Book Review: First Comes Marriage

Author: Mary Balogh
Title: First Comes Marriage
Publisher: Dell
Publish Date: Feb 24, 2009
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family—the fiery, sensual Huxtables. Vanessa is the second daughter, proud and daring, a young widow who has her own reason for pursuing the most eligible bachelor in London. One that has nothing to do with love. Or does it?

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can’t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret—one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables—Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed…and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can’t be far behind.

Review: I have a love/hate thing going on with this book.  I enjoyed the book, but I hate myself for enjoying it.

Why?

Vanessa is not pretty.

That should not be a big thing.

However from page one or darn near close to it, we are told how unattractive, or plain she is. And it never stopped. All through 388 pages of this otherwise entertaining book, we are reminded that Vanessa is not a raving beauty.

OMG a member of the ton that isn't strikingly beautiful? Whose beauty comes from withing?

Who would have thought of it.

OH and for the most part, Elliot is a jerk

Now who is Elliot you might ask? The Viscount that has the task of telling Vannessa's brother, Stephen he is now the Earl of Merton. The countrified family is going to London, almost like the Beverly Hillbillies struck oil.

At least the Huxtable (No not those Huxtables) clan are smarter than you'd think. Naive yes, stupid no. 

What was good about the story was the family's innocence and how loyal they were to one another. These were siblings that stuck together and cared for one another. There were no crazy rivalries.

Even though the whole "not pretty" think hung over Vanessa the whole book, she was really a lovable character. I did enjoy how her relationship with Elliot grew, even after some pretty stupid misteps.

What I didn't understand was the whole Constantine angel. He wasn't a 100% villain but he wasn't a good guy either. I have to say, I'm curious as to whether he plays a part in the rest of this series. I was so confused by his character, because he was definitely more than he seemed.

All in all it was a pleasant read and I look forward to continuing the series.

Rating: 3 flowers