“Mysteries of attraction could not always be explained through logic. Sometimes the fractures in two separate souls became the very hinges that held them together.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Winter
When shy, overlooked Evie Jenner makes a shocking proposal to the most notorious rake in London, a marriage of convenience turns into something unexpectedly tender and powerful. Devil in Winter is a historical romance about finding safety, trust, and passion where neither character ever thought they could.
Devil in Winter was one of those books my brain latched onto immediately and refused to let go. I flew through it, completely absorbed, and finished it feeling deeply satisfied. Lisa Kleypas sets up multiple possible directions the story could take, which made it especially fun to read. I genuinely enjoyed seeing which path she ultimately chose and how everything unfolded.
Character Arc
One of the standout elements of this book is the male main character’s arc. Watching him move from mild curiosity about the FMC to a fiercely protective, utterly devoted partner was delicious. The progression felt natural and earned, not rushed or forced, which made the emotional payoff that much better. His transformation is one of those slow, rewarding shifts that makes romance readers swoon.
Kleypas does an excellent job crafting a strong female lead who feels believable for the time period. The FMC is intelligent, resilient, and quietly powerful in her own way. She still lives within most of societies rules, but stands up for herself as best as she can. Her growth throughout the novel is subtle but meaningful, and her dynamic with the MMC is both tender and compelling.
Spice, Style, and Standalone Appeal
This book has plenty of spice, but it’s woven seamlessly into the story and character development rather than existing just for shock value. Lisa Kleypas’s writing style is smooth, engaging, and incredibly readable. To me it is the kind that makes you forget the outside world while you’re reading. Although Devil in Winter is book three in a series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone, and I never felt lost or confused jumping in here.
Final Thoughts
I really, truly enjoyed Devil in Winter. It delivered strong character arcs, emotional depth, satisfying romance, and the right amount of spice. It’s no surprise this book is so beloved within the historical romance genre. I’ll definitely be looking into reading the other novels in the series this coming year, even if I don’t end up talking about them all online.
Are you a historical romance reader?
Hazel Harbor Books 
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