe she should conform to society’s views of a woman’s weight.
Cassandra is such a beautiful soul. She is the perfect balance for Severin. I adore the fact that Cassandra has a voluptuous figure. She, like most women of today, suffers from body image. What I love the most about Cassandra is how she openly accepts Severin’s quirks and eccentricities. Where many are put off by his demeanor, she understands the man beneath the veneer. Cassandra is not afraid to come to his defense when people would disparage him.
CHASING CASSANDRA is book six in Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance series, THE RAVENELS. The book can easily standalone; however, to understand the Ravenel family dynamics, it is necessary to read the prior books. There are two books in this series I have not yet read, something I need to remedy. I adore how the couples from the previous books make frequent appearances throughout the story. I also like how we get to meet, though briefly, Lillian and Marcus’s daughter – the couple from IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN.
CHASING CASSANDRA is a sweet conclusion to a wondrous series. I desperately hope the author plans to write a series centering on the children of the couples from her WALLFLOWER series. I would definitely read those!
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Cassandra Ravenel is the last unmarried sister of the three Ravenel sisters. On the wedding day of her twin sister, Pandora, Cassandra becomes overwrought and begs her cousin Wes to promise to marry her before she reaches the “old maid” age of 25. Tom Severin is no one’s real friend, but he has a connection to everyone—from peerage down to the dock worker. He has climbed the ladder of success with his photographic memory and single mindedness to get what he wants. While trying to grab a break from an olfactory overwhelming wedding party, he overhears Cassandra crying on Wes’ shoulder and decides Cassandra is his next acquisition. However, he has never negotiated a contract with a woman like Cassandra Ravenel.
This is the latest novel in Lisa Kleypas’ Ravenel Family series. You do not have to had read all the novels in the series to understand this one. I have not read all the novels in the series and was able to follow along quite well. In previous novels in the series, Cassandra is presented as the opposite of her twin sister Pandora. Cassandra is breathtakingly beautiful, demure, follows the rules and is rational and logical. Throughout the series she is usually a contrast to Pandora or is the support system for Pandora. In this novel we get to see who Cassandra really is and how comfortable she is with her role in her relationship with Pandora. This novel also develops the character of Tom Severin who in previous novels in the series has been betrayed as some mysterious railroad magnate that would probably negotiate the devil into paying rent in hell. I totally adore Lisa Kleypas and each of her stories are beautifully written and researched. This one was no different. I enjoyed the tug and pull relationship between Tom and Cassandra and how as they learned more about each other the more love blossomed. The novel was steamy, romantic, and funny. My only issue is I feel it ended abruptly. I guess I wanted there to be more for Cassandra and Tom. However, I know that I will see them again in future novels.
At first, Tom, the hero, sounds like a stuffed and starched shirt – rigid, set in his ways and overly sure of himself. That is until he utters the most un-starched comment, “I’ll be your oyster.” In a very short amount of time, Ms. Kleypas provided me the measure of the man, so I’m well aware his statement is wholly out of character. That is also my ‘aha’ moment when I realize that the person doing the most growth, who is going to experience the most changes in circumstances and new awareness, is going to be Tom. My first thought after the first chapter? This, is going to be fun.
If you are a reader who likes to judge a book as readable based on the blurb, a word of caution – I do not agree with the ‘chase being over’, nor that about Cassandra’s heart. I saw the reason for the chase present itself in the first chapter, and even after he received her hand in matrimony, it continued but not quite as the blurb leads you to believe. I perceive it’s not the heroine’s heart but the hero’s. Tom has a dearth of feelings, but Cassandra has an overabundance which will prove to be the hero’s undoing. The results are eminently readable, enjoyable, entertaining and positively delightful. Bazzle’s character is the litmus test – the evidence that the heroine is reaching and thawing Tom’s frozen heart. The twists and turns of their unusual courtship is pure romantic entertainment and very well written.
As for the enemy, again the blurb makes it sound like there’s going to be danger, as in – there might be spies, skullduggery or serious and menacing peril. No one is out to kill anyone, thank goodness. There’s nothing dark or stressful about Chasing Cassandra for which I am grateful. The external conflict puts the heroine in jeopardy; that is true. However, the form it takes is something historical romance readers will appreciate and accept because they understand the gravity of the threat. A nail biting event does exist and it revolves around Bazzle. That scene is where I was truly worried because I’d come to care about his character. How it is resolved gives me great satisfaction, and even while I’m writing this review I am still remembering and appreciating Tom’s actions. He’s a wonderful hero.
Tom eventually seduced Cassandra. Although it was spicy and well written, it also makes me grin from ear to ear. Why? Because I think he was seduced right back, and it confused him. It messed with his will-ordered and efficient mind and I liked that effect. It made the hero approachable, likeable and worthy of the heroine. I especially enjoyed the moonlight waltz. There’s something to be said for shoes that don’t fit.
I was entertained by the contract that Tom and Cassandra came up with. I liked how the author used it to benefit her characters while at the same time giving readers a greater insight into the couple. His reference to ‘tablemats with holes’, and what he thought of fringe, made me giggle. It certainly had me liking him all the more.
Chasing Cassandra was a perfectly delightful read. I have been a bit stressed lately and I can honestly say that the world fell away once I got into the story. I was able to forget the seriousness of life and escape to love, happiness, hope, optimism and laughter. I was treated to a well-rounded happy ever after with characters I really liked. I can easily recommend this a great read.
Lisa always writes a good romance
Lisa not only gives us a romance story but also a slice of history that is nicely interwoven into the basic story.
As always, Lisa Kleypas delivered another delightful and wonderful story!
Best in the series.
A light, effervescent romance with writing that sparkles (and I’m still mulling over whether that’s too mixed a metaphor, but I’ll just go with it for now…)
I enjoy Ms. Kleypas’ work not only for the delightful characterization and skill she brings to her craft, but for her ability to weave historical tidbits about time and place into her writing. In “Chasing Cassandra” the hero, Tom Severin, has led the kind of life which makes relationships difficult, at best, but when he sees Lady Cassandra Ravenel he immediately knows what he wants. It’s her. There’s no second guessing, no dilly-dallying, he wants Cassandra, but he’s always respectful of her as a person, and as a person who can say “no”. It’s the best of Alpha qualities.
Cassandra, for her part, has self confidence and body image issues but recognizes Tom’s qualities and insecurities in a way no one else does, and can love him for them, not in spite of them.
This was a perfect weekend read and I would recommend the entire series, as I would all of Ms. Kleypas’ books. She’s been an autobuy author for me from the very start and is always on my short-list of authors I recommend to newbie historical romance readers.
In a silly nutshell, this is the Grinch romance where the hero’s heart grows because of his Cindy Lou heroine.
I digress. First, I want to say, “Yes, read this! It’s Lisa Kleypas.”
I have to say that I have incredibly high standards for Lisa Kleypas, and Chasing Cassandra did not meet four stars for me. That said, if you like historical, LK, or great writing then this is a must read. The problem for me was it like felt some of the story and characters seemed a little rushed.
SPOILER
Tom is the hunky and smart H who can only identify five emotions and doesn’t believe in love. He does believe in money and technology. Cassandra is the gorgeous fey twin of troublemaking Pandora. She’s gorgeous and sweet and quirky etc and so forth.
Twisting away from him, Cassandra said irritably, “You may not know this, but talking about mathematics eliminates any possibility of being kissed in the first place.”
In many ways, this is a recycled version of Tempt Me at Twilight with Poppy and the emotionally shutdown Harry. Calling it recycled is a lot harsher than I mean, but there are a lot of similarities between the characters.
Tom is insanely attracted to Cassandra but pushes her away as she makes him feel things he doesn’t want to feel and he goes off and makes more money and contemplates a true MOC.
Being a practical girl, Cassandra gets miffed but doesn’t pine. She ends up seeing a true cad who when rejected takes it to the mattresses Victorian style, and poor Cassandra is branded a flirting hussy in the scandal rags. Tom steps in to save the day in every way and they get married.
Where it fell flat for me is the lack of background and detail. We hear about Tom’s estrangement with his mother and distant contact with his sisters and that is that. There is the appearance of retribution for the scandal mongering evil OM then that is that. I wanted to see the collective Ravenel and St. Vincent men get their revenge!
Some of the characters from other Ravenel books make an appearance, but Kleypas keeps the action to this generation END spoiler)]
Despite really enjoying this and it being beautifully written,
Her insides were in a tumult, like birds darting and crisscrossing in flight.
just needed more of the layers that LK can bring to a story.
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Very entertaining to see Lisa Kleypas (LK) weave classic novels into Cassandra’s story. Several characters will make you chuckle and her mastery of writing witty dialogue continues. In fact, I would prefer LESS “love scenes” and MORE banter – there wasn’t enough “conflict” to keep one riveted from one chapter to the next. If you want to visualize a few of the items in the book (like a Jersey Wonder, a beaded shoe, the wedding tiara etc.) follow LK on Instagram @lisakleypas where she has a collection of beautiful things that inspire her as she writes her novels. BTW, stunning cover!
