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amlibera's review
3.0
3.5 stars Old school Balogh - one of the better ones, characters with some layers.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
A 1988 Balogh published as a Signet Regency romance, republished in ebook form in 2019.
Five years ago, during her first London season, Jane Matthews developed a strong infatuation with Michael Templeton, Viscount Fairfax. But Fairfax wooed and wed a far prettier woman, and Jane returned to Yorkshire determined to get over her crush. Five years later, both are back in London, Jane to accompany her younger cousin as she makes her social debut, Fairfax to get over his depression over losing his first wife in childbed and to perhaps look about him for a replacement to serve as mother to his two young daughters. Though he's amused by Jane's flighty, flirty cousin Honor, it is Jane to whom he finds himself making his proposals. But Jane, much to her surprise, rejects him; something in her knows that marrying a man she loves but who doesn't love her would be a big mistake.
Instead, Jane agrees to marry Fairfax's friend, Mr. Sedgeworth, a man with whom she feels comfortable and for whom she feels affection. But when Fairfax invites Sedgeworth back to his country estate, Jane must go, too, and so must Honor. Fairfax slowly begins to see Jane for herself, rather than for her motherly characteristics, and to fall for her. And Honor, despite her coquettish ways and her determination to hide any scrap of intelligence that might make men think her a bluestocking, is the one to realize what both Jane and Fairfax are feeling, and takes steps to rearrange the mismatched couples.
Most romances of this short length leave me wanting, but Balogh rarely does. Both her primary and secondary characters are thoughtfully drawn and engaging, with none of the typical casting of the other woman as villainess. And though I usually dislike romances with children, Balogh's depiction of the two young girls never veered into overly sentimental territory.
The only sour note: when Jane changes her mind near the end of the book about the value of Fairfax's early proposal: ("Had he recognized in her a woman who would love his children? Had he put their happiness even before his own?... Suddenly, being chosen for such a reason became infinitely more precious than being chosen for love" [Chapter 15]). Happily, during the climactic scene, Fairfax undermines this self-effacing message when he tells Jane that he isn't so sure he'd have "given up my choice in order to secure theirs" (Chapter 17).
Five years ago, during her first London season, Jane Matthews developed a strong infatuation with Michael Templeton, Viscount Fairfax. But Fairfax wooed and wed a far prettier woman, and Jane returned to Yorkshire determined to get over her crush. Five years later, both are back in London, Jane to accompany her younger cousin as she makes her social debut, Fairfax to get over his depression over losing his first wife in childbed and to perhaps look about him for a replacement to serve as mother to his two young daughters. Though he's amused by Jane's flighty, flirty cousin Honor, it is Jane to whom he finds himself making his proposals. But Jane, much to her surprise, rejects him; something in her knows that marrying a man she loves but who doesn't love her would be a big mistake.
Instead, Jane agrees to marry Fairfax's friend, Mr. Sedgeworth, a man with whom she feels comfortable and for whom she feels affection. But when Fairfax invites Sedgeworth back to his country estate, Jane must go, too, and so must Honor. Fairfax slowly begins to see Jane for herself, rather than for her motherly characteristics, and to fall for her. And Honor, despite her coquettish ways and her determination to hide any scrap of intelligence that might make men think her a bluestocking, is the one to realize what both Jane and Fairfax are feeling, and takes steps to rearrange the mismatched couples.
Most romances of this short length leave me wanting, but Balogh rarely does. Both her primary and secondary characters are thoughtfully drawn and engaging, with none of the typical casting of the other woman as villainess. And though I usually dislike romances with children, Balogh's depiction of the two young girls never veered into overly sentimental territory.
The only sour note: when Jane changes her mind near the end of the book about the value of Fairfax's early proposal: ("Had he recognized in her a woman who would love his children? Had he put their happiness even before his own?... Suddenly, being chosen for such a reason became infinitely more precious than being chosen for love" [Chapter 15]). Happily, during the climactic scene, Fairfax undermines this self-effacing message when he tells Jane that he isn't so sure he'd have "given up my choice in order to secure theirs" (Chapter 17).
megreads99's review
3.0
An Unacceptable Offer: ★ ★ ★
Mary Balogh
This was good, but I didn't love the whole premise of them being engaged/going after other people? Odd. Not my favorite [a:Mary Balogh|9759|Mary Balogh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1670000353p2/9759.jpg], but I liked their friendship before all hell broke loose.
Mary Balogh
This was good, but I didn't love the whole premise of them being engaged/going after other people? Odd. Not my favorite [a:Mary Balogh|9759|Mary Balogh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1670000353p2/9759.jpg], but I liked their friendship before all hell broke loose.
saleesi's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
devilll's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved loved the romance in this though I wish was more time to develop it. The romance between the secondary characters came out of nowhere though, I was really surprised by that.
I loved all the characters in this, even Honor. She seemed more like a vain naive conniving little chit than the OW. I loved how the hero through gradual interaction with her just seemed so amused then fed up with her acts, lol.
Jane, sweet, sensible, Jane. I loved her and I loved how Michael fell for her too. It was beautiful.
Michael, the best most doting dad ever, I loved all his interactions with his daughters and the children’s interaction with Jane was so sweet and beautiful too.
I really wish this was a longer novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I loved all the characters in this, even Honor. She seemed more like a vain naive conniving little chit than the OW. I loved how the hero through gradual interaction with her just seemed so amused then fed up with her acts, lol.
Jane, sweet, sensible, Jane. I loved her and I loved how Michael fell for her too. It was beautiful.
Michael, the best most doting dad ever, I loved all his interactions with his daughters and the children’s interaction with Jane was so sweet and beautiful too.
I really wish this was a longer novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
susanpevensie's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
crystald14's review
5.0
This is the reason why I consider Mary Balogh as such an amazing writer. She has brought in the love between Michael and Jane so very well. The back cover was misleading and it hinted at a usual romance and chase, but it was never that.
Jane may have been unassuming, but as the book progressed she grew in character. She reminded me of Jane Eyre when she refused Michael asking to be chosen not for what she could bring to the relationship, but because of herself. She wants to be needed for herself. And I found this an interesting point. Michael is shocked and astounded that someone could have the nerve to refuse such a handsome, wealthy and titled man like himself. But what I love about him is that he takes it on board and introspects and looks to change his attitude.
A reviewer mentioned how the characters peeled away like onions, and I stand by that. There was a hidden depth in all of them, which was brought out so well. Both of them truly got to know the other, act like a family and be with the children. Even Honor and Sedge got a chance to find each other, and I actually loved how Honor was made to be someone who was grounded and intellectual and it sort of mocked on the farce which existed in society.
If you're looking for a love story dealing with second chances, with a ML and FL who learn to respect and grow to love each other, and with a set of second characters which fit, this is a book for you. Both Michael and Jane treated the other as equals and that is a huge reason why this couple is amazing
I loved this quote and realisation of love.
Takeaway: Choose love when you're wanted for yourself. Love is never a compromise, its a bond which makes you stronger.
Jane may have been unassuming, but as the book progressed she grew in character. She reminded me of Jane Eyre when she refused Michael asking to be chosen not for what she could bring to the relationship, but because of herself. She wants to be needed for herself. And I found this an interesting point. Michael is shocked and astounded that someone could have the nerve to refuse such a handsome, wealthy and titled man like himself. But what I love about him is that he takes it on board and introspects and looks to change his attitude.
A reviewer mentioned how the characters peeled away like onions, and I stand by that. There was a hidden depth in all of them, which was brought out so well. Both of them truly got to know the other, act like a family and be with the children. Even Honor and Sedge got a chance to find each other, and I actually loved how Honor was made to be someone who was grounded and intellectual and it sort of mocked on the farce which existed in society.
If you're looking for a love story dealing with second chances, with a ML and FL who learn to respect and grow to love each other, and with a set of second characters which fit, this is a book for you. Both Michael and Jane treated the other as equals and that is a huge reason why this couple is amazing
I loved this quote and realisation of love.
He had been willing to trust her with the upbringing of his children, whom he loved more than himself. What a mess she had made of her life and of his and the children's. She had thought she knew all the answers back in London. She had prided herself on saying no to him and asserting her own worth as a person. She knew nothing. She was only now learning something about the selflessness of love
Takeaway: Choose love when you're wanted for yourself. Love is never a compromise, its a bond which makes you stronger.
shms's review against another edition
2.0
I like Mary Balogh books, usually. Not in this case. The h irritated me no end and the element of 'cheating' just added to it, because the om was such a nice guy.
shmsy's review against another edition
2.0
I like Mary Balogh books, usually. Not in this case. The h irritated me no end and the element of 'cheating' just added to it, because the om was such a nice guy.
heresthepencil's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
this book is so stupid! i had fun & read it in one sitting, but it is so stupid! plot-wise it’s hilarious, the characters are mostly interesting, the romance itself… i would say it’s giving the heroine stockholm syndrome, if such a thing existed. and oh, the casual misogyny of it all…
also, the main dude feels like dr jekyll, one moment deeply in love with the girl & shouting at her the next. great fun, yeah! he also seems to rather dislike women in general. definitely makes you uncomfortable on many occasions. he does have his moments, though, i suppose (love for his daughters)
also, the main dude feels like dr jekyll, one moment deeply in love with the girl & shouting at her the next. great fun, yeah! he also seems to rather dislike women in general. definitely makes you uncomfortable on many occasions. he does have his moments, though, i suppose (love for his daughters)