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Huxtable Quintet #4
Seducing an Angel
In her magnificent new novel, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh sweeps us into a world of scandal and intrigue—glittering Regency England—and introduces the youngest Huxtable: Stephen, the only son. Here Stephen will risk his reputation and his heart as he enters a scandalous liaison with the infamous beauty intent on seduction. But when passion turns the tables on them both, who can say who has seduced whom?
He must be wealthy, wellborn, and want her more than he wants any other woman. Those are the conditions that must be met by the man Cassandra Belmont chooses for her lover. Marriage is out of the question for the destitute widow who stands accused of murdering her husband and must now barter her beauty in order to survive. With seduction in mind, she sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, the irresistibly attractive Earl of Merton and London's most eligible bachelor.
But Stephen's first intriguing glimpse of the mysterious, alluring Lady Paget convinces him that he has found the ideal woman to share his bed. There is only one caveat. This relationship fuelled by mutual pleasure must be on his terms.
As the two warily circle each other in a sensual dance of attack and retreat, a single night of passion alters all the rules. Cassandra, whose reputation is already in tatters, is now in danger of losing the one thing she vowed never to give. And Stephen, who wants Cassandra more than he has ever wanted any woman, won't rest until she has surrendered everything—not as his mistress—but as his lover and wife...
He must be wealthy, wellborn, and want her more than he wants any other woman. Those are the conditions that must be met by the man Cassandra Belmont chooses for her lover. Marriage is out of the question for the destitute widow who stands accused of murdering her husband and must now barter her beauty in order to survive. With seduction in mind, she sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, the irresistibly attractive Earl of Merton and London's most eligible bachelor.
But Stephen's first intriguing glimpse of the mysterious, alluring Lady Paget convinces him that he has found the ideal woman to share his bed. There is only one caveat. This relationship fuelled by mutual pleasure must be on his terms.
As the two warily circle each other in a sensual dance of attack and retreat, a single night of passion alters all the rules. Cassandra, whose reputation is already in tatters, is now in danger of losing the one thing she vowed never to give. And Stephen, who wants Cassandra more than he has ever wanted any woman, won't rest until she has surrendered everything—not as his mistress—but as his lover and wife...
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2009
333 people are currently reading
2202 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
196 books6,276 followersMary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
January 19, 2015
Thank goodness for historical romances. After finishing a bleak and depressing novel, I grabbed the first Mary Balogh book I saw. Her Regency love stories work like a tonic, reviving my low spirits.
This fourth novel in Balogh's Huxtable Quintent follows Stephen, aka Lord Merton, who crosses paths with the widow Lady Paget, who has a scandalous past. Blah blah blah, yada yada yada, Lord and Lady fall into bed and later into love and marriage. Huzzah!
I have read nearly 20 Balogh romances over the years, and they are comforting because they have so many similar elements:
1) A lady who has a tale of woe
2) A man with a title, who is being pressured into settling down and "setting up his nursery"
3) Lady has a meet-cute with the man, who doesn't want to fall in love with her, but does anyway
4) A beautiful ball, featuring a romantic waltz between the man and woman
5) Some obstacle, typically an unsavory relative, tries to break up the pair
6) The man and woman overcome all obstacles to get married and live happily ever after. The end.
While this Huxtable story was enjoyable, my favorite Balogh books are her Bedwyn Saga and her Simply Quartet. If the above storyline sounds appealing to you, I recommend reading those first.
Favorite Quotes:
"I have almost no money and absolutely no reputation. I have no friends beyond these doors and no relatives who will inconvenience themselves in order to help me. But I do have one thing, one asset that will assure me gainful employment and restore comfort and security to our lives. I am beautiful. And desirable."
"I am twenty-eight, and for the first time in my life I am free. There is a marvelous freedom in being a widow, Lord Merton. At last I owe no allegiance to any man, whether father or husband. At last I can do what I want with my life, unrestrained by the rules of the very male-dominated society in which we live."
This fourth novel in Balogh's Huxtable Quintent follows Stephen, aka Lord Merton, who crosses paths with the widow Lady Paget, who has a scandalous past. Blah blah blah, yada yada yada, Lord and Lady fall into bed and later into love and marriage. Huzzah!
I have read nearly 20 Balogh romances over the years, and they are comforting because they have so many similar elements:
1) A lady who has a tale of woe
2) A man with a title, who is being pressured into settling down and "setting up his nursery"
3) Lady has a meet-cute with the man, who doesn't want to fall in love with her, but does anyway
4) A beautiful ball, featuring a romantic waltz between the man and woman
5) Some obstacle, typically an unsavory relative, tries to break up the pair
6) The man and woman overcome all obstacles to get married and live happily ever after. The end.
While this Huxtable story was enjoyable, my favorite Balogh books are her Bedwyn Saga and her Simply Quartet. If the above storyline sounds appealing to you, I recommend reading those first.
Favorite Quotes:
"I have almost no money and absolutely no reputation. I have no friends beyond these doors and no relatives who will inconvenience themselves in order to help me. But I do have one thing, one asset that will assure me gainful employment and restore comfort and security to our lives. I am beautiful. And desirable."
"I am twenty-eight, and for the first time in my life I am free. There is a marvelous freedom in being a widow, Lord Merton. At last I owe no allegiance to any man, whether father or husband. At last I can do what I want with my life, unrestrained by the rules of the very male-dominated society in which we live."
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars rounded to 4. The rounding is for Stephen. Who wouldn’t fall in love with him???
Why the 1.5 stars off?
1) bc I don’t really like the h. I get that Cassie had a hard life. I get that she doesn’t trust men - with good reason! But woman! When a man like Stephen treats u so well, despite ur contempt and trapping him into a liaison for $$, u need to stop being such a damn bitch!!
I almost DNF’ed this thing at 46%. I just didn’t like her at all. And he was being soooo kind and open and non-judgmental and gentlemanly!
2) I LOVE Stephen and wanted someone better for him. I felt like at 25 he just married her bc she “caught him.” He should have had time to have romance and fun not all this responsibility and baby and etc so fast!
And 3) related to that, I feel like their love story wasn’t really “true love.” I feel like Stephen would have loved any woman who had a good personality, character, etc. she got lucky. She was desperate and she caught him. He allowed himself to be seduced and then his feeling of responsibility kicked in. And then HE wooed HER!
He was endless light and kindness and patience. He IS an angel. I just wasn’t convinced she was his.
ok after all that, rounding down.
Why the 1.5 stars off?
