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Malory-Anderson Families #1
Love Only Once
The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden - and is determined to make the rogue pay with his heart. A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him. Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has - and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
About the author
Johanna Lindsey
166 books7,004 followersJohanna Helen Howard was born on March 10, 1952 in Germany, where her father, Edwin Dennis Howard, a soldier in the U.S. Army was stationed. The family moved about a great deal when she was young. Her father always dreamed of retiring to Hawaii, and after he passed away in 1964 Johanna and her mother settled there to honor him.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,031 reviews
June 21, 2015
Double triple Mega Meh.
It's been a while since I read a Johanna Lindsey that wasn't a re-read. But a bunch of her stuff was on mega sale via kindle a while a back so I picked up this little never-before-read nugget in addition to some "kindle replacements" for some of her old paperbacks I have had since I was 12.
Because anytime I can get books with covers like these off my shelves?
And avoid getting this look when hubby's hot friends drop a box of books on moving day and 1980's Fabio and friends spill out?
Although I am quite partial to this bad boy...
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*
*
But I digress.
As I read this I realized I had read all of the other Malory stories attached to the corresponding Malory characters in this book.
And I also realized something about the H in this book.
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For serious though.
Plus, he and the h barely knew each other and spent what felt like 95% of the book apart.
However, being that this was originally written in 1985, I tried to keep that in mind...but so were some her other ones that I adore.
This just wasn't a Lindsey hit for me.
It's been a while since I read a Johanna Lindsey that wasn't a re-read. But a bunch of her stuff was on mega sale via kindle a while a back so I picked up this little never-before-read nugget in addition to some "kindle replacements" for some of her old paperbacks I have had since I was 12.
Because anytime I can get books with covers like these off my shelves?
And avoid getting this look when hubby's hot friends drop a box of books on moving day and 1980's Fabio and friends spill out?
Although I am quite partial to this bad boy...
*
*
*
*
*
But I digress.
As I read this I realized I had read all of the other Malory stories attached to the corresponding Malory characters in this book.
And I also realized something about the H in this book.
*
*
*
*
*
For serious though.
Plus, he and the h barely knew each other and spent what felt like 95% of the book apart.
However, being that this was originally written in 1985, I tried to keep that in mind...but so were some her other ones that I adore.
This just wasn't a Lindsey hit for me.
February 20, 2021
4.5 stars
TW for infertility
I am so happy I have found another Johanna Lindsey book that I absolutely love! This book starts out with Nicholas being a rake and pondering how to deal with his latest mistress. He decides to kidnap her to get back at her for trying to make him jealous and ends up kidnapping Reggie instead! And the romance goes from there. I really loved this romance and it reminded me so much of The Duke and I mixed with a little bit of The Viscount Who Loved Me. I really loved the marriage of convenience, but what I loved the most was Reggie's huge, overprotective family. She was raised by her uncles and they are all fiercely protective and want the best for her. She loves them and wants a husband just like them. They all pop in and out of this book and they are so fun.
This book does read like a soap opera, but I loved it. The only reason I gave this 4.5 stars was because Nicholas didn't grovel enough for me and I didn't really love the plot with his mom and how that all ended. Nicholas has his own secrets and he doesn't want to marry Reggie because he doesn't thinks he's accept him when she learns his secrets. Reggie was definitely headstrong and I loved how she didn't let him walk all over her. She stood up to the men in her life and was determined to live life on her own terms. It was great! I can't wait to continue on in the series!
TW for infertility
I am so happy I have found another Johanna Lindsey book that I absolutely love! This book starts out with Nicholas being a rake and pondering how to deal with his latest mistress. He decides to kidnap her to get back at her for trying to make him jealous and ends up kidnapping Reggie instead! And the romance goes from there. I really loved this romance and it reminded me so much of The Duke and I mixed with a little bit of The Viscount Who Loved Me. I really loved the marriage of convenience, but what I loved the most was Reggie's huge, overprotective family. She was raised by her uncles and they are all fiercely protective and want the best for her. She loves them and wants a husband just like them. They all pop in and out of this book and they are so fun.
This book does read like a soap opera, but I loved it. The only reason I gave this 4.5 stars was because Nicholas didn't grovel enough for me and I didn't really love the plot with his mom and how that all ended. Nicholas has his own secrets and he doesn't want to marry Reggie because he doesn't thinks he's accept him when she learns his secrets. Reggie was definitely headstrong and I loved how she didn't let him walk all over her. She stood up to the men in her life and was determined to live life on her own terms. It was great! I can't wait to continue on in the series!
July 17, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.25 stars
It was hard for me to decide on a rating since some parts I liked and some parts I really didn’t like. And it wasn’t that I liked the first 50% and not the last 50%, it was that I liked a few pages than didn’t like the next few pages.
Regina/Reggie/Regan (19) was a strong heroine, but she desperately wanted to get married. However, she had very protective uncles who prevented any matrimony. She was beautiful and well beloved.
Nicholas/Nicky (27) was a bastard, literally and figuratively. He was a complete rake with many ex-mistresses. I really didn’t like that he seduced innocents, that really bothered me. He was also a pirate for some time.
I didn’t like the characters overall since they changed personalities so often. It was like reading anew character every few pages. There were also weird plot holes and the pacing was off.
All in all, if you really like historical romance, this is an entertaining read, but if it’s not your thing, this may not take your fancy.
It was hard for me to decide on a rating since some parts I liked and some parts I really didn’t like. And it wasn’t that I liked the first 50% and not the last 50%, it was that I liked a few pages than didn’t like the next few pages.
Regina/Reggie/Regan (19) was a strong heroine, but she desperately wanted to get married. However, she had very protective uncles who prevented any matrimony. She was beautiful and well beloved.
Nicholas/Nicky (27) was a bastard, literally and figuratively. He was a complete rake with many ex-mistresses. I really didn’t like that he seduced innocents, that really bothered me. He was also a pirate for some time.
I didn’t like the characters overall since they changed personalities so often. It was like reading anew character every few pages. There were also weird plot holes and the pacing was off.
All in all, if you really like historical romance, this is an entertaining read, but if it’s not your thing, this may not take your fancy.
June 19, 2022
No matter how much I may enjoy an author, I just can't stomach a plot where the kind, loving heroine is used, abused and treated absolutely abominably (flaunting other mistresses in her presence, abandoned on his doorstep on their wedding night etc.) by the hero(?) throughout the entire book as this one does. The biggest insult, however, was after an entire book of this behavior, the hero comes in to ravish the heroine after a night of drinking, after which both are happy. UGH! The book rated 2 stars only because the author did a good job of keeping me turning the pages.
March 19, 2019
Wow, was this a let-down. So many friends liked this and I am struggling to figure out how. Nick is a dead loss from start to finish. And I kind of hated how often Reg just gives in to him because he's hot.
And his reasons! I don't care how . And he never apologizes or is held accountable for the inhuman treatment he dishes out time after time. He is such a childish little butt-pimple that I wanted Reg to smash his face in on her way to a HEA with someone else.
I made it to the end on the strength of liking Regina. Except for her brain leaving her stranded in the face of his hotness, she was a lot of fun. She has strength and determination and she doesn't let petty people (like Nick's piece-of-work "mother") get to her. I liked that she didn't waffle or hesitate to take his home(s) in hand and that she just dealt with the bad place she found herself in. I lost a lot of respect for her giving in to Nick as often as she did, but the rest of her was outstanding.
Also, there's a ton of backstory that comes out that sounds like this should be in the middle of a series instead of its start. Seriously, that Malory family is one messed-up pile of drama. Though an interesting one, I'll admit. I may continue this series just to get more of the family.
I'm giving this a second star on the strength of Reg and her family dynamics. I stuck through the suck for them and hope this is an outlier for stupidity in Lindsey's heroes.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They are, frankly, stupid and I hated every single one of them because every one of them was Reg being a fool and Nick being one flavor of butt-pimple or other.
And his reasons! I don't care how . And he never apologizes or is held accountable for the inhuman treatment he dishes out time after time. He is such a childish little butt-pimple that I wanted Reg to smash his face in on her way to a HEA with someone else.
I made it to the end on the strength of liking Regina. Except for her brain leaving her stranded in the face of his hotness, she was a lot of fun. She has strength and determination and she doesn't let petty people (like Nick's piece-of-work "mother") get to her. I liked that she didn't waffle or hesitate to take his home(s) in hand and that she just dealt with the bad place she found herself in. I lost a lot of respect for her giving in to Nick as often as she did, but the rest of her was outstanding.
Also, there's a ton of backstory that comes out that sounds like this should be in the middle of a series instead of its start. Seriously, that Malory family is one messed-up pile of drama. Though an interesting one, I'll admit. I may continue this series just to get more of the family.
I'm giving this a second star on the strength of Reg and her family dynamics. I stuck through the suck for them and hope this is an outlier for stupidity in Lindsey's heroes.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They are, frankly, stupid and I hated every single one of them because every one of them was Reg being a fool and Nick being one flavor of butt-pimple or other.
May 22, 2016
Written July 19, 2015
3 Stars - Charming "oldish" and undoubtedly entertaining sweet
Love Only Once is a quite old (1985) both loved and disliked historical. I couldn't resist when I saw it was just a few bucks for the kindle book including the 7:50 hrs audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington. We'll see if it is a dreadful miss or a happy winner for me.
LOL!! I'm not sure... was it a miss?
Ridiculously fun - I'm almost ashamed but I actually smiled and giggled in nearly eight hours. This, despite all these silly twists, too cheesy emotional statements, a grumpy hopeless hero and so many amazingly incredible events. Either way, Love Only Once is a heart-warming sweet, very predictable but nevertheless really amusing HR. Who can resist a brave young heroine like this one? Not to mention her family and lovely uncles.
Summary: Two stars for an outdated (but amusing oldish) HR and an added extra shining star for a well done and very fitting narration by Laural Merlington.
**********************************************
London, England 1817
« Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden, Viscount of Montieth - and is determined to make the rogue pay with his heart. »
You might guess the rest. ~ As I mentioned in an status update, it made me think of those lovely old Errol Flynn movies. Imagine hunk-looking heroes, pirates, heartbreaking scenes, brave beautiful heroines, stolen kisses, man fighting, deceitful evil female rivals, sizzling hot secret encounters and thousands of unnecessary misunderstandings. ~ But as it shall in a true historical, it all ended grand and wonderful. The good ones won their wanted HEA and the bad guys fled with a tail between their legs
**********************************************
I LIKE - so many kind of romances
******
And all these lovely old HR covers:
3 Stars - Charming "oldish" and undoubtedly entertaining sweet
Love Only Once is a quite old (1985) both loved and disliked historical. I couldn't resist when I saw it was just a few bucks for the kindle book including the 7:50 hrs audiobook narrated by Laural Merlington. We'll see if it is a dreadful miss or a happy winner for me.
LOL!! I'm not sure... was it a miss?
Ridiculously fun - I'm almost ashamed but I actually smiled and giggled in nearly eight hours. This, despite all these silly twists, too cheesy emotional statements, a grumpy hopeless hero and so many amazingly incredible events. Either way, Love Only Once is a heart-warming sweet, very predictable but nevertheless really amusing HR. Who can resist a brave young heroine like this one? Not to mention her family and lovely uncles.
Summary: Two stars for an outdated (but amusing oldish) HR and an added extra shining star for a well done and very fitting narration by Laural Merlington.
**********************************************
London, England 1817
« Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden, Viscount of Montieth - and is determined to make the rogue pay with his heart. »
‘It had been said of Nicholas that he didn’t particularly care who got hurt while he pursued his pleasures. Perhaps that was true, perhaps not. No one really knew Nicholas well enough to be sure. Even he wasn’t sure why he did some of the things he did.’
You might guess the rest. ~ As I mentioned in an status update, it made me think of those lovely old Errol Flynn movies. Imagine hunk-looking heroes, pirates, heartbreaking scenes, brave beautiful heroines, stolen kisses, man fighting, deceitful evil female rivals, sizzling hot secret encounters and thousands of unnecessary misunderstandings. ~ But as it shall in a true historical, it all ended grand and wonderful. The good ones won their wanted HEA and the bad guys fled with a tail between their legs
**********************************************
I LIKE - so many kind of romances
******
And all these lovely old HR covers:
March 27, 2018
Η Ρετζίνα εκτός από όμορφη είναι πολύ δυναμική. Κι ο Νίκολας, νομίζω ότι στο πρόσωπό της βρίσκει το "μάστορά" του.
Απόλαυσα την ανάγνωση του πρώτου βιβλίου της οικογένειας Μαλόρι και σίγουρα θα διαβάσω και τα επόμενα.
Απόλαυσα την ανάγνωση του πρώτου βιβλίου της οικογένειας Μαλόρι και σίγουρα θα διαβάσω και τα επόμενα.
February 23, 2021
This book has two of the most stupid characters ever! They saw problems and failings in everyone, never once stopping to think things through or talk to each other. And then suddenly - pling - out of the blue, everything was roses and sunshine. No, reality does not work like that. When you've spent a whole year hating someone you don't just forgive them after one rump in the sack. So I wasn't pleased with this book. No.
February 7, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I decided to re read this Malory Anderson series, as I am working on character sketch for this series and I had realized that I haven't reviewed much of the series and somehow Love Only Once fell through the cracks. And boy did I have a wonderful time reconnecting with this fun family and this romance that just gave me laughs and fun times. Love Only Once is the first book of the series and it starts off with Regina's story. Now Regina is the daughter of Melissa Malory, where she and her husband were killed in a fire when Regina was two years old. The rest of the Malory siblings raised her together but it was Anthony Malory she is the closest to. Regina is a heroine you just fall in love with right away. She is so devoted to her family. Her uncles and all of her cousins. I love the way she handles her family, you could say she is cunning but only in trying to help those she cares the most about. At the beginning, she is unsatisfied with all the matches and has gone through multiple seasons already. After visiting her Uncle Anthony, she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped and taken to Nicholas Eden's home. When Nicholas realizes that its not his mistress at his home, but a strange woman he goes back home and chemistry sparks between them. But even though he returns her in secret. His ex mistress now, tells the worst gossips in the Ton about what happened and Regina's reputation is tattered and they are forced to marry. Now Nicholas has his own inner struggles and torments. His father is gone, and his mother (who is horrible) practically blackmails him around the circumstances surrounding his birth and believes that Regina will lose any feelings she has for him if she finds out the truth so he tries to push her away. But with the fun interference from Regina's family bring them back together and it gets pretty lively. You will fall in love with Nicholas and Regina and the whole Malory Family.
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="19026"]
I decided to re read this Malory Anderson series, as I am working on character sketch for this series and I had realized that I haven't reviewed much of the series and somehow Love Only Once fell through the cracks. And boy did I have a wonderful time reconnecting with this fun family and this romance that just gave me laughs and fun times. Love Only Once is the first book of the series and it starts off with Regina's story. Now Regina is the daughter of Melissa Malory, where she and her husband were killed in a fire when Regina was two years old. The rest of the Malory siblings raised her together but it was Anthony Malory she is the closest to. Regina is a heroine you just fall in love with right away. She is so devoted to her family. Her uncles and all of her cousins. I love the way she handles her family, you could say she is cunning but only in trying to help those she cares the most about. At the beginning, she is unsatisfied with all the matches and has gone through multiple seasons already. After visiting her Uncle Anthony, she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped and taken to Nicholas Eden's home. When Nicholas realizes that its not his mistress at his home, but a strange woman he goes back home and chemistry sparks between them. But even though he returns her in secret. His ex mistress now, tells the worst gossips in the Ton about what happened and Regina's reputation is tattered and they are forced to marry. Now Nicholas has his own inner struggles and torments. His father is gone, and his mother (who is horrible) practically blackmails him around the circumstances surrounding his birth and believes that Regina will lose any feelings she has for him if she finds out the truth so he tries to push her away. But with the fun interference from Regina's family bring them back together and it gets pretty lively. You will fall in love with Nicholas and Regina and the whole Malory Family.
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="19026"]
February 23, 2021
This was the first Johanna Lindsey that I've read and now I'm wondering, what took me so long?!
This novel is the first in a series and it has everything that I enjoy in a historical romance: chemistry between the two main characters, humour, and family. As an aside, I will say that if you like the Bridgerton series (either the novels or the television series) by Julia Quinn, I highly recommend checking this novel out. Both of these series are similar in that they contain stories involving romance, humour, and a close loyal family.
Now, back to this novel.
Surprisingly, even though this book deals with one of my least favourite tropes, I absolutely loved the story. Never did I ever expect giving a novel with this trope five stars but in this novel, it was done so well.
Part of the reason I could look past the trope involvement is that I absolutely loved the characters from both of the main characters Regina and Nicholas to other characters such as Regina's uncles. Oh my goodness how those uncles had me laughing!
I can definitely see how this novel withstands the test of time. Yes, there may be some changes in the language that we use now or difference in etiquette but I could easily see this novel being written today. I cannot wait to read more of the Malory family and more written by Johanna Lindsey in general.
This novel is the first in a series and it has everything that I enjoy in a historical romance: chemistry between the two main characters, humour, and family. As an aside, I will say that if you like the Bridgerton series (either the novels or the television series) by Julia Quinn, I highly recommend checking this novel out. Both of these series are similar in that they contain stories involving romance, humour, and a close loyal family.
Now, back to this novel.
Surprisingly, even though this book deals with one of my least favourite tropes, I absolutely loved the story. Never did I ever expect giving a novel with this trope five stars but in this novel, it was done so well.
Part of the reason I could look past the trope involvement is that I absolutely loved the characters from both of the main characters Regina and Nicholas to other characters such as Regina's uncles. Oh my goodness how those uncles had me laughing!
I can definitely see how this novel withstands the test of time. Yes, there may be some changes in the language that we use now or difference in etiquette but I could easily see this novel being written today. I cannot wait to read more of the Malory family and more written by Johanna Lindsey in general.
December 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
“Fie on you, sir. I hope you don’t mean to compromise me more than you already have.” “I will if you will let me. Will you? Think carefully before you answer,” he said with a devastating smile. “My heart is in jeopardy.” She giggled, delighted. “Stuff! Rakes like you don’t have hearts. Everyone knows that.” Lady Regina’s reputation is sullied when she was mistakenly abducted. Nicholas Eden only wanted to teach his mistress a lesson before he leaves her and instead — he gets the wrong lady. The Malory family will accept nothing but marriage, even if the viscount Eden is an unwilling participant. Regina seeks to reform the rake but Nicholas is someone who does not take kindly to being told what to do.
