THE DEVIL IN WINTER is a classic for a reason. It is the third book of Kleypas’ Wallflowers series. This book is takes the classic rake and wallflower story and makes it simply amazing. The rake, Sebastian, Viscount St. Vincent is an incredible character. Kleypas does a great job of taking him from the unrepentant rake who was the villain in the second book of the series and making him a swoon worthy hero. The transition is slow and realistic and so incredibly moving. His slow developing love for the wallflower Evie makes this book one of my all time favorites.
At the same time, Evie is a wallflower, but not a sweet helpless idiot. She is incredibly strong and unlike similar stories it is Evie who approaches the rake. She has been subjected to much cruelty in her life and has built a strong character from those experiences. It is her strength that attracts Sebastian.
I have nothing negative to write about this book. The ability of Kleypas to write such intricate characterizations is one reason she is an amazing writer. I highly recommend this book. Honestly, one could read this book independent of the others in the series (I did the first time) and while the book is better read in context, it is not essential to read the others first.