The Travis Family by Lisa Kleypas – Heartfelt and Sexy – Books in Order

It would be a travisty (haha, see what I did there! *pats self on back*) if you haven’t read the Travis Family by Lisa Kleypas. This was her first venture into contemporary romance after writing many many amazing Historical Romances, some of the best in the genre in fact, and we are pleased to say we thought it a resounding success! If you haven’t read this series here is the reading order and our attempt to convince you to give it a shot.

Travis Family by Lisa Kleypas

Having a series based on the happily ever afters of a group of siblings is a well established romance trope. There’s nothing I love more than starting a series and finding out that the hero or heroine (or both!) has a load of single siblings. I usually find a favourite amongst them and then wait impatiently for their book. So, knowing that Lisa Kleypas was creating a group of siblings for me to fall in love with? Sold. 

Travis Family by Lisa Kleypas Series Reading Order

So, I hope you are ready to fall in love! Here is the reading order of the Travis series with our thoughts on each book alongside our favourite quotes:

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Sugar Daddy

“The span of three or four minutes is pretty insignificant in the scheme of things. People lose hundreds of minutes everyday, squandering them on trivial things. But sometimes in those fragments of time, something can happen you’ll remember the rest of your life.”

Suzanne: The romance wasn’t as strong in Sugar Daddy in fact… I was convinced almost to the end that our heroine would end up with her childhood crush. So, on my first read I was a little put out. However, on subsequent rereads I’ve really grown to love Liberty’s character growth, her beautiful relationship with her sister and even the romance.

Francesca: The start of this series brings a romance that edges women’s fiction. It’s the journey of our heroine Liberty and the charm of a small town in Texas. Secrets, past, two men, one woman. Even if this was light on the romance I still enjoyed the growth we went on with Liberty and getting to know each of the characters.

read this is you want:

  • Love triangle
  • Small town
  • Class differences

She’s from the wrong side of the tracks.

Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas—if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn’t need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.

He’s the one man she can’t have.

When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon—a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family’s past.

Will they find their hearts’ desire or will heartbreak forever tear them apart?

Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you’ll root for every step of the way. A love story you’ll never forget.

This was a really good story, I found it written very well, the whole thing flowed nicely. I always like to read books set in Texas, although maybe I would’ve expected it to be on a farm as opposed to a trailer park, but that’s ok.

Liberty Jones is an amazing heroine. She is tough, she will do anything for her family, and she cares for the people around her. Her story starts basically when she was still a teenager, struggling with making ends meet, and finding herself out of nowhere having a little sister.

When her mother dies, she decides to take on the responsibility of raising her sister. She has given up many things in her life to raise her. But through it all she’s stayed strong, and done what had to be done.

When she meets the Travises is almost as in a small way her life could turn around and a little bit of luck starts shining her way.

I had just one major problem with this book and the reason why it’s not a 5 star story. Liberty’s high school crush Hardy is a perfect man. He grows up to be almost even more perfect. And up until 60% of the book he is the only romantic interest in the story, even though really nothing happens between them.

When Gage comes into the story, even though he’s sexy as hell, I didn’t feel they had time to establish any connection. It was too sudden, and rushed.

Regardless, this was a really good read and I can’t wait to continue on reading this series. I do hear Jack and Hardy are some really good ones!!!!! 😉 Now, who will I chose?

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Under the Covers Top Read Seal of Approval

Blue-Eyed Devil

“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.”

Francesca: The vivid memories I have of this book crushing my heart. But then putting it back together. There’s something epic about this love story and it’s literally one of my favorite books of all time. The romance, the journey, the healing. Undoubtedly a beautiful story that will also touch your heart.

Suzanne: What a beautiful book. It’s a story of a survivor of domestic abuse and her road to recovery and finding love again. This one ruthlessly plays on your heartstrings, it truly shows what a masterful author Lisa Kleypas is. She tackles the themes in this book with sensitivity and strength.

read this is you want:

  • Tearjerker
  • Woman surviving domestic abuse
  • Emotionally intense

The New York Times bestselling author of Sugar Daddy is back with her most breathtaking, hot-and-bothered novel yet!

MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL

His name is Hardy Cates. He’s a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston’s oil industry. He’s got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

MEET THE HEIRESS

She’s Haven Travis. Despite her family’s money, she refuses to set out on the path they’ve chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.

WATCH THE SPARKS FLY. . . .

Filled with Lisa Kleypas’s trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.

Her name is Haven. But it’s her last name that gets her noticed. Being the only girl in a family of men can be tough sometimes. With three overprotective brothers plus a meddling father, Haven has a difficult time finding a guy who can stand up to her family name, let alone her family. Haven falls in love quickly with a man who she thinks she knows. But, in the end, being married to Nick isn’t what she thought it would be.

Blue-Eyed Devil made me bawl like a baby. I’m not ashamed to admit it because it was such a rollercoaster ride. The events of this book shocked me and I couldn’t help but sympathize and go through various emotions. It was this part that seriously broke my heart:

His arms closed around me tentatively, unlike his usual firm grip, and I realized he was trying to keep from hurting me. I felt the trembling beneath his stillness.
Overwhelmed with relief I laid my good cheek on his shoulder.
“Gage,” I whispered. “Love you more than anybody.”
He had to clear his throat before he could speak. “Love you too, baby girl.”

Haven was an amazing character. I loved her strength and courage throughout this entire book. Writing her character must have been difficult. Kleypas had to make her vulnerable and show her fear without making her become a spineless woman. In the end, I thought Haven still possessed that fire she had before she was with Nick and perhaps even more so when she was with Hardy.

Hardy Cates is pure, undiluted lust. He’s just so masculine and sexually potent, it was no wonder Haven pounced on him when she got the chance! I don’t blame her. I liked that Kleypas kept his hell-rising personality. She’s good in that she doesn’t suddenly change a character’s personality now that he’s the hero of the book. Hardy is ambitious and he would do anything in his power to achieve what he wants, even it means selling people out. Kleypas didn’t erase his determination in this book and I’m glad for it. In fact, I think it made Hardy even more appealing, more sexy if that was even possible. The fact that she was so keen on having Haven, no questions asked, was a turn-on. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Kleypas writes the best heroes?

I’m not sure if it’s the change in genre or if it’s the hero’s personality, but I find the sex scenes in her contemporary series a lot hotter than in her historical romance novels. My palms got sweaty a couple of times while reading this!

A few friends have mentioned their everlasting love for this book, being one of their all-time favourites and I think that Blue-Eyed Devil will be one of those books on my keeper shelf that will be bent and ripped from so many rereads. It was that good! I always fall in love with Kleypas’ books and this one was no exception.

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Under the Covers Top Read Seal of Approval

Smooth Talking Stranger

“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. They charmed, seduced, and behaved like bastards, and yet women were biologically incapable of resisting their magic DNA.”

Suzanne: After the massive heart punch of Blue-Eyed Devil I didn’t know what to expect from this one. But, it turned out to be just the book I needed. It was lighter in tone, but that doesn’t mean it was in any way shallow. This was a lovely story centred round family and responsibility. It’s probably the book in the series I reread the most.

Francesca: The sexiest of the Travis’s and a fun romance. When a millionaire playboy who doesn’t want any commitments is faced with a son he didn’t know about. And falls for the aunt that wants him to take responsibility. The sparks are flying everywhere with this one.

read this is you want:

  • Single mom
  • Millionaire manwhore
  • Secret baby

The last Travis brother, Jack, is at center stage in this steamy, sexy novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas, Smooth Talking Stranger.

Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life.

With delicious romantic tension, characters so real they walk onto the page and into your heart, Lisa Kleypas delivers the kind of novel that makes you laugh, love; cry and cheer.

It’s official now. I’m adding Jack Travis to my harem! There are now FIVE of LK’s heroes on that list, including Kev, St. Vincent, Craven and McKenna. Wow, talk about hot heroes!

Jack Travis is the ideal man. Throughout this entire book, I was hoping to find one flaw in his character and despite his bed-hopping past, I couldn’t find a single thing wrong with this guy! What I love about him the most is the fact that he doesn’t do things half-measure. He’s an all-or-nothing kind of guy, even when it comes to love. I loved that he pushed Ella to her limits, stepping on her toes when she started to shy away. He didn’t allow Ella to go through tough times without him there for a shoulder to cry on. He was always up-front and direct, never allowing his feelings to go unnoticed. He knew what he wanted and he took it.

