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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this more than I expected. I was frustrated that they kept misunderstanding one another over and over but we got there in the end.
The first in the Bedwyn family series (I have vague memories of reading one or two of these years ago). Aidan meets Eve when he seeks her out to fulfill a promise made to her dying brother on the battlefield. Lots of gentle humor as he first intends to stay only a day, then one more, then perhaps another, then well, he must marry her to truly fulfill his promise to 'protect her at any cost', but he'll definitely leave right after that, only he really should make it clear she's under his protection by attending an assembly dance with her, which means staying another day or two...
A lot of angst could've been avoided with a honest conversation or two, but then we wouldn't have all the delicious pining as these two try to do the honorable thing and stick to the original marriage of convenience agreement. When they finally do confess their love for each other, it is pure Balogh sweetness. Lovely all-round
A lot of angst could've been avoided with a honest conversation or two, but then we wouldn't have all the delicious pining as these two try to do the honorable thing and stick to the original marriage of convenience agreement. When they finally do confess their love for each other, it is pure Balogh sweetness. Lovely all-round
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this! I listened to the audio book and finished it in a day. It was a great way to escape. The only issue I had was the constant back and forth between the main characters, "I love him, does he love me? Probably not, so I can't let him know!" throughout the entire thing. I enjoyed it at first, but it did get old after a while.
Even so, I recommend this sweet romance! It was a great way to escape.
Even so, I recommend this sweet romance! It was a great way to escape.
I only gave this three stars cause it was a little slow and didn't sparkle too much, despite the fact that I LOVE the ending and how it's not HAPPILY FOREVER, but Happily working together to be happy. I just really like that concept.
Also the book did a pretty good job with consent, though the sex stuff was a little... gross. I think I'm having a phase of "why even bother with this stuff".
Also the book did a pretty good job with consent, though the sex stuff was a little... gross. I think I'm having a phase of "why even bother with this stuff".
Slightly Married
2 Stars
Not really a fan of this one.
The heroine is insipid, the hero has a stick up his butt and the storyline is tedious and unoriginal.
Considering that the rest of the books in the series focus on hero's elitist and obnoxious siblings, I will definitely be giving it a miss.
The book's only saving grace is Rosalyn Landor's narration, which prevented the story from ending up on the DNF pile.
2 Stars
Not really a fan of this one.
The heroine is insipid, the hero has a stick up his butt and the storyline is tedious and unoriginal.
Considering that the rest of the books in the series focus on hero's elitist and obnoxious siblings, I will definitely be giving it a miss.
The book's only saving grace is Rosalyn Landor's narration, which prevented the story from ending up on the DNF pile.
Mary Balogh's stellar writing saves this story that is heavily based on lack of communication and miscommunication. The intensity builds gradually and steadily over the course of the book. Eve is instantly likeable, but it takes a bit longer to warm up to Aiden. A good start to the series. While I'm not certain I like many of the other Bedwyn siblings, I am interested in reading more.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 Stars
This was so cute! I will say if you don't like a slow burn, skip this one. These are two of the STIFFEST protagonists I have ever read. Buttoned up to absurd degrees outside of some excellent bursts of temper. But of course that just makes it more fun when they fall.
(I think Eve's mourning dress rebellion is really up there for me as a Balogh heroine moment. Exquisite stuff.)
Loved both sets of secondary characters in this. Eve's home life with its colorful cast (ESPECIALLY the maid who was ready to throw hands) was as wonderful as Aiden's family, the stuffy Bedwyn siblings. Wulfric is SUCH a tool, but he gets more complicated by the end of the book and hilariously bad at reading his own emotions.
This won't work for everyone, but I really dug it and look forward to returning to the series.
Also hats off to Rosalyn Landor for excellent narration.
This was so cute! I will say if you don't like a slow burn, skip this one. These are two of the STIFFEST protagonists I have ever read. Buttoned up to absurd degrees outside of some excellent bursts of temper. But of course that just makes it more fun when they fall.
(I think Eve's mourning dress rebellion is really up there for me as a Balogh heroine moment. Exquisite stuff.)
Loved both sets of secondary characters in this. Eve's home life with its colorful cast (ESPECIALLY the maid who was ready to throw hands) was as wonderful as Aiden's family, the stuffy Bedwyn siblings. Wulfric is SUCH a tool, but he gets more complicated by the end of the book and hilariously bad at reading his own emotions.
This won't work for everyone, but I really dug it and look forward to returning to the series.
Also hats off to Rosalyn Landor for excellent narration.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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