Rating: 
Summary: A FUN, SEXY READ
Review: Even though MB's earlier book "Indiscreet" is still my favorite, I was delighted with this book. Loved Jane's personality. The diaglogue sparkles and the story grabs you from the first page. Great fun. A definite keeper!
Rating:
Summary: Much, much more . . .
Review: For some odd reason, I found myself reading the reviews for this book, before actually starting to read it. They certainly didn't put me off it, by any means, but I confess to wondering when I would be cast adrift by whatever was going to happen--or not happen--in the latter part of the book. To my total surprise, and in my own opinion (of course) none of the things some reviewers complained about, presented themselves to me. What did happen, though, was that while I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I do almost everything from this author, I began to wonder if perhaps over-analysis masquerading as a book review is always a good thing. This is FICTION, after all. Certainly it has a historical setting, and the one thing for which Ms. Balogh may always be counted upon is her absolute command of that historical setting; including place, speech, clothing and behavior. Her characters could only, ever, live in the world she has created for them. Thank goodness, she never puts 20th century folks into her mostly 18th or early 19th century stories. One difference from some of her previous books did become obvious rather quickly. There is indeed more conversation than introspection, which I quite like, although I know some readers don't. Also, many of the author's other recent books have made me very weepy, in either of the two directions available to the reader--great happiness or great sadness. I didn't find that in this book, which is certainly not a detraction, merely a statement of fact. However, I also suspect I laughed out loud more than usual, which I certainly did enjoy. This is a very witty book! It's difficult to compare apples and oranges; no author worth his or her salt should ever write the same book over and over. But I do believe this is quite possibly Mary Balogh's best book yet.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable Romance with Depth
Review: I am a long-time Mary Balogh fan -- when I see her name on a new book, I don't even bother to read about it, I just buy it because I know that it will be good. This book is no exception. She does an excellent job with plot and characterization in this book, and I am pleased that a fine Regency romance writer finally has received the recognition she deserves with a hardback version of her work. I think she captures perfectly the familial expectations of a ducal heir in that time, as well as how few options were open to women in Regency England. I disagree entirely with the reviewers whose only quibble with this book is that it takes a long time for Jane and Jocelyn to resolve their differences and hurt feelings; quite the contrary, I found this to be entirely realistic, both for these characters and for human nature in general. Another thing I appreciate that Balogh always does in her books is to remain true to the period in which she is writing, and she doesn't insert contemporary language, thoughts, or manners into her work. Bravo, Mary! Keep up the good work!
Rating: 
Summary: So disappointing!!
Review: I am an avid Mary Balogh fan and I was extremely disappointed when I read this book. I had been waiting for its release for two months and rushed out to purchase it when it was published. The idea was vintage Balogh, indeed The Secret Pearl which she wrote many years ago had the same premise of a girl thinking she murdered someone, being blackmailed by a close relative, and escaping to London to avoid being thrown in prison or hanged. However, the writing was totally lacking the intimacy that makes her earlier books so astounding and interesting to read. Here, I could care less about the heroine or the hero. They were boring. I gave this book a three because when the heroine actually becomes the hero's Mistress, the book starts to get interesting. We get to know the hero and his love for art. We understand the heroine better. However, by the end of the book both characters became completely silly and not worth thinking about after I turned the last page.
Rating:
Summary: Mary does it again!
Review: I enjoyed this book so much - I can't even describe how much in a short review! Jane was such a fun and fiesty heroine and Jocelyn was an incredible hero. I look forward to re-reading this book again soon; I want to catch all of the nuances that I missed the first time. I can't wait for the next one by Mary Balogh - they are all winners, but More Than a Mistress will definitely rate in my list of top 10 books by Mary Balogh!
Rating:
Summary: What Can I Say - It;s Another Balogh Hit
Review: I have been a fan of this author for some time. There have been only a few of her books that to me were so-so and I especially have enjoyed the depth of the thoughts of her characters. However, this book differs in that there is much more conversation and much less 'thinking'. The heroine is on the run and the hero is looking for another mistress. I found that the heroine may be just a tad too free-thinking (to accept the offer of the position of mistress) in those days of such strict convention. But, who knows what a person will do under stressful circumstances. A MUST READ.
Rating:
Summary: Another special book from one of my favorite authors
Review: I have long been a fan of Mary Balogh's books. This book is particularly enjoyable because of its subtle psychological depictions of the ups and downs of a male/female relationship. The heroine and the hero are both imperfect, normal human beings who at times thoroughly misunderstand,anger and hurt one another, yet persist in exploring the frightening vulnerability of real love. I thought the last part of the book was most enjoyable, but it must be carefully read to appreciate all the subtle nuances. In the musical Les Miserables, there is a song "One Day More" sung by several different characters, and somehow the dialogue in this book reminded me of this song. A similar, also wonderful book by Mary Balogh is "The Secret Pearl".
Rating:
Summary: READ and SAVOR ! MARY BALOGH at her BEST!
Review: I know when I heard that Mary Balogh was going to be published in hardback...You could hear me groan across town! It's almost a given that an author will change their writing style in some way to appeal to a broader audience in hardback. NOT SO HERE! I have to respectfully disaggree with some of the earlier reviews. I was so taken by this book! (I won't repeat the plot because it has been posted) This is not just a love story, it's a true Romance. The main focus is the entrancing interplay between Jane and Jocelyn. If you are a quick reader you may miss so much! One word can make such a difference! The entire relationship developes over several weeks. It is filled with scenes where there is a battle of wills, conflict, passion, discovery, emotional betrayal and hurt, doubt and finally...(smile) I have a couple of my favorites (eg. when she calls him Jocelyn for the first time, the attempt at courtship at Lady Webb's home, the kiss in the dark hallway without a word spoken ..) Balogh has included some wonderful secondary characters. Jocelyn's sister is priceless, and I heard that Jocelyn's brother Ferdinand will have his story told next.If it's in hardback, Mary ..I'm buying. This is a book that pulls you in and makes you feel so involved with the characters.You will cheer them on till the end! Read without interruption and SAVOR this One!
Rating: 
Summary: review of Mary Balogh's MORE THAN A MISTRISS
Review: I started this wonderfully written book having read a very positive review on the Romance Reader website and was immediately put off by the desparate, powerless woman with no money or means dealing with a rich powerful male storyline. I kept reading because of the engaging writing and character development, yet when the main feminine character abjectly prostituted herself,I bailed. Mary Jane Krentz is an example of an author writing about women and men dealing from strength with the same wonderful chemistry that Ms. Balogh's characters so ably depict. I cannot recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A relative disappointment...
Review: I tried really hard to like this book, I tried. Honest. Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors, and usually an auto-buy. But I passed by this book (after reading it via a friend). Why? Well, the book simply does not have the same magic as her earlier and (usually) shorter works. The story works for most reviewers, and it is not a bad book. It just cannot compare to her best, which deserve every one of the five stars I give them. The story is one that has been recycled from THE SECRET PEARL, a book that brought tears to my eyes. Yes, the hero is an intriguing character, but he did not stay in my mind, unlike Balogh's other dukes, such as the Duke of Bridgwater. The heroine's decision to become his mistress seemed puzzling, given that she surely had other options, such as revealing her identity to him or to others [no further spoilers]. If you are new to Balogh, I certainly don't want to put you off this book. And if you are a die-hard Balogh fan, you will buy this book, whatever the reviews. My own perspective is that Balogh has written some great books (and I like nearly all her shorter Signet Regencies), but this is not among the greatest. Hence, the measly three stars - especially since I had such high hopes for a once-a-year hardback.
|
