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Ranking Lisa Kleypas Heroines: Top 10 Independent Women in History
Lisa Kleypas has given us some of the most bold, witty, and unforgettable heroines in historical and contemporary romance. Whether they’re shy Wallflowers, rule-breaking debutantes, or self-made women, Kleypas heroines always fight for their happily-ever-afters. But who reigns supreme? Let’s rank them from “Queen of Our Hearts” to “Still Iconic, But Not The One.”
The Best Lisa Kleypas Heroines
10. Annabelle Peyton (Secrets of a Summer Night) – The Strategist
Annabelle is a beauty on the brink of financial ruin who must marry for money—except she keeps running into Simon Hunt, a self-made man who wants her, but not for marriage.
Why We Love Her:
- Watching her realize that love matters more than status is so satisfying.
- She’s clever and determined to secure a good future for her family.
- Her banter with Simon is sharp and filled with tension.
9. Beatrix Hathaway (Love in the Afternoon) – The Free Spirit
Beatrix is an animal-loving, unconventional heroine who secretly writes letters to a soldier at war, pretending to be someone else—only for him to return home ready to claim her heart.
Why We Love Her:
- She’s quirky, intelligent, and doesn’t care for social rules.
- The letter-writing romance is one of the most emotional in Kleypas’ books.
- Her love for animals makes her extra endearing.
8. Aline Marsden (Again the Magic) – The Noble Sacrificer
Aline is a noblewoman forced to give up her true love due to societal expectations, only to reunite with him years later when he returns as a powerful man.
Why We Love Her:
- She puts duty and love at odds, creating intense emotional stakes.
- Her reunion with McKenna is fiery, heartbreaking, and swoon-worthy.
- She proves that true love never fades, even after years apart.
7. Haven Travis (Blue-Eyed Devil) – The Survivor
Haven has endured heartbreak and trauma, but her journey of healing and rediscovering love with Hardy Cates is raw, emotional, and inspiring.
Why We Love Her:
- Her growth from an abusive past to a strong, independent woman is incredible.
- She doesn’t let her trauma define her.
- Her love story is a second chance at happiness.
6. Helen Ravenel (Marrying Winterborne) – The Quietly Bold Heroine
Helen is soft-spoken and gentle, yet she’s the only one who can tame the ruthless Rhys Winterborne.
Why We Love Her:
- She may seem delicate, but her inner strength is undeniable.
- She defies expectations to be with the man she loves.
- She proves that gentleness can be just as powerful as fire.
5. Amelia Hathaway (Mine Till Midnight) – The Protective Matriarch
Amelia is the responsible eldest Hathaway sibling, balancing duty and love when she meets the charismatic Cam Rohan.
Why We Love Her:
- She’s fiercely loyal and protective of her siblings.
- Her chemistry with Cam is magnetic.
- She navigates family struggles, love, and independence with grace.
4. Dr. Garrett Gibson (Hello Stranger) – The Trailblazer
Dr. Garrett Gibson is the only female physician in England, proving she doesn’t need a man—but Ethan Ransom makes her rethink everything.
Why We Love Her:
- She’s brilliant, determined, and doesn’t let anyone stand in her way.
- Her romance with Ethan is full of action, passion, and emotional depth.
- She breaks barriers while still embracing love.
3. Sara Fielding (Dreaming of You) – The Writer Who Stole Our Hearts
Sara is a quiet, bookish author who ventures into a dangerous gambling club for research—and ends up winning the heart of Derek Craven.
Why We Love Her:
- She’s smart, brave, and deeply kind.
- She sees the good in a self-made rogue who doesn’t believe in love.
- She proves that bookish heroines can be just as powerful as fiery ones.
2. Evie Jenner (The Devil in Winter) – The Shy Girl Turned Powerhouse
Evie starts as a stuttering, timid Wallflower escaping an abusive family—only to strike a marriage bargain with the most notorious rake in London.
Why We Love Her:
- Her quiet strength is deeply compelling.
- She tames Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, proving that love can change even the most hardened heart.
- She goes from meek to fiercely independent, running her own business.
1. Lillian Bowman (It Happened One Autumn) – The Firecracker
Lillian is bold, opinionated, and doesn’t care what society thinks—which makes her perfectly matched with the buttoned-up Lord Westcliff.
Why We Love Her:
- She’s hilariously outspoken.
- Her chemistry with Westcliff is pure opposites-attract gold.
- She refuses to change herself for society’s approval.
Who’s Your Favorite Kleypas Heroine?
Lisa Kleypas writes incredible women who each bring something unique to their love stories. Do you love a fierce heroine like Lillian, or do you adore a quietly strong woman like Helen? Let’s chat in the comments!
Read more:
If you loved this ranking, don’t miss our Lisa Kleypas Hero Ranking where we ranked the most swoon-worthy book boyfriends! Find out which hero takes the top spot and why readers can’t stop obsessing over them.
Love badass women in history? Check out our list of favorite historical romance heroines that defied the norms of their times.
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