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Waite #1
The Trysting Place
A Most Dangerous Game
Lady Felicity Wren came to London for one purpose. After a marriage in name only to a man old enough to be her father, she was now a young, beautiful and wealthy widow; free at last to enjoy the happiness that her misalliance had denied her. And her first step toward this goal was to find the handsomest and most sophisticated lord in all the realm to be her new mate.
She found him in the elegant person of Lord Edmond Waite. From the moment she met him, she wanted him, and he made it clear he wanted her as well.
But there was one cruel complication. While Felicity wanted Lord Waite as a husband, he wanted her as a mistress—and to win this war between decency and desire, Felicity had to risk losing all in the arms of another man...
Lady Felicity Wren came to London for one purpose. After a marriage in name only to a man old enough to be her father, she was now a young, beautiful and wealthy widow; free at last to enjoy the happiness that her misalliance had denied her. And her first step toward this goal was to find the handsomest and most sophisticated lord in all the realm to be her new mate.
She found him in the elegant person of Lord Edmond Waite. From the moment she met him, she wanted him, and he made it clear he wanted her as well.
But there was one cruel complication. While Felicity wanted Lord Waite as a husband, he wanted her as a mistress—and to win this war between decency and desire, Felicity had to risk losing all in the arms of another man...
215 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 4, 1986
190 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
193 books6,413 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 54 reviews
April 27, 2021
2.25*
Not only the worst book in this series but also a low by MB's standards.
Only romantic thing about this book is the title!
Not only the worst book in this series but also a low by MB's standards.
Only romantic thing about this book is the title!
March 22, 2010
I am a bit undecided on how I should grade this story, it was an easy read but it left me cold and dissatisfied with the heroine. Lady Wren, Felicity, is a widow in her mid twenties. She married an older man when she was eighteen to save her family from ruin and in doing so she had to give up the man she really loved, her neighbour Tom Russell. Now that she is free, she is determined to find a rich and attractive husband with whom she can enjoy the society life she first got to know with her elderly husband. Her feelings for Tom Russell have turned to those of friendship. She arrives at her parent’s country home for a visit. There she meets her twin sisters, now eighteen and eager for a London season, and Tom Russell. Felicity decides to take her sisters to London for the season and Tom decides to go with them.
While Tom is still very much in love with Felicity he realises that she only considers him a friend and is looking for a gentleman to marry. In London they attend several society functions and they encounter Lord Edmond Waite who pays Felicity marked attention. She at first believes him to be paying court to her with marriage in mind but he soon makes it clear that what he wants is a mistress. Felicity then pretends to be betrothed to Tom to make Waite jealous and force him to a marriage proposal. In the mean time Felicity's twin sisters find their own beaus and have to deal with their own feelings to decide with whom they want to spend the rest of their lives with.
I really disliked that Felicity seemed to be so self centered that she did not realise she was using Tom to gain what she wanted and doing him harm because he loved her. He is definitely too good to be true as although it pains him he is always ready to help her. Then I disliked that she seemed to like Waite only because of what he could give her and what her position in society would be. Even after she realises her true feelings she is still planning to marry Waite because she thinks Tom only sees her as a friend and at least she will get to be a viscountess... she is definitely not a heroine I could like.
What I did like very much were her sisters, they also had their own problems and heartaches to deal with but they did it honestly and examining their own hearts. A pity that they weren't the heroines...
Grade: 3/5
While Tom is still very much in love with Felicity he realises that she only considers him a friend and is looking for a gentleman to marry. In London they attend several society functions and they encounter Lord Edmond Waite who pays Felicity marked attention. She at first believes him to be paying court to her with marriage in mind but he soon makes it clear that what he wants is a mistress. Felicity then pretends to be betrothed to Tom to make Waite jealous and force him to a marriage proposal. In the mean time Felicity's twin sisters find their own beaus and have to deal with their own feelings to decide with whom they want to spend the rest of their lives with.
I really disliked that Felicity seemed to be so self centered that she did not realise she was using Tom to gain what she wanted and doing him harm because he loved her. He is definitely too good to be true as although it pains him he is always ready to help her. Then I disliked that she seemed to like Waite only because of what he could give her and what her position in society would be. Even after she realises her true feelings she is still planning to marry Waite because she thinks Tom only sees her as a friend and at least she will get to be a viscountess... she is definitely not a heroine I could like.
What I did like very much were her sisters, they also had their own problems and heartaches to deal with but they did it honestly and examining their own hearts. A pity that they weren't the heroines...
Grade: 3/5
July 27, 2020
This was good. I'm not usually a fan of the friends to lovers trope in general, and definitely not in cases where the male protagonist spends several years pining after the heroine while also helping her get laid/get married/whatever. I feel like for some reason we think it's cute when a man sticks around swooning after somebody who's made clear statements that she's not interested, but we think it's pathetic when a woman behaves the same. I think it's unhealthy no matter the gender of the actor.
I am sad at all the hate the heroine, Felicity, receives from Goodreads reviewers. She was honestly doing the best to pursue her own happiness with the information she had at the time. Everyone seems to think that she should have told Tom about her feelings sooner, but why? He stated emphatically, whenever he had a chance, that he wanted to remain a bachelor for life. So why would she make herself vulnerable and open to ridicule by admitting her feelings to someone who is avowedly disinterested in romance, thereby ruining the only friendship she has?
Romance readers are so hard on women.
I think this was a light and vaguely humorous Regency, certainly not one of Balogh's best, but also not bad. The arrogant Lord Waite apparently makes an appearance in several more of her Signet categories before getting his own HEA, but honestly I could have done without him. As far as friends to lovers romance goes, the story of Tom and Felicity was about as good as could be asked.
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I am sad at all the hate the heroine, Felicity, receives from Goodreads reviewers. She was honestly doing the best to pursue her own happiness with the information she had at the time. Everyone seems to think that she should have told Tom about her feelings sooner, but why? He stated emphatically, whenever he had a chance, that he wanted to remain a bachelor for life. So why would she make herself vulnerable and open to ridicule by admitting her feelings to someone who is avowedly disinterested in romance, thereby ruining the only friendship she has?
Romance readers are so hard on women.
I think this was a light and vaguely humorous Regency, certainly not one of Balogh's best, but also not bad. The arrogant Lord Waite apparently makes an appearance in several more of her Signet categories before getting his own HEA, but honestly I could have done without him. As far as friends to lovers romance goes, the story of Tom and Felicity was about as good as could be asked.
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June 11, 2020
What a strangely unromantic romance novel. In this second chance romance, very little effort is made to establish the original romantic connection between Tom and Felicity, and there's no chemistry when they meet again either. It's also frustrating that they both have feelings for each other the entire time but do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Like, literally at the end, they're in a fake engagement (which they entered so she could make a creepy rake jealousy so he would propose marriage rather than her being his mistress), and she's about to elope with the awful rake, and on the last couple pages he finally confesses and they have sex outside in the trysting place. Zero to sixty right there.
While I don't mind a heroine being confused about who or what she wants, Felicity's choices rubbed me the wrong way for a few reasons:
1) Her obsession with Waite begins after he forces a kiss on her. The way it's written made me viscerally uncomfortable, and it read like sexual assault. But then she decides she wants him above all else???
2) After another scene with Waite where he sexually assaults her (she specifically says she did not consent and slaps him off of her), she finally decides she doesn't think she wants him. Shortly thereafter, she realizes she truly wants and loves Tom. Supposedly. And yet she STILL agrees to elope with Waite when he finally offers marriage?!?!?!?! WHAT THE FUCK.
3) No, really, she would have run off with Waite, who, even if she doesn't realize it, she is fucking terrified of, rather than talk to Tom about her feelings. Which lbr she doesn't actually love him (or herself) that much or she would have made different choices by point two.
