Then Comes Seduction (Huxtable) by Mary Balogh
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.19 You Save: $4.80 (60%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Then Comes Seduction (Huxtable)
Book Review: Quiet romance
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the second book in Ms. Balogh's Huxtable series. The first book, First Comes Marriage, introduced us to the Huxtable family and was the middle sister, Vanessa's story. In that book we watched the family adapt to an unexpected inheritance, the acquisition of a title and life among the ton. This book continues the Huxtable's story and features the beautiful youngest sister, Katherine.
Katherine has never lacked for suitors, but yearns for more than compatibility in her marriage. She is determined to hold out for love and passion. She meets Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, and is immediately intrigued. She knows him to have a reputation as a rake and has been advised to keep her distance. However, one night she throws caution to the wind and walks alone with him on one of the sheltered paths of Vauxhall Gardens. An intimate encounter ensues and Katherine retains only her physical innocence when Jasper pulls away and announces that his interest in her is only as the subject of a scandalous wager.
Three years pass before Jasper and Katherine are thrown together again. Events occur which bring the occurrence of the wager to the attention of the ton. Now Katherine must either accept Jasper's offer of marriage or bring shame to her family and displacement to his.
As always, Ms. Balogh tells a moving tale. This is one of her quieter works and the pace is slower than many will like. It probably is a truer representation of how we find love, not in a lightening bolt but rather in a storm. The characters are multifaceted and Jasper's story and his character are revealed slowly through the pages of the book. Through his story we are bidden to consider some of the deeper issues in life: Can you truly love another if you do not love yourself? Does being alone mean being physically separate from others, or something more? Are dreams foolish fancies or are they vital to life? All ponderous issues which add weight to this story, but at times also seem to weigh it down. The book is longer than is typical, at almost 420 pages. Editing it down to the more typical 350 pages would have tightened the story up and made it a bit more palatable to some.
I would definitely recommend reading this book but advise patience, it is a quiet tale.
Book Review: Two beautiful characters
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the second book in the Huxtable series by Mary Balogh. Katherine Huxtable is waiting for love and passion to marry.Jasper is a rake who places a wager that he can take Katherine's virginity. He easily gets an introduction to Katherine and maneuvers a meeting with her in a private garden. Katherine is seduced by Jasper, but he puts a stop to things before taking her virginity. He is cruel to Katherine in this scene, calling her easy. But, Jasper proves honorable by disappearing from town and making up a story about Katherine refusing him to save her reputation. Three years later Katherine and Jasper meet again and make a wager. Jasper and Katherine double wager that they can make the other fall in love. But, a jealous cousin spreads gossip that forces them to marry. They struggle to have a meaningful relationship and fall in love with one another.
This story is not Balogh's best, but is definitely worth reading. Jasper was an extremely lovable character.
Book Review: True love never runs smoothly
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my third Mary Balogh book and so far I'm reading out of order and I will correct that. Although I'm sure each book I've read is self contained I think I would enjoy reading her series chronologically. It is always delightful to stumble upon an author that makes me want to read everything she has written all at once. Ms. Balogh is that kind of author. She has a way with a plot and the senuous nature of romance.
Kate and Monty are destined to love although they do fight it through the entire book. The reader knows they have fallen in love, perhaps at first sight, but the characters take the long way around to reach that conclusion. We the reader are left to keep turning pages and burning the midnight oil in the hope that they get to their HEA. We long for the redemption of the rogue because we know it is possible with this heroine.
Book Review: Entertaining Regency Romance
Summary: 4 Stars
Mary Balogh has experience in writing this genre, and gives her characters varying dimensions, some unexpected emotions, and a little much emotionality. At least she leaves out the tedious details of 18th century life while inserting enough to keep the flavor of the times. Her heros are typical bad boys turned into doting husbands, but what fun! Isn't that what we all wish for? Great read for a rainy afternoon!Book Review: Enjoyed book
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book, which is the 2nd in the series. I am looking forward the the next 2 books of the series. Love this author. Everything she writes is great!
Sdm