Doesn't quite stand up the Proof by Seduction, Milan's first effort.

Several things don't work for me. First the through-line of the book, Ned withholding himself in order to manage his symptoms of bipolar disorder, is just not super interesting to read. There isn't a lot of action propelling the story. Second, I didn't buy how this couple comes back together. Ned abandoned Kate three months into their marriage and then returns three years later wanting to be accepted back into Kate's life. And what happens? Kate accepts him. Her lack of anger toward him, her easy willingness to take him into her bed - it just struck me as unrealistic. And not very romantic.

The romantic tension wasn't there for me in this book and the sensuality was much more tame than in Proof by Seduction. Not sure I'll read another Courtney Milan book very soon.

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While I liked the earlier book, and found it full of fun passages, this one just dragged. I read over 70 pages and could find nothing to recommend either character, just lots of narrative. Repetitive narrative. What happened to all the clever phrases from the first book?

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This story was wonderful. I was fascinated with the author's successful attempt to describe Ned's bouts of severe depression, what goes on in his brain during those times, and his efforts to master himself. Sometimes I got annoyed over his refusal to accept any help from anyone, but later I could understand why he felt the way he did. And when he finally realized that he didn't have to go at life alone, well, it was beautiful.

I definitely felt Kate's anger and pain over Ned's abandonment and refusal to let theirs be a true marriage as supportive partners. Kate was a very strong woman who could hold her own against some very bad enemies. She was an amazing character; smart, confident, and a real champion for abused women. I was riveted to her head-to-head scenes with the abusive Harcroft; terrifying and well-written.

Ned and Kate's story wasn't your typical romance, but rather an insider's keen account of a marriage that seemed doomed from the beginning. It was at times confusing, frustrating, admirable, yet always romantic in a more emotional way rather than erotic. They were strong individuals who eventually formed a loving and united partnership. 4.5 stars.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ned and Kate had to marry. Ned went away for 3 years to prove himself. He returned to find Kate hiding a seriously scandalous secret. Their way back to each other was intense and loving. Reading the first book, "Proof by Seduction", gives clues to Ned's personality in this story.

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