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thebooksitter's review against another edition
3.0
She's plain. She's not beautiful. She wasn't expected to marry. She's a fright etc. The "Vanessa is quite undesirable because she's not ~beautiful" comments got old real fast. Vanessa as a character is actually quite charming and witty. Elliot was likable as we're some of the other supporting characters. Although I did not care for Margaret's storyline at all. Her constant need to remain unhappy annoyed me. Not sure I'll continue reading the next Huxtables' stories.
mollybowen's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I'm big on historical romance and this was the first of this author I'd read. Instantly wanted the rest of the series!
vicia's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The bulk of the book aptly held my interest. I found the beginning slow, and a little frustrating and tedious, as it wasn’t clear what was going on and then there was just a cataloguing of the four Huxtables and what they looked like. The story didn’t really start until chapter 3. When, however, it began in earnest it was entirely engaging. However, I was annoyed by the ending as it left a secondary mystery unsolved (presumably until book 5 in the series).
jillsreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I found myself getting very involved/invested in the lives of these characters and I loved the growth and development of the two main characters and am excited to see the growth and development of all the others through the other books.
enyri's review against another edition
4.0
As predicted, could have been made better by a Wulf cameo. ;)
abbythompson's review against another edition
2.0
Let me preface this review with a brief bit of background.
I was home from work with a terrible headcold. I had just finished my latest batch of library books and the next batch hadn't come in yet. Not in the mood or with brain space to tackle any non-fiction that was sitting on my shelf, I braved the outdoors and headed to the library. I found this book on a rack of paperbacks. I have liked other books by Mary Balogh so this seemed a safe bet.
It was not.
From page one, I was annoyed by the heroine, who we are told is a cheerful individual, but seems to badger the hero unmercifully and in ways that would be totally insupportable in Regency England. Rather than come off as enlightened and challenging, she comes off as shrewish and annoying. But in the end, she was the least of my concerns.
The hero is an utter douche canoe (to quote The Bloggess).
I wish I had kept count of all the times when he thought how unattractive and annoying the heroine was (and dude, I'm not disagreeing with you), but it's to the extent that his eventual turnaround isn't believable. He's downright cruel to her on some occasions and especially in his thoughts, when we're gifted with his point of view.
The other thing that drove me nuts was that someone was obsessed with italics. They were everywhere, and in nearly everysentence. It got annoying very quickly and I felt frustrated that someone was telling me how to read. It rhead like J.R. Whard and her ahnnoyhing H's.
So while it wasn't the entertainment I was hoping for (no delirious "lost in a good book" time here), it was diverting if only because I disliked so much of it.
I was home from work with a terrible headcold. I had just finished my latest batch of library books and the next batch hadn't come in yet. Not in the mood or with brain space to tackle any non-fiction that was sitting on my shelf, I braved the outdoors and headed to the library. I found this book on a rack of paperbacks. I have liked other books by Mary Balogh so this seemed a safe bet.
It was not.
From page one, I was annoyed by the heroine, who we are told is a cheerful individual, but seems to badger the hero unmercifully and in ways that would be totally insupportable in Regency England. Rather than come off as enlightened and challenging, she comes off as shrewish and annoying. But in the end, she was the least of my concerns.
The hero is an utter douche canoe (to quote The Bloggess).
I wish I had kept count of all the times when he thought how unattractive and annoying the heroine was (and dude, I'm not disagreeing with you), but it's to the extent that his eventual turnaround isn't believable. He's downright cruel to her on some occasions and especially in his thoughts, when we're gifted with his point of view.
The other thing that drove me nuts was that someone was obsessed with italics. They were everywhere, and in nearly everysentence. It got annoying very quickly and I felt frustrated that someone was telling me how to read. It rhead like J.R. Whard and her ahnnoyhing H's.
So while it wasn't the entertainment I was hoping for (no delirious "lost in a good book" time here), it was diverting if only because I disliked so much of it.
verityw's review against another edition
3.0
I forget how much I enjoy these early Mary Baloghs. This is a marriage of convience novel that is a study in two people working out how to navigate their relationship and then falling in love while it happens. It's got elements that remind you of Heyer's April Lady and A Convenient Marriage and even a bit of A Civil Contract, but with bedroom scenes. And setting up some sequels. I liked it.
wordnerdy's review against another edition
4.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2015/07/2015-book-178.html
I had planned to save Balogh's Huxtable Quintet for vacation, but heck, there's five of them, why not get an early start? There's not much to the plot of this one, but it was very sweet. I liked watching the main couple fall in love, and I liked that the heroine was a cheerful sort who is admired by everyone for her good nature. The guy is your typical stuffy rich snob, at least until he meets said cheerful lady and learns to relax a little. I mean, other things happen, but not enough for me to write a lengthy paragraph or anything. This one was definitely on the cozier side of the historical romances (as opposed to some of the crazier ones). B+.