Let's not throw all the shade at Felicity though. I can give Tom credit for continuing to be a good friend to Felicity, even though he loves her. He's supportive of everything she wants. But it does seem like there's a point where maybe you should speak your mind? He just comes off as this pathetic hound dog mooning after her for all of his life. I'm not a big fan of pining, and he is the prince of pining.
While I did find the whole "love triangle" irritating, mostly though this book was just slowly paced and boring. I don't recommend it at all. I'm also going to reconsider reading more of the series, since I don't care for anyone and actively LOATHE Waite. Wait, no, actually, I do like Felicity's sisters. I wish the book had been about them solely.
While I don't mind a heroine being confused about who or what she wants, Felicity's choices rubbed me the wrong way for a few reasons:
1) Her obsession with Waite begins after he forces a kiss on her. The way it's written made me viscerally uncomfortable, and it read like sexual assault. But then she decides she wants him above all else???
2) After another scene with Waite where he sexually assaults her (she specifically says she did not consent and slaps him off of her), she finally decides she doesn't think she wants him. Shortly thereafter, she realizes she truly wants and loves Tom. Supposedly. And yet she STILL agrees to elope with Waite when he finally offers marriage?!?!?!?! WHAT THE FUCK.
3) No, really, she would have run off with Waite, who, even if she doesn't realize it, she is fucking terrified of, rather than talk to Tom about her feelings. Which lbr she doesn't actually love him (or herself) that much or she would have made different choices by point two.
Let's not throw all the shade at Felicity though. I can give Tom credit for continuing to be a good friend to Felicity, even though he loves her. He's supportive of everything she wants. But it does seem like there's a point where maybe you should speak your mind? He just comes off as this pathetic hound dog mooning after her for all of his life. I'm not a big fan of pining, and he is the prince of pining.
While I did find the whole "love triangle" irritating, mostly though this book was just slowly paced and boring. I don't recommend it at all. I'm also going to reconsider reading more of the series, since I don't care for anyone and actively LOATHE Waite. Wait, no, actually, I do like Felicity's sisters. I wish the book had been about them solely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2016
Mary Balogh is one of my favorite and the writing in this book is good. I don't have problem with the flow of events and the story telling itself. My 2 stars rating is because of the characters. It stared off nicely with the hero and heroine being ex-lovers, admitting that their relationship was over and now that they were different people after years of separation. After that point, the characters just went downhill.
The hero is a "nice guy". I like nice guys as hero, as a matter of fact it's the reason I read this. Yes, Tom is indeed a good man, with all his patience and kindness. To some point, he is likeable but sometimes it could got too much. What saves him is the fact that he was her ex, her first love. That way, all the passion is understandable.
Don't get me started with the heroine. I have lots to say, but I think people before me have pointed out so many things about the heroine. In short, she comes out as self-centered, and it took her quite long time to figure out her feeling with the hero. AND just when she figured out her feeling, she decided to marry the other guy? What the-?
The highlight of this story is the secondary plot of heroine's younger sisters (twin). Though not as exposed as the heroine, their story is sweet and they are quite sensible characters despite their age and flightiness.
As for the romance, hmmm... it's regency, so there are little romantic scenes and more to the characters' interactions.
The hero is a "nice guy". I like nice guys as hero, as a matter of fact it's the reason I read this. Yes, Tom is indeed a good man, with all his patience and kindness. To some point, he is likeable but sometimes it could got too much. What saves him is the fact that he was her ex, her first love. That way, all the passion is understandable.
Don't get me started with the heroine. I have lots to say, but I think people before me have pointed out so many things about the heroine. In short, she comes out as self-centered, and it took her quite long time to figure out her feeling with the hero. AND just when she figured out her feeling, she decided to marry the other guy? What the-?
The highlight of this story is the secondary plot of heroine's younger sisters (twin). Though not as exposed as the heroine, their story is sweet and they are quite sensible characters despite their age and flightiness.
As for the romance, hmmm... it's regency, so there are little romantic scenes and more to the characters' interactions.
November 18, 2017
For the love of God somebody tell me what was this?!
March 22, 2010
This one was really interesting. Balogh mixes it up a bit here in a very intriguing way.
Felicity, Lady Wren has just cast off her one year of mourning and is going back to visit her parents. She was married off to a much older man who was in his 60s while she was just seventeen. Her family desperately needed the money and Lord Wren was extremely wealthy. At the time, Felicity was desperately in love with Tom, her neighbor, and the two of them had been long planning to marry.
Now six years later, after having endured a somewhat stultifying marriage, Felicity finally feels free. She plans to make a brilliant marriage to a wealthy young Lord this time and to finally enjoy her life. She knows she is in an enviable position. She is a very rich woman who has her own fate in her hands. She undertakes to sponsor her twin sisters for the season so they can all enjoy themselves.
Surprisingly, she has reconnected with Tom. Not in their old desperately-in-love way, but in a deep and abiding friendship. Tom escorts the three ladies to London and generally accompanies them to parties and acts as a somewhat protector for the twins.
For his part, Tom has his own reasons for staying in Felicity's orbit. He is still in love with her. Felicity has made it clear that he is not what she is looking for. He is young and handsome with a prosperous farm that adjoins her parents' home, but he is not a glittering member of the ton. He is a scholar who prefers the ease and quiet of country life. And even though Tom is made painfully aware that she is no longer in love with him, he is determined that whatever match she makes is good for her and she is happy. Hence he assigns himself the role of her protector as well.
This was not a very long book, but Balogh packs a lot into it. I loved, loved, loved Tom! He is a wonderful hero. So sure of himself so quiet and steady --- not one of Balogh's normal bored aristocrat rakes. He is a nice departure to read in one of her books (he is close in spirit of Gerard from A Precious Jewel). Yeah, sometimes he's a little too perfect and sometimes I think rather than smiling wonderfully at Felicity he ought to just leave her, I can't help but just really like him.
Felicity, otoh, was working on my last nerves. Balogh did a masterful job in creating a character that really was a contradiction. Felicity was married for many years and traveled to many countries and moved about in sophisticated circles so she should be a little more on the ball that she is. But then, as it is rightly pointed out, she never really had a season. For all that she is and older woman, she really has less experience than a debutante. Her husband kept her very close at hand and was jealous, although not cruel. So sometimes I really wanted to strangle her for being so blind. Even her younger sisters had more sense than Felicity when it came to figuring out their own feelings. But then I couldn't be too mad because her attitude and demeanor made sense given the context of her history.
All in all this was a lovely little read from Balogh. Her books are different enough from each other that I am not feeling a sense of boredom or sameness in reading them en masse like I am. She is definitely keeping my interest up. I can't wait to see how she mixes it up in the next book I plan to read, A Counterfeit Betrothal
Felicity, Lady Wren has just cast off her one year of mourning and is going back to visit her parents. She was married off to a much older man who was in his 60s while she was just seventeen. Her family desperately needed the money and Lord Wren was extremely wealthy. At the time, Felicity was desperately in love with Tom, her neighbor, and the two of them had been long planning to marry.
Now six years later, after having endured a somewhat stultifying marriage, Felicity finally feels free. She plans to make a brilliant marriage to a wealthy young Lord this time and to finally enjoy her life. She knows she is in an enviable position. She is a very rich woman who has her own fate in her hands. She undertakes to sponsor her twin sisters for the season so they can all enjoy themselves.
Surprisingly, she has reconnected with Tom. Not in their old desperately-in-love way, but in a deep and abiding friendship. Tom escorts the three ladies to London and generally accompanies them to parties and acts as a somewhat protector for the twins.
For his part, Tom has his own reasons for staying in Felicity's orbit. He is still in love with her. Felicity has made it clear that he is not what she is looking for. He is young and handsome with a prosperous farm that adjoins her parents' home, but he is not a glittering member of the ton. He is a scholar who prefers the ease and quiet of country life. And even though Tom is made painfully aware that she is no longer in love with him, he is determined that whatever match she makes is good for her and she is happy. Hence he assigns himself the role of her protector as well.
This was not a very long book, but Balogh packs a lot into it. I loved, loved, loved Tom! He is a wonderful hero. So sure of himself so quiet and steady --- not one of Balogh's normal bored aristocrat rakes. He is a nice departure to read in one of her books (he is close in spirit of Gerard from A Precious Jewel). Yeah, sometimes he's a little too perfect and sometimes I think rather than smiling wonderfully at Felicity he ought to just leave her, I can't help but just really like him.
Felicity, otoh, was working on my last nerves. Balogh did a masterful job in creating a character that really was a contradiction. Felicity was married for many years and traveled to many countries and moved about in sophisticated circles so she should be a little more on the ball that she is. But then, as it is rightly pointed out, she never really had a season. For all that she is and older woman, she really has less experience than a debutante. Her husband kept her very close at hand and was jealous, although not cruel. So sometimes I really wanted to strangle her for being so blind. Even her younger sisters had more sense than Felicity when it came to figuring out their own feelings. But then I couldn't be too mad because her attitude and demeanor made sense given the context of her history.
All in all this was a lovely little read from Balogh. Her books are different enough from each other that I am not feeling a sense of boredom or sameness in reading them en masse like I am. She is definitely keeping my interest up. I can't wait to see how she mixes it up in the next book I plan to read, A Counterfeit Betrothal
December 15, 2012
As a teenager, Felicity was married to a wealthy man to save her family from destitution. Now a rich widow of 26, Felicity returns to see the family home she avoided and tried to forget. It's a happy homecoming--and although she'd feared there might be an ugly scene between her and Tom, her childhood sweetheart, both of them behave as though they're just old friends. Felicity is eager to show her sisters the sparkling social scene her new riches entitle them to, and so the girls head off to London for the season, with Tom tagging behind.
Felicity is sure that she wants a life of balls and travel, and she seeks a young, handsome husband to help her make that dream come true. But her attention falls on Lord Waite, who is unofficially promised to a family friend. Lord Waite wants Felicity to become his mistress, but she's sure she can convince him to marry her instead. In hopes of making him jealous, she asks her faithful old friend Tom to pretend to be courting her. Tom, who is secretly still deeply in love with her, agrees and does a very convincing job of it. He's so convincing that eventually Felicity realizes it is this kind farmer, and not the snobbish Lord Waite, that she truly loves.
Balogh does a good job making Tom seem thoughtful and selfless in his love--he doesn't come across as a Nice Guy, but rather, as a truly nice person. Felicity is a less satisfying love interest, because it takes her so long to realize what it obvious to the reader from the very first page. And The book ends abruptly after Tom and Felicity confess their love for each other, . A bit unsatisfying!
Felicity is sure that she wants a life of balls and travel, and she seeks a young, handsome husband to help her make that dream come true. But her attention falls on Lord Waite, who is unofficially promised to a family friend. Lord Waite wants Felicity to become his mistress, but she's sure she can convince him to marry her instead. In hopes of making him jealous, she asks her faithful old friend Tom to pretend to be courting her. Tom, who is secretly still deeply in love with her, agrees and does a very convincing job of it. He's so convincing that eventually Felicity realizes it is this kind farmer, and not the snobbish Lord Waite, that she truly loves.
Balogh does a good job making Tom seem thoughtful and selfless in his love--he doesn't come across as a Nice Guy, but rather, as a truly nice person. Felicity is a less satisfying love interest, because it takes her so long to realize what it obvious to the reader from the very first page. And The book ends abruptly after Tom and Felicity confess their love for each other, . A bit unsatisfying!
August 1, 2023
È pieno di protagoniste tonte negli historical romance ma penso questa le superi quasi tutte
April 4, 2020
The concept was good but I spent most of the book wanting to shake sense into the female lead. I can’t call her a heroine because she doesn’t deserve it. Not a fan of this one.
September 3, 2022
An early story by a favorite author. The editing has improved and stories now have a more even pace. That said, I enjoyed a story about a woman who struggled to understand herself. Finding the difference between what she thought she wanted and what she truly needed is a struggle many women face.
April 15, 2020
The author could grasp the essence of youth and naivety of Felicity. The belief of the young that everything will suddenly be alright if just she found the perfect Prince who would come, sweep her off her feet, love her forever and have a happy ever after.
Felicity sees that in Lord Edmund Waite, dismissing the steady and kind presence of her childhood friend and sweetheart, Tom.
Throughout the book, we perceive the shallowness and simple mind of Felicity. Her stupid schemes and impulsivity, always trying to get Lord Waite to propose to her and finally be happy.
I found her to be a character very typical, more a villain than a heroine, more simple than interesting. Even at the end, when she becomes aware of how conceited she had been, she doesn't change very much. I don't think she ever asked someone, or herself, if what she does is right or wrong. A rather boring character with a mostly undeserving and predictable ending.
Tom, sweet Tom. He really never had a great presence in the story. Just like in the balls he assisted, he was there, he was well liked and even remarked upon his gallantry and kindness. But the reality is that Felicity, and Even Waite, were the ones with character. The ending was good, but that doesn't excuse his passive acceptance of everything that happened around him. He really never did anything, just followed Flick to London and made everything she asked from him.
It was said a number of times of his prowess with the fits, but we never saw anything at all that could make this character something more than a good fellow.
Still, I liked him very much. He is the living proof that secondary characters are the protagonists of their own lives. He is the kind of man FMC decide to like, to be friendly with, but not to marry. Generally, they want the rake, the scarred, the pirate, the one with a title. Not the kind man who loves steadily and quietly. The one perceived as "dull".
There was a rather fast rhythm in the book. There was no time to digest everything that had happened when there was another event to consider. Have there been a pace more mellow, perhaps Tom would not have gone so much to the background. It doesn't help that the series have Waite's name.
This could be a great book, and to some people it is. But Not for me.
Let's hope the next ones change my opinion.
Felicity sees that in Lord Edmund Waite, dismissing the steady and kind presence of her childhood friend and sweetheart, Tom.
Throughout the book, we perceive the shallowness and simple mind of Felicity. Her stupid schemes and impulsivity, always trying to get Lord Waite to propose to her and finally be happy.
I found her to be a character very typical, more a villain than a heroine, more simple than interesting. Even at the end, when she becomes aware of how conceited she had been, she doesn't change very much. I don't think she ever asked someone, or herself, if what she does is right or wrong. A rather boring character with a mostly undeserving and predictable ending.
Tom, sweet Tom. He really never had a great presence in the story. Just like in the balls he assisted, he was there, he was well liked and even remarked upon his gallantry and kindness. But the reality is that Felicity, and Even Waite, were the ones with character. The ending was good, but that doesn't excuse his passive acceptance of everything that happened around him. He really never did anything, just followed Flick to London and made everything she asked from him.
It was said a number of times of his prowess with the fits, but we never saw anything at all that could make this character something more than a good fellow.
Still, I liked him very much. He is the living proof that secondary characters are the protagonists of their own lives. He is the kind of man FMC decide to like, to be friendly with, but not to marry. Generally, they want the rake, the scarred, the pirate, the one with a title. Not the kind man who loves steadily and quietly. The one perceived as "dull".
There was a rather fast rhythm in the book. There was no time to digest everything that had happened when there was another event to consider. Have there been a pace more mellow, perhaps Tom would not have gone so much to the background. It doesn't help that the series have Waite's name.
