I have read may Kleypas books/series' and have loved them all. This series is by far better than all previous. 
 Alex is strong and gruff and wounded. He needs to be provoked into action and Lily is just the woman to do it. Lily throws caution to the wind (over and over and over) to prevent her meek sister from marrying the overbearing Alex. The thing is that Lily pushes Alex as far as he can be pushed and beyond making his obsession with her grow and a very interesting tale. 
 Lily's haunted past comes to the forefront and despite her feelings for those around her she is hard pressed to share her pain with others. 
 It is truly a magnificent story about love, trust and overcoming hardships.