Devil in Winter

Author - Lisa Kleypas

Shy heiress Evangeline Jenner proposes a marriage of convenience to notorious rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, in exchange for protection. What begins as a cold bargain soon transforms into one of the most passionate and beloved romances in Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflowers series.

Genre - Historical Romance

Notes: Devil in Winter

• • Evangeline Jenner, a shy and unassuming wallflower, is determined to marry within the year to secure her inheritance.
• • She targets the notorious and wealthy Lord St. Vincent, known for his scandalous reputation and immense fortune.
• • Evangeline seeks him out at a gambling hell, a highly unconventional and daring move for her.
• • She proposes a marriage of convenience, offering him her fortune in exchange for his name and protection.
• • Lord St. Vincent, initially amused and intrigued, agrees to the proposal, seeing an opportunity for a strategic alliance.
• • Their engagement is met with shock and disapproval from society, given their vastly different reputations.
• • Evangeline is initially intimidated by St. Vincent's commanding presence and dark allure.
• • St. Vincent finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Evangeline's quiet strength and intelligence.
• • Their courtship is awkward and formal, marked by societal expectations and their own insecurities.
• • Evangeline begins to discover hidden depths to St. Vincent, beyond his public persona.
• • St. Vincent, in turn, is surprised by Evangeline's sharp wit and her ability to challenge him.
• • A significant turning point occurs when Evangeline witnesses St. Vincent in a compromising situation, revealing a glimpse of his vulnerability.
• • She overhears him discussing his past and the hardships he endured, which alters her perception of him.
• • St. Vincent begins to feel protective of Evangeline, especially when she faces social ostracism.
• • He starts to actively defend her honor and reputation, going against his usual detached nature.
• • Their wedding day arrives, a grand affair but tinged with uncertainty.
• • The early days of their marriage are marked by a polite distance and a lack of intimacy.
• • Evangeline continues to observe St. Vincent, noticing his brooding silences and inner turmoil.
• • St. Vincent struggles with his past demons, including his difficult upbringing and his mother's influence.
• • He grapples with his growing feelings for Evangeline, fearing he will corrupt her innocence.
• • Evangeline, despite her initial fear, actively seeks to understand and connect with St. Vincent.
• • She begins to unravel the layers of his personality, discovering his kindness and his capacity for love.
• • A significant event involves Evangeline’s former suitor, Mr. Davies, reappearing and causing trouble.
• • St. Vincent becomes fiercely jealous and possessive, revealing the depth of his feelings for Evangeline.
• • He confronts Davies, protecting Evangeline from his unwanted advances.
• • The growing intimacy between them is mirrored in their intellectual sparring and shared confidences.
• • St. Vincent starts to confide in Evangeline about his family history and his fears.
• • Evangeline, in turn, shares her own anxieties and dreams with him.
• • A pivotal moment of emotional breakthrough occurs when Evangeline confronts St. Vincent about his emotional distance.
• • She expresses her desire for a genuine connection, not just a convenient arrangement.
• • St. Vincent is deeply moved by her honesty and vulnerability.
• • He begins to shed his armor and open himself up to her love.
• • The physical intimacy between them intensifies, reflecting their emotional connection.
• • St. Vincent’s past trauma, particularly related to his mother, is explored in more detail.
• • Evangeline’s unwavering support and love help St. Vincent confront and begin to heal from his past.
• • The couple faces external threats, including those who wish to exploit St. Vincent's wealth and power.
• • Evangeline proves to be resourceful and brave, standing by St. Vincent's side.
• • A significant challenge arises from St. Vincent’s estranged and manipulative mother, Lady St. Vincent.
• • Lady St. Vincent attempts to undermine Evangeline and control her son.
• • Evangeline demonstrates remarkable courage and intelligence in standing up to Lady St. Vincent.
• • St. Vincent witnesses Evangeline's strength and resilience, further solidifying his love for her.
• • The climax involves a confrontation with Lady St. Vincent and her machinations.
• • Evangeline and St. Vincent work together to overcome the challenges posed by his family.
• • St. Vincent publicly declares his love and commitment to Evangeline.
• • The couple finds a way to build a future together, free from the shadows of the past.
• • Evangeline blossoms from a wallflower into a confident and beloved woman.
• • St. Vincent finds redemption and happiness through his love for Evangeline.
• • Their marriage becomes a true partnership, built on mutual respect, love, and understanding.
• • The ending signifies a happy and secure future for both Evangeline and St. Vincent.