This could be a great book, and to some people it is. But Not for me.
Let's hope the next ones change my opinion.
January 27, 2023
So much pining! I liked this, but I do not recommend it.
Poor Felicity is married off to an elderly man at only 18 years old to save her family from financial ruin, leaving her love for the neighborhood boy behind. When she comes home 8 years later and reacquaints herself with him, it’s like she never left home, their friendship picks up right where it left off. Unfortunately, she’s got this plan to marry a wealthy nobleman and become a ton sensation to make up for her wasted youth. Her former love is enlisted to help her catch a man, her choice of man is not great and exposes her extreme naïveté.
The whole time reading this I was so stressed by what a nincompoop she is and how sweet and adoring Tom is.
Poor Felicity is married off to an elderly man at only 18 years old to save her family from financial ruin, leaving her love for the neighborhood boy behind. When she comes home 8 years later and reacquaints herself with him, it’s like she never left home, their friendship picks up right where it left off. Unfortunately, she’s got this plan to marry a wealthy nobleman and become a ton sensation to make up for her wasted youth. Her former love is enlisted to help her catch a man, her choice of man is not great and exposes her extreme naïveté.
The whole time reading this I was so stressed by what a nincompoop she is and how sweet and adoring Tom is.
September 17, 2016
Mmm. Ammetto che è stato faticoso ricordarsi continuamente che l'autrice era sempre la Balogh.
A parte la narrazione molto lenta e priva di verve, lady Wren sembra un'undicenne in pasticceria che debba decidere che pastina comprarsi. Una ragazza (vedova??) che ha girato il mondo, che è straricca, che passa la vita a fare i capricci e di una banalità sconcertante.
Il povero Tom, poi, sì davvero il povero Tom. A due pagine dalla fine lei non è ancora minimamente interessata a lui :(
Una storia che non regge. Le uniche simpatiche sono le due gemelle più giovani di lady Wren, otto anni di meno, ma almeno il loro cervello ha continuato a svilupparsi...
A parte la narrazione molto lenta e priva di verve, lady Wren sembra un'undicenne in pasticceria che debba decidere che pastina comprarsi. Una ragazza (vedova??) che ha girato il mondo, che è straricca, che passa la vita a fare i capricci e di una banalità sconcertante.
Il povero Tom, poi, sì davvero il povero Tom. A due pagine dalla fine lei non è ancora minimamente interessata a lui :(
Una storia che non regge. Le uniche simpatiche sono le due gemelle più giovani di lady Wren, otto anni di meno, ma almeno il loro cervello ha continuato a svilupparsi...
June 5, 2016
Nooooooooooo
Sinceramente non ricordo un altro libro nel quale ho odiato la protagonista dalla prima all'ultima pagina!
Non c'è stato un solo momento che dalla bocca di Lady Wren sia uscito un pensiero sensato!
Mai vista una protagonista così vuota, insensibile, volubile, superficiale e frivola!
Un supplizio arrivare alla fine...
Statene alla larga!
Sinceramente non ricordo un altro libro nel quale ho odiato la protagonista dalla prima all'ultima pagina!
Non c'è stato un solo momento che dalla bocca di Lady Wren sia uscito un pensiero sensato!
Mai vista una protagonista così vuota, insensibile, volubile, superficiale e frivola!
Un supplizio arrivare alla fine...
Statene alla larga!
February 14, 2020
It was ok
I usually love Mary Balogh books but this one I found extremely irritating, the heroine was just plain stupid always chasing an obviously uninterested man while the hero just stood back and allowed it. The only passion he really showed was in the last 5 minutes of the book!
I usually love Mary Balogh books but this one I found extremely irritating, the heroine was just plain stupid always chasing an obviously uninterested man while the hero just stood back and allowed it. The only passion he really showed was in the last 5 minutes of the book!
August 9, 2010
Maybe 2 1/2 stars but I grow tired of men and/or women who sacrifice their lives for the sake of their families. And Lord Waite was a fascinating hero/villain -- I could see Tom settling pretty quickly into the role of country squire.
April 14, 2024
3'5 Estrellitas. No es lo mejor de Mary Balogh, pero sí de lo primerito que escribió y se ve bastante bien su evolución como escritora. El libro no es malo, pero sí me ha dejado una sensación agridulce. Lo que me ha asombrado, es que para estar escrito en 1986 (y tener más años que yo), me ha parecido terriblemente moderno; es más, si me dicen que lo escribió hace cinco años, me lo creo.
Para empezar, teniendo en cuenta los más de treinta años que tiene, su argumento me ha resultado muy similar a un libro que leí recientemente, "Manual para damas afortunadas" de Sophie Irwin. No son libros iguales, pero tienen casi el mismo argumento y el propio trío amoroso. ¿Cómo? Vamos a ello. Felicity Wren es una joven hermosa que con veintiséis años acaba de enviudar. Con dieciocho años sus padres, una familia acomodada con deudas enormes, la obligaron a casarse con un viejo mercader rico con un pequeño título. De esa manera, siendo Felicity la hija mayor, tuvo que sacrificarse por el bien de su familia, y lo que dejó en el camino fue su corazón roto. Felicity amaba Tom Russell, el hijo del vecino, un hacendado y próspero granjero.
Felicity no fue del todo infeliz en su matrimonio, su marido no fue cruel pero sí posesivo y la exhibió por toda Europa como si fuese un premio. Cuando empieza el libro, Felicity enviudó hace un año, y ya ha pasado su período de luto. No tuvieron hijos y su marido le dejó una enorme herencia, así que ahora, Felicity es libre para tomarse la vida que quiere, y quiere ser feliz, buscar el amor, y sí, volver a casarse, pero esta vez apuntará alto, y lo que quiere es ir a Londres para disfrutar de la Temporada que no tuvo.
En su camino hacia su libertad, Felicity vuelve a su pueblo natal para visitar a su familia, allí encontrará a sus hermanas gemelas, Laura y Lucy, convertidas en mujeres y listas para arrasar el mundo. Y Felicity, también se encontrará con Tom, su amor de juventud. Su mayor temor es no saber enfrentarle, por miedo a haberle abandonado, pero Tom es comprensivo y sabe por qué lo hizo. Felicity y Tom vuelven a verse, y los años que han estado separados, no han importado, ambos se portan como si fuesen los amigos inseparables de la infancia que fueron.
Pero Felicity debe proseguir su camino, y esta vez se llevará a sus hermanas a Londres para que disfruten de la temporada, y quien sabe; ver si puede casarlas y muy bien. Aunque esta vez, Tom irá con ellas a Londres, como apoyo y para salvaguardar las apariencias, siendo su amigo de toda la vida.
En Londres, Felicity y sus hermanas deslumbrarán a toda la sociedad y en seguida se hacen muy populares, van de baile en baile, y al teatro. Y en uno de esos encuentros, Felicity conocerá a Edmond Waite, un peligroso y depravado libertino, dispuesto a hacer suya a Felicity.
Aquí es donde tendremos el triángulo amoroso. Felicity siempre estuvo enamorada de Tom, no le ha olvidado, pero sí le recuerda con nostalgia y sabe que Tom no quiere casarse, que no le gusta Londres ni las diversiones, y que solo es feliz en el campo. Felicity ha cambiado y Tom no puede darle la vida que quiere, pero lord Waite sí. Lord Waite es astuto y el que esté casi prometido con una losa (un piedra fría), a los que sus padres prometieron desde niños, no importa. Lord Waite persigue lo exclusivo, lo hermoso y Felicity es la mujer más hermosa que ha visto, y no descansará hasta hacer de ella su amante.
Así que ¿cuál es el problema? Diré que la propia Felicity. No me ha caído mal, pero sí me ha resultado una veleta en muchos momentos, en silencio ama a Thomas, pero cree que él a ella no, y que será feliz como un solterón el campo, y como Tom no se quiere casar, y Felicity sí, intentará poner sus miras en el mejor premio de la temporada, y ese es lord Waite, un hombre apuesto y encantador, dado a la coquetería y que también se ha fijado en ella. El objetivo de Felicity será "pescarlo", pero este ya está prometido y solo puede ofrecerle ser su amante.
Aquí tendremos un juego de si sí o si no. Ahora parece que van a ello y ahora no. Siendo sincera, lo que me ha gustado es el planteamiento tan moderno de ser Felicity una joven viuda rica y que quiere disfrutar de su libertad y sobre todo de la libertad de poder elegir a gusto a su siguiente marido. Lo que no me ha gustado, es el juego que se ha traído entre los dos hombres. Ella misma admite que ha utilizado a Tom cruelmente, cuando lo que deberían haber hecho es hablar hace tiempo y dejar las cosas claras. Pero nada se aclara en todo el libro casi hasta el final. De hecho, hasta el final no se qué ha pasado con el tercero en discordia, supongo que Mary Balogh lo dejó para los siguientes libros de la trilogía.
Gustarme, me ha gustado mucho, pero es esa sensación agridulce lo que no me ha permitido darle más nota. En contra del libro de Sophie Irwin, aquí no tenemos ese gran interrogante de con quién se quedará la chica, que fue el giro de esa novela. Aquí sabemos desde el principio con quien se quedará Felicity, pero lo alarga tanto hasta el final, que ha quedado este un pelín abierto.
Me ha convencido y me ha dejado con ganas de los siguientes, sobre todo de saber qué ha pasado con el tercero en discordia y ver qué tal acaba. Así que no tardaré en continuar la trilogía.
Para empezar, teniendo en cuenta los más de treinta años que tiene, su argumento me ha resultado muy similar a un libro que leí recientemente, "Manual para damas afortunadas" de Sophie Irwin. No son libros iguales, pero tienen casi el mismo argumento y el propio trío amoroso. ¿Cómo? Vamos a ello. Felicity Wren es una joven hermosa que con veintiséis años acaba de enviudar. Con dieciocho años sus padres, una familia acomodada con deudas enormes, la obligaron a casarse con un viejo mercader rico con un pequeño título. De esa manera, siendo Felicity la hija mayor, tuvo que sacrificarse por el bien de su familia, y lo que dejó en el camino fue su corazón roto. Felicity amaba Tom Russell, el hijo del vecino, un hacendado y próspero granjero.
Felicity no fue del todo infeliz en su matrimonio, su marido no fue cruel pero sí posesivo y la exhibió por toda Europa como si fuese un premio. Cuando empieza el libro, Felicity enviudó hace un año, y ya ha pasado su período de luto. No tuvieron hijos y su marido le dejó una enorme herencia, así que ahora, Felicity es libre para tomarse la vida que quiere, y quiere ser feliz, buscar el amor, y sí, volver a casarse, pero esta vez apuntará alto, y lo que quiere es ir a Londres para disfrutar de la Temporada que no tuvo.
En su camino hacia su libertad, Felicity vuelve a su pueblo natal para visitar a su familia, allí encontrará a sus hermanas gemelas, Laura y Lucy, convertidas en mujeres y listas para arrasar el mundo. Y Felicity, también se encontrará con Tom, su amor de juventud. Su mayor temor es no saber enfrentarle, por miedo a haberle abandonado, pero Tom es comprensivo y sabe por qué lo hizo. Felicity y Tom vuelven a verse, y los años que han estado separados, no han importado, ambos se portan como si fuesen los amigos inseparables de la infancia que fueron.
Pero Felicity debe proseguir su camino, y esta vez se llevará a sus hermanas a Londres para que disfruten de la temporada, y quien sabe; ver si puede casarlas y muy bien. Aunque esta vez, Tom irá con ellas a Londres, como apoyo y para salvaguardar las apariencias, siendo su amigo de toda la vida.
En Londres, Felicity y sus hermanas deslumbrarán a toda la sociedad y en seguida se hacen muy populares, van de baile en baile, y al teatro. Y en uno de esos encuentros, Felicity conocerá a Edmond Waite, un peligroso y depravado libertino, dispuesto a hacer suya a Felicity.
Aquí es donde tendremos el triángulo amoroso. Felicity siempre estuvo enamorada de Tom, no le ha olvidado, pero sí le recuerda con nostalgia y sabe que Tom no quiere casarse, que no le gusta Londres ni las diversiones, y que solo es feliz en el campo. Felicity ha cambiado y Tom no puede darle la vida que quiere, pero lord Waite sí. Lord Waite es astuto y el que esté casi prometido con una losa (un piedra fría), a los que sus padres prometieron desde niños, no importa. Lord Waite persigue lo exclusivo, lo hermoso y Felicity es la mujer más hermosa que ha visto, y no descansará hasta hacer de ella su amante.
Así que ¿cuál es el problema? Diré que la propia Felicity. No me ha caído mal, pero sí me ha resultado una veleta en muchos momentos, en silencio ama a Thomas, pero cree que él a ella no, y que será feliz como un solterón el campo, y como Tom no se quiere casar, y Felicity sí, intentará poner sus miras en el mejor premio de la temporada, y ese es lord Waite, un hombre apuesto y encantador, dado a la coquetería y que también se ha fijado en ella. El objetivo de Felicity será "pescarlo", pero este ya está prometido y solo puede ofrecerle ser su amante.
Aquí tendremos un juego de si sí o si no. Ahora parece que van a ello y ahora no. Siendo sincera, lo que me ha gustado es el planteamiento tan moderno de ser Felicity una joven viuda rica y que quiere disfrutar de su libertad y sobre todo de la libertad de poder elegir a gusto a su siguiente marido. Lo que no me ha gustado, es el juego que se ha traído entre los dos hombres. Ella misma admite que ha utilizado a Tom cruelmente, cuando lo que deberían haber hecho es hablar hace tiempo y dejar las cosas claras. Pero nada se aclara en todo el libro casi hasta el final. De hecho, hasta el final no se qué ha pasado con el tercero en discordia, supongo que Mary Balogh lo dejó para los siguientes libros de la trilogía.
Gustarme, me ha gustado mucho, pero es esa sensación agridulce lo que no me ha permitido darle más nota. En contra del libro de Sophie Irwin, aquí no tenemos ese gran interrogante de con quién se quedará la chica, que fue el giro de esa novela. Aquí sabemos desde el principio con quien se quedará Felicity, pero lo alarga tanto hasta el final, que ha quedado este un pelín abierto.
Me ha convencido y me ha dejado con ganas de los siguientes, sobre todo de saber qué ha pasado con el tercero en discordia y ver qué tal acaba. Así que no tardaré en continuar la trilogía.
December 5, 2015
I disliked the silly heroine Felicity. Tom deserved better than this fool.
March 8, 2019
Not bad, but felt very bad for the hero most of the time.
December 11, 2024
L’amore come attesa
Dalla vostra Lyanne Quay di "Un Visconte per Danzare"!
Ecco qua uno degli ultimi Mary Balogh che mi erano rimasti da leggere. Siamo davanti al primo volume della serie cui appartiene il celebre Un Celebre Libertino.
Ok, perché su Amazon.it questo Posto per l’Amore cumula solamente tre stelle e mezzo meritandone invece cinque date con entusiasmo? Perché le lettrici amano le protagoniste deboli e questa eroina in apparenza non lo è.
La sottigliezza psicologica, per quanto non spiattellata didascalicamente, è invece un grande pregio di Balogh e di questo romanzo in particolare. L’eroina infatti è debolissima, una vera vittima, ma non lo sa.
