From New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh comes the first novel in the Horsemen trilogy, a scandalous romance of yearning passion and dangerous desires… In the country visiting his twin brother, Viscount Rawleigh longs for a little diversion and beautiful young widow Catherine Winters seems like easy prey. But Rex’s target is a lady of virtue, and when she roundly rejects his … she roundly rejects his improper proposal to become his mistress, Rex finds himself faced with a delectable challenge.
Catherine knows she must fight the indecent feelings the Viscount arouses within her—feelings that bring to life a past she had sought to escape—even as the handsome lord refuses to relent in his amorous attentions.
But even though she knows one kiss could bring her to ruin, temptation proves an insurmountable foe—and Catherine can not ignore the beating of her treacherous heart….
more
I’ve read everyone of her books and can’t wait for the next book. Never disappointed!!
A somewhat sad story of a woman abused by men. Even her eventual husband puts his pleasure ahead of her feelings until the end when he discovers her full story.
I’m a real fan of Mary Balogh’s style of writing. I look forward to each one!
Another great read from Mary Balogh. True love emerging from the ashes is one of my favorite themes. The characters are so human and well written that you feel like you are there. The story has some twists and turns that keep you riveted. Looking forward to reading Unforgiven!
Always enjoy Mary Balogh’s books!
I love everything Mary Balough writes!
Well written book, with some steamy areas. I prefer more traditional clean romances but other than that I enjoyed this book
I love Mary’s books, and even when there is a slow start and the ‘hero’ does not start heroic…. it is always worthwhile to turn the page
Love all Mary Balogh’s books and this one I especially enjoyed.
Not the same old scenario.
I have realized there needs to be a six-star rating.
If a book is interesting, has good character development, is mostly historically accurate (as far as my non-expert mind can tell), and is not too predictable, I’ll give a book 5 stars. But then there are a few books that come around that are all of that plus they just MOVE me, and that is why I need a six-star option. This book is one of those. I’m dying to read the rest of this series!
1st of a series of 3. Not your regular plot. 4 men finding their mate
A very different read. Wonderful characters.
Mary Balogh is Jane Austin for a new generation. She never disappoints!
One of my favorite Balough books. Lead characters are strong and story is compelling.
Great book. Kept me on the edge throughout!
I love every book Mary Balogh has written. This series is wonderful!!
Caution:
Long winded review.
Another book that makes me thankful for being born in this era. When Mary Balogh wants to push the harshness and reality of Regency she does an effective job. Oh, we get our happy ever after, but the social dynamics that set it up are wretched and depressing.
The heroine is a widow in the small village and is respectable enough to teach the lady of the manor’s children (without pay) and to occasionally even out dinner parties with the dreaded odd numbers. Mrs. Adams, the lady in question, is spiteful, manipulative, too aware of her own status and power and is not a caricature which makes her all the more awful. For modern reference, she is a Regina George.
The hero, oh yuck, the hero. In our first scene or so with him he ponders the kinds of women he is willing to bed. Widows are great as he can have an enjoyable ONS. No virgins or debutantes. Even mistresses are too much work. As he approaches his twin brother’s estate he and his friends wonder who they can bag or if possibly find a barmaid or something. So when his eyes alight the beautiful widow it’s a big hurrah. He knows the hussy wants him because she gave him a big smile. Let me remind you…twin. On the basis of the smile and the high neck gowns she must wear to be provocative, he sneaks out to make her a dirty offer. Like Queen Victoria, she is not amused. We’re getting into rape apology and Harvey Weinstein area here as he puts the blame on his attraction to the heroine on the heroine’s come-hither-ness. The heroine is quite clear she wants nothing to do with him and her smile was for what she thought was his brother who she likes and admires.
It doesn’t help that Mrs. Adams is on a ripping tear as well, slut shaming the shameless heroine for her basic existence. She wants the H to marry her sister and has no qualms in wrecking vengeance when she doesn’t get her way. She enlists the straight-from-Jane-Austen Mr. Collins type obsequious vicar to help her.
SPOILER:The shoe drops as the hero is seen leaving the heroine’s cottage despite nothing happening. The evil Mrs. Adams swoops in to annihilate a woman she despises for no more reason than being attractive, and hell descends on the heroine. For 20th century and 21st century women, it’s hard to comprehend being in a position with no options, no where to move, no real way to make money to be independent. The h is shunned by the villagers she has read to and supported for the past five years, spurned as a Jezebel by the vicar. Sad times.
The hero’s brother and sister, about the only two sane and nice characters, go into damage control and yank him back for a MOC to save the heroine. Literally save her.
END spoiler)]
So MOC is engaged much to the heroine’s dismay, but as far as the H is concerned he finally gets to bed her. Their attraction grows to affection and the truth comes out.
SPOILER
She was a debutante who flirted with a notorious cad, was raped, kicked out by her family for not marrying him. She had a child that died shortly after and bargained with her family to come to the small village. At every turn, she was the one at fault: for getting raped, for NOT marrying her rapist, and for having a child. Despite her love for her son, even she felt grateful that her son died sparing him the shame of being a bastard.
This is the real Regency.
Turns out the cad/rapist was a serial rapist, and he gets his just desserts by the hand of the hero.
END spoiler)]
I really over-thought this! So on one level you can read this as an angsty Regency romance that ends in a HEA, or it’s a cautionary tale and probably a better representation of the Regency era than more frivolous and more enjoyable books. Have we really come that far with William Kennedy Smith, the Stanford rapist etc.
Three stars for authenticity and angst, but a one star for enjoyment.
Sorry to be a BUMMER.
Powerful narrative on a seldom discussed topic. Characters were dynamic, thoughtful. I truly felt complete when it was finished.