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

TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Arrangement

Author:  Mary Balogh

About The Arrangement
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Dell (August 27, 2013)
Buy: Amazon
Blurb: A mesmerizing story of passionate awakening and redemption, Mary Balogh’s new novel unites a war hero consigned to darkness with a remarkable woman who finds her own salvation by showing him the light of love.

Desperate to escape his mother’s matchmaking, Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, flees to a remote country village. But even there, another marital trap is sprung. So when Miss Sophia Fry’s intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian’s home, Vincent is compelled to act. He may have been blinded in battle, but he can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent’s proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Her alternative is too dreadful to contemplate. But how can an all-consuming fire burn from such a cold arrangement? As friendship and camaraderie lead to sweet seduction and erotic pleasure, dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?

Review: The Arrangement is Book 2 in the Survivor's series, but not to worry, like most historical romance series, this book is a stand alone novel, with tie in characters.

From the very start of the novel you find yourself loving Vincent. He is quite simply "so darn sweet." So is Sophia, though as you learn about her drawings, there is a bit of impishness to her personality.

I was surprised at the lack of conflict between these two characters that are thrown together because of an incident that would have resulted in Vincent being forced to wed Sophia's cousin Henrietta.

Sophia gets along well with Vincent and his friends and family and they embrace her as one of their own, even though they thought she might be after his fortune.

These two are definitely meant to be together.

The only thing I had trouble dealing with were Sophia's relations, The Marches and her uncle's stepson, Sebastian Maycock. I don't think I've ever encountered such nasty, unpleasant characters. It was actually nice that the disappeared from the story for quiet awhile, only to return in the last 50 pages. They create the only conflict of the book, in making Sophia feel bad about herself.

Mary Balogh is a master of regency romance. The Arrangement is an enjoyable read, though a bit considering the plot. At times the novel seemed to drag, with mundane things about Sophia and Vincent.

I loved that Mary has created a series around flawed characters...Vincent is blind and though she drives that point home a lot, it is nice to see a hero that isn't 100% perfect.

I also loved how their relationship grew, I especially loved how Vincent gave Sebastian a little what for, for his lousy treatment of Sophia. I also was pleased that her uncle became part of the family.

The book was a little long, considering their wasn't any real conflict between Sophia and Vincent, but it was a beautiful romance that just about anyone could enjoy.

Rating: 5 flowers

Read my Q & A with Mary here

Book Review: Bespelling Jane Austen

Author: Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany
Title: Bespelling Jane Austen
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: Sept 28, 2010
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: But even if the whole world was against them, it would not matter. They were together—again. And this time they would remain together. Until death do them part and, of course, long after that.
What if Austen had believed in reincarnation and vampires? Join four bestselling romance authors as they channel the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen.

Almost Persuaded

In this Regency tale of Robert and Jane, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh brings together former lovers who have seen beyond the veil of forgetfulness to their past mistakes, and are determined to be together in this life, and forever.

Northanger Castle

Caroline's obsession with Gothic novels winds up being good training for a lifetime of destroying the undead with her newfound beau, in this Regency by Colleen Gleason.

Blood and Prejudice

Set in the business world of contemporary New York City, Liz Bennett joins Mr. Darcy in his hunt for a vampire cure in New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard's version of the classic story.

Little to Hex Her

Present-day Washington, D.C., is full of curious creatures in Janet Mullany's story, wherein Emma is a witch with a wizard boyfriend and a paranormal dating service to run.

Review: There are very few anthologies that I can say are wonderful start to finish, but this one, is definitely one of them. Bespelling Jane Austen has some of the best writers out there, doing paranormal spins on Jane Austen's books.

There's not a bad story to be had here, and the book opens with the fantastic Almost Persuaded by Mary Balogh!!! That story actually makes me gush it was so good. That's also the story that isn't fully of vampires etc. Mary's story is about reincarnation and soul mates.

It is definitey an interesting way to rework the plot of Persausion.

The next story is Northanger Castle, and it is written much like the gothic romances of the time only with the heroine as a wannabe vampire slayer!

I want to say this is the weakest story in the bunch, but I can't. It is written so much like an old gothic novel. Caroline is a spunky heroine who is always trying to see something strange in her surroundings.

Even though there were times I wanted to scream at her, I loved the story. It was a perfect paranormal regency.
Blood and Prejudice by Susan Krinard is the story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Oh and Mr. Darcy as a vamp! Totally wonderful. The only word that can really describe him in this story is badass. At times his moody behavior reminded me of a more romantic Lestat.

Lizzie is really wonderful too, though how everyone came to believe in vampires so quickly I'll never know.

I liked that this story was contemporary too. It helped even things out.

Little To Hex Her was my second favorite story in the book. It was funny, fast paced and just all around fun. This one was based on Emma. This one deals more with witches and warlocks, though just about every paranormal being is found in this story, trying to hook up at Emma's paranormal dating service.

I think the dating service is the reason everyone should read this one. It has to be the most original storyline.

Loved it.

Loved the whole book!

If you like paranormal or light paranormal romance, this is definitely your book!

~ Review copy provided by Netgalley and HQN