Il lettore tuttavia dovrebbe capirlo.
Abbiamo una splendida diciottenne innamorata persa e ricambiata del suo bellissimo e forte vicino di casa, tuttavia lei è chiamata a salvare la famiglia dai debiti e perciò costretta a sposare un ultra-sessantenne che per le prime due notti di matrimonio la bacia e la lecca dappertutto con gran vomito di lei, ma al dunque si accascia senza concludere e poi non riprova più, umiliato. Lei passa otto anni con questo qui, tra lusso e viaggi. Dopo tre anni di questo matrimonio assurdo si convince che non può covare la speranza che Tom, il suo amore, la ami ancora e la aspetti, perciò si rassegna, si fa piacere la propria vita mondana, cerca di convincersene disperatamente per sopravvivere… Così quando il bavoso muore e lei ricca e vedova può tornare a trovare la famiglia, sono passati otto anni, lei ne ha ventisei, reincontra Tom che l’ha aspettata, e si gettano subito l’uno tra le braccia dell’altro, ma lei non può ammettere nemmeno con se stessa di non aver aspettato altro, di essere stata solamente una vittima sacrificale per ben otto lunghi anni. Non reggerebbe, sarebbe annientata dal dolore del proprio sacrificio, non se lo può permettere. Perciò per tutto il romanzo continua a ripetere a se stessa e agli altri, Tom compreso, che lei vuole godersi la propria ricchezza, fare vita mondana e viaggiare e che ormai lui per lei è solo un amico. Per fortuna però almeno nei romanzi ci sono uomini come Tom la cui saldezza e conoscenza di se stessi compensa tutto e allora lui la seguirà in veste di amico nella sua vita londinese, tra balli e ricevimenti, pronto ad accompagnare i capricci e le assurdità di lei come per esempio volersi convincere a sposare il protagonista del romanzo successivo. Il celebre libertino, appunto, ancora ben lontano dall’emendarsi…
Caro, caro Tom!
La condurrà per mano, piano piano, a ritrovare se stessa e il loro grande amore. Si può essere più belli di così?… dico per un romanzo?
Il tema della giovane vedova di un vecchio che non se la spupazza viene ripreso da Mary Balogh anche in un altro romanzo D’amore come d’accordo, il quinto della serie Huxtable, ma con un intreccio psicologico ancora più raffinato per una trama più adulta e meno sognante. Ma stratosfericamente bello.
Dalla vostra Lyanne Quay di "Un Visconte per Danzare"!
Ecco qua uno degli ultimi Mary Balogh che mi erano rimasti da leggere. Siamo davanti al primo volume della serie cui appartiene il celebre Un Celebre Libertino.
Ok, perché su Amazon.it questo Posto per l’Amore cumula solamente tre stelle e mezzo meritandone invece cinque date con entusiasmo? Perché le lettrici amano le protagoniste deboli e questa eroina in apparenza non lo è.
La sottigliezza psicologica, per quanto non spiattellata didascalicamente, è invece un grande pregio di Balogh e di questo romanzo in particolare. L’eroina infatti è debolissima, una vera vittima, ma non lo sa.
Il lettore tuttavia dovrebbe capirlo.
Abbiamo una splendida diciottenne innamorata persa e ricambiata del suo bellissimo e forte vicino di casa, tuttavia lei è chiamata a salvare la famiglia dai debiti e perciò costretta a sposare un ultra-sessantenne che per le prime due notti di matrimonio la bacia e la lecca dappertutto con gran vomito di lei, ma al dunque si accascia senza concludere e poi non riprova più, umiliato. Lei passa otto anni con questo qui, tra lusso e viaggi. Dopo tre anni di questo matrimonio assurdo si convince che non può covare la speranza che Tom, il suo amore, la ami ancora e la aspetti, perciò si rassegna, si fa piacere la propria vita mondana, cerca di convincersene disperatamente per sopravvivere… Così quando il bavoso muore e lei ricca e vedova può tornare a trovare la famiglia, sono passati otto anni, lei ne ha ventisei, reincontra Tom che l’ha aspettata, e si gettano subito l’uno tra le braccia dell’altro, ma lei non può ammettere nemmeno con se stessa di non aver aspettato altro, di essere stata solamente una vittima sacrificale per ben otto lunghi anni. Non reggerebbe, sarebbe annientata dal dolore del proprio sacrificio, non se lo può permettere. Perciò per tutto il romanzo continua a ripetere a se stessa e agli altri, Tom compreso, che lei vuole godersi la propria ricchezza, fare vita mondana e viaggiare e che ormai lui per lei è solo un amico. Per fortuna però almeno nei romanzi ci sono uomini come Tom la cui saldezza e conoscenza di se stessi compensa tutto e allora lui la seguirà in veste di amico nella sua vita londinese, tra balli e ricevimenti, pronto ad accompagnare i capricci e le assurdità di lei come per esempio volersi convincere a sposare il protagonista del romanzo successivo. Il celebre libertino, appunto, ancora ben lontano dall’emendarsi…
Caro, caro Tom!
La condurrà per mano, piano piano, a ritrovare se stessa e il loro grande amore. Si può essere più belli di così?… dico per un romanzo?
Il tema della giovane vedova di un vecchio che non se la spupazza viene ripreso da Mary Balogh anche in un altro romanzo D’amore come d’accordo, il quinto della serie Huxtable, ma con un intreccio psicologico ancora più raffinato per una trama più adulta e meno sognante. Ma stratosfericamente bello.
February 20, 2025
'Un posto per l’amore' è il quinto libro scritto da Mary Balogh nella sua lunga carriera e il primo tra quelli tradotti in Italia. E’ anche il primo della trilogia Waite (che prosegue con 'Fidanzati per finta', 1992 e 'Un celebre libertino', 1992).
Il fatto che sia una delle opere prime (e che risalga agli anni Ottanta) fa di questo romance un gioiello prezioso, che mi ha fatto rinnamorare di questa autrice che tanto avevo apprezzato ('Un’estate da ricordare' del 2002 è stato uno dei miei libri preferiti in assoluto), ma che tanto mi aveva deluso negli ultimi tempi, con storie sempre più sciatte e piene di inutili scene di sesso (ma sinceramente si possono scrivere 111 storie in meno di 40 anni? Per quanto io stessa sia prolifica, tendo a credere che per forza di cose i libri vengano scritti a tirar via, ormai, per lanciare nella grande fornace della stampa il più alto numero di romanzi possibile).
In questo romanzo, invece, abbiamo una trama piena, forte, ricca di personaggi interessanti (le sorelle Lucy e Laura, per esempio, con le loro piccole storie d’amore, i loro sogni e i loro innocenti intrighi sono adorabili e bucano moltissimo, pur di fatto non comparendo così tanto nel testo).
Felicity cresce molto nel corso della lettura, mettendo in contrasto nella sua personalità l’eterno contrasto tra città e campagna. Chi conquista veramente, però, è Tom Russell. Si tratta quasi di un anti eroe (non è nobile, non è bello, non è mondano, non sa ballare), ma la sua bontà e la sua semplicità affascinano fin dalla prima pagina. Fondamentalmente Tom ama Felicity, da sempre. E il suo amore traspare in ogni suo gesto, per quanto discreto e garbato esso sia. E per amore è disposto anche a fare tutto quello che mai ha amato (a partire dal partecipare ad una Stagione londinese). E per quanto sia impacciato e poco alla moda, sembra illuminarsi di luce propria in confronto con Lord Edmund Waite, il libertino di cui si invaghisce Felicity.
Un romanzo che fa riflettere sull’importanza della famiglia e della terra da coltivare, in contrasto con le luci e i colori delle feste della città, che stordiscono ma che nulla danno in cambio.
Consigliatissimo a tutti coloro che amano i romance regency (fa anche una sporadica apparizione il Reggente). Certo, non ci troviamo di fronte ad un Georgette Heyer (è impossibile, sono passati gli anni e quella classe nelle descrizioni viene evidentemente abiurata dagli editori) né tanto meno ad un Jane Austen. Ma c’è il sapore di qualcosa di antico, in questo richiamo alla terra che deve essere salvata ed accudita, in questo protagonista maschile quasi impacciato e silenzioso, in queste gemelle che sembrano vacue ma che custodiscono una saggezza che la stessa Felicity deve ancora imparare…
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
Il fatto che sia una delle opere prime (e che risalga agli anni Ottanta) fa di questo romance un gioiello prezioso, che mi ha fatto rinnamorare di questa autrice che tanto avevo apprezzato ('Un’estate da ricordare' del 2002 è stato uno dei miei libri preferiti in assoluto), ma che tanto mi aveva deluso negli ultimi tempi, con storie sempre più sciatte e piene di inutili scene di sesso (ma sinceramente si possono scrivere 111 storie in meno di 40 anni? Per quanto io stessa sia prolifica, tendo a credere che per forza di cose i libri vengano scritti a tirar via, ormai, per lanciare nella grande fornace della stampa il più alto numero di romanzi possibile).
In questo romanzo, invece, abbiamo una trama piena, forte, ricca di personaggi interessanti (le sorelle Lucy e Laura, per esempio, con le loro piccole storie d’amore, i loro sogni e i loro innocenti intrighi sono adorabili e bucano moltissimo, pur di fatto non comparendo così tanto nel testo).
Felicity cresce molto nel corso della lettura, mettendo in contrasto nella sua personalità l’eterno contrasto tra città e campagna. Chi conquista veramente, però, è Tom Russell. Si tratta quasi di un anti eroe (non è nobile, non è bello, non è mondano, non sa ballare), ma la sua bontà e la sua semplicità affascinano fin dalla prima pagina. Fondamentalmente Tom ama Felicity, da sempre. E il suo amore traspare in ogni suo gesto, per quanto discreto e garbato esso sia. E per amore è disposto anche a fare tutto quello che mai ha amato (a partire dal partecipare ad una Stagione londinese). E per quanto sia impacciato e poco alla moda, sembra illuminarsi di luce propria in confronto con Lord Edmund Waite, il libertino di cui si invaghisce Felicity.
Un romanzo che fa riflettere sull’importanza della famiglia e della terra da coltivare, in contrasto con le luci e i colori delle feste della città, che stordiscono ma che nulla danno in cambio.
Consigliatissimo a tutti coloro che amano i romance regency (fa anche una sporadica apparizione il Reggente). Certo, non ci troviamo di fronte ad un Georgette Heyer (è impossibile, sono passati gli anni e quella classe nelle descrizioni viene evidentemente abiurata dagli editori) né tanto meno ad un Jane Austen. Ma c’è il sapore di qualcosa di antico, in questo richiamo alla terra che deve essere salvata ed accudita, in questo protagonista maschile quasi impacciato e silenzioso, in queste gemelle che sembrano vacue ma che custodiscono una saggezza che la stessa Felicity deve ancora imparare…
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog: https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
July 29, 2020
The first book in the Waite series tells a complete story. There is one loose thread which apparently is picked up in the third book which would be a spoiler for this one. I actually read those other two books first, years ago and barely remember them. I think each book could stand alone.
At 63%, I almost stopped. I even began writing a review of why I stopped. But curiosity won out and I scanned the rest of the book. And I was surprised by multiple twists shortly after where I almost stopped.
I started to have doubts about this book as Felicity became more and more determined in her goal. Given Waite's character, which definitely portrayed him as rakish, I had no desire for her to succeed. In fact, I feared for her more and more as her scheme continued. This is the second book I've read recently from early in MB's career where the female protagonist (I refuse to call her heroine) is naïve to the point of endangering herself, at best her virtue, and possibly worse. True, in that era, genteel women did not fully understand what men did outside of their marriages, but I guess I expected her to be more aware. She did have some exposure to the ton and even acknowledges that she should have known better. Regardless of any excuse, I lost all respect for her and as a result any identification with the outcome. All this without even adding the consideration of what she was doing to Tom, and that makes her actions even more distressing. Her logic regarding her relationship with Tom is strange, even silly.
Tom is too good to be true yet illogical as well.
Each of the twin sisters has a story within this book. They are definitely more appealing than the main one.
Mature themes: there is some very mildly explicit sex plus some passionate kissing and groping. Both of the rival male leads are assertive in their physical advances
Torn between 1 and 2 stars. This entire series is skippable.
At 63%, I almost stopped. I even began writing a review of why I stopped. But curiosity won out and I scanned the rest of the book. And I was surprised by multiple twists shortly after where I almost stopped.
I started to have doubts about this book as Felicity became more and more determined in her goal. Given Waite's character, which definitely portrayed him as rakish, I had no desire for her to succeed. In fact, I feared for her more and more as her scheme continued. This is the second book I've read recently from early in MB's career where the female protagonist (I refuse to call her heroine) is naïve to the point of endangering herself, at best her virtue, and possibly worse. True, in that era, genteel women did not fully understand what men did outside of their marriages, but I guess I expected her to be more aware. She did have some exposure to the ton and even acknowledges that she should have known better. Regardless of any excuse, I lost all respect for her and as a result any identification with the outcome. All this without even adding the consideration of what she was doing to Tom, and that makes her actions even more distressing. Her logic regarding her relationship with Tom is strange, even silly.
Tom is too good to be true yet illogical as well.
Each of the twin sisters has a story within this book. They are definitely more appealing than the main one.
Mature themes: there is some very mildly explicit sex plus some passionate kissing and groping. Both of the rival male leads are assertive in their physical advances
Torn between 1 and 2 stars. This entire series is skippable.
September 8, 2023
Daca vreți o carte cu un romantism frumos care sa va ajute sa evadați din realitate căutați alta carte.
Avem în vizor o eroină care a fost obligată de către familie sa se căsătorească cu cineva care îi putea fi bunic, și totodată este forțată să uite iubirea pe care o avea alături de Tom. O dată rămasa văduva, ea se întoarce acasă în vizită unde îl regăsește pe Tom cu care rămâne doar prietena.
De aici egoismul pur, naivitatea, superficialitatea eroinei noastre sunt puse în valoare. Felicity se întoarce la Londra alaturi de surorile sale și de Tom. Pe Tom îl folosește pe post de bona pentru gemene, pe post de terapeut, pe post de unealta pentru a-l face gelos pe Waite. Nu înțeleg de ce ar vrea sa se recăsătorească, mai ales cu un curvar că Waite. Un bărbat care nu o respectă și o tratează că pe o femeie ușoară, mai ales când are bărbatul perfect pentru ea fix langa ea.
Stați că nici Tom nu este fara pată! Nu apreciez în viața reală un bărbat cățeluș, cu atât mai puțin în romanele de dragoste. Pe bune, te duci la Londra sa ajuți alt bărbat să îți ia femeia pe care o iubești de lângă tine?? Nu ai pic de demnitate?? Aici era util puțin orgoliu bărbătesc. Bine că își revine la final după ce fac dragoste.
El își revine, ea nu. Ea se duce cu capul înainte spre bărbatul care ar face o amanta oricând. Până și în al doișpelea ceas, când realizează cat de mult îl iubește pe Tom, ea tot ia în considerare să îl părăsească pentru a se mărită cu Waite.
