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mskennedyreads's review against another edition
This was so unusual and really good.
booksnarks's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure why I disliked this book. In theory it should have worked for me, but then it all ran away in execution. A strong minded, independent heroine and a sweet gentleman of a hero, but I never understood why they belonged together, and there was no chemistry on the page.
nononanette's review against another edition
2.0
Guhrke is a good writer but the plot was very predictable-- except for the beginning where the heroine uses the hero to get a divorce.
maybemegan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
simplyparticular's review against another edition
3.0
It was refreshing to read a historical set in a different time period - Edwardian England rather than Regency, or Scotland, and to have a hero/ine pair that were both older and more mature. But in some ways, that made the novel read more as a contemporary, than a historical, as the conflict was about two people set in their ways adapting to each other.
The hardest part about the novel is that it was told in alternating segments between the present, and previous encounters between the hero and heroine. It made it difficult to invest in either character, until the reader was "caught up" and the action stayed in the present.
This is my first Laura Lee Guhrke, and I have a few others on my wish list, so we'll see.
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
The very staid and traditional Aidan Carr, Duke of Trathen was involved in a scandalous affair that resulted in the divorce of Julia, Lady Yardley. He knew that he lusted after her, but didn't think that he had it in himself to do something so... outre. Even now, a year later, with a blemish on his reputation which is somewhat impeding his search for a wife, Aidan is attracted to the woman.
For her part, Julia only just got out of a hideous relationship and, while she regrets pulling Aidan into the mess, she doesn't regret leaving that marriage behind. She isn't looking to get back into anything again. So, it's agreed. They'll just be friends... well, more acquaintances. Except that this is a romance novel and tradition demands that the love follow behind.
never regret the freedom that it won her.
Julia is happy that her marriage is over but she is now short of funds. She doesn't want to appeal to her family or friends because they've already given her more than she ever expected when they closed ranks around her to protect her as much as possible. So, she does the commonsense thing and asks Aidan for a job. Noticing her keen perception when it comes to the personalities of the ton, Aidan hires her as a matchmaker.
I realize that the book was probably getting lengthy but it seemed like a really fast turn around for Julia to go from hating the idea of marriage to not being able to live without Aidan. It's a nice idea but she ends up compromising all of her ideals without him having to concede anything. Blergh. Still gonna read the next book in the series.
For her part, Julia only just got out of a hideous relationship and, while she regrets pulling Aidan into the mess, she doesn't regret leaving that marriage behind. She isn't looking to get back into anything again. So, it's agreed. They'll just be friends... well, more acquaintances. Except that this is a romance novel and tradition demands that the love follow behind.
never regret the freedom that it won her.
Spoiler
Julia is happy that her marriage is over but she is now short of funds. She doesn't want to appeal to her family or friends because they've already given her more than she ever expected when they closed ranks around her to protect her as much as possible. So, she does the commonsense thing and asks Aidan for a job. Noticing her keen perception when it comes to the personalities of the ton, Aidan hires her as a matchmaker.
I realize that the book was probably getting lengthy but it seemed like a really fast turn around for Julia to go from hating the idea of marriage to not being able to live without Aidan. It's a nice idea but she ends up compromising all of her ideals without him having to concede anything. Blergh. Still gonna read the next book in the series.
thenia's review against another edition
3.0
An opposites attract romance between Aidan, a straitlaced duke, and Julia, a shocking divorcee.
Julia wanted out of her marriage to her cruel, abusive husband and used Aidan to make it happen, staining his pristine reputation. A year later, Aidan, who is in the process of looking for a proper woman he could tolerate enough to marry and fulfill his duty, can't get Julia out of his mind.
It turns out that.
There is more than meets the eye to both of them, complicated feelings and history between them, as well as an undeniable attraction and it is a long way before they eventually reach their happily ever after together.
The series continues with [b:Trouble at the Wedding|10372526|Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, #3)|Laura Lee Guhrke|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328147310s/10372526.jpg|15275896].
Previous book reviews:
✦ Wedding of the Season (Abandoned at the Altar #1)
Julia wanted out of her marriage to her cruel, abusive husband and used Aidan to make it happen, staining his pristine reputation. A year later, Aidan, who is in the process of looking for a proper woman he could tolerate enough to marry and fulfill his duty, can't get Julia out of his mind.
It turns out that
Spoiler
they didn't actually sleep together - Julia only staged the scene so that it would appear that they had, plying Aidan with alcohol and making sure to get caught in a compromising situation that would ensure she could get her divorce. While I understood her desperation, I did not agree with her actions and the fact that she played and used Aidan to reach her goal instead of enlisting his help or even coming clean about what really happened after the factThere is more than meets the eye to both of them, complicated feelings and history between them, as well as an undeniable attraction and it is a long way before they eventually reach their happily ever after together.
The series continues with [b:Trouble at the Wedding|10372526|Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, #3)|Laura Lee Guhrke|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328147310s/10372526.jpg|15275896].
Previous book reviews:
✦ Wedding of the Season (Abandoned at the Altar #1)
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
5.0
Characters: divorcee, upstanding duke involved in the divorce
World Building: interiors
Plot: understanding past motivations, building relationship
Sex: medium
Read another: Yes
World Building: interiors
Plot: understanding past motivations, building relationship
Sex: medium
Read another: Yes