1) bc I don’t really like the h. I get that Cassie had a hard life. I get that she doesn’t trust men - with good reason! But woman! When a man like Stephen treats u so well, despite ur contempt and trapping him into a liaison for $$, u need to stop being such a damn bitch!!
I almost DNF’ed this thing at 46%. I just didn’t like her at all. And he was being soooo kind and open and non-judgmental and gentlemanly!
2) I LOVE Stephen and wanted someone better for him. I felt like at 25 he just married her bc she “caught him.” He should have had time to have romance and fun not all this responsibility and baby and etc so fast!
And 3) related to that, I feel like their love story wasn’t really “true love.” I feel like Stephen would have loved any woman who had a good personality, character, etc. she got lucky. She was desperate and she caught him. He allowed himself to be seduced and then his feeling of responsibility kicked in. And then HE wooed HER!
He was endless light and kindness and patience. He IS an angel. I just wasn’t convinced she was his.
ok after all that, rounding down.
January 26, 2024
4.5 stars
I almost quit this one after the first 10%. Cassandra was hard, unpleasant, calculating, and far too certain she would be a superior bedroom performer for someone who had only one previous partner. I didn’t like her and didn’t want to know more about her. Then I thought, okay, Mary Balogh, change my mind. Which she did, skillfully and by employing a three-legged dog named Roger and an angelic earl named Stephen.
I knocked off half a star for Cassandra stupidly refusing to accept love far too long, which dragged the pace down, and because Bruce needed more than a punch in the nose.
I almost quit this one after the first 10%. Cassandra was hard, unpleasant, calculating, and far too certain she would be a superior bedroom performer for someone who had only one previous partner. I didn’t like her and didn’t want to know more about her. Then I thought, okay, Mary Balogh, change my mind. Which she did, skillfully and by employing a three-legged dog named Roger and an angelic earl named Stephen.
I knocked off half a star for Cassandra stupidly refusing to accept love far too long, which dragged the pace down, and because Bruce needed more than a punch in the nose.
November 2, 2022
3.5⭐
Stephen was an angel indeed. I just didn't like a heroine that much but whatever. Lovely read.
Stephen was an angel indeed. I just didn't like a heroine that much but whatever. Lovely read.
January 24, 2023
2.5 stars
Cassandra is the widow of a much older man who was shot to death. She’s suspected of having murdered him, though there’s no proof. Still, her stepson refuses to return her jewels to her and so she has no means to support her small household (a companion and a servant with a young daughter). She decides to take a lover and ask for carte blanche.
Cassandra sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, who reminds her of an angel. She shows up at a ball (scandalously, with no escort) and stares at him. He asks her to dance and while they do, she suggests that he come to her house later. Stephen is not usually a seducer of women but he does indeed sleep with her; when he wakes up, she confronts him with her expectation that he’ll take her on as a paid mistress.
Stephen agrees mostly because he feels sorry for her. He doesn’t really want a mistress, but he has seen her shabby house and is too kindhearted to walk away. And he has a feeling she won’t accept charity, which means that if he wants to help her out financially, he’ll have to sleep with her. He actually resents her for this.
That setup was not very believable. Would anyone really pity fuck a near-stranger solely in order to be able to financially support them? I rolled my eyes and then moved on.
As he spends more time with Cassandra, Stephen becomes aware of her vulnerability. He enlists his sisters to help her integrate back into society. Stephen and Cassandra fall in love somewhere in there. Or maybe not, because I didn’t see it happen.
I liked Cassandra and Stephen just okay. Stephen was underwritten; he didn’t seem to have much life other than as a source of support, so I didn’t get a strong enough sense of who he was. Cassandra’s initial lip-curling was off-putting but after she dropped that tick, I began to like her a bit better. More accurately, I began to pity her more. Her backstory is sad and there’s very little joy in the book to leaven it.
The romance is rushed. It’s not just that Stephen and Cassandra only know each other for a few days before they decide they love each other, though that doesn’t help. I felt that Cassandra fell for Stephen because he rescued her and Stephen likes to rescue and fell for Cassandra because…. I don’t know why.
I read Stephen as drawn to Cassandra’s neediness more than to her. Cassandra hadn’t really had a chance to develop—to find out who she was without the cloud of abuse and mistreatment hanging over her. She went into her first marriage at a young age and never had a chance to spread her wings. So it felt like a codependency, like Stephen and Cassandra latched on to each other prematurely. Neediness and White Knight Syndrome were the basis for their relationship.
I also didn’t like that two characters were quickly forgiven for horrible actions.
Some people aren’t good people and even if they have their reasons, haven’t earned a reunion and especially not so quickly. I’d rather see the main characters move on without these moral cowards at their side.
Of the Huxtable books I finished, this was my least favorite.
Cassandra is the widow of a much older man who was shot to death. She’s suspected of having murdered him, though there’s no proof. Still, her stepson refuses to return her jewels to her and so she has no means to support her small household (a companion and a servant with a young daughter). She decides to take a lover and ask for carte blanche.
Cassandra sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, who reminds her of an angel. She shows up at a ball (scandalously, with no escort) and stares at him. He asks her to dance and while they do, she suggests that he come to her house later. Stephen is not usually a seducer of women but he does indeed sleep with her; when he wakes up, she confronts him with her expectation that he’ll take her on as a paid mistress.
Stephen agrees mostly because he feels sorry for her. He doesn’t really want a mistress, but he has seen her shabby house and is too kindhearted to walk away. And he has a feeling she won’t accept charity, which means that if he wants to help her out financially, he’ll have to sleep with her. He actually resents her for this.
That setup was not very believable. Would anyone really pity fuck a near-stranger solely in order to be able to financially support them? I rolled my eyes and then moved on.
As he spends more time with Cassandra, Stephen becomes aware of her vulnerability. He enlists his sisters to help her integrate back into society. Stephen and Cassandra fall in love somewhere in there. Or maybe not, because I didn’t see it happen.
I liked Cassandra and Stephen just okay. Stephen was underwritten; he didn’t seem to have much life other than as a source of support, so I didn’t get a strong enough sense of who he was. Cassandra’s initial lip-curling was off-putting but after she dropped that tick, I began to like her a bit better. More accurately, I began to pity her more. Her backstory is sad and there’s very little joy in the book to leaven it.
The romance is rushed. It’s not just that Stephen and Cassandra only know each other for a few days before they decide they love each other, though that doesn’t help. I felt that Cassandra fell for Stephen because he rescued her and Stephen likes to rescue and fell for Cassandra because…. I don’t know why.
