Smooth Talking Stranger: A Novel (The Travis Family, 3)

i love her historical books but she blew me away with this series. Heart warming yet sexy as all get out. Can't wait for the 4th book.

I really enjoyed this book, I could not put it down I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning to finish it. I enjoyed how the characters were developed I liked the fact that things were not rushed and we got to know them both even though it was from Ella's point of view. I liked that all the previous character's from her other books were involved it added a little more depth to the book. I loved Jack, he was funny and smart, and sometimes a bit of a alpha male to the extreme. Ella was not so bad, there were times when she irked the crap out of me like her defense of her sister which was not warranted since they did not have any contact with each other in over 2 years other than an occasional card...her sister was loose and she knew it! I also did not like the way she jumped to conclusions with Jack in the beginning without knowing all of the facts about his and Tara's relationship; she went in there with all her righteous indignation when she didn't know JACK!!! lol. Other than those few times Ella got on my nerves...it was a good read, I enjoyed their interaction and at times found myself lauging out loud at their banter. The sex scenes were very well written and my gosh HOOOOOTT....whew! :)

This is the third in Lisa's comtemporary novel series with the Travis family. This is about Jack Travis and it is so awesome. I have read Sugar Daddy and Blue Eyed Devil and I loved them too. Out of Gage Travis, Hardy Cates, and Jack Travis, I love Hardy the most. But I still fell in love with Jack. I got this the day it came out and could not put it down. God, I hope she writes more about this family. If you haven't read the others in the series...thats okay but I recommend you read them first then this.

This was by far my favorite of Lisa Kleypas' contemporary novels, which is saying a lot, because I've really enjoyed the others. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did, but Ella and Jack are such well-drawn characters - the reader gets a very real sense of who they are as people, and what has led to them being who they are. Both are flawed, but in a way that makes them all the more real, and they don't judge each other, but demonstrate a very real, very deep, mutual sense of understanding and acceptance. Plus, their banter is fantastic! They're both incredibly bright and funny, and a lot of their conversations and back-and-forth snark are a lot of fun to read. That said, Kleypas doesn't skimp on meaningful conversations, either; Ella and Jack have many serious, meaningful talks that give us real insight into their ever-growing and intensifying feelings for one another. The actual progression of their relationship is very well done. It does not move at a snail's pace, but it doesn't happen overnight, either. The reader is treated to seeing how their initial attraction to, and wariness of, one other develops into real friendship and trust, heat and passion, a breaking down of old walls and defenses, and a truly beautiful, strong love. Kleypas does all of this while managing to avoid a cliche or two that are repeated ad nauseum in books that feature alpha male playboys, and does so in such a way as to turn those cliches to her advantage, and strengthen the bond between the characters. Then, too, there is involvement by other members of the Travis family (particularly Haven), and their significant others/spouses. It was a great to read about how their lives have grown and changed, and Kleypas integrated them very well into Jack and Ella's story. This book was very good - in fact, it's one of the best romances that I've ever read. I *highly* recommend this book to all of those who are looking for a novel featuring real, deep love and romance; fun and playfulness; intense passion and need; some heart-string tugging events; and even some suspense. Kleypas truly outdid herself with this book!

Lisa has done it again, she brings our heroine Ella and the Smooth Talking Stranger Jack together in this sizzling romance that has to glued to each and every page. Her best contemporary to date.