Love only once is the first book from Johanna Lindsey’s historical romance series, Malory-Anderson family. This is Nicholas Eden and Lady Regina Ashton’s book. This is my first Johanna Lindsey book as well. I have always wanted to read a book from her and I thought why not start at the beginning of this series? I think it is safe to say that I will continue reading more of her work.
Meet Lady Regina Ashton: The only daughter to the Earl of Penwich and Lady Melissa Ashton (née Malory). Her parents died when she was only two years old. Her four uncles, the Marquess, Lord Edward, Lord James and Lord Anthony raised her up. Like any marriage minded lady, Regina had been looking for the perfect husband for quite some time before she got abducted by Nicholas. She is spoiled and loved dearly by her family.
Meet Nicholas Eden: He is the Viscount Eden of Montieth. A typical unapologetic asshole Rake. With his status, his duty is to marry and to sire an heir. But Nicholas does not want to marry for a reason: He is a bastard. (I do not think this is a spoiler, he has this internal dialogue very early on). He is afraid that if his bastardy is known by society, his wife might suffer, so he chooses not to marry instead.
The book starts off with Nicholas’s mistress, Lady Eddington’s perspective. She talks of Nicholas escorting her to this very important ball. And at some point, admits to wanting to marry him. Although, it is impossible because he has an aversion to marriage. After an argument, she decided to end their relations, with the intention to make him chase her, I think. She was escorted by Lord Marshall Malory instead. At the Malory house, a chit wanted to borrow the family carriage but since Lady Eddington couldn’t afford to be late, she lent Regina her carriage instead. And from there, the plot moves forward. Regina was wrongly abducted and when Nicholas realized his mistake, he quickly went home to his townhouse where he was keeping the lady. But being alone with Nicholas just does not happen without some repercussions. When the gossip was out, Regina’s reputation is quickly left in tatters. Her uncle, Anthony, insisted a duel but Regina won’t have it. So, they forced Nicholas to marry her instead. And from there, we have the miscommunication trope until towards the end.
I have mixed feelings about the heroine. For one, she was very entertaining. But at the same time, she came off spoiled. I do feel sorry for her, though. I think she was quite young so she has some immaturity in her. She does come off very spoiled at times but she was endearing as well. She stood up for herself most of the time. She is likeable. And it is cute how much she loves her family. She was funny at times, too.
As for the hero, I have mixed feelings about him too. He was entertaining to read about. I hated his rakish ways — it was a turn off because he seduced innocents too. He was an asshole to the heroine for most of the book, as well. However, when he had a verbal sparring with Anthony or James, he becomes so funny that I can’t help but be endeared with him. He has this dry sense of humor that is oddly so funny. He’s greatly attracted to his wife but of course he has his silly reasons about why he’s so mad that he’s married to her. And after coming to the conclusion that he does think about her a lot, he decided it’s time to come home six months later.
This book has the miscommunication trope. I am just so glad that Johanna Lindsey wrote this book it in a way wherein I just could not help but continue reading. The miscommunication is annoying because things would’ve been solved if only they talked to each other, but of course, they’re both stubborn and jumped to conclusion even when they haven’t even talked about their problems. However, the miscommunication had to be written because there would be no conflict, otherwise. Also, the hero had the audacity to doubt that Regina’s son is his. She tells him that it is his child and he’s like, “I don’t believe you,” and she’s like, “fine” and he was like, “why doesn’t she convince me?”
They had so many problems that it was almost toxic, and perhaps they were toxic. And there lay the problem. They had so much conflict, and instead of fixing things slowly but surely, it all happened so fast to the point it felt so rushed. I do not believe that they loved each other even when I finished the book, I think they were more in-lust with each other. Perhaps, after a few years together, they might come to actually love each other. Oh, there was a love declaration, of course. But it was just not believable to me because they spent the book being mad at each other because they did not talk like normal adults. I think it needed at least more pages for the readers to actually feel that all’s well and that they actually love each other. I am quite sure the heroine loved the hero because she wouldn’t put up with him if not, but it is the hero’s love that was rather unconvincing. It needed more time for his declaration to be plausible.
Aside from the main characters, I loved the Malory family! At first, I was so confused because there were so much characters and I couldn’t keep up who’s who but I eventually learned who they were. This book does not only focus on the romance and there were many moments about the family too. The hero did not appear for about 15% or more towards the middle but it did not bother me that much because the Malory family was entertaining. Although it was weird to me how Regina kept mentioning how much she wanted to marry someone who reminded her of her uncles. It was sweet but at the same time, why?
Over all, I am satisfied with my first Johanna Lindsey book and I look forward to reading more of her work. Hopefully, there is less miscommunication between the characters. Kind of want to skip book 2 because there is so much miscommunication, apparently. Johanna Lindsey writes well, although at first her style is confusing, I grew to like it.
Some Quotes:
“What does the truth matter when it is the untruth that is believed by everyone?”
“Don’t do it, Regina,” he warned darkly. “You will regret it.” “I already do,” was the whispered reply. It took him aback. “Then why?” he asked desperately. “I—I must,” she replied. He let go of her arm and stepped away, his face a mask of fury. “Damnation take you then! I will be no husband to you, this I swear. If you persist in this farce, then that is what you will have, a mockery of a marriage. I wish you happy.” “You don’t mean that, Nicholas!” There were tears in her eyes. “I give you my word, madame, and a last warning: Do not come to the church.”
James caught sight of the couple racing out of the room, hand in hand, Reggie holding her other hand against her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Will you look at that?” he cut into Anthony’s speech. “Did I tell you he was the man for her?”“You did not,” Anthony retorted hotly. “But of course I knew it all along.” (This was so funny to me because we all know you did not, Anthony!)
They seemed to touch each other without hands, a current passing between them that transcended their differences.
“You just won’t admit that you were wrong, that you have a wonderful wife and no good reason not to cherish her.” “I do admit that. It is my wife who now regrets her choice of husband. I once told her she would. Bitter thing,” he added, “to find yourself proved right about the one thing you wanted to be wrong about.”
“Fie on you, sir. I hope you don’t mean to compromise me more than you already have.” “I will if you will let me. Will you? Think carefully before you answer,” he said with a devastating smile. “My heart is in jeopardy.” She giggled, delighted. “Stuff! Rakes like you don’t have hearts. Everyone knows that.” Lady Regina’s reputation is sullied when she was mistakenly abducted. Nicholas Eden only wanted to teach his mistress a lesson before he leaves her and instead — he gets the wrong lady. The Malory family will accept nothing but marriage, even if the viscount Eden is an unwilling participant. Regina seeks to reform the rake but Nicholas is someone who does not take kindly to being told what to do.