Deci pe scurt am urat eroină, nicio coloana vertebrala, naivă ai superficială. Tom din punctul meu de vedere e un mare prost fara demnitate. Surorile mi s au părut mult mai mature decât Felicity, sincer meritau o carte separată. Dar stați liniștiți, aceasta nu este cea mai oribila care MB. Este citibila, suportabila, dar nu la înălțimea a ceea ce ne a obișnuit autoarea.
Avem în vizor o eroină care a fost obligată de către familie sa se căsătorească cu cineva care îi putea fi bunic, și totodată este forțată să uite iubirea pe care o avea alături de Tom. O dată rămasa văduva, ea se întoarce acasă în vizită unde îl regăsește pe Tom cu care rămâne doar prietena.
De aici egoismul pur, naivitatea, superficialitatea eroinei noastre sunt puse în valoare. Felicity se întoarce la Londra alaturi de surorile sale și de Tom. Pe Tom îl folosește pe post de bona pentru gemene, pe post de terapeut, pe post de unealta pentru a-l face gelos pe Waite. Nu înțeleg de ce ar vrea sa se recăsătorească, mai ales cu un curvar că Waite. Un bărbat care nu o respectă și o tratează că pe o femeie ușoară, mai ales când are bărbatul perfect pentru ea fix langa ea.
Stați că nici Tom nu este fara pată! Nu apreciez în viața reală un bărbat cățeluș, cu atât mai puțin în romanele de dragoste. Pe bune, te duci la Londra sa ajuți alt bărbat să îți ia femeia pe care o iubești de lângă tine?? Nu ai pic de demnitate?? Aici era util puțin orgoliu bărbătesc. Bine că își revine la final după ce fac dragoste.
El își revine, ea nu. Ea se duce cu capul înainte spre bărbatul care ar face o amanta oricând. Până și în al doișpelea ceas, când realizează cat de mult îl iubește pe Tom, ea tot ia în considerare să îl părăsească pentru a se mărită cu Waite.
Deci pe scurt am urat eroină, nicio coloana vertebrala, naivă ai superficială. Tom din punctul meu de vedere e un mare prost fara demnitate. Surorile mi s au părut mult mai mature decât Felicity, sincer meritau o carte separată. Dar stați liniștiți, aceasta nu este cea mai oribila care MB. Este citibila, suportabila, dar nu la înălțimea a ceea ce ne a obișnuit autoarea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
This is one of those stories where the heroine makes bad decisions. This is simply maddening, like scary movies where idiots step down into a dark spooky cellar for no good reason. Felicity, a widow who sacrifices her happiness for her family is at first admirable then chapter by chapter she descends into the cellar of crummy decisions. Then (yay) she has a moment of self awareness ...and promptly goes on to make even worse decisions. I wanted to shake her.
So why give such an annoying book five stars?
First of all its because the wonderful writing of Mary Balogh can make any story fascinating. Secondly there are wonderful characters, especially the giggly twin sisters who evolve in a very interesting way. The contrast of the silly youngsters with the wiser elder sister works incredibly well, and is full of twists. Thirdly I love that Ms Balogh dares to create such a flawed heroine - someone like us who stuffs things up. Many times. Yet is emotionally believable. Finally there is the hero, an unassuming man drawn so beautifully it’s hard not to fall in love with him.
So why give such an annoying book five stars?
First of all its because the wonderful writing of Mary Balogh can make any story fascinating. Secondly there are wonderful characters, especially the giggly twin sisters who evolve in a very interesting way. The contrast of the silly youngsters with the wiser elder sister works incredibly well, and is full of twists. Thirdly I love that Ms Balogh dares to create such a flawed heroine - someone like us who stuffs things up. Many times. Yet is emotionally believable. Finally there is the hero, an unassuming man drawn so beautifully it’s hard not to fall in love with him.
March 23, 2026
The Notorious Rake is one of my favorite Baloghs and one of my very favorite HRs, so when I saw that The Trysting Place was #1 in a series highlighting Sir Edmond Waite I jumped on it.
It was lightweight for me and I didn’t particularly care for Felicity. I appreciate that being married off at 17 to a man old enough to be her father most likely stunted her emotional growth, but the way she waffles back and forth on Waite had me gnashing my teeth. Dear Lady Wren, either be outraged or attracted but for goodness sake pick one and stick with it.
In TNR Edmond’s desire for Felicity actually appeared like love and his pain with losing her more poignant than their interaction in The Trysting Place…where we actually watch it play out...can account for (I honestly can’t see why Tom stuck around).
The romance between Lucy and Darlington with a lot of fleshing out would have made for a better story.
I recommend this book only for those who are fans of TNR and interested in reading more about Waite although he is far more interesting a character in TNR.
It was lightweight for me and I didn’t particularly care for Felicity. I appreciate that being married off at 17 to a man old enough to be her father most likely stunted her emotional growth, but the way she waffles back and forth on Waite had me gnashing my teeth. Dear Lady Wren, either be outraged or attracted but for goodness sake pick one and stick with it.
In TNR Edmond’s desire for Felicity actually appeared like love and his pain with losing her more poignant than their interaction in The Trysting Place…where we actually watch it play out...can account for (I honestly can’t see why Tom stuck around).
The romance between Lucy and Darlington with a lot of fleshing out would have made for a better story.
I recommend this book only for those who are fans of TNR and interested in reading more about Waite although he is far more interesting a character in TNR.
October 17, 2018
This book was a bad surprise, I couldn't believe it was by Mary Balogh! Its a bit confusing at the beginning and I blame the synopsis: all that talk about Lord Waite made me think that he was the hero and I was mad about so much POV for sweet Tom (I thought that I was doomed falling in love with a character that was bound to disappointment). Felicity is crazy, her sisters has more common sense than her and I wanted to hit her at the end of the book when she was almost wedding another man and let her love go AGAIN and only because of a sense of honor out of place. Its a good exemple how we let opportunities pass by because we are too afraid to grasp the happiness we deserve. I still love Mary's writing style, love how she make scenes look like a fairy tale or a movie. I can always hear a soft voice doing the background and explaining things lol. But this book is crazy.
September 16, 2020
3.5-4 stars. I enjoy a friends to lovers trope, especially when it's the h that's being a clueless idiot. It's always refreshing to have a H that doesn't treat the h like dirt until he admits love. Also the culmination of feelings was particularly good in this one, complete with angst filled cries, lol. I do wish the book had been a little longer as some things were not resolved as well as they could be, but that is typical of an early Balogh Signet Regency, so it doesn't take that much away from the story.
February 14, 2021
Another mixed bag of a story from Ms. Balogh's back catalog. Felicity married an older man to help her family. Now a widow, she's looking for a new, more palatable husband. She decides on Lord Waite, a rake who only wants a mistress. Meanwhile, her first love agrees to a pretend engagement to make Lord Waite jealous even though Tom is in love with Felicity.
Felicity is pretty selfish, Lord Waite is not nice, and poor Tom is a patsy. He finally redeems himself, but it didn't help the story much.
Felicity is pretty selfish, Lord Waite is not nice, and poor Tom is a patsy. He finally redeems himself, but it didn't help the story much.
April 6, 2024
Loved it
My reviews for these single books of Mary Balogh are getting redundant. I have loved every one of them. Each one I read becomes my favorite . . . until I start the next one! I am determined to read every book she has written. I especially loved Tom and Flick, but now I am wondering which hero and heroine will become my new favorite in the next book. The saying is correct, So many books, so little time. What a wonderful thought.
My reviews for these single books of Mary Balogh are getting redundant. I have loved every one of them. Each one I read becomes my favorite . . . until I start the next one! I am determined to read every book she has written. I especially loved Tom and Flick, but now I am wondering which hero and heroine will become my new favorite in the next book. The saying is correct, So many books, so little time. What a wonderful thought.
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