3/5 Review: Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh

Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery... 
With her parents’ marriage declared bigamous, Camille Westcott is now illegitimate and without a title. Looking to eschew the trappings of her old life, she leaves London to teach at the Bath orphanage where her newly discovered half-sister lived. But even as she settles in, she must sit for a portrait commissioned by her grandmother and endure an artist who riles her every nerve.

An art teacher at the orphanage that was once his home, Joel Cunningham has been hired to paint the portrait of the haughty new teacher. But as Camille poses for Joel, their mutual contempt soon turns to desire. And it is only the bond between them that will allow them to weather the rough storm that lies ahead...

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Someone to hold is the second in Ms. Balogh's Wescott Series.  It stands well enough on it's own.  

Camille Westcott has always been a perfect lady.  It has been revealed that her parent's marriage was not legitimate and she and he siblings are penniless and set out in the world.  In an attempt to settle into her new place in life - she takes a job teaching at the orphanage her legitimate half sister was raised and taught.  There she meet a young painter named Joel - with whom she takes and instant dislike for but there is also and attraction.

I had a bit of difficulty reading this one because I took a bit of dislike towards Camille - she is all prim and proper for naught.  However, once through a bit I had to find out how things turn out for her and Joel.

Ms. Balogh's writing is well rounded and her characters are strong even though at times you want to shake them.  Her story lines are fluid - although I have to admit the sex scenes in the book are more clinical then enjoyable to read.  That being said - if you enjoy period romances this one is worth the time.



4/5 Review: The Escape by Mary Balogh

What I personally love about this book is that its a romance, pure and simple. The story is about the slow revelation of the hero and heroine as they embark on their affair. Each has passed judgement on the other and with each interaction, they learn more about the other until its clear that they are as close to being a fated couple as is possible. Both come from painful backgrounds that ultimately led them to each other. There's no evil villain in the background, in fact, the crisis of the book is something so small and unexpected, yet so tragic.

All that being said, the romance between these two characters was excellently drawn. The sexual tension was at a fever pitch, and I really wanted these two to find happiness with each other. Too, within some of the least sexually intense scenes I've ever read in romance novels (kissing only), I felt an incredible heat between Benedict  and Samantha. A romance of epic proportions, I really ached for them when they were separated.
Add to this the fact that I couldn't put the book down, I do highly recommend it. A fabulous read all the way around.

Review: Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love. 

Mary Balogh is one of the main reasons I became such a Regency romance fan! In the latest installment of her Survivors' Club series we get to see Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby get what he deserves. I will admit that I did have my doubts when he proposes to Agnes. I truly did not wish to see her hurt and yet I didn't want to see him suffer either but without giving anything away I loved how this whole situation worked out. Agnes is such a likable heroine and I kept hoping she would get passion and love in her life, I want her sister to also find the same. Ms. Balogh has such an amazing storytelling skill, she's an unassuming talent and I never regret picking up her novels. However this book should come with a slight warning; sleep will be avoided while readers finish in one sitting, but really it was worth all the yawning at work to get to the perfect ending.