Love only once is the first book from Johanna Lindsey’s historical romance series, Malory-Anderson family. This is Nicholas Eden and Lady Regina Ashton’s book. This is my first Johanna Lindsey book as well. I have always wanted to read a book from her and I thought why not start at the beginning of this series? I think it is safe to say that I will continue reading more of her work.
Meet Lady Regina Ashton: The only daughter to the Earl of Penwich and Lady Melissa Ashton (née Malory). Her parents died when she was only two years old. Her four uncles, the Marquess, Lord Edward, Lord James and Lord Anthony raised her up. Like any marriage minded lady, Regina had been looking for the perfect husband for quite some time before she got abducted by Nicholas. She is spoiled and loved dearly by her family.
Meet Nicholas Eden: He is the Viscount Eden of Montieth. A typical unapologetic asshole Rake. With his status, his duty is to marry and to sire an heir. But Nicholas does not want to marry for a reason: He is a bastard. (I do not think this is a spoiler, he has this internal dialogue very early on). He is afraid that if his bastardy is known by society, his wife might suffer, so he chooses not to marry instead.
The book starts off with Nicholas’s mistress, Lady Eddington’s perspective. She talks of Nicholas escorting her to this very important ball. And at some point, admits to wanting to marry him. Although, it is impossible because he has an aversion to marriage. After an argument, she decided to end their relations, with the intention to make him chase her, I think. She was escorted by Lord Marshall Malory instead. At the Malory house, a chit wanted to borrow the family carriage but since Lady Eddington couldn’t afford to be late, she lent Regina her carriage instead. And from there, the plot moves forward. Regina was wrongly abducted and when Nicholas realized his mistake, he quickly went home to his townhouse where he was keeping the lady. But being alone with Nicholas just does not happen without some repercussions. When the gossip was out, Regina’s reputation is quickly left in tatters. Her uncle, Anthony, insisted a duel but Regina won’t have it. So, they forced Nicholas to marry her instead. And from there, we have the miscommunication trope until towards the end.
I have mixed feelings about the heroine. For one, she was very entertaining. But at the same time, she came off spoiled. I do feel sorry for her, though. I think she was quite young so she has some immaturity in her. She does come off very spoiled at times but she was endearing as well. She stood up for herself most of the time. She is likeable. And it is cute how much she loves her family. She was funny at times, too.
As for the hero, I have mixed feelings about him too. He was entertaining to read about. I hated his rakish ways — it was a turn off because he seduced innocents too. He was an asshole to the heroine for most of the book, as well. However, when he had a verbal sparring with Anthony or James, he becomes so funny that I can’t help but be endeared with him. He has this dry sense of humor that is oddly so funny. He’s greatly attracted to his wife but of course he has his silly reasons about why he’s so mad that he’s married to her. And after coming to the conclusion that he does think about her a lot, he decided it’s time to come home six months later.
This book has the miscommunication trope. I am just so glad that Johanna Lindsey wrote this book it in a way wherein I just could not help but continue reading. The miscommunication is annoying because things would’ve been solved if only they talked to each other, but of course, they’re both stubborn and jumped to conclusion even when they haven’t even talked about their problems. However, the miscommunication had to be written because there would be no conflict, otherwise. Also, the hero had the audacity to doubt that Regina’s son is his. She tells him that it is his child and he’s like, “I don’t believe you,” and she’s like, “fine” and he was like, “why doesn’t she convince me?”
They had so many problems that it was almost toxic, and perhaps they were toxic. And there lay the problem. They had so much conflict, and instead of fixing things slowly but surely, it all happened so fast to the point it felt so rushed. I do not believe that they loved each other even when I finished the book, I think they were more in-lust with each other. Perhaps, after a few years together, they might come to actually love each other. Oh, there was a love declaration, of course. But it was just not believable to me because they spent the book being mad at each other because they did not talk like normal adults. I think it needed at least more pages for the readers to actually feel that all’s well and that they actually love each other. I am quite sure the heroine loved the hero because she wouldn’t put up with him if not, but it is the hero’s love that was rather unconvincing. It needed more time for his declaration to be plausible.
Aside from the main characters, I loved the Malory family! At first, I was so confused because there were so much characters and I couldn’t keep up who’s who but I eventually learned who they were. This book does not only focus on the romance and there were many moments about the family too. The hero did not appear for about 15% or more towards the middle but it did not bother me that much because the Malory family was entertaining. Although it was weird to me how Regina kept mentioning how much she wanted to marry someone who reminded her of her uncles. It was sweet but at the same time, why?
Over all, I am satisfied with my first Johanna Lindsey book and I look forward to reading more of her work. Hopefully, there is less miscommunication between the characters. Kind of want to skip book 2 because there is so much miscommunication, apparently. Johanna Lindsey writes well, although at first her style is confusing, I grew to like it.
Some Quotes:
“What does the truth matter when it is the untruth that is believed by everyone?”
“Don’t do it, Regina,” he warned darkly. “You will regret it.” “I already do,” was the whispered reply. It took him aback. “Then why?” he asked desperately. “I—I must,” she replied. He let go of her arm and stepped away, his face a mask of fury. “Damnation take you then! I will be no husband to you, this I swear. If you persist in this farce, then that is what you will have, a mockery of a marriage. I wish you happy.” “You don’t mean that, Nicholas!” There were tears in her eyes. “I give you my word, madame, and a last warning: Do not come to the church.”
James caught sight of the couple racing out of the room, hand in hand, Reggie holding her other hand against her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Will you look at that?” he cut into Anthony’s speech. “Did I tell you he was the man for her?”“You did not,” Anthony retorted hotly. “But of course I knew it all along.” (This was so funny to me because we all know you did not, Anthony!)
They seemed to touch each other without hands, a current passing between them that transcended their differences.
“You just won’t admit that you were wrong, that you have a wonderful wife and no good reason not to cherish her.” “I do admit that. It is my wife who now regrets her choice of husband. I once told her she would. Bitter thing,” he added, “to find yourself proved right about the one thing you wanted to be wrong about.”
September 29, 2009
I only got a few chapters into this book and set it down. The hero is with his mistress at the beginning of the book and he's decided that he's bored of her. He decides to tell her the affair is over after a big social engagement they're attending. His mistress can tell his affections are waning and tries to bait the hero into marriage which doesn't work. Then it switches to the heroine and her family and all their relatives are listed as they get ready for a big social event. Then the heroine goes all 'Woe is me!' because she's beautiful and well off but hasn't yet found a husband. Her four uncles haven't liked any of her choices in men and she doesn't know what to do and... blah blah blah.
I like rakish hero's but the one in here didn't feel charming to me. The heroine's personality didn't feel engaging and her oh-so-sad plight of being beautiful and unmarried turned me off. I think this is probably more a case of not my cup of tea than anything, but whatever it is I couldn't finish it.
I like rakish hero's but the one in here didn't feel charming to me. The heroine's personality didn't feel engaging and her oh-so-sad plight of being beautiful and unmarried turned me off. I think this is probably more a case of not my cup of tea than anything, but whatever it is I couldn't finish it.
May 5, 2015
I absolutely adore the Malory family. Strangely enough I almost love them more than the plots. Lol!
I actually danced around my apartment, that's how happy this book made me!
We get to meet Regina aka Reggie who is an orphan with four overprotective uncles. She is strong, beautiful, clever and funny. Add Nicholas Eden who is the worst rake and has a secret. He is a bastard and his "mother" threatens to tell the world. Therefore, he will never marry. Regina borrows Lady Selena's carriage to go to her brother Anthony. Selena was Nicholas mistress and when Nicholas sees her carriage he mistakenly kidnap Regina. Their first meeting is hilarious. However, scandal is upon them and they have to marry. So yes, this is a "compromised" story. In the middle I was so angry but even though they could have resolved some issues if they talked it made sense why they didn't. And the HEA... *Happy sigh*
I actually read this book after reading #3 Gentle Rogue and #4 Magic of You. I kind of regretted it but after reading it now I think it might actually be the perfect order because I already know James and Anthony and all the others. It definitely didn't hurt. I can't wait to read Tender Rebel to finally get Anthony's story.
I actually danced around my apartment, that's how happy this book made me!
We get to meet Regina aka Reggie who is an orphan with four overprotective uncles. She is strong, beautiful, clever and funny. Add Nicholas Eden who is the worst rake and has a secret. He is a bastard and his "mother" threatens to tell the world. Therefore, he will never marry. Regina borrows Lady Selena's carriage to go to her brother Anthony. Selena was Nicholas mistress and when Nicholas sees her carriage he mistakenly kidnap Regina. Their first meeting is hilarious. However, scandal is upon them and they have to marry. So yes, this is a "compromised" story. In the middle I was so angry but even though they could have resolved some issues if they talked it made sense why they didn't. And the HEA... *Happy sigh*
I actually read this book after reading #3 Gentle Rogue and #4 Magic of You. I kind of regretted it but after reading it now I think it might actually be the perfect order because I already know James and Anthony and all the others. It definitely didn't hurt. I can't wait to read Tender Rebel to finally get Anthony's story.
March 9, 2010
Okay, I'm cheating here, and I don't like them all equally, but I do love the Mallory's. They're all funny. I especially liked Love Only Once (the first book), Gentle Rogue (my favorite), and The Magic of You (where the heroine chases the hero shamelessly).
June 14, 2016
The first half of the book is 5 stars definitely!! Second half is full of incredibly annoying misunderstandings that ruined it for me. So I settled for 3 stars.
January 15, 2015
Ειλικρινά μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ αυτό το βιβλίο! Ολόκληρη η οικογένεια Μάλορι είναι συναρπαστική και ολίγον τι... τρελή! Αλλά ήταν απολαυστικοί!!! Όλοι τους!!! Θα ήθελα να διαβάσω όλη τους την ιστορία, του καθένα ξεχωριστά... Ελπίζω η "Διόπτρα" να εκδόσει και τα υπόλοιπα βιβλία, και ας μη ξεχνάμε το δεύτερο της σειράς διότι το ξέχασε και πήδηξε στην έκδοση του τρίτου... Για όνομα του θεού!!!
December 31, 2019
I wanted to read a book in the Malory series so thought better begin at the beginning. And got a selfish whiny boy masquerading as the hero. The effervescent h is no better – swearing no one messes with a Malory twice but lets the H walk all over her doormatty self - more than once.
*Spoilers All*
What else?
The h-H had an absolute non-connection as far as I could see. Apart from the H’s repetitive randy ‘let me love you’ line and the h thinking that she better marry him after he ruins her reputation (following a drunken abduction where he mistakes her for his cheating mistress), they had no connect or feelings to speak of. She tentatively thinks she loves him but I saw no conviction.
He’s a manhoe of worst kind who purportedly thinks nothing of seducing maids and ruining virginal debs and in fact the h’s the 4th or 5th deb he has successfully seduced! The other times he got away with it but not this time as the h had family that could bring on the pressure. Their engagement period was good for one deflowering and those consequent efforts to get her to dump him. The modus operandi - paying more attention to his ?former mistress and other women. Why can’t he dump her? Because he’s a gentleman, you see and he’s given his word! o_0
Long separation.
He marries her under duress and then very callously dumps her at the country estate (quite literally at the door and turns the carriage around) to live with his cold and mean mother who he himself avoids at all costs! And goes off cavorting to the Caribbean for 7 months. Is he celibate during the separation? I’d guess NOT! but that is not touched upon at all.
The middling chapters are (mercifully?) hero-less but as much as I loved her uncles (Hs of later books) they were a bit too much there... doing filler duty, of course.
And they were another reason why he looked like a boy.
And when he’s back? Forget groveling there’s no remorse, no guilt but renewed attack. And not acknowledging his son? I wanted to castrate him there but he’s actually not worth the effort. And that poppycock excuse of ‘I’m a poor abused bastard’ and so can hit out at others (viz. the h) is so thin that it wouldn’t even hold a feather.
Then he wants to bed her and she’s okay with it? Btw they have a son but that’s the second time they’ve had sex- first time in a bed too. As for the first time, it was really tacky doing it in a gazebo during a party/ball. And taking off all the clothes was a scandal waiting to happen.
Okay, you want the cherry on the top? The vampy mother invites most of his ex-lovers/mistresses to a weekend party and he thinks it’s heaven sent to make the wifey jealous. He even mentally recalls their various merits/demerits for the (by now nauseous) reader’s benefit. I didn't need that so late in the book!
And then those sulky sorrys she forces out of him!
Despite the bad bits, at least in the last quarter, they did spend some time together and patched together a higgledy piggedy hea.
The 3 stars are for the really strenuous dramas the author came up with and not the h-H story/romance.
*Spoilers All*
What else?
The h-H had an absolute non-connection as far as I could see. Apart from the H’s repetitive randy ‘let me love you’ line and the h thinking that she better marry him after he ruins her reputation (following a drunken abduction where he mistakes her for his cheating mistress), they had no connect or feelings to speak of. She tentatively thinks she loves him but I saw no conviction.
He’s a manhoe of worst kind who purportedly thinks nothing of seducing maids and ruining virginal debs and in fact the h’s the 4th or 5th deb he has successfully seduced! The other times he got away with it but not this time as the h had family that could bring on the pressure. Their engagement period was good for one deflowering and those consequent efforts to get her to dump him. The modus operandi - paying more attention to his ?former mistress and other women. Why can’t he dump her? Because he’s a gentleman, you see and he’s given his word! o_0
Long separation.
He marries her under duress and then very callously dumps her at the country estate (quite literally at the door and turns the carriage around) to live with his cold and mean mother who he himself avoids at all costs! And goes off cavorting to the Caribbean for 7 months. Is he celibate during the separation? I’d guess NOT! but that is not touched upon at all.
The middling chapters are (mercifully?) hero-less but as much as I loved her uncles (Hs of later books) they were a bit too much there... doing filler duty, of course.
And they were another reason why he looked like a boy.
And when he’s back? Forget groveling there’s no remorse, no guilt but renewed attack. And not acknowledging his son? I wanted to castrate him there but he’s actually not worth the effort. And that poppycock excuse of ‘I’m a poor abused bastard’ and so can hit out at others (viz. the h) is so thin that it wouldn’t even hold a feather.
Then he wants to bed her and she’s okay with it? Btw they have a son but that’s the second time they’ve had sex- first time in a bed too. As for the first time, it was really tacky doing it in a gazebo during a party/ball. And taking off all the clothes was a scandal waiting to happen.
Okay, you want the cherry on the top? The vampy mother invites most of his ex-lovers/mistresses to a weekend party and he thinks it’s heaven sent to make the wifey jealous. He even mentally recalls their various merits/demerits for the (by now nauseous) reader’s benefit. I didn't need that so late in the book!
And then those sulky sorrys she forces out of him!
Despite the bad bits, at least in the last quarter, they did spend some time together and patched together a higgledy piggedy hea.
The 3 stars are for the really strenuous dramas the author came up with and not the h-H story/romance.
May 26, 2016
Το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς έχει ως βασικό του στόχο να μας συστήσει όλα τα μέλη της οικογένειας που φαίνεται πως θα μας απασχολεί για πολύ καιρό. Στο επίκεντρο της αφήγησης, η Ρετζίνα Άστον και ο Νίκολας Ίντεν. Η απαγωγή της πρώτης από τον δεύτερο θα τους οδηγήσει σε μονοπάτια σκοτεινά και παθιασμένα, αλλά και γεμάτα αγάπη αρκεί να είναι σε θέση να πολεμήσουν τα σκοτάδια του και ν' αφήσουν πίσω το παρελθόν. Αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα πλοκή με καλή δόμηση της αφήγησης, αν και λόγω του στοιχείου της επιβολής μιας ερωτικής κατάστασης ανάμεσα στους δύο πρωταγωνιστές, είναι αρκετά πιθανόν κάποιες αναγνώστριες να ενοχληθούν. Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο, δεν θα έλεγα ότι ενοχλήθηκα, αλλά κάπως άβολα, ναι, ένιωσα. Παρ' όλα ταύτα έχουμε να κάνουμε με μια ιστορία με ίντριγκα και πάθος, που διατηρεί αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη και που τους φανατικούς του είδους, ίσως και να τους συνεπάρει.
July 26, 2015
2'5 para el primero de los Malory. La historia no está mal y definitivamente Anthony y James son ansñsbsñañskdks pero parece escrita por el mono loco
October 29, 2013
Sweet, melted Velveeta, I couldn't help but love this book. Even though it has the dreaded Big Misunderstandings over and over (and over and over) again, the writing is intelligent, the characters fleshed out and likable, the plot engaging, and the romance sort of jarringly sweet without being saccharine. Reggie was amazing, and as someone who grows weary of the female stereotypes in these books (they're either indiscriminate whores or blushing ninnies) I couldn't help but celebrate a virgin character who, for once, wasn't rendered speechless by a little flirting and innuendo. Nicholas, as well, was dashing and handsome and sweet underneath it all, but be was also a right jackass. In other words, they both came across as believable rather than cardboard cutouts. My only complaint is that we weren't treated to much real feeling between Reggie and Nicholas. They were either fighting or giggling and cooing. I understand that's in keeping with the farcical romance Lindsey was apparently shooting for, but there was a lot of emotional upheaval in this story. Too much, in my opinion, to be swept under the rug with laughter. A single heartfelt, serious overture of regret, apology, and acceptance would have gone a long way, and turned this into something more than just another overly formulaic historical romance.
March 7, 2024
Second reading, mad about a series read . Still a 5 star ⭐️ for me.
Nicholas is a Rogue who meets Reggie , niece to the Malory brother.
He won’t marry her because he was a bastard, which nobody knew about. The threat was one his mother had on him which was ruining his relationship with her.
Johanna Lindsey good series of the Malory family.
Nicholas is a Rogue who meets Reggie , niece to the Malory brother.
He won’t marry her because he was a bastard, which nobody knew about. The threat was one his mother had on him which was ruining his relationship with her.
Johanna Lindsey good series of the Malory family.
December 11, 2021
The family aspect and humor around them is why this series is famous and honestly it did not let me down.
But unfortunately despite the instant chemistry between the heroine and the hero, he turn out to be the typical wounded/jerk guy who keeps getting hot and cold and he was an asshole for like 95% of the book and for the most of it he was out of the picture.
Regina however was a delight.
Honestly if the hero was different this book could've been a 5 star one.
