Category Archives: Regency

Although I am a long time Regency reader, I had never read a Mary Balogh book until I received First Comes Marriage as a Goodreads Giveaway.  I enjoyed the book so much, I had to read the rest of the series.

Book two starts out with a thoroughly unlikeable hero.  While foxed, Lord Montford makes a wager to seduce an innocent . . . specifically, the youngest Huxtable sister, Katherine.  Although I could have forgiven him for making the wager while drunk, he planned to follow through even after he was sober.

The story does not take up again until three years later.  I guess that was to give Montford the opportunity to grow up.  Of course, he and Katherine meet again.  Of course, the scandal comes to light.  And, of course, they end up having to marry.

I sound very negative about this book, but I really did like it.  I also like the fact that this series does not follow the siblings in the predictable order of their birth.  Vanessa, in the first book, is the middle daughter and the second oldest.  Katherine is the youngest daughter and the third by age.

Some series can easily be read in any order.  At least, that is what I have heard other people say.  Personally, I am compulsive about reading books in order.  Anyway, this series really needs to be read in the order intended.  There are reoccurring characters and numerous references to earlier books.  I am glad that all of the books have been published and I am able to read them back to back.

**copy obtained from public library

I received this book from Dell Books through Goodreads.

I believe this may have been the first book I have ever read by Mary Balogh, which is odd since I love historical romances.  I am particularly fond of Regencies, and although this one takes place several years after, it still has the same flavor.

My feelings about this book are a little odd. I found the beginning confusing and could not figure out what it had to do with the story. I kept going back to see if I had missed something.  The beginning is not explained until almost a hundred pages into it.

I really enjoyed the bulk of the book.  I wanted to shake the two main characters more than once, but that was the point.  The other characters were handled well and the basis for the sequels was established.

I did think the ending was too abrupt. Yes, there are sequels, but I wanted a satisfying ending.  Something more than “they lived happily ever after.”

Overall, it was a good book and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.  I will definitely be reading the sequels which thankfully are all published.