I had planned to save Balogh's Huxtable Quintet for vacation, but heck, there's five of them, why not get an early start? There's not much to the plot of this one, but it was very sweet. I liked watching the main couple fall in love, and I liked that the heroine was a cheerful sort who is admired by everyone for her good nature. The guy is your typical stuffy rich snob, at least until he meets said cheerful lady and learns to relax a little. I mean, other things happen, but not enough for me to write a lengthy paragraph or anything. This one was definitely on the cozier side of the historical romances (as opposed to some of the crazier ones). B+.
nicolet2018's review
3.0
I just can't seem to stop picking up Mary Balogh's books. I first read Only Enchanting, quite sure I was not going to delve into the other series. But here I am having read the entire Survivors series, nearly all of the Bedwyn and Simply books as well as the The Secret Pearl. Mary Balogh's writing is addictive. I enjoy her descriptions of the regency England and it's upper class. Her characters and themes are nuanced and that is why I found myself picking up book one in the Huxtable series.
The prologue was such a great start to the series as it introduces Constantine and his family drama but the way it led to chapter one felt to jerk-y and strange. The transition could have been better.
I did not like Elliot. He was grumpy, moody and a jerk. He hardly smiles and is serious. I did not like the way he described Vanessa as plain and he complained about having to stay at an inn that was not up to his viscount standards. I found it funny when he is appalled at the Huxtables when they call Vanessa "Nessie" and he refuses to do so. I thought it was interesting that he was half greek and I would have liked if they had visited his relatives in Greece. There seems to be some drama there.
I get how he was being realistic about the sheer amount of work that would need to be put into preparing the Huxtable family for introduction into society but he could have been nicer. Even his friend and secretary was nicer to everyone. He did a bad job of comforting Vanessa when she admits that she feels guilty for being with Elliot because she thinks about her previous husband, Hedley. He does not think it is necessary to talk things out, no he assumes and that's it.
"Good lord, did she expect him to talk about every small problem that might arise in their marriage for the rest of their lives? Were they going to analyse everything to death?"
Page 184, Chapter 16
Oh and I was so annoyed when he starts treating her so coldly like asking if he can enter her room and having sex with her and then thanking her! Just because he thought she doesn't really love him!
"'Your wish will be granted from now on, ma'am,' he said, making her a formal bow 'This room will be your private domain except when I enter it to excretes my conjugal rights. And even then I will knock first and you may send me to the devil if you do not wish to admit me.'
She tipped her head to the side and regarded him for a few silent moments.
'The trouble with men,' she said, 'Is that they will never discuss a matter calmly and rationally. They will never listen. They always bluster and take offence and make pronouncements. They are the most unreasonable of creatures.'"
Page 169, Chapter 15
You tell him, sister!
At least he shows growth throughout the book and I found myself changing my opinion of him. I liked the scene where they pick daffodils in the field and he allows her to boss him around to place them all over the house. Oh I liked all the scenes where he asks her to spend time with him! It was just like going on a date but with your wife awww
Vanessa "Nessie" was positive and always smiling. I loved that about her even though she is not as beautiful as her sisters. Her personality shone through as she managed to melt the heart of Elliot, his mother and most of the Ton. I liked how the author focused on her personality and kindness so much so that I did not really notice that she was not pretty. At least, MB did not spend too much time describing her features and beauty. Argh. That would have been boring and superficial. Oh, I admired her for proposing marriage to Elliot because so far the marriage of convenience tropes are always where the male initiates.
I like how she does not keep things in and confronts them head on, especially with Elliot. There was so much drama and secrets flying around but she puts everyone to shame by talking about it with the people involved. I thought she had abit of a tantrum when she discovers Anna Bromley Hayes was Elliot's mistress but at least they managed to talk about it.
The intimate scenes between them are pretty hot because they board each other into proving their sexual expertise. I liked that both of them initiated sex and intimacy because most romances always have the male initiating. It gives the impression that it is wrong for women to initiate sex or that it is the male's duty and job.
Constantine clearly plays a big role in the series but he only appears to annoy Elliot. There is animosity between them and alot of accusations but I am pretty sure all is not as it seems. As for the other Huxtables, Margaret "Meg" has her love drama with her officer who didn't wait for her as well as being the mother of the family. Stephen has comes into a fortune and position of wealth so quickly, I was wondering how he would assimilate to it. Moreover, he is much younger than the characters in MB books typically are. How will he get used to his role as Lord Merton. It is a literal rags to riches story for the Huxtables. But so far, they seem pretty humble and willing to learn. It is funny that most of them mention they wish they were still living their simple lives in Throckbridge. It is tough for anyone to understand how you can give up being set up for life.
Some thing I found that was different from the Ton culture was the introduction to the Queen which has not been written about in previous series or future ones. It was another interesting facet of British high society. In general, I liked that this book did not follow the template of MB's other books with Vauxhall Gardens excursion and makeup in the narrow path and the wedding at the church at the end. I did enjoy this but it took awhile for me to get onboard with the characters and the story. I don't think I will be continuing on with the other characters.
The prologue was such a great start to the series as it introduces Constantine and his family drama but the way it led to chapter one felt to jerk-y and strange. The transition could have been better.
I did not like Elliot. He was grumpy, moody and a jerk. He hardly smiles and is serious. I did not like the way he described Vanessa as plain and he complained about having to stay at an inn that was not up to his viscount standards. I found it funny when he is appalled at the Huxtables when they call Vanessa "Nessie" and he refuses to do so. I thought it was interesting that he was half greek and I would have liked if they had visited his relatives in Greece. There seems to be some drama there.
I get how he was being realistic about the sheer amount of work that would need to be put into preparing the Huxtable family for introduction into society but he could have been nicer. Even his friend and secretary was nicer to everyone. He did a bad job of comforting Vanessa when she admits that she feels guilty for being with Elliot because she thinks about her previous husband, Hedley. He does not think it is necessary to talk things out, no he assumes and that's it.
"Good lord, did she expect him to talk about every small problem that might arise in their marriage for the rest of their lives? Were they going to analyse everything to death?"
Page 184, Chapter 16
Oh and I was so annoyed when he starts treating her so coldly like asking if he can enter her room and having sex with her and then thanking her! Just because he thought she doesn't really love him!
"'Your wish will be granted from now on, ma'am,' he said, making her a formal bow 'This room will be your private domain except when I enter it to excretes my conjugal rights. And even then I will knock first and you may send me to the devil if you do not wish to admit me.'
She tipped her head to the side and regarded him for a few silent moments.
'The trouble with men,' she said, 'Is that they will never discuss a matter calmly and rationally. They will never listen. They always bluster and take offence and make pronouncements. They are the most unreasonable of creatures.'"
Page 169, Chapter 15
You tell him, sister!
At least he shows growth throughout the book and I found myself changing my opinion of him. I liked the scene where they pick daffodils in the field and he allows her to boss him around to place them all over the house. Oh I liked all the scenes where he asks her to spend time with him! It was just like going on a date but with your wife awww
Vanessa "Nessie" was positive and always smiling. I loved that about her even though she is not as beautiful as her sisters. Her personality shone through as she managed to melt the heart of Elliot, his mother and most of the Ton. I liked how the author focused on her personality and kindness so much so that I did not really notice that she was not pretty. At least, MB did not spend too much time describing her features and beauty. Argh. That would have been boring and superficial. Oh, I admired her for proposing marriage to Elliot because so far the marriage of convenience tropes are always where the male initiates.
I like how she does not keep things in and confronts them head on, especially with Elliot. There was so much drama and secrets flying around but she puts everyone to shame by talking about it with the people involved. I thought she had abit of a tantrum when she discovers Anna Bromley Hayes was Elliot's mistress but at least they managed to talk about it.
The intimate scenes between them are pretty hot because they board each other into proving their sexual expertise. I liked that both of them initiated sex and intimacy because most romances always have the male initiating. It gives the impression that it is wrong for women to initiate sex or that it is the male's duty and job.
Constantine clearly plays a big role in the series but he only appears to annoy Elliot. There is animosity between them and alot of accusations but I am pretty sure all is not as it seems. As for the other Huxtables, Margaret "Meg" has her love drama with her officer who didn't wait for her as well as being the mother of the family. Stephen has comes into a fortune and position of wealth so quickly, I was wondering how he would assimilate to it. Moreover, he is much younger than the characters in MB books typically are. How will he get used to his role as Lord Merton. It is a literal rags to riches story for the Huxtables. But so far, they seem pretty humble and willing to learn. It is funny that most of them mention they wish they were still living their simple lives in Throckbridge. It is tough for anyone to understand how you can give up being set up for life.
Some thing I found that was different from the Ton culture was the introduction to the Queen which has not been written about in previous series or future ones. It was another interesting facet of British high society. In general, I liked that this book did not follow the template of MB's other books with Vauxhall Gardens excursion and makeup in the narrow path and the wedding at the church at the end. I did enjoy this but it took awhile for me to get onboard with the characters and the story. I don't think I will be continuing on with the other characters.
julianalo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0