TBQ'S Book Palace: [ARC Review]: "The Proposal"

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Friday, April 13, 2012

[ARC Review]: "The Proposal"

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The Proposal by Mary Balogh

Publisher: Delacorte Press (May 1, 2012)

Series: The Survivors' Club, 1

Genre: Historical Romance

In Mary Balogh’s engaging and seductive new novel of drama and romance, a woman comfortable in her solitude allows temptation to free her heart, when a daring war hero shows her how truly extraordinary she is.

THE PROPOSAL

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.

Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?

The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

My Review:

Mary Balogh has talent, being able to write a story that makes the reader sigh and dream of their own HEA. She writes with an eloquence that fits perfectly with the historical period in which the book is set. These are just a few reasons why Balogh's books always please the readers—and they apply to her newest novel, The Proposal, too.

The heroine and hero of this story were flawed, imperfect—realistic, in a sense. They both have dark pasts that they are struggling to overcome. Their story is not a light, carefree romance, but it does have brief scenes where the banter and conversation help to lighten the slightly dark mood that follows both characters.

I liked Gwen, a strong heroine who is past the first bloom of youth. She's had a terrible time since her husband's death (suicide), as she blames herself. She's determined never to remarry, and after almost 10 years, she's learned to accept it. When it seems that fate has stepped in and thrown her into the path of the mysterious Lord Trentham, Gwen slowly begins to rethink her pledge. But can she overcome her past and reach for a new future?

Hugo is a tortured hero, one who has seen the brutalities of war and lived to tell the tale—even when many of his fellow soldiers did not. After returning to England injured (nor physically, but mentally), the country calls him a war hero—but he thinks himself a broken killer instead.

Originally from the upper working class, he doesn't want anything to do with the ton, but upon his return his finds himself a titled gentleman, a “gift” for his time at war. He doesn't fit in with the high society crowd, and he doesn't want to. But for his younger sister, he'll brave the ton so she can attend a few balls. To do so, he'll need the help of a woman—will Lady Gwen fit the role? More importantly, can he forget his past, as well as their difference in class, and offer up his heart to Gwen? Will she even accept....

Although there were a few parts during the book when I skimmed a couple of pages, overall this was a really good story, if lacking a bit in action. Towards the end, the sigh-worthy moments were more dominant, and I had a smile on my face from it. Always a sign of a good book! :)

4 STARS! A lovely historical romance, one filled with interesting characters who break the cookie-cutter mold just a bit. I look forward to the next book in this new series—like Hugo, the rest of the Survivors' Club members seem to have their own personal obstacles to overcome, and I think each of their stories will be quiet the adventure! A perfect book for any fan of the genre, The Proposal is sure to be a keeper on your shelf!

~*~*~*~
I received this ARC through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Program, in exchange for my honest review.
~*~*~*~

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Labels: 4 Stars, ARC copy, Early Reviewer's Book From LibraryThing, Historical, Own, Review, Romance

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Disclosure

Reviewing: Unless otherwise stated, generally the books I review on here were either won from a contest or sent from a publisher/author to review. I am not paid to review said book, I receive the book for free, and in exchange I provide an honest, but accurate, review. I do not make biased reviews because I received the book free of charge. I give credit to the person/publisher that sent me the book, with a link to them, and when I bought the book myself, I say as much at the bottom of my review. Amazon Associate: I am now a member of the Amazon Associates, which means that when you use the links I provide to Amazon.com pages and buy said product, I receive a very small percentage of the purchase. I am not using this as income by any means, and any money I happen to make from this program will go directly towards more contests (books and shipping) on this blog in the future. To read my full disclosure on the matter, read this post! Barnes and NoblesAffiliate: I am a member of the B and N/LinkShare affiliate program. This works much the same as the Amazon program--if you use the links I list on my blog to buy items on this website, I receive a very small percentage of your order. I do not see any of your private or personal information, ever, and any money I do happen to make will go into future giveaways on the blog (buying products, mailing them, etc) as well as any improvements on the blog. To read my full disclosure on the matter, read this post!

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