I read Stephen as drawn to Cassandra’s neediness more than to her. Cassandra hadn’t really had a chance to develop—to find out who she was without the cloud of abuse and mistreatment hanging over her. She went into her first marriage at a young age and never had a chance to spread her wings. So it felt like a codependency, like Stephen and Cassandra latched on to each other prematurely. Neediness and White Knight Syndrome were the basis for their relationship.
I also didn’t like that two characters were quickly forgiven for horrible actions.
Some people aren’t good people and even if they have their reasons, haven’t earned a reunion and especially not so quickly. I’d rather see the main characters move on without these moral cowards at their side.
Of the Huxtable books I finished, this was my least favorite.
September 28, 2011
I've read four of the Huxtable family novels now (and am eagerly awaiting Con's story from the library!) and while I've liked every one of them, I enjoyed this one the most. Stephen grew up so nicely! He's stopped saying, 'I am Merton' every other line, which helps tremendously. But it's more than that, though. He isn't spoiled, at least not terribly. I'm sure that's in a large part due to Meg, but some of it would also have to be down to him fundamentally being of decent character. He's able to be strong in a way for Cass that's surprising, given that he hasn't really ever been responsible for another person's care before.
Though Cassandra's story is heart-breaking, she's refused to be a victim of it. Like a true Balogh heroine, she's both tough and likeable, sassy and fun, and of course, a caretaker herself. She's decided on a rather unique strategy to save herself and her family from the poorhouse, but I liked the way she was conflicted about it, instead of resolutely determined. Not that she waffled: she just showed her own strong moral fibre.
I liked most how this book dealt with both alcohol abuse and domestic abuse unflinchingly but compassionately. I've come to look forward to the social issues Balogh takes on in her books, and this one did it particularly well.
Though Cassandra's story is heart-breaking, she's refused to be a victim of it. Like a true Balogh heroine, she's both tough and likeable, sassy and fun, and of course, a caretaker herself. She's decided on a rather unique strategy to save herself and her family from the poorhouse, but I liked the way she was conflicted about it, instead of resolutely determined. Not that she waffled: she just showed her own strong moral fibre.
I liked most how this book dealt with both alcohol abuse and domestic abuse unflinchingly but compassionately. I've come to look forward to the social issues Balogh takes on in her books, and this one did it particularly well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2010
Obviously, I liked it better than most. I might even go as far as saying that its one of the better books in this series. But that's not too hard to do considering the 'boring' quality of the Huxtable series. This set of siblings or not at all as compelling as the Bedwyns and their HEA are much too boring. This one was no different, except I really liked the premise of a widowed and fallen heroine who searches for a protector in the angelic hero and eventually they both fall in love.
The Ton believes that Cassandra, or Lady Paget murdered her husband and now is on the lookout for another husband. She's actually looking for a protector (such as courtesans and merry widows) in the Ton's males. Unfortunately she sets her sights on the angelic Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton. The problem is neither of them know how the courtesan and protector system works. Yet, they begin an affair that is actually Cassandra coldly insists is just a business affair, while Stephen has to go through the guilt of "seducing or taking advantage" of a lady. This is where things fall apart, because Cassandra sucks as a courtesan and Stephen takes everything to heart. Anyway, they still have a burning attraction between them and it leads them to kissing in public view, causing a chain of events where Cassandra and Stephen are engaged. Cassandra insists that they will not marry while Stephen earnestly pursues her hand in marriage. Along the way, they solve the death of abusive Lord Paget and allow Cassandra's companion and a servant find their own HEA.
You see, I originally liked the story, until Cassandra became a psychotic biotch after each time Cassandra and Stephen "make love". I understand that its a defense mechanism but I cannot think of any way that Stephen could fall in love with her during these times. Especially when she's older, physically not his type, and mean. I wanted to punch her numerous times because Stephen is such a sweety. Seriously, he feels guilty for things that aren't really his fault. The problem here is that MB tried to make him such a perfect gentleman by reducing his masculinity. I couldn't honestly believe he wasn't a virgin either, not that virginity is unmasculine, but he's too considerate to take advantage of a woman of any ilk. He was too nice, too forgiving, too understanding that I was waiting for him to man up and get the girl. He just waited for her to come around which was, in the end, boring.
But, it had my favorite themes, older heroine, opposite personalities, and a role-reversal scenario (female pursuer). I liked this book, but I don't believe I would read it again. So I only recommend this book to MB lovers, those who need to complete the series, and for those who enjoy a novel premise.
The Ton believes that Cassandra, or Lady Paget murdered her husband and now is on the lookout for another husband. She's actually looking for a protector (such as courtesans and merry widows) in the Ton's males. Unfortunately she sets her sights on the angelic Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton. The problem is neither of them know how the courtesan and protector system works. Yet, they begin an affair that is actually Cassandra coldly insists is just a business affair, while Stephen has to go through the guilt of "seducing or taking advantage" of a lady. This is where things fall apart, because Cassandra sucks as a courtesan and Stephen takes everything to heart. Anyway, they still have a burning attraction between them and it leads them to kissing in public view, causing a chain of events where Cassandra and Stephen are engaged. Cassandra insists that they will not marry while Stephen earnestly pursues her hand in marriage. Along the way, they solve the death of abusive Lord Paget and allow Cassandra's companion and a servant find their own HEA.
You see, I originally liked the story, until Cassandra became a psychotic biotch after each time Cassandra and Stephen "make love". I understand that its a defense mechanism but I cannot think of any way that Stephen could fall in love with her during these times. Especially when she's older, physically not his type, and mean. I wanted to punch her numerous times because Stephen is such a sweety. Seriously, he feels guilty for things that aren't really his fault. The problem here is that MB tried to make him such a perfect gentleman by reducing his masculinity. I couldn't honestly believe he wasn't a virgin either, not that virginity is unmasculine, but he's too considerate to take advantage of a woman of any ilk. He was too nice, too forgiving, too understanding that I was waiting for him to man up and get the girl. He just waited for her to come around which was, in the end, boring.
But, it had my favorite themes, older heroine, opposite personalities, and a role-reversal scenario (female pursuer). I liked this book, but I don't believe I would read it again. So I only recommend this book to MB lovers, those who need to complete the series, and for those who enjoy a novel premise.
