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Husband for Real
Wedded for convenience…or married for real?
Rose was shocked when James turned up…long after their wedding of convenience. She'd loved James when they'd hastily married, and she'd fought hard to put their subsequent—and just as hasty—separation behind her.
After all these years, Rose never expected James to arrive in person to tell her that he wasn't prepared to end their marriage. Was she? The hurt of the past hadn't quenched her love, or their mutual physical attraction…
Rose was shocked when James turned up…long after their wedding of convenience. She'd loved James when they'd hastily married, and she'd fought hard to put their subsequent—and just as hasty—separation behind her.
After all these years, Rose never expected James to arrive in person to tell her that he wasn't prepared to end their marriage. Was she? The hurt of the past hadn't quenched her love, or their mutual physical attraction…
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
35 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Catherine George
443 books73 followersDeirdre Matthews was born in a village on the Welsh-English border, where the public library featured largely in her life. Her mother, who looked upon literature as a basic necessity of life, fervently encouraged her passion for reading, little knowing it would one day motivate her daughter into writing her first novel.
At 18, she met a future Engineer, who had set in a pendant a gold sovereign, that his grandmother put in his hand when he was born, and she have never taken off since. After their marriage he swept her off to Brazil, where he worked as Chief Engineer of a large gold-mining operation in the mountains of Minas Gerais, a setting which later provided a very popular background for several of her early novels. Nine happy years passed there before the question of their small son's education decided their return to Britain. Not long afterward a daughter was born, and for a time she lived a fulfilled life as a wife and mother who always made time to read, especially in the bath!
Her husband's job took him abroad again, to Portugal, West Africa, and various countries of the Middle East, but this time she stayed home with the family. And spent a lot of lonely evenings in between the reunions when her husband came home on leave. "Instead of reading other people's novels all the time," he suggested one day, "why not have a shot at writing one yourself?" So she did.
But first she took a creative writing course. Encouraged by the other students' enthusiasm for her contributions, she decided to try her hand at romance, and read countless Mills & Boon novels as research before writing one herself. Her first novel was accepted in 1982 as Catherine George, which Romantic Times voted best of its genre for that year, along with more than sixty written since.
These days son and daughter have fled the nest, but they return with loving regularity to where she and her husband back for good from his travels live, with Prince, the most recent Labrador, in a house built at the end of Victoria's reign in four acres of garden on the cliffs between the beautiful Wye Valley and the River Severn.
At 18, she met a future Engineer, who had set in a pendant a gold sovereign, that his grandmother put in his hand when he was born, and she have never taken off since. After their marriage he swept her off to Brazil, where he worked as Chief Engineer of a large gold-mining operation in the mountains of Minas Gerais, a setting which later provided a very popular background for several of her early novels. Nine happy years passed there before the question of their small son's education decided their return to Britain. Not long afterward a daughter was born, and for a time she lived a fulfilled life as a wife and mother who always made time to read, especially in the bath!
Her husband's job took him abroad again, to Portugal, West Africa, and various countries of the Middle East, but this time she stayed home with the family. And spent a lot of lonely evenings in between the reunions when her husband came home on leave. "Instead of reading other people's novels all the time," he suggested one day, "why not have a shot at writing one yourself?" So she did.
But first she took a creative writing course. Encouraged by the other students' enthusiasm for her contributions, she decided to try her hand at romance, and read countless Mills & Boon novels as research before writing one herself. Her first novel was accepted in 1982 as Catherine George, which Romantic Times voted best of its genre for that year, along with more than sixty written since.
These days son and daughter have fled the nest, but they return with loving regularity to where she and her husband back for good from his travels live, with Prince, the most recent Labrador, in a house built at the end of Victoria's reign in four acres of garden on the cliffs between the beautiful Wye Valley and the River Severn.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 11, 2019
Re Husband for Real - Just call me fangirl cause I adore this one from Catherine George, I gave it 4.5 stars. I love the flashbacks which detail the start of their relationship and I love that she went out jogging to get her man.
This one has our intrepid h, who is seekritly, massively in love with a seemingly unattainable H, making her own little Alpha moves to get her guy while at university. The H is widely know to be all about studying and rugby, so the h's flatmates tell her to do some research and learn his interests to try and make him notice her.
The h starts jogging and watching foreign films, which are both interests of the H. As she is only 18 and grooming unicorns, I forgave her little deceptions -- which would have been very callous in an older and more experienced heroine, but in this instance have all the charm of a befuddled puppy trying to win acceptance.
Eventually, after the h does a break up with the H when he wants to publicly have a relationship with her, he comes after her and they become lovers. As this is HPlandia, all this Lurve Force Mojo in action leads the h to believe she is preggers.
The H jumps up to marry her, but in an unusual turn of events, the h is NOT preggers and then the H finds out about the h's game plan to make him notice her. The big reveal does NOT go very and the h and H split up.
The story actually starts ten years on, the H and h haven't seen each other in all this time and the h figures it is probably time to actually get a divorce. She sends a letter about it to the H, who is now a Captain of Banking, which prompts his re-entry into her life and these two destined lovers with a thing for bacon sandwiches start their relationship up again for a nice little HEA.
Normally I do not approve of the h chasing the H but this is the exception that makes the rule. I love how he made her bacon sandwiches and then they both reminisce about them years later. It is those little details that make the relationship believable.
I thought the h's jealousy with the H's past a bit over done but srsly, that was about the only tiny little flaw in this book. They both had serious relationships in the years that they were apart, but I did not hold it against either of them.
I also empathized with both sides pretty equally, they both did some stupid things when they were young, but it all worked out in the end so I was okay with it.
I liked how they weren't exactly the same people 10 years later, they had both grown and it showed. This is my favorite kinda story -- we the see the beginning of the relationship, then move on to years later to see how people turned out. I totally believed the HEA in this one but I also believed that they needed the time apart to grow up.
I am not a fan of serious commitment before your 25, I never really think they will last for the long term. That is another thing about this HP, it felt real so I was easily able to suspend my disbelief. Tho the h wasn't exactly honorable about her initial chasing after the H, she wasn't malicious about it either.
The H took his supposed 'betrayal' a little too dramatically seriously, but he was only 22 at the time, so I had a lot of empathy for his suspicions too. It all boiled down to both of them being massively in love and massively insecure about it.
It wasn't surprising that it did not work out for them the first time they were together, they weren't even fully themselves yet, so how could they be secure and solid for each other. But the ten year gap gave them maturity, wisdom and some personal insight which makes this one a nice little outing to the nicer side of HPlandia.
This one has our intrepid h, who is seekritly, massively in love with a seemingly unattainable H, making her own little Alpha moves to get her guy while at university. The H is widely know to be all about studying and rugby, so the h's flatmates tell her to do some research and learn his interests to try and make him notice her.
The h starts jogging and watching foreign films, which are both interests of the H. As she is only 18 and grooming unicorns, I forgave her little deceptions -- which would have been very callous in an older and more experienced heroine, but in this instance have all the charm of a befuddled puppy trying to win acceptance.
Eventually, after the h does a break up with the H when he wants to publicly have a relationship with her, he comes after her and they become lovers. As this is HPlandia, all this Lurve Force Mojo in action leads the h to believe she is preggers.
The H jumps up to marry her, but in an unusual turn of events, the h is NOT preggers and then the H finds out about the h's game plan to make him notice her. The big reveal does NOT go very and the h and H split up.
The story actually starts ten years on, the H and h haven't seen each other in all this time and the h figures it is probably time to actually get a divorce. She sends a letter about it to the H, who is now a Captain of Banking, which prompts his re-entry into her life and these two destined lovers with a thing for bacon sandwiches start their relationship up again for a nice little HEA.
Normally I do not approve of the h chasing the H but this is the exception that makes the rule. I love how he made her bacon sandwiches and then they both reminisce about them years later. It is those little details that make the relationship believable.
I thought the h's jealousy with the H's past a bit over done but srsly, that was about the only tiny little flaw in this book. They both had serious relationships in the years that they were apart, but I did not hold it against either of them.
I also empathized with both sides pretty equally, they both did some stupid things when they were young, but it all worked out in the end so I was okay with it.
I liked how they weren't exactly the same people 10 years later, they had both grown and it showed. This is my favorite kinda story -- we the see the beginning of the relationship, then move on to years later to see how people turned out. I totally believed the HEA in this one but I also believed that they needed the time apart to grow up.
I am not a fan of serious commitment before your 25, I never really think they will last for the long term. That is another thing about this HP, it felt real so I was easily able to suspend my disbelief. Tho the h wasn't exactly honorable about her initial chasing after the H, she wasn't malicious about it either.
The H took his supposed 'betrayal' a little too dramatically seriously, but he was only 22 at the time, so I had a lot of empathy for his suspicions too. It all boiled down to both of them being massively in love and massively insecure about it.
It wasn't surprising that it did not work out for them the first time they were together, they weren't even fully themselves yet, so how could they be secure and solid for each other. But the ten year gap gave them maturity, wisdom and some personal insight which makes this one a nice little outing to the nicer side of HPlandia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2018
I'm going against the tide on this one, because while I love second chance stories, this one had too many elements/tropes that I dislike for me to really enjoy it.
*NA flashback scenario - I don't like NA novels with the petty triangles, intrigues and pressures of university life. H/h met in university and the heroine pursued the hero on a bet. Their relationship exploded and died after the hero found out about the bet and that the heroine was not pregnant (which is why they got married in the first place).
*H/h have other partners during their separation, while they are still married. Author drags us along on one of the heroine's dates with an OM and it's no fun - especially since the OM has, until that moment, no idea the h is married.
*There is a suspense thread that runs through the story. Someone is leaving roses for the heroine and it's creeping her out. *sigh* I rarely warm up to suspense and I wasn't feeling it here, either.
Those are the elements that I don't like, but delving a little deeper, I just didn't like this heroine. Yes, she was only 18 when she made that bet with her friends and then treated him like crap (not wanting anyone to see them out together, etc . . .) and got in over her head. But all I could think of was if a girl/woman treated my college age son like that I would be livid. Hero was not a player. She targeted him because he was so serious about his studies and was known not to date.
And even with their breakup, I was team hero - since he was angry and said hurtful things in the heat of the moment. She *planned* her part of the heartbreak. She targeted him and lied to get him into a relationship. And once she was in the relationship, she lied some more to her friends about her feelings for the hero.
The H/h still have this same dynamic ten years later. Heroine is still lying about her feelings to save face. Still not telling her friends what is really going on with her life. She lies like it's second nature. Hero is still saying angry things, going off in a huff and then being surprised when the h takes him at face value. I think they'll have a very stormy relationship, but they'll stay together because the can't quit each other - even after ten years.
*NA flashback scenario - I don't like NA novels with the petty triangles, intrigues and pressures of university life. H/h met in university and the heroine pursued the hero on a bet. Their relationship exploded and died after the hero found out about the bet and that the heroine was not pregnant (which is why they got married in the first place).
*H/h have other partners during their separation, while they are still married. Author drags us along on one of the heroine's dates with an OM and it's no fun - especially since the OM has, until that moment, no idea the h is married.
*There is a suspense thread that runs through the story. Someone is leaving roses for the heroine and it's creeping her out. *sigh* I rarely warm up to suspense and I wasn't feeling it here, either.
Those are the elements that I don't like, but delving a little deeper, I just didn't like this heroine. Yes, she was only 18 when she made that bet with her friends and then treated him like crap (not wanting anyone to see them out together, etc . . .) and got in over her head. But all I could think of was if a girl/woman treated my college age son like that I would be livid. Hero was not a player. She targeted him because he was so serious about his studies and was known not to date.
And even with their breakup, I was team hero - since he was angry and said hurtful things in the heat of the moment. She *planned* her part of the heartbreak. She targeted him and lied to get him into a relationship. And once she was in the relationship, she lied some more to her friends about her feelings for the hero.
The H/h still have this same dynamic ten years later. Heroine is still lying about her feelings to save face. Still not telling her friends what is really going on with her life. She lies like it's second nature. Hero is still saying angry things, going off in a huff and then being surprised when the h takes him at face value. I think they'll have a very stormy relationship, but they'll stay together because the can't quit each other - even after ten years.
February 8, 2025
Ho-hum reconciliation story that takes place ten years after the hero and heroine married in haste and then separated with even more haste! The book goes back and forth between the past and present, from when they initially met in college to the present time where they see each other for the first time since their big fiasco of a marriage.
The past story is that back when they were college sweethearts, they had a shotgun wedding because the heroine thought she was pregnant. When the pregnancy turned out to be a false alarm, Hero blew up and accused heroine of trapping him into marriage. She hadn't, she genuinely thought she was pregnant and was as surprised as he was that it turned out to be a false alarm. However, her credibility wasn't rating too high after the hero discovered that she started dating him in the first place because of a stupid bet with her roommates. So they turned their backs on each other, and ended up living separate lives in separate towns, for a decade, with absolutely no communication between each other.
Ten years later, the wife finally contacts her husband to request a legal divorce. All of a sudden, now that the wife is intent on filing for divorce, the “husband” seems interested in hashing things out with his "wife.” Supposedly, he is having regrets, AFTER TEN YEARS, for walking out on her LOL. At first, the wife was not interested in a reconciliation but eventually, he won her over. They decide to drop the divorce and build a “real” marriage.
The story wasn't enjoyable for me, partly because I find the flashback device annoying and partly because I couldn't find their "romance" very plausible after such a long separation. I could have believed more in their once-in-a-lifetime burning hot passion if they had not been able to blithely move on and date other people, perfectly content, for a freaking decade. Though they were separated, it was still eeky that they dated other people, callously using their "marriage" as a shield against long-term commitments. When she asked him why he didn't make any efforts for ten years other than a few phone calls to let her know he regretted terminating their marriage so abruptly, he said it was because he was a coward who was afraid of being rejected. Not swoon-worthy hero material by a long shot.
She was unlikable too by the way. She may not have been guilty of trapping him into marriage by faking a pregnancy, but she did set out to seduce him as a result of a stupid bet with her college roommates. Maybe it was kind of understandable stupidity by an 18 year old twit, but she went on lying to him (about their supposed common interests) even after she was starting to genuinely fall for him and he confided very private and vulnerable stuff to her including the circumstances of the death of his father. To betray such an intensely private, serious-minded, nice guy like him did NOT endear the heroine to me at all and I was not impressed by her half-hearted apology ten years later either.
If fidelity, assertiveness, honesty, and romance are a must, keep clear. However, if you don't mind wishy-washy, passive-aggressive, blow-hot-then-blow-cold, dysfunctional bickerfests, dive in!
The past story is that back when they were college sweethearts, they had a shotgun wedding because the heroine thought she was pregnant. When the pregnancy turned out to be a false alarm, Hero blew up and accused heroine of trapping him into marriage. She hadn't, she genuinely thought she was pregnant and was as surprised as he was that it turned out to be a false alarm. However, her credibility wasn't rating too high after the hero discovered that she started dating him in the first place because of a stupid bet with her roommates. So they turned their backs on each other, and ended up living separate lives in separate towns, for a decade, with absolutely no communication between each other.
Ten years later, the wife finally contacts her husband to request a legal divorce. All of a sudden, now that the wife is intent on filing for divorce, the “husband” seems interested in hashing things out with his "wife.” Supposedly, he is having regrets, AFTER TEN YEARS, for walking out on her LOL. At first, the wife was not interested in a reconciliation but eventually, he won her over. They decide to drop the divorce and build a “real” marriage.
The story wasn't enjoyable for me, partly because I find the flashback device annoying and partly because I couldn't find their "romance" very plausible after such a long separation. I could have believed more in their once-in-a-lifetime burning hot passion if they had not been able to blithely move on and date other people, perfectly content, for a freaking decade. Though they were separated, it was still eeky that they dated other people, callously using their "marriage" as a shield against long-term commitments. When she asked him why he didn't make any efforts for ten years other than a few phone calls to let her know he regretted terminating their marriage so abruptly, he said it was because he was a coward who was afraid of being rejected. Not swoon-worthy hero material by a long shot.
She was unlikable too by the way. She may not have been guilty of trapping him into marriage by faking a pregnancy, but she did set out to seduce him as a result of a stupid bet with her college roommates. Maybe it was kind of understandable stupidity by an 18 year old twit, but she went on lying to him (about their supposed common interests) even after she was starting to genuinely fall for him and he confided very private and vulnerable stuff to her including the circumstances of the death of his father. To betray such an intensely private, serious-minded, nice guy like him did NOT endear the heroine to me at all and I was not impressed by her half-hearted apology ten years later either.
If fidelity, assertiveness, honesty, and romance are a must, keep clear. However, if you don't mind wishy-washy, passive-aggressive, blow-hot-then-blow-cold, dysfunctional bickerfests, dive in!
September 14, 2011
It’s hard to pull off a romance in which a couple have a fight, separate for years and then find themselves getting back together when one finally asks for a divorce: they’re usually too implausible, too sad, or both. This is one of the good ones -- in fact, in basic plot outline it’s quite similar to Private Arrangements, the all time great of this trope.
Rose and James fell in love in college, a relationship cunningly brought about by Rose’s friends as a joke. But it was no joking matter when James found out the truth shortly after they got married. Ten years later, Rose discovers that divorce after such a long separation is pretty simple and decides it’s time to make it official -- causing James to reappear in her life and old feelings to reemerge for them both.
George crafts the story to be believable. They’re young, their marriage is very quick, they never even had a chance to live together -- it’s understandable that a betrayal could cause a serious rift. And though both had yearned for reconciliation, when it appeared impossible they had each tried to move on with other partners and make new lives. There’s a twinge of sadness over what might have been, and a bigger twinge of heartbreak when they attempt to resurrect their relationship, but just enough for angsty goodness.
I might have given this a higher grade, but I was bothered by some “huh?” moments during their courtship. And a minor but persistent annoyance: why does his last name have to be mentioned all the time? He’s almost never just James, he’s “James Sinclair.” Pronounced weird, which makes it even more jarring. Othewise, kudos for a Harlequin Presents that’s realistic yet still romantic and passionate.
Rose and James fell in love in college, a relationship cunningly brought about by Rose’s friends as a joke. But it was no joking matter when James found out the truth shortly after they got married. Ten years later, Rose discovers that divorce after such a long separation is pretty simple and decides it’s time to make it official -- causing James to reappear in her life and old feelings to reemerge for them both.
George crafts the story to be believable. They’re young, their marriage is very quick, they never even had a chance to live together -- it’s understandable that a betrayal could cause a serious rift. And though both had yearned for reconciliation, when it appeared impossible they had each tried to move on with other partners and make new lives. There’s a twinge of sadness over what might have been, and a bigger twinge of heartbreak when they attempt to resurrect their relationship, but just enough for angsty goodness.
I might have given this a higher grade, but I was bothered by some “huh?” moments during their courtship. And a minor but persistent annoyance: why does his last name have to be mentioned all the time? He’s almost never just James, he’s “James Sinclair.” Pronounced weird, which makes it even more jarring. Othewise, kudos for a Harlequin Presents that’s realistic yet still romantic and passionate.
December 22, 2016
3.7 Stars
This was a sweet, second chance romance between James and Rose. They met in college and are an estranged couple now. Their courtship is shown through a flashback and it portrays young love well. But James is furious when he learns that Rose dated him as part of an experiment.
Rose and her friends sketch out an experiment to make guys fall in love with them. What starts out as a harmless experiment turns into a serious relationship.
Rose is forced to contact James when she decides she needs a divorce. She does this as a courtesy and is surprised to find James at her doorstep.
Rose is older and cautious, James is persistent with flashes of bitterness and there's a stalker nearby.
Can Rose give a second chance to her first love? Does James have a hidden agenda? Watching these two sort things out was realistic and they enjoyed a good rapport.
The only flaw in this book was there was no real reason for 10 wasted years. I hate it when the lead couple has to stay apart, its worse without a convincing reason for the loneliness and suffering.
‘The trick is to make one of them fall in love so violently he’ll be your slave.’
‘Economy with the truth. I have my pride.’
This was a sweet, second chance romance between James and Rose. They met in college and are an estranged couple now. Their courtship is shown through a flashback and it portrays young love well. But James is furious when he learns that Rose dated him as part of an experiment.
Rose and her friends sketch out an experiment to make guys fall in love with them. What starts out as a harmless experiment turns into a serious relationship.
Rose is forced to contact James when she decides she needs a divorce. She does this as a courtesy and is surprised to find James at her doorstep.
Rose is older and cautious, James is persistent with flashes of bitterness and there's a stalker nearby.
Can Rose give a second chance to her first love? Does James have a hidden agenda? Watching these two sort things out was realistic and they enjoyed a good rapport.
The only flaw in this book was there was no real reason for 10 wasted years. I hate it when the lead couple has to stay apart, its worse without a convincing reason for the loneliness and suffering.
‘The trick is to make one of them fall in love so violently he’ll be your slave.’
‘Economy with the truth. I have my pride.’
June 1, 2012
Rose and James fell in love while in college. He is four years older and a dashing heartthrob on campus. Rose is a sweet innocent 18 year old with a super big crush on James. She lives with two other roommates. One night they select a man's name out of a hat and dare each other to get that man to fall in love with them. Supposedly this was some kind of scientific project. Of course, Rose picks James and her friends set out to coach her on how she can get good ole' James to notice her and fall in love. There are some wonderful flashbacks with some incredibly tender moments about how they meet, date and fall in love.
However, the story falls apart halfway through the book when the author stops using flashbacks and introduces us to the current James and Rose. Finally, after ten years of being separated and having a serious live in lover, Rose finally decides to move on with her life and get a divorce.
Unfortunately, the Rose and James in the present are nothing like the past. The passionate chemistry between the two is missing and I had a hard time feeling that their love survived ten years. Especially Rose, she was just one cold woman. I also didn't like the fact that both of them were very cavalier about their marriage vows and had intimate relationships with other people never bothering to divorce.
The author left me perplexed on a few things:
1) why did they stay married for 10 years and never try to reconnect?
2) why did James feel the need to get revenge on Rose? Oh yeah, there was some kind of revenge twist thrown in that made no sense. After all, what was Roses real crime? Let's see, she saw a young attractive man on campus that she wanted to meet. She reached out to sophisticated girlfriends for advise on how to get him to notice her. She worked really hard to worm her way into his heart, all the while giving him hers. If that's a crime, then sign up me and 90% of the world's population!
The story in the past was dynamite, but the reconnection in the present could have been so much more powerful.
However, the story falls apart halfway through the book when the author stops using flashbacks and introduces us to the current James and Rose. Finally, after ten years of being separated and having a serious live in lover, Rose finally decides to move on with her life and get a divorce.
Unfortunately, the Rose and James in the present are nothing like the past. The passionate chemistry between the two is missing and I had a hard time feeling that their love survived ten years. Especially Rose, she was just one cold woman. I also didn't like the fact that both of them were very cavalier about their marriage vows and had intimate relationships with other people never bothering to divorce.
The author left me perplexed on a few things:
1) why did they stay married for 10 years and never try to reconnect?
2) why did James feel the need to get revenge on Rose? Oh yeah, there was some kind of revenge twist thrown in that made no sense. After all, what was Roses real crime? Let's see, she saw a young attractive man on campus that she wanted to meet. She reached out to sophisticated girlfriends for advise on how to get him to notice her. She worked really hard to worm her way into his heart, all the while giving him hers. If that's a crime, then sign up me and 90% of the world's population!
The story in the past was dynamite, but the reconnection in the present could have been so much more powerful.
September 17, 2011
I picked it yesterday night and I was up till 2 in the morning to finish it.
I liked both of them but as usual I'm more into h. I love her independence as adult as I love her insecurities as a girl, trying to make the aloof hero fall in love with her.
The book had a lot of flashbacks, I totally loved them. I love the fact they were giving a different perspective because they were in the past. I liked that they circumstances of their breaking up was in the past because I was given her point of view in the situation.
I loved how their story began. They were wonderful even if young.
Besides I love the fact they were very normal people. She was not a hysterical whining child and he was not the usual cruel abusive husband.
This was my first CG here and it was a very nice surprise! I hope to read her again in the future
I liked both of them but as usual I'm more into h. I love her independence as adult as I love her insecurities as a girl, trying to make the aloof hero fall in love with her.
The book had a lot of flashbacks, I totally loved them. I love the fact they were giving a different perspective because they were in the past. I liked that they circumstances of their breaking up was in the past because I was given her point of view in the situation.
I loved how their story began. They were wonderful even if young.
Besides I love the fact they were very normal people. She was not a hysterical whining child and he was not the usual cruel abusive husband.
This was my first CG here and it was a very nice surprise! I hope to read her again in the future
November 16, 2019
This started off strong, I liked the university days and the immaturity of it all. I felt a hint of nostalgia for my own uni days. Unfortunately while the then was entertaining, the now was the complete opposite. For some, the marriage and subsequent relationships with others may be viewed as cheating territory. I was surprised to find myself viewing it through a similar lens. I think only because the h goes to such lengths to hide that fact and never addresses it. At least both had relationships, too often the h is the matyr while the H plays. Yet my rating was primarily what it was becuase I didn't take to either character in the present. As for the stalker plot line, so unneccesary.
September 27, 2011
Ten years ago Rose played a game w/ James Sinclair, a game where the young 18 year old endeavored to make James Sinclair fall in love w/ her. She began her game and played it well because soon James fell in love w/ the younger girl.
James was a serious student who didn’t really go out w/ the girls at school and Rose didn’t want their relationship to become public. This bothered James even though she told him she didn’t want to have everyone there speculating on what they were doing and making bets on it. Soon Rose believes she is pregnant, James feels honor bound to marry her, and later a little twerp fills him in on Rose’s little scheme w/ her roommates. James feels betrayed, says some vicious words ending w/ basically telling her to get out then taking off for Scotland. Rose, of course, heartbroken obeys her husband and doesn’t see him again for ten years. She went on w/ her life and only made contact w/ him now because her boyfriend wants to marry her, but she is already married. Rose then contacts James seeking a divorce and she figures it will be an easy thing. However, James shows up at her door seeking answers and finding feelings are still very involved.
James was truly sorry for what he did, but he had an alternative motive once he saw Rose again. I never really understood why he got so upset about her game considering he played a few of his own. Why do the H’s seem to get away w/ holding grudges for so long and blaming everyone else for things? James was a realistic man because he still had to one up in the end – of course then he wants to call game after that as well. I really do wish James POV had been explored more. Overall this was an engrossing read that kept me engaged in the story. I truly liked that the h at least attempted to move on as well. But of course both characters could never truly find satisfaction in any other r/s because something seemed to be missing. James did confuse me at one point though when he claimed that you can’t make someone fall in love w/ someone else – but it didn’t sound like he truly believed that.
James was a serious student who didn’t really go out w/ the girls at school and Rose didn’t want their relationship to become public. This bothered James even though she told him she didn’t want to have everyone there speculating on what they were doing and making bets on it. Soon Rose believes she is pregnant, James feels honor bound to marry her, and later a little twerp fills him in on Rose’s little scheme w/ her roommates. James feels betrayed, says some vicious words ending w/ basically telling her to get out then taking off for Scotland. Rose, of course, heartbroken obeys her husband and doesn’t see him again for ten years. She went on w/ her life and only made contact w/ him now because her boyfriend wants to marry her, but she is already married. Rose then contacts James seeking a divorce and she figures it will be an easy thing. However, James shows up at her door seeking answers and finding feelings are still very involved.
James was truly sorry for what he did, but he had an alternative motive once he saw Rose again. I never really understood why he got so upset about her game considering he played a few of his own. Why do the H’s seem to get away w/ holding grudges for so long and blaming everyone else for things? James was a realistic man because he still had to one up in the end – of course then he wants to call game after that as well. I really do wish James POV had been explored more. Overall this was an engrossing read that kept me engaged in the story. I truly liked that the h at least attempted to move on as well. But of course both characters could never truly find satisfaction in any other r/s because something seemed to be missing. James did confuse me at one point though when he claimed that you can’t make someone fall in love w/ someone else – but it didn’t sound like he truly believed that.
September 19, 2011
It was lovely in the beginning if only cuz I love the name Sinclair (cuz one of my most fave hero's named that: (Etienne SinClaire - Anna & The French Kiss ))
Also the young-adult portion was well-written.CG can definitely write young-adult novels.
It got confusing in the end for me though - what with the 'oh, actually I wanted revenge' from James. That was weird.
Also the young-adult portion was well-written.CG can definitely write young-adult novels.
It got confusing in the end for me though - what with the 'oh, actually I wanted revenge' from James. That was weird.
August 10, 2021
Wedded for convenience... or married for real?
Rose was shocked when James turned up... long after their wedding of convenience. She'd loved James when they'd hastily married, and she'd fought hard to put their subsequent -- and just as hasty -- separation behind her.
After all these years, Rose never expected James to arrive in person to tell her that he wasn't prepared to end their marriage. Was she? The hurt of the past hadn't quenched her love, or their mutual physical attraction... (less)
Rose was shocked when James turned up... long after their wedding of convenience. She'd loved James when they'd hastily married, and she'd fought hard to put their subsequent -- and just as hasty -- separation behind her.
After all these years, Rose never expected James to arrive in person to tell her that he wasn't prepared to end their marriage. Was she? The hurt of the past hadn't quenched her love, or their mutual physical attraction... (less)
October 28, 2014
I didn't like that so much of this book happened in the past. I didn't feel in the present that these two had such strong feelings for each other-it seemed unemotional to me. Both slept with and even lived with other people and didn't contact each other for over ten years. Then everything was so polite and formal. Not my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
2.5 stars I very much enjoyed the way this was written—Catherine George’s humorous style has always appealed to me—but I disliked the ickiness of how far the bet goes and various other parts of the plot. I think better apologies could have been offered from both of them, too. But good chemistry between H/h as always.
April 9, 2020
This book was work and it might be because of work. It didn’t hold my attention, work pressure popped up while I was reading it. What normally takes a couple of hours to read took 3 days.
avoid
December 30, 2021Second Chance stories with cheating.... I wasn't active lately and the first book I encountered after returning here is this🤦♀️...
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August 8, 2012
4.5 stars. I LOVE stories where the heroine actually wronged the hero in the past rather than just having a misunderstanding where the hero erroneously thinks she did something wrong. I like seeing a hero who loves the heroine in spite of her flaws, rather than one who waits until the heroine is exonerated to profess his love. So I thought the set-up of this one was good.
What I didn't like was the 10-year separation. The hero gave up too easily and it didn't sit well with me -- wouldn't he try at least once for an in-person confrontation before throwing in the towel? And it had to be obvious that whatever prank Rose had started out on, there was no way she would give up her virginity and then marry him all as some kind of big joke. To be fair, the hero apparently did figure this out on his own, but that brings me back to the lack of justification for him waiting 10 years to see her in person again -- what a waste of time.
Still, this was a good read. For once I didn't hate the flashback portions of the story (though warning that they were long), and I basically liked the characters and was rooting for their HEA. They were actually pretty mature once they met again, but there was still some good emotional tension. I definitely liked this one!
What I didn't like was the 10-year separation. The hero gave up too easily and it didn't sit well with me -- wouldn't he try at least once for an in-person confrontation before throwing in the towel? And it had to be obvious that whatever prank Rose had started out on, there was no way she would give up her virginity and then marry him all as some kind of big joke. To be fair, the hero apparently did figure this out on his own, but that brings me back to the lack of justification for him waiting 10 years to see her in person again -- what a waste of time.
Still, this was a good read. For once I didn't hate the flashback portions of the story (though warning that they were long), and I basically liked the characters and was rooting for their HEA. They were actually pretty mature once they met again, but there was still some good emotional tension. I definitely liked this one!
November 13, 2011
Wonderful Emotional Read,it had me glued from start till the end.The first thing that had me glued was Rose was the trouble maker here,have read so many books where Hero is the trouble maker,this was a nice change
I really liked the way we are shown how both James-Rose grew over the years,they both are now more mature,whatever happened instead of jumping to conclusions they talk it out and face the past together,both still loved each other but cause of whatever happened there's lack of trust,past hurts between them.Overall i enjoyed the book very much,its a keeper for me
Good read
Recommend it
I really liked the way we are shown how both James-Rose grew over the years,they both are now more mature,whatever happened instead of jumping to conclusions they talk it out and face the past together,both still loved each other but cause of whatever happened there's lack of trust,past hurts between them.Overall i enjoyed the book very much,its a keeper for me
Good read
Recommend it
October 15, 2022
Gli scherzi del cuore di Catherine George
Mmm. Non mi va di bocciarlo su tutta la linea ma ci sono degli elementi poco credibili o situazioni che comunque non tornano. Un second chance. Rose e James si sposano frettolosamente al college e altrettanto frettolosamente si separano. Paradossalmente si sposano perché sembra che lei sia incinta ( fare un test no?) e si lasciano perché risulta essere solo un falso allarme. Vabbè ok con un po’ di sforzo ci può stare… però non ci può stare che rimangono sposati per 10 anni così…
“È successo dieci anni fa?» replicò lui, incredulo.«Sì.»«E perché diavolo non avete divorziato, in tutto questo tempo?»«Perché ci siamo lasciati con una tale ostilità fra di noi, che ho giurato a me stessa che non gli avrei mai più rivolto la parola. Se lui avesse voluto il divorzio, avrebbe dovuto chiedermelo» spiegò lei.”
Ma dai ma che giustificazione è?
Però in compenso poi come si dice a Napoli “bellebuon “ James riappare nella sua vita quando lei chiede finalmente il divorzio dicendole che non è pronto a far finire il matrimonio.
Ma che davero davero? Scusa in questi 10 anni con chi sei stato, che hai fatto, che ne è stato del nostro matrimonio? Ma vabbè. Inefficace il flash back che cerca di chiarire il rapporto fra di loro (ma comunque da quel poco che si capisce si sono trattati anche abbastanza di pupu’) . Lui mi è piaciuto ni… lei molto poco: mentiva 10 anni prima, ha continuato a mentire a tutti anche dopo … mente come se fosse la sua seconda natura. In generale poi il loro rapporto è stato riportato senza alcuna variazione dopo 10 anni. Poco credibile per non dire assurdo. 10 anni è un lasso di tempo veramente lunghissimo, la gente cambia specialmente se non si vede da tutto quel tempo.
La verità è che in definitiva non è neanche così male,il punto è che quando si vuole scrivere un secondchance che abbraccia un arco di tempo così lungo, devi sapere argomentare e non buttarla lì in così poche pagine . A meno che tu non sia Miss Black , devi ampliare il discorso o cambiare itinerario, facendo diventare che ne so …i 10 anni 2 , il matrimonio di fretta giustificato con una gravidanza che non va a buon fine… insomma cose più credibili. Non posso accordare la sufficienza. ⭐️⭐️1/2
March 2, 2021
That book description is very misleading. I think this one could have been great with some ironing out. Our hero is a bit... I don't know, thick? He is just slow and a bit overreactive to things. And I think our poor heroine is just broken, it is never stated but I think she was just shattered by the hero. Liked the flashbacks but we never got the fight, maybe cause if we read it we wouldn't like the hero anymore. Eh, skip it, though it is different it doesn't stand out.
January 21, 2020
Didn't like both H and h having 'relationships' while still wed.
March 15, 2020
Plot was a bit silly but author managed to make it believable.
March 7, 2021
Η νύχτα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου - Catherine George, Χρυσά, 1684
February 12, 2017
Leído el 13/04/2010
August 21, 2019
This writer has a weird way of writing characters. Their affects are usually quite flat, but then their dialog is very emotive.
Anyway, the marriage wasn't convenience so much as it was a pregnancy scare that got over-reacted to and then her 'plot' to make him fall in love with her (by showing up where he hung out and expressing interest in one or two things he was into) made him throw a tantrum and push her away. The fact that it took them ten years to clear the air, while staying married, is a bit odd.
*shrug* not great but not awful
Anyway, the marriage wasn't convenience so much as it was a pregnancy scare that got over-reacted to and then her 'plot' to make him fall in love with her (by showing up where he hung out and expressing interest in one or two things he was into) made him throw a tantrum and push her away. The fact that it took them ten years to clear the air, while staying married, is a bit odd.
*shrug* not great but not awful
February 14, 2012
3.5 stars -- enjoyed the fact that it was a little bit different with the mix of present day and past...and that James and Rose were unique characters. But the constant anger and animosity between them was kind of a put off...
May 31, 2013
cute i really love this romance...yes i believe that if you love someone in a way so strong, like Rose loves James, you will never forget also if there are some understading or problem..you heart will always beloved to this person..
October 16, 2014
Wonderful...a lil predictable but very engrossing still!! ^_^
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