I took a multiple year break between this and the rest of the series. It was intentional. This was the last book before Ms. Kleypas started her hiatus from historical romance. I didn't want to not have one if I needed an LK fix. Even after all those years, I fell back into the world of the Hathaways, like a worn in pair of shoes. They feel like real people to me, just as quirky as real relatives. Beatrix earns a special place in my heart as heroine. She is such a wonderful, sweet person, but has a very thoughtful and wise beyond her years core. Many times I didn't feel like Christopher deserved her in the least. I love animals much in the same way as Beatrix, so I really connected to her in her animal and nature love.

The romance seduced me, even when I didn't really like Christopher. I felt bad for his experiences, but his superior and somewhat shallow behavior initially was a turnoff. I like that he did evolve as a character. I was sorry for the way he suffered in the war, and it took that to help mature him. I am sure it didn't help that his mother was so mean to him and made no mistake about favoring John (his brother).

As always, the Hathaways charm the socks off me. It was lovely to see how the years have evolved the various siblings and their spouses. I did miss seeing Harry and Poppy. It was awesome to see the next generation of Hathaways.

Lisa Kleypas has such a wonderful voice and her historical romances are sensual in a way that goes beyond sexuality. Her descriptions of the setting stimulate all the senses in a delightful way. And the letters that Beatrix and Christopher exchange are heartfelt and deep.

Other than Christopher starting out as a jerk, I can't say I disliked anything about this book. I love that he realizes before it's too late what a treasure he has in Beatrix, and he truly is like many of her charges, wounded and striking out in anger, but deep down in need of love and care.

Another wonderful Hathaway novel by Ms. Kleypas. A treasure to read.

Description from Amazon: 

"The ties that bind can be the worst kind! The West Coast Avengers fight demons, robots, zombies and more in this collection of eighties extravaganzas! The Grim Reaper wants his brother dead, and Ultron wants his father dead - leaving the Vision and Scarlet Witch between two bloodlines getting bloodier by the minute! Guest-starring the Rangers and the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Thing! Plus: Wonder Man in a role that will surprise you!

COLLECTING: WEST COAST AVENGERS (1985) 1-9, VISION & THE SCARLET WITCH (1985) 1-2"

That sounds awesome, right?   Like it would totally be about Vision and Ultron mostly.   Except that three fourths of this had Vision off the team, and only one of those issues was Ultron heavy.   And it was the first time I'd seen an Ultron quite like that, and then it was made clear that wouldn't happen again - no  matter how much I liked the thought of Ultron Mark 12. 

But mostly?   I was bored after Vision left the team.   And ugh.   Just cheesy writing and it was all overwritten and I had to force myself to finish this to make sure I didn't spoil myself for the last page with Vision on it - which, yes, I kept flipping through to see if he came back. 

I didn't, by the way, it was a one page teaser for the Vision/Scarlet Witch series. 

But, just, seriously I do not like this series.   Vision Quest was pretty awesome - except the part where some people decide not to help Vision.   (I'm looking at you, Simon and Jan.)

So, Darker Than Scarlet will probably be my last WCA or AWC read.   I apparently am not down with this series.   

PS - The bitterness has worn off.   I like old school Vision/Scarlet Witch because, damn, that just made him happy.   When he's happy, it's all good for me.  I just force their future out of my mind and focus on what they had then.  I can do it now.

Is anyone else wondering what werewolf/Tigra babies would look like?

Also, still missing V.   I'm so glad I only have a hundred pages left, though.   I'm going to move onto something more modern with V in it, I think, after this.   I can't deal with this old school, overwritten stuff, especially when the back promised me V and didn't tell me it was going to veer off without him for so long -_-

This is painful now that Vision has left. 

When the dialogue is so cheesy you keep looking around to see if anyone's watching your reaction, because you know you're having one because reading this is so embarrassing you feel for the author. 

And then you're like, nope, I'm alone and safe.   They are really pushing the 'Simon Williams/Vizh are brothers' angle.   Guys, seriously, if you go one sentence without telling us, we won't forget.  I promise.   

Of course, there is a huge amount of bromantic hugging going on, too. 

They don't give a fuck.   They do it right in front of everyone and everyone is happy for them.   The thing is, I would love to read a story about them as brothers, but not when the writing is so, so stilted.   And cheesy.   Oh, Primus, the cheese. 

Because I love reading Vision when he's happy.   But Scarlet Witch and him being the happy married couple is bittersweet; I'm reminded of what he will lose in the near future.   And while I love how thrilled he is to find more family, this writing is painful. 

Still, overall, I'm enjoying, and continuing to read, because happy Vision is my jam. 

Okay, more GIFs than necessary, but I'm killing time before I go in for a last minute shift, since I was asked yesterday.