Ella Varner is probably my favourite heroine out of the entire series. I thought she was sensible in her actions, especially when dealing with a sister who isn’t exactly in the right place at the moment. She was patient and kind with Luke. And most of all, she never allowed Jack Travis to use her. What worked between them was the fact that Ella wasn’t trying to impress Jack with her charm or beauty. She was trying to get her priorities straight and she was perhaps the only woman who hasn’t ever taken an interest in the gorgeous Jack Travis.

I loved how their relationship developed. There were sooo many instances where LK spent the time to make sure she got their chemistry right and I thought she did a wonderful job with this blooming relationship. And her little snippets of Miss Independent were quite good too. It’s no wonder she writes such great romances, she gives great relationship advice!

I thought I could get through this book without tearing up. I almost did, except the last 20 pages got me and I may have teared up towards the end. LK always does this to me! You make me look like a ninny!

Nevertheless, Smooth-Talking Stranger was, in my opinion, the best of the series. It had everything I wanted in a contemporary romance and more, making it a definite favourite for years to come.

Brown Eyed Girl by Lisa Kleypas

Brown-Eyed Girl

“I’m the guy who’s right for you. I may not be what you’re looking for, but I’m what you want. You’ve been alone long enough, honey. It’s time for you to wake up with a man in your bed. Time for the kind of sex that lays you out, owns you, leaves you too shaky to pour your morning coffee.”

Francesca: The sweet book of the bunch. While this Travis sibling seemed to be missing some of the intensity that the other romances packed, it was nice to see a softer romance. Definitely a feel good book.

Suzanne: Ahhh the final single Travis man gets caught! This was a really sweet story. It didn’t pack the emotional punch of the other books in the series, but it was a lovely way to say goodbye to the Travises.

read this is you want:

  • Sweet and fun
  • Love at first sight
  • Feel good story

The much anticipated final book in the Travis series, Brown-Eyed Girl, from beloved author Lisa Kleypas

Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn’t believe in love-at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can’t resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

After a one night stand, however, Avery is determined to keep it from happening again. A man like Joe can only mean trouble for a woman like her, and she can’t afford distractions. She’s been hired to plan the wedding of the year-a make-or-break event.

But complications start piling up fast, putting the wedding in jeopardy, especially when shocking secrets of the bride come to light. And as Joe makes it clear that he’s not going to give up easily, Avery is forced to confront the insecurities and beliefs that stem from a past she would do anything to forget.

The situation reaches a breaking point, and Avery faces the toughest choice of her life. Only by putting her career on the line and risking everything-including her well-guarded heart-will she find out what matters most…

As expected, I enjoyed the book, I don’t think Kleypas is capable of writing something I won’t like”
~ Under the Covers

We finally get the last single Travis sibling, Joe’s book! Although this isn’t something I have personally been pining for I still couldn’t wait to read it, it is Lisa Kleypas after all. Up and coming wedding planner Avery Crosslin doesn’t believe in love, especially love at first sight, at least not for her; however, Joe Travis seems to be challenging her belief.

As expected, I enjoyed the book, I don’t think Kleypas is capable of writing something I won’t like, her writing was fantastic and her characters were likable; what she has created is a light-hearted and sweet romance. But, this book lacked the intensity and impact the other books in the Travis series were packing. I will never forget Hardy and Haven; Jack and Ella and even Liberty and Gage, each story grabbed me and churned the emotions out of me. Brown-Eyed Girl lacked that same intensity of emotion and connection and instead of a captivating read it was just a nice one.

But, in a market saturated with mediocre releases, this definitely shines, Lisa Kleypas seemingly effortlessly producing a quality book perfect for relaxing with.

In conclusion

We all know Lisa Kleypas for her mastery of the Historical Romance genre; however, the Travis Family by Lisa Kleypas shows that she can write anything. If you want a contemporary romance series that knows how to reach your emotional core…and has some smoking hot heroes, then you have found it. 

Originally posted April 17, 2012 | Last updated February 6, 2024

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