October 2, 2009
Seducing An Angel by Mary Balogh
Mary Balogh is breaking my heart. As I mentioned previously, I was wary of this new Huxtable family series. Could they possibly compare to the Bedwyns? --one of the most memorable and fabulous families of romance novel history? I was skeptical, and it appears for good reason. I could tell right from the get-go that Constantine was the most interesting character in this family, and his story has yet to be told. Why did Balogh need to release so many books in such a short amount of time? Not sure what's up with this blitzkrieg of releases, but my feeling is that her writing suffered accordingly. There's something to be said for waiting a whole year for this priceless treasure, a new Balogh book! Yeah, sometimes it's painful, but it makes the book all the more special.
This series started with First Comes Marriage, which offered some possibilities and a sweet love story. The second installment, Then Comes Seduction, was not good. Boring characters make for boring stories. The third book, At Last Comes Love, was a huge improvement, since the characters (particularly the hero Duncan) were much more interesting. However, Balogh has fallen again with Stephen's story, Seducing An Angel. I must admit I never found his character all that intriguing in the previous books. These Huxtables are much too tame for Balogh's usual sense of drama. I also don't really dig heroes with cherubic blonde curls...I know, that's my own personal preference, but there you have it. Now, if he looked like an angel, but was really a devil....that would have made a cool story! But no, he looked like an angel, and he basically is an angel. Bor-ing! Once again, the non-Huxtable characters turn out to be much more interesting -- Cassandra is rumored to have axe-murdered her husband and is now determined to live as a courtesan to survive. The very things that I usually love about Balogh books, such as the long-winded dialogue teasing apart the definition of love, etc., etc., are starting to wear on my nerves. If the characters aren't up to the task, then her books are not successful. Because I am a huge Balogh fan, I'm going to give this book a B-, mostly for effort! (I think you can all tell why my ninth grade science students loved me, right? Easy grader, in addition to showing Arnold Schwarzenegger movies during lab!). But for those of you who are looking for something as wonderful as Simply Love or More Than A Mistress, you will be sorely disappointed. Grade: B-
Thinking I should wait and buy the paperback next time,
Penelope
Mary Balogh is breaking my heart. As I mentioned previously, I was wary of this new Huxtable family series. Could they possibly compare to the Bedwyns? --one of the most memorable and fabulous families of romance novel history? I was skeptical, and it appears for good reason. I could tell right from the get-go that Constantine was the most interesting character in this family, and his story has yet to be told. Why did Balogh need to release so many books in such a short amount of time? Not sure what's up with this blitzkrieg of releases, but my feeling is that her writing suffered accordingly. There's something to be said for waiting a whole year for this priceless treasure, a new Balogh book! Yeah, sometimes it's painful, but it makes the book all the more special.
This series started with First Comes Marriage, which offered some possibilities and a sweet love story. The second installment, Then Comes Seduction, was not good. Boring characters make for boring stories. The third book, At Last Comes Love, was a huge improvement, since the characters (particularly the hero Duncan) were much more interesting. However, Balogh has fallen again with Stephen's story, Seducing An Angel. I must admit I never found his character all that intriguing in the previous books. These Huxtables are much too tame for Balogh's usual sense of drama. I also don't really dig heroes with cherubic blonde curls...I know, that's my own personal preference, but there you have it. Now, if he looked like an angel, but was really a devil....that would have made a cool story! But no, he looked like an angel, and he basically is an angel. Bor-ing! Once again, the non-Huxtable characters turn out to be much more interesting -- Cassandra is rumored to have axe-murdered her husband and is now determined to live as a courtesan to survive. The very things that I usually love about Balogh books, such as the long-winded dialogue teasing apart the definition of love, etc., etc., are starting to wear on my nerves. If the characters aren't up to the task, then her books are not successful. Because I am a huge Balogh fan, I'm going to give this book a B-, mostly for effort! (I think you can all tell why my ninth grade science students loved me, right? Easy grader, in addition to showing Arnold Schwarzenegger movies during lab!). But for those of you who are looking for something as wonderful as Simply Love or More Than A Mistress, you will be sorely disappointed. Grade: B-
Thinking I should wait and buy the paperback next time,
Penelope
January 15, 2014
More like a 2.5, as it was nicely written as usual with Mary Balogh, but I huffed and puffed a few too many times along the book.
I strongly disliked the heroine for the first half of the book, as she went through all of that without once showing her true face. In the middle of the book, there was a nice picnic scene which led me to believe I could grow to like her and finally understand why the hero was so attracted to her, but no, definitely no, hopelessly no, she went partially back to her old ways in the second half and even when she was not, she did not do anything to endear anyone to her. Explanations regarding her past and explaining her current behavior were ok, though the link between the two did not always seem so obvious. Outside of her "sexual attractiveness" and outstanding physical beauty, I never saw anything that might make someone fall in love and want to spend his life with her.
On the other hand, the hero was described over and over as a "pure angel". That was not what I was thinking about him with more and more strength as the book was progressing. He was indeed depicted as the epitome of perfection, the ultimate paragon of gentlemanness (if I am allowed this neologism). But I never managed to be really attracted to too perfect heroes or heroines, as they did not seem true. Indeed Stephen never stopped being an "ink on paper character" (well e-ink on my reader in fact). And the more I read his statement, the more I thought them (and him) to be too formal, sentencious, preachy, well a self-righteous bore.
I was not totally convinced by their HEA, but as I did not really care neither about one, nor about the other main character, why would it matter?
I strongly disliked the heroine for the first half of the book, as she went through all of that without once showing her true face. In the middle of the book, there was a nice picnic scene which led me to believe I could grow to like her and finally understand why the hero was so attracted to her, but no, definitely no, hopelessly no, she went partially back to her old ways in the second half and even when she was not, she did not do anything to endear anyone to her. Explanations regarding her past and explaining her current behavior were ok, though the link between the two did not always seem so obvious. Outside of her "sexual attractiveness" and outstanding physical beauty, I never saw anything that might make someone fall in love and want to spend his life with her.
On the other hand, the hero was described over and over as a "pure angel". That was not what I was thinking about him with more and more strength as the book was progressing. He was indeed depicted as the epitome of perfection, the ultimate paragon of gentlemanness (if I am allowed this neologism). But I never managed to be really attracted to too perfect heroes or heroines, as they did not seem true. Indeed Stephen never stopped being an "ink on paper character" (well e-ink on my reader in fact). And the more I read his statement, the more I thought them (and him) to be too formal, sentencious, preachy, well a self-righteous bore.
I was not totally convinced by their HEA, but as I did not really care neither about one, nor about the other main character, why would it matter?
