Don’t hate me because I’ve read Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. Yes, I played on the sympathies of the M’s, ruthlessly whining about it being my birthday, and how I really wanted to read and review the book. And sure, it was six months ago. But don’t hate me. Mostly because, I’m going to whet your whistle for this book in the most marvelous way. By telling you about the hero, Jack Travis, without employing ANY spoilers.
The cover blurb tells us that “Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy — a non-committal ladies’ man who lives for pleasure.” And through Lisa’s first two books, Sugar Daddy and Blue Eyed Devil, which chronicled the love lives of his older brother, Gage and his younger sister, Haven respectively, we know this to be true. In fact, each time we’ve met Jack, he’s been with a different woman. And yet, when Ella Varner storms into his life, baby in tow, accusing him of knocking up her sister and not fulfilling his responsibility, his life is irrevocably changed.
He is captivated by Ella. Her smarts, her total lack of visible intimidation of the Travis wealth, and her total determination that he live up to his responsibilities. Here’s her first impression of meeting Jack:
He was tall and big-framed, all hard muscle and easy masculinity, with dark eyes and heavy well-cut black hair. The way he carried himself- the confidence in his walk, the relaxed set of his shoulders – proclaimed that he was used to being in charge. Pausing in mid-conversation, he gave me an alert look, and my breath caught. A blush crept over my face, and a hectic pulse began at the front of my throat.
One glance and I knew exactly who and what he was. The classic alpha male, the kind who had spurred evolution forward about five million years ago by nailing every female in sight.
One glance and I knew exactly who and what he was. The classic alpha male, the kind who had spurred evolution forward about five million years ago by nailing every female in sight.
Sold! I’m sold completely in that description, in which Kleypas draws such a vivid visual picture that we all know exactly in our mind’s eye what Jack looks like, what his carriage and demeanor is and exactly how Ella is going to have to deal with him
What she doesn’t count on, is Jack’s care giving nature. Ella is caring for the baby, waiting for her erstwhile sister to pull it together. Jack sets her up in one of the buildings that he owns, and introduces her to Haven, his sister. But it is his nurturing side that endears him to us as readers. He does little things for Ella. Helping her when she needs it, making sure she isn’t struggling, and all the while befriending her, drawing her to him with his contradictory nurture over alpha vibe. At one point, Jack uses his stature as a businessman to help Ella get a meeting with someone completely out of her league. They have this exchange after the meeting where Ella is angry with Jack for telling her his opinion about her sister’s gold digging ways.
“I don’t give a shit about your money–”
“I know that. It’s one of the reasons I–”
“—and if you hate my sister so much, why are you bothering to help her?”
“I don’t hate her. Not at all. I just see her for what she is. I’m doing all of this for Luke’s sake. And yours.”
“For my sake?” Startled out of my rising anger, I gave him a round-eyed glance.
“There’s not much I wouldn’t do for you, Ella,” he said quietly. “Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
Um, sold AGAIN! Is there anything more heady than a total alpha playboy male being brought figuratively to his knees by a woman? Is there anything better than HIM realizing it and acting on it with honor, and sweetness and care? I really don’t think so.
Jack Travis literally leapfrogged over Gage Travis, McKenna, Derek Craven, and a host of other delicious Kleypas heroes to the front of the pack. And he is why I say that the Caregiving Bad Boy is the best of the bunch.
What do you think? Do you love an alpha male who nurtures? What are some examples of your favorite reformed bad boys?
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Stacy ~
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 5:56 am:
Kati! I don’t hate you…well, maybe because I already read the book too LOL. You totally listed all the things I adored about Jack. He’s definitely my favorite LK contemporary hero, bypassing Gage & Hardy, hands-down. Jack is incredibly hot and sexy, so much so he makes your toes curl, but at the same time, the way he loves Ella…thud. I’m swooning over the man. I think there is definitely something to be said for the nurturing hero. Especially if we are holding up Jack as our example.
Gotta run…work beckons.
PJ
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 8:04 am:
Kati, as if I wasn’t already anxious enough for this book to be released, you’ve gone and pushed me over the top! Counting down the days….
Maria Lokken
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 8:18 am:
Love alpha males who nurture. It is a particularly endearing quality. Now how do we bottle that up and sell it? I think we could make millions.
Gannon
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 9:11 am:
Kati, I don’t hate you, but I definitely envy you! I can’t wait to read this book. A nurturing alpha male is fabulous!
One glance and I knew exactly who and what he was. The classic alpha male, the kind who had spurred evolution forward about five million years ago by nailing every female in sight. Wow! I love that line and I’d buy the book on that description alone!
Maria, we could definitely make $$$ from that quality of an a nurturing alpha male.
Andrea
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 10:08 am:
I’m counting down the days for this one!!
Carolyn Jean
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 10:26 am:
Whoa! These are some fine excerpts. What do I think? Uh, SOLD!!!!!!! Thanks for the preview, Kati!!
Kati
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 11:17 am:
Hi everyone! You know, as I was re-reading the blog this morning, it occurred to me that Rhage is my favorite of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (until Tohr’s book). And he is ALSO a reformed bad boy caregiver. Mary is dying, and all he wants to do is be there for her, and take care of her and baby her. And he gives up SO much to do it.
I could get drunk off a guy like that. I just love a bad boy who nurtures.
Laura
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 11:21 am:
I will definitely read this book. It sounds great. Rhage? Oh yes. But like you, I think Thor will be my new favorite. I have that book preordered. Counting down until May.
Marisa
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 11:22 am:
Kati – I can’t wait to read this one!
I agree with you – Rhage is a great bad boy, his sacrifices for Mary make him so very endearing. A nurturing bad boy is definitely one who makes your heart go pitter pat – and after reading the ARC for Rehvenge’s book, I think he’ll be right up there with Rhage.
Laura
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 11:24 am:
Oops, not Thor, Tohr. But again, a mistake. I am thinking of Rehvenge.
katiebabs
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 11:51 am:
Jack over Hardy? Oh boy….
orannia
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 2:25 pm:
Thank you Kati!
Mostly because, I’m going to whet your whistle for this book in the most marvelous way.
Is that whetting our appetite or teasing
Jack sounds amazing and I’m so looking forward to reading the book! Lisa Kleypas really has a way of making her characters leap off the page!
And yes, I’m completely sold on a nuturing alpha male! Rhage is definitely a contender for that title
Stacey
on Mar 18th, 2009
@ 4:33 pm:
Nurturing alpha males…
For some reason, I’m thinking about how in later books, we get to see how super-psycho Zarek and how tender he is with his son *sniff*.
But I’ll definitely think on this one. Great Job Kati
And happy late birthday.
Stacey