November 17, 2020 - Staff Reviews

Chasing Cassandra
By Lisa Kleypas

Release Date: 

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4754158

3.5 Stars - I was starting at end the end of Kleypas' Ravenals series with this book, but I managed to get immersed in it all the same. Cassandra was such a sweet and patient heroine, I couldn't help but hope she got her happy ending. And Tom's pursuit of her was endlessly entertaining.

Kleypas seems to always write an engaging story whether contemporary or historical and with a touch suspense and steam. Cassandra and Tom make a horrible couple on paper and in the beginning pretty much no one supports the idea. Cassandra's a sweet little dreamer and Tom is about as cynical as they come and makes no apologies for it. This push and pull continues for a considerable amount of the book. But from the get-go, these two are fascinated with each other and makes for a fun ride.

I loved the scene early on where Tom overhears Cassandra proposes marriage to another man and pops out of his hiding place. It reminded me of Gone with the Wind and be still my heart. These two have a number of cute and memorable moments like repairing a hot water tank and trading barbs about various novel. Bazzle is a little boy who seems to wander into the story, and I actually found his role to be one of the weaker points. I think his part would have been more satisfying with at least a few more real moments of affection or connection with his perspective parents. But he seems to sort of float on the edges of the story while still taking considerable page time that might have been more about the main couple. It's also worth mentioning that it's a rather quick read so a library copy might be the way to go. This doesn't have the length and twists of a Catherine Coulter or Tessa Dare story, though no less likable. No complaints otherwise really, and I found it be a completely charming little read.

(NS)