September 16, 2009
After a several months without reading anything by Mary Balogh, I picked up her latest book, Seducing an Angel, from the library. Once again MB has proved that she seduces me every time. I know this book has drawn criticism because the heroine coldly sets out to seduce a rich man and make him take her as his paid mistress. This book echoes themes MB has previously explored in two of my favorite books by her, Secret Pearl and More Than a Mistress. (More Than a Mistress was the first modern romance I ever read and it hooked me into the genre.) Like the heroines of those two books, Cassandra is destitute. She is responsible for a household that includes two other women, a little girl and a dog. She is a widow. Her husband severly beat whenever he got drunk. When he died of a gunshot wound there were rumors that she did it, but there was no proof. She is called an ax murderer in society. She doesn't like or trust men. Now she has no choice but to prostitute herself and she picks Stephen Huxtable, the affable young brother of the three sisters who were the heroines of the three previous books in this series.
I like books about heroes and heroines who are courageous and refuse to let events crush them. Cassandra is all of that. She is not playing off her weakness but off her strength as she meets her situation head on. Bravo for her.
So I enjoyed this book very much. So much so that I stayed up until 2 AM reading it on a work night - which I will pay for today. I finished it this morning. It is a surprisingly sweet book, considering that it got off to such a rock, mercenary start.
I like books about heroes and heroines who are courageous and refuse to let events crush them. Cassandra is all of that. She is not playing off her weakness but off her strength as she meets her situation head on. Bravo for her.
So I enjoyed this book very much. So much so that I stayed up until 2 AM reading it on a work night - which I will pay for today. I finished it this morning. It is a surprisingly sweet book, considering that it got off to such a rock, mercenary start.
September 3, 2018
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. This is a wonderful and sexy addition.
July 17, 2009
Honestly, I understand that women were legally considered possessions in this time period, but this book strikes me as just a bit much. Particularly as it follows immediately after Margaret's story, which has a subplot of a similar evil, wife-beating husband. Balogh apparently thought that subplot wasn't enough and expanded it into an entire novel.
I eventually resorted to just skimming through the story, and it seem that every scene I dipped into dealt with the heroine's memories of her first husband. 'Horrible abuse', 'constant state of fear', 'family members deserted her', I get it, Balogh. Strangely, there appears to be very few scenes of the hero and heroine actually falling in love — or at least, those scenes never leapt out at me. This wasn't what I'd been looking to read in a romance novel.
I would have liked the heroine much better if she really had done her first husband in with an axe.
I eventually resorted to just skimming through the story, and it seem that every scene I dipped into dealt with the heroine's memories of her first husband. 'Horrible abuse', 'constant state of fear', 'family members deserted her', I get it, Balogh. Strangely, there appears to be very few scenes of the hero and heroine actually falling in love — or at least, those scenes never leapt out at me. This wasn't what I'd been looking to read in a romance novel.
I would have liked the heroine much better if she really had done her first husband in with an axe.
August 7, 2022
The h is ruined and the H is society's angel, so there is a troubling unequal power exchange. I liked seeing the strength in the younger H. The h protected her 'family' after her brother abandoned her. It was great to see the H become a true hero too. But to me this is the last favourite book of the series, too many denials by the h.
May 13, 2010
This is the fourth installment in the Huxtable series and is Stephen's story, the youngest of the 4 Huxtable children. I have always thought this to be a very sweet series and this book was no different, 4 stars!
Stephen, the Earl of Merton, is such a gentleman. He shows compassion and has a sweet spirit about him.
Cassandra, Lady Paget, is known in society as an axe murderer. Rumors abound that she murdered her husbund. She is in danger of being out on the streets if she does not earn some money, seeing how her step-son refuses to give her one farthing of what her husband left her in his will. Knowing that nobody will hire an 'axe murderer' for an employee she resorts to becoming a courtesan. She finds who she thinks will be the perfect protector on her first night back out into society, an angel, the Earl of Merton.
Stephen and Cassandra begin their relationship as mistress/protector but soon Stephen's conscience gets the better of him and he sets out to help Cassandra back into society, without compromising her character any further than it already is.
Cassandra needed someone like Stephen with all of his goodness to show her how to love again, how to trust again and how to be free from the baggage that weighs her down. It is such a sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Now I'm looking forward to reading Con's story, A Secret Affair, where we will finally learn what his secrets are and what makes him so dark and dangerous!
Stephen, the Earl of Merton, is such a gentleman. He shows compassion and has a sweet spirit about him.
Cassandra, Lady Paget, is known in society as an axe murderer. Rumors abound that she murdered her husbund. She is in danger of being out on the streets if she does not earn some money, seeing how her step-son refuses to give her one farthing of what her husband left her in his will. Knowing that nobody will hire an 'axe murderer' for an employee she resorts to becoming a courtesan. She finds who she thinks will be the perfect protector on her first night back out into society, an angel, the Earl of Merton.
Stephen and Cassandra begin their relationship as mistress/protector but soon Stephen's conscience gets the better of him and he sets out to help Cassandra back into society, without compromising her character any further than it already is.
Cassandra needed someone like Stephen with all of his goodness to show her how to love again, how to trust again and how to be free from the baggage that weighs her down. It is such a sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Now I'm looking forward to reading Con's story, A Secret Affair, where we will finally learn what his secrets are and what makes him so dark and dangerous!
April 9, 2019
As I expected, this story has a HEA, and the interactions between the characters are as polished and well done as I hoped for.
However, I also imagined something more... romantic for Stephen, after "seeing" him grow up in the last books. Although I can understand the heroine's motivations, fears and wrong expectations, I didn't warm up to her because of the behavior she showed at first. No matter how psychological/socially acceptable it could be for a woman in her position. I'm certain a talented author like Mary Balogh could have created the same heroine, with the same background and make her a little more appealing from page 1. For me, she wasn't and that affected the way I saw the romance develop.
However, I also imagined something more... romantic for Stephen, after "seeing" him grow up in the last books. Although I can understand the heroine's motivations, fears and wrong expectations, I didn't warm up to her because of the behavior she showed at first. No matter how psychological/socially acceptable it could be for a woman in her position. I'm certain a talented author like Mary Balogh could have created the same heroine, with the same background and make her a little more appealing from page 1. For me, she wasn't and that affected the way I saw the romance develop.
