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bec_grayling's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
holies's review against another edition
4.0
The audiobook version of Mary Balogh's regency romance novels are my drug of choice. They're basically the auditory equivalent of a comfort blanket. I'm extremely happy she's such a prolific and consistently good author.
patsycathcart's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely story ... Margaret matched up with a supposed rogue and rake, who proves to be a different sort. Loved Duncan.
planetarypan's review against another edition
4.0
A much less problematic outing that the first book in this series and a bit more developed couple than the second. I enjoyed how forthright and straight-shooting Meg was when it comes to pretty much every situation. I always hated that she essentially put her life on hold to make sure her siblings had a chance at happiness and success, so watching her turn thirty and still have no life of her own made me want to cheer her on no matter how absurd the story was. As it turned out, I really liked the hero, too. I knew he couldn't be the cad everyone claimed, so like Meg, I wanted to understand his true motivation. These characters really brook no nonsense; even when some road block turns up, you never feel like they dial up the drama just because. They resolve issues better than anyone else in their collective storylines, I think. Definitely my favourite of the first three. Now to see if Stephen's story lives up to this one.
writer595's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ikepauh's review against another edition
2.0
Even at Mary Balogh's lowest (according to me), she always delivers a story of which that is something to be admired. In the case of At Last Comes Love, 2/3 of the book were perfectly acceptable and even touching.
Margaret Huxtable, the eldest who has sacrificed much in the name of family; is now contemplating a dull dog life as possibly Aunt Margaret or Great Aunt Margaret and finding it to be a truly wretched thought. In her hearts of heart, what she wants is her own home to care and love. Could she have that with a widowed old flame who's come to town? Only to find that old flame ain't as hot as he was before and while putting out the flames of the past, Margaret bluffs herself to be soon to be wed to another. Who? Meet Duncan who is also in town on a bride-hunt to ensure he continues to have the means of a gentleman, for a cause as precious as family. Gainful employment is the last resort, huh? At least Duncan knows there's no a way anyone would hire him, skill-less and all? Or would they, if only Duncan would apply himself? But I digress. Duncan had been wasting away, living the life of a social pariah, away from loved ones for doing the right thing. He is somber, rarely smiles and is truthful about some things. Margaret and Duncan are pulled together by a chance encounter at a ball and by petty ton gossip (later on) and luckily for them, it leads to something permanently in their favour.
I thought I would try my hand at summarizing At Last Comes Love. The last stretch of the book is where I experienced a shift in opinion from "good book" to "a book that is sufficient, when will it end" for it was the section I liked least. The last stretch is when the two agree to find some peace in their married life by endeavoring to court each other, to fall in love with one another. The most minor of quibbles but I found myself a little bored of some of the conversation. On to the most offending part...Then, remember how I said Duncan is somewhat a truthful man? That is in reference to his wooing capabilities during the convince-me-to-marry-you period. His instinct to keep himself (and his dependents) protected by not putting all his cards on the table inevitably brings something unsettling and a Conflict occurs. What happened to trusting one another and hearing them out before jumping to conclusions? Even one of the characters thinks of this but because much time has passed since their misunderstanding, they are unable to pursue the matter without lowering themselves.
In my review of First Comes Marriage, I pointed out that it was either this book or A Secret Affair that bored me to tears when I first read in my teens. It was A Secret Affair because this is the first time I have read At Last Comes Love.
Margaret Huxtable, the eldest who has sacrificed much in the name of family; is now contemplating a dull dog life as possibly Aunt Margaret or Great Aunt Margaret and finding it to be a truly wretched thought. In her hearts of heart, what she wants is her own home to care and love. Could she have that with a widowed old flame who's come to town? Only to find that old flame ain't as hot as he was before and while putting out the flames of the past, Margaret bluffs herself to be soon to be wed to another. Who? Meet Duncan who is also in town on a bride-hunt to ensure he continues to have the means of a gentleman, for a cause as precious as family. Gainful employment is the last resort, huh? At least Duncan knows there's no a way anyone would hire him, skill-less and all? Or would they, if only Duncan would apply himself? But I digress. Duncan had been wasting away, living the life of a social pariah, away from loved ones for doing the right thing. He is somber, rarely smiles and is truthful about some things. Margaret and Duncan are pulled together by a chance encounter at a ball and by petty ton gossip (later on) and luckily for them, it leads to something permanently in their favour.
I thought I would try my hand at summarizing At Last Comes Love. The last stretch of the book is where I experienced a shift in opinion from "good book" to "a book that is sufficient, when will it end" for it was the section I liked least. The last stretch is when the two agree to find some peace in their married life by endeavoring to court each other, to fall in love with one another. The most minor of quibbles but I found myself a little bored of some of the conversation. On to the most offending part...Then, remember how I said Duncan is somewhat a truthful man? That is in reference to his wooing capabilities during the convince-me-to-marry-you period. His instinct to keep himself (and his dependents) protected by not putting all his cards on the table inevitably brings something unsettling and a Conflict occurs. What happened to trusting one another and hearing them out before jumping to conclusions? Even one of the characters thinks of this but because much time has passed since their misunderstanding, they are unable to pursue the matter without lowering themselves.
In my review of First Comes Marriage, I pointed out that it was either this book or A Secret Affair that bored me to tears when I first read in my teens. It was A Secret Affair because this is the first time I have read At Last Comes Love.
lieowl's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
tiredfangirl's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse