Simplemente perfecto

Simply Quartet #4

by Mary Balogh

Claudia knows she has no place in Josephs aristocratic world. Now, that world is about to be rocked by scandal, an arranged marriage, a secret that will shock the town, and a man from Claudias past conspiring to drive the lovers apart. Joseph is determined to make Claudia his at any cost, breaking every rule for a love that is everything he has ever wanted.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Audiobook, Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 4, 2016

About the author

Mary 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.

Reviews

[Viri · Rating 2 out of 5]

¡TERMINÉ! ***Un 2.5 en realidad***

¿Alguna vez han tenido la sensación de querer terminar algo tan rápido y no volver a pensar en eso jamás?

Bueno, con este libro esa fue mi sensación constante. Debo admitir que no es para nada lo que esperaba, pero no es justo decir que es uno de los libros más malos que he leído en romance histórico. Porque definitivamente no lo es. Simplemente no era para mí.

Había leído a la señora Balogh hace mucho con una de sus famosas series y me gustó mucho su narrativa. Así que cuando comencé este libro esperaba no algo igual de bueno, pero al menos parecido, nunca espere que este libro no fuera a gustarme.
Creo que mi problema principal es que SIEMPRE, cuando de novela romántica se trata, es inevitable que te enamores de los protagonistas para que te guste el libro, no solo es cuestión de historia, para mí, es cuestión de personajes.
Lastimosamente Joseph; NO ME CAUTIVÓ, NO ME ENAMORÓ Y NO ME CONQUISTÓ de ninguna manera. Ni siquiera Claudia, quien siempre me pareció más bien dura e insípida. Lo siento, sé que hay muchas personas a las que les gustó este libro (vi los comentarios en goodreads) pero yo seré el negrito en el arroz.
Porque creo firmemente que si no te gustan los protas, la historia simplemente NO FUNCIONA SOLA. Es cuestión de hechos, porque la historia de este libro era muy buena, y en algunos casos, como en el de Lizzie, he de decir que me cautivó. Pero como lo he dicho antes. Es un libro de personajes, y a mí los protagonistas no me llegaron.

El libro no es malo, tiene algunos toques lindos e incluso algunas escenas fantásticas, pero el hecho de que un protagonista sea tan perfecto cuando a mí me van los chicos malos, granujas y torturados es algo que sin duda juega en contra. Otra cosa que no pude soportar fue el trato DEMASIADO cordial que se daba entre ambos, vamos que; ni siquiera después "entregarse a la pasión" dejaban de tratarse de usted. ¿Es en serio? Ni un "tú"... fue algo que perdía mi mente.

En fin, es un libro que no fue para mí y que pasa sin pena ni gloria por mi vida. Espero que no se dejen llevar por mi opinión y si son fans de la Balogh seguro que les gusta. No es mi caso.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fourth in a series and characters from the others show up more than little. So you would probably benefit from reading them in order.

I'm going to call it quits at about 60% in. Mainly because I liked the characters so well (until now). We've had hints in previous books about Claudia's fundamental kindness and this book shows how well that really is intrinsic to her outlook and character. I had worried about her unreasoning hatred of Dukes in general (and in specific) but that worked out pretty well and seeing Joseph overcome that prejudice was both entertaining and reasonably handled. Frankly, I liked Joseph and his determination to understand and his readiness to care. His hovering concern for his illegitimate daughter is out-of-period, but it hangs together well, I think, and you could do worse in flouting period convention. So both main characters are lovely and seeing them fall for each other was touching in the best ways.

And then I just couldn't continue for reasons I'm going to put behind a spoiler tag even though they aren't that spoilery. My final break happened when Joseph actually got engaged to the cold fish everyone expected him to. And I'm not upset that he asked her, necessarily, so much as that he keeps telling himself lies about her and then promising himself that he'll just force himself to love her. When someone tells you (in more than simple words, but with those, too) that they plan on "doing their duty" and that, essentially, physical affection is "icky", do them the favor of believing them and stop saying "surely". I got so sick of the word "surely" from Joseph. "Surely she can't . . ." or "surely she will . . ." when obviously she won't and obviously she can! So very, very stupid. Worse, so very, very frustrating. So I lost all attachment to him and was unable to bear being with him both in his perspective and from Claudia's.

Anyway, I'll still rate this at three stars because it was surfing near five before I'd had enough. I got my money's worth, I mean, even if I'm not going to finish, and I don't regret reading as far as I did. Claudia and Joseph formed such a strong connection and I loved where it is going so I only kind of mind having to complete the story entirely in my head.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. A lovely H and h, both of real integrity, who deserved each other and their eventual HEA. I liked Joseph's relationship with Lizzie, his blind, illegitimate daughter. I liked that Claudia was a competent career woman who had really made something of her life after her unpleasant experiences as a very young woman. She was left reeling for a long time, but instead of turning bitter and twisted, she chose instead to create a meaningful life, one of real service to children in need. Both Claudia and Joseph showed compassion and real care for others, unlike the unpleasant Portia, and even Wilma, Joe's slightly silly sister.

The plot in this book was well thought out and wasn't cliched. The journey of Joseph and Claudia's gradual falling in love, and the obstacles they faced up to, were revealed over a period of time. The book was a little slow-moving at times, but I suppose that did have the benefit of making the reader believe more in the realistic nature of their developing relationship. The circumstances Joseph found himself forced into due to society's expectations, were realistic for the times, even as they seem ridiculous to us now. Even Portia's horrid reactions, if seen from the POV of her position in society, were kind of understandable. She was still a cold and horrible person, though. LOL. But I liked Joseph's strength. He stood up to his father, the Duke of Anburey, when it counted, and that must have been very difficult to do.

So although the book started to drag a little in the second half, it picked up again, and the last quarter or so was very enjoyable, as events drew to a climax, and Joseph and Claudia both had to decide what paths they would take.

I also enjoyed the glimpses of quite a few secondary characters from the Bedwyn series and the other Simply books. I've read all of the Bedwyns and some of the other Simply books, and that made reading this a richer experience. However it could still be read as a standalone.

Overall, an enjoyable read full of very human emotions and reactions. One of Ms Balogh's better books.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from 2016

A+ for narration; A- for content .

Simply Perfect closes out Mary Balogh’s Simply Quartet of books, each of which takes as its heroine a school teacher from Miss Martin’s School for Girls in Bath. Our heroine here is the formidable Miss Martin herself, a confirmed spinster in her mid-thirties who has worked hard to achieve success and who loves what she does. But the course she has mapped out for herself is challenged when Joseph Fawcitt, the Marquess of Attingsborough arrives at the school, introducing himself as a friend of Susanna, Viscountess Whitleaf (Simply Magic), and offering to escort Claudia and two of her older pupils to London, where the younger ladies are to meet with prospective employers.

The marquess is about Claudia’s own age and is as handsome as he is charming, asking sensible questions and making complimentary comments about the school and its facilities. But Claudia is unimpressed. Her own experiences with the aristocracy have taught her that its members are haughty and uncaring, with no thought for anything but their own consequence and desires, and she absolutely wants to refuse the marquess’ offer and have nothing to do with him. But he has come at Susanna’s request, and Claudia does not want to be rude to her friend so she accepts Attingsborough’s escort.

Joseph is the heir to the Duke of Anburey, whose health has been uncertain of late, and who is, as a result, pressuring his son to get married and start on the job of filling his nursery in order to secure the succession. Joseph knows his father is right, but is rather disconcerted when he discovers that his parents have already selected a bride for him, the lovely and serene Miss Portia Hunt – who also appeared in the first novel in this series, Simply Unforgettable. Joseph is acquainted with Miss Hunt and knows she would make the perfect duchess, so he doesn’t dismiss the idea; after all, this is the way of aristocratic marriages and he hopes that on further acquaintance, he and Miss Hunt can come know each other and that they will be able to forge a marriage based on mutual understanding, respect and, hopefully, affection. It’s quickly apparent, however, that Joseph is going to be disappointed.

Because of her friendship with Viscountess Whitleaf and the Countess of Edgecombe, Claudia finds herself moving in quite exalted circles during her visit to London, so she encounters the Marquess of Attingsborough on a number of occasions. He continues to be courteous and attentive, and Claudia discovers him to be an intelligent man and an engaging companion and begins to look forward to their meetings and conversations.

The romance in this story is utterly delightful, a delicious slow-burn that moves from liking and respect to friendship to love, between two mature (mid-thirties) people, both of whom have suffered life’s slings and arrows, albeit in very different ways. Claudia fell in love at eighteen with a duke’s heir whom she believed loved her, too, but who, when told he should not associate with someone of much lower station (Claudia’s father was a mere gentleman) left and married someone else. Joseph is a man of honour who believes in monogamy (unlike many of his peers) and remained faithful to his mistress of eleven years after the birth of their daughter Lizzie, who was born blind. Lizzie’s mother died a couple of years back, and Joseph spends as much time with his daughter as he can, keeping her comfortably housed and fed and making sure she has enough attendants to care for her. But he knows that things will have to change upon his marriage. He has kept Lizzie’s existence a secret, as a gentleman’s by-blow is not something to be mentioned in polite society, and knows that once he is married he will have to give up his regular visits and involvement in her life. So even though the thought of being parted from her is breaking his heart, he introduces Lizzie to Claudia in the hope that perhaps she will accept her as a pupil at her school.

While charmed by the girl, Claudia is not sure at first, wondering what methods can be used to educate a blind child. But as she comes to know her, she realises that Lizzie is intelligent and enthusiastic, and begins to think that perhaps it might be possible for her to become a pupil. Of course, time spent with Lizzie is also time spent with her father, and his obvious love for his daughter only serves to strengthen the attraction Claudia has already begun to feel towards him.

Both Claudia and Joseph are likeable, intelligent individuals who both want to do the best they can for those around them. Claudia comes across as starchy and a little unsympathetic to start with, and is definitely blinded by prejudice, so I loved listening to her gradually come to trust Joseph and appreciate him for his sterling qualities. Joseph is perhaps a little too good to be true, and his attitude towards his illegitimate daughter is probably unusual for the time, but he’s a gorgeous hero and I adored the way the depth of his character is revealed through his love for his daughter. I also don’t mind admitting that I was fist-pumping the air and cheering when he finally had enough of society’s strictures and took control of his future.

Rosalyn Landor once again delivers a terrific performance on all counts. Her characterisation of Claudia is consistent with the way she sounds in the other books, and her use of a slightly lower register works perfectly to portray a woman who is past the first blush of youth without making her sound too old to be a romantic heroine. Her portrayal of Joseph, too, is spot on; softly spoken but with that undeniable air of command Ms. Landor imparts to all her heroes, his obvious attractions are enhanced in her insightful portrayal. All the secondary characters are clearly differentiated according to age, gender and station, with her interpretation of Lizzie being particularly noteworthy. Not every narrator can perform a child convincingly, but there is no need for apprehension on that score; and her depiction of the chilly, oh-so-correct Miss Hunt, with her measured speech and slightly nasal tone, is impeccable.

I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and am absolutely delighted that they’re once again available in audio format. As is the nature of a series, there are a number of recurring characters, but it’s possible to listen to each story as a standalone, although I’d suggest listeners will get the best out of the series by listening in order. Simply Perfect is a beautifully wrought romance that proves – if proof were needed – why Mary Balogh’s name continues to appear in best-seller lists and lists of favourite romances; and there really could be no better partner for her fabulous words than Rosalyn Landor. Long may their association continue.

[Elvie Doll · Rating 1 out of 5]

I consider myself a semi-discriminating romance reader. I demand a fair amount from my romances, but I don’t read them with my etymological dictionary (yes, I own one!) in the other hand. I insist on a high degree of historical accuracy, but forgive the author if she needed to move the date of a relatively minor historical battle by a matter of months to make her plot work (especially if she apologizes in an author’s note and provides the accurate information for the particular-minded). I don’t know enough about fashion (either historical or current!) to be able to pinpoint inaccuracies of dress, and although blatant behavioral inaccuracies really disturb me, I don’t want to read about pseudo-cavemen and their chattel, either.

What I insist upon without fail are three things: 1) a story about interesting people with interesting emotional and interpersonal dynamics, 2) a good plot surrounding their fall into love (preferably one that provides some external tension and creates difficulties beyond how the main characters manage to maneuver each other into bed), and 3) a happy ending. Noa is absolutely right – romances are escapes from the dreary everyday world, and Romeo and Juliet is not romantic. (I should also include proper grammar and punctuation in this list, but since I think that should be the absolute minimum standard for anything published, I feel it should go without saying. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t seem to agree with me on this point…)

Usually, a book written by Mary Balogh can be depended upon to provide all three of the essential points (properly written!), and she’s usually pretty reliable about the points in the first paragraph, as well. Unfortunately, I just can’t say that was the case in Simply Perfect. Allow me to elaborate.

The only essential point that came up trumps was the happy ending, but to get there required such plot contortions, leaps of illogic, and unlikely behavior that providing it almost wasn’t worth it. It demanded trespasses against historical standards of behavior, human psychology, and, well… it was just irritating. The fact that happy endings are a foregone conclusion, and that this one seemed so impossible to achieve just made the whole plot chafe.

As for historical standards of behavior… well. I’m sorry, I know we all love Cinderella stories, but the heirs to dukedoms simply did not behave in any of the ways that Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough did. Not if they expected to remain heirs, had any sense of familial or social duty, or had any desire to be able to continue in society in any fashion. They did not cultivate intensely loving relationships with their illegitimate, handicapped children, and did not marry school teachers on the shady side of 35, even if they were in love, for starters. They also didn’t free themselves to marry said spinster school marms by committing social solecisms so egregious that their fiancees felt obliged to kick them to the curb.

The fact that his behaviors made him so perfect and enlightened (from a modern perspective) as to be a candidate for sainthood made them more irritating, in my opinion. Maybe I was just predisposed against the character because Joseph isn’t my favorite name (apologies to any Josephs or Joes out there). I don’t know. I just know that the man was so sickeningly perfect and sweet that he made my teeth hurt. Not only are men (and women, too!) far from perfect, his perfection was even more galling because it was anachronistic. He was an ickle precious perfect modern man, and had no business behaving like that in the early nineteenth century.

But our Joseph had to be that perfect, because that was the only way that he was going to win over our aging and bitter spinster. Claudia Martin, headmistress, had appeared as a minor character in three previous books set around the romances of teachers at her school (the “Simply” series). Although tart and a bit anti-man, she was interesting and sympathetic enough that I wanted to read this book to find out her story. But my interest and sympathy evaporated quickly upon nearer acquaintance. For someone who prided herself on being an intelligent woman, she was an absolute mass of prejudices! Prejudices against the useless, despicable aristocracy, and dukes (and eventual dukes, too) in particular. Despite the fact that three of her close friends had married into the aristocracy, and were married to worthy, likable, non-despicable sorts of men, all that meant to Claudia was that there were three exceptions in the world to an otherwise ironclad rule. Aristocrats equal bad news!

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that this entire prejudice, and the whole of her reason for treating St. Joseph the Ickle with a completely unacceptable lack of anything even resembling common courtesy (until the sunshine of his irresistible charm melted the ice in her personality – gak!), stemmed from a single incident of personal tragedy perpetrated against her young heart by an 18-year-old (you guessed it) duke. So, therefore, he and the whole of his kind were summarily judged as being cut from the same disgusting cloth, and that was that. For the next 18 years of this supposedly intelligent woman’s life! And that wasn’t even the only example of this woman’s ability to hold a grudge. When she gets her hate on, watch out!

So, we have a story with two main characters I didn’t really like, who behave absurdly and anachronistically in ways that seem to me to strain the bounds of what is psychologically credible, suffering almost zero sexual tension, encased in a distressingly thin plot. The only thing keeping our two lovebirds apart is, well, the fact that in real life they would never have gotten together. I know a suspension of disbelief is required when reading many historical romance novels, particularly the ones with Cinderella leanings, but really? Seriously? Usually I can go with the flow, but this one pushed me too far, and my suspension is un-suspended.

I am sorry as can be to have to so thoroughly pan an offering by a usually highly reliable romance author. Perhaps it is precisely because she is usually so reliable that I’m being so harsh. Simply Perfect was published in 2008, and I’ve read books Mary Balogh has written since, so I know she returned to her usual good form. I suppose this book is one of those ones that proves that the Bell curve applies to most everything in life. I just wish I’d known that before I spent my money on it.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for years for this audiobook to come back on the market. One of my top five favorite Mary Balogh stories!

[Océano de libros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Martin es la dueña de la famosa academia para señoritas de Bath, su mundo cuadriculado y en su perfecto orden se tambalea cuando conoce a Joseph, marqués de Attingsborough.
Otra novela de Mary Balogh que me conquista y que se lleva cinco estrellas y su propio título lo delata, es simplemente perfecto (o lo sería si existiese la perfección). La autora nos envuelve en ese mundo donde las clases están bien diferenciadas y que cada una tiene sus “privilegios”. Los personajes principales no se quedan atrás, por un lado, tenemos a Claudia una solterona que ya no piensa en amores y se centra en llevar a buen puerto su academia, no estaba preparada para que un hombre apuesto como Joseph le rompiera todos sus esquemas. Y es que la relación de Joseph y Claudia no puede estar mejor llevada, es un romance que se cuece lento, poco a poco, no es un enamoramiento fulminante como nos tienen acostumbrados, el cariño tiene que ganarse.
La parte de intriga de la novela ha estado muy bien llevada, me sorprendió y más un pequeño personaje relacionado con Joseph que me robó el corazón. Hay otro que me dieron ganas de arrancarle los pelos, sí, lo diré, Portia Hunt y en esto tengo que darle una colleja a Joseph por no ponerla en su sitio eso es lo único que me faltó, pero se lo perdono porque es que es un caballero ;)
Podría decir muchas más cosas de este libro pero es que me quedaría corta, es una historia muy completa, no le falta detalle, ni partes de emoción, otras de intriga y de amor y que me ha gustado mucho, es eso, simplemente perfecta.

[Jasmin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do not proceed if you are a Mary Balogh fan, or if you like this book. This is a rant more than a review.

I'm not a professional writer, but I do know that a romance book should have two main characters. For the secondary characters, one to five is ok. Six to seven is already too much. But this book surpasses my seven limit since it had like a gazillion characters in it, all which were either called by name or by their respective titles like Duchess of Danbury or whatever. In my head, it was ok to forget them, but little did I know, that these gazillion characters will pop up again after a few pages of the book. I have to admit, that these numerous characters had hindered me from enjoying this read.

The main protagonists are Claudia Martin, owner of a girl's school and confirmed spinster, and Joseph I-forgot-his-lastname but thanks to research it's Joseph Fawcitt, Marquess of Attingsborough. The premise seems promising, but for me, this story is not remarkable in anyway. There was no chemistry between Claudia and Joseph. Joseph did not have any balls. He could not fight for Claudia even though he knew he loved her. It seemed like an honorable thing since Portia Hunt, his fiancee will be ruined for having two broken engagements, but still, he had no guts, because he made love to Claudia. He only pursued Claudia when Portia Hunt had run away. The  ending also seemed force. This book was also more than 400 pages, and the story could have been cut short and it would have been more enjoyable. This book, aside from the gazillion characters also had a gazillion fillers. I did not enjoy this book, thus two stars.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It came down to the final story of four friends who taught together at a ladies' academy in Bath. The last and the strongest resister of romance of them all, Miss Claudia Martin, proprietress. I was so curious to see what sort of man would be the hero to break through her titanium steel walls so it was with not just a little anticipation that I picked up Simply Perfect.

As I indicated, Simply Perfect is the final story in the Simply Quartet. It is also the culmination of the Bedwyn Prequels and the Bedwyn Saga that came before this four-book series. So, no, not a good spot to jump in.

Claudia Martin stands poised just where she wants to be. Her school is doing well, she has a good staff of teachers working with her, and she is about to go it alone without the benefit of her anonymous benefactor who has supported the school financially until then. Overcoming a romantic disappointment, leaving her family home when it was entailed away at the death of her parents, struggling through a hateful governess experience with a certain Lady Freya Bedwyn and her arrogant ducal brother, and then the struggles of opening her school are all behind her.
So, why does she feel a bit melancholy to see her friends happily married and starting families of their own? With those hated aristocratic, upper class husbands no less to prove not every aristocrat deserves her bitter censure.
The mood includes the odd tug of hot and cold she feels toward the Marquess of Attingsborough who is generous and kind and undeserving of her rudeness when she employs it in a kneejerk reaction because he is titled and male.

Joseph has been going along evenly and without ripple in his life as the heir to a dukedom who kicked up his heels a bit when he was younger, but has lived responsibly and well since then. He knows it is his duty to marry and produce an heir especially with his father's weak heart and age. Why can't he get up any enthusiasm to marry the very eligible Miss Portia Hunt? If she were anything like the plucky, snappy Miss Claudia Martin...

So, Simply Perfect...
I was glad to be back in the author's story world and encountering familiar faces from all the related series and getting updates on their lives. I was well pleased with the open, kind and generous man that the author made her hero. No, he wasn't without flaw and struggled between familiar duty and love with love winning out only after a struggle. My heart warmed so much to learn about the secret he kept and how unexpectedly responsible he felt toward one that society wouldn't have condemned him for shunning and repudiating. Joseph was just a beautiful man that I wanted to find his happiness.

However, the biggest niggle for me was the heroine. I thought I was prepared for how difficult she would be knowing how over the course of all four books and even in one of the Bedwyn books, she scorned and hated the Bedwyns over an incident that happened long ago and then how fiercely independent she was and insisting that she was man's equal and didn't need them ever.
Apparently, I was not as prepared as I thought.

Have you ever read a book where there is a certain character that you took gleeful pleasure in seeing them get what was coming to them because they were such a snot?
Yep, probably not how one should feel about the main character, but there it is. She was just such a jerk with her unreasonable grudge against the aristocracy and also men because when she was eighteen a young duke left and never returned breaking her heart or that she got told by her ducal employer to deal with his willful spoilt sister when she was a governess. I get that both were painful events and would remain with a person to a certain extent, but she let it turn her into a rude, ungenerous snob toward anyone of wealth or title. Kind of ironic because the very behavior she accuses them of is what she displays constantly. She sours pleasant gatherings hosted by her friends where others are forced to smooth things over because she can't even be generally polite. How can she head up a school and teach those girls to comport themselves as ladies and not govern herself in society? She was over the top at times. I think what did it was when she nearly submarined the chances of two of her charity girl graduates ending up in wonderful work situations because she couldn't get past her hate. That was it and it was only chapter three.

I tried to see things from her side and I get she doesn't know the Bedwyns like the reader does and yeah, some people act like they're all that because of wealth and titles, but she had opportunities to see that not all were like that and still others had changed for the better when she was in company with her friends and their families. She'd rather let her festering resentment ferment. She wasn't a total loss because she was generous and good to her students and her friends, but I needed more when faced with her stubborn pride and crabbiness at good-hearted Joseph.

The romance? Oh, well it came late in the story, too, but I wasn't that bothered by this fact since I was not sure I wanted Joseph and Claudia together. I could see it a little especially when she worked out her issues and supported him. And, in the end, I cheered them on and laughed when the Bedwyns rose to the occasion during the height of the conflict.

So, I liked it for certain things, but couldn't love it. Still adore the author's writing and the way she can develop a story and historical backdrop. It's possible that others wouldn't get as worked up over what I did so I have no trouble recommending the book and the series to historical romance fans.

[Nuria Llop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me ha costado mucho terminar esta novela. Empieza muy bien pero, a medida que avanza, todo se ralentiza y ha llegado a resultarme cargante. Había leído uno de esta serie hace años ("Simplemente enamorados") y me gustó bastante, aunque no lo suficiente para continuarla, y al ver la oferta de este título (como muchos de Ediciones B, papel a precio de ebook) me animé a darle otra oportunidad. No lo lamento, está bien escrita (aunque la traducción es floja) y contiene mucho amor paterno-filial que, en mi opinión, es lo mejor de la novela. Pero los protagonistas y su relación no me han atrapado en ningún momento. Él resulta interesante al principio, pero pierde fuerza y ha terminado por parecerme anodino. Ella, sigue el camino contrario y poco a poco se adueña de la historia, pero los dos son tan respetuosos y estrictos con las normas sociales que su historia de amor se vuelve cansina. La galería de secundarios (parejas protagonistas de otras entregas de la serie) tienen, en mi opinión, demasiada presencia en la historia sin ser realmente relevante, solo un mero acompañamiento que hace estancar la evolución de la pareja hacia la mitad de la novela. Demasiadas descripciones para mi gusto, exceso de detalles y situaciones repetitivas que aportan poco a la trama romántica y afectan al ritmo de una historia de amor que podría haber sido muy bonita. A pesar de que Mary Balogh está entre mis autoras favoritas, no recomiendo esta novela. Si no has leído nada de ella, es mejor empezar con la serie "Ligeramente" o "Las hermanas Huxtable".

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Simply Perfect is the fourth and final book in Mary Balogh’s Simply Quartet, which is a spin-off of her Bedwyn Saga. In it, we have the headmistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls, Claudia Martin herself. As she’s preparing to make a trip to London with two of her graduates who are heading for new employment situations, a handsome gentleman shows up in her parlor. He’s none other than Joseph, the Marquess of Attingsborough, and heir to a dukedom. He’s also a sort of relation to her friend and former teacher, Susanna, who sent him to escort Claudia and her girls on their trip. Claudia thoroughly disdains members of the aristocracy, especially dukes, but feeling backed into a corner, she reluctantly accepts his offer. Along the way, she discovers that he’s quite charming, but she still doesn’t entirely trust him. Once they arrive in London, she keeps running into him at the various balls and parties that Susanna urges her to attend. The more they get to know one another, the more they find a deep attraction beginning to take root. Then Joseph introduces Claudia to his very special illegitimate daughter, asking it she might be able to educate young Lizzie at her school. The three spend a lot of time together while Claudia evaluates the possibility and she finds herself even more attracted to Joseph when she realizes what a doting father he is. However, he’s also all but betrothed to a woman who is widely considered the perfect match for a duke in waiting, while she’s naught but a mere schoolteacher. As hard as Claudia tries to be pragmatic about the situation, she still can’t help following her heart, but she fears it will all end in yet another heartbreak for her.

Claudia is the last unmarried member of the group of four friends who worked side-by-side to educate the girls at Miss Martin’s School. She, of course, is the one who started it all years ago. As the daughter of a country gentleman, she didn’t have a lot of options open to her besides marriage, so following a youthful heartbreak that left her soured on love, she took up the profession of teaching and became governess to a young Freya Bedwyn, who was apparently a brat back then. Between Freya and her oldest brother and guardian Wolfric, the Bedwyn clan got on Claudia’s last nerve, sending her marching off down the driveway with her dignity barely intact. From there, she started her school where she’s become the beloved headmistress to both students and teachers alike. When Joseph shows up offering his carriage and an escort, she really wants to say no. After two bad experiences with dukes, she’s not impressed with the aristocracy, but knowing it would be rude to refuse, she acquiesces. As they get to know one another during the trip and at the various functions they attend later, Claudia soon discovers that Joseph is everything she could hope for in a man, but he’s also someone with many obligations – to his daughter, to his family, to his title, and to the woman he’s all but betrothed to. However, in spite of all that, as well as the very real probability that she’ll walk away with another broken heart, she can’t help being drawn to him and savoring their stolen moments together.

At thirty-five, Claudia is a firmly on the shelf spinster who definitely has the crisp, matronly veneer of a schoolteacher. She didn’t get where she is without a backbone of steel, but underneath her prim, proper exterior beats a kind, passionate heart. She begins the story pretty prickly toward Joseph and thinking some rather uncharitable things about him, although I have to give her credit for being self-aware enough to realize that she’s being unfair to him. Gradually, though, she comes to see him in a different light, and from there, things begin warming up between them. I like that she’s a very loving and giving person, first toward her girls and fellow teachers, then toward Joseph and Lizzie. She’s willing to risk heartbreak for the perfect memory of being with him even if it’s only for a short time. I was perhaps ever so slightly frustrated with her when the way seemed to finally clear for an HEA, but she was still making excuses for why it wouldn’t work, although I did understand that she had obligations of her own and that it was going to be a huge adjustment for her. I loved what she decided to do at the end, though, and how she didn’t give up her independent streak or her love of teaching.

As a duke in waiting, Joseph is a somewhat typical aristocrat in that he understands his obligations to the title, and due to his father’s questionable health, he’s being pressured to find a wife soon. His father and the father of a young aristocratic woman have basically already made the deal and him actually offering for her hand is now little more than a formality. She happens to be none other than Portia, who was attached to Lucius back in the first book of the series, Simply Unforgettable, and now has her sights set on Joseph. The only problem is that while she’s perfect for him on paper, she lacks any kind of passion or even kindness in her heart, so he fears that theirs will likely be a loveless marriage. This might not be a problem for many members of the ton who would simply take a mistress to satisfy those needs, but Joseph is a man who believes in monogamous relationships even if that relationship is only with a mistress, much less with a wife, which is one thing about him that utterly endeared me. The other is that’s he’s a doting father to his illegitimate daughter, Lizzie, who lost her mother – his longtime mistress – the year before. He’s been a loving, involved parent in her life since the day she was born and wants the best for her in everything, which is why he asks Claudia if she’d be willing to admit Lizzie to her school despite the little girl’s disability. He’d already been attracted to Claudia anyway, but seeing her interact with his beloved daughter only deepens his feelings for her. Joseph would also like nothing more than to shout it from the rooftops that Lizzie is his, so he’s frustrated by the fact that titled gentlemen simply can’t acknowledge their by-blows and that she’ll always come second to his legitimate family. I really like how all this worked out and admired Joseph, not only for being a responsible father, but also for not being ashamed of his child in spite of the circumstances of her birth and her not being perfect. A part of me wanted him to just kick Portia to the curb for her snotty behavior, but I also understood that having things play out the way they did was more historically accurate. In any case, I did fall for Joseph and thought he was a wonderful hero.

Simply Perfect boasts a huge cast of supporting characters, so many, in fact, that I had a hard time keeping them all straight and more or less had to give up. I admit that it might have been easier if I’d read the Bedwyn Saga first, because most of these characters were introduced in those books. Joseph’s cousin, Neville, the only one who knows about Lizzie, and his wife, Lily, who had their story told in the Bedwyn prequel, One Night for Love, support Joseph. Then there’s Kit and Lauren from A Summer to Remember. Many of the Bedwyns are present as well, along with their families, including Wulfric and Christine (Slightly Dangerous), Freya and Joshua (Slightly Scandalous), and Morgan and Gervase (Slightly Tempted). Claudia finally gets a chance to bury the hatchet with Wulfric and Freya. Neville’s sister, Gwen, whose story is told in The Proposal, Book #1 of the Survivor’s Club series, puts in several appearances. There is also a huge anniversary party for the Earl and Countess of Redfield who I feel certain were introduced somewhere in these books as well. And of course, all of Claudia’s friends including Lucius and Frances (Simply Unforgettable), Sydnam and Anne (Simply Love), and Peter and Susanna (Simply Magic) reunite to support Claudia. If only I’d read the Bedwyn books, I probably could have said that this was the perfect wrap-up to both series because of all the familiar faces. As is, though, I’m feeling inspired to at some point do just that and then re-read the Simply Quartet just to get the full impact.

Overall, Simply Perfect was a near-perfect story that was a pleasure to read. It was sweet and emotional, giving me all the feels I expect from a romance. Joseph and Claudia are clearly made for one another and the thought that they were very nearly kept apart simply because of their differing social backgrounds was nearly infuriating, but at the same time kept me reading to see just how they were finally going to get their HEA. Claudia’s mysterious benefactor is also revealed and it was exactly who I’d been suspecting. Other than the few minor things I’ve already mentioned the only reason I dropped a half star is because this is a very slow burning story. It took until probably halfway into it before Joseph and Claudia share their first kiss and quite a bit farther before they make love for the first time. Even then, it seems like they’re destined to be heartbroken for the rest of their lives until fate intervenes and helps push things along. Because of how long it takes for things to happen, the pacing occasionally felt a bit too slow. But otherwise, this was a lovely story that I very much enjoyed. Now I look forward to going backwards to learn all about the other interesting characters I was introduced to in this series and to read about all of their HEA endings, too.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another emotionally satisfying book from Mary Balogh. The final of her "Simply..." series.

This is the story of Claudia Martin, school matron. Claudia doesn't like aristocrats, the ton, and men in general. She was terribly hurt as a young woman and vowed to rely only on herself while making a success of her life. She's in her mid-30s, firmly on the shelf, and satisfied with her life. The Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives on an errand from one of her former teachers...and her life, and how she feels about herself are changed forever.

Joseph is finally ready and willing to take a bride from amongst the ton. He's in his mid-30s and needs to secure the succession. He wants to be happy and fulfilled in his marriage. He is also the loving father of an illegitimate blind girl, Lizzie.

The actions and decisions these two make and their reasons for doing so will capture your heart early on and not let go until long after you finish the book. This is a story of love, society, rules, and courage. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Diane Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect or intend to like this book. Claudia Martin and Portia Hunt in the same story? Two of the most unlikeable characters ever put on paper, together? Just kill me now. I put off listening to it for days. But, I was so wrong. Not only do I love this book, I actually love Claudia Martin as well. This is by far the best Bedwin story yet, and I’ve been binging them all month. It has heart. It has soul. It has passion and purpose. The series is better than I expected, and this last story is a great way to end it.

[Julie reads romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5

[Suranjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read any of the previous books of this series. But that was not a problem to enjoy this book. It is a mature love story, both hero and heroine are 35 or so. I loved the hero, Joseph. He is so unlike the aristocratic alpha heroes I often see in Historical Romance novels. For example he is deeply attached to his illegitimate (he calls her "love child") daughter who is also blind, he hates coldly calculated arranged marriage, he thinks kisses are important for relationships and he is monogamous and believes in fidelity. I mean - wow! The heroine is a fighter and I appreciated her strength. I really loved reading this book.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Martin finally gets her turn -- and her comeuppance. Claudia and Joseph make a wonderful couple, and it was great fun to see all of Claudia's old colleagues as well as most of the Bedwyns again.

I totally enjoyed all of the Slightly/Simply series. Mary Balogh creates a special world and populates it with fascinating people who I've delighted in meeting again and again.

[Ana Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Qué tonto es el amor, pensó, venir a brotar en un momento imposible y con una persona imposible. Porque claro, estaba enamorada. Y claro, eso era total, totalmente imposible”.

Siento tanta nostalgia al terminar este libro porque con él termino la serie de “La escuela de Miss Martín” y prácticamente también con los personajes de “Los Bedwyn” y los de la bilogía “Newbury” pero también he disfrutado tanto de este libro, me encantó tener al fin la historia de la directora Claudia Martín, ella me parece un personaje fascinante, una mujer empoderada en una época en la que era tan difícil ser mujer y al mismo tiempo libre y profesionista, pero ella logra sacar adelante su colegio, darles hogar y educación a niñas desamparadas y maestras que se convierten en parte de su familia, sin embargo, a pesar de todo ello, Claudia se dará cuenta que también puede ser capaz de amar intensa y pasionalmente.

