A Letter to Lisa Kleypas

Thank you, Kassa, for coming up with such a wonderful way for those of us who love romance to thank the amazing authors who give us so much enjoyment. When I started thinking about which author to write to, I decided to go with the one whose books move me most. It was an easy decision, Lisa Kleypas.

Dear Lisa -

I've told you this story, but I'm going to tell it again. About six years ago, my dad announced over Christmas mashed potatoes that he was going to need a triple bypass. Of course, my entire family was shocked. Even more so when he went in for the final heart catheterization and they found a 100% blockage in one of the arteries. The doctor could give him no medical reason why he hadn't had a massive heart attack. Anyway, my sister and I made the trip to North Carolina to be with my mom while my dad had his surgery. Before I left, I made a trip to Books-A-Million and picked up Again the Magic.

My dad went into surgery at about 7 a.m. and my sister, mom and I went to the waiting area to sit and wait until the doctor came to see us. My sister and my mom got up pretty quickly to walk, as it made the time pass faster for my mom. Me? I heaved a sigh, and sat in that uncomfortable chair, and opened Again the Magic. Soon I was caught up in Aline and McKenna's story. Their sweet teenage romance, their split, the misunderstanding, and McKenna's return to Aline's life, embittered and bound and determined to get retribution. For hours, you took me away from the worry, and the fear.

Even though I had read your books before, and quite enjoyed them, Again the Magic is the book where you leap-frogged over other authors to become my favorite. Then, Squawk Radio came along. And I realized how truly nice you were - always welcoming, always kind to your readers. And I liked you even more.

Then you announced that you would be writing contemporary. I was so nervous. I worried that your talented hand with historicals wouldn't translate well to contemporary. Boy was I wrong. When Sugar Daddy came out, and I finally read it, your contemporary voice was a revelation. I wasn't sure about the first person, but I was immediately drawn to Liberty's voice. And as always, you wrote a hero to die for -- Gage Travis. Strong, dominant, and yet evolved. And I fell in love all over again. Then came Hardy Cates, the hero from Blue Eyed Devil, his strength and steadfastness pulled Haven from the abyss. And then, you followed with Jack Travis -- my favorite hero you've ever written. His incredible polish, his total dedication to Ella, his loyalty to his family, his alpha-ness, his care for Luke, Ella's nephew, his drive to convince Ella that not only could he take care of Ella and Luke, but that he could and would become the great love of her life. He blew me away. So much so, that I've probably re-read the Smooth Talking Stranger fifteen times. It's my favorite go-to comfort book. Every time I'm as swept away by his love and care as Ella.

Your deft ability, your sparkling dialogue, your likable heroines, and your dreamy and amazing heroes have combined to make you one of my all time favorite authors. So thank you, Lisa. Thank you for giving me hours and hours of enjoyment and entertainment. And for making me fall in love each and every time I open one of your books.

Kati

Next up is the fabulous Jenre. Her author blog will be up tomorrow.