May 12, 2017
I have to say that I loved the last half of the book, and the epilogue. I did not like the calculating Cassandra. I did understand her problems, and all the people she had to take care of. I also felt she could of handled Stephen better, and explain more to him. I love her books, but they are a little wordy, and the scenes seem to take awhile. It gives you a deeper understanding of the characters, but takes longer to read through. I kept wanting more to happen. The story did finally start to get moving, and then the last half was great, and the last fourth flew. I loved that even those deprived of love, safety, and kindness may learn to trust, and finally love again. I admired the two main characters, and those she had taken with her to London. I felt that the rumor of her being an axe murderer, was a bit over the top, from the beginning..The author used it well though, but I just could not by into that. There was much to love though. The secondary characters, the family on his side, the surprises I did not guess, so it is a great read....even a descent mystery.
August 18, 2019
3.5 stars
This was overall a strong book with a good storyline. I loved the heroine and parts of her story made me emotional. The ending seemed to slow down and sputter a little bit, but overall I enjoyed this one.
This was overall a strong book with a good storyline. I loved the heroine and parts of her story made me emotional. The ending seemed to slow down and sputter a little bit, but overall I enjoyed this one.
August 20, 2024
I just liked this. It was perfectly okay, but the story didn’t enthrall me. The writing was excellent as usual, but I think my big issue with it was that I felt lukewarm about both MCs. I didn’t hate Cassandra as many readers do; I actually tend to have a thing for unlikable female MCs but she just didn’t elicit any strong feelings from me. As for Stephen, I found the whole golden angel thing pretty boring. I like my heroes to have a bit of spice. So when you combine those two factors I just didn’t feel much chemistry between Cassandra and Stephen.
December 1, 2011
Well... this is NOT my favorite book in the Huxtable series so far. I really, really wanted Stephen to be the one with the light, fun, witty romance.
But, I didn't feel as if Stephen was "too good to be true" or terribly "naive". True, he didn't expect to marry until he was older, but that didn't mean he couldn't or wouldn't marry. After all, he's 25 years old - that's not too young. Neither did I feel as if Stephen was an angel. Stephen was raised well, mostly by Meg, but he had 3 sisters. He truly adored them. And I think, he understands women because he's used to being surrounded by them.
Besides, Stephen has a need to RESCUE someone. He sort of rescued his sisters when he became the Earl of Merton, although that wasn't due to his own actions. But he was able to take them from a life of poverty and help them to become part of Society. Because of that, his sisters are all well-married, even if there was rough road to the "happily ever after" part. In fact, one of his sisters even mentions that to Cassandra -- that the three girls are happy now, but each had her own rough road to that HEA.
My theory is that Stephen longed to rescue someone... he's truly a romantic. He was only able to do so much for each of his sisters when they faced their own trials. He couldn't rescue them, but he could stand up for them, punch out the bullies for them (Clarrie), and give his full support. But he was always in the background, because of his age.
While Stephen didn't set out to rescue Lady Paget (Cassandra), I think the idea appealed to him, especially when he discovered she'd been beaten by her husband. Remember, Meg's husband Duncan ran off with a woman who'd been beaten by her husband -- to save her from that abuse. With Cass, he finds that not only did she suffer beatings, but that the previous Lord Pagett was also a drinker. Her step-son, Bruce - the current Lord Pagett, is a bully who denied Cass a living and all but framed her for his father's murder. AND Stephan discovered that Cassandra's mother died giving birth to her brother... and that their father was a gambler. She didn't know stability, except for her governess/companion and Mary, the maid.
For the first time in his life, Stephen truly has someone and something to fight for -- for his very own. I think that was part of why he fell in love with her. He knew she needed him, and he was too honorable to treat her as a mistress, because she wasn't a seasoned courtesan. Perhaps he would have taken a mistress, he even mentions doing so; but only if the mistress "knew the rules to the game". And perhaps, even then, Stephen wouldn't have been able to continue the relationship. Because he *is* a decent and honorable man.
I can't say that I was overly impressed with Cassandra, but I did understand her passive-aggressive behavior. And I really liked the moment that she realized she's allowed herself to be a victim. That was a turning point for her. She surrounded herself with those who loved her and were faithful to her -- women, because she knew she could trust them.
What bothered me the most, though, was how quickly everything happened. I'm sure in the Ton days, it might not have been unusual to announce a betrothal and marry shortly thereafter. (I guess we saw all 3 of the sisters do that, come to think of it.) But... there were a LOT of events that occurred in the space of 1 week. Then, we passed quickly through another few weeks and then months. My head was spinning!
And the return of William was... too coincidental, wasn't it? I confess, I didn't equate him with the Billy that Mary constantly talked about. That confused me, too.
The true events of the previous Lord Pagett's death were also... too pat. It was just too neatly wrapped up - even convincing Bruce to stop being such a jerk. (Although Stephen, once again, had the pleasure of roughing up another jerk.)
I guess it's not my favorite because it wasn't the story I wanted for Stephen. And I'm still not sure that I like Cass, despite all that she went through and how she managed to hold herself and Alice, Mary, and Belinda together.
I'm hoping I won't have similar trouble with Con's story. It's the one I've most been anticipating!
But, I didn't feel as if Stephen was "too good to be true" or terribly "naive". True, he didn't expect to marry until he was older, but that didn't mean he couldn't or wouldn't marry. After all, he's 25 years old - that's not too young. Neither did I feel as if Stephen was an angel. Stephen was raised well, mostly by Meg, but he had 3 sisters. He truly adored them. And I think, he understands women because he's used to being surrounded by them.
Besides, Stephen has a need to RESCUE someone. He sort of rescued his sisters when he became the Earl of Merton, although that wasn't due to his own actions. But he was able to take them from a life of poverty and help them to become part of Society. Because of that, his sisters are all well-married, even if there was rough road to the "happily ever after" part. In fact, one of his sisters even mentions that to Cassandra -- that the three girls are happy now, but each had her own rough road to that HEA.
My theory is that Stephen longed to rescue someone... he's truly a romantic. He was only able to do so much for each of his sisters when they faced their own trials. He couldn't rescue them, but he could stand up for them, punch out the bullies for them (Clarrie), and give his full support. But he was always in the background, because of his age.
While Stephen didn't set out to rescue Lady Paget (Cassandra), I think the idea appealed to him, especially when he discovered she'd been beaten by her husband. Remember, Meg's husband Duncan ran off with a woman who'd been beaten by her husband -- to save her from that abuse. With Cass, he finds that not only did she suffer beatings, but that the previous Lord Pagett was also a drinker. Her step-son, Bruce - the current Lord Pagett, is a bully who denied Cass a living and all but framed her for his father's murder. AND Stephan discovered that Cassandra's mother died giving birth to her brother... and that their father was a gambler. She didn't know stability, except for her governess/companion and Mary, the maid.
For the first time in his life, Stephen truly has someone and something to fight for -- for his very own. I think that was part of why he fell in love with her. He knew she needed him, and he was too honorable to treat her as a mistress, because she wasn't a seasoned courtesan. Perhaps he would have taken a mistress, he even mentions doing so; but only if the mistress "knew the rules to the game". And perhaps, even then, Stephen wouldn't have been able to continue the relationship. Because he *is* a decent and honorable man.
I can't say that I was overly impressed with Cassandra, but I did understand her passive-aggressive behavior. And I really liked the moment that she realized she's allowed herself to be a victim. That was a turning point for her. She surrounded herself with those who loved her and were faithful to her -- women, because she knew she could trust them.
What bothered me the most, though, was how quickly everything happened. I'm sure in the Ton days, it might not have been unusual to announce a betrothal and marry shortly thereafter. (I guess we saw all 3 of the sisters do that, come to think of it.) But... there were a LOT of events that occurred in the space of 1 week. Then, we passed quickly through another few weeks and then months. My head was spinning!
And the return of William was... too coincidental, wasn't it? I confess, I didn't equate him with the Billy that Mary constantly talked about. That confused me, too.
The true events of the previous Lord Pagett's death were also... too pat. It was just too neatly wrapped up - even convincing Bruce to stop being such a jerk. (Although Stephen, once again, had the pleasure of roughing up another jerk.)
I guess it's not my favorite because it wasn't the story I wanted for Stephen. And I'm still not sure that I like Cass, despite all that she went through and how she managed to hold herself and Alice, Mary, and Belinda together.
I'm hoping I won't have similar trouble with Con's story. It's the one I've most been anticipating!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2012
How do you provide for your dependents when you aren't allowed to work? In historical England, a well-born woman was completely dependent on her male family members or her husband to provide for her, but what do you do when you have been abandoned by your male family members and you're widowed?
Cassandra (widowed Lady Paget, born as Miss Young) is in this situation. She has enough to get through another week of lodgings and food, but afterward she and her dependents (her companion, her cook and the cook's infant) are going to be destitute and on the street in dirty dangerous London. Cassandra has a plan. She is going to find a protector and become a mistress to someone of her own choice. This is the only 'work' that she can do to gain any sort of financial independence. This is unjust but historically accurate for the time of this story.
I liked the way the Earl of Merton, Stephan Huxtable woos and then courts Cass. This is about half the story so this is not filled with crazy sex scenes, on the contrary this is filled with romance and friendship that builds to enduring love. This is not a funny humorous novel, this is sweet and salty bitter with past violence and hidden truths that finally come out in to the light. I really enjoyed the dialogue, although quite a bit was not historically accurate, but that didn't bother me a bit because this story really worked with the great chemistry between the Stephen and Cassandra.
2 and half stars
Cassandra (widowed Lady Paget, born as Miss Young) is in this situation. She has enough to get through another week of lodgings and food, but afterward she and her dependents (her companion, her cook and the cook's infant) are going to be destitute and on the street in dirty dangerous London. Cassandra has a plan. She is going to find a protector and become a mistress to someone of her own choice. This is the only 'work' that she can do to gain any sort of financial independence. This is unjust but historically accurate for the time of this story.
I liked the way the Earl of Merton, Stephan Huxtable woos and then courts Cass. This is about half the story so this is not filled with crazy sex scenes, on the contrary this is filled with romance and friendship that builds to enduring love. This is not a funny humorous novel, this is sweet and salty bitter with past violence and hidden truths that finally come out in to the light. I really enjoyed the dialogue, although quite a bit was not historically accurate, but that didn't bother me a bit because this story really worked with the great chemistry between the Stephen and Cassandra.
2 and half stars
November 7, 2012
Seducing and Angel is a good romantic fiction written by Mary Balogh. The story however is not my favorite Barlogh novel. The story is of a widow that is determined to better her circumstances by means of becoming a kept woman with no desire to marry. She has her eyes set on one of London’s most eligible bachelors and sets out to seduce him. Her past however has a dark cloud over it due to the murder of her ex-husband and the accusations that implicate her connection to that incident. Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton is a man of honor and goodwill but even he cannot seem to cut through the wall that Cassandra Belmont has built.
The idea of the plot is good, the delivery is okay and the characters are alright but somehow when all three are put together in this book I still found it a little bit blander than Mary Balogh’s other books that I have read. I will however chalk that up to the fact that I have not read the first four books in this series; maybe they held more interesting facts surrounding the Huxtables. Honestly I bought the book because of the cover and author, the cover is beautiful and the author is one I have enjoyed before. I do tend to love historical romantic fictions so this book was not a waste of my day and I was able to read it quickly which also is a bonus as sometimes I just don't have time to read long books. Seducing an Angel is a good book, I would not say it’s great but I thought it was okay.
The idea of the plot is good, the delivery is okay and the characters are alright but somehow when all three are put together in this book I still found it a little bit blander than Mary Balogh’s other books that I have read. I will however chalk that up to the fact that I have not read the first four books in this series; maybe they held more interesting facts surrounding the Huxtables. Honestly I bought the book because of the cover and author, the cover is beautiful and the author is one I have enjoyed before. I do tend to love historical romantic fictions so this book was not a waste of my day and I was able to read it quickly which also is a bonus as sometimes I just don't have time to read long books. Seducing an Angel is a good book, I would not say it’s great but I thought it was okay.
June 12, 2009
Enjoyable read. Made me cry a few times. And laugh. And smile.
Another solid Mary Balogh. Her greatest skill is that she makes real, human people in romance.
Hands-down the only author I still follow without fail in the Romance genre given my general lack of patience with most romance authors today. The stupid and the selfishness, far too often even for romance, just burns too hard in most books I've attempted lately.
My free time is far too precious these days to spend it reading about characters I don't really like even for the sake of diversion. And smut for smut's sake without any real connection between the characters has long lost it's appeal for me. Perils of aging, I guess.
Another solid Mary Balogh. Her greatest skill is that she makes real, human people in romance.
Hands-down the only author I still follow without fail in the Romance genre given my general lack of patience with most romance authors today. The stupid and the selfishness, far too often even for romance, just burns too hard in most books I've attempted lately.
My free time is far too precious these days to spend it reading about characters I don't really like even for the sake of diversion. And smut for smut's sake without any real connection between the characters has long lost it's appeal for me. Perils of aging, I guess.
August 21, 2018
La trama de la novela no es de mis favoritas (gusto personal), al principio sentí que las ideas de los protagonistas estaban muy confusas en cuanto al arreglo que se lleva de ser amante-protector molestándome un poquitín, pero avanzando más en la lectura se mejora mucho.
May 16, 2010
Mary Balogh, you disappointed me. This book was crap. The woman was a big bag of crazy, and all I could do was wonder why this man would put up with the nonsense.
October 24, 2010
3.5/5
In a twist the angel in this story was the man not the woman, but my goodness if he was referred to as an angel one more time I was going to puke.
In a twist the angel in this story was the man not the woman, but my goodness if he was referred to as an angel one more time I was going to puke.
December 21, 2016
See my review for A Secret Affair
December 4, 2018
Me ha encantado por el simple echo de ser distinto. Ni él es el clásico aristócrata canalla, ni ella es la típica mujer escandalosa. Él es dulce e inocente, razón por la cual a priori este era el libro de la saga que menos me llamaba (disculpadme, pero me autoproclamo una amante de los protagonistas masculinos que a priori parecen malotes, como pasa con Con -siguiente prota-), pero que al final ha marcado la diferencia.
La historia en conjunto es diferente, por la relación que tiene ella con sus trabajadoras, y por el pasado que ha sufrido. En pocas novelas románticas de época he visto que se toquen estos temas, aunque sea de forma más superficial, y la verdad es que el efecto es más que positivo.
La historia en conjunto es diferente, por la relación que tiene ella con sus trabajadoras, y por el pasado que ha sufrido. En pocas novelas románticas de época he visto que se toquen estos temas, aunque sea de forma más superficial, y la verdad es que el efecto es más que positivo.
September 25, 2020
Comenzó un poco lento, pero pronto repuntó y me encantó... Fue diferente a las tres primeras, no hubo tensión, sino que fue muy emotiva.
August 30, 2017
#4 in the series. Maybe the next time I'll read books in order! Why do I never start a series when they are new? There are probably advantages to reading each book as they come out 9 months to a year apart - the rehashes of the plots would not be so frustrating. But it is good to pick up book 1 and read to the end of the series in a week.
-- Karen, Merrillville Branch
-- Karen, Merrillville Branch
December 9, 2021
Every Mary Balogh book is worth reading, but they do vary in likeability. The previous three books in this series I rated 5*, 3* and 4*. This one is back to 5* for me, mainly because I liked both the main characters, the romance was a pleasant slow burn, and there were no huge implausibilities in the plot. There was altogether too much angst, but that’s par for the course, and there was the bonus of the hero’s three sisters busily being older-sister-ish, plus several lovely minor characters.
Here’s the premise: Cassandra, Lady Paget, is widowed and in trouble. Her promised dower income, houses and jewellery are being withheld by her late husband’s eldest son, because she’s alleged to have murdered her husband with an axe. Without money, friends or relations willing to help her, she is practically destitute. In desperation, she sets out to find herself a rich, well-born lover to keep her as his mistress. Gate-crashing a society ball, she spots the angelic-looking Stephen, the Earl of Merton, and sets out to seduce him. And she succeeds - up to a point, for he ends up bedding her and accepts her arrangement. But then second thoughts set in when he hears her story, and he decides that what she needs most is a friend who will help her rehabilitate herself in society.
And that is precisely what he sets out to do, squiring her about town, ensuring she is invited to every ton event and enlisting his sisters’ help in the project. Stephen is the angel of the title, and yes, he’s terribly angelic because although he’s paying her as a mistress, he isn’t taking advantage of that at all. In fact, he’s a thoroughly nice guy, somewhat guilty because he was drawn into the original seduction, and determined to do the right thing by her. Although of course he’s hugely attracted to her, and so he ends up dancing her onto the balcony at a ball and kissing her… whereupon they are promptly spotted and bounced into a betrothal.
I’ve never understood why any well-brought-up gentleman would find himself in that position. I can see why a woman might try to get herself ‘compromised’ to get a husband, because women had so little control over the process, but a man knows the consequences if he steps out of line, so why let yourself get into that position? Unless you choose to, of course. And perhaps Stephen subconsciously wanted to make things right with Cassie, and make an honest woman of her. In any event, he at once announces their betrothal, and even though Cassie assures him she will break things off at a suitable moment, he is determined to make it happen. And his sisters are equally determined.
From then onwards, the story becomes a straightforward courtship, and despite the protestations of the lady, there’s never any real doubt of how it will end. As always with Balogh, the dialogue is superb, and this turned into a real page-turner for me. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Cassandra, Lady Paget, is widowed and in trouble. Her promised dower income, houses and jewellery are being withheld by her late husband’s eldest son, because she’s alleged to have murdered her husband with an axe. Without money, friends or relations willing to help her, she is practically destitute. In desperation, she sets out to find herself a rich, well-born lover to keep her as his mistress. Gate-crashing a society ball, she spots the angelic-looking Stephen, the Earl of Merton, and sets out to seduce him. And she succeeds - up to a point, for he ends up bedding her and accepts her arrangement. But then second thoughts set in when he hears her story, and he decides that what she needs most is a friend who will help her rehabilitate herself in society.
And that is precisely what he sets out to do, squiring her about town, ensuring she is invited to every ton event and enlisting his sisters’ help in the project. Stephen is the angel of the title, and yes, he’s terribly angelic because although he’s paying her as a mistress, he isn’t taking advantage of that at all. In fact, he’s a thoroughly nice guy, somewhat guilty because he was drawn into the original seduction, and determined to do the right thing by her. Although of course he’s hugely attracted to her, and so he ends up dancing her onto the balcony at a ball and kissing her… whereupon they are promptly spotted and bounced into a betrothal.
I’ve never understood why any well-brought-up gentleman would find himself in that position. I can see why a woman might try to get herself ‘compromised’ to get a husband, because women had so little control over the process, but a man knows the consequences if he steps out of line, so why let yourself get into that position? Unless you choose to, of course. And perhaps Stephen subconsciously wanted to make things right with Cassie, and make an honest woman of her. In any event, he at once announces their betrothal, and even though Cassie assures him she will break things off at a suitable moment, he is determined to make it happen. And his sisters are equally determined.
From then onwards, the story becomes a straightforward courtship, and despite the protestations of the lady, there’s never any real doubt of how it will end. As always with Balogh, the dialogue is superb, and this turned into a real page-turner for me. Five stars.
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