Joseph, marqués de Attingsborough es un hombre divertido, galante y amable que se ofrece a acompañar a Claudia cuando ella tiene que ir a Londres y los días que ella permanece ahí se encontrarán constantemente en compañía del otro por sus amistades en común y además, Joseph tiene un secreto que le confesará a Claudia con la esperanza de que lo pueda ayudar y eso los acercará demostrándoles mutuamente que el amor puede surgir donde menos lo esperan y estar juntos es imposible por las responsabilidades que cada uno tiene.

Es un libro precioso, amé a Joseph, Claudia, Lizzy y todos los miembros del colegio, además de ser maravilloso volver a saber de todos los personajes de series anteriores. Es una historia llena de momentos tiernos, románticos y bonitos. Fue una lectura amena, fluida y bella que disfruté y me emocionó demasiado. 😍

[Lauren Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Perfect is simply perfection.

Mary Balogh’s subtle yet profoundly layered and beautiful writing always brings me so much joy and/or tears, and in the case of this amazing romance—both.

Claudia Martin, she’s the no-nonsense spinster schoolteacher and headmistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls. Seriously, if you want to find a rich titled handsome husband in regency times England, you need a job here as a teacher. I love her ambition and fierce independence. Her compassion for her students and nurturing soul towards Lizzie. But I also admire the surprising optimism she wields in spite of her past hardship—she savours moments of beauty whenever she gets time for herself.

Joseph Fawcitt, Marquess of Attingsborough, is 100% #dadgoals. Even if you’re not naturally a maternal person (like me), you can’t deny there’s something irresistible about a man who is kind and loving towards children. He is such a GOOD guy, I love that he had no typical tortured hero hang ups, or insane dark secrets. He is genuinely likeable, charming and honourable gentleman in the most attractive way. Unafraid to show emotions or concern for the people he holds close to his heart. And what a hopeless romantic he is…

“Love. I dream of love, of a family—wife and children—which is as close and as dear to me as the beating of my own heart.”

A wonderful conclusion to the Simply Quartet series. Great to see many Bedwyns and other characters from previous books reappearing in this book. Lindsey Hall is obviously where the party’s always at!

[Renae · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all know the cliche “too much of a good thing” isn’t just a cliche, and in this case, I’ve had too much. Simply Perfect is the third Mary Balogh book I’ve read in a row, and while she is my favorite Regency author, she...also tends to write very similar plots, especially in this quartet. Honestly, good luck getting me to try and differentiate between these four books, because they have all the same motifs.

And yet...I really enjoyed this book. Simply Perfect is not perfect, as the title might suggest, but is a good romance populated with likeable (if a bit bland) characters. At this point I think it’s safe to say that Balogh has become one of my go-to Regency authors, so a “miss” from her usually isn’t as dire as it might be from somebody else. This book might be a bit forgettable, but it was far from bad or even mediocre.

The protagonists here are Joseph, a marquess, and Claudia, a spinster headmistress of a girl’s school in bath. They meet due to mutual acquaintances and are then thrown together pretty often over the course of the next few months. Joseph is sort-of-engaged to a frigid heiress chosen by his ailing father, but he’s drawn to Claudia’s intelligence and honesty—and he also wants her held in educating his blind daughter. A lasting relationship between the two of them seems unlikely to thrive, but Balogh’s theme here seems to be that of fate bringing these two people back together until they can’t do anything except acknowledge that they were “meant to be.”

It’s a nice enough plot. Both protagonists are a bit older and seem to know what they’re about. There really aren’t that many obstacles impeding their HEA, either. Simply Perfect is a super understated romance, maybe so understated that it verges into the realm of sleepy and/or boring. So, you know. I don’t feel like there’s that much to talk about here?

In short: not-great by a great author, but still worth reading if you’re into a quiet, mature love story.

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[Aneca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember how on my last Balogh review I mentioned that her current books lacked the passion of her earlier ones? Well this one is a prime example of that.

Claudia Martin has been a secondary character in the earlier 3 books of the Simply series and she was mentioned I believe in some of the Bedwyn series. She was a sort of austere and strict woman, devoted to her work and hating all things Bedwyn. Even when she interacted with the other teachers in previous books I always felt that there was stiffness about her.

I was naturally curious about her story because I thought we were going to need one of those meltdown moments, something really powerful to shake her world and make her lose some of her control.

What I got was something different. Claudia is visited by Joseph, the Marquess of Attinsborough who offers her a ride to London, while in the city they see more of each other and develop some sort of relationship. Without giving much away I thought she mellows towards him too easily and Balogh introduces another character to bring things to a more emotional level. I thought that was too easy an escape, I wanted to see Claudia change due to her feelings and the ones Joseph creates in her. I wanted her change to be emotionally charged. Not because she feels sorry or appreciates his behaviour towards his daughter.

I thought it was an easy way out and that Claudia Martin deserved better. This book was too sweet, too warm for a woman like her. IIRC I had exactly the same problem with Freyja's story.
Another thing that detracts from the story of the main couple is that all the Bedwyn family plus all the Simply couples appear in this book. While it's nice to revisit them, they take a bit too much space because being who they are; they can't resist meddling in other people’s affairs.

Grade: 3.5/5

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years back. Though I don't really recall much of the plot anymore, I do remember one thing. I remember thinking that the book was worthy of its name, Simply Perfect.

Looking back though, I remember feeling that though the story wasn't particularly interesting and eye-catching, it was very addictive. I know I couldn't put the book down and I read it in about one sitting, maybe 3 hours? I do faintly recall it as being one of the first romance books I actually re-read, at least, the ending. If I'm not wrong, this book also made me tear a little at the end...

Though I believe I won't enjoy this book so much if I were to read it again, Simply Perfect will always have a special place in my heart. At that time, I would have given it 5 stars and so I'm giving it that now. Now, though, I don't think I will read it again, at least not now. I don't want to spoil the magic you know. I have read more interesting books that I was more addicted to since then, and I don't want to have to compare them in my heart.

I will read it again, if only to try and see why I loved it so much in the beginning. Then, I hope it will live up to my expectations and retain every bit of its magic and perfection for me.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a disappointing third book, this one came back strong with more of the stuff I love from Balogh. It had depth and heart and even got me teary eyed a couple of times. It was a lovely end to the quartet.

While one of my favorite things about Mary's books is that they feel realistic to the time, my biggest issue came with Attingsborough's commitment for duty for far too long. And even that his choice could only officially be made when Portia (ugh) bowed out cheapened something for me. Which was disappointing with an otherwise beautiful book.

[Carol Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great love story, like all of Mary Balogh's books. But I have to say the parts I enjoyed the best were all about other characters, like the hero's blind daughter. It got a little distracting to keep track of people because every minor character was a hero or a heroine from previous books. The one thing I did like is that the male villain and the female villain were not disposed of just by being punched in the nose!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of this quartet is the story of Miss Claudia Martin. She is ready to escort two of her charity girls to London for interviews with prospective employers and to notify her man of business to contact the school’s mysterious benefactor that although she is grateful for past support, she no longer needs assistance. The school is paying for itself.

Suzanna, Lady Whitleaf and one of Claudia’s dear friends and a former teacher, has sent her friend the Marquess of Attingsborough to escort Claudia and her students to London. Although Claudia roundly dislikes the aristocracy, she accepts the offer not wanting to ignore Suzanna’s help and support. The Marquess is solicitous and interested in the school. When they reach London, Claudia and the Marquess continue to meet in a variety of settings, and he asks for help with his blind, illegitimate daughter.

The Marquess , Joseph Fawcitt, has just had ‘the conversation’ with his father the Duke and is almost betrothed in a marriage contracted by the fathers. His almost fiancée, Miss Portia Hunt is attractive and as appealing as any other duty bride, but is finding Miss Martin more challenging and appealing. Romance, issues, class distinctions ensue. Recommended as a thoroughly enchanting romance with well-developed characters, a good secondary cast, and mostly believable situations.

Readalikes:
Eloisa James – Wilde in Love; Lisa Kleypas’ The Ravenels, The Hathaways, and Secrets of a Summer Night; Johanna Lindsey – Make Me Love You; Loretta Chase – A Duke in Shining Armor; Julia Quinn – The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever and Just Like Heaven or Silk is for Seduction; Tessa Dare – A Night to Surrender and The Duchess Dare; Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster series; Suzanne Enoch – Sin and Sensibility; Kelly Bowen – A Duke in the Night; Carolyn Miller – The Elusive Miss Ellison; Jane Ashford – Last Gentleman Standing; Julie Anne Long – Lady Derring Takes a Lover; Lorraine Heath – Falling into Bed with a Duke; Lenora Bell – What a Difference a Duke Makes; Sarah MacLean – Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake; Judy McCrosky – Miss Bingley Requests; Jo Beverley – St. Raven .

Pace: Leisurely paced
Characters: Flawed; Likeable
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Richly detailed
Tone: Amusing; Heartwarming; Steamy; Strong sense of place
Frame: Bath, London, Somersetshire; Regency
Theme: For richer, for poorer

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Perfect
4.5 Stars

As the founder and headmistress of a school for girls, Claudia Martin is a dedicated teacher and loyal friend who has resigned herself to never marrying. But Claudia's well-ordered world is turned upside down when Joseph Fawcitt, the gorgeous and seductive Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives on her doorstep to tempt her. Can Claudia and Joseph overcome the obstacles in their path to happiness?

Series note: This is the final book in the Simply Quartet and both the hero and heroine appear in Balogh's previous works. Claudia throughout this series and Joseph in One Night for Love (the first Bedwyn Prequel). Due to recurring characters from both these series, it is recommended that the books be read in order.

Putting aside the somewhat implausible premise of a Marquess marrying a teacher and publically accepting his illegitimate and handicapped child, Claudia and Joseph's romance is simply perfect (please forgive the pun!).

Readers are finally given some insight into Claudia's past, which goes a long way toward explaining her aversion to dukes, and the lovely and warmhearted woman behind her spinsterish facade is revealed.

Joseph, whose kindness toward and open acceptance of Lily in One Night for Love predisposed me to like him, more than lives up to expectations. His strength of character, sense of honor and duty, and love for Lizzie make him one of my favorite historical romance heroes.

While many readers are angry at Joseph's becoming betrothed to the truly awful Portia Hunt, this made sense given his abovementioned sense of duty and desire to please his father. Balogh handles the situation well, even if the resolution is somewhat contrived.

Overall, this is the best installment in the Simply Quartet series and I look forward to moving on to the next spin-off with the first book in The Survivors Club.

[Saby Reads All Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting finale to this wonderful series! I was curious to see how Balogh would make Claudia - the prim, strict school head mistress - more likeable and was thoroughly satisfied. Claudia has depths to her character and we get a look at the reserves of compassion that we knew were right there beneath that strict, unsmiling facade we saw all through the series.

I would not suggest reading this book first, though. All the characters in the series make an appearance without exception, as well as the entire Bedwyn family who I absolutely adore. It can make for a bewildering experience. For best results, read this after you've completed the wonderful Bedwyns saga (my favourite HR series, right up there or even higher than the Wallflowers) and the rest of the books in the Simply series.

[Debbie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was *perfect* I keep thinking I’ve found my favorite Balogh book and then I read another absolute gem of a book.

I love Claudia Martin with my whole heart. Joseph was lovely too. It’s so nice reading a slightly older couple in a regency romance (both are mid-30s)

There were so many moments this book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me swoon. I’m so grateful for the comfort it gave during a hellish week.

I will say—don’t start here if you’re new to Mary Balogh books. This book is best read after the entire Bedwyn series including the prequels and also after SIMPLY LOVE. You could skip simply unforgettable and also simply magic.

Mary Balogh is that girl!

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to the series. The H falls for her, but he has so many obligations to meet. They are both very honourable, and it was nice that he only had one other woman ever. He really is an honourable man. The h is a wonderful person, so prim and so very 'right'. But once she falls in love
her true character is revealed. She is good to the core and loves him madly.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

leído en Nov 2012