So many books so little time
“Love only once” Book Review
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Chosen by: Katie
WHY:
Mom introduced me to Johanna Lindsey books a long time ago and she is still one of my favorite authors. I couldn’t resist the chance to get my two younger sisters to read her books too, so when it was my turn to pick I chose a Johanna Lindsey book. Mom helped pick which one, and she chose Love Only Once because it is the first of the Malory novels – our favorite Lindsey series.
Summary of the book:
The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden—and is determined to make the rogue pay . . . with his heart.
A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie’s good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him. Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has—and the rake arouses Reggie’s passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings . . . and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.
Katie:
Jessie:
I’m a huge fan of Johanna Lindsey books! However, Love Only Once definitely isn’t my favorite. I love Reggie, and she just gets better and more lovable throughout the rest of the series. Nicholas, on the other hand, is always sort of a let down. Duckie, and any other sceptics out there, you have to at least read through book three before you call it quits on the Malory’s!!! Stubbornness and a ton of miscommunication is part of the deal…but the passion!!! Totally worth it! AND once you get through the Malory’s you get caught up in the Anderson’s!
Duckie:
Oh stuff! I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to plop down on my couch for a true tear through the whole Mallory saga. But I just didn’t love it. And I certainly wasn’t compelled to keep reading the other books. I liked the heroine, Reggie, and I thought the first third of the book was pretty fun. But, seriously? I know *misunderstandings* are a big thing in romance novels. But you know what I apparently find really sexy? Communication. And there was zero of that between Reggie and her love interest, Nicholas. Sure, they both sound hot. And I do love a heroine that isn’t afraid to admit she wants to bang. But I was just so annoyed at the whole plot. That’s hard to get past.
Kellie:
In terms of a “meet cute” I thought this one was really fun and original. But I have to agree with Duckie on this one the lack of communication is infuriating. I’m pretty sure I yelled “just talk to each other” at the book a few times. I thought Regina/Reggie/Regan was a BA and I wanted to be her friend. Also wanted Meg for a friend. Anthony was my favorite uncle so I’m curious about the second book.
Kath:
Oh! I do love the Malory series!!! Even this first one!! Regina is so spunky and irresistible! She even has all of her Uncles wrapped around her little finger. I’ll agree with you that Nicholas has a lot of insecurities, that make him not want to communicate, and just run from love. But I can’t get past the spark between them, and the passion!! I just gotta say, “Johanna Lindsey just does it for me”!
“I just tell stories. As soon as the book is in your hands it belongs to you. Your feelings about it, good or bad, are your own. And if you at least don’t feel like it was a total waste of time in the end… that’s good enough for me.”
-Fredrik Backman