Helpful Score: 2
Not her best book, but still good. I believe it is part of a series. There's so much tension between the hero and heroine that it almost makes you tired. It does work out okay in the end, but I was hoping for more. If you like Balogh, it's a good read, but try the Slightly series first.
Helpful Score: 1
I have liked everything Mary Balogh has written. This is not an easy book but it comes across as real. James(brother of Alexandra-Edmund's wife from Gilded Web)is complicated, brooding, flawed and guilt ridden thanks to his father. His fear of love and need to punish himself by pushng people away-esp Madeline is heart wrenching. If you've ever known someone who brought out the nasty streak in yourself then you wanted to kick yourself after- you'll understand. I thought MB handled the angst very well.
Helpful Score: 1
It took me awhile to warm up to these two main characters. It's only through their thoughts that we know they love each other. They usually treat each other with contempt.
Helpful Score: 1
great book
James and Madeline's story is very well written. Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors.
This book is just painful. If you want dysfunctional relationships in a regency, this is your book. Last as part of the web series, while all are good and discuss difficult situations. This one was about abuse and lack and the inability to communicate. Tough read.
I like Mary Balogh's work -- this was a little downbeat though. You wonder how the protagonists ever get a common ground or work things out.
One of the best books I have ever read!
In my head I was calling these two characters complete nitwits. I was on a plane with nothing else to do and thats why I finished it. Don't waste your time. Seriously.
You feel like you are watching a train wreck. Was very happy with the ending, just really hard to get there.
From the back Cover
When James Purhnell walks into the London drawing room and sees Lady Madeline Raine, time stops. Once she had been his for the taking. Now she is an aloof, beautiful stranger, determined to keep the devilishly handsome nobleman from seducing her again. But after four years apart, desire reignites-swift, hot, irresistible-culminating in a night of reckless lovemaking. Suddenly Madeline is faced with an unbearable choice: marry with no hope of love or risk certain ruin. Wheat she doesnt know is how far James will to go right the wrongs of the past-and how much hes willing to risk for the woman who already owns himbody, heart, and soul.
When James Purhnell walks into the London drawing room and sees Lady Madeline Raine, time stops. Once she had been his for the taking. Now she is an aloof, beautiful stranger, determined to keep the devilishly handsome nobleman from seducing her again. But after four years apart, desire reignites-swift, hot, irresistible-culminating in a night of reckless lovemaking. Suddenly Madeline is faced with an unbearable choice: marry with no hope of love or risk certain ruin. Wheat she doesnt know is how far James will to go right the wrongs of the past-and how much hes willing to risk for the woman who already owns himbody, heart, and soul.
classic Mary Balogh
