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Uses of the future
264 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 8, 2022
I enjoyed this fast read by Maeve Grayson, though it does feel a little like the middle got cut out. Second in a series (my first), it starts off fairly strong, with downtrodden and defeated Elise being presented to Ross as his bride, a union being forced on them both, though neither seems particularly upset or shocked by the turn of events. However, the action peters out about halfway through.
Elise is used to being mistreated as a result of people believing her birthmark is a devil's mark (also, because people are jerks), so perhaps for her, being forced to marry is just another day (and not her first rodeo). Ross' complacence is a bit more surprising because he's described as a man who loves the ladies, and you'd think he'd hate have a wife thrown at him. However, he's also described as not having an issue sleeping with other men's wives (yick), so maybe he doesn't initially see the problem.
Anyway, he's a "great guy" (air quotes mine) and doesn't have an issue with Elise's birthmark. Indeed, he feels great compassion for her situation and just wants to help her. If he finds himself attracted to her, that's just a giant bonus. Pretty soon, he's in love and finds a new worry: keeping her.
The whole premise works for me, except for Ross' (former) playboy lifestyle--I have a hard time getting past infidelity, and nothing in this novel even attempts to rationalize it. The execution of the premise, however, could use little more time. Although I tend to like plots where the couple figures out they belong together early on with the story focusing on a threat or obstacle they must face together, I think this novel needed more of the latter. They never really face much opposition, and even the birthmark--the very thing that brought Elise to the brink of despair--becomes a non issue pretty early. There were also characters that seemed underdeveloped or at least under described, but perhaps reading the first book in the series would have helped there.
In the end, this novel is worth reading, and I'd probably read more in the series. However, I'd go into another with average expectations.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Elise is used to being mistreated as a result of people believing her birthmark is a devil's mark (also, because people are jerks), so perhaps for her, being forced to marry is just another day (and not her first rodeo). Ross' complacence is a bit more surprising because he's described as a man who loves the ladies, and you'd think he'd hate have a wife thrown at him. However, he's also described as not having an issue sleeping with other men's wives (yick), so maybe he doesn't initially see the problem.
Anyway, he's a "great guy" (air quotes mine) and doesn't have an issue with Elise's birthmark. Indeed, he feels great compassion for her situation and just wants to help her. If he finds himself attracted to her, that's just a giant bonus. Pretty soon, he's in love and finds a new worry: keeping her.
The whole premise works for me, except for Ross' (former) playboy lifestyle--I have a hard time getting past infidelity, and nothing in this novel even attempts to rationalize it. The execution of the premise, however, could use little more time. Although I tend to like plots where the couple figures out they belong together early on with the story focusing on a threat or obstacle they must face together, I think this novel needed more of the latter. They never really face much opposition, and even the birthmark--the very thing that brought Elise to the brink of despair--becomes a non issue pretty early. There were also characters that seemed underdeveloped or at least under described, but perhaps reading the first book in the series would have helped there.
In the end, this novel is worth reading, and I'd probably read more in the series. However, I'd go into another with average expectations.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
May 29, 2022
I received an arc of this book; my opinions are my own. I enjoyed this novella; it was an entertaining read . Both of the characters were interesting. Elise had a rough life and I felt deeply for her. Ross , on the other hand , was a womanizer in his youth. He regrets it later and tries to atone for his sins. They' re thrown together in this story and make they're own happy ending. The only thing I didn't like was that as it was a novella. It was really good and I would have like a little more. I am greedy this way. lol
I recommend this book for all that want a good romance that makes you feel good at the end. Steam was about 3 out of 5.
Overall a good book.
I recommend this book for all that want a good romance that makes you feel good at the end. Steam was about 3 out of 5.
Overall a good book.
May 28, 2022
Ross MacDougall is a Galloglaigh warrior. He just can't to seem to keep his hands off of the ladies. Alexander MacDougall, Lord of Argyll, thinks to punish him for his last indiscretion he commands Ross to wed a lass brought in chains, covered in filth and starving. WOW. Not liking the red mark on her cheek he decides he will resue her, he has a plan. Some twist. A little violent but I loved it.
October 18, 2023
This book was amazing. Both the story and characters kept me entertained from beginning to end. I found myself rooting for them. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you Maeve Grayson, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
Thank you Maeve Grayson, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
June 4, 2022
I loved this! Ross and Elise are the perfect compliment to each other. You’ll definitely find yourself rooting for them. 5 stars!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews