BOTM 1 - July 2020 - A Summer To Remember

[Lindsay]

I did it- I finished. *Possible unpopular opinion alert:* I did not like Lauren at. all. It's not that I don't understand her or even appreciate how far she came, but I just could. not. with her (view spoiler)[ insisting on breaking the engagement even though she said SO many times that she'd never been happier than she was with Kit and his family and that she'd have a big old sad. (hide spoiler)] It is completely valid to want to be independent and make your own choices and not feel like you're fulfilling a destiny you didn't decide upon. I totally get and support that. But to knowingly deny yourself what has made yourself the happiest you've ever been simply for fear of losing it is just kind of stubborn and dumb to me. Understandable, but I just didn't like it.

Also, I just don't like the Bedwyns. I have zero interest in reading about them further.

I do think MB is a great writer, and I'm glad I read this. Kit was awesome. It just wasn't my favorite.

ETA: I get what people are saying about how Kit kind of ran out of steam. I see that, too, and I feel like he gave some of his fun to Lauren, forever losing it and becoming less fun himself. *shrug*

[Petra]

Hi Lindsay yes I can see how Lauren made that terrible decision at the end. I think in romance there are many very annoying last plot twists. It’s almost 80% of books that have some foolish action on part of hero or heroine that drive me nuts.
This book was definitely one of them.
I almost take it as given which it shouldn’t be.

Lol I had to chuckle a little when you said all the spunk from Kit got drained out from him at the end.
I wonder what kind of person he would become with Lauren by his side...

[Patti]

So after reading this book and really enjoying it, I went back and read Neville and Lily’s book. I’m sorry to say it was a disappointment. Even getting past the largely unbelievable plot line, there was just no spark. The main characters spend too little time together, too, so the chemistry and romance really suffers. It was disappointing in a Mary Balogh book. I’m glad I read A Summer To Remember first!

On another note, I guess Gwen has her own book as well? I’d still be interested to read that one, as well.

[Jan]

I've never liked Neville and Lily's book either. Just something about it I've never been able to connect with. I didn't like the part about Lily's past experiences either.

[Petra]

Hi Darbella,
I wonder why you skipped Slightly Tempted. It was my first Mary Balogh and I think it is fantastic.

[Amy]

Is anyone reading the whole "Slightly series" after this one?
I decided to do so :P
If anyone wants to buddy read Wulfric's story let me know!
Would love to read it with someone.
So far I have read Freya's,Aidain and Ranulf and I enjoyed them all.
Still need to read Morgan's and Alleyne's in order to reach Wulfric's <3

[Ana]

Amy wrote: "Is anyone reading the whole "Slightly series" after this one?
I decided to do so :P
If anyone wants to buddy read Wulfric's story let me know!
Would love to read it with someone.
So far I have read..."
Me! I have the entire series in paperback. I have already read Slightly Married but could do a re-read any time. I thought I'd save Wulfric for last and take them in order though.

[Jan]

I reread the whole series earlier this year, so won't be joining you. (I also have them all in paperback, Ana). Enjoy, ladies.

[Amy]

I am currently on Morgan's story.So one more book till Wulfric's :)

[Petra]

I do want to finish Freyja and Allenye story but I can’t do it right now. I’m being pulled into too many books 🤪

[Petra]

I just finished amazing Proposition by Judith Ivory and Georgian “Midnight Wedding” by Lucinda Brant which was fun but I found writing style strange.
Now I am on to one of the selections from September (virgin hero) which is most likely not going to be selected. I love virgin hero trope and the book was free on Amazon 😁. It’s called His Perfect Bride by Merry Farmer. Reviews say it is hot ...

[Ana]

Petra wrote: "I just finished amazing Proposition by Judith Ivory and Georgian “Midnight Wedding” by Lucinda Brant which was fun but I found writing style strange.
Now I am on to one of the selections from Sept..."

thank you for the tip, ordered it right now!

[Amy]

Darbella wrote: "Amy and Ana, trying to catch up so I can join you guys for Wulfric's story. Currently I am on Freyja's story. Did you notice how many times (at least in these beginning chapters) her nose is mentio..."

I have only Alleyne's left now,but I can wait untill you can catch up?Maybe Wulfric over the weekend?

Also I seriously start hating MB writing.Literally is the same story.I hope she doesn't ruin Wulfric!My hopes are so high!!!
Yes Darbella I noticed and I find it a bit annoying after a while.Maybe it is because I read all of the sligtlty series over a week or so :P

[Ana]

Amy wrote: "I am currently on Morgan's story.So one more book till Wulfric's :)"

well, I might as well not read them in order - I suppose too much of Mary Balogh might spoil it and I have just read the books in two other contemporary series. Let me know when you and Darbella decide to do the buddy read and I'll join.