But unfortunately despite the instant chemistry between the heroine and the hero, he turn out to be the typical wounded/jerk guy who keeps getting hot and cold and he was an asshole for like 95% of the book and for the most of it he was out of the picture.
Regina however was a delight.
Honestly if the hero was different this book could've been a 5 star one.
September 7, 2021
It started very promising but soon became boring.
The H kidnaps the h by mistake and compromises her, so he’s forced by her family to marry her.
He doesn’t want to get married ever because he hides a very dark secret.
He tries to be jilted by h but she can’t because she’s pregnant (and he doesn’t know)
Then immediately after the marriage he sends her to his mansion where is his mother and he leaves for the tropics. The man.
He comes back and he finds out he’s a father, and at first he doesn’t believe the baby is his.
Then there’s a wonderful party where many of his former mistresses are present and the h is mad.
Eventually he finds out that the h knew all the time who he really was and what his secret was.
I didn’t like very much this one because for the most part of the book the H and the h were separated, so they have little interaction.
And anyway he’s annoying and is not even charming.
I don’t like manwhore, the whole book is filled with his ex, how trashy.
I think the h deserved better than him, he was not interesting and he was weak and shallow.
The H kidnaps the h by mistake and compromises her, so he’s forced by her family to marry her.
He doesn’t want to get married ever because he hides a very dark secret.
He tries to be jilted by h but she can’t because she’s pregnant (and he doesn’t know)
Then immediately after the marriage he sends her to his mansion where is his mother and he leaves for the tropics. The man.
He comes back and he finds out he’s a father, and at first he doesn’t believe the baby is his.
Then there’s a wonderful party where many of his former mistresses are present and the h is mad.
Eventually he finds out that the h knew all the time who he really was and what his secret was.
I didn’t like very much this one because for the most part of the book the H and the h were separated, so they have little interaction.
And anyway he’s annoying and is not even charming.
I don’t like manwhore, the whole book is filled with his ex, how trashy.
I think the h deserved better than him, he was not interesting and he was weak and shallow.
August 23, 2018
*3,5
Mejor de lo que recordaba, la verdad. La trama romántica se sostiene por una serie de malentendidos, que con que la pareja se hubieran sentado a hablar se hubieran arreglado, aunque claro, entonces no habría novela 😅
Es una novela entretenida, divertida, romántica aunque me ha faltado momentos que me hicieran suspirar, pero aún así es un buen libro para iniciarse en la saga de los Mallory, a partir de este vienen los mejores. Las historias de Anthony y James.
Mejor de lo que recordaba, la verdad. La trama romántica se sostiene por una serie de malentendidos, que con que la pareja se hubieran sentado a hablar se hubieran arreglado, aunque claro, entonces no habría novela 😅
Es una novela entretenida, divertida, romántica aunque me ha faltado momentos que me hicieran suspirar, pero aún así es un buen libro para iniciarse en la saga de los Mallory, a partir de este vienen los mejores. Las historias de Anthony y James.
January 27, 2021
Primeiro livro da autora, mas adorei!
Fiquei viciada na família Malory.
Super divertida, amorosa.
Não consigo escolher a personagem favorita, Reggie e Nick estiveram fabulosos, mas a restante família, mesmo como personagens secundárias, deixaram um gostinho a saber a pouco, a querer saber mais deles.
Gostei da afinidade, como pareceram "reais".
Fiquei viciada na família Malory.
Super divertida, amorosa.
Não consigo escolher a personagem favorita, Reggie e Nick estiveram fabulosos, mas a restante família, mesmo como personagens secundárias, deixaram um gostinho a saber a pouco, a querer saber mais deles.
Gostei da afinidade, como pareceram "reais".
August 11, 2015
Rereading this was a pleasure! <3
March 4, 2018
Recently I was at the library and I saw a book by Johanna Lindsey that looked interesting, but it said it was Malory-Anderson Family series #Bazillion, so I decided to start at the beginning with #1. Even though I was a little leery because it was written in 1985, and I am realizing I am not really a fan of Old School type romance. (Unlike science fiction and fantasy novels from the 1980s, which I love, perhaps because that's what I read back in the day and nostalgia has a way of papering over the faults?)
Anyway, I actually liked the first half of this book. Due to a wacky and highly improbable turn of events, the heroine, Regina Ashton, has found herself in a compromising position with the hero, Nicholas Eden, and due to the gossip, her uncles want to challenge him to a duel. But she has decided, based on this one encounter, that he is the love of her life, and convinces them to insist on marriage instead. Even though he keeps telling her, "Run while you can, I am not marriage material." Although actually he really likes her, but due to a Tragic Secret, he feels he cannot marry and must instead distract himself with an endless parade of mistresses. Yes, it was silly, but it was fun.
And then half way through...it just got ridiculous. And if you haven't read this book and think you might want to, please don't click on the spoiler tab, because I am purging myself of all the stupid things I just read. Which is the entire second half of the novel.
You might think my reaction would make me swear off Lindsey's books forevermore, but actually, I would read another. It was a really quick read and even a bit entertaining if only to wonder what ridiculous thing would happen next.
Anyway, I actually liked the first half of this book. Due to a wacky and highly improbable turn of events, the heroine, Regina Ashton, has found herself in a compromising position with the hero, Nicholas Eden, and due to the gossip, her uncles want to challenge him to a duel. But she has decided, based on this one encounter, that he is the love of her life, and convinces them to insist on marriage instead. Even though he keeps telling her, "Run while you can, I am not marriage material." Although actually he really likes her, but due to a Tragic Secret, he feels he cannot marry and must instead distract himself with an endless parade of mistresses. Yes, it was silly, but it was fun.
And then half way through...it just got ridiculous. And if you haven't read this book and think you might want to, please don't click on the spoiler tab, because I am purging myself of all the stupid things I just read. Which is the entire second half of the novel.
You might think my reaction would make me swear off Lindsey's books forevermore, but actually, I would read another. It was a really quick read and even a bit entertaining if only to wonder what ridiculous thing would happen next.
January 20, 2019
Oh, well I liked this a lot!! I mean, the hero's reason for not wanting to get married is a little silly, but I guess I still felt for his struggle. And it had a lot of fun banter, one of those large, awesome families, and, yeah, will be reading more!
October 14, 2016
Review in a few!
This one may take a minute. Cause I remember loving it but it was full of things I hated.
This one may take a minute. Cause I remember loving it but it was full of things I hated.
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