Lisa Kleypas has a magnificent way to portray her characters and the context of her story. Every story she writes is absolutely riveting
I love this entire series!
Chasing Cassandra, by Lisa Klepas, became available at booksellers on 2-19-20. Cassandra is book 6 of 6 in Ms Kleypas The Ravenels series. I’m sorry to see this group of characters come to an end. I’ve been a fan of Ms Kleypas work since the day I read the first page of Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflower Series #1). I’ve been playing catch up with her body of work ever since. I rarely give out 5 stars but these characters drew me in & I became invested in their HEA. That’s a 5 star story. I’m torn between the twins, Pandora & Cassandra, as to which story was the best. I’ll just call it a tie.
Tom Severin had an awful childhood but he had 1 advantage over others in his situation. His mind, it’s a work of art. He’s made his way in the world brilliantly & has all, he thinks, he’s ever wanted. Until Cassandra appears, he’s dumbstruck. I love how he asks “Can I have her?”, like he’s buying a horse. That’s his mindset in the beginning. It’s enjoyable to see him advance beyond 5 emotions to find happiness. Cassandra Ravenel wants love & will not settle. She wants Tom but with love thrown in. She leads Tom a merry chase & I’m so glad they find true love & happiness in the end. There’s so much that I’d love to describe but won’t spoil it for you. You’ll have to become involved in our couples lives yourself.
What’s next? Who’s next? More secondary characters? New characters? I’m on pins and needles.
#LisaKleypas #Avon #HarperCollinsPublishers #ChasingCassandra #TheRavenels #Romance #HistoricalRomance
Tom Severin – Hard luck childhood/rags to “VERY” rich/extremely intelligent and successful/brooding man of few words/lives by five simple rules/afraid to risk his heart to anyone/close friend of the Ravenel males/falls for her at first glance hero/comes to her rescue
Cassandra Ravenel – Perfect/gorgeous blue-eyed blonde/wants to marry for love/alpha protective family/London society approved heroine/men swoon at her feet.
Well, I’ve been chasing after a good romantic read for some time, and I finally found it here, folks. I absolutely loved how Cassandra caught Tom’s eye and captured his sworn, will never fall in love heart at first sight. It was the same for her, by the way. Yeah, the world felt like it stopped spinning on its axis when they first locked eyes. Color me crazy and this set-up up maybe even cliche, but it worked for me as they both swept me off my feet, as well.
Since this is not an ARC review, I don’t have time to linger here. You see, my ARC book review dance card is already full. Just know it was right up there with “Marrying Winterborne”, which is one of my all time favorite regency romantic reads. Mr. Winterborne and Tom had a lot in common, btw. Tom is even more rich. He’s mentioned in another book in a negative light, but we find out things were not exactly as they appeared.
The only thing that really surprised me was I was expecting at one point, after they were married, Cassandra would end up causing this guy to have to run after her and give chase. Instead, the wrap up and realization that resulted in those three little words spilling out were handled differently. What can I say, I’m a lover of relationship angst and can’t get enough of it. Even when it’s a punch to the heart! There is quite a bit of it though as Tom tries in vain to sever the won’t be denied pull he has for this lady love. She’s rocked and changed his world. It just takes him time to fully acknowledge it.
Title: Chasing Cassandra, Series: The Ravenels (Book 6), Author: Lisa Kleypas, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, handsome/rich/brooding/afraid to love hero, gorgeous/perfect heroine, some graphic steamy scenes, London society romance, brief OM/OW drama, HEA.
Book 1 – Cold-Hearted Rake
Book 2 – Marrying Winterborne
Book 3 – Devil in Spring
Book 4 – Hello Stranger
Book 5 – Devil’s Daughter
Book 6 – Chasing Cassandra
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not a detailed ARC review.)
This is my first Lisa Kleypas novel and I absolutely loved this Regency Historical Romance. Chasing Cassandra is book #6 of the Ravenels series. Lady Casandra’s story is the final story of this series.
I enjoyed Lady Cassandra’s character. She was everything pure, kind, and sweet. She only dreams of marrying for love to end up with her own happily ever after. She is domestic and full of beauty and grace. Cassandra has caught Tom Severin’s eye. Tom Severin is quite the opposite of Cassandra. He is cold hearted, calculated and guarded. He is also brilliant and an extremely successful Railway Magnate.
I loved Cassandra and Tom’s story to complete this series. Kleypas delivered with great characters, and a great plot to get these characters discovering their attraction for each other. A standing ovation to Kleypas for this amazing series.
Lisa Kleypas does it again! Loved the hero Tom Severin and Cassandra is lovely! Loved revisiting al the